Remembering region business leaders

Whether a small business owner, a grant facilitator, politician, emergency medical services trainer or a volunteer helping raise funds for the community, their presence and contributions will be greatly missed.

Local dealership takes care of community

MERRILLVILLE | The year was 1913. Lincoln Highway was dedicated as the first cross country road for automobiles. Ford Motor Co. introduced the assembly line, dramatically cutting down production time.

20 UNDER 40: Demonstrating leadership at work, in community

Shontrai DeVaughn Irving is a prominent attorney who believes in serving his State Farm clients well and giving back to the community. Irving has been a foster parent to more than 30 children during the past five years.

20 UNDER 40: Khadivar balances career, family commitments, community service

Jennifer Khadivar has quickly risen through the ranks at the University of Phoenix Northwest Indiana Campus in Merrillville.

20 UNDER 40: Ricci finds entrepreneurial success, gives back to community

Dean Ricci Jr. started mowing lawns in Lakes of the Four Seasons when he was 10. Several decades later, he has grown from a little boy pulling a lawn mower behind his bike to the owner of a multimillion dollar landscaping management company.

20 UNDER 40: Former NFL player raises money to help children, families

Former National Football League player Jared Tomich, who owns several Northwest Indiana businesses, founded and runs an organization dedicated to helping young cancer victims and their families. Tomich also promotes physical fitness for all ages and ability levels.

20 UNDER 40: Realtor a visionary who builds partnerships, creates opportunities

Realtor Joshua Lybolt is a "visionary who builds partnerships and creates opportunities for many people" says Pat Obi, a professor in the department of finance and economics Purdue University Calumet.

Wiring Up: TECH HIGH SCHOOLS

Using technology to improve students' motivation and performance and to prepare them for entering college and the job market are the primary goals for Calumet High School and the Hammond Academy of Science and Technology, a charter school.

Family Business: GENERATIONS OF JOBS

Chris Mallers, Senior Program Director Southlake YMCA

Being involved with the YMCA is in Senior Program Director Chris Mallers' blood. His father, Phil Mallers, has been involved with the YMCA for 36 years. The senior Mallers became Director of Southlake YMCA when the current facility was being built in 1996.

Leon Dombrowski

Cover story: 2011 professionals to watch

Brian E. Rossi, Broker/Owner, with William V. Taylor, Jr., Realtor, Rossi & Taylor Realty Group

Angela Ramos, Owner, Inspiration Fitness

Charles W. McGill, Executive Director, Entech Innovation Center

Being the fourth generation of his family to call Valparaiso home, Charles W. McGill has a vested interest in seeing his city thrive.

OMG MOM'S ON FB!

The date was April 30, 2009. It was my birthday and I had the day off. I kept hearing so much about Facebook from my daughters and other friends that I decided to go online and find out just what this Facebook thing was all about. I found it on the web and signed up with no profile picture a…