Crossroads In the Media

The Crossroads Chamber, in partnership with Junior Achievement of Chicago, proudly hosted the annual JA Chambertown event on March 18 at the Dean and Barbara White Community Center, providing students across Northwest Indiana with essential budgeting and life skills. This hands-on program offers real-world experience in financial management, helping students understand the costs of daily life and make informed financial decisions.

Crossroads Chamber will host its highly anticipated annual Business Expo on Tuesday, May 20, at the Dean and Barbara White Community Center. With 70 businesses expected to participate, the expo runs from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and serves as a premier business-to-business event, offering companies a valuable opportunity to showcase their products, missions and services. Attendees can connect with industry professionals, explore a diverse range of exhibitors, and gain insights from experts, making it an essential event for both established entrepreneurs and new business owners.

Crossroads Chamber is seeking sponsors for its annual Corn Roast, the chamber's biggest fundraiser event, on Friday, May 30, and Saturday, May 31, at Bulldog Park in Crown Point. With an anticipated 10,000 attendees, this two-day event promises to be an unforgettable celebration of local businesses, live entertainment, and delicious food.

Over 300 people representing businesses across Northwest Indiana gathered together for a night of fun, networking, and celebration at the fifth annual Crossroads Chamber Business Excellence Awards on Thursday, March 6. Held at the Dean and Barbara White Community Center in Merrillville, the ceremony honored businesses in the Region and all they do to create economic prosperity while enhancing the quality of life in their communities.

In this episode, Crossroads Chamber President & CEO Deanne Patina sits down with Rick Peltier, Executive Director of Franciscan Health Foundation, to discuss the foundation’s vital role in addressing healthcare accessibility and food insecurity in the community. They explore the importance of partnerships with organizations like the Chamber, Rotary Club, Lions Club, and the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana in supporting initiatives such as the Fresh Start Markets and mobile food distribution. These programs provide healthy, accessible food options to those in need, with a focus on long-term solutions through the foundation’s Produce RX program. Rick also highlights the foundation’s commitment to world-class healthcare, including the upcoming Dean and Barbara White Family Cancer Center in Crown Point, made possible by a historic $30 million donation. The conversation emphasizes how collaboration, sponsorships, and community-driven solutions are making a real difference in improving health outcomes.

Crossroads Chamber, the largest Chamber in Lake County and a leading regional advocate for business development and success, hosted its Career Discovery Union Showcase Tour on Friday, February 21, 2025. This immersive experience brought together guidance counselors from eight towns—Crown Point, Merrillville, Boone Grove, East Chicago, Hobart, Lake Station, Valparaiso, and Mishawaka—to explore alternative career pathways for students not pursuing traditional college routes.

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.