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

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December 2013

Visit the Valpo Chamber at www.valparaisochamber.org

FRANKLINCOVEY "THE 5 CHOICES" SEMINAR VERY "PRODUCTIVE"

FranklinCovey  
 
On November 20, J.D. Frailey, presenter for FranklinCovey, was on hand at Valparaiso University's Harre Union to deliver "The 5 Choices to Extraordinary Productivity" workshop to over 100 local business professionals.  This one-day workshop guided participants on a journey to organize and prioritize your work/home lives.

 

This event was sponsored by The Times Media Company. The Valpo Chamber strives to continue to bring you the best programming available. Suggestions are always welcome for workshop and seminar ideas. If you would like to make a suggestion, please contact Kurt Gillins at kgillins@valparaisochamber.org 

VALPO CHAMBER ANNOUNCES 2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tina Bengs
Tina Bengs

The Valpo Chamber is proud to announce its Executive Board Committee members for 2014. Tina Bengs, Olgetree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart will serve as Valpo Chamber Board Chair and Debbie AnselmThe Times Media Company, will serve as Chair Elect.

 

In addition to Bengs and Anselm, Randy Zromkoski, Blachly Tabor Bozik & Hartman, will serve as Treasurer; Wes Kotys, The Kotys Group, Vice-Chair of Member Services; Tim Warner, Centier Bank, Vice-Chair of Special Events; Bob Ax, 1st Source Bank, Vice-Chair of Governance; and Jonathan Nalli, Porter Health Care System, Immediate Past Chair.

 

New members to the Board are Jim Johnson, Emerson Power Transmission Corp.; Todd Leeth, Hoeppner Wagner & Evans LLP; and Joe Coar, Tonn & Blank Construction. 

 

The 2014 Board of Directors also includes Mayor Jon Costas, City of Valparaiso (ex-officio); Paul Denesuk, Lake Federal Bank; Jack Elia, Blue Chip Hotel & Casino; Darron Farha, Valparaiso University; Cindy Hall, Ivy Tech Community College; Dorcas Hammond, Horizon Bank; Craig Menne, General Insurance Services, Inc.; Gene Novello, Teachers Credit Union; Donna Phelps, Seasons on the Square; Brenda Sheetz, Porter County Community Foundation; Gary Taylor, KENPRO Cleaning Services, Inc.; James Tudor, Tudor Cleaning and Restoration Services; John Walsh, Heat Wagon, Inc.; and April Wolford, Citizens Financial Bank.

 

For over 100 years, the Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce has been promoting the interests of its members by providing the highest quality information, advocacy, networking opportunities, and member services. The Valpo Chamber is one of the larger chamber organizations in the area with more than 700 members representing entrepreneurial companies, financiers, and professional firms as well as many small local establishments.

SALUTING DISTINGUISHED CITIZENS OF VALPARAISO

George Carberry and Dr. Jerry Rodenbarger to be honored

George Carberry

The Valpo Chamber will host its annual "A Salute to Leadership" dinner on Saturday, January 18, 2014, at Strongbow Inn, 2405 US 30 E.
 
This black-tie optional evening will begin with cocktails at 6:00 p.m., dinner at 7:00 p.m., with the awards ceremony to follow.

 

The Valpo Chamber will honor George Carberry, Burke Costanza & Carberry LLP, with the 2013 Distinguished Community Leader Award.

 

"This award is given to an individual who demonstrates a leadership role, is successful in promoting and developing business and industry, is involved and contributes to the community, has a general reputation among the community business leaders and enhances the quality of life in our community on a sustained basis," states Rex Richards, Chamber president. "George embodies what this award represents."

 

Rodenbarger
Dr. Jerry Rodenbarger

Dr. Jerry Rodenbarger, Vale Park Animal Hospital, will be awarded the 2013 Legacy of Service Award. The Valpo Chamber Board of Directors created the Legacy of Service Award in 2004 to give special recognition to individuals in the community who have, over the course of time or in an extraordinary circumstance, given service to the community beyond what is expected in their profession.  

 

"Jerry is a terrific example to which others might aspire and learn the value of community service," added Richards.

 

Outgoing 2013 Board members, including Board Chair Jonathan Nalli, Porter Health Care System, and incoming 2014 Board Chair, Tina Bengs, Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, will also be recognized for their service to the board. Presenting sponsor for the event is Porter Health Care System.

 

Click here to reserve today!

VALPO CHAMBER LEADERSHIP ACADEMY GRADUATES 8TH CLASS

Leadership Academy 2013 

The Valpo Chamber Leadership Academy recently graduated its eighth class of emerging community leaders.

 

The 2013 Leadership Academy graduates include (pictured, from left): LaDonna Trapp, Family House, Inc.; Karen Johnson, Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute; Robert Ordway, Prime Real Estate; LaRae Dykstra, Metro Recycling; Angelica Schultis, Blachly Tabor Bozik & Hartman; Ryan Smiley, Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County; Kyle Yelton, Northwestern Mutual Financial Services (Volom); Drew Zromkoski, Citizens Financial Bank; Chip Owens, Hoeppner Wagner & Evans LLP; Peter Carlson, Scannell Wealth Management Group; Dr. Jason Curtis, Purdue University North Central; Daryle Keller, Indiana University Health Occupational Services; Michael Bolde, Burke Costanza & Carberry LLP; Joel Fabugais, Pines Village Retirement Communities, Inc.; Sarah Highlen, The Grossbauer Group; Andrew Taylor, General Insurance Services, Inc.; Marie-Claire Foster, Purdue University Northcentral; Cara Vice, Porter Health Care System; Abigail Igarta, Excel Driving Instruction; Jaclyn Barnhill, Purdue University North Central; and Angela Gaghan, Blue Chip Hotel & Casino.

 

The Leadership Academy Program, established in 2006, brings together business and community leaders to create a network of speakers and mentors who participate in coaching sessions, small-group discussions, and skill-building seminars with the program's students.

 

During the focused seven-session program, participants are infused in the community, exploring the public/city government, 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 60 local organizations have benefited from volunteer time from the Leadership Academy participants, past and present.

 

The 2013 Valpo Chamber Leadership Academy was sponsored by Valpo Chamber Silver Partners: 1st Source Bank, BMO Harris Bank, Comcast Business, Horizon Bank, Metro Recycling, REGIONAL federal credit union, Uzelac & Associates, Inc., and in-kind sponsor, United Way of Porter County.

 

Congratulations!

SAVE THE DATE! HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE DEC 5!

HOHJoin us for the Valpo Chamber Holiday Open House this Thursday, December 5, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

 

Enjoy a relaxing evening at the Chamber office, located at 162 W Lincolnway, complete with music, refreshments by Bistro 157, and delicious hors d'oeuvres from the chefs at Blue Chip Hotel & Casino. And a special thanks to Indiana Beverage, Inc.!

 

Decked out for the holiday season, our second floor conference rooms will prove to be a fantastic setting to connect with friends and associates and exchange holiday tidings!

 

Free to attend but reservations requested. Click here to reserve!

2013 VALPO CHAMBER HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

Holiday BallTo celebrate the holiday season, the Valpo Chamber will be closed:

  • Tuesday, December 24
  • Wednesday, December 25
  • Tuesday, December 31 
    (half-day, closing at 12:00 p.m.) 
  • Wednesday, January 1

The last day to purchase Valpo Chamber Gift Certificates before the holidays will be Monday, December 23. Chamber hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

ANNUAL MEETING SET FOR JANUARY 28!

mayor annual meetingThe Valpo Chamber will host its Annual Membership Meeting luncheon on Tuesday, January 28, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Valparaiso University Harre Union.

 

This annual recognition program, sponsored by Porter Health Care System, will report Chamber accomplishments and recognize various committees and volunteers. The luncheon also features the "State of the City" address from Mayor Jon Costas.


Space is limited. To reserve click here to guarantee seating.

CONSIDER THE 2014 PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM!

Partner Program 2013The Valpo Chamber Partners (VCP) program, launched in 2006, provides 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, 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 - Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze - at four price points. Each package 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

THANK YOU...FOR THE CONNECTIONS!
THANKS TO...Chocolate CafeRich Schmidt of Living Hope Community Church and Analisa Warring of REGIONAL federal credit union for hosting the very popular Valpo Chamber monthly morning  program A.M. Valpo! Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of this terrific program!
 
THANKS TO...Beth Wrobel, HealthLinc, Inc., for her informative presentation on the Affordable Care Act at our November Percolator Luncheon! Thank you sponsors: Centier Bank, St. Mary Medical Center, and The Times Media Company!
 
THANKS TO...Boutique in Bloom for hosting our November Business After Hours!
 
THANKS TO...the following members who sent in membership leads in November: Eric Beschinski, Horizon Bank; Jane Szymczak, Laciak Accountancy Group; and Pam Rogalski, Head to Soul Wellness.

RIBBON CUTTINGS/GRAND OPENINGS

Stewart Richardson RC 11-7-13 
 

Stewart Richardson Deposition Services

150 W Lincolnway, Ste 1005

(219) 462-3436

Court Reporting/Captioning

On November 7, Stewart Richardson Deposition Services celebrated the opening of its Valpo office with a ribbon cutting. At Stewart Richardson you can always depend on NCRA certified court reporters to provide accurate transcripts anywhere, every time, quickly and easily. In addition to offering a superior deposition experience, their full range of litigation services are designed to meet your needs locally, nationally, and internationally. For more information about services available, visit www.stewartrichardson.com.

 

 

Griegers RC 11-14-13 
 

Grieger's Motor Sales, Inc.

1756 Morthland Dr

(219) 462-4117

Auto Dealers - New, Used & Specialty

On November 14, Grieger's Motor Sales celebrated its recent dealership remodel with a ribbon cutting and open house. Grieger's Motor Sales provides up-to-date inventories of new and pre-owned Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles. The responsive staff will help you with financial matters, service your car, order OEM auto parts and more! To search car inventory or for more information on services, visit www.griegermotors.com.

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES

 

Winter 2014 Mag Blast (2)

UPCOMING EVENTS     

Wednesday, December 4

AM Valpo
7:00 a.m.
Chocolate Cafe, 57 Franklin St
 
Thursday, December 5
Holiday Open House
4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Valpo Chamber, 162 W Lincolnway
  
Tuesday, December 24/Wednesday, December 25
Valpo Chamber Closed
The Chamber will re-open on Thursday, December 26 at 8:00 a.m.
  
Tuesday, December 31
Valpo Chamber Closing at 12:00 p.m.
  
Wednesday, January 1
Valpo Chamber Closed
The Chamber will re-open on Thursday, January 2 at 8:00 a.m.
SAVE THE DATE!
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Salute to Leadership
6:00 p.m. Cocktails/Networking
7:00 p.m. Dinner
Strongbow Inn, 2405 US Hwy 30
  
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Annual Meeting
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Valparaiso University Harre Union, 1509 Chapel Dr