Contact Us!
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VALPO CHAMBER
162 W. LINCOLNWAY
VALPARAISO, IN 46383
(219) 462-1105
FAX (219) 462-5710
www.valpochamber.org
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Join Us! Find Us! Follow Us! |
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Visit the Valpo Chamber at
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IT'S TIME TO ENVISION THE FUTURE!
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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 100 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 2015 Envision the Future program is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, at the Porter County Expo Center.
Special thanks to Presenting Sponsors: Porter Health Care System and NITCO; Contributing Sponsors: Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa; Centier Bank; Frontier Communications; St. Mary Medical Center; The Times Media Company; Supporting Sponsors: 1st Source Bank; BMO Harris Bank; Comcast Business; Horizon Bank; Metro Recycling; Rittenhouse Senior Living; Burke Costanza & Carberry LLP; Teachers Credit Union; Weiss Entities, and In-Kind Donors: Home Mountain Printing and 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."
Click here to volunteer! For additional information contact Kurt Gillins at (219) 462-1105.
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VALPO CHAMBER MOBILE APP IS COMING SOON!
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In about eight weeks, you'll be able to take the Valpo Chamber whereever you go!
It has taken some time, gathering information, speaking with different companies, deciding the best options, and gathering some great photos, but we have finally started the final phase of the Valpo Chamber mobile app development.
Shortly, you will be able to have access to our directory, Valparaiso Magazine, Connections e-Newsletter, Members in Motion, and many more features, right on your mobile device.
Stay tuned for an official launch date!
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WELCOMING OUR NEW MEMBERS
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Three times each year, the Valpo Chamber hosts a New Member Welcome Breakfast. This event allows businesses who recently joined the chamber to get a glimpse of the events, programs and membership benefits they can take part in.
Earlier today, this event took place and it was the largest in the history of the Valpo Chamber. Nearly 60 business professionals were in attendance, which included new members, board members and chamber ambassadors.
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Do you know someone who could benefit from chamber membership? Is there a neighbor, a friend, or a business next door, that should consider joining?
For the month of March, we will be hosting a Leads Contest.
If you submit a business name with a contact person, and their info to Danielle in the month of March, you could win a $50 Valpo Chamber Gift Certificate.
You will be entered each time you submit a new lead!
Submission must be made by Friday, March 27, at 4:30 p.m. to Danielle via email or phone.
We will draw at the April 1, AM Valpo, but you need not be present to win. No foolin'
If you have questions about your membership, please contact Danielle Oeding at (219) 462-1105.
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By now, Chamber members have received 2015 membership investment renewals in the mail. The Valpo Chamber cannot continue its quality programs and events without you. We appreciate your support and look forward to a fantastic 2015!
In order to continue to be listed in our online and printed directories, you must renew no later than March 31.
You can always pay your membership investment or any other outstanding invoice with the chamber online by clicking here!
If you have questions about your membership, please contact Danielle Oeding at (219) 462-1105.
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VALPO CHAMBER'S 5TH ANNUAL BOWL-A-RAMA!
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| AC, Incorporated's Winning Team! |
On February 3, new champions were named with the titles of Champion Team and Gutter Champions, at the Valpo Chamber's 5th Annual Bowl-A-Rama! AC, Incorporated received the top prize and Century 21 Executive Realty received the top prize at the bottom of the list!
This light-hearted, fun event has been a sell out since it began in 2011. Each year, Valpo Chamber businesses fill Inman's Bowling and Recreation Center to network, participate in a team building exercise, or just enjoy a day out of the office having fun.
Thank you to all those who have participated and sponsored this event throughout the years.
This year, lane sponsors were Absolutely Dry, Century 21 Alliance Group - Terry McCaleb, and Kauffman Chiropractic.
Presenting sponsors were Porter Health Care System and NITCO. Contributing Sponsors were Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa; Centier Bank; Frontier Communications; St. Mary Medical Center; The Times Media Company; 1st Source Bank; Burke Costanza & Carberry, LLP; BMO Harris Bank; Comcast Business; Horizon Bank; Metro Recycling; Rittenhouse Senior Living; Teachers Credit Union; and Weiss Entities. Supporting Sponsors were Anton Insurance Agency; Blachly, Tabor, Bozik & Hartman, LLC; Fagen Pharmacy; Hoeppner Wagner & Evans LLP; First Merchants Bank; General Insurance Services, Inc.; Ogletree Deakins; The Kotys Group; Peoples Bank; and REGIONAL federal credit union.
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NEW BUSINESS WORKSHOP OFF TO A GREAT START
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Thank you to Chester, Inc. for hosting our first FYI Business Workshop, "The Risky Business of Outdated Technology."
Attendees at this workshop were able to get information about their current operating systems and what could happen if they don't properly maintain or update them.
The next FYI Business Workshop will be announced shortly. If you have any ideas on a topic or would like additional information about attending these events, please contact Kurt Gillins.
FYI Business Workshops are sponsored in part by Porter Health Care System; NITCO; Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa; Centier Bank; Frontier Communications; St. Mary Medical Center; The Times Media Company; 1st Source Bank; Burke Costanza & Carberry LLP; BMO Harris Bank; Comcast Business; Horizon Bank; Metro Recycling; Rittenhouse Senior Living; Teachers Credit Union; Weiss Entities.
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CONSTANT CONTACT CHAMBER DISCOUNT
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Are you currently using Constant Contact for your business? Have you been thinking about how to manage all your emails in a secure, legal manner? Constant Contact is a great company that has answers to all your questions.
One of the benefits of being a Valpo Chamber member is that you receive a discount for Constant Contact's services. The discount varies on the amount of contact you have and the number of emails you send.
If you are already a Contact Contact customer, you can still receive the discount.
Contact Kurt Gillins today to get information on how you can start saving on your business emails!
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Business Workshops & Free Events
SCORE mentors and representatives from the local business community conduct a variety of regularly scheduled, low-cost educational workshops that provide valuable information and techniques necessary for starting and managing a successful business. Topics that will be featured in 2015 include:
OWNING & OPERATING A FAMILY BUSINESS - March 4th - Learn the secrets of owning and operating a successful family business from a local expert. Jim Hubbard and the SCORE advisors will present successful small business practices and help you with the unique issues that family businesses must face. Understand the necessity of a solid Business plan, leadership and succession planning. $20 per family. Starts at 6pm at the Valpo Chamber office, 162 W. Lincolnway.
JOB COSTING FOR HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTORS - March 18th - Vince Neal and Jim Hubbard will provide practical advice for estimating, costing, and preparing estimates for your business. "QuickBooks" information and basic financial understanding of a P&L statement, and Cash Flow will be discussed. Starts at 6pm at the Valpo Chamber office. $20 registration available at the door.
UNDERSTANDING FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES - April 1st - with FranNet MidAmerica Franchise Specialist Mark Roger. April 1st at 9am at the Valpo Chamber Office (No Fee) - Starts at 9am at the GVCC office.
HIRING AND RETAINING THE RIGHT EMPLOYEES - April 8th Be prepared to review your hiring procedures, and learn the tricks to recruiting and retaining the right employees for your business. Workshop is at the Valpo Chamber office, and begins at 1pm. Cost $20 includes all materials.
STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR STARTING YOUR BUSINESS IN INDIANA - Concise and easy to follow steps. Call to receive a copy of the information, or arrange a meeting with an advisor for assistance.
To register for any of SCORE's events, visit www.northwestindiana.score.org or call 219-462-1105.
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ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES
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CONNECT YOUR ADVERTISING DOLLARS WITH SUCCESS!
The 2015-2016 Valpo Chamber Membership Directory is publishing this spring!
This popular publication distributes by mail to 5,000 local business!
These 68 pages of full-color information include categorical and alphabetical member listings!
Contact Danielle Oeding at 219-462-1105
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THANK YOU...FOR THE CONNECTIONS!
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Wednesday, March 4
AM Valpo
South Bend Chocolate Cafe, 57 Franklin St
7:00 a.m.
No advanced registration required
Friday, March 6
Legislative Hotline
Valpo Chamber, 162 W Lincolnway
7:30 a.m.
No advanced registration required
Tuesday, March 17
Envision the Future
Porter County Expo Center, 215 E Division Rd
Register Here
Thursday, March 19
Business After Hours
Comcast Business - Held upstairs at Parea, 69 Franklin St
4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Friday, March 20
Legislative Hotline
Valpo Chamber, 162 W Lincolnway
7:30 a.m.
No advanced registration required
Monday, March 30
Ribbon Cutting
Sunrise Health Foods, 1708 E Lincolnway
4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 31
Speed Networking
Valpo Chamber, 162 W Lincolnway
3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Register Here
Wednesday, April 1
AM Valpo
South Bend Chocolate Cafe, 57 Franklin St
7:00 a.m.
No advanced registration required
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Tuesday, April 28
Valpo Chamber Quarterly Membership Meeting
Registration Coming Soon
Monday, June 22
FunDay Golf Classic
Tuesday, September 15
Valpo Chamber and Duneland Chamber present
Disney Institute: "Disney's Approach to Quality Service"
Thursday, October 15 Chamber Network Night
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