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, or employment education issues.

The 2011 Envision the Future is a Chamber Coalition project between the Valpo, Kouts, and Hebron Chambers. The program is scheduled for Tuesday, March 15, at the Porter County Expo Center.

Special thanks to Presenting Sponsor Porter Health System, Contributing Sponsors Centier Bank, Frontier Communications, Teachers Credit Union, and In-Kind Donors: Porter County Fair & Expo Center and Wal-Mart.

For more information about the event or to volunteer, contact Kurt Gillins at (219) 462-1105. 
 

TEAMS HAD A "BALL" AT THE INAUGURAL BOWL-A-RAMA!

The Valpo Chamber's Inaugural Bowl-A-Rama! was a huge success. This event, held at the Inman's Bowling and Recreation Center, boasted 29 teams with a total of 118 bowlers. The cold, wintry February afternoon was warmed up with networking, team building, and good times. Check out the pictures here!

Bowl-A-Rama! was sponsored by Porter Health System and Opportunity Enterprises, Inc. If you missed it this year, you will have another chance in 2012. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, February 7, 2012, for the 2nd Annual Bowl-A-Rama!