On March 15, Porter County students envisioned their future at the Porter County Expo Center.

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."

In this simulation game, students project 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 visited stations, manned by business volunteers, at which they pay their monthly bills. At each station, students had to make decisions concerning the standard of living they will assume.

The program focused 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 included 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 2012 Envision the Future was a Chamber Coalition project between the Valparaiso, Kouts, and Hebron Chambers. 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.

The Valpo Chamber Leadership Academy is looking for the next group to help 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 2012 Leadership Academy is sponsored in part through Silver Partnerships with 1st Source Bank, BMO Harris Bank, Burke Costanza and Carberry LLP, Comcast Business Class, Horizon Bank, Laciak Accountancy Group PC, REGIONAL federal credit union, and Uzelac & Associates, Inc.

For additional information about Leadership Academy click here. Applications will be available soon.

Through all economic upswings and downturns, triumphs and tragedies, 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