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!

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?

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.

Thank you to Chester, Inc. for hosting our first FYI Business Workshop, "The Risky Business of Outdated Technology."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.

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.