Valpo Chamber News

Valpo Advances in ABC Competition

Valparaiso has successfully advanced to the semi-final round in the America's Best Communities competition, sponsored by Frontier Communications.

Last year, the Valpo Chamber nominated Valparaiso for this competition, and has worked closely with the city during the process.

A new downtown arts district is in the works as part of the competition, which could win the city up to $3 million.

To read more, click here and see coverage by XRock 103.9 FM.

Annual Meeting

On January 27, the Valpo Chamber hosted its Annual Meeting with nearly 400 business professionals and community members at Valparaiso University's Harre Union.

At the event, sponsored by Porter Health Care System and NITCO, the Valpo Chamber celebrated its successses of 2015, including supporting the Valparaiso Community Schools referendum as well as the introduction of the Valpo Chamber mobile app. Mayor Jon Costas followed the Chamber's presentation with his annual "State of the City" address.

Click here to read The Times coverage of the Annual Meeting.

Salute to Leadership

Dr. E. Ric & Kaye Frataccia & Family

The Valpo Chamber honored community leaders Dr. E. Ric & Kaye Frataccia, as the 2015 Distinguished Community Leaders and Sharon Kish, as the 2015 Legacy of Service Award recipient at its annual "Salute to Leadership" dinner on January 9.

The Distinguished Community Leader Award is given to an individual who demonstrates a leadership role, is successful in promoting business and industry, is involved and contributes to the community, and enhances the quality of life of the community on a sustained basis.

The Legacy of Service award gives special recognition to individuals who have given service to the community above and beyond what is expected in their profession.

Nearly 300 business and community leaders came out to honor the recipients. Also recognized were the recipients of the Valpo Chamber Business Longevity Awards: Martin Binder Jewelers, Inc., 75 years; Junior Achievement of Chicago, 75 Years; Von Tobel Lumber Co., Inc., 50 years.

The event was held at Sand Creek Country Club and sponsored by Porter Health Care System and NITCO.

Sharon Kish

FYI Series Returns

In 2015, the Valpo Chamber reintroduced small business workshops which provide information on topics relevant to a wide variety of businesses.

The first FYI Business Workshop of 2016 will focus on social media for businesses. Partnering with JM2 Webdesigners and 219 Media Consulting, this workshop will offer two separate session - one for beginners and one for those who are more advanced.

Both workshops will be held on Tuesday, February 23, at the Valpo Chamber.

Click here for more information and to register.

Volunteers Needed

For over 20 years, the Valpo Chamber has hosted a one-day experience for the 8th grade students of Porter County.

Envision the Future takes students on a mock life journey, where they are 28 years old, with a career, a family, and bills to pay.

One hundred volunteers are needed in order to give the students a memorable and thought-provoking experience.

Click here for more information and to register to volunteer.

Chamber Spotlight

During 2016, we will be highlighting two members each month in our newsletter. The first member each month will be chosen from a list of the longest standing members. The second will be chosen at random from our over 780 members.

Home Mountain Printing

Member since 1952

In 1906, social protocols made calling cards a necessity. Seizing opportunity, schoolteacher Herman Heimberg installed a small, hand-fed printing press on his back porch, and Home Mountain was established. Now, in 2016, they are proud to still call Northwest Indiana home.

Led by Heimberg's great-grandson, Doug Klemz, this family tradition of printing and direct mail service has been going strong for over 100 years.

To learn more about Home Mountain Printing, visit their website at www.homemountain.com.

CORE Construction Indiana, LLC

Member since 2015

CORE Construction's mission is to earn the trust of their employees, building partners, and clients.

Achieving this mission begins by building teams with members who have unwavering, comprehensive trust in one another. Their CORE Values stand for: Integrity, Fairness, Continuous Improvement and Results.

For more information about CORE Construction Indiana, LLC, visit www.coreconstruction.com.

Advertise With Us

Valparaiso Magazine Spring Issue will focus on local real estate trends. Whether relocating downtown, downsizing, or looking for a new home, people are looking at Valparaiso.

The Valpo Chamber receives numerous requests for real estate information, so this issue of Valparaiso Magazine will be seen by thousands of people in the city as well as those looking to move here.

For advertising rates and details, email Danielle Oeding by clicking here.

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"Valpo Means Business" is the theme of this year's Membership Directory.

This popular publication distributes by mail to 4,000 local businesses and another 1,000 are distributed throughout the year in our New Member Packets, Newcomer Packets, and walk-in visitors at the Chamber.

With 68 pages of full-color information, including both categorical and alphabetical member listings, you don't want to miss the opportunity to enhance your presence in this publication with an ad.

For ad rates and details, email Danielle Oeding by clicking here.

Ribbon Cuttings

Laciak Accountancy Group, PC celebrated the opening of their new downtown Valpo office on Thursday, January 28. Their new office is located at 56 S Washington St - 2nd Floor. Visit www.laciak.com or call 219-464-2277 for more information.

Thank You For The Connections

THANKS TO...Chocolate Cafe, Rich 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!

THANKS TO...Lisa August, Array Organizing; Jeff Brown, Two Men & A Truck; Darlene Cohn, D. Cohn Communications; Debbie Conn, Catalyst Tech Solutions; Sue Gilbert MS Nails; John Marx, JM2 Webdesigners; Mike Michalek, Trail 9; Mike Moreth, Simko Signs; Ryan Porterfield, Porterfield Family Chiropractic; Pam Rhodes, Kankakee Valley Post News; Gary Taylor, KENPRO Cleaning Services, Inc.; Pat Truax, Valpo Viennas; Morgan Wichlinski, Epic Limo.

Mark Your Calendars

Monday, February 1

Ribbon Cutting

Casteel's Casual Dining & Cocktails

210 Aberdeen Dr

4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, February 2

Bowl-A-Rama!

Inman's Bowling & Recreation Center

3201 Evans Ave

12:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT

Wednesday, February 3

AM Valpo

South Bend Chocolate Cafe

57 Franklin St

7:00 a.m.

No advanced reservations required - FREE

Friday, February 12

Legislative Hotline

Valpo Chamber

162 W Lincolnway

7:30 a.m.

No advanced reservations required - FREE

Thursday, February 18

Business After Hours

Century 21 Affiliated

503 Silhavy Rd, Ste A103

4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

No advanced reservations required - FREE

Tuesday, February 23

FYI Business Workshop: Social Media for the #WIN

Valpo Chamber

162 W Lincolnway

9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

2 sessions

Click here to register

Thursday, February 25

Ribbon Cutting

Society

109 Lincolnway

4:30 p.m.

Friday, February 26

Legislative Hotline

Valpo Chamber

162 W Lincolnway

7:30 a.m.

No advanced reservations required - FREE

SAVE THE DATE

Tuesday, March 15

Envision the Future

Click here for more info

Monday, June 27

FunDay Golf Classic

Click here for more info

Thank you for your continued support. If you have any questions on how to better utilize your membership, please call us at 219-462-1105 or email info@valpochamber.org.

Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce
162 W. Lincolnway
Valparaiso, Indiana 46383
219-462-1105