Local Initiatives and Events Highlighted in Northwest Indiana
PNW Innovators Host SPARK Summit
The Society of Innovators at Purdue University Northwest hosted the inaugural SPARK Summit in May at the Westville campus. The event attracted approximately 150 students from six high schools in Northwest Indiana. Its goal was to inspire creativity, innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurial thinking. Throughout the day, students engaged in keynote presentations and interactive workshops focusing on problem-solving, confidence, collaboration, and skills for the future.
Nationally recognized speakers, including INDYCAR driver Charlie Kimball and branding strategist Olivia West, addressed the students. Their sessions covered overcoming challenges, building personal brands, creative collaboration, and developing innovative mindsets.
NWIBRT Announces 2026 Leadership
The Northwest Indiana Business RoundTable announced its 2026 Executive Committee officers. The organization, which represents diverse industries, aims to advance safety, workforce development, and operational excellence in the region’s construction and industrial sectors. The newly appointed officers include:
- Chair: Robert Joseph, ArcelorMittal USA Research
- Vice Chair: Jacob Lenson, Purdue University Northwest
- Treasurer: Adam Fauth, NIPSCO
- Secretary: Dewey Pearman, Construction Advancement Foundation
- Executive Director: Andrea Pearman
The 2026 Board of Directors features notable members from organizations such as Steel Cities Steels, Franciscan Health, Goodwill Industries, NIPSCO, and Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.
HealthLinc to Open Newton County Office
HealthLinc plans to open its new office in Newton County with a community celebration on June 5 in Morocco. The event, running from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., features free health screenings, provider meet-and-greets, giveaways, food, and family-friendly activities. HealthLinc Newton aims to expand access to affordable healthcare services in the area, providing care regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.
Suicide Prevention Courses Offered by Franciscan Health
Franciscan Health is partnering with Sounds of Sarah and the Lake County Health Department to offer free suicide prevention courses this summer. The QPR Suicide Prevention Course will occur on June 17 and August 4 at Sounds of Sarah in Griffith. The course aims to reduce suicidal behaviors through proven training and requires registration.
PNW Big Sell Winners Announced
Purdue University Northwest’s annual pitch competition, the PNW Big Sell, concluded with three entrepreneurs receiving seed funding. The competition selected ten finalists from video submissions, who then presented six-minute live pitches. The 2026 winners were:
- First Place ($10,000): GlucoCare by Simrah Khan
- Second Place ($3,000): Low Angle by Kenneth Webster
- Third Place ($1,000): The ANT Tool by Aaron Farrer
Free Community Baby Shower
Franciscan Health, along with community partners, will host a free community baby shower for expecting mothers. The Tea and Tiny Kicks Community Baby Shower will provide information on the Count the Kicks app, aiding pregnant women in monitoring baby movements. The event takes place on June 27 at the Gary Public Library and Cultural Center, featuring educational sessions, gifts, and community resources. Registration is required and available online.