Creating Good News: A Conversation with Chris Mahlmann & the Tools Behind GreatNews.Life

Event Information

Join us for a look inside GreatNews.Life with founder Chris Mahlmann as he shares the journey of building an exclusively positive media company that’s all about celebrating the good within our communities. Hear how it all started, what keeps it thriving, and enjoy a hands-on peek from Jenny Craig-Brown at a few tools used to create content to serve the mission in today’s media landscape.

About the Speakers

Chris Mahlmann, founder of GreatNews.Life, launched ValpoLife in 2009 and expanded with PortageLife, LaPorteCountyLife, NWIndianaLife, and Michiana.Life, creating a thriving network of good-news media that uplifts communities across Northwest Indiana. Drawing on his background in market data, news, and technology, Chris built GreatNews.Life as a unique platform that connects people through all-positive stories, events, and visual media. His work has garnered numerous awards, including the Small Business Journalist of the Year and permanent fellowship in the Northwest Indiana Society of Innovators. Today, with over 30 employees and over 65,000 stories published, Chris and his team continue to bring communities closer through the power of positivity.

Jenny Craig-Brown serves as the Executive Director of GreatNews.Life, where she has been instrumental in driving the company’s mission of community-focused, positive news since 2013. With a background in graphic design and a deep commitment to promoting positive news, Jenny leads daily operations, manages business development, and builds marketing partnerships to ensure company and client success. She is also the founder and host of All About the Girls, an annual event and podcast that spotlights and celebrates the incredible women of Indiana.