CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPROVES CREATION OF CHAMBER FOUNDATION
The Greater Valparaiso Chamber Board of Directors has approved the establishment of a Chamber Foundation. The purpose of the Foundation will be to assist in supporting educational business initiatives and broad public policy initiatives for the continuous long-term welfare of a strong economic climate in the greater Valparaiso area. “The approval was made at the June Board of Directors meeting after an extensive review and due diligence by the executive committee that began in 2008,” stated Rex G. Richards, President of the Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce. 

“The creation of a 501(c)3 foundation provides prospective donors with a direct tax deduction from their federal income tax liability,” added Richards.  This can provide an opportunity to be a recipient from other foundations who desire to assist in the Chamber Foundations’ initiatives since many donor foundations limit their giving to other 501(c)3 foundations.  The Chamber Executive Committee will oversee the actual formation of the Foundation through its IRS approval process.  The Foundation will have its own Board of Directors once it is organized.    

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A.M. VALPO ATTENDANCE MILESTONE
CONGRATULATIONS are in order for Debbie Thiel, sales executive at Flanagin's Bulk Mail Service for reaching an A.M. Valpo milestone! Thiel has attended 50 A.M. Valpo monthly networking events since the inception of the program in 2003. 

Commemorative A.M. Valpo coffee mugs were also distributed to members who have attended five programs in 2009. Recipients of mugs were: Dale Price, Dodrill Electric, Inc. and Rich Serletic, Certified Financial Group LLC.

Developed by the Valpo Chamber Small Business/Retail Committee, A.M. Valpo is undoubtedly one of the most successful, free, early-morning networking programs in Valparaiso. Who will be next? Attend A.M. Valpo the first Wednesday of every month at South Bend Chocolate Café at 7:00 a.m. and find out!

Pictured above: Debbie Thiel (center) with A.M. Valpo Lovely Co-hosts John Freyek, Citizens Financial Bank (left) and Gary Taylor, KENPRO Cleaning Services (right).

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VALPO CHAMBER FUNDAY CLASSIC - A "FUNDAY" FOR ALL!
Over 170 participants gathered for the annual Valpo Chamber FunDay Classic Golf Outing at the Course at Aberdeen on June 22, and enjoyed a day filled with fun and relaxation.  The premier golf event provided members with an opportunity to allow themselves, their business associates, and good friends to a great day of golf. Golfers were treated to opportunities to win great prizes, special games, and 18 holes of golf on a beautiful course. Highlights of the day included:

First Place Foursome: Allegius Credit Union with golfers Tom Newton, Sr., Tom Newton, Jr., Matt Warring, and Ken Zagrocki.

Runner Up Foursome: Tech Credit Union with golfers Mike Hussey, Joe Machara, Carl Patz, and Dave Smith.

Skins: Allegius Credit Union, Tech Credit Union, Horizon Bank, Wille & Steiner, and NIPSCO. 

Women’s Longest Drive: Beth Welter, Team YMCA

Men’s Longest Drive: Les Vallow, Team North Coast Distributing

Women’s Longest Putt: Kristin Peterson, Team YMCA

Men’s Longest Putt: Jerry Rodenbarger, Team Sensit Technologies

Women’s Closest to the Pin: Mary Pomeroy, Team Uzelac & Associates

Men’s Closest to the Pin: Mike Hernandez

Other Winners included: Valpo Chamber 50/50 Drawing – Cindy Ross and Shot on the Green – John Freyek, Team Citizens Financial Bank

The generosity of our sponsors is always outstanding and the FunDay Classic was no different.  Thanks to Presenting Sponsors: Porter Health System and Teachers Credit Union; Featured Sponsors: 1^st Source Bank, Centier Bank, Citizens Financial Bank, Harris N.A., NIPSCO, REGIONAL Federal Credit Union, The Times; Contributing Sponsors: Allegius Federal Credit Union, Laciak Accountancy Group, PC, Law Offices of Michael T. Sawyier, Peoples Bank, Scannell Wealth Management Group;  Hole Sponsors: Design Organization, First Trust Credit Union, Hoeppner Wagner & Evans LLP, Horizon Bank, Ivy Tech Community College, Laciak Accountancy Group, PC; Law Offices of Michael T. Sawyier, Town & Country Market, Uzelac and Associates, Valparaiso University, Walsh & Kelly, Working Well.

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VALPO CHAMBER TO HOLD 8th ANNUAL LU-WOW! AUGUST 7
The party like no other!  The Valpo Chamber invites you to the largest and most entertaining rooftop party in Porter County!  The 2009 “Lu-Wow! The Great American Cookout!” will be held on Friday, August 7 atop the Porter County Parking Garage, located at the corner of Napoleon and Indiana Streets, from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. This year’s theme will celebrate the traditional American outdoor cookout with an upscale flair.  Food and drinks this year will be catered by Pikk’s Tavern, live music featuring Delta Straight and to top off the evening, Bada Boom Pyrotechnics Productions will present a fireworks display sponsored by REGIONAL Federal Credit Union. 

Join the fun!  Tickets are on sale now for this casual party under the stars where members, spouses, friend and the community connect!  Rain or shine; must be 21.  To purchase tickets or to obtain further information, contact the Chamber office at (219) 462-1105. 

Presenting Sponsor: Porter Health System; Featured Sponsors: Centier Bank, Citizens Financial Bank, Harris N.A., NIPSCO, REGIONAL Federal Credit Union; Contributing Sponsors: 1^st Source Bank, Computer Services, Inc., Horizon Bank, The Times; Supporting Sponsors: Martin Binder Jeweler, Peoples Bank, Scannell Wealth Management Group, Valuation Services; Fireworks Sponsor: REGIONAL Federal Credit Union
DOWNLOAD EVENT FLYER   ORDER TICKETS ONLINE

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VALPO CHAMBER DIRECTORY MAILING
Next week, be on the lookout for the 2009-10 Membership Directory & Community Resource Guide. For increased Chamber member business visibility, the member-exclusive publication will be mailed to 4,000+ Valparaiso businesses.

Extra books, if needed, will be available at the Chamber office.