Press Releases
La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership Announces Departure of Erik Nelson to Regional Leadership Role
La Porte, IN – The La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership (LEAP) today announced that Erik Nelson, Business Development Manager, will be leaving the organization to accept the position of Operations Director at the Northwest Indiana Forum. During his tenure at LEAP, Erik has been a valued member of the team, leading the work of the Workforce Task Force, working directly with the La Porte Community School Corporation to connect graduating seniors with local jobs, and coordinating key projects in the City
Salvation Army Celebrates Christmas in July
July 1, 2026 – La PORTE COUNTY – With the reminder that “need knows no season,” The Salvation Army serving La Porte County will once again host its annual Christmas in July kettle campaign. Red kettles will be stationed at Al’s Supermarket and Walmart locations in both Michigan City and La Porte on July 10 and 11, with volunteers ringing from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Although the iconic red kettles are typically seen during the holiday season, The Salvation Army recognizes that the needs of local
LCA Presents New Exhibition, ''Kindred Spirits: Margaret Wharton and Betsy Odom''
MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. - Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) is debuting a new exhibition, "Kindred Spirits: Margaret Wharton and Betsy Odom," on view from July 3 through October 25, 2026. Curated by Whitney Bradshaw, "Kindred Spirits" brings together Margaret Wharton and Betsy Odom, two celebrated Chicago sculptors separated in age by nearly forty years yet strikingly aligned in spirit. Born in Virginia and Mississippi respectively, both artists arrived in Chicago carrying sensibilities shaped by Southern
LCSO to Hold Summer Symphony in the Gardens
The La Porte County Symphony Orchestra is returning to Friendship Botanic Gardens on Sunday, July 19, 2026, for a fun-filled, FREE concert for everyone’s enjoyment! Gates open at 6pm with the concert beginning at 7pm. Music Director, Dr. Carolyn Watson, has prepared a fan friendly program with titles such as “Eleanor Rigby”, “The Pink Panther”, “Chariots of Fire” and the “Mission: Impossible” theme. They will join composers such as Bach, Copland, Holst, and Bizet for a true Pops concert. The
Giggles Boutique & Community Closet Celebrates New Home with Ribbon Cutting
LA PORTE, Ind. — Giggles Boutique & Community Closet invites the community to celebrate the opening of its new permanent location during a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony hosted by the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership on Wednesday, July 22, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at 321 Lincolnway, La Porte. Founded in 2024, Giggles Boutique & Community Closet has quickly become a valuable community resource, providing children in need with clothing, personal care items, school supplies, and essential resources that
Boys & Girls Clubs of La Porte County Opens Doors Through 2026 Summer Campaign
This summer, Boys & Girls Club of La Porte County (BGCLPC) invites the community to invest in the future of local youth through its Summer Campaign, "We're Opening Doors to What's Possible." The campaign highlights the countless opportunities the Club provides for children across the county. BGCLPC currently operates afterschool Clubs at 8 locations across Michigan City, La Porte, Westville, Kingsford Heights and Rolling Prairie, plus two summer camps. Every day at the Club, young people build skills that
Safe Sitter Babysitting Classes to be Offered by Northwest Health - La Porte
La Porte, IN, June 4, 2026 – Northwest Health La Porte will offer Safe Sitter® babysitting classes for young teens, grades 6-8, on June 19 and July 14, 2026 from 8 a.m. to noon at the hospital. Registration is required. More than 775,000 young teens have graduated from the medically-accurate program which teaches how, why, and where injuries happen so they can be prevented. The course provides hands-on practice in lifesaving techniques to young teens who are watching younger siblings, or babysitting so
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
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
Contact Us
Phone: 219-324-8584
Address: 605 Michigan Avenue
La Porte IN, 46350
