Blue Sky Financial Partners celebrates its 11th year as a BBB Accredited Business with zero complaints and an A+ rating. As a BBB Accredited Business, Blue Sky Financial is dedicated to upholding ethical business behavior.  Family owned and operated, President Todd Wooten shares that, "Accreditation is a declaration of our integrity and a willingness to stand behind our customers. We are pleased to have met the Better Business Bureau's high standards and are proud to be part of an organization working to help consumers find businesses they can trust." Check out Blue Sky at the BBB http://goo.gl/PccwDa or at www.financialflightplan.com.

Fuller

Ryan Smiley, President of Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County announced Christie Fuller as the new Unit Director of the Valparaiso Club, replacing long-time Unit Director, Dan Welch, who was promoted to Director of Programs and Outcomes in May 2014. Her responsibilities in this position included managing the classroom, completing case management paperwork, and interacting with the families of her students. She is excited to bring new ideas to help the Club grow and meet the needs of youth residing in Valparaiso. 

Meet BucherTech's newest employee, Keith Thomason! Keith started work at Buchertech this past month as an Associate Systems Engineer! He previously worked as the IT Administrator at Christian Haven in Wheatfield, IN. In his spare time, Keith plays guitar and even builds his own computers. The BucherTech family is very excited to have him!

Traycoff

Cafe Barista and Catering, founded by Gordana Traycoff in 2011, is located inside Ivy Tech Community College in Valparaiso. Born out of love for fresh, healthy and tasty food, Traycoff's business offers a menu with the finest ingredients, and freshest fruits and vegetables - grown locally without any preservatives. "I started by offering catering services at Ivy Tech, but have now decided to expand to the public as well, " explains Traycoff, who uses a local commercial kitchen to prepare the food.  All of the dishes are prepared with fresh locally farm grown vegetables and, when possible, meat products with no antibiotics.  No party or event is too big or too small.

CENTURY 21 Alliance Group recently announced the top listing and closings agents in June. Last month, the top listing agents and the top closings agents this year to date were Lisa and Leroy Moore of the Moore Team. The agents were presented with a certificate at the agency's monthly meeting held at the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce and given their own parking space outside of the agency's downtown Valparaiso office. Agent Linda Zyla also was recognized with a certificate as the agent with the most sales in June.

Join Dunebrook on Saturday, September 6, for Dragon Boat Races. This fun, adrenaline-pumping action, consists of teams of 16-20 paddlers accompanied by a drummer compete in 41-foot dragon boats for the title of Grand Champion. Dragon boat racing is the ultimate team building sport, requiring synchronicity and finesse. Fun for ages 13 and older at any skill level. Great for your business, family and friends! Racing and sponsorship opportunities available. Complete registration as soon as possible to guarantee your spot. Don't want to race? Watch the excitement while enjoying food vendors, a 50/50 raffle and much more! Check out www.dunebrook.org, or contact Dunebrook at dragonboat@dunebrook.org.

Hilltop Neighborhood House provides high-quality early childhood programs that increases the graduation rate, a safe and stable place for children after school, and a food pantry that helps nouirsh those in need. By making a donation to Hilltop Neighborhood House, you are making a difference in your community by helping - children...families...your neighbors. Help Hilltop Neighborhood House reach their goal today. Click here for more information.

Members of the Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters (IKORCC)

recently constructed a wheelchair ramp for the wife of a former IKORCC member. 

After 44 years of service in the IKORCC, Roy Ruehl retired from Local Union 1005 in 1991. During his time with the Carpenter's Union, Ruehl frequently volunteered his time and talents to help people in the community. Knowing that the IKORCC is very involved in the community, he requested a wheelchair ramp on the outside of his house to accommodate his wife. 

Eight members from Locals 599, 1005 and 1485 - and one of the member's sons - volunteered to build the ramp, completing it during the first week of July. Most of the materials used were donated, and Ruehl picked up the remaining costs.

Ritchie

Indiana Beverage Chairman, Bruce Leetz, today announced the appointment of Jill E. Ritchie to the position of Vice President and General Counsel - Governmental Affairs.  Ritchie will be based at Indiana Beverage in Valparaiso, IN.   She will be responsible for the company's legal and regulatory matters, governance and compliance, and public and governmental affairs. Ritchie is currently the Board Chair of the Northwest Indiana Forum and a Board member of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.  She also serves on the Northwest Indiana Editorial Advisory Board and the Lake County Advancement Committee.  For more information about Indiana Beverage visit  www.indianabev.com.

Indiana Furniture and Mattress is having a party!  Join them for the ribbon cutting Wednesday, August 13, to celebrate the expansion and Grand Opening of our new mattress gallery, Indiana Mattress.  Beer, wine and hors d'oeuvres will be served from 5-7 pm.  Enjoy complimentary luxury gifts while experiencing the newest technology in mattresses and healthy sleep.  Don't miss your chance to win a $2199 new mattress set this night!

Kids Alive International of Valparaiso, Indiana, a faith-based organization, has been awarded top ranking for the 12th consecutive year by Charity Navigator, America's largest and most-recognized evaluator of charities. This prestigious, 4-star rating is awarded for good governance, sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency. Al Lackey, Kids Alive President for the past 18 years, reflected that "because 'what' we do is so important, this recognition for 'how' we do it is especially encouraging." 

Kids Alive is about to celebrate one hundred years of ministry. Founded by U.S. missionaries in China in 1916, today its impact stretches across 14 countries. Click here to learn more.

Szymczak

On June 30, Jane Szymczak, Client Services Director for Laciak Accountancy Group, PC, was given a special pin for membership recruitment and a certificate of perfect attendance for the Valparaiso Rotary, where she sits on the board. Laciak Accountancy Group, PC has offices in Schererville and Valparaiso. 

The Methodist Hospitals, Inc. Board of Directors voted to initiate a national search for a President and Chief Executive Officer to lead the organization in meeting the challenges and opportunities it will face in the coming years. The first step in this search process will be to convene a multidisciplinary search committee, comprised of representatives of the board, our medical staff, and key representatives of the communities we serve and members of our leadership team.  The search process is expected to take four to six months and will be a top priority of the Board during that time. During the search process, Dr. Michael Davenport will continue in the role of President and Interim CEO. 

Energizing Indiana, is the statewide energy efficiency rebate program that supplies cash to commercial and industrial customers.  NIPSCO served customers so they can purchase energy efficient equipment from electrical distributors and contractors.  There is no cost to take advantage of the program.  The money used is your money collected through your utility bills and is used specifically to buy-down the cost of projects. The program will end on October 24, 2014, and all projects with the necessary rebate forms need to be in to Energizing Indiana by the October 24, 2014 date. If you have questions, or you would like a representative to contact you, please email Tom Nicholas at tnicholas@franklinenergy.com.

The public is invited to "Symphony Under the Stars", a free concert featuring the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m., August 7, at Central Park Plaza, 64 Lafayette St. in Valparaiso.  Under the direction of Kirk Muspratt - Music Director and Conductor, the concert will have something for everyone.  The orchestra's selections will feature light classical, pops and patriotic music as well as music from Broadway musicals, TV and movies. The evening is made possible by BMO Harris Bank, The Times Media Company and the Porter County Community Foundation. Guests are asked to bring their own blanket or chair seating. In the event of rain, the performance will move to Chesterton High School Auditorium, 2125 S. 11th St. in Chesterton.  Watch for updates on the Porter County Community Foundation's Facebook page or visit portercountyfoundation.org.

Porter Regional Hospital's Center for Cardiovascular Medicine and Portage Hospital have been granted a three-year term of accreditation in Echocardiography in the areas of Adult Transthoracic by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC). Accreditation by the IAC means that both Porter Regional Hospital's Center for Cardiovascular Medicine and Portage Hospital have undergone a thorough review of its operational and technical components by a panel of experts. The IAC grants accreditation only to those facilities that are found to be providing quality patient care, in compliance with national standards through a comprehensive application process including detailed case study review.  For more information, visit porterhealth.com.

Bryan

Wells Fargo Advisors has for the 2nd consecutive year, designated Clifford Bryan, Senior Vice President - Investment Officer, as a member of the firm's Premier Advisors Program, a distinction that reflects Cliff's achievement of professional success by meeting or exceeding Wells Fargo Advisors' high standards as measured by one or more of the firm's criteria for revenue generation, educational attainment and client-service best practices. Bryan has been a financial advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors for 5 years and has 19 years experience in the brokerage industry. He has a Bachelor's Degree from Valparaiso University and an MSBA in Finance from Indiana University.