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CHAMBER ANNUAL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS CHAMBER SUCCESSES AND PREMIERES MAYOR'S "STATE OF THE CITY" ADDRESS | |
On January 25, the Valpo Chamber hosted its Annual Meeting with over 350 business professionals and community members at Valparaiso University's Harre Union to celebrate the Chamber successes of 2011 and its plan of work for its 2012 Centennial Year.
 | | Mayor Jon Costas addressing the crowd |
Also at the event, Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas presented his "State of the City" Address. Click here to read full address. Presenting sponsor for the event was Porter Health System. |
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CHAMBER SALUTES COMMUNITY LEADERS | |
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from left: Dee Haklin, 2012 Legacy of Service Recipient, Valpo Chamber President Rex Richards, and Bob Urschel, 2012 Distinguished Community Leader |
The Valpo Chamber recently honored community leaders Bob Urschel, Urschel Laboratories, Inc. with the 2011 Distinguished Community Leader Award and Dee Haklin, Ivy Tech Community College with its 2011 Legacy of Service Award at the annual "Salute to Leadership" dinner on January 14.
Over 350 business and community members came out to honor the recipients. Also recognized were the recipients of the Valpo Chamber 50-75-100 Year Business Longevity Awards: Berglund Construction, 100 years; McDaniel Fire Systems, 75 years; and Blachly, Tabor, Bozik & Hartman LLC, Fidelity National Title Insurance, and REGIONAL federal credit union, each with 50 years. |
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VALPO CHAMBER PERCOLATOR CLUB MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS ARE BACK! | |
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Jonathan Nalli, CEO
Porter Health System |
The Valpo Chamber will host its first Perc Luncheon for 2012 on Thursday, February 9, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Valparaiso University Harre Union.
This membership meeting will feature guest speaker Jonathan Nalli, CEO of Porter Health System. Nalli will share details surrounding the transition to the new Porter Regional Hospital.
Join us to hear about the new services and technologies that will be available and learn about the celebrations and events surrounding the opening of the new regional hospital.
Click here to reserve today! |
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ENVISION THE FUTURE EVENT GEARING UP FOR 2012 | |
 | | Volunteer today for 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 120 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 2012 Envision the Future is a Chamber Coalition project between the Valpo, Kouts, and Hebron Chambers. The program is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m on Thursday, March 15, at the Porter County Expo Center.
Special thanks to Presenting Sponsor: Porter Health System, Contributing Sponsors: Centier Bank, St.Mary Medical Center, The Times Media Company, Teachers Credit Union, and In-Kind Donors: Home Mountain Printing, Porter County Fair & Expo Center, and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
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." Click here to volunteer! For additional information contact Kurt Gillins at (219) 462-1105. |
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2012 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS OPENINGS | |
 | | from left: Mary Ivanovich, National CineMedia and Jane Szymczak, Laciak Accountancy Group PC networking at Business After Hours Event |
A Business After Hours (BAH) event offers a great opportunity to showcase your business and establish relationships with other Chamber business representatives.
BAH's are held on the third Thursday of each month, and the recommended time is from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. as most business people are finishing their work day. The Chamber works together with the host business to help coordinate and plan your event.
The Valpo Chamber has a limited number of openings for the 2012 calendar year. If you are interested in hosting, or have quesitons, contact Danielle Oeding at (219) 462-1105 or oeding@valparaisochamber.org.
There is no charge to attend a BAH. It's a value-added benefit of being a member. |
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CONSIDER THE 2012 PARTNER PROGRAM! | |
The Valpo Chamber Partner (VCP) program was launched in 2006 to provide members with options for streamlining their Chamber sponsorship opportunities, while enhancing their visibility and promotional opportunities. This annual marketing campaign prominently promotes your business on signage, inside Chamber publications and on our website, and at events throughout the year. The VCP is a terrific way to gain extensive exposure and valuable name and logo recognition.
The VCP features four partner packages to choose from, at four price points. Each of the packages includes incentives, complimentary tickets to events, special recognition and promotion, and sponsorships to high-profile networking and educational events.
To inquire about the available packages and their specific benefits, contact Danielle Oeding, at (219) 462-1105, or oeding@valparaisochamber.org. |
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CHAMBER CELEBRATING CENTENNIAL YEAR | |
Through all economic upswings and downturns, triumphs and tradegies, the Valpo Chamber has been there. This June, the Valpo Chamber turns 100. Check out our promo video produced by 27 Entertainment.
| | Valparaiso Chamber 100 Year Video |
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2012 MEMBERSHIP INVESTMENT RENEWALS | |
By now, Chamber members should have received their 2012 membership investment renewal in the mail. The Valpo Chamber cannot continue its quality programs and events without you. We appreciate your support and look forward to the Chamber Centennial in 2012! If you have any questions about your membership, please contact Danielle Oeding at (219) 462-1105. |
| THANK YOU...FOR THE CONNECTIONS! | | |
THANKS TO...Porter Health System for sponsoring our "Salute to Leadership" Dinner! Congratulations once again to Bob Urschel, 2011 Distinguished Community Leader and Dee Haklin, 2011 Legacy of Service Recipient!
THANKS TO...the following members who sent in membership leads in January: Judith Berzanskis, Aspen Studio; Dianne Burge, Comcast Business Services; Dave Collins, Opportunity Enterprises, Inc.; Tammy Jindra, Assisting Seniors, Inc.; Mike Moreth, Simko Signs; Diane Price, Mr. CopyRite; Linda Stack, Horizon Bank; Jane Szymczak, Laciak Accountancy Group, PC; Gary Taylor, KENPRO Cleaning Services, Inc.; and Sheri Zimmer, First State Bank of Porter. |
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ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES | | |

2012 Budget Planning
Don't forget to include the Valpo Chamber when planning your 2012 marketing and advertising budget!
Valparaiso Magazine
Apr/Spring '12 issue deadline: March 2, 2012
July/Summer '12 issue deadline: June 1, 2012
Oct/Fall '12 issue deadline: September 7, 2012
2012-2013 U-Guide Deadlines July 2012
Valparaiso Chamber Website
Deadlines vary
Contact Danielle Oeding at (219) 462-1105 or oeding@valparaisochamber.org for more information. |
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UPCOMING EVENTS | |
Thursday, February 2
11:00 a.m.
Thursday, February 2
Bowl-a-Rama!
12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 2
Ribbon Cutting
4:30 p.m.
Friday, February 3
Legislative Hotline
7:30 a.m.
Valpo Chamber, 162 W Lincolnway
Thursday, February 9
Percolator Luncheon Monthly Membership Meeting
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 16
Business After Hours
4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Friday, February 17
Legislative Hotline
7:30 a.m.
Valpo Chamber, 162 W Lincolnway

Friday, March 2
Legislative Hotline
7:30 a.m.
Valpo Chamber, 162 W Lincolnway Wednesday, March 7 A.M. Valpo 7:00 a.m. |
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SAVE THE DATE 2012! | | |
Monday, June 25
FunDay Golf Classic
Valparaiso Country Club, 2501 Country Club Rd
Saturday, August 11
Valpo Chamber Centennial Celebration
Valparaiso University Harre Union, 1509 Chapel Dr
Thursday, September 13
Community Improvement Awards
Valparaiso University Harre Union, 1509 Chapel Dr
Thursday, October 25
Chamber Network Night
Porter County Expo Center, 215 E Division Rd Thursday, December 6 Holiday Open House Valpo Chamber, 162 W Lincolnway |
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