Crossroads News Room

The businesses and leaders shaping Northwest Indiana’s future don’t always seek the spotlight — but this spring, Crossroads Chamber is making sure they get it. Crossroads Chamber has officially opened nominations for its 6th Annual Business Excellence Awards Ceremony, set to take place March 12, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Dean and Barbara White Center. The annual event honors the businesses, nonprofits, volunteers, and individuals whose leadership and service strengthen the Region’s economy and communities.

Crossroads Chamber is excited to announce its first-ever Pickleball Tournament, taking place on Friday, February 6, 2026, and proudly hosted by the Crossroads Connects Foundation. Designed as a dynamic blend of friendly competition, networking, and community engagement, this new event invites players of all skill levels to come together for an energizing day on the court.

The Crossroads Chamber of Commerce wrapped up another successful year at its Annual Holiday Board Installation Lunch, held at the picturesque Innsbrook Country Club. Chamber members kicked off the afternoon with festive drinks, photos with Santa, and the opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces and meet new friends before the program officially began.

Crossroads Chamber is launching a new quarterly speaker series, “Voices of Northwest Indiana,” in 2026 to bring together innovators, thought leaders and business professionals for high-impact conversations on the region’s most pressing economic and community topics.

Crossroads Chamber welcomed hundreds of guests to Hard Rock Casino in Northwest Indiana to celebrate 15 years of serving the Northwest Indiana community at the chamber’s annual gala. Putting on the Ritz: Cheers to 15 Years, presented by Franciscan Health, celebrated the chamber’s success in boosting the growth of Northwest Indiana’s business community.

Crossroads Chamber’s Women in Leadership Development (WILD) Committee proudly hosted its 4th Annual Empowering Women’s Brunch yesterday at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster, bringing together community leaders, professionals, and advocates for a morning of inspiration, networking, and empowerment.

On August 4, Crossroads Chamber hosted its highly anticipated Annual Golf Outing at Innsbrook Country Club in Merrillville—presented by long-time title sponsor Franciscan Health. As a dedicated partner and supporter of the Chamber, Franciscan Health continues to exemplify its commitment to the local business community through consistent advocacy, engagement, and event sponsorship.

In this episode of Crossroads Connects, Deanna Patena, President and CEO of Crossroads Chamber, sits down with Nicky Rodriguez, Director of READY Northwest Indiana (Regional Educator and Employers Alliance for Developing Youth), to explore the vital intersection of education and workforce development.

In this episode, Crossroads Chamber President and CEO Deann Patena sits down with Roslyn Malhous of Junior Achievement of Chicago to discuss the incredible impact JA has on youth in our community. They highlight how their organizations collaborate to host JA Chambertown, an annual event that empowers students across Northwest Indiana with real-world financial readiness skills. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about shaping the next generation!

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.