PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS FOR THE GOOD LIFE AWARDS TODAY BEFORE THEY’RE GONE
The notion of celebrating the good in northern Indiana that began almost 16 years ago has led to the creation of the largest library of positive stories, photos, videos, and events in the region. Years ago, GreatNews.Life (GNL) decided to launch an awards event based on people who have impacted that mission in a significant way, helping to make that library of good possible.
This year, GNL is honoring those inspiring individuals on December 5 at the ninth annual Good Life Awards. This special ceremony will induct a new class of six people – adding to the current alumni list of 48 leaders – and will recognize them with a custom-crafted, solid steel Good Life Award.
“This award has been one way to recognize positive impact people that embrace the premise of our mission,” said GNL Founder Chris Mahlmann. "This year, with the growth of our team, a common thread is how these recipients embrace, support, and align with our Lifers. This began as my mission, and Natalie and I are blessed that a legion of Lifers live that mission everyday."
Winners of the Good Life Awards are hand-selected by Mahlmann for embodying the positivity he sees throughout northern Indiana. Mahlmann looks for the qualities that make up the fabric of all the stories GNL covers: hard work, service to others, positive attitudes, and people who are drivers in improving the world around them.
GNL will host the ninth annual Good Life Awards at Uptown Social in Michigan City. Attendees will be treated to an evening of appetizers, conversation, and connection as they celebrate the people in the community that make good news possible.
The 48 previous winners of the Good Life Awards include non-profit, city, and community leaders, legendary Lifers, and beacons of good that have connected with our team and our mission.
"The Good Life Awards is one of those events that really hits home," said Jenny Craig-Brown, Executive Director of GreatNews.Life. "Recognizing the incredible people in our community who dedicate themselves to spreading positivity and making a real impact is truly priceless. We’re fortunate to have such a strong and inspiring group of individuals driving our mission forward. I wholeheartedly invite everyone to be part of this special night. Together, we can continue to uplift our community and celebrate these outstanding leaders."
View past Good Life Awards here: https://nwi.life/article/good-life-awards-recognizing-the-great-people-in-great-news/
Tickets are still available and can be purchased online at the event’s page! For information on purchasing a table or sponsorship, contact Kami Tupiak at Kami@GreatNews.Life or (219)707-5023.
2024 Good Life Award Honorees
Heather Becerra, Chief Marketing Officer, South Shore Convention & Visitors Authority
"Heather has been a positive constant in all our years of partnering with the South Shore CVA," Mahlmann said. "She is respected and appreciated by our team, and we feel that reciprocated from her and her team. That makes working together fun - ideal for tourism and good news."
Dave Brubaker, General Manager, Team Chevrolet
"Dave has been so much more than a partner to me personally; he has become a close friend. Our values and mindset align, and his respect and appreciation for our people shines through every interaction. Doing things the right way in business and in family and your community earns my respect forever," Mahlmann said.
Deann Patena, President/CEO of Crossroads Chamber
"I first started working with Deann back when we were Valpo.Life and she was running the Radisson. I was a nobody, she was a somebody, and she treated me like I belonged," said Mahlmann. "With Crossroads, our organizations have been true partners, and she makes our crew feel like they are a part of her team. She represents the true regional chamber bringing people together."
David Hall, Chief Executive Officer, NorthShore Health Centers
"Husband, father, leader, friend - all roles David Hall serves, and he does it all with a farmer's mentality. You have responsibilities in life that deserve your attention, and doing them well is usually harder so you best get going and get it done. His down-to-earth mentality and dedication to each of those roles is one that I learn from and serves as an example for our team," Mahlmann said.
Ashley Spargo, Director of Operations, GreatNews.Life
"Queen of the Lifers could best describe both the sparkle and strength that Ashley Spargo brings to every aspect of GNL in the office, out in the field, and managing our whole crew everywhere they are. She uses humor, hammers, systems, and persistence to turn ideas into reality. You always know that, when she is in the room, things are going to get done," said Mahlmann. "She takes life dead seriously while laughing, shouting, and smiling through it all."
Kevin Brown, Volunteer Fire Fighter, Machine Operator, North Judson Volunteer Fire Department, Merit Steel
"Every time Kevin Brown is called upon, he stands up. Quietly, calmly, loyally, and with great inner strength, he shows up in his work - as a firefighter, as a husband, as a friend, and as a man crush to me after all of his years as Jenny's rock. He has fixed, installed, moved, attended, and supported each of us, and most importantly, been the foundation in life for Jenny as Natalie has been for me. That is essential to success," Mahlmann said.