Valpo Chamber News
Volunteers Needed

ENVISON

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 even 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 2016 Envision the Future program is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15, at the Porter County Expo Center.

Click here to volunteer!
2016 Membership

By now, Chamber members have received 2016 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 2016.

In order to continue to be listed in our online and printed directories, and mobile app, you must renew no later than March 31.

You can pay your membership investment or any other outstanding invoice with the chamber online by clicking here.

If you have questions about your membership, please give us a call at (219) 462-1105.

Speed Networking

Speed Networking is returning for 2016, on March 8!

Structured and fast paced, Speed Networking allows participants to interact with other professionals one-on-one, for a set period of time. So get out of the office and walk away with more new contacts in one afternoon than some make in six months!

Click here to register.  Space is limited and filling fast!
Legislative Hotline Concludes

Legislative Hotline 2014
The 2016 session will wind to a close in early March.  Our Valpo Chamber Public Policy division has hosted four Legislative Hotlines with Representative Soliday and Senator Charbonneau who have provided meaningful updates on the session in both chambers. 

Indiana's transportation infrastructure has proven to be a main focus of this session. Governor Pence has proposed a one-time capital expenditure of approximately $500 million toward these improvements. Also, Representative Soliday, (who is Chair of the House Transportation Committee), has initiated a bill to provide $1 Billion of improvements annually.  This bill, HB 1001, passed the House and is currently in the Senate for approval.  Co-sponsored by Senator Karen Tallian, HB 1001 appears to have support on both sides of the aisle, although being an election year could prove to make this a difficult bill to pass.  In addition to 2016 being an election year, this is a non-budget year, which could also hinder the timely passing of this bill.

The state is currently experiencing declining gas tax revenues as a result of lower fuel prices and alternative power supplies. As revenue sources continue to decline, Indiana's infrastructures will not get proper funding without the passing of Bill HB 1001.

Due to the adjournment of this legislative session, there will be no additional hotline meetings.  Both Senator Charbonneau and Representative Soliday have agreed to a post-session wrap-up presentation which will be announced at a later date.

If you have any questions, please contact Rex Richards at 219-462-1105.
   
Chamber Members save up to 25%

Constant Contact is the leading provider of small business online marketing tools and has partnered with Chambers of Commerce to help you stay in touch with customers to sell more, grow your customer base, and increase your bottom line.

As a benefit of your Chamber of Commerce membership, you can put Constant Contact's industry-leading online marketing tools to work for your business, while receiving exclusive savings - even if you are already a Constant Contact customer.

Click here for more details!

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.

Blythe's Athletics, Inc.
Member since 1980
 
Blythe's Athletics is a leader in athletics apparel and equipment sales. They have a dedicated sales force for team, corporate, and not for profit customers as well as retail store front for your everyday needs in athletics.

They have in-house production departments for screen print, CAD printing, trophy, embroidery, engraving and their graphics department can have your merchandise customized to your specification or with our help. Blythe's Athletics has everything for your athletic adventures.

Visit them at 2810 N Calumet Ave, or online at www.teamblythes.com.

Good to Go By Lucrezia
Member since 2014
Good to Go by Lucrezia sells the highest quality products on their light menu, including wine, craft beer, cheese boards and more. Their olive oils are ultra premium oils made by artisans all over the world. Take a taste of grocery store bought olive oil that you may have in your pantry, then come taste the oils at Good to Go. They have a civic responsibility to represent honest olive oil makers and protect the millions of consumers who are being deprived of the therapeutic properties of quality oil. REAL extra virgin olive oil contains powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatories which help to prevent degenerative conditions. For more information, visit  www.goodtogobylucrezia.com, or stop in at 54 W Lincolnway.

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


Casteel's Casual Dining & Cocktails celebrated the grand opening of their new restaurant on Monday, February 1st.  The restaurant is located in Aberdeen at 210 Aberdeen Dr. Call 531-7427 for more information.
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!

THANKS TO...Century 21 Affiliated for hosting the February Business After Hours.

THANKS TO...Benita Capps, Central Agency Insurance; Dave Collins, Century 21 Executive Realty; Jamie Haney, Valparaiso University/Timeless Harpist; Tyler Kent, City of Valparaiso; Mike Moreth, Simko Signs; Cindy Oakley, Culligan of Porter County; Wayne Welter, Civic Member.
Mark Your Calendars

Wednesday, March 2
AM Valpo
57 Franklin St
7:00 a.m.
No advanced reservations required - FREE

Tuesday, March 8
Speed Networking
162 W Lincolnway
3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Click here to register

Tuesday, March 15
Envision the Future
215 E Division Rd
8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Click here to Voluteer

Thursday, March 17
Business After Hours
864 Kinsey St
4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
No advanced reservations required - FREE

Friday, March 25
Valpo Chamber Office Closed
In observance of Good Friday

Wednesday, April 6
AM Valpo
57 Franklin St
7:00 a.m.
No advanced reservations required - FREE


SAVE THE DATE

Monday, April 11
Valpo Chamber Wine Pairing
Registration Coming Soon

Wednesday, April 27
Valpo Chamber Quarterly Luncheon
Registration Coming Soon

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 [email protected].

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









Contact Us!

Valpo Chamber
162 W Lincolnway
Valparaiso, IN 46383
(219) 462-1105
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