GreatNews.Life (GNL) will be hosting the 11th Good Life Awards on Wednesday, October 7 at the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority 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 60 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, community focused, service to others, positive attitudes, and people who are drivers in improving the world around them. This year’s honorees are as follows:

Stephanie Krol: Owner of Stephanie Krol Public Relations

Stephanie was chosen as an honoree this year because of her sharp mind for communications, relentless work ethic, and deep investments in long term relationships.

Josh Huddlestun: City of Hobart Mayor

Josh was chosen as an honoree this year because of his humility and tenacity. He works tirelessly to leave his city significantly better after his service, and he is willing and able to lead through storms and sunshine because he knows better days are ahead.

Ed Charbonneau: Indiana State Senator

Ed was chosen as an honoree this year because he is a model of respectful, positive communication, and relationships. He stays fast to his commitments and decency. 

Annette Loeffler: Administrative Assistant at the City of La Porte

Annette was chosen as an honoree this year because she is the glue that holds the City of La Porte together. She has served as the right hand to city leadership, setting the standard for class, kindness, and consistency. She loves her city and is relentless in keeping it positive. 

Phil Tailon: President & CEO of South Shore CVA

Phil was chosen as an honoree this year because he has shown how important it is to bring levity and enthusiasm to your work. 

Damon Modglin: Editorial Director at GreatNews.Life

Damon was chosen as an honoree this year because he brings quiet, experienced calm to everyone he works with. His knowledge and trusted guidance are at the heart of developing the next generation of Lifers. 

The Good Life Awards will include the Positive Spark Award in this year’s ceremony. Introduced last year, 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.

Mary Freda-Flores: Communications Director for The City of Crown Point

The first announced recipient of this year's Positive Spark Award has been nominated by past recipient Ashley Spargo for how she radiates positivity, whether it's in her day-to-day life or at her job for Crown Point.

Charles Beard - Charles Beard Photography

Mahlmann knew the minute he watched Charles on the field on a cold football night at Andrean High School. He has the work ethic and love for what he is doing that makes him the second announced recipient.

“Good people doing great things, and making the world around them better, is where I focus my time and energy,” Mahlmann said. “Every one of these recipients is an example of the positive impact people can have on others around them by being exactly who they are.”

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 Positive Spark Awards that began last year with Philip Bolton and Jillian Koeneman gives past recipients the chance to share their own recognition to someone who demonstrates the values that they were honored for,” Mahlmann said. “These are positive values that our communities depend on and this award gives them a solid steel reminder that those values stand the test of time.”

Tickets for the Good Life Awards can be purchased from Eventbrite for $40. Individuals or companies who would like to purchase full tables, bulk tickets, or support the event through sponsorships can contact Kami Tupiak at Kami@greatnews.life or 219-707-5023.