The Portage Economic Development Corporation (EDC) gathered members and partners for a fun-filled outing at the US Steel Yard. The group piled in to catch the exhilarating Railcats game while connecting on a more personal level and enjoying a classic selection of American fare.
“We are a nonprofit organization that works with the city of Portage to attract businesses and help them expand,” Andy Maletta, the Portage EDC executive director, said. “Being a nonprofit, we’re funded by the city, but mostly by different partners who work with our organization. This event is a thank you to them for being a part of our organization, and an opportunity for our partners and the folks who work with us to get to know one another.”
The gathering offered entertainment along with a large selection of everyone’s favorite goodies to snack on: burgers, hotdogs, and desserts such as chocolate chip cookies. With good company, a delicious spread, and a thrilling ballgame, the event was bound to be a grand slam.
Hosting this event at the US Steel Yard was an obvious choice, as The Gary SouthShore Railcats are a great partner for the community. The baseball game provided a fun, family-friendly venue for the members associated with the Portage EDC and their families to get together and build better relationships.
“We don’t always get to talk with each other when we’re doing board meetings and conducting business,” Bill Rathjen, Portage EDC vice president, said. “Here, we can talk and meet each other’s families. We have the opportunity to get more personal and have casual conversations.”
This is the third outing the Portage EDC has hosted at the US Steel Yard. This year's event was made possible by Portage EDC’s sponsors, NIPSCO and Centier Bank. Each year, attendees feel the joy of watching a sports game, and many have personal connections to the ballpark. Rathjen mentions his son’s experience throwing the first home-run-pitch for the Gary SouthShore Railcats home field. Fond memories of the local ball team colored the event, creating an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie.
One board member, Alan Whipps, Portage EDC board member, strongly believes this event is not only greatly beneficial for the group, but necessary. Group members connected over shared memories of the local team and the experience of enjoying a familiar game together.
“I think it’s great for us to get together as a group,” Whipps said. “To all gather together, outside of the workplace, and build stronger bonds is wonderful. It’s a big feeling of community.”
The feeling of community showed in the smiles and laughs attendees sported. As families and members interacted, through hugs and handshakes, the connectivity the event offered was visible.
“A lot of times, those in the business community get invited to events where they are leaving their kids or spouses at home,” Maletta said. “This is an opportunity to connect in a great atmosphere. The ballpark is beautiful, and while we might be portage, we are all Northwest Indiana. This is the perfect setting to get everybody together and have some fun.”
To learn more about the Portage EDC and its mission to better the City of Portage, visit https://www.portagein.org/home.