Economic Development

You’ll find it in the friendly streets of small towns like Hebron and Kouts, the charming downtown festivals and markets of Chesterton, the world-class arts scene and upscale dining of Valparaiso, and the warm summer days spent on Lake Michigan in Portage. It’s the rich tapestry of history, scenery, and daily life that weaves the Indiana Dunes together. Want to know the real Indiana Dunes? Find it in our communities.

Journeyman Distillery

"We consider ourselves some of the biggest recruiters for Porter County... We feel like, as a business owner, the local government has been incredibly supportive, pro-business."

Bill Welter and Johanna Welter, the co-founders of Journeyman Distillery, discuss what it's like running a business in Porter County.

Maxwell Family Farms

"I think the quality of life is tremendous... if I was an entrepreneur and looking for somewhere to set my stake, I think Porter County would be tremendous place to establish a new business."

Matt Maxwell, of Maxwell Family Farms, discusses the area's quality of place and life, specifically highlighting the educational opportunities, family benefits, and geographic diversity of Porter County.

Rice Farms

"I'm a fourth-generation farmer. Porter County has so many amenities and things to draw us there. Everything from Downtown Valparaiso and the dining scene to the State Park [and] the National Park on Lake Michigan." 

Scott Rice, from Rice Farms, discusses all the amazing things for employees to do in Porter County.

Urschel Laboratories

"For anybody coming to Northwest Indiana from an entrepreneurial standpoint, the best piece of advice I can give them is to check out their local chambers." 

Rick Urschel, from Urschel Laboratories, discusses the chamber of commerce community in Porter County and what it's like to live, work, and play here.