Northwest Indiana Business Magazine

An investment group recently purchased a multi-tenant retail center Hammond. The building is located on 165th Street. It is currently 100% occupied. Brett McDermott of Latitude Commercial represented the investment group. Latitude Commercial signed an agreement to manage the asset for the investment group. “We are very happy to get to work with this existing Latitude client in a new capacity and excited about this property’s location in the shadow of the state-of-the-art YMCA opening later this year,” said Ryne Pishkur, director of property management, in a press release [https://lnkd.in/gVq37Vj8]. Latitude Commercial provides commercial real estate services. The company offers purchasing, leasing, landlord and tenant representation and commercial property management services. Latitude Commercial serves Indiana and Illinois. #brettmcdermott #latitudecommercial #rynepishkur #businessnews #commercialrealestate

1 Million Cups Northwest Indiana will offer presentations from local entrepreneurs in the next month. The Region's entrepreneurs, innovators, startup founders, business leaders and inventors are invited to attend and share their experiences. The group's motto is “Caffeinating Northwest Indiana's entrepreneurship community.” Doors open at 8:30 a.m. for free coffee from Fluid Coffee Roasters and networking. The program starts at 9 a.m. Sign up for the next three events at the following links: * Oct. 9 [https://lnkd.in/g9jA2J5g]: Lower Lincoln in Valparaiso * Oct. 30 [https://lnkd.in/gSNp7cuE]: Purdue Northwest Commercialization and Manufacturing Excellence Center in Hammond * Nov. 13: [https://lnkd.in/gvY6UtbF Lincoln in Valparaiso After the Lower Lincoln events, participants are encouraged to stay for a free day of coworking. Companies less than five years old are encouraged to present at IMC gatherings. The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation created 1 Million Cups in 2012. The national program now meets in more than 160 communities. #1millioncups #lowerlincoln #businessnews #entrepreneurship

Michigan City-based Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa recently completed the renovation of 302 guestrooms and an update of amenities. The hotel renovation headlines a recent reinvestment campaign throughout the property. Two new restaurants have been added to the property. Future plans include an update of the resort’s spa.  “With our enhanced amenities, we continue to re-invest in our customers and our community, as we further elevate the Blue Chip experience,” said Brenda Temple, Blue Chip vice president and general manager, in a press release [https://lnkd.in/ggyNXUAM]. The new hotel rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows that offer views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding area. The bathrooms are adorned with marble finishes and decorative tiling. Some rooms also offer sitting areas. In December 2023, Blue Chip welcomed Lakeside Kitchen, a fast-casual dining restaurant with homestyle comfort food. In June 2024, the facility added Infusion, a café with espresso beverages, pastries and sandwiches. The new spa is set to debut in fall 2025. Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa is a property of Boyd Gaming Corp. Blue Chip features a casino, two hotel towers and three restaurants. The facility also offers The FanDuel Sportsbook, a spa, salon and fitness center and an event center. Founded in 1975, Boyd Gaming Corp. operates 28 gaming entertainment properties in 11 states. #bluechipcasinohotelspa #boydgamingcorp #businessnews #entertainment

Indiana Secretary of Commerce David Rosenberg and Gov. Eric Holcomb were among officials who met Sept. 30 in South Bend to celebrate the start of the $11 billion investment.

Alpha Prime Communications recently purchased office space in the Galleria, a retail and office building in Dyer. Northbrook, Illinois-based Alpha Prime Communications provides communications equipment and services to local businesses and government agencies. The company serves the Chicagoland area and other areas throughout the United States. The space will be subdivided into two units. Alpha Primal Fitness will occupy the south side of the unit. The fitness facility will provide personal training sessions. Crown Point-based Latitude Commercial represented both the buyer and seller of the property. “We are delighted to have facilitated the purchase and sale of this property,” said Chandler Kimmel, Latitude Commercial associate broker, in a press release [https://lnkd.in/gGfCXqAZ]. “We are confident that this acquisition will provide the buyer with a strong foundation for success and enable them to achieve their business objectives.” Latitude Commercial provides commercial real estate services. They offer purchasing, leasing, landlord and tenant representation and commercial property management. Latitude Commercial serves Indiana and Illinois. Alpha Prime Communications was founded in 1995. Its main locations are in Northbrook and Monee. The company is family owned and managed. #chandlerkimmel #alphaprimecommunications #latitudecommercial #businessnews #it/communictions

A playground and fitness park for children and adults of all ages and abilities is coming to Fedder’s Alley at Washington Park. The Fedder’s Alley playground and fitness park will feature accessible equipment. It will also have sensory areas and safe surfaces that allow all children to explore and interact. “It was designed with one core principle in mind,” said Sharon Eason, Michigan City Parks & Recreation superintendent, in a press release [https://lnkd.in/g7WDrrcN]. “Everyone, regardless of ability, should have the opportunity to play.” With $3 million committed toward the $5 million project, Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch launched a $2 million capital campaign to secure the remaining funds. U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan secured $1 million in federal funding for the project. The city council and redevelopment commission contributed a combined $2 million. “I am heartened that this project values everyone in our communities and that it will ensure all individuals and children with disabilities are able to utilize this incredible recreational park,” Mrvan said. Nelson Deuitch recognized the community partners who already pitched in to the fundraising efforts. The mayor also thanked Council President Don Przybylinski for championing the idea of a destination playground at Washington Park. “The investments made today for this wonderful park will serve every citizen of Michigan City for decades to come,” Przybylinski said. #angienelsondeuitch #fedder'salley #frankmrvan #michigancityparks&recreation #businessnews #entertainment

Community members are invited to a conversation about city planning and an IU Northwest archives tour Oct. 17. The event will feature speaker Britt Redd with the presentation How Do We Repair the History of City Planning? The conversation will also include Jeremy Pekarek, IU Northwest archives and special collections manager. A certified urban planner, Redd currently serves as the Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center's interim executive director. Redd will speak about historic planning decisions that shaped the Region’s cities but led to racial inequities that exist today. Redd will discuss how policymaking and stronger relationships can lead to healing, reconciliation and liberation. Redd earned a master’s degree in urban and regional planning and a social and environmental justice certificate from Ball State University. Pekarek will discuss narratives from the archives that helped shape Lake County communities. Pekarek will speak about archival collections as more than a compilation of records, but as stories to preserve and share. Pekarek has a master’s degree in library and information science and a certificate of advanced study in cultural heritage preservation. Pekarek is a certified archivist from the Academy of Certified Archivists. A tour of the archives will follow the presentations. The event will take place 4:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 17 at IU Northwest’s Anderson Library in Gary. A light meal will be provided. The event is free to attend. Learn more here [https://lnkd.in/dg7rvavY]. The Lake County Advancement Committee is a Legacy Foundation program. The committee was founded in 1965. The organization fosters education and dialogue on social, economic and policy issues impacting Lake County citizens. #brittredd #iunorthwest #jeremypekarek #lakecountyadvancementcommittee #businessnews #education

Northwest Health – Porter was recently designated an Aetna Institute of Quality facility for total joint replacement surgery. The hospital earned the Institute of Quality status by meeting Aetna’s benchmarks for safe, effective care. Aetna makes information about the quality and cost of that care available to its members. “The medical staff and employees at Northwest Health – Porter are dedicated to delivering the best possible care and surgical outcomes for their patients,” said Dr. James Leonard, Northwest Health – Porter CEO, in a press release [https://lnkd.in/dHfKzPZu]. “We know the high standards Aetna uses to evaluate hospitals, and we appreciate that they named our hospital an Institute of Quality.” Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield also recognized the hospital for the quality of its spine, knee and hip replacement care. Northwest Health – Porter’s orthopedic staff and the Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute surgeons care for a range of orthopedic conditions. The provide care for arthritis and joint disease, back and neck pain, injuries and congenital deformities and conditions. La Porte-based Northwest Health is a regional health care system. The system includes three hospitals, five emergency departments and urgent care centers. The health system also has outpatient surgery centers and physician offices. Aetna is the brand name for products and services provided by the Aetna group of companies. #aetnainstituteofquality #lakeshorebone&jointinstitute #northwesthealthporter #businessnews #health&wellness

Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott announced upcoming changes to the Jean Shepherd Community Center. Hammond’s Jean Shepherd Community Center is transforming into a pickleball and community center. It will house 12 indoor courts. Space inside the facility is also being converted into a bar that will serve food and liquor to the players. The city will partner with a local pickleball group to offer clinics, tournaments, drop-ins and leagues starting in November. Annual events such as the Monster Mash, indoor garage sales and flower giveaway will return after the improvements along with the use of the walking track. New membership opportunities will be available in early 2025. “We wanted to fill the void for the booming interest in pickleball in Hammond and beyond and The Jean was the perfect location to house this growing community,” McDermott said in a press release [https://lnkd.in/ghKUNFG6]. “I’m looking forward to welcoming a new group of athletes to the city.” The Hammond Parks and Recreation Department will also add three pickleball courts to Pulaski Park. The Jean Shepherd Community Center works to provide weekly activities and community-based events for people of all ages. The center is located at 3031 J.F. Mahoney Dr. in Hammond. #jeanshepherdcommunitycenter #pulaskipark #thomasmcdermott #athletics&sports #businessnews

TradeWinds Services named Purdue University Northwest’s White Lodging School of Hospitality and Tourism Management as Business Partner of the Year. Merrillville-based TradeWinds provides services for infants to adults with all abilities and special needs. Through the university’s hospitality and tourism management program, TradeWinds’ clients received hands-on experience in a restaurant environment. The visiting students practiced hosting, preparing for dining room guests and bussing tables. University students assisted TradeWinds clients, learning about different abilities and fostering an inclusive workspace. The partnership with TradeWinds was fostered by Kwangsoo Park, College of Business associate dean and School of Hospitality and Tourism Management director, and Pitparnee Stompor, Hospitality and Tourism Management clinical professor. Park and Stompor accepted the Business Partner of the Year award on behalf of Purdue Northwest during TradeWinds’ annual luncheon. “This partnership has been invaluable, offering TradeWinds’ clients vital learning opportunities that build confidence and professional skills,” Park said in a press release [https://lnkd.in/gidEmQRR]. “It has also helped our PNW HTM students develop a deeper understanding of inclusivity and the importance of addressing the needs of colleagues of all abilities, ultimately enhancing the experience for everyone.” Stompor said engaging with the community aligns with PNW’s mission as a metropolitan university. “By integrating practical experiences with academic learning, the PNW College of Business not only enhances the educational journey of its students, but also makes a meaningful impact on the community,” Stompor said. “It underscores the university’s role in preparing students and community members for real-world challenges, fostering personal growth and making a lasting difference in others’ lives.” The White Lodging School of Hospitality and Tourism Management is in Purdue Northwest’s College of Business. Students learn about food and beverage management, tourism, club management and event management. The school has classrooms, a beverage lab, kitchen spaces and a restaurant. #purdueuniversitynorthwest #tradewinds #whitelodgingschoolofhospitalityandtourism #businessnews #education