Press Releases
Erik Nelson Promoted to Business Development Manager
La Porte, IN – The La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership (LEAP) is pleased to announce the promotion of Erik Nelson to Business Development Manager. Erik previously served as the Workforce Development Coordinator at LEAP, a position he held for the past four years. With this promotion, Erik will be involved in economic development projects as well as serve as a point of contact for existing businesses in the Greater La Porte Area. “Erik has become a vital team member here at the La Porte Economic
AFib Explained: Northwest Health Offers Free Seminar on Common, but Serious Heart Disorder
La Porte, IN – A fluttering feeling in the chest or a suddenly racing heart can be easy to brush off – but those sensations may be signs of a common yet serious heart rhythm disorder called atrial fibrillation, or AFib. The community is invited to join Northwest Medical Group cardiac electrophysiologist Jamario Skeete, MD, for a one-hour seminar that will explore AFib symptoms and how this medical condition can increase a person’s risk for stroke and heart failure. The American Heart Association estimates
Area Professionals Invited to Explore Advanced Education at PNW's Graduate Program Showcase
HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) invites professionals interested in enhancing their career opportunities with advanced education and credentials to attend its upcoming Graduate Programs Showcase.The event will be hosted from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Feb. 11 in Alumni Hall of the Student Union and Library Building on the Hammond campus, 2200 169th Street, Hammond, Ind. To view more information and register, visit pnw.edu/graduate-showcase.PNW’s Graduate Programs Showcase will allow
Applications Open for 2026 Construction Safety & Excellence Awards
Crown Point, IN – 1/15/2026 – An annual awards banquet to celebrate construction excellence and safety is returning to Merrillville, where the region’s top builders and project owners will gather to recognize last year’s achievements in the industry.The Northwest Indiana Business RoundTable (NWIBRT) and the Construction Advancement Foundation (CAF) partner each year to honor the region’s top performers during the event. NWIBRT’s awards focus on safety performances, and the CAF awards highlight the best in
2026 Unity Foundation Scholarship Application is now Available Online
LA PORTE COUNTY, IN— Unity Foundation of La Porte County is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2026-2027 academic year through the Unity Foundation General Application. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 13, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CT. In 2025, Unity awarded a total of $325,000 to 174 local students through this scholarship program. The Unity Foundation General Application simplifies the process by allowing students to apply for over 50 different scholarships through a single online application.
LCSO Presents The Roaring 20s Concert
La Porte, January 7, 2026 - The La Porte County Symphony Orchestra is pleased to present the second concert of its 53rd season on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 7 p.m. at the La Porte High School Performing Arts Center at 602 F Street in La Porte. The program, titled "The Roaring 20s", continues the season's theme of celebrating the birth of the nation 250 years ago with the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The concert celebrates music from America's Jazz Age and features guest vocalist
Northwest Health Offers Free Seminar on New Ground-Breaking Sleep Apnea Treatment
La Porte, IN – For people with obstructive sleep apnea, restful sleep can feel frustratingly out of reach, particularly when standard treatments fall short. A new FDA-approved, implantable device may offer a breakthrough option for patients seeking lasting relief. The community is invited to join Northwest Medical Group, Sleep Medicine Specialist and Pulmonologist, Marvi Bikak, M.D., for a free community seminar where she will discuss options for treating this breathing disorder, and the new device that
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Generosity Leads to Renaming of Civic Stage
La PORTE, IN (Dec. 19, 2025) – The La Porte Civic Auditorium stage has a new name after the generous support by a local family, according to La Porte Park Superintendent Mark Schreiber.At the recent Holiday at the Pops concert, the La Porte City Park Foundation announced the creation of the Bowers Family Fund, established to support the Civic Auditorium for generations to come. Edwin and Karen Bowers made a lead gift of $500,000, with additional contributions pledged for the future. In recognition of their
Red Kettle Ring Off Results Announced: Mayor Angie Wins Battle of the Mayors
MICHIGAN CITY, December 22, 2025 – The results are in for this year’s Red Kettle Ring Off, and Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch of Michigan City has claimed victory in the annual “Battle of the Mayors,” raising a total of $11,414.41 in support of The Salvation Army’s Christmas Campaign. Mayor Tom Dermody of La Porte raised a total of $5,922. The friendly competition took place on Friday, December 19, as Mayor Nelson Deuitch and Mayor Dermody each rang bells and encouraged donations in their respective
Lubeznik Arts Festival Opening Artist Applications
MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. - Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) is now accepting artist applications for the 44th annual Lubeznik Arts Festival this summer. Artists can apply at https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=13971, and a link to the application can also be found at LubeznikCenter.org/Events. Applications must be submitted by April 2, 2026 to be considered for this 2026 juried festival. Media categories include: Two-dimensional art: Painting, drawing, printmaking, pastels, mixed-mediaFine craft:
Unity Foundation Announces 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholars
LA PORTE COUNTY, IN—Unity Foundation of La Porte County is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for La Porte County: Lupita Osornio-Luna of Tri Township Jr./Sr. High School and Madeleine McCarther of Marquette High School. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are recognized for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership. Osornio-Luna is deeply involved in service and student leadership. After volunteering with her local Leos
Grand Heritage Federal Credit Union Holds Groundbreaking in NewPorte Landing
La Porte, IN – Today, in coordination with Tonn & Blank Construction, the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for Grand Heritage Federal Credit Union. The credit union plans to relocate from their current building located at 201 Koomler Drive to the corner of Truesdell Avenue and North Madison Street in NewPorte Landing. “Grand Heritage Federal Credit Union is celebrating more than just a groundbreaking. We are celebrating a commitment to our members and our
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City of La Porte Awarded National Rankings for Affordability, Quality of Life
La PORTE, IN (Apr. 16, 2025) – The City of La Porte has recently drawn national attention for its low-cost, high-quality way of living, according to La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody.The City took the No. 2 spot for USA Today’s Best Small Town in the Midwest contest this spring. La Porte was one of just 20 communities nominated by the national news outlet’s panel of journalists and experts. In their description of La Porte, USA Today notes the city’s “year-round fun thanks to its three scenic lakes, historic
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The City of La Porte celebrates opening of Chipotle
La PORTE, IN (Mar. 24, 2025) – Local officials gathered for a ribbon cutting this morning to celebrate the much-anticipated opening of La Porte’s newest restaurant. Chipotle Mexican Grill, located at 150 Pine Lake Avenue, will open its doors today at 10:45 a.m. The multinational, fast casual chain specializes in made-to-order bowls, burritos and tacos with fresh ingredients. Mayor Tom Dermody said La Porte residents have been eagerly awaiting the restaurant’s grand opening since the day the project was
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Blockhead Beerworks announces second location coming to Downtown La Porte this summer
La PORTE, IN (Feb. 27, 2025) – Plans for a popular brewstillery were announced today at the La Porte Urban Enterprise Association meeting, according to La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody. Blockhead Beerworks, known for its innovative craft beers and Asian-fusion cuisine, will open a new location in downtown La Porte this summer. The new venue, located at 1100 Lincolnway in the Carpenters Union Hall, will feature a vibrant, all-ages atmosphere perfect for families, friends and beer enthusiasts alike. Co-Founder
Bella Largo Senior Living Breaks Ground on 39 North Development
Bella Largo Senior Living, located in La Porte, Indiana, is set to be the first regional senior health care facility specifically designed to be resistant to COVID and other airborne viruses. Situated in the Hi-Point business park near Exit 49 of Interstate I-90, this single-story, lakefront assisted living and memory care facility will span 48,000 square feet and feature 63 units. The project is expected to open in early 2026. Developed by John English, the facility's design emphasizes resident safety,
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Mayor Tom Dermody Announces New Development Along 39 North
La Porte, IN – Mayor Dermody in partnership with IST Distribution, announced plans for a $24 million capital investment to build and equip an 81,000 sq. ft. plastic pellet distribution facility along 39 North at 2321 Progress Drive. IST Distribution will utilize the Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad spur to bring in bulk plastic pellets for distribution to customers across the United States. The company plans to employ 12 new full-time employees making an average wage of $34.00/hour. According
Quincy Development Begins Construction in the Thomas Rose Industrial Park
Quincy Development begins Construction in the Thomas Rose Industrial Park Quincy Associates Industrial Development has broken ground in the Thomas Rose Industrial Park in La Porte, Indiana. This speculative development will begin with the construction of a 150,000 square foot building that can house either one or multiple tenants. The building is designed to be expandable to 300,000 square feet if so desired. The 23-acre property is located in the heart of the Thomas Rose Industrial Park along the new
Dermody Announces Agreement with Rural King to Open in La Porte
May 11th, 2020—Rural King, America’s Farm and Home Store, has announced plans to open in La Porte, Indiana by March 2021. The new store will open in Maple Lane Mall, 1340 West State Road 2. Significant renovations to the 221,000 sq. ft. structure are scheduled to begin in early spring. Although other tenants are not identified at this time, renovations to additional tenant spaces will be completed as a part of this project. La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody said, the rehabilitation and renovation of this area will
Downtown La Porte Gets Community Treatment with Help of La Porte County Family YMCA & LEAP
The City of La Porte and the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership (LEAP) have been working to revamp the downtown district and have partnered with the La Porte County Family YMCA to make it happen. Recently, local businesses began making improvements and investing in their property, so it only made sense for the YMCA and LEAP to get out and start beautifying the city with the help of the community. Groups headed out from the 618 Plaza to surrounding blocks to paint, pick up trash, sweep, rake, pull
21st Annual Sunflower Fair in Downtown La Porte
The Sunflower Fair celebrates its twenty-first year in the heart of Downtown La Porte on Saturday, Sept. 21. The festival that celebrates community and creativity will begin at 8:00 a.m. and will last until 4:00 p.m. This unique festival is situated along beautiful Michigan Avenue between Lincolnway and Noble Street. With over 130 craft and specialty vendors, the Sunflower Fair is one of the largest area festivals. Attendees can eat delicious food from a variety of non-profit organizations and local
La Porte Farmer's Market Announces New Managers
The La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership (LEAP) is excited to announce that they have been selected to manage the La Porte Farmer’s Market for the 2020 season. LEAP is the organization formed through the partnership between the Greater La Porte Chamber of Commerce and the Greater La Porte Economic Development Corporation earlier this year. “We are very excited the La Porte Urban Enterprise Association (LPUEA) has chosen LEAP to coordinate the market. The Farmer’s Market is a tremendous initiative
La Porte and Sullivan Named INspire Idea Competition Recipients
Today, the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs announced the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership and the Heart of Sullivan Main Street organizations as recipients of the INspire Idea competition at the Great Lakes Regional Main Street Conference. “It was exciting to see the creative ideas that came out of our Main Street organizations," said Jodi Golden, Executive Director of OCRA. "These projects demonstrated a definite need, but will also improve quality of life for residents and
Flaherty & Collins Properties Announces Updated Plans For The Strand A $35M Mixed-Use Development
Flaherty & Collins Properties has announced The Strand, a $35M mixed-use development, will start construction next month. The City of La Porte Redevelopment Commission selected Flaherty & Collins Properties last year to build a 200-unit multifamily development in the heart of the City’s NewPorte Landing redevelopment project. “The City of La Porte is very excited to be partnering with Flaherty & Collins through this development, said Mayor Mark Krentz. “Flaherty & Collins Properties has a long history of
INspire Idea Competition Selects Five Finalists
Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs announced five Indiana Main Street organizations as finalists for the INspire Idea competition. “I am excited to see what these five organizations present at the conference in the coming months,” Crouch said. “It is always inspiring to see the original ideas communities come up with to highlight the uniqueness of their area.” The goal of the competition is to encourage the Indiana Main Street network of communities and
GLPCC and GLEDC Forge a New Alliance Designed to Grow La Porte's Competitive Advantage
In an effort to build a high-functioning, multi-faceted economic development and business support center, the Greater La Porte Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and the Greater La Porte Economic Development (GLEDC) Board of Directors agreed recently to combine expertise under one umbrella and form a new alliance. The new alliance will continue to operate chamber of commerce and economic development functions independently with oversight from the two boards of directors, but will share staff,
LEAP News
- La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership Announces Ready2Work Childcare Voucher Program
- Resort Apartments Expansion Sought
- Patrick Industries Announces Plans to Open a New Facility in La Porte, Indiana
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce Awards the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership with 5-Star Accreditation
- Quincy Development begins Construction in the Thomas Rose Industrial Park
- Dermody Announces Agreement with Rural King to Open in La Porte
- Downtown La Porte Gets Community Treatment with Help of La Porte County Family YMCA & LEAP
- La Porte and Sullivan Named INspire Idea Competition Recipients
- INspire Idea Competition Selects Five Finalists
- Flaherty & Collins Properties Announces Updated Plans For The Strand A $35M Mixed-Use Development
- GLPCC and GLEDC Forge a New Alliance Designed to Grow La Porte’s Competitive Advantage
Contact Us
Phone: 219-324-8584
Address: 605 Michigan Avenue
La Porte IN, 46350
