GreatNews.Life (GNL) will be hosting the 10th Good Life Awards on Wednesday, November 19 at Uptown Social to honor six extraordinary individuals who embody positivity, compassion, and a deep commitment to making Northern Indiana a better place for everyone. 

GNL launched the Good Life Awards in 2012 to recognize Region residents who have impacted its mission of spreading good news in a significant way. This awards party will induct a new class of six people, adding to the current alumni list of 54 leaders, and will recognize them with a custom-crafted, solid steel Good Life Award. 

Winners of the Good Life Awards are hand-selected by the Founder of GreatNews.Life, Chris Mahlmann. They are selected for embodying positivity and aligning with the GreatNews.Life vision of embracing the good around us. Mahlmann looks for the qualities that make up the fabric of all the stories GNL covers: hard work, service to others, positive attitudes, and people who are drivers in improving the world around them. This year’s honorees are as follows:

John Jordan: Owner & President of CertaPro Painters of Northwest
Indiana
John was chosen as an honoree this year because he carries the values instilled in him throughout his life by those closest to him, and his winning attitude is contagious. John was raised by parents, coaches, and teachers that installed in him the values he demonstrates in his work, in his community, and every organization he involves himself with. He has a winning attitude that impacts everyone he works with. 

Bill Marshall: Head Football Coach of Valparaiso High School
Bill was chosen as an honoree this year because he shapes the lives of young men with both strength and heart everyday. Bill brings old school discipline and essential development of young men while also nurturing through all of the challenges that a high school student may face. Bill deploys a rare combination of strength, flexibility, and consistency.

Andy Kostielney: Director of Business Development & Marketing of DLZ
Andy was chosen as an honoree this year because he embodies what it means to lead with family, faith, and community at the center. With no agenda and nothing to gain, he has selflessly built bridges across parties and communities!

Kami Tupiak: Partnership & Office Coordinator of GreatNews.Life
Kami was chosen as an honoree this year because her kindness, humility, and genuine care shine through in every event, partnership, and interaction. Her heart for service and ability to make others feel valued have left an incredible impact on our team and community. 

Austin Bonta: City of Portage Mayor
Austin was chosen as an honoree this year because of his willingness to listen, connect, and serve others sets him apart as a leader making a difference every day. He is always willing to earn respect one social post and handshake at a time. 

Julie West: Founder of Play for Jake Foundation
Julie was chosen as an honoree this year because of her unwavering strength. She managed to transform her family's grief into a mission of protection and purpose. Through her unwavering strength, determination, and powerful advocacy, she reshaped how young athletes are cared for across Indiana. Her voice didn’t just influence change; it inspired new laws, secured vital funding, and created a legacy of safety for generations of kids to come.

The Good Life Awards will be introducing a new movement in this year’s ceremony. The traditional awardees will receive Mahlmann’s heartfelt words and recognition, but he always has an idea or two up his sleeve. Mahlmann is introducing a new Positive Spark Award to this year's ceremony. The Positive Spark Award is an award in which previous Good Life Award honorees have the opportunity to recognize someone who exemplifies the values that earned them the same recognition.

“I am proud of the picks I have made through those years and how those people continue to positively impact others around them” Founder of GreatNews.Life, Chris Mahlmann said. “I am more excited than ever to build on that foundation with the Positive Spark award. John, Bill, Andy, Kami, Austin, and Julie each have demonstrated the character these awards are built upon, and they stand on the shoulders of many before them. We are excited to recognize them and welcome our first class of Positive Spark award winners and hear how they are impacting the world around them.”

Previous winners of the Good Life Awards include non-profit, city and community leaders, legendary Lifers, and beacons of good that have connected with GNL’s team, mission, and vision. They look forward to this event each and every year

"The Good Life Awards are one of my favorite events of the year,” Executive Director of the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership, Bert Cook said! “Very rarely do we get a chance to celebrate all the good going on in Northern Indiana, but the Good Life Awards give us just that opportunity.  I couldn't be more proud to be a previous award winner and look forward to welcoming in a new class of honorees this year!"

Tickets for the Good Life Awards can be purchased from Eventbrite for $50. Individuals or companies who would like to purchase full tables, bulk tickets, or sponsorships can contact Kami Tupiak at Kami@greatnews.life or 219-707-5023.