Business news

Trainer wins national award

Patrick Ohaver, coordinator of Methodist Hospitals Sports Medicine Program, has been recognized by the Secondary School Committee of the
National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), according to a release.

Ohaver was recently named Athletic Trainer of the Year for NATA District 4, which covers several states in the Great Lakes region, which puts him in the running for the title of National Secondary School Athletic Trainer of the Year, the release said.

The National Athletic Trainers Association’s (NATA) annual conference is in June in New Orleans.

PNW announces winners of 2024 Big Sell

Three innovators were awarded investment capital for their startup pitches after earning judges’ top picks April 27 in the 13th annual The PNW Big Sell pitch competition, according to a release. The PNW Big Sell is hosted by PNW’s Office of Commercialization and Research and sponsored by PNW’s College of Business, Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) and Centier Bank.

Jonathan Rose earned first place and $10,000 for the pitch for ModMath. The application is intended to assist students with dyslexia and dysgraphia complete math exercises with a digital interface instead of a physical writing utensil and paper, the release said.

Emily Edwards earned second place and $3,000 for the pitch for Paradise Spreads and Danielle Cruz-Lopez received third place and $1,000 for Sepsis Slayers, the release said. For more information about The PNW Big Sell, visit pnw.edu/thepnwbigsell.

Business owner to receive Champion Medal

The inaugural Methodist Hospitals Champion Medal will be presented to Mamon Powers Jr. at Methodist Hospitals Foundation’s gala on June 1,
according to a release.

The award is designed to honor the profound influence of individuals whose unwavering dedication and service to Methodist Hospitals have shaped its existence and propelled its mission to deliver exceptional healthcare to all in need, the release said. Tickets for the event may be purchased online at Methodisthospitals.org or by calling the Foundation office at 219-886-4468.

Powers has served Methodist Hospitals in many governance capacities, including as Chairperson of the Methodist Hospitals Board of Directors, Committee Chairperson of its Finance Committee, Board Member of the Methodist Hospitals Foundation, and most recently, as a Life Advisory Member of the hospital’s board, the release said.

IUN sets economic development academy

Indiana University Northwest’s School of Business and Economics (SOBE) will host the inaugural Economic Development Academy (EDA), a
seven-week, in-person and virtual training program focused on regional economic development, according to a release.

The program, which runs May 21 through July 2, will connect economic development approaches with practice, using current research, case studies, guest speakers and lively discussions, the release said.

Regional economic development professionals will serve as program leaders, including Anthony Sindone and Micah Pollak, IUN, economists
specializing in regional economic development; Rick Calinski, NIPSCO, Director of Public Affairs and Economic Development; Heather Ennis,
Northwest Indiana Forum, President and CEO; and Seth Spencer, Sera Group, CEO.

The Economic Development Academy takes place over seven weeks, with in-person sessions at IU Northwest every other Tuesday from 9 a.m. to
noon, starting May 21, the release said. Registration is $395 per participant, with discounts for multiple registrations. For information, contact Pollak at mpollak@iu.edu or 219-980-6913.

Around the Clock CEO accepted into program

Around the Clock Ambulance CEO Alex Dunlap III, has accepted the invitation to join the 2024 cohort of the Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) program, according to a release.

The ICCC tuition-free training program is designed to help small business owners in under-resourced communities build capacity and resiliency for long-term sustainable growth, the release said.

The 2024 program will feature more in-person programming and peer-to-peer connections, and entrepreneurs will receive the tools and resources to scale, grow, and sustain their businesses, the release said.

Woodland Child Development Center to Host Annual Fundraiser May 25th

Woodland Child Development Center’s annual fundraiser, “An Enchanted Evening,” will be held at 6 p.m. May 25 at the Gary (Miller Beach)
Aquatorium, 6918 Oak Ave., Gary.

Food, music, dancing and a live auction are planned, according to a release. Award-winning actress, author and model Altovise Ferguson will be the featured soloist, the release said. Actress Lisa Beasley (“Corporate Erin”), will also entertain while serving as the program host for the evening.

Single sales tickets are $100, and $150 per couple. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Located in Hammond, Woodland services more that 250 children through early learning enrichment programs. For more information, visit www. woodlandcdc.com.

Hanover Central student wins credit union scholarship

Madison Paige Paulauski, a student at Hanover Central High School, is the 2024 recipient of the Advance Financial Federal Credit Union
Scholarship, according to a release.

The annual $2,000 college scholarship is earmarked to a graduating high school senior who exemplifies academic excellence and a commitment to their future goals, the release said.

Paulauski, a resident of Cedar Lake, graduated with high honors, placing within the top 10% of her class. She is expected to attend Grand Valley State University’s Frederik Meijer Honors College, where she is accepted as a Dance Major, the release said.