< PreviousWWW.CROSSROADSCHAMBER.ORG 8 RESIDENTIAL LIVING JSd!Ȥm3KȤȤSdȤraȤSJaK ǸǴǴȗǴǷDZȗǴǵDzDZ5æÃíɐĊͳÃÏĀåȅ§ßÏåĄ .5d!ȤɘȤhJSA!ȤɘȤm!dȤɘȤhmSdJ d!hmSdm5SK 5KhrdK!ȤC5JȤ!a!dmh [[[EMVHYGXSVMRGGSQ *6)))78-1%8)7 6IWMHIRXMEPERH'SQQIVGMEP7IVZMGIW "JS%VDU%SZFS7FOU$MFBOJOH -2$)" .$) :77A -2$)" .$) :77A *NQSPWJOH*OEPPS"JS2VBMJUZRESIDENTIAL LIVING Ready to live in a place that offers the best of both worlds? Welcome to Northwest Indi- ana! It’s the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city access. Imagine enjoying low taxes, affordable housing, beautiful parks, top-notch schools, and easy access to health care—oh, and did we mention you’re just a stone’s throw from Chicago? That’s right—suburban bliss with all the perks of the big city at your fingertips! It’s no surprise that the local housing market is booming. As of 2023, the vibrant region, made up of Jasper, Lake, LaPorte, Newton, Porter, Pulaski, and Starke Counties, is home to 870,000 people— and the number keeps growing. Northwest Indiana is also home to the breath- taking Lake Michigan shoreline and the iconic Indiana Dunes National Park, a stunning stretch of sand dunes, beaches, forests, and historical landmarks that spans from Gary to Michigan City. But that’s not all—outdoor enthusiasts will love the 125 miles of bike and hiking trails that wind through the region, offering endless opportuni- ties for adventure. Whether you’re into relaxing by the beach or hitting the trails, this place is an outdoor lover’s dream come true! Looking for a place to call home? Whether you’re buying or renting, there’s something for ev- eryone here—from cozy apartments to spacious single-family homes, townhomes, mobile homes, and even condos. Whatever your style or budget, you’ll find your perfect fit. Ready to start your journey to home sweet home? Reach out to a local Realtor today and let them help you find your slice of paradise in Northwest Indiana! PHOTO CREDIT: SOUTH SHORE CVA 9 WWW.CROSSROADSCHAMBER.ORG RESIDENTIAL LIVINGEDUCATION Junior Achievement (JA) has been a cor- nerstone in Lake and Porter Counties, em- powering young people to own their economic success. Our mission is simple yet impactful: to prepare students for life beyond the classroom through lessons in financial literacy, work readi- ness, and entrepreneurship. With the support of community partners and dedicated volunteers, JA programs are de- livered directly into classrooms, providing stu- dents with real-world knowledge and skills. This year alone, Junior Achievement of Northwest Indiana will reach over 100,000 students, helping them build critical life and career skills that will shape their futures. JA also plays a vital role in supporting schools as they navigate new state mandates tied to grad- uation pathways, including discovery meetings, career coaching, and career fair organization. To meet these evolving needs, several JA staff mem- bers recently earned their Career Coach certifi- cation, further enhancing our ability to guide stu- dents toward meaningful career paths. One of our standout initiatives is JA Town, brought to life through a partnership with the Crossroads Chamber. This hands-on experience educates thousands of students on financial liter- acy, teaching them the importance of budgeting and responsible money management in a simu- lated, real-world environment. In addition, we’ve expanded our reach with the launch of JA Metaversity, a digital, interactive plat- form designed for elementary students to explore various careers in a dynamic virtual setting. This innovative tool ensures that career exploration starts early, inspiring students to envision their future possibilities. This year also marks the third year of collabora- tion between Junior Achievement of Northwest In- diana and JA of Northern Indiana, supported by a Lilly Endowment grant. Through this partnership, many of our schools and students have the oppor- tunity to participate in transformative capstone ex- periences, including JA BizTown in Elkhart and JA Finance Park in West Lafayette. JA BizTown is a dynamic, hands-on learning environment where students take on real-world roles such as CEOs, CFOs, business owners, and consumers within a simulated city. They apply classroom lessons to manage budgets, run busi- nesses, and make financial decisions, gaining in- valuable insights into how an economy functions. Similarly, JA Finance Park provides middle and high school students with a realistic budgeting simulation, where they learn how to manage per- sonal finances based on assigned life scenarios. These capstone programs give students a pow- erful, immersive experience that brings financial literacy and career readiness to life. Our commitment to Northwest Indiana extends beyond K-12 classrooms. Recently, we’ve expanded to support post-secondary institutions, bringing JA’s proven learning experiences to young adults preparing to enter the workforce. At Junior Achievement, we believe that man- aging money, finding a career, and engaging with the business world are life skills everyone needs. Through partnerships with schools, companies, and organizations across the region, we’re help- ing students build the confidence and compe- tence they need to succeed in the real world. Together with our community, we’re not just preparing students for the future we’re inspiring them to own it. More information of JA of Chicago can be found on our website at www.jachciago.org Empowering the Future: How Junior Achievement Supports Northwest Indiana Schools WWW.CROSSROADSCHAMBER.ORG 10 EDUCATIONWWW.CROSSROADSCHAMBER.ORG 11 EDUCATION A full-service non-profit agency serving Northwest Indiana children of differing abilities and adults with physical and developmental disabilities. Beginning as The Lake County Association for Crippled Children in the 1940s to provide Speech and Occupational Therapy – TradeWinds later added Childcare, Summer/Functional Skills &DPSV for children of differing abilities. In the 1960s, TradeWinds began providing services for adults with physical & developmental disabilities, now including: • $GXOW'D\$FWLYLW\3URJUDP 7UDLQLQJ $'$37 • 7UDQVLWLRQDO9RFDWLRQDO7UDLQLQJ 797 • 3UH9RFDWLRQDO7UDLQLQJ,QGXVWULHV o 3DFNDJLQJ$VVHPEO\ 2UGHU)XOILOOPHQW o 6HZLQJ0DQXIDFWXULQJ o 6LJQ6KRS0DQXIDFWXULQJ • (PSOR\PHQW6HUYLFHVIRU<RXWK $GXOWV • 5HVLGHQWLDO*URXS+RPHV • 6XSSRUWHG/LYLQJ+RPHV$SDUWPHQWV • 5HVSLWHIRU&DUHJLYHUV • 3DUWLFLSDQW$VVLVWDQFHDQG&DUH 3$& • 'HDI6HUYLFHV • &KLFDJR/LJKWKRXVH/RZ9LVLRQ&OLQLF • 7UDGH:LQGV&RPPXQLW\3DQWU\ )RUPRUHLQIRUPDWLRQDERXWRXUSURJUDPVYROXQWHHURSSRUWXQLWLHVRU GRQDWLQJSOHDVHFRQWDFW/LVD7DWLQD'LUHFWRURI'HYHORSPHQW 0DUNHWLQJDW OWDWLQD#WUDGHZLQGVQZLRUJRUFDOO Welcome to TradeWinds! 3198 EAST 83RD PL | MERRILLVILLE, IN | 219.945.0100 | tradewindsnwi.org pnw.edu As a premier metropolitan university, Purdue University Northwest is dedicated to empowering transformational change in our students and in our community. We push beyond the boundaries of innovation to drive engagement and make an impact in Northwest Indiana and the world at large. Our more than 70 areas of study are enhanced by our expert faculty, cultural diversity, technology resources, and community partnerships. Together they provide a world-class education and prepare you to meet the demands of today’s highly competitive global environment. That’s powering onward. EMPOWERING BOLDNESS. PURDUE UNIVERSITY NORTHWEST Register for your library eCard online at lcplin.org Instantly download or stream THOUSANDS of books, movies, author events, magazines, tv shows, and music!WWW.CROSSROADSCHAMBER.ORG 12 TOURISM GET READY FOR AN ENCORE. Must be 21 or older. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT. DISCOVER YOUR RHYTHM. The state-of-the-art entertainment venue is equipped with technical capabilities to support the best in live entertainment. Hard Rock Live offers a myriad of stage and seating configurations, giving the venue unprecedented flexibility to adapt as meeting and banquet space. | HRCNI. com | #DiscoverYourRhythm Beyond HorizonBank.com Beyond ordinary banking Opportunities are everywhere—even right around the corner. When you’re looking for more than financial support, find local insights and broad perspectives from the friendly faces at Horizon Bank.TOURISM 21+ Discover the vibrant 21-and-over scene with exotic eateries like Aspar- agus, craft breweries such as Byway Brewing or scenic wineries like Four Corners. If live entertainment is your go-to for fun, head to Hobart Art The- ater, the Venue at Horseshoe Casino or Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana for live concerts by local bands and famous artists or laugh out loud along- side well-known comedians. Explore lively downtown shops, antique stores and eateries in Hobart, Crown Point and Valparaiso. Whatever you fill your schedule with, you’re sure to enjoy the break away from the everyday. Family Year-round family fun can be found along the south shore of Lake Michi- gan! Splash at WhoaZone floating wa- terpark and Deep River Waterpark or catch a baseball game in the summer. In the fall, visit the orchards or a place like Harvest Tyme Family Farm with a pumpkin patch, corn mazes, rides, a lighted trail and more. Kids will enjoy sledding down snowy hills, ice skating or holiday light displays in the winter. In the spring, hike or bike the trails at the Indiana Dunes National Park and watch nature come to life. Events From the lively 5-day Festival of the Lakes in Hammond to the savory Corn Roast in Crown Point, to the wacky 3-day Pierogi Fest in Whiting, there are exciting festivals for both residents and travelers to enjoy. Stay informed about the latest concerts, special events, holi- day celebrations and more. Sign up for an upcoming events email to plan your fun in Northwest Indiana at alongthe- southshore.com/signup. PHOTO CREDIT: SOUTH SHORE CVA 13 TOURISMHEALTHCARE Powers Health is a trusted health- care leader in Northwest Indiana, from primary care to complex proce- dures for cardiovascular, cancer, or- thopedics and neuroscience care. With four hospitals – Community Hospital in Munster, St. Catherine Hos- pital in East Chicago, St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart and Powers Health Rehabilitation Center in Crown Point – and multiple outpatient centers, Powers Health continues to invest in Northwest Indiana by building new fa- cilities and expanding comprehensive medical services. ⚫ Powers Health has opened a 24/7 Emergency Department at the St. Mary Medical Center Outpatient Center in Valparaiso. POWERS HEALTH ⚫ Powers Health is opening two fa- cilities in 2025 to create a region- al destination for specialized or- thopedic and oncology services in Crown Point. ⚫ Powers Health sees a growth in pa- tient transfers from across North- west Indiana to the Comprehensive Stroke Center, located at Community Hospital. The center is supported by the certified Primary Stroke Cen- ters at St. Catherine Hospital and St. Mary Medical Center. For more information, visit PowersHealth.org. WWW.CROSSROADSCHAMBER.ORG 14 HEALTHCARE WWW.CROSSROADSCHAMBER.ORG 15 HEALTHCAREJOIN THE CHAMBER Why Join Crossroads? About Us Crossroads is a dynamic network of leaders, influencers, advocates, marketers, and philanthropists committed to fostering a thriving business community in Northwest Indi- ana. We provide our members with strategic insights, valu- able resources, and supportive tools to help them succeed. Networking Opportunities Building strong connections is essential for business suc- cess, and Crossroads offers multiple networking opportuni- ties each month. These events create valuable opportunities to expand your professional network, increase visibility, and develop new business partnerships. Crossroads Helps Grow Your Business No matter the stage of your business, Crossroads has programs designed to support your growth and success. ⚫ Launching a New Business? We’ll help you make a strong first impression by arranging a ribbon-cutting ceremony and promoting your business through our newsletter, website, and social media platforms. ⚫ Already Established? Strengthen and expand your busi- ness through our Chamber events, which serve as ex- cellent networking tools for meeting potential custom- ers, clients, and vendors. ⚫ Generate Referrals: As a Chamber member, your business gains exposure through our referral system. We receive daily inquiries from individuals and businesses seeking services, and we prioritize referring our members. ⚫ Support from Fellow Members: Chamber members prefer to do business with other members, creating a supportive and collaborative environment for mutual success. Is Crossroads Right for You? Ask yourself: ⚫ Do you want to be part of something bigger in your community? ⚫ Would you like to attract more customers? ⚫ Do you need support in specific areas of your business? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, Cross- roads is here to help. Whether through direct assistance or connections to the right people, we strive to provide solu- tions to your business challenges. Join Us Today! Become a member of Northwest Indiana’s premier busi- ness network. Contact Nicki Angotti, Director of Member- ship, at 219-769-8180 or nicki@crossroadschamber.org to learn more about how Crossroads can support your busi- ness growth and success. 16 WWW.CROSSROADSCHAMBER.ORGWWW.CROSSROADSCHAMBER.ORG 17 JOIN THE CHAMBERNext >