Among the many surprises that 2020 brought, it was local business, acts of kindness, new developments, life-changing innovations, and workers of all kinds coming together to create projects to better the community that gave those of us in Valparaiso and Porter County a lot to be thankful for. The chaos of 2020 allowed us to publish hundreds of articles, giving our supporters a virtual reminder that we are here to spread the good, even when the world tries to do otherwise.
In no particular order, here are the top 10 business articles from Valpo.Life in 2020:
Strack & Van Til of Valparaiso on U.S. 30 celebrates Grand Re-Opening following extensive remodeling
Strack & Van Til of Valparaiso on U.S. 30 celebrated their grand re-opening this fall following a comprehensive remodel that expanded their vegan and organic options, improved their deli and meat offerings, and made changes to the store layout promising a smoother flow of traffic and a better shopping experience.
Center of Workforce Innovations changes lives, offers training programs that boost clients’ careers
For 20 years the Center of Workforce Innovations (CWI) in Valparaiso has been working to provide demand-driven workforce solutions, helping to sustain and grow the economy while creating a better future for their clients. CWI serves as staff to the Northwest Indiana Workforce Board and provides oversight of nine WorkOne centers. Each center provides no-cost career and employment assistance for job seekers, employers, and young adults.
Shared love for animals leads to downtown, community living at St. Paul Square
Who would have thought that it was the shared love for rescuing dogs that would ultimately lead to the latest project in downtown Valparaiso, St. Paul Square. This all-new, luxury condominium community was started when Jeanne Sommer, owner of CENTURY 21 Alliance, called her friend Mark Forszt, a local entrepreneur in Valparaiso, when she realized the opportunity that lied ahead.
ArcelorMittal Burns Harbor employees demonstrate that the future of mobility is electric
At ArcelorMittal, making steel is a process that involves just as much innovation as any industry in the world. Their engineers develop new steel solutions that find their way into all manner of businesses and products, such as the automotive industry.
Chester Inc. IT helps businesses, schools thrive in remote work environment
When the COVID-19 pandemic first struck, many businesses scrambled to shift their operations to accommodate remote work. Companies around the Region turned to Chester Inc.’s Information Technologies (IT) team to help them make an emergency leap. Chester’s Inc. was ready with everything they could need, since they were already experts at establishing remote work setups.
Wise Guys Discount Liquors celebrates Grand Opening at new Valparaiso location
This summer Wise Guys Liquors celebrated the grand opening of their new, state-of-the-art store in Valparaiso. Located on 2154 West Morthland Drive, the store features a huge catalog of craft beers, wines, and spirits, as well as expert service from friendly staff.
McColly Exclusives features new listings before they hit the market
With two apps and a website, McColly Real Estate certainly takes advantage of different technology platforms to advance and improve the client experience. McColly recently added a new feature to its website that allows customers to browse the latest properties Coming to Market. This feature, called McColly Exclusives, launched on July 17 and can be accessed through the mccolly.com home page under the McColly Exclusives Carousel.
Flanagin’s Bulk Mail Service helps political candidates share their message
With the 2020 election cycle well underway, it is only a matter of time before political candidates start sending you postcards featuring all of their leading policy proposals and accomplishments. You might pile up a dozen of them by the time primary season is over and be left wondering how they even manage to send out so many.
NITCO “invisibly” powers economic development in municipalities
A powerful force is propelling economic development across the Region, and for the most part, it’s completely invisible. It’s touching on nearly every aspect of what helps build strong communities: housing, small business, quality of life, commercial business, large industry, and municipalities, to name a few.
GreatNews.Life Leadership Life Series
As Northwest Indiana’s leading feature news provider, GreatNews.Life is pleased to publish the Leadership Life Series – an ongoing series of insightful video presentations featuring the state’s industry leaders in business, not-for-profit sectors, elected offices, and community advocacy.
