LEAP NEWS & EVENTS
A Letter from the Executive Director
Excitement Abounds in La Porte
It has been a long time since this much uncertainty existed in our world. The Coronavirus Pandemic, political unrest and economic uncertainty are just a few factors effecting our country. All that said, this has done little to slow progress in La Porte. A myriad of projects are changing the landscape in La Porte. Construction occurs in every corner of our City and with it comes palpable optimism and a bright future.
Residential development has long been a need in the City of La Porte. Housing options are limited and our housing stock is aging at a rapid pace. The City has implemented new strategies to bring new options to the market. These new options over the entirety of the market - new construction as well as redevelopment, rentals as well as ownership, market rate and affordable. As we look across the City, we can see these developments on every front. The Banks multifamily apartments are completing construction and opening in March. 701 Maple has undergone a complete redevelopment with brand new units and parking and the Lows Building will soon have 12 brand new apartments available in our Downtown. The former Tibma Bakery site will soon provide affordable housing options in the center of our City, Beechwood Lakes will soon offer a host of newly constructed single-family options and the Infinite Development along McClung Road provides new townhomes for those looking for a low maintenance option. Housing options will soon go from a weakness to a strength and it is incredibly exciting to see this growth!
It would be easy to think that there has been so much change to the residential front so that must be the entirety of the work completed during 2021, but that is not accurate. La Porte's first speculative industrial development was not only constructed but fully leased this year. Patrick Industries, a global leader in the RV component manufacturing industry, headlines our attraction efforts. This growth has also extended to our retail sectors - Aldi has begun construction on their new grocery store. Seven Eleven's new location is almost complete and our Downtown continues to grow with new commercial businesses opening throughout.
These developments are not only successes we have experienced. Our Play Day Golf Outing had a record 40 teams this summer, our Young Professionals Network is growing and engaging more new members every day and our new gift card system - Explore La Porte - has been well received throughout the community. On top of all that, we were awarded a 3-year grant through the Howmet Foundation to address workforce issues in the area. While these new programs are a start, we are committed to growing networking opportunities for all our members and creating value in new and exciting ways!
All this change has created incredible momentum in La Porte. We experience that momentum every day and spending time with our existing business highlights that excitement. LEAP has grown our membership by 20% this year, all the while retaining an incredible 95% of our current membership. These numbers coupled with the incredible growth and while we will enjoy the short-term successes it will not distract us from the future - a future full of excitement and growth.
Bert Cook
Executive Director
La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership
FROM OUR MEMBERS
A Letter from Ashley Dickinson, Chief Executive Officer of Northwest Health
As another year comes to an end, I am saying thank you to the people who keep healthcare moving forward in Northwest Indiana.
Top of mind for me is a thank you to the outstanding members of our team across Northwest Health. They are the foundation of our ability to deliver safe, quality healthcare and they continue going above and beyond in this second year of the pandemic. They attend to the ebb and flow of patent surges and adjust to ever-changing guidelines. Currently, our hospitals are experiencing the largest surge of COVID-19 patients to date. And our team members are there for our communities, delivering care with compassion and doing what needs to be done for their patients. They are heroes. Every day. Compassionate caring is their calling.
Thank you to our medical staff. We are blessed to have a breadth of talented primary care and outstanding specialty physicians practicing throughout the region. Our medical staff works tirelessly to be available for their patients, and they are committed to serve our community. Thanks to them, highly specialized care from cancer treatments to complex GI cases to advanced heart disease can be treated right here in the Northwest Indiana which means patients do not need to drive to Chicago for care. We are fortunate to work alongside you.
Emergency medical personnel, nursing homes and assisted living centers, hospice, home health and other local health care organizations play a critical role in the continuum of medical services. We say thank you for all that you do in caring for our citizens.
Most important - thank you to our patients for the trust you place in us. Our team works hard every day for you and your loved ones. You are our focus and you continue to motivate us. It is a privilege to help you get well and live healthier. Thank you for choosing to be a part of your healthcare team.
Read the letter here!
Read the Updated Visitor Guidelines
Lubeznik Center for the Arts Welcomes New Marketing Manager
Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) welcomes Samantha Bean as their new marketing manager effective December 2021. Samantha is a graduate of Indiana University Bloomington, where she double majored in journalism and communications. Most recently a member of Franciscan Health’s marketing department, she brings 10 years of marketing and communications experience to LCA. With a strong background in graphic design, writing, public relations and project management, Samantha will give a fresh approach to interactions with local communities; marketing exhibitions, education and events; and LCA’s branding. In addition, she will oversee the efforts of the front desk and Gallery Shop staff.
Healthcare Foundation of La Porte Invests $6.5M in Assorted Community Initiatives in 2021 to Improve Health of Residents
More than $6.5 million in grants were awarded to organizations round La Porte County the past year to improve the health and well being of residents in 2021.The Healthcare Foundation of La Porte said it awarded $6,502,170 in grants throughout the year. The organization’s total investment in the community is more than $30 million since its launch in 2017.
Dunebrook Announces Dr. Tammy Button, DDS as New Executive Director
Dunebrook's Board President, Tony Gillisse CPA, announced today that Dr. Tammy Button, DDS, MSD, MA has been named to succeed retiring Executive Director Jeanne Ann Cannon, LCSW. Dr. Button's employment will begin in early January and she will assume leadership responsibilities upon Cannon's March retirement.
Under Cannon's dedicated leadership, Dunebrook built on its strengths in delivering evidence-based parenting support programs and conducting forensic interviews, developed new community partnerships and strengthened existing relationships with community leaders, partners and donors. Dunebrook looks forward to Dr. Button leveraging these achievements to help further its reach to families in the quest to prevent child abuse.
Board President Tony Gillisse states, "Tammy brings a unique perspective to Dunebrook from her work in addressing pregnancy and infant oral health. Her energy, proven leadership and visioning will be a valuable asset to Dunebrook."
Purdue University Board of Trustees Approves Doctor of Technology Degree for PNW
Purdue University Northwest has gained its second doctorate degree program.
The Purdue University Board of Trustees approved a Doctor of Technology degree to be offered at PNW. The other Ph.D. offered by the college is a Doctor of Nursing.
PNW plans to welcome its first students in the program beginning in 2022-2023, pending approval by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and the Higher Learning Commission, PNW said in a statement.
South Bend International Airport to Deliver Over 2,000 Teddy Bears to Children in Six Area Hospitals
South Bend International Airport’s (SBN) tenth annual Bears in the Air program will provide more than 2000 teddy bears to children in six area hospitals. The bears were delivered by SBN’s CEO & Executive Director Mike Daigle and SBN team members to Elkhart General Hospital, Saint Joseph Health System, Beacon Children’s Hospital, Spectrum Health Lakeland, Plymouth Medical Center, and A Rosie Place for Children on December 20 and 21.
CLH, CPAs & Consultants Proudly Supports Paladin, Inc. with Donation of Workstations
When it comes to enabling success and inclusion, sometimes the best ways to provide support comes down to the fundamentals. It's even better when you can make someone else's holiday merry and bright.
CLH, CPAs & Consultants, an accounting and business consulting firm with offices in Michigan City and Valparaiso, believes that a space to work and learn is also a space to launch opportunity. That's why CLH was proud to provide Paladin, Inc. recently with an executive desk set, a staff workstation, and additional office equipment.
Paladin, a Michigan City-based nonprofit, has a wide-ranging and vivid history serving children, seniors, and persons with disabilities in Northwest Indiana.
