Crossroads In the Media

President and CEO of Crossroads Chamber Deann Patena spotlights organizations, initatives and leaders making a difference in the Northwest Indiana community. Facilitated by Lakeshore Public Media, these new monthly podcasts provide valuable insights and opportunities to connect leaders, keep the business community informed and represent the impact of local efforts in NWI.

Executive Editor Kathy Chaney addressed the Crossroads Chamber of Commerce at the Youche Country Club in Crown Point Tuesday. Local journalism serves a vital role, Chaney said. "In this globalized world, local journalism stands as the pillar of truth, which connects us to not only global narratives but also the heart of our communities," Chaney said. "In the Region, we live in a transformative era where citizen journalism amplifies community voices, empowers residents and encourages them to share their stories that shape the local narrative."

Deann Patena, President/CEO of Crossroads Chamber, receives a 2024 Good Life Award for her commitment to spreading positivity throughout the community and counties she represents. "I first started working with Deann back when we were Valpo.Life and she was running the Radisson. I was a nobody, she was a somebody, and she treated me like I belonged," said Chris Mahlmann (Founder, GreatNews.Life). "With Crossroads, our organizations have been true partners, and she makes our crew feel like they are a part of her team. She represents the true regional chamber bringing people together."

On Friday, December 13, the Crossroads Chamber hosted its Annual Holiday Awards and Board Installation Luncheon at Innsbrook Country Club. Northwest Indiana representatives gathered for a formal luncheon to celebrate their achievements over the past year. The event, which was filled with holiday spirit, served as the Chamber’s final gathering of the year.

On Saturday, November 16th, Crossroads Chamber brought the business and local communities together for its annual gala, A Night of Timeless Elegance: Diamonds and Pearls Gala, held at the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana. The evening celebrated camaraderie, achievement, and the extraordinary contributions of local educators and first responders.

Athena Kasvikis, founder of BeHave Bras and Shark Tank winner, presented as keynote speaker at Crossroad's third annual Empowering Women's Brunch at the Center for Visual & Performing Arts in Munster. The event, held on Thursday morning, November 7th, has become a signature initiative by the Chamber to celebrate women’s achievements and promote a more equitable future.

Methodist Hospitals marked a significant milestone on Wednesday, August 14 with the grand opening of its newly relocated Wound Treatment Center at the Southlake Campus at Pavilion D. The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured remarks from hospital leadership and local community figures, highlighting the center's importance to patient care in Northwest Indiana.

Crossroads Chamber hosted its annual Golf Outing on Monday morning, inviting its members to take on the greens at Innsbrook Country Club. The event, a casual outing for golfers of all skill levels, is one of the most well-attended activities of the year for Crossroads Chamber. As golfers journeyed through Innsbrook’s 18-holes, they participated in different challenges, raffles, and mini-games at different tees. Crossroads also organized breakfast and lunch for participants, a bag drop, and a Bloody Mary & mimosa bar.

On July 17th approximately 350 members registered from chambers across Northwest Indiana (NWI) gathered at the US Steel Yard Stadium for an exciting evening of networking and baseball. Led by the Crossroads Chamber, the event brought together business professionals from 13 chambers across the region, making it a landmark gathering for fostering business-to-business connections.

On the sunny evening of May 31, volunteers from Crossroads Chamber of Commerce kicked off the first day of the 2024 Corn Roast celebration. Residents from Crown Point and its neighboring towns gathered at Bulldog Park to participate in this 46-year-old celebration. This year’s event featured over 20 food trucks and stands, bounce houses, a beer garden with a wide variety of alcoholic beverages on tap, and, of course, plenty of corn.