Crossroads Chamber Receives Statewide Innovation & Excellence Award for Workforce Development Initiative

Crossroads Chamber has been recognized with the Innovation & Excellence Award from the Indiana Chamber Executives Association (ICEA), one of the highest honors presented to chambers of commerce across the state for innovative programming that creates measurable impact within local communities.

Presented during the ICEA Annual Conference, the Innovation & Excellence Award recognizes chambers that demonstrate creativity, leadership, and forward-thinking solutions to the challenges facing their communities. The award celebrates programs that go beyond traditional chamber services by addressing critical issues through innovative, community-driven initiatives.

The Indiana Chamber Executives Association is the statewide professional organization representing chamber of commerce professionals throughout Indiana. Through leadership development, collaboration, and the sharing of best practices, ICEA strengthens local chambers and recognizes organizations that are setting new standards of excellence in community and economic development.

Crossroads Chamber received the award for its groundbreaking workforce development initiative, Your Future, Your Choice, a first-of-its-kind career exploration event created to prepare the next generation of Northwest Indiana’s workforce.

Serving more than 600 businesses across Northwest Indiana, Crossroads Chamber is committed to strengthening the region through economic development, infrastructure, and workforce development. In response to Indiana’s updated high school diploma requirements and the increasing need to build stronger local talent pipelines, the Chamber launched Your Future, Your Choice in 2025 to engage students years before traditional workforce programming begins.

Hosted at the Great Lakes Sports Hub, the event welcomed nearly 600 seventh and eighth grade students from seven Northwest Indiana middle schools. Students interacted directly with nearly 30 local businesses and organizations representing careers requiring associate degrees, technical training, apprenticeships, and professional certifications.

“What makes this recognition so meaningful is that it validates an idea we believed could make a lasting difference,” said Deann Patena, President & CEO of Crossroads Chamber.

“We wanted to introduce students to the incredible career opportunities available right here in Northwest Indiana before they reached high school, when many begin making decisions about their future. By connecting education and industry earlier, we’re helping students discover meaningful career paths while strengthening the workforce our businesses will depend on for years to come.”

Unlike traditional career fairs geared toward high school students, Your Future, Your Choice focuses on early exposure through immersive, hands-on experiences. Students explored careers in construction, manufacturing, healthcare, skilled trades, public safety, engineering, and other high-demand industries by engaging directly with professionals and participating in interactive demonstrations.

The initiative aligns with Indiana’s evolving educational requirements while addressing one of the region’s greatest economic priorities: developing a strong, sustainable workforce pipeline. By introducing students to attainable career opportunities at an earlier age, the program encourages informed decision-making and highlights the many successful pathways available beyond a traditional four-year degree.

“This award reflects the power of collaboration,” Patena said. “We’re grateful to our participating schools, business partners, volunteers, and community organizations who believed in this vision and helped bring it to life. Together, we’re investing in the future workforce of Northwest Indiana.”

Crossroads Chamber was honored alongside chambers from across Indiana whose innovative initiatives are creating meaningful change in their communities.