Press Releases
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LEAP & City of La Porte Announce Hiring of Two Positions
La Porte, IN – The La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership (LEAP), in collaboration with the City of La Porte, has announced two project manager openings that will play a pivotal role in advancing housing, neighborhood revitalization, and downtown redevelopment efforts across the community. These positions represent a major step forward in La Porte’s long-term strategy to strengthen quality of place, expand housing options, and accelerate economic growth.Project Manager: Housing & Neighborhood
Lubeznik Center for the Arts' Free First Friday in September
MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) is hosting their free First Friday program with special guest Joe Rauen, an artist and musician who makes working musical instruments from household items, on September 4, from 5 to 8 p.m. (Central). After graduating from the Berklee College of Music Joe Rauen set out to find a way to combine his love for music and for visual art into a single practice. Rauen began experimenting with making playable musical instruments from everyday items. His
American Airlines to Transition to Aircraft to Serve SBN to Chicago O'Hare Route
South Bend, IN. – Effective Monday, October 5, 2026, American Airlines will transition flights from South Bend International Airport (SBN) to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) from a luxury motorcoach service, operated by The Landline Company, to an aircraft. The flights will operate three times daily with the airline’s CRJ-700 regional aircraft with dual-class cabins and 65 seats. American’s flights complement existing jet service to Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) and Charlotte (CLT), providing one-stop
CLH Recognizes Second Quarter 2026 R.I.K.I. Spotlight Award Recipients
Michigan City, IN – 8/10/2026 – CLH, CPAs & Consultants is proud to recognize two recipients of its 2026 R.I.K.I. Spotlight Awards during the second quarter of 2026. Kayla (Gentry) Kranc, Senior Accountant, and Lisa Bedwell, Internal Accounting, were honored for their dedication and daily actions that exemplify the firm’s culture and values.The R.I.K.I. Spotlight Award program highlights team members who consistently embody CLH’s core principles of Relationships, Integrity, Knowledge and Innovation. Through
PNW Ready to Welcome Student Residents to Calumet Hall
HAMMOND, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) students, university leaders and community partners proudly cut the ribbon Aug. 4 on the university’s newest building, Calumet Hall. The three-story, 42,000-square-foot structure expands PNW’s student housing options for on-campus living and learning opportunities.Calumet Hall’s layout includes a mix of single- and double-occupancy rooms, as well as a common kitchen, laundry facilities, and study and lounge spaces. The building is designed to foster a social
21st Annual Hoosier Star Will Take Place on Saturday September 12th
The La Porte County Symphony Orchestra will present its 21st annual Hoosier Star event on Saturday, September 12, 7pm (CDT) at the Civic Auditorium in La Porte. Ten finalists (five adult & five youth) have been chosen to perform at Hoosier Star in front of the LCSO. They are: ADULT DIVISION Anaya Cunningham, La Porte Tenley Edvardson, Schererville Kurt Gillins, Valparaiso Wrigley Hemphill, La Porte Grace Ott, La Porte YOUTH DIVISION Olivia Branco, La Porte Selah Branco, La Porte Nick
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
