Top 10 Business Articles on LaPorteCounty.Life in 2025

A lot of business is conducted in Northern Indiana, and GreatNews.Life is there to capture the biggest moments. Whether that’s spotlighting some of the businesses making an impact on the day-to-day lives of those living in Northern Indiana or helping find our readers a home in an ever-expanding market, we’re proud to serve as a leader in business reporting in the area.

2025 saw a lot of focus placed on the people who help production run throughout Northern Indiana. New ventures were introduced, old ones were reacquainted, and a special spotlight shone on the employees who make every successful business work.

In no particular order, here are the Top 10 business articles on LaPorteCounty.Life to recap the good news in 2025!

Larson-Danielson Construction turns teamwork into community impact

Larson-Danielson Construction has been a trusted name in the Region for decades. Since its inception, it has defined community involvement as a blend of financial generosity and hands-on service.

“For the past five generations, we have firmly held the belief that there’s always time to give back, whether it’s with our time or our talent,” said Heather CyGan, Human Resources Generalist at Larson-Danielson Construction.

Fourth-generation owner and the company’s previous President, Tim Larson agrees that supporting the community has always been a critical part of Larson-Danielson Construction.

Marketing and Communications Director Erika Mihalek captures the story of Ivy Tech

Erika Mihalek has always been captivated by the power of storytelling. This passion led her to a career in the communications field, and for the past two years, she has served as the Marketing and Communications Director at Ivy Tech Community College’s Valparaiso, Michigan City, and La Porte campuses. In this role, she crafts compelling narratives that strengthen community engagement and drive impact in higher education across Northwest Indiana and beyond.

“From an early age, I have always had a love of storytelling,” Mihalek said. “Growing up, story hour was always my favorite. I’ve always loved being able to take in new concepts and new stories. As human beings, we all have unique stories, and I love connecting with individuals, learning and sharing their stories, and the art of persuasion. My interest in journalism began at an early age because I’m somebody who loves to write. I love to help set the scene and paint a picture with words.”

Service and trust: Choose First Trust Credit Union, where you’re put first

Having just celebrated 65 years of business on New Year’s Eve in 2024, First Trust Credit Union operates on the basis of service and trust, building personal relationships with members (account holders) and putting their needs first. Serving La Porte, Porter, Jasper, Newton, and Pulaski counties, anyone who lives or works within these counties or has a family member who is a current account holder is eligible to become an account holder. To begin, new account holders simply need to deposit $25 into a savings account.

“First Trust Credit Union, I believe, is very unique in who we are. Our staff provides friendly, knowledgeable service to our account holders,” said Marketing Director Dorene Martinson. “We get to know our account holders. It’s very personal. We strive to take care of our account holders, and really get to know them and their financial needs. Our friendly, outstanding service definitely sets us apart.”

Connection, capacity, & cost: North Judson resident Kami Tupiak notices immediate improvement in service with Surf Internet

Up until 2024 when she switched to Surf Internet, GreatNews.Life Partnership & Office Coordinator Kami Tupiak had only one choice of internet provider for her home in North Judson. Having lived in North Judson for 14 years, Tupiak experienced the ups and downs of internet service in a small town, often experiencing a laggy, unreliable internet connection and even complete internet outages for hours at a time. This proved to be a challenging obstacle for her and her family, particularly when she was working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. When Surf Internet expanded its fiber-optic internet services to North Judson in 2024, Tupiak was quick to make the switch.

Pavilions, lofted barns, animal shelters, playhouses and more: A look at the versatile craftsmanship of AJ Portable Buildings

In 2011, AJ Portable Buildings Owner Pat Dykes was approached by the owners of Marten Builders out of Southern Illinois with the idea of selling buildings. After some back and forth, Dykes sealed the deal and has since been offering the Northern Indiana and surrounding regions customizable Yoder’s portable buildings and structures to best suit their needs. 

Today, AJ’s has 11 lots that run from Lafayette to Mishawaka with a large inventory that not only provides extra space, but also a place for the community to grow with the team’s ability to create specialized projects unique to each city, area, and customer.

Purdue Federal Credit Union shows appreciation for nurses and teachers

This week, Purdue Federal Credit Union (Purdue Federal) celebrated Nurse Appreciation Week and Teacher Appreciation Week, honoring the hard work, community impact, and dedication of both nurses and teachers.

To recognize nurses, Purdue Federal hosted a social media contest from May 6 to May 8, where anyone could nominate their favorite nurse through the credit union’s Facebook page. Three winners were selected at random and announced on May 9, each receiving self-care items, Purdue Federal swag, and a gift card.

Beachwalk blends luxury living with resort amenities on the shores of Lake Michigan

Tucked along the shores of Lake Michigan, Beachwalk is both a resort and a neighborhood – a place where families spend their summers or put down roots for a more permanent life on the beach. It’s a vacation community offering a blend of luxury and tranquility in Northwest Indiana, with chances for kayaking, fishing, beach volleyball, tennis, and more.

Managed by 1st American Management Company, Beachwalk maintains its charm and order through year-round care. With its scenic views, plentiful amenities and leisure activities, and a close-knit neighborhood, many families stay for decades. One of those long-term residents is Rich Murphy, who, along with his wife Jill, has called Beachwalk home for 25 years.

Jessica Vera: Fostering Growth for Members, Team, and Community

Jessica Vera, the assistant sales manager at Purdue Federal Credit Union’s Monroe St. Branch in La Porte, embodies the credit union’s “People helping People” philosophy every day. Having grown with the credit union through several member consultant roles, she now leads her team with a focus on mentorship and member success.

“I value our team and our members,” Vera says. “I would not be where I am without either one of them. I am very fortunate to be our branch’s assistant sales manager.”

Kyle Nelson ignites decade-long passion with Burn ‘Em Brewing

Between crafting beer and game nights, Burn ‘Em Brewing strives to create a memorable experience for all of its customers. In order to ensure that message is felt, the brewery has assembled a group of employees that are passionate about brewing.

One team member who has admired Burn ‘Em Brewing long before joining the team is Kyle Nelson. As the assistant tap room manager and bar lead, Nelson looks forward to working everyday in an environment that brings him joy.

Hartman Global continues to monitor AI’s national impact on copyright and trademark law

New technology continuously tests copyright law, and artificial intelligence (AI) is no different.

Given the nature of copyright law, creatives are particularly susceptible to the ongoing dance between AI and copyright. Arts such as music, movies, writing, and more traditionally rely on personal creativity, something which copyright law was enacted to protect. With AI technology, one’s creative work or portions of it can be easily recycled by others.

For example, when one asks ChatGPT to write a blog or article, ChatGPT will pull from various websites across the internet to do so, meaning there is a chance that it will reuse particular phrasing from those sites word-for-word.