Networking Opportunities

Build Your Business...
Early morning risers enjoy a cup of gourmet coffee while exchanging information about their business at A.M. Valpo; at a roundtable discussion business professionals are gaining practical skills and valuable insight to keep them focused and on the fast track to success in Business EDUCATING Business; in a sociable, relaxed setting relationships are being built, leads are being exchanged and businesses are being connected at Business After Hours. The Valpo Chamber offers these and many other networking opportunities; connecting people in efforts to make business processes easier and more profitable.

Make the most out of your membership by attending the wide variety of events we hold for our Members! You want to be even more involved? Consider sponsoring an event. The exposure for your company will be invaluable!

A.M. VALPO (Monthly)

  • First Wednesday of each month - 7:00-8:00 a.m., Chocolate Café - 57 Franklin (downtown Valparaiso)
  • 30 second introduction by all attendees
  • One pre-selected business featured each month
  • Improve your networking and speaking skills

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS (Monthly)

  • Social mixers hosted by members at
    their places of business.
  • Usually held between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m.
  • Make new contacts; follow-up to cultivate.
  • The more you participate, the more you know and are known.

LEADERSHIP ENGAGEMENT
                   

  • Instill heightened personal commitment to community involvement
  • Encourage leadership and engagement within the community and Chamber
  • Develop awareness of the opportunities and challenges existing in the Valparaiso area
  • Provide opportunities for social and/or cultural enrichment activities
  • Organizes annual Leadership Academy

PERCOLATOR CLUB (Monthly, 2nd Thursday)

  • Noon luncheon meeting for all members.
  • Speaker or special interest presentation for the local business community.
  • Quality time with fellow business professionals.

BUSINESS EDUCATING BUSINESS WORKSHOPS

  • Three and half hour educational Workshop/Seminar on topics to help your business succeed
  • Past topics: customer service, web sites, Quicken and marketing/advertising


PUBLIC POLICY FORUM (Monthly)

  • First Friday of each month at 7:30 a.m., Valpo Chamber.
  • Monitor and discuss public issues.
  • Featured speaker to discuss hot topic issues.
  • Work with local, state, and federal governments to resolve problems and promote business.

LEGISLATIVE HOTLINE (Monthly, Jan-May)

  • First and third Friday of each month from 7:30-8:00 a.m., Valpo Chamber
  • Meet and talk with our state legislators and help shape the annual public policy agenda.

RIBBON CUTTINGS (Vary)

  • Ceremony to celebrate grand openings or new businesses in Valparaiso
  • Meet new businesses

ANNUAL MEETING (Annual - January)

  • Luncheon program to report accomplishments to the membership, recognize committees and featuring the Mayor's "State of the City" address.

SALUTE TO LEADERSHIP DINNER (Annual - January)

  • Historic "Changing of the Guard"
  • Tribute to outstanding community leaders, Distinguished Community Leader Awards, Legacy of Service Award & recognition of outgoing Valpo Chamber Board.

FUNDAY GOLF OUTING (Annual - June)
 

  • Held the 4th Monday in the month of June
  • Day of golf, relaxation, games and fun
  • Over 200 local business participants
  • Sponsorship opportunities

COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT AWARDS (Annual - July)

  • Luncheon program recognizing community businesses which have made improvements that enhance the quality of life and attractiveness of the city and show commitment to its future.

LU-WOW (Annual - August)

 

  • A rooftop rendezvous held the 1st Friday in August on top of the Porter County Parking Garage
  • Casual party under the stars where members, spouses, friends and the community connect
  • Live music, food, dancing
  • Sponsorship opportunities

CHAMBER NETWORK NIGHT (Annual - October)
 

  • The ultimate in county-wide business-to-business networking hosted by the Porter County Chamber Coalition and held at the Porter County Expo Center.
  • Visit, exchange ideas and information
  • Sponsorship opportunities
  • Over 150 exhibitors; 700+ visitors annually