Connections Masthead
Your Connection. Your Resource. Your Voice. Your Chamber.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

Allstate Insurance - Hudson Insurance Agency

 

Arthur Murray Dance Studio

 

Deli on the Square, The

 

Dunebrook

 

Jake Bristol State Farm Agency

 

Jean Kohler American Family Insurance Agency

 

LeRoc Salon & Body Bar, LLC

 

Material Matters

 

Valparaiso Values Magazine

 

World Data Systems

Contact Us!
VALPO CHAMBER
162 W. LINCOLNWAY
VALPARAISO, IN 46383
(219) 462-1105
FAX (219) 462-5710
www.valparaisochamber.org

Porterad

Centier 2011 Ad
Frontier Ad

TCUad

Join Us! Find Us! Follow Us!

Join Our Mailing List

Find us on Facebook


Follow us on Twitter

 June 2011
Visit the Valpo Chamber at www.valparaisochamber.org

VALPO CHAMBER NAMED "BEST CHAMBER IN THE REGION" IN BEST OF NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS

GVCC Staff2011
Valpo Chamber Staff from left: Kurt Gillins, Danielle Oeding, Julie Gaskell, Rex Richards, Gloria Lodics, Christine Pazdur, and Susan Antoszewski

Readers of Northwest Indiana Business Quarterly recently picked the "2011 Best of Northwest Indiana" by voting for their favorites in products, businesses, services and lifestyle and the Valpo Chamber was named "Best Chamber in the Region."

  

"Staff knows how to bring the business community together" was the quote in the article.

 

"We are excited with this designation and strive to serve our membership with excellence," states Rex Richards, President.

 

To read the entire article and see all winners named, click here.

 

2011 LEADERSHIP ACADEMY APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

Leadership Academy 2011 LogoThe Valpo Chamber Leadership Academy is looking for the next group to lead the community to greatness.

 

Since 2006, the Leadership Academy has led participants through a four-month community leadership program designed to prepare, challenge, and engage emerging and existing leaders to strengthen the community.

 

During the focused seven-session program, participants will be infused in the community, exploring the public/city government sector, private business sector, and non-profit organizations that currently benefit from local leaders.

 

Upon completion, students are expected to take the insights, skills, and contacts gained and apply them to community organizations.

 

To date, over 50 local organizations have benefited from volunteer time from Leadership Academy participants.

 

The 2011 Leadership Academy is sponsored in part through Silver Partnerships with 1st Source Bank; Citizens Financial Bank; Comcast Business Services; Harris, N.A.; Laciak Accountacy Group PC; REGIONAL federal credit union; The Times Media Company; and Uzelac & Associates, Inc.

 

For additional information or to download the application, click here. Applications are due June 24.

  

DISNEY INSTITUTE COMING TO VALPO CHAMBER!

Disney INstitute

The Valpo Chamber is buzzing about a certain mouse coming to Valparaiso! On Tuesday, August 16, the Valpo Chamber will host Disney Institute. 

 

Disney's Approach to Business Excellence is an exciting workshop for any business professional in any industry. The one-day seminar is divided into four sessions: Leadership Excellence, People Management, Quality Service, and Brand Loyalty.

 

This full-day event will be held at Valparaiso University Harre Union from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.  The cost of attending the event is $400/per person. Payment options are available. Registration will be made available online soon or you can call the Chamber at (219) 462-1105.

 

MAKE RESERVATIONS NOW TO CELEBRATE THE 44th ANNUAL COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT AWARDS JULY 6
 
Join us Wednesday, July 6 at Valparaiso University Harre Union from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. for this annual awards luncheon, sponsored by Porter Health System, that honors local businesses for their commitment and investment in Valparaiso.  cia

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 Valparaiso Historic Preservation Commission will also present its Heritage Award for Historic Preservation at the luncheon. This award is given to the owner of a building whose construction or renovation efforts result in significant enhancements reinforcing the historic character of Valparaiso.

Click here for reservations or contact the Chamber office for additional event information at (219) 462-1105.

Presenting Sponsor: Porter Health System, Contributing Sponsor: Kennedy Mazda.

VALPO CHAMBER 10th ANNUAL LUWOW!
 
Get ready to take off! The 10th Annual Valpo Chamber LuWow, held at the Porter County Regional Airport is almost here! Get your tickets now for this can't-miss event to be held on Friday, August 5, from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.  luwowlogo

Enjoy this entertaining evening under the stars featuring live music, dancing, and the great tastes of Pikk's Tavern.

Join the fun! Click here for tickets to this casual party where members, spouses, friends, and the community connect. Rain or shine; must be 21. For additional information, contact the Chamber office at (219) 462-1105.

Presenting Sponsor: Porter Health System; Featured Sponsors: Centier Bank, Frontier CommunicationsTeachers Credit Union; Contributing Sponsors: 1st Source Bank, Citizens Financial Bank, Comcast Business Class, Harris N.A., Laciak Accountancy Group PCREGIONAL federal credit unionThe Times Media Company, Uzelac & Associates, Inc.; Supporting Sponsors: Berglund Construction, Burke Costanza & Carberry LLP, Hoeppner Wagner & Evans LLP, Horizon BankMacLennan & Bain InsurancePeoples Bank, Rittenhouse Senior Living of Valparaiso, and Scannell Wealth Management Group.

 

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS

totebagPromotional items representing your business may be placed in gift bags given to new members at the New Member Welcome. This is a great way to make new members aware of the services your business provides, and it's a wonderful means of welcoming new member businesses to our chamber. 

 

The gift bag policy calls for items with an approximate value of $2 or more that identifies your business (please no business cards or coupons, unless attached to items).  We can accept any quantity of items you can spare, and we can store excess items until the following reception (September). 

 

The next New Member Welcome will be held on Thursday, June 23, so please drop your items off to the Chamber office before that time.

RIBBON CUTTINGS/GRAND OPENINGS/OPEN HOUSES 
2004 Calumet Ave
(219) 462-8143
Furniture
On May 6, Aaron's Sales & Lease celebrated its 1st Anniversary with a ribbon cutting and open house. Aaron's offers furniture, electronics, computers, and appliances. Aaron's promises customer satisfaction by providing the highest level of service, a large selection of name brand products and guaranteed low price. For additional information on products offered at Aaron's, visit www.shopaarons.com.  
    
 
Diver's Lair 5-11-11
4405 N Calumet, Ste A
(219) 465-DIVE (3483)
Recreation

On May 11, Diver's Lair celebrated their move to a new location with a ribbon cutting and open house. Diver's Lair provides professional scuba training, local and exotic travel, equipment and equipment repair. For additional information, visit www.diverslair.com.


 
689 W US 30  
(219) 759-1274
Mailing Equipment, Products & Services
On May 23, US 30 Postal Express celebrated the opening of its new facility with a ribbon cutting. US 30 Postal Express provides a full menu of products and services for almost everything related to packing, shipping, mailing and business services.  Its staff prides itself on its expertise and understanding of the package transportation network. Whether you need it there as soon as possible, or the most economical way possible, US 30 can deliver! For more information, visit www.us30express.com.
BUSINESS TO BUSINESS TIPS 
HOW TO PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS BLOG WITH SOCIAL MEDIA

Follow these tips to harness the full promotional power of the social web.  

Click here to read article 


THE THREE WAYS TO RAISE PRICES WITHOUT LOSING CUSTOMERS 

Charging more for your products and services can be easier than you think.

Click here to read article
 
THANK YOU...FOR THE CONNECTIONS!
THANKS TO...   Chocolate CafeGary Taylor of KENPRO Cleaning Services, Inc. and Analisa Warring of REGIONAL federal credit union for hosting the very popular Valpo Chamber monthly morning program A.M. Valpo! And Sponsor Teachers Credit Union.

THANKS TO... Visiting Nurse Association for hosting our May Business After Hours!

THANKS TO...the following members who sent in membership leads in April: Michelle Andres; Group 7even LLC; Renee Connelly, Boyd Asphalt, Inc.; David Fritsch, Fritsch ServicesDonette Heinz, Shelter Insurance; Mary Koselke, Blackbird Cafe, Diane Price, Mr. Copyrite; and Randy Zromkoski, Blachly Tabor Bozik & Hartman LLC.

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES

vm advertising

UGuide 6-11

UPCOMING EVENTS     

Thursday, June 16

Percolator Club Monthly Membership Luncheon 
12:00 p.m. 
Strongbow Inn, 2405 US Hwy 30 E
"Northwest Indiana Law Enforcement: Impact Issues" with presenter U.S. District Attorney David Capp
  
Thursday, June 16
Business After Hours
4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. 
Century 21 Pace Realty, 1805 E Lincolnway, Ste 3

Tuesday, June 21
Business EDUCATING Business
8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 
Valpo Chamber, 162 W Lincolnway
"Qualify for Your Loan with a Great Business Plan"
with presenters Joe Laciak, CPA, and Geoff Laciak, CPA from Laciak Accountancy Group, PC and 
Larry Galler from Larry Galler and Associates

RibbonCuttingClick here to reserve today!


Thursday, June 23
Ribbon Cutting
4:30 p.m.
Frontier Communications
2401 Chicago St 
  
Monday, June 27
FunDay Golf Classic
  
Monday, July 4 
Valpo Chamber CLOSED - Independence Day

AMV logo
Wednesday, July 6
A.M. Valpo 
7:00 a.m. 
Chocolate Cafe, 57 Franklin







Wednesday, July 6
Community Improvement Awards
12:00 p.m - 1:30 p.m.
Valparaiso University, Harre Union, 1509 Chapel Dr