Crossroads Chamber Celebrates Anniversary at “Putting on The Ritz: Cheers to 15 Years” Gala

Crossroads Chamber hosted its annual Gala on Saturday, November 15, at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, welcoming more than 400 attendees to celebrate the organization’s 15th anniversary. This year’s theme, “Putting on the Ritz: Cheers to 15 Years,” honored the Chamber’s continued impact on Northwest Indiana’s business community and its growth since the organization’s formation in 2010.

This year’s Gala featured a silent auction, a jewelry pull, and opportunities for members, partners, and community leaders to network and celebrate the Chamber’s legacy. The highlight of the evening was the recognition of five outstanding individuals whose service and dedication have had a significant impact on Northwest Indiana.

Crossroads Chamber CEO and President Deann Patena shared her appreciation for the milestone celebration, stating, “This Gala is not just a celebration of our past 15 years — it’s a testament to the strength, resilience, and unity of our business community. Crossroads is thriving because of the members, partners, and leaders who invest in each other and in Northwest Indiana every day.”

Award Recipients:
Inspiring Educators
• Dr. Tammy Betz, The Colonel Wheeler Middle School
• Brian Trapp, Crown Point High School

Police Officers of the Year
• Corporal Daniel R. Lee, Crown Point Police Department
• Sergeant Lance Schmidt, Merrillville Police Department

Firefighter of the Year
• Mitchell S. Crooker, Dyer Fire Department

Chairman of the Board John Jordan added, “The Gala is our annual event where we, Crossroads members, get to recognize our partners, sponsors, and each other — and we get to do it in a way that is impactful, with a great celebration, at a great venue with great food and drinks. It’s an honor to get to work so closely with our business community to make Northwest Indiana stronger!”

During the event, John Jordan highlighted the organization’s continued commitment to supporting local school systems. He shared a message inspired by Benjamin Franklin’s words: “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

“With that spirit in mind, the Crossroads Chamber is honored to continue investing in the future of our community — our students — through these contributions to our local school foundations,” Jordan said. “Each year, we’re proud to support the educators and programs that inspire learning, empower innovation, and strengthen the very foundation of Northwest Indiana.”

The Chamber presented contributions to three educational partners:
Crown Point Community School Corporation — Accepted by Assistant Superintendent Mark Gianfermi
Merrillville Education Foundation — Accepted by Gail Nicolini
Porter Township Education Foundation — Accepted by President Terry Tafflinger

“Together, these foundations represent the heart of our community’s future — ensuring that every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed,” Jordan added.

NIPSCO proudly supported Crossroads’ 15-year milestone as the First Responders Award sponsor. “We are honored to recognize first responders whose dedication and sacrifice keep our communities safe,” said Alexius Barber, public affairs and economic development manager at NISPCO. “NIPSCO remains committed to supporting, educating and training first responders, which is vital to strengthening our public safety network.”

Franciscan Health, the presenting sponsor of this year’s event and a legacy partner of the Chamber, has long been a dedicated supporter and advocate of the organization. “We are blessed to be part of a Chamber – a group of talented NWI business leaders – committed to improving the lives of our neighbors who make up the Region’s unique communities,” said Richard Peltier, Executive Director of Franciscan Health Foundation. “Each of us is called to serve and create transformational impact.”

Crossroads Chamber extends its sincere gratitude to the remaining sponsors who made the 15th Anniversary Gala possible:

• Presenting Sponsor — Franciscan Health
• Showstopper Entertainment Sponsor — IBEW Local 697
• Emerald Sponsor — Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana
• Theme Sponsor — Crow Holdings
• Speakeasy Bar Sponsors — American Structurepoint, CORE Construction
• Paparazzi Sponsor — Trinity Displays
• Luxe Centerpiece Sponsor — Luxor Homes
• First Responder Sponsor — NIPSCO
• Inspiring Educator Sponsor — Purdue Federal Credit Union
• Vintage Wine Sponsor — ABCO General Contractors and Real Estate Services