Volume 5 Issue 3 Summer 2005 the Magazine of the Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce

The Magazine of the Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce Volume 5 Issue 3 Summer 2005

contents

5 Building a Better Business Making the Connections for Success

5 10 14 21 Building a Better Business:Making the Connections for Success The City Council Connection 2005 Community Business Spotlight Businesses, large and small, face many of the same challenges. Businesses looking to move to a community, Improvement Awards They all need to know what resources are available, who makes or grow within a community, often look to Pride and Growth in them available, and the steps involved with putting those resources the local government for help. In Valparaiso, Valparaiso. to work for them. Our cover helps them make those critical they look to the City Council. business connections. SECTIONS: Calendar of Events 4,19 | New Chamber Members 20 Around Town 23 |Word on the Street 24

SUMMER 2005 From the Chairman A publication of the Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce 162 W.Lincolnway The sun is shining warm and bright, blooming flowers create a charismatic landscape, Valparaiso,IN 46383 community parks are filled with amusement, ripe fruit and vegetables offer a delightful Phone:(219) 462-1105 Fax:(219) 462-5710 farmer’s market in courthouse square and festivals “pop up” everywhere. Summer’s arrival [email protected] generates an abundance of activity throughout Valparaiso. The Valpo Chamber “Indiana’s http://www.valparaisochamber.org Chamber of the Year” is no exception. Our summer is eventFULL! GreaterValparaiso Chamber of Commerce Forty-one volunteers participated in our “Member Thank You Blitz,” on Thursday, June 2nd Deb Butterfield,President and together we delivered over 950 NEW Member Directory and Community Resource Guides Amy Page,Vice President,Member Services throughout Valparaiso, Merrillville and Chesterton. It was a day to connect to our members and Ashli Bowen,Marketing & Communications Specialist extend a thank you for their support in helping us attain “Indiana Chamber of the Year.” Julie Gaskell,Administrative Assistant On June 27th our annual FunDay (Buen Dia) golf outing was in full swing at The Course at Aberdeen. Two- Tina St.Aubin,Special Events Coordinator hundred golfers hit the fairways for a day of spectacular golf, lively contests, scrumptious food and enjoyable Danielle Oeding,Advertising and Membership Sales networking. A special thanks goes out to our major sponsors Centier Bank, NIPSCO, Griegers Chrysler, Jeep and Renee Egan,Bookkeeper Dodge, Comcast, First National Bank, North Coast Distributing and Porter-Starke Services, our 36 hole sponsors and Debbie Pulley,Support Staff 50 volunteers who helped make the outing a memorable Buen Dia! Valparaiso Magazine The City of Valparaiso, the Porter County Builders Association and Valpo Chamber will hold our annual Publisher: The Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce Community Improvement Awards luncheon, sponsored by the Times on July 12th at Strongbow Inn. Eight recipients Design and Production: R SIRKO Design will receive a 2005 Community Improvement Award for their commitment and investment in Valparaiso. Join us in Feature Photos: Aran Kessler Photo Imaging recognizing these local businesses whose building projects have enhanced the community. A list of the recipients and Editor: R SIRKO Design more information about the award can be found on pages 14 and 15. Printing: Home Mountain Publishing,Inc. Valparaiso’s largest and only rooftop rendezvous is back and the entire community is invited (must be 21)! I am Mailing: Flanagin’s Bulk Mail Service thrilled to announce the 4th annual LuWow, sponsored by NIPSCO will be held Friday, August 5th on the rooftop of the Porter County Parking Garage from 7-11:00 p.m. This year’s theme Cheeseburgers in Vale of Paradise will be just that, grilled cheeseburgers with a buffet paradise of condiments, sides and desserts, tropical drinks, colorful leis; tiki torches and music by the Middle of the Road Band. It’s the perfect event to summer’s end. Purchase your tickets today VALPARAISO MAGAZINE is published quarterly by at the Chamber office. the Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce, As summer concludes and fall gets underway, the annual Chamber Network Night provides an exceptional P.O. Box 330, Valparaiso, IN 46384-0330. To submit opportunity for businesses throughout Porter County to showcase what they have to offer and make connections with “Calendar of Events” or “Around Town” entries, call key decision-makers. The Expo will be held on Thursday, October 27th at the Porter County Expo Center from 3:00- (219) 462-1105 or send to: 7:00 p.m and Business After Hours from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Booth space and sponsorships are open to chamber members [email protected], Attn: Editor. and non-members. Contact the Chamber for more information. For advertising inquiries, call 462-1105 or fax to: In addition to all of our special events, we encourage you to participate in our regularly scheduled Chamber (219) 462-5710, Attn: Magazine Ad Sales. events which connect you with like-minded professionals, relate to your interests and empower your business to grow. VALPARAISO MAGAZINE circulates 16,500 copies All events are listed in the calendar beginning on page 4 and on our web site www.valparaisochamber.org. per issue by direct mail to all businesses, and, on a rotating basis, to most households in the 46383, Have a safe and spectacular summer! 46384 and 46385 zip codes. Subscriptions may be Mike Bucko purchased at an annual rate of $12, for those outside Chair, Valpo Chamber our regular circulation. 3 From the President Calendar of Events We are mid-year 2005 and officially welcomed our new economic development partner, Charles McGill, who was recently named the City of Valparaiso’s Economic Development Director by Mayor Costas (see page 17). With Charlie’s addition to the team we add a dimension that few economic development programs have available. July 9-10,15 – 17,21 - 23 July 21 His background – literally his heritage – in business and industry and “WhenWeWere Alive” Valpo Chamber Business his passion for Valparaiso and its future will take our efforts to yet Chicago Street Theatre After Hours another level. We are excited about the opportunities for the future. 154 W. Chicago St. MacLennan & Bain Insurance This issue of the magazine explores the importance of partnerships that the July 9, 10, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 - 214 Aberdeen Dr. VEDC and the City have developed that help us strengthen and leverage our efforts. 8:00 pm; July 17 – 2:30 pm 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm Key among them is the invaluable support we receive from our City and County officials in creating and maintaining an environment that is business-friendly and 464-1636 464-0100 proactive. Our partners in these key elected positions take the time to understand the challenges that our local businesses face and work with us to seek solutions and offer July 12 July 21 - 30 opportunities for them to compete in the global economy. In 2004 alone, City and Valpo Chamber Porter County Fair County officials helped 8 businesses create more than 400 non-service/non-retail jobs Community Improvement Porter County Expo Center & and invest nearly $30 million in upgrading facilities and purchasing equipment to Awards Luncheon Fairgrounds keep them at a competitive level. This understanding and support is critical and we are Strongbow Inn 7:30 am – 12:00 midnight appreciative that we are able to have regular dialogue with these officials. Noon – 1:00 pm 464-0133 As summer winds down, we continue to pursue our strategic initiatives of the year 462-1105 and are working diligently to move our Certified Technology Park and incubator project forward in early fall. Continuing to explore the realm of opportunity that exists with July 24 emerging technology oriented companies will set a course for our future to develop new, July 15 3rd Annual Creekside high paying job opportunities and investment. We hope to report our specific progress in Concerts in Nature: Classic Golf Outing this area in our next issue. Music Under the Stars Creekside Golf Course The positive momentum continues at all levels with the establishment of and Taltree Arboretum & Gardens 2355 Clifford Rd funding for the Regional Development Authority and Valparaiso looks forward to great 450 W 100 N, Valparaiso 1:00 pm progress locally and regionally as a result. Exciting times are ahead and we will do our best 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm 531-7888 to work responsibly for the betterment of our great community. 462-0025 July 27 Deb Butterfield July 16 Concert in the Park President Valpo Chamber and Valparaiso Economic Development Corporation Artistic Splendor! “Valpo Middle Schools Band” Taltree Arboretum & Gardens Porter Co. Courthouse Lawn 450 W 100 N, Valparaiso 8:00 pm 9:00 am – 5:00 pm 462-5144 462-0025 August 3 July 16 A.M.Valpo Saturday in the Park Chocolate Café – South Bend South Shore Brass Band Chocolate Factory Coffee Creek Amphitheater 57 Franklin St.– Downtown 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm Valparaiso (219) 395-5300 7:00 – 8:00 am 462-1105 July 16-17,22-24,30-31 “Children of Eden” August 3 Memorial Opera House Concert in the Park Fri. & Sat. – 8:00 pm “South Shore Brass Quintet” Sun. – 2:00 pm Butterfield Pavilion 548-9137 8:00 pm 462-5144 July 17 Concerts in Nature August 5 Sunday Sounds Valpo Chamber’s Lu-WOW! Taltree Arboretum & Gardens Porter County Parking 450 W 100 N, Valparaiso Garage - Rooftop 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Indiana Ave. 462-0025 7:00 - 11:00 pm 462-1105 July 20 Concert in the Park August 6 - 7 “Valparaiso Community/ Chesterton Art Fair University Concert Band” Hawthorne Park 8:00 pm 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Butterfield Pavilion (219) 926-4711 8:00 pm 462-5144 4 continued on page 19 Lucas Zorick,CNC Setup/Operator usesTask ForceTips' CNC machine to craft a finished product to meet the rigorous demands of firefighters worldwide. Building a Better Business: Making the Connections for Success by Harry J.Karabel company sees an opportunity to Tax Increment Financing (TIF) helps this increase productivity, improve its business grow. ability to compete in the marketplace, An independent entrepreneur has an idea for a new start- expand its workforce and impact its up business. While the marketplace clearly has a need for bottom line performance. Financing this business, no other company is currently serving that this breakthrough opportunity will need. The perfect location for this business exists and is Arequire not only the purchase of major pieces of capital even affordable. The location would deliver local walk-in equipment, but also the personal property taxes that traffic and is also an easy destination for out-of-town will soon be attached to that purchase. traffic. But city ordinances prevent this type of business from being operated in that location. Tax abatement helps this business grow. A company selects an existing building as the new site for Rezoning helps this business grow. a major distribution center. The intersection of major Businesses, large and small, face many of the same interstate highways and close proximity to major rail and challenges. All desire to make themselves more viable air transportation make this particular location ideal to entities in the marketplace. They all need to increase sustain company growth. The new site will create new profits and reduce costs. Hiring, training, retraining and jobs and the exporting of goods from the community will retaining the most productive employees is yet another, bring wealth back into its economy. But in order to critical, ongoing issue. transform the existing site so that it meets the needs of the Businesses grow on the strength of their distribution business, new sewer and water lines have to relationships. These can be relationships with suppliers, be run and a new road has to be built to enable trucks to get customers, and certainly with local government entities to the loading bays. that have resources available designed to sustain business

5 growth. Companies need to know what resources are available, and cut the red tape when it comes to delivering the resources who makes them available, and the steps involved with putting businesses need. those resources to work for them. IEDC’s approach to serving business needs is determined on a case-by-case basis. “Every business is different,” Sanders On the Front Lines with the VEDC explained. “Even businesses of the same size in the same In the last year, the Valparaiso Economic Development industry.” IEDC analyzes all the factors to determine what kind Corporation (VEDC) and the city economic development of help can be provided. There is a group of new incentives, for department has worked with companies to create 400 new instance, available to companies who want to move their world jobs in the community. But President Deb Butterfield would be headquarters to Indiana. “We are talking with Mittal Steel about among the first to acknowledge that economic development making a Northwest Indiana community their National happens when partners work together and support each other headquarters or even their world headquarters. With these new with their individual strengths. incentives, we can hopefully attract large-scale businesses to “Our role is to establish the relationship with our make significant investments. This impacts our construction businesses at all levels –management, financial and human industry and builds the whole community as high-powered resources – so that when they are ready to go into an expansion corporate executives move into the region.” or have a particular need they know they can call on us to Sanders stresses the importance of securing access resources and programs,” and maintaining partnerships Butterfield said. She said building between economic development the relationship at all levels of organizations. “We stay in touch decision making is also important. with the local communities on all “At the plant they may be focused business possibilities. We work with on making and shipping product the Northwest Indiana Forum, we and hiring and training the work closely with NIPSCO because employees while other decisions just about any company that comes may be made at the corporate level. in is going to have certain power We try to establish a rapport locally requirements. They’re going to and with the corporation officials,” want to know how much is it going she explained. to cost them to run the lights and heat the plant. Indiana Economic “For local Economic Development Development organizations or local Corporation (IEDC) chambers, when you hear of a Tim Sanders, Director of the IEDC, business that wants to move in, get explains his organization’s mission in touch with our offices as quick as in promoting business growth. you can. I think that sometimes “The goal of this administration mayors and chambers and others and the IEDC is to increase income, are concerned that the state increase job opportunities for government comes in, we’re going people, and increase and expand to want to cut the ribbon, and that their standard of living.” IEDC has simply isn’t the case. You can have a number of resources available to all the credit. We just want to know help attract, grow and sustain businesses and their employees. that you’re interested in bringing that business to your “We have the Hoosier Business Investment Tax Credit, which community, and we’ll do all we can to help.” is offered as a credit against state corporate taxes as an incentive to move into Indiana. We have a program called the EDGE, Center of Workforce Innovations (CWI) which stands for the Economic Development for Growing CWI brings private sector leaders together with policy makers Economy, and is based on the number of employees the from economic development, education, government, labor, company hires. We have infrastructure grants also based on the and community-based organizations to analyze regional labor number of employees. So if a company, for example, is moving market trends, needs, and issues to develop strategic workforce into an industrial park and a road needs to be extended on solutions. “As a business-led, not-for-profit organization, we are public property we can help with that as well as curbs, street continuously analyzing the growth and requisite skill sets for lights and sewers. current and future job opportunities in Northwest Indiana,” “For companies who want to upgrade their technology, we said Linda Woloshansky, CWI’s President. “We share that can reimburse for the cost of retraining the employees and for information with schools, universities and service providers to computers and other high tech improvements. Typically that improve the relevance and quality of services.” training is done at local higher education facilities, which CWI also looks for best practices for replication and provides another boost to the local economy.” resources for employers. One of the tools CWI promotes is The funding for all this activity comes from the state. As WorkKeys. Managed by the Indiana Department of Workforce Tim explains it, the State of Indiana is serious about investing in Development (see story below), and delivered by several not-for- families and in creating employment opportunities. To profits and educational entities, WorkKeys is designed to accomplish this important goal, they support the private sector document and improve workplace skills. The program “helps

6 employers hire and promote the right-skilled people” the corporate goals. We will work with the company to assess Woloshansky said. “It can help them train an existing workforce their human capital needs and to develop a strategic workforce to better suit their competitive needs.” plan that can be implemented over time. This plan will include WorkKeys is the only tool available with a comprehensive, the local, state, and federal resources and providers who they can 3-part strategy: call upon for training, placement, and organizational 1. Profiling—an employer can have a particular job profiled development services. to identify the skills necessary to perform the job duties. “We have engaged the services of Clarence Ehlers, an 2. Assessment—individuals are assessed to determine industrial engineer who worked for both National and their current skill sets Bethlehem steel for nearly 30 years to manage this project. With 3. Skill Enhancement—instructional support is available his background, he understands the manufacturing industry to assist learners in improving those skills necessary for and their challenges and will be able to help find solutions that the job. meet their needs. “The State of Indiana allocated specific resources to make “In everything we do, we are totally focused on creating and WorkKeys available to employers and utilized by students and finding solutions for our business community. We are working job seekers,” Woloshansky said. “Employers in Manufacturing, collaboratively with others to create an environment and culture Logistics, Life Sciences-Healthcare or Information Technology which fosters innovation leading to job growth and retention.” planning to hire employees for new positions or refill vacancies, can Indiana Department of acquire up to five profiles at no Workforce cost. Providers like KV Works and Development (IDWD) the Department of Workforce Diana Sandlin, IDWD’s Senior Development will help find the Business Consultant, is one of the employees you need.” people responsible for Once students and job seekers implementing the training begin to see the exact skills needed component of the WorkKeys for a particular job, they are program. “The Center for motivated to improve their skills Workforce Innovation is one of our and make themselves more marketing arms,” Diana explained. competitive. WorkKeys also “We coordinate the WorkKeys functions as a career-counseling system to assist companies with tool for schools and workforce their recruitment and retention development organizations. needs including implementing The WorkOne office in training programs.” Valparaiso houses staff who can “The WorkKeys system helps provide the skill enhancement businesses increase employee program called WIN and productivity, reduce turnover, KeyTrain, which was purchased by and strengthen the hiring CW. Woloshansky explained that process which reduces business WorkOne represents a host of costs. Our agency focus is public and private “partners” who on the Hoosier worker, provide integrated services job seeker, and incumbent including education, employment, counseling and social workers while working with employers.” services all under one roof. IDWD is responsible for implementing the Incumbent “Return on Investment studies indicate that employers Worker Training Fund, which was developed to help that State of who effectively use WorkKeys in hiring demonstrate reduced Indiana create a world-class workforce. IDWD assists employers attrition, recruitment, training and turnover costs and by allocating training funds to their specific training needs. increased productivity,” said Woloshansky. Critical to the allocation of these funds is that the employee must “Over the next three years, we will be promoting the earn a transferable credential. “If anything happens to that WorkKey initiative vigorously,” she continued. “Indiana employee or that particular job,” Diana explained, “the employee Workforce Development and CWI have invested heavily in this can use the credential to get a comparable job at another tool to help build better, stronger businesses by identifying company or use it for promotional opportunities.” workforce needs and then increasing workforce skills to meet Diana explained that IDWD needs employers to come to those needs. This is a highly systemic approach toward making them with a training plan in mind. They also look for a business more competitive and is done at little or no cost to matching funds from the employer, which can be in the form the employer.” of wages and benefits while the employee is being trained. Woloshansky talked about another growth program called Then IDWD helps the employer complete the grant Business Solutions Strategy for Manufacturers, which was application to cover the cost of the training. Advanced developed by CWI. “We want to keep our manufacturers strong, manufacturing, life sciences, information technology, and vibrant, and growing. Their workforce becomes critical in this high-tech distribution have all been targeted by the State as new globally competitive environment and most companies do high skill level industries suitable for training grants. The not have a strategic workforce plan to insure they will achieve maximum training grant is $200,000.

7 instance, demand mechanical techs and electrical techs, highly specialized and well- trained people. This education can be delivered either through credit or non-credit class. “We now have a certification program that we developed with Mittal Steel, that students can take if they want to be employed in the steel industry. This is a series of classes, 45 credit hours. Upon completion, they get a certificate from Ivy Tech, which Mittal will look upon favorably when the student seeks employment.” Haklin sees her school’s future closely tied to the success of the local economy. “As Ivy Tech works with employers and employees on skill-building, we strengthen the community with education and help people G.Bill Williams (middle),Assistant Professor MIT Program Chair of Ivy Tech Community College instructs students advance toward their true Daniel Matuska (left) & Mike Olszewski (right) on how to replace a resistor in the control circuit of an electronic potential that would be circuit board for PLC's. otherwise untapped.” “We work hard to make sure businesses get the quality of workforce they need,” Sandlin said. “WorkKeys is designed to help The “Power” of Power keep businesses in Northwest Indiana, and to help them grow.” As Tim Sanders explained earlier in this story, power requirements are a consideration for any business. The Northern Knowledge to Grow Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) has a program Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana offers a wide variety of designed to assist in the attraction of new businesses and the for-credit classes for people who need to brush up their skills, expansion of existing businesses by providing rate incentives on advance their careers or seek new areas of employment, and to qualifying new or increased electrical consumption. Diane help Northwest Indiana businesses grow. Executive Dean Dee Thalmann, Manager of Economic Development for NIPSCO, Haklin used a paralegal prep course as an example. “Legal explains: “Our economic development rider, Rider 848.2, may be secretaries do not have billable hours, but paralegals do. By utilized to offer discounts to certain electric rates for new electric sending legal secretaries to this course, local lawyers can usage in our service territory. This new electric use may be in the improve the profitability of their offices while advancing the form of a new customer locating in northern Indiana or from an skills of existing employees. existing customer who expands their operation and who meet “We have another class aimed at the needs of not-for-profit the eligibility thresholds to qualify for the discounts. As we work agencies. Individuals can earn a development certificate in that with our economic development partners across northern field that gives them training in key areas such as Human Indiana, NIPSCO utilizes this tool as part of the overall effort to Resource Management and grant writing.” attract new business investment in our communities.” In fact, Ivy Tech offers a wide variety of classes to suit the Rider 848.2, as approved by the Indiana Utility divergent needs of business and industry. “We have a variety of Regulatory Commission, requires that three eligibility criteria Continuing Education courses on the ‘not for credit’ side,” Dee be met for qualification: continued. “These are specialized courses for specific businesses or industries. The businesses identify a specific 1. The company must commit to adding a minimum 100 need. We develop the program or class and deliver it where the kilowatts of electric demand; employer needs it. So if it is more convenient for them to hold 2. Over the next five years the company must commit to adding the class at their facility, that’s what we do.” at least twenty new full-time equivalent jobs; Ivy Tech continues to look for ways to meet the changing 3. The potential new company must document that they are needs of the steel industry, a long-time staple in the Northwest considering other specific electric service territories as Indiana economy. “Both Mittal and U.S. Steel have told me that alternate locations for their planned new facility or expansion the days of going to work in the steel industry when your of their existing facility. education stopped with a high school diploma are over. These days, everyone is cross-trained. Advanced manufacturers of all Throughout the process of working to bring a project to a kinds, businesses like Task Force Tips and Urschel Labs for successful completion, NIPSCO’s Economic Development

8 staff partners with its Major Accounts Managers and the formation, growth and success of small business Representatives, and Sales Support Staff to assure the smooth nationwide. SCORE is manned by a staff of retired executives transition of a new customer or expanded load into the NIPSCO and former small business owners who volunteer their time network. These employees are key to managing the day-to-day and talents to assist Northwest Indiana area entrepreneurs in relationships and activities with major account businesses. starting a business or expanding their business through one- Also critical to maintaining positive business relationships on-one counseling and business development workshops. with its customers is NIPSCO’s Business Link and Customer Valparaiso area SCORE Counselor Phil Bain explained Call Center activities. “We are accessible 24 hours a day, 365 how the organization works. “Our counselors are retired days per year,” relates Thalmann. bankers, marketing managers and other corporate executives. In all business-building activities, Thalmann cites the These counselors give people an opportunity to discuss their importance of the network of local partnerships. “We work business ideas and talk about the practical aspects of starting a closely with the Northwest Indiana Forum and all the local business. We talk to people who are trying to start businesses, or Economic Development organizations to promote and people already in business ready to take the next step. maintain a positive, healthy business climate.” “We also make groups of individuals available to small businesses who can act like your Board of Directors. Usually, Small Business is Still Big Business small businesses can’t afford a Board, but we can give them the Sue Anderson, Regional Director for the Northwest Indiana benefit of that kind of expertise.” Small Business Development Center (SBDC), explains the In addition to personal counseling, SCORE offers a wealth organization’s mission: “to create and keep jobs in Northwest of information an every aspect of starting and running a Indiana.” SBDC does this by offering a wide variety of training business through its website. Topics covered there include and consulting services designed specifically for the needs of marketing, legal information, how to write a business plan., smaller businesses. how to get a business loan, and much more. “We offer online training through our website,” Sue “When you’re going into business, you have two ways to explained. “Through our ‘Small Business University’ you can continued on page 12 take 2-3 hour classes in management, marketing, creating a business plan, and a number of other topics. These are not tied to a certification and you don’t have to take the entire class all at once. You can always come back later and finish.” Business Resource Guide They also provide live training for courses such as “How to Start a Business,” “Record-keeping,” “Developing a Business Need help starting or growing your business? Northwest Indiana has a Plan,” or “Advertising and Marketing.” wealth of business resources. Just give them a call!

At the next level, they teach a “Fundamentals of Business” Center for Workforce NWI Small Business course, a 13-week course that meets once a week. “During the Innovation (CWI) Development Center (SBDC) course, you develop your own Business Plan” Anderson said. The Center of Workforce 2646 Highway Ave. “And have the opportunity to meet with attorneys and Innovations Highland, IN 46322 2804 Boilermaker Court (219) 838-0176 marketing people for one-on-one consulting.” Suite E www.nwisbdc.org They sponsor another series of courses that meet Tuesday, Valparaiso, IN 46383 Wednesday and Thursday nights for 3 weeks on topics such as (219) 462-2940 Northern Indiana Public Service Web Design, Women in Business, Computer Tips and Tricks, www.innovativeworkforce.com Company (NIPSCO) 801 E. 86th Ave. Indiana Department of and Insurance. They also meet with existing and start-up Merrillville, IN 46410 Workforce Development businesses one-on-one to draft a business or marketing plan, 1-800-464-7726 (IDWD) and help them find the resources they need. Most of SBDC’s www.nipsco.com Serving Lake County services, of which the ones listed here are a very small part, are Gary WorkOne Service Corps of Retired delivered at little or no cost. And some of the businesses they P. O. Box 1840 Executives (SCORE) 1776 W. 37th Ave help are not so small. 162 W. Lincolnway Gary, IN 46409-1840 “We help businesses all the way up to 500 employees,” Valparaiso, IN 46385 (219) 981-1520 (219) 462-1105 Anderson explained. “We had 300 client calls last year, an www.in.gov/dwd amazing volume of activity. Business has really picked up.” www.scorenorthwestind.com Indiana Economic Development SBDC’s main local office is in Highland, which also serves Valparaiso Economic Corporation (IEDC) as an incubator, a structured environment for counseling and Development Corporation Regional office (VEDC) helping new businesses to grow. They have a commons area 9800 Connecticut Drive 162 W Lincolnway with office services and then their own space. “We have seven Crown Point, IN 46307 P.O. Box 339 (219) 644-3696 small businesses in house,” Anderson said. “They start off here Valparaiso, IN 46384-0330 http://www.iedc.in.gov and then eventually move to their own location. (219) 462-1105 www.valpoedc.org “Small business is necessary and is improving the economy Ivy Tech State College – in our region. We partner with universities and economic Valparaiso Campus development groups to make sure that businesses get all the 2401 Valley Drive resources they need to thrive.” Valparaiso, IN 46383 (219) 464-8514 The Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) is a non- www.ivytech.edu profit organization sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration, and dedicated to entrepreneur education and

9 The City Council Connection by Harry J. Karabel

usinesses looking to move to a community, or grow within a Porter County Sheriff’s department. “I feel the state created this (Tax community, often look to the local government for help. In Abatement) legislation primarily for manufacturing or other types of Valparaiso, they would look to the City Council. The five- jobs that will be a permanent part of the community. Personally I feel member Council basically has two tools for promoting those are the kinds of businesses we should support. They need to be business growth at their disposal: Tax Abatements and Tax unique and not in competition with other existing businesses in the city. BIncrement Financing (TIF). But these two City Council members agree We have a responsibility to our constituents to spend their tax dollars that making these resources available to the kinds of businesses that will wisely. So if we provide businesses with those resources, we want them promote local economic growth is a used to create more good-paying jobs.” responsibility they take seriously. “The government doesn’t create Chuck Williams is the President jobs,” Chuck Williams said. of Elegan Sportswear and has been on “Business creates jobs. The the City Council for 1 1/2 years. He government’s role, the Council’s role, wants to make it clear that Valparaiso is to create an environment that makes a good home for many different promotes job growth. But the types of businesses. “If a company economy has changed. There are not wants to come to Valpo, something as many new manufacturing jobs like a big box retailer, they are coming being created. There are more here because there is a market for their technology and service-based jobs. We products. They have done their have to create an environment that market research and they know that a promotes that kind of job growth.” percentage of this population will buy Williams acknowledges that Tax the products they have to sell. While Abatement can often mean life or they will provide jobs, their primary death to a business. “Tax Abatement motivation is to take a profit from the reduces overall tax payments by 50% community, to transport wealth over a 10 year phase period in Council members (pictured from left to right) Joey Larr, District 3; Edward Howe, elsewhere. This is how any national District 1; Robert MacCasland, District 4; Jan Dick, City Councilman at large;Sharon exchange for job creation and the retailer operates. They fill a need and Swihart, City Clerk/Treasurer; Mayor Jon Costas; Allen Eisenmenger,District 2; and impact a business would have on the that’s important. We want those John Bowker, District 5 discuss the Valparaiso Pathways and Greenways plan at the local economy. Over the life of the businesses. But it is up to the May 23rd City Council meeting. abatement, they pay half the taxes government, in my opinion, to throw support behind businesses that they normally would. This is a tax on the formation of capital and will create wealth for the community. capital equipment, on the creation of jobs. Property tax can literally “You have to look at the money flow. If a manufacturing or a high- tax someone out of business without making a dime. That is why tech company wants to move here and they will sell goods and services this particular tool is so important to some businesses.” That is also that bring wealth into this community, if they provide jobs for people why making the right decision is so important to the members of the who will spend their paychecks in this community, then we need to City Council. support them. Their products are leaving the community and money is Joey Larr says research always plays a role in the decision he makes coming back into the community to grow those businesses and hire on behalf of his community. “First of all, this administration let’s us more people.” know way ahead of time that a tax abatement vote is coming up. We “Tax Abatement is a great tool if used properly,” said Joey Larr. Joey really appreciate that because it gives us time to prepare, and do our has been on the City Council for almost six years and also serves the homework. I’ll look on the Internet and get as much information as I community as a police officer, a Sergeant in the Patrol Division of the can about not only the company in question, but in similar businesses.

10 If the company is already established elsewhere, I want to see how successful they are. It’s these kinds of things that help me decide if the City Council should support a particular business. It really depends on the future of the business and whether they can help our future.” As City Council members, Larr and Williams have to keep their eyes on the future. “That’s why the City Council gave its support to the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (NIRDA),” Larr said. The RDA’s plans include expanding and improving the Gary/Chicago airport, developing a mass transit system and extending a commuter rail system into Valparaiso. “I’m sure that five to ten years from now that decision will have a big impact on our city. It’s a very positive part of our future.” What will the business environment of the future Valparaiso look like? “I see more technology-types of businesses,” Larr said. “Hardware and software companies. I don’t mean to say we’re going to become Silicone Valley, but I see us trying to attract more of these kinds of high- tech, manufacturing businesses.” “If you have a business that has a room full of computer programmers making $75,000 a year, they are spending that money here,” Williams said. “The products they help to make are being sold outside this community and that money comes back into this community to help our economic base.” Larr and Williams agree that attracting the right kinds of businesses is a tough job. When you find them, you have to do what you can to keep them. These are the challenges they have to meet as City Council members. “You have to look at it from the perspective of balance of trade,” Williams said. “Companies that increase the balance of trade by importing wealth, raise the standard of living for the entire community.”

11 continued from page 9 go,” Bain said. “You can try it the hard way and go to the school of hard knocks, or you can get the help and experience you need.” Phil talked about providing advice and direction for the operator of the new Coldstone Creamery. “She came to us for direction. She wanted to know if this was a good time and a good place for that business. We were able to help her out. We’ve helped dozens of little companies in this area. The more people we can help go into business, the more we can help the local economy.” Businesses succeed on the strength of their partnerships. It is this network of partnerships—these connections—and the targeted resources they provide, that help Valparaiso community businesses of all sizes continue to grow.

Cindy Hunter,owner of Cold Stone Creamery at ValparaisoWalk shares a newsletter with Phil Bain,chairman of SCORE Northwest Indiana which shows Cindy's store is #1 in sales in Illinois and Northwest Indiana and #21out of the 1000 stores in the United States.

12 13 2005 Community Improvement Awards Pride and Growth in Valparaiso

he City of Valparaiso, the Porter County Builders lodge meetings and functions. The building accommodated several Association and Valpo Chamber recognized 8 local businesses before the Valpo Chamber purchased it in December businesses for their commitment and investment in 2003. After a complete renovation, the Valpo Chamber took Valparaiso by awarding them with a 2005 Community occupancy in July 2005. The building currently houses the Valpo Improvement Award. A luncheon, sponsored by The Chamber, Valparaiso Community Festival & Events, Valparaiso TimesT was held on July 12 to congratulate the recipients and their Economic Development Corporation and Valparaiso projects which improve our city. Redevelopment Commission.

This year’s recipients include: Centier Bank,2707 LaPorte Ave; Chester Inc.,555 Eastport Centre Dr.; Christopher Center,1410 Chapel Dr.; First National Bank,2904 John Howell Dr.; Porter County Builders Association,1356 Lincolnway; South Point Partners,1361 Morthland Dr.; The Talon Group/Anthony’s,2500 Calumet Ave.; Valparaiso Tire & Auto Repair,451 Morthland Dr.

These projects joined more than 210 that have been recognized since the awards program began 38 years ago.

Community Improvement Awards are based on the visual impact of exterior appearance only and are judged on the following criteria: • Enhances attractiveness of Valparaiso • Compatible with area and environment • Shows creativity/innovation in both design and use of materials • Enhances the quality of life and promotes pride in Valparaiso • Makes a commitment to Valparaiso’s future

The Valparaiso Historic Preservation Commission presented its third Heritage Award for Historic Preservation at this annual luncheon. This award is given to the owner(s) of a building whose construction or renovation efforts result in significantly enhancing and reinforcing the historic character of Valparaiso. The 2005 Heritage Award for Historic Preservation was presented to 162 W. Lincolnway, which houses the Valpo Chamber, Valparaiso Community Festival & Heritage Award for Historic Events, Valparaiso Economic Development Corporation and Preservation & Valparaiso Redevelopment Commission. Special Judges’Award 162 W. Lincolnway In addition, the Special Judges Award goes to projects that Valpo Chamber demonstrate outstanding achievement on their own merits but do Architect: Design Organization not fit the general CIA parameters of eligibility. This year’s award Designer: Design Organization was given to the Valpo Chamber for 162 W. Lincolnway. In 1875, Contractor: Pangere Corporation 162 W Lincolnway, which was then 162 Main Street, was designed Builder: Pangere Corporation by Charles Lembke and built as the Grand Opera House. The Landscape Designer: N/A Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Chequeuk Lodge #56 (IOOF), purchased the building in 1902 and utilized the second floor for its

14 Centier Bank Porter County Builders Association 2707 LaPorte Ave. 1356 Lincolnway

Architect: Gerometta & Kinel Architects Architect: Brent Wagner Architects, Inc. Contractor: Larson-Danielson Construction Company Inc. Designer: Amy Carter, Wagner Homes Builder: Larson-Danielson Construction Company Inc. Contractor: M.B. Builders - Marge Frame Landscape Designer: Lakeshore Landscaping Builder: Dodrill Construction Landscape Designer: Lakeshore landscaping

Chester Inc. The Talon Group/Anthony’s Salon 555 Eastport Centre Dr. 2500 N. Calumet Ave

Architect: Chester, Inc. Architects Architect: Stutler Architects, Inc. Designer: Scott P. virtue, AIA Designer: Harley W. Snyder Contractor: Chester, Inc. Construction Contractor: Garbison General Contractors Landscape Designer: Stu Franzen Builder: Garbison General Contractors Landscape Coordinator: LaPorte County Landscaping Landscape Designer: Colorscape Designs, Inc.

Christopher Center South Point Partners 1410 Chapel Dr. 1361 Morthland Dr.

Architect: Esherick, Homsey, Dodge, and Davis Architect: N/A (San Francisco, CA) Designer: LSC Construction Designer Esherick, Homsey, Dodge, and Davis Contractor: LSC Construction Contractor: Pepper Construction, Inc. (Indianapolis, IN) Builder: LSC Construction Builder: Pepper Construction, Inc. Landscape Designer: Yard Bird, Inc. Landscape Designer: Oslund and Assoc. (Minneapolis, IN)

First National Bank Valparaiso Tire & Auto Repair,Inc. 2904 John Howell Dr. 451 Morthland Dr.

Architect: Stephen Pease Architect: Dr. Roy E. Evans, PHD, P.E.\Schmidt Engineering Designer: Michelle Durak of McDonald-Cagen Designer: Brice R. Johnson, Assoc. AIA, CSI Contractor: Mark Bengal Northwind Construction Contractor: New Paradiam Construction Services Builder: Mark Bengal Northwind Construction Builder: Foster Brothers Construction Landscape Designer: Bob Schulte Landscape Designer: Hubinger Landscaping

15 16 Charlie McGill, Valparaiso’s New Economic Development Director

Charles (Charlie) McGill, fourth-generation resident, successful entrepreneur trained Emerson’s sales engineers on the features, benefits and pricing and dynamic community leader officially began employment with the City as structure for the entire McGill standard product line. For the last 12 years its new Economic Development Director on July 1st. He will also serve as the Charlie has been operating a multi-million dollar start-up company, Machine Vice President for the Valparaiso Economic Development Corporation. Charlie Tool Specialists, Inc. A business strategist with extensive knowledge of views the new position as an avenue in which he can use his community and international business and a high-level of negotiation experience with Fortune business experience to improve the economic opportunities for the City of 500 companies; in just 5 short years, Charlie was able to grow the company to Valparaiso. “This is a great opportunity to get involved at a level where I feel I $5 million in sales and 40 employees. In 1996 he was named Small Business can make a difference and make Valparaiso a sought after destination for high Person of the Year by the Northwest Indiana Forum, U.S. Small Business quality business investment. My primary goals are: Administration and the U.S. Congress. retention, to assist existing businesses in retaining Recently Charlie elected to divest of his business quality jobs in a dynamic global economy; and, interests in Machine Tool Specialists due to broad- creation of new quality jobs through expansion of based adverse changes occurring in the manufacturing existing businesses, entrepreneurships, and the markets serviced by Machine Tool Specialists. “I have attraction of business investment from outside of experienced the best of times and the most challenging Northwest Indiana. I will also be engaged in of times in my 12 years as president of Machine Tool identifying emerging technology businesses and Specialists. Ultimately, the dynamic global changes providing an environment, through the certified affecting our domestic industrial based manufacturers technology park, that will facilitate the creation of invalidated our strategy of servicing those companies’ technology based entrepreneurships.” capital equipment needs.” “I couldn’t be more pleased with the selection of “The challenges confronting businesses today Charlie McGill as the City’s new Director of are formidable. As Economic Development Director I Economic Development.” said Jim Jorgenson, chair of will utilize my entrepreneurial experiences to assist the Valparaiso Economic Development Corporation our existing business, cultivate new start-up Board of Directors. “Charlie brings exceptional energy, businesses, and secure business investment from experience and skills to the position. He has a proven outside the region. I am anxious to get started and record of business and entrepreneur success. He can working with the Chamber and VEDC on our ‘talk the talk’ and has ‘walked the walk’. I am economic strategic objectives” particularly excited that he will become the first Charlie’s accomplishments extend well beyond Manager of the new Valparaiso Technology Park. He his career. A strong community leader, Charlie has was made for that position.” served as the President of the Board of Directors for the Charlie received his Bachelor of Science in Charlie McGill, Economic Development Director Valparaiso YMCA, Officer of Valparaiso Middle School Economics and Finance from Valparaiso University’s Corporation and was a Junior Achievement Business College of Business Administration in 1981. After college he went to work with Advisor for five years. the family at McGill Manufacturing Company as the Assistant Chief “Having Charlie on the team gives us a dimension that few community Operating Officer. During his nine year career at McGill he managed multiple economic development programs have,” said Deb Butterfield, president of the sales territories, established a new mult-million dollar manufacturing facility Valpo Chamber and the VEDC. “His background in the global economy, in the Pacific Rim, negotiated sales contracts with major Japanese especially during its evolution, gives him a keen insight into what businesses manufacturers to supply brand-named product and played a prominent role in are facing. That will enable him to communicate effectively with company the development of the Evans Ave. bearing plant in Valparaiso. In 1990 Charlie CEO’s and plant managers, and should translate into stronger local strategies.” became a product manager for Emerson Electric Company (previously McGill Charlie is married to Heather McGill (20 years), the Marketing Director Manufacturing) where he provided key management input during the for Century 21 Executive Group. They have two boys, Sean 16 and Tyler 13. acquisition and implementation of Emerson’s operational practices and

17 18 Calendar of Events continued from page 4

August 10 August 20 - 21 September 11 September 19 Concert in the Park Midwest Corvette and Chevy Lakeshore Century Ride ValpoYoung Professionals “Peter Oprisko” Show Swap and Auction 25, 37, 62, 73 & 100 mile routes After 5 Butterfield Pavilion Porter County Expo Center Liberty Middle School Artist Place Eatery & Pub 8:00 pm 8:00 am - 5:00 pm 50 W 900 N, 210 Aberdeen Dr. 462-5144 464-9918 Chesterton. 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm School doors open at 6:30 am 462-6063 August 12 August 21 462-6035 ValpoYoungProfessionals Concerts in Nature: September 24 After 5 Sunday Sounds September 11 Fall Valpo – Fest Artist Place Eatery & Pub Taltree Arboretum & Gardens Winamac Old Auto Club Car Motorcycle Swap Meet 210Aberdeen Dr. 450 W 100 N, Valparaiso Show & Swap Meet 6:00 am – 5:00 pm 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Porter County Expo Center 464-9918 462-6063 462-0025 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (219) 865-8019 September 22 August 12,14,19,20,21 August 24 Valpo Chamber The Sound of Swing Valparaiso Community Schools September 13 Business After Hours Classes begin Memorial Opera House Valpo Chamber Percolator Coolman Communities Fri. & Sat. – 8:00 pm Luncheon Location:TBA August 27 Sun. – 2:00 pm “Celebrating Everyday 4:30 - 6:30 pm Kouts Pork Fest 548-9137 Heroes” 464-8055 Downtown Kouts Strongbow Inn 8:00 am - 5:00 pm August 13 (219) 766-3217 Sponsor:TBA September 23 – 25 Saturday in the Park Noon - 1:00 pm Fall Harvest Festival South Shore Brass Band Sunset Hill Farm County Park September 4 462-1105 Coffee Creek Amphitheater Truck & Tractor Pull Fri – Sat: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm Porter County Expo Center September 16 - 18 Sun: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (219) 395-5300 531-8934 Wizard of Oz Festival 462-3965 Downtown Chesterton August 18 September 7 Fri: hours varied October 1 - 2 Valpo Chamber A.M.Valpo Sat: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Vale Fine Arts Festival Business After Hours Chocolate Café – South Bend Sun: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Rogers-Lakewood Park VU – Christopher Center Chocolate Factory (219) 926-5513 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Valparaiso University 57 Franklin St.– Downtown 464-8332 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Valparaiso September 16 464-5114 7:00 – 8:00 am Concerts in Nature: October 2 462-1105 Music Under the Stars Porter’s Stay Healthy Fair August 19 Taltree Arboretum & Gardens Porter County Expo Center Valpo Chamber September 9 - 11 450 W 100 N, Valparaiso 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm Percolator Luncheon Kiwanis Balloon Fest 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm 465-4979 Strongbow Inn Porter County Expo Center 462-0025 Noon – 1:00 pm Fri. – Sat. 4:30 pm October 5 462-1105 Sat. – Sun. 6:30 am September 17 – 18 A.M.Valpo 462-1209 Celebration of the Arts Chocolate Café – South Bend August 19 Schoolhouse Shop grounds, Chocolate Factory Concerts in Nature: September 10 Chesterton 57 Franklin St.– Downtown Music Under the Stars Valparaiso Popcorn Festival Sat: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Valparaiso Taltree Arboretum & Gardens Downtown Valparaiso Sun: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm 7:00 – 8:00 am 450 W 100 N, Valparaiso 7:00 am - 6:00 pm (219) 926-1551 462-1105 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm 464-8332 462-0025 September 18 October 7 - 9 September 10 Concerts in Nature: Maquis Gras Celebration August 20 Hot Rod Weekend Sunday Sounds Hampton Inn & Suites Concerts in Nature: Sunset Hill Farm County Park Taltree Arboretum & Gardens 1451 Silhavy, Valparaiso Music Under the Stars Hours: Varied 450 W 100 N, Valparaiso Fri: 8:00 pm – 12:00 am Taltree Arboretum & Gardens 462-5818 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Sat: 10:00 am – 12:00 am 450 W 100 N, Valparaiso 462-0025 Sun: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm September 10 -11,16 – 18,24 -25 464-7109 462-0025 “Clue – The Musical” Memorial Opera House Fri – Sat: 8:00 pm; Sun: 2:00 pm 548-9137 19 The Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce welcomes new members who joined during March 2005 –June 2005. (All addresses are in the 46383 zip code and phone numbers are 219 area code unless otherwise indicated.)

American Home Mortgage Digital Graphic Solutions Matt’s Van & Sedan Inc. Seidel & Sasse Court Reporters 2401 Beech St., Ste. C 3427 E. 83rd Place, Ste. D 1315 W 129th Ave. 150 Lincolnway, Ste. 1005 462-4020 Merrillville, 46410 Crown Point, 46307 462-3436 Dale Price 945-0770 (800) 663-8494 Drea Sasse Mortgage Brokers/Lenders Mark Trumbull Matthew J Eckhart Court Reporters Printers Transportation Services American Red Cross, Stolpe Real Estate Duneland Group, Inc. Porter County Chapter Medical Insurance Group 451 W. Lincolnway 1498 Pope Court 755 W. Lincolnway 150 Lincolnway, Ste. 2002 464-4991 Chesterton, 46304 Valparaiso, 46385 465-1992 Dean W. Stolpe 926-1007 462-8543 Joseph A. Morris, CBC Real Estate-Commercial & Residential Charles L. Ray, P.E. Insurance Deb Williams Surveyors Social Service Agencies Employee Benefit Service Sturdy Rd.Church of Christ 1155 Sturdy Rd. East Square Antiques Oil N Go Aspen Studio 462-4393 210 E. Lincolnway 2806 Calumet Ave. 760 W. Lincolnway Ben Lamb 462-8888 465-1087 Valparaiso, 46385 Churches Richard Halstead Beverly Cavinder 465-5040 Antiques Lubricating/Oil Change Services Judith Cook Terry’s Discount Windows & More, LLC Photographic Studios/Supplies F.C.Tucker Northwest Indiana Pitney Bowes Realtors, Inc.(Fidell) 221 Red Coach Dr. 3150 Morthland Dr. 600 Vale Park Rd., Ste. A Bada Boom Pyrotechnic Mishawaka, 46545 Valparaiso, 46385 309-5730 Productions,Inc. (574) 252-2200 476-0400 Lisa Fidell 237 Westgate Dr. Tracy Ummel Terry Keelen Real Estate-Commercial & Residential Valparaiso, 46385 Mailing Equipment/ Windows 712-7368 Products/Services Mark Ruffner Farm Credit Services Todo Construction,Inc. Special Event 3107 Comeford Rd. 229 Skyline Dr. 462-2819 Quarter Moon Teas Planning/Products/Services Valparaiso, 46385 Terry Etheredge 4202 Willowwood Ave. 916-4928 Mortgage Brokers/Lenders 508-5689 Burger King Kelly Baker Milan Todosijevic Remodeling/Commercial & Residential 555 Morthland Graphic 22,Inc. Gourmet/Culinary Sales & Service 464-1861 1505-2 S. Calumet Rd. Larry Harding Chesterton, 46304 Randall E.Williams,D.D.S. The Next Level,Inc. Restaurants 921-5409 800 Wall St., Ste. C P. O. Box 2991 Iain Hursey 531-0459 Chesterton, 46304 Connie L.Bauswell, Attorney at Law Screen Printing Dr. Randall E. Williams 771-1775 58 Jefferson St. Dentist Rosemary Walker 548-0980 In Touch Pharmaceuticals Consultants Connie L. Bauswell 3000 Murvihill Rd Re/Max Affiliates (Brandt) Attorneys/Legal Services 464-7055 2803 Boilermaker Ct., Ste. 1A YES Solutions,Inc. Rick Rondinelli 628-0404 1215 Ohio St. Countrywide Home Loans Drug Stores & Pharmacies Casey Brandt 771-3427 2803 Boilermaker Ct., Ste. 1A Real Estate-Commercial & Residential David H. Konkey 548-9020 K2 Construction Web Page Design/ Stacey Vickrey 4001 N. Calumet Ave., Ste. B Re/Max Affiliates (Kubal) Management 2803 Boilermaker Ct., Ste. 1A Financial Services 531-5353 Computer Networking/ Tom Krueger 531-6729 Products/Service Training Builders & Developers Jane Kubal C.T.Works Deep Dish Real Estate-Commercial & Residential Pizza Company Maplewood M.H.C. 1721 N. Calumet Ave. 455 Sturdy Rd. Re/Max Affiliates Bart Vickrey Team 548-2489 464-1716 2803 Boilermaker Court Michael Joesten Laurie Busch 405-3768 Restaurants Manufactured Home Bart Vickrey Communities/Sales/Service Real Estate-Commercial & Residential

20 21 22 around town

What’s Happening in our Community?

Alice’s Halfway House for Women is holding a fund raiser golf outing July good food, good friends –an evening to remember throughout the season. Call 22, 2005 at Forest Park Golf Course and a walk-a-thon September 24, 2005 at the Valpo Chamber office to purchase your tickets, (219) 462-1105. Butterfield Pavilion. Local businesses and individuals are encouraged to participate and sponsorship opportunities are available for both events. Masters of Harmony, Valparaiso chapter outscored all other choruses to win Proceeds go to support Alice’s Halfway House which offers post-treatment care both the Plateau AAA and overall championship at the Cardinal District, The for women recovering from alcohol and drug abuse. For more information call Barbershop Harmony Society Spring Competition held in South Bend, Indiana, (219) 462-7600. April 1-2, 2005. On the weight of its recent accomplishments, the Masters also took “Chapter of the Year” distinctions. For more information visit the web site Cruise the Caribbean in January and support the American Cancer Society. www.vmoh.org. Christine’s Travel is offering a special low price to Chamber Members, their employees, their families and guests. Sail on Holland America's magnificent Help design and build a puppet theatre, paint a classroom, build a fence, repair a ZUIDERDAM on January 14, 2006 from Ft. Lauderdale to the beautiful Eastern playground, prepare a meal, install a front porch swing, share your green thumb Caribbean. Enjoy the sun, the fun, the people and places on this great 7 day luxury and plant a garden,or choose from over 50 additional hands-on projects to cruise. Don't forget how January weather can be in Indiana. Special Chamber of support during United Way of Porter County’s Day of Caring Friday, Commerce rates start at just $511.65 per person plus port fees and taxes. A August 26th and Saturday morning, August 27th. This is a unique opportunity portion of all sales will be contributed to the local chapter of The American for businesses, schools, organizations, and families to complete hands-on Cancer Society. Not only will you have a terrific vacation at a discounted price, but projects for local nonprofits at their building sites or with their clients. Get your you will be helping so many others. Call Christine for details (219) 938-6228. team together (at least 3 people) to sponsor a project for either day and see how good it feels to “lend a helping hand” while having FUN. On Saturday, April 2, 2005 Cold Stone Creamery held a grand opening Visit www.unitedpc.org to sign up. celebration and shared its love for community and ice cream by donating a 100% of their grand opening sales to Opportunity Enterprises. The opening day The Valparaiso Community/University Concert Band wraps up their event offered a variety of activities including ice cream treats and celebrity summer concert series with two free performances, July 20, 8:00 p.m. at scoopers – the 2004 Indiana State Boy’s Soccer Champs, Valparaiso High Butterfield Pavilion at Fairgrounds Park and the Porter County Fair Veterans School, along with coach Danny Jeftich. Concert, July 27 at 6:00 p.m at the Porter County Expo Center. For more information, call (219) 464-5162. Horizon brings the bank to your business. Horizon Bank is offering a FREE courier service that will pick up your businesses’ banking deposits. The service Valparaiso University College of Nursing is offering a new scholarship can save your employees time and avoid internal scheduling conflicts; reduce to nurses who are interested in earning their master’s degree and incorporating your liability; and, eliminate the worries that come with battling the traffic or parish nursing into their studies. The Gerke Fellowships will cover 25 to 35 inclement weather conditions when driving to the Bank. Your business can pre- percent of tuition, based upon the number of applicants, and are renewable arrange your schedule with the Bank or simply call in each day for same day pick- each semester. All master’s nursing students who include the study or practice up – whatever is most convenient. If you would like more information about this of parish nursing or congregational health in their coursework are eligible for service, please contact Linda Stack directly at (219) 462-8499. Or, stop in and the fellowships. The fellowships will be offered for the first time during the fall visit Linda at the Horizon Bank located at 4208 N. Calumet in Valparaiso. semester. Applicants must be accepted into the College of Nursing’s master’s degree program at least two weeks prior to the start of the fall semester. For The Valpo Chamber’s annual Lu-Wow! Rooftop Rendezvous will be held more information about the Gerke Fellowships or to apply, contact the College Friday, August 5 from 7:00 -11:00 p.m on the rooftop of the Porter County of Nursing at (219) 464-5289 or visit the web site www.valpo.edu/nursing/. Parking Garage. Don’t miss this night under the stars, filled with good music,

23 WordO N the street For this issue we asked.... “What DoYou Do For Summer Fun in Valparaiso?” Jennifer Peek,Porter-Starke John Slegers, Eagle Aircraft My husband and I love to go to restaurants that feature outdoor I fly because it is the ultimate expression of freedom. dining! El Salto and Pass Tmes are great; Panera too, especially when we have the kids. The 49er Drive-In is a big hit with our family and Tom Cahillane,Cahillane Real Estate and Capitol Flooring let’s not forget the various parks and the Downtown Farmers Market! and Blind We do a lot of water sports as a family at Lake Michigan - boating, Joe Claesgens,Fifth-Third Bank fishing and skiing. My children and I took diving lessons last year at We like to explore nature and look for critters with our grandsons at the Scuba Tank. Now we can participate in open water dives. There’s Taltree Arboretum. a nice little pond in Burns Harbor where the Scuba Tank actually holds outdoor lessons. It’s not the Caribbean, but it’s still a pretty Amy Hickel,Homemaker decent spot that’s close. We play a lot of golf together as a family. We have a family membership at The Course at Aberdeen and take our children out Chris Rael, Porter Hospital on the course with us. They have taken lessons at Aberdeen and We attend festivals, cars shows and the Indy 500. We also like Creekside and have acquired a natural enjoyment for the game. It’s cookouts, fly fishing for trout in some of the local creeks - Salt Creek our favorite way to spend a beautiful summer day with our kids. and Crooked Creek, and driving around to see the countryside.

Patrice Steindler,Tri-CorpWireless,Inc. Amy Harris, Homemaker I was born and raised in Valpo, and there has never been a summer We are social members at the Valparaiso Country Club. Our boys that lacked for fun things to do! The opening of Lakewood Park was plan to participate in their Junior Golf Program and take swim always the signal that summer was here. As an adult, I’ve watched it lessons. We also plan to eat lots of ice cream, custard and Italian ice literally become “something for everyone.” From toddlers to seniors, at Culvers and Dairy Queen. there are activities for just about anything you want to do and my family still enjoys park activities and events. We also enjoy the Porter County Fair and Popcorn Festival...can’t imagine missing either one!

24 Home Mountain Printing delivers peak performance and cost effective solutions for a wide variety of printing materials. Home Mountain Printing provides the following: • 4-color printing (postcards, brochures and newsletters) • Corporate ID Packages (letterhead, business card and envelopes) • Catalogs, manuals and handbooks • Complete Mailing House Services (mailing lists, sort and ship) Please call 219-462-6601 to discuss your printing and mailing needs. 2102 N. Calumet Avenue • Valparaiso, Indiana 46383

25 26 27 Want to Contribute to Valparaiso’s Economic Future and Your Own at the Same Time?

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