Press Releases
Grand Heritage Federal Credit Union New Location Opens to Serve Growing La Porte Community
LA PORTE, Indiana — Tonn and Blank Construction has completed construction of the new Grand Heritage Federal Credit Union facility at Newport Landing, marking a significant investment in continued growth and accessibility for members in the La Porte community. Located at 191 N. Madison Street, the new 3,170-square-foot credit union includes a 990-square-foot drive-thru canopy designed to improve convenience, traffic flow, and day-to-day banking operations. The project officially opened with a ribbon
PNW Celebrates Lifechanging Opportunities for Students, Regional Impact at 10th Anniversary Gala
HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) on May 29 hosted over 600 supporters at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana for its 10th anniversary gala, a marquee event of the university’s 10th anniversary celebration recognizing a decade of changing students’ lives.The event, which primarily served as a major fundraiser, secured more than $450,000 of generous gifts made in support of scholarships for current and future PNW students.“At PNW, we like to say that changing students’ lives
New YMCA Location Announced in La Porte: Almost 40-Acre-Site Planned Near Fox Memorial Park
LA PORTE, Ind. – May 27, 2026 – The La Porte County Family YMCA, Health Foundation of La Porte (HFL) and the City of La Porte are thrilled to announce the planned new YMCA in the city of La Porte will be located adjacent to Fox Memorial Park, creating a connected destination for health, wellness, recreation and community gathering in the heart of La Porte. The Truesdell Avenue location, 38+ acres that allow for future expansion and additional amenities, was selected after careful evaluation of potential
Purdue University Northwest Announces Winners of the 2026 PNW Big Sell
HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) awarded seed funding to three innovative entrepreneurs during the 2026 PNW Big Sell, the university’s annual pitch competition designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage business ventures.The 2026 PNW Big Sell brought together student and community entrepreneurs to pitch their startup concepts live before a panel of judges at PNW’s Commercialization and Manufacturing Excellence Center (CMEC). The competition is sponsored by the
Surf Internet Honored with Fiber Broadband Association's 2026 Star Award
ELKHART, Ind. (May 26, 2026) – Surf Internet® received the Fiber Broadband Association’s (FBA) 2026 Star Award during the organization’s Fiber Connect conference in Orlando, Florida. The award recognizes a company or community that goes above and beyond in advancing fiber-to-the-home and was presented before broadband providers, infrastructure leaders, policymakers, and industry partners from across North America. Surf earned the honor for its continued leadership in expanding fiber broadband access in
Unity Foundation Invites 2026 Grant Applications from Local Organizations
LA PORTE COUNTY, IN — Unity Foundation of La Porte County is now accepting online applications for Power for Good Community Grants. The application will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026. Nonprofit organizations and other eligible groups may apply for up to $5,000 to support innovative projects that enhance quality of life and strengthen La Porte County. Fundable projects may address unmet community needs, encourage collaboration, or help attract additional funding or resources. Past
Salvation Army Hosts 11th Annual Donut Eating Contest
La Porte County - May 26, 2026 - The Salvation Army serving La Porte County invites the community to its 11th annual Donut Eating Contest, taking place Friday, June 5 at Blue Chip Casino Stardust Event Center, Michigan City. Doors open at 9 a.m., with the contest beginning promptly at 10 a.m. Admission is free and open to the public. One of the most anticipated highlights of this year's competition is the return of reigning champion Ben Bachmann, representing Phi Delta Kappa and Michigan City Area Schools.
The Grand Finale Hoosier Star will Take Place on September 12, 2026
La Porte, May 22, 2026 - The La Porte County Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce the 2026 Hoosier Star Grand Finale Finalists! These individuals will compete, in their respective divisions, for the title of HOOSIER STAR! Each finalist will sing a song of their choosing accompanied by the LCSO. Audience members and a panel of celebrity judges will decide the winner! First place Adult and Youth Winners will receive a $1,000 prize. Second place Adult and Youth Winners will receive a $500
GreatNews.Life Invties you to Experience a Night of Individuality at AATG XI
Valparaiso Ind. - On Thursday June 25, All About the Girls (AATG) will take over Urschel Pavilion in downtown Valparaiso for its eleventh year. Attendees will come together to be reminded of how powerful they are when connected with one another. AATG offers a space for sharing their stories and experiences with others. In addition to the camaraderie, AATG selects six motivational women yearly to speak. These women, coming from all different professions and backgrounds within Northern Indiana, are
City of La Porte Parks and Recreation Announce 2026 Movie Schedule
LA PORTE, IN (May 11, 2026) – The City of La Porte Parks and Recreation Department has announced the 2026 Movies in the Park schedule, featuring four free outdoor movie nights at city parks, each paired with themed pre-movie activities and community participation. The series begins on Friday, June 5 at 6:30 p.m. at Fox Park with Recess: School’s Out! The evening will include recess-style games and a Summer Camp and Programs Fair connecting families with local camps and summer resources. On Friday, June 26
Lubeznik Center for the Arts Hosts Free Family Day May 30th
MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. - Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) is hosting a free Family Day on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 1 to 3 p.m. (Central), and all families are invited to attend. This free, drop-in event welcomes all ages to create their own artwork inspired by the current exhibition, Cosmic Connections. Plus, kids can enjoy a fun, family-friendly scavenger hunt through LCA's three galleries, all in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Family Days are particularly engaging for school-age children and
PNW Graduates Urged to Hold onto Virtues Amid Technological Advancements
HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Major shifts in modern-day technologies, such as artificial intelligence, are transforming how people learn, work, communicate and more.Sometimes, these changes can feel scary or concerning for how they will impact the future. However, the needs that people have — forming connections, providing help, exercising effective decision-making — have remained unchanged for centuries despite tools that dramatically altered different processes.Keynote speaker Alejandra Y. Castillo
Microsoft, Dermody update tax agreement to include historic funding for La Porte schools
La PORTE, IN (March 3, 2026) – In partnership with the La Porte Community School Corporation, the City of La Porte today shared they have approved an updated tax agreement for Microsoft’s datacenter project in La Porte, according to Mayor Tom Dermody.This comes after Microsoft President and Vice Chair Brad Smith announced in January that the global tech company will no longer seek local property tax abatements or breaks for its new datacenter projects. Despite the completion and approval of the previous
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
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
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Phone: 219-324-8584
Address: 605 Michigan Avenue
La Porte IN, 46350
