News Release
The Duneland Chamber of Commerce honored the businesses, organizations, and individuals making a lasting impact across the Duneland community during its Annual Community Awards Luncheon held recently at the Spa Special Events Center in Porter.
Each year, the Community Awards recognize those whose work has strengthened the community through business investment, volunteerism, public service, and leadership. During this year’s luncheon, Linnea Forchetti was named the 2026 Duneland Distinguished Woman, an honor recognizing a woman whose dedication, leadership, and service have made a meaningful impact on the Duneland community.
2026 Community Award Honorees
New Construction Award
– CIT Trucks
Business Renovation Awards
– Beaches & Beyond Gift Shop
– Chesterton Art Center
– Chesterton Town Hall & Chesterton Fire Department
– Empath Wellness
– Gallery 1882
– Hard Rock Concrete Cutters
Putting Duneland on the Map Award
– Chesterton Railside Arts and Cultural District
Humanitarian of the Year
– Terry Lewis
Golden Achievement Award
– Anne Walsh
Volunteer of the Year
– Duneland Garden Club
Serviceperson(s) of the Year
– Chesterton Police Officers Cpl. Nolan Mancera and Lt. David Virijevich
Duneland Distinguished Woman
– Linnea Forchetti
“One of my favorite things about the Community Awards is that even though every award tells a different story, they all have one thing in common: someone choosing to invest in our community,” said, Events & Marketing Manager Rachel Campbell. “Their efforts help make Duneland a place where people want to live, work, and play, and it’s an honor for the Duneland Chamber to recognize them.”