July 2009
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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July 2009
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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July 2009
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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July 2009
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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July 2009
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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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ne 2009
COMPLETE COUNT CENSUS COMMITTEE HEADED BY VALPO CHAMBER PRESIDENT
Mayor Jon Costas appointed Valpo Chamber President Rex Richards to chair the local effort to encourage all citizens to be counted in the 2010 Census. Richards, in turn, has asked the following community leaders to be part of the Complete Count Advisory group: Debbie Anselm, The Times; Buzz Bowen, Gale Carmona, Indiana Legal Services; Mayor Jon Costas, City of Valparaiso; Paul Denesuk, Mortgage Professional Group; Dee Haklin, Ivy Tech Community College; Matt Murphy, City of Valparaiso; and  Pastor Rich Schmidt, Living Hope Community Church.

A great deal of national and local business decisions are made from the changes in Census information as well as a significant amount of Federal and State funds are channeled to communities and states based on statistics derived from the Census. 

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June 2009
NEW VALUE-ADDED SERVICE FOR MEMBERS
You asked.  We listened.
Beginning Friday, June 19, the Valpo Chamber will send a monthly "Members in Motion" newsletter blast, focusing on special announcements members wish to share with the rest of the membership.  This will replace the current "Members in Motion" web page, but will not replace our monthly e-newsletter CONNECTIONS. This is a member-only opportunity to submit business articles – i.e. awards, new additions to staff or promotions of title, change of business location, events – that are 150 words or less. Articles are subject to approval and may be edited. Photos and .pdf documents will not be accepted.  

Due to space constraints, articles will be accepted on a first-come/first-serve basis. Please send articles electronically to antoszewski@valparaisochamber.org, or info@valparaisochamber.org, subject line: Members in Motion. All articles must be received by close of business the third Monday of the month in order to be blasted to membership the third Friday of the month. Late submissions will not be accepted.
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June 2009
LEGISLATIVE HOTLINE TO BE HELD AFTER SPECIAL SESSION
Please note that the next Legislative Hotline will be held after the 2009 Special Legislative Session occurs. The Chamber estimates this will be in July. Members will be informed of the date once the Special Session is completed. 
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June 2009
FORE! IT'S TIME FOR THE VALPO CHAMBER FUNDAY CLASSIC!
The Valpo Chamber’s Annual FunDay Golf Classic will be held this year on Monday, June 22, 2009, at The Course at Aberdeen.  Each year, this event is a great way to do business in a relaxed setting as well as have an enjoyable day. With an A.M. and P.M. flight, this is one of the region’s largest golf outings.   

FunDay is complete with great games to increase your odds. Purchase both your Mulligans and the Nolan Ryan ticket and give your golf ball a toss! And don’t forget to purchase your putting string to get your foursome three feet closer to the hole. Hit a hole in one on the specified hole and you could even win a car! 

Even if you don’t golf you can get in on the fun.  Volunteer on the course and network with business executives.  You can also purchase tickets to the awards dinner separately. Time is running short, so don’t miss your chance to get in on all the golf, games, and good times. Click here to download the registration form or contact Kurt Gillins for more information or to sign up your foursome. 

The 2009 Valpo Chamber FunDay Golf Classic would like to thank the following sponsors: Presenting Sponsors: Porter Health System, Teachers Credit Union. Featured Sponsors:  1st Source Bank; Centier Bank; Citizens Financial Bank; Harris N.A.; NIPSCO; REGIONAL Federal Credit Union; The Times Media Group. Contributing Sponsors:  Allegius Federal Credit Union; Laciak Accountancy Group; Law Offices of Michael T. Sawyier; Scannell Wealth Management Group. Thank you for your support!
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June 2009
MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS NOW FOR THE 42nd ANNUAL COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT AWARDS JULY 7
The City of Valparaiso, The Porter County Builders Association, and the Valpo Chamber cordially invite you to the 42nd Annual Community Improvement Awards (CIA) to be held Tuesday, July 7 at noon at The Harre Union located on the campus of Valparaiso University. 

The awards luncheon, sponsored by Porter Health System, will honor 14 local businesses for their commitment and investment in Valparaiso.  

These projects join the more than 200 properties that have been recognized since the awards program began in 1967. Community Improvement Awards are based on the visual impact of exterior appearance and are judged on the following criteria: enhances the attractiveness of Valparaiso; compatible with the area and environment; creativity/innovation in both design and use of materials; enhances the quality of life and promotes pride in Valparaiso; and makes a commitment to Valparaiso’s future. 

The judges for the 2009 Community Improvement Awards were Chris Campbell, Centier Bank; Donna Flanagin, Flanagin’s Bulk Mail Service; Tom Kennedy, Kennedy Buick/Mazda; and Doug Klemz, Home Mountain Printing. 

To RSVP or to obtain further event information, contact the Chamber office at (219) 462-1105. DOWNLOAD EVENT FLYER
REGISTER ONLINE
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May 2009
VALPO CHAMBER AND VALPARAISO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP. DENOUNCE RECENT RACIAL INCIDENTS IN CITY 
Recently, in the April 22 city editions of the Post-Tribune and The Times newspapers, the Valpo Chamber and Valparaiso Economic Development Corp. publicly denounced the recent racial incidents in the city. Below is what was written to the residents of Valparaiso:

     To: The Residents of Valparaiso

     We are committed to building a stronger and better community, by attracting, creating,
     and retaining quality jobs. We will continue to work tirelessly to do so.

     But a stronger and better community is also a just and tolerant one. The recent race-
     based incidents are repugnant, and are condemned by the Valparaiso business community.
     We support the City's efforts to find the wrongdoers and to take appropriate action
     against them.

     The overwhelming number of citizens of Valparaiso are good and decent people. We must
     stand firm together to fight the hateful acts of a misguided few.
   
     Signed: Rex G. Richards, President, Valpo Chamber
                  James L. Jorgensen, Board Chair, Valparaiso Economic Development Corp.
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May 2009
MEMBERS INVITED TO TAKE LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT SURVEY
Members are invited to participate in the Valpo Chamber's Leadership Development and Community Engagement Survey. You will be asked to complete a series of questions regarding your opinions of leadership and volunteerism in Valparaiso. The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Your participation in this study is completely voluntary and all information is confidential. The survey results will assist the Leadership Engagement Committee and Leadership Academy. Thank you for your time and support.

Click Here to take survey

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May 2009
CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP CAN PUT YOU ON THE MAP!
It takes the right tools to grow your business and it takes customers to keep your business going. The 2009 Valparaiso City Map is the perfect tool to connect with new customers.

The Valparaiso City Map, complete with street guide, advertising index, and points of interest, is the most requested Chamber publication. The new, updated map will publish Fall 2009. The Valparaiso City Map is always a sell-out with Chamber members receiving exclusive opportunity to secure ad space prior to ad sales going public.

For more information on how to reserve ad space on the new, updated 2009 city map, contact Danielle Oeding at (219) 462-1105.
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April 2009
CHAMBER BOARD ADOPTS POLICY POSITIONS ON THREE ISSUES
At the March Board of Directors meeting the Chamber Board adopted three policy positions: support for Porter County's continuing membership in the Regional Development Authority; support for Northern Indiana Commuter Train District (NICTD) and all governmental leaders to continue efforts to bring commuter rail service to Valparaiso; and support for state legislation that would give municipalities the ability to exempt  certain equipment for eligible technology related companies from personal property tax. A copy of each Policy Position can be clicked on for further, detailed reading: RDA, COMMUTER RAIL, TECHNOLOGY DISTRICT.
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March 2009
ENVISION THE FUTURE
Get ready today...  to experience tomorrow
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Since 1998, the Valpo Chamber has partnered with Porter County Middle Schools to provide over 1,000 8th grade students with an amazing educational experience called "Envision the Future."

Envision the Future is a simulation game in which students, projecting themselves to age 28, research and identify their career interests through their class curriculum, consider family size (marital status and number of children), and receive a mock checkbook with the monthly income entered for their specific career. 

Students visit stations, manned by over 170 trained business volunteers, at which they pay their monthly bills. At each station, students make decisions concerning the standard of living they will assume. For example, at the housing station, students decide if they want to pay for a one-bedroom apartment or a three-bedroom house.

The program focuses on the monthly costs associated with rent/mortgage, utilities, taxes, insurance, childcare, and other living expenses such as food and clothing. The program also includes military information in the way of earnings and allowances if the student chooses the military as their future option. 

The program also includes unexpected events such as unemployment, medical bills, and divorce. Students who go through these unexpected events must also visit an assistance station to seek counseling for legal, financial, counseling, or employment education issues.

The 2009 Envision the Future is a Chamber Coalition project between the Valparaiso, Kouts, and Hebron Chambers. The program is scheduled for Thursday, March 19, at the Porter County Expo Center. For more information about Envision the Future or to volunteer, contact Kurt Gillins at (219) 462-1105.
Envision the Future Presenting Sponsor:
Contributing Sponsors: Centier, Harris N.A., REGIONAL Federal Credit Union
In-Kind Donors: Home Mountain Printing; NetNITCO Wireless Broadband; Porter County Expo Center; Strongbow Inn; and Wal-Mart
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February 2009
VALPO CHAMBER BLOOD DRIVE
The Valpo Chamber is sponsoring a blood drive on Friday, February 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The bloodmobile will be in front of the Chamber office located at 162 W. Lincolnway.

In order to donate blood, you must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 lbs., and be in good general health. Please be sure to bring a photo ID. An individual can donate blood every 56 days.

Each hour, a visitor's name will be entered into a drawing to receive a $20 Valpo Chamber Gift Certificate, redeemable at over 100 participating member businesses.

To reserve a donation time, please visit www.donorpoint.org and click "Find a Drive." Walk-ins are also welcome. For more information, contact the Chamber office at (219) 462-1105 or the Indiana Blood Center at (765) 446-4216.
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To read more about our Blood Drive in our President's Blog, click below