Summer 2008 | Volume 8 | Issue 3

Cover photo by: Aran Kessler Photo Imaging

FEATURES 4 Eco-Innovation: How Valparaiso is becoming the “Emerald City” 7 From Sasquatch to Tinkerbell: Reducing Valparaiso’s Carbon Footprint 8 How Green is Your Office? One Pro’s Guide to Maximizing Efficiency 16 41st Annual Community Improvement Awards 24 Recycling: It Does Make a Difference

SECTIONS 10 Know Valpo SUMMER 2008 A publication of the Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce. How well do you know Valpo? 162 W. Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN 46383 Phone (219) 462-1105, Fax (219) 462-5710 15 New Chamber Members [email protected] The Valpo Chamber welcomes Board- www.valparaisochamber.org www.connecttovalpo.com approved new members who joined

GREATER VALPARAISO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE during March, April, & May 2008 Rex Richards, President Amy Page, Senior Vice President, Member Services 18 Around Town Danielle Oeding, Vice President, Sales & Marketing Julie Gaskell, Director of Operations and Assistant to the President Susan Antoszewski, Marketing & Communications Specialist 22 Ask An Expert Kurt Gillins, Special Events Coordinator Expert answers to your business Gloria Lodics, Administrative Support Staff Maria Diaz, Bookkeeper questions: “Is it Easy Being Green? The only hurdle to being green is making VALPARAISO MAGAZINE Publisher: The Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce a commitment.” Editor: Susan Antoszewski Design and Production: Griffin Marketing Services, Inc. 23 Business Spotlight Printing: Foster Printing Service, Inc. Mailing: Flanagin’s Bulk Mail Service 26 Chamber Focus VALPARAISO MAGAZINE is published quarterly by the Greater Valparaiso Plotting the Valpo Chamber Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 330, Valparaiso, IN 46384-0330. on the Green Meter To submit “Around Town” entries, call (219) 462-1105 or send to: [email protected], Attn: Editor. For advertising inquiries, call (219) 462-1105, Attn: Danielle. 30 Our Voice VALPARAISO MAGAZINE circulates 17,000 copies per issue by direct mail Closing thoughts to all businesses, and, on a rotating basis, to most households in the 46383, 46384 and 46385 zip codes: Winter/Summer: Rural Routes Spring/Fall: City Routes CALENDAR OF EVENTS Subscriptions may be purchased at an annual rate of $12, for those www.connecttovalpo.com outside our regular circulation. 3 ot too long ago, going green in Valparaiso meant wearing the school colors Nand cheering on the Vikings at an athletic event. But today, with global warming, soaring energy prices, increased consumption of nonrenewable resources and, per- haps most importantly, a greater awareness of and concern about the environ- ment, “going green” has taken on a new and more profound meaning. In fact, during the last few years the City of Valparaiso has launched an environmental initiative of such bold ambition that it is making this communi- ty even more green than the school colors. A sweeping plan that includes recy- cling, energy conservation, water reclamation, alternative fuels, and other envi- ronmentally-focused concepts seems to have galvanized local merchants, indi- viduals, and business owners in a common mission to make this city a green leader across the country. The scope of the effort does not stop at citywide initiatives (see sidebar From Sasquatch to Tinkerbell on page 7). Businesses throughout Valparaiso— large and small—are literally reshaping the way they operate, and individuals are making small decisions that cumulatively make a huge difference. To Renee Blosky, the new owner of Lifestyles/The Gallery downtown, it began with something as simple as changing from incandescent lights to com- pact fluorescent lights (CFLs). To Family Express it involves making a major commitment to E85 ethanol fuel. To architects like Jeff Lewis of Design Organization, it means rethinking everything from design to materials. To Fred Plant and the team at the Valparaiso University Physical Plant, it means bring- ing two massive new buildings online without increasing energy consumption, or costs, one penny. These inspiring stories—and the others interviewed for this story—prove the value of conservation at a time when it is needed the most. “Here in Valparaiso, we really believe that we haven’t inherited the planet from our ancestors, but rather we’re borrowing it from our children and grand- children,” explains Mayor Jon Costas. “All of our environmental measures make sense because they’re the right thing to do for the earth, but they also make sense financially. For instance, our recycling efforts save the city upwards of $160,000 each year. We continue to think conservatively and creatively when it comes to energy usage.”

<< Renee Blosky, owner of Lifestyles/The Gallery Photo by Aran Kessler Photo Imaging

4 Valparaiso Magazine – Summer 2008 SMALL ACTIONS - BIG RESULTS There is an old fable about a village that County. Established in 1993, the District is a District also provides “waste reviews” (see was expecting a visit from its king. The good Porter County government agency dedicated Green Meter on page 26) to help companies burghers wanted to welcome him with wine, to improving the environment and quality of and organizations reduce the amount of but their reserves were low. So, they asked life by providing convenient, voluntary waste waste they create. each citizen to bring one cup of wine from reduction programs. “Since our start up, through the end of their private coffers and pour it into the jug “We provide a range of services to 2006, the amount of material collected for chosen for the king. When the day came, the encourage residents of Porter County to recycling and diversion has steadily increased king dipped his jeweled cup into the jug and adhere to the “4 R”s: rethink, reduce, reuse, by an average of 7.5 percent each year,” brought it to his lips. After taking a sip he and recycle,” says Therese Davis, director of Davis explains. “That being said, the amount spit on the ground, angrily turned to the cit- the District. “We want them to rethink how of waste being generated here continues to izens and shouted, “What kind of welcome is their consumption and disposal habits rise at a rate of three percent annually which this for your king, to offer him nothing but impact the environment, educate them on makes our efforts even more important.” water to drink?” It seems that everyone how they can lessen that impact by reducing One success story from the inspiration believed that their tiny contribution was the amount of waste they will generate, reuse and education provided by the District is meaningless and so they just poured water products/items or give them away, and recy- Secure Shred, a division of Opportunity into the jug. cle what can be recycled by diverting materi- Enterprises. “In 2003, the federal govern- The moral of the story demonstrates the al from the landfill.” ment created the Health Information

“We spent about $3000 on compact fluorescent lights and our energy bill went down more than $600 per month. The payback is astonishing.” Renee Blosky, Lifestyles/The Gallery misconception that small contributions do The District accomplishes these goals Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) not make a difference. The participation of through many different initiatives. Included that required that all confidential papers had everyone in a community has value, no mat- in these are educational programs which pro- to be destroyed,” explains Robin Bisseker, ter how small. Several local business people vide two full-time educators who teach envi- of Secure Shred. “The seed for the are proving that every day. ronmental curriculum as well as newsletters, idea came from Therese, and with the sup- These retailers’ efforts to recycle certainly commercials, and pamphlets. Drop-off recy- port of our board, we jumped right in. In fit into the long term plans of the Recycling cling and hazardous waste/large item collec- the past five years, Secure Shred has evolved and Waste Reduction District of Porter tions are also parts of the protocol. The into a full fledged service responsible for

continued on page 6 >> www.connecttovalpo.com 5 Eco-Innovation << continued from page 5

destroying and recycling material for about 500 customers from to Elkhart to Chicago.” Bisseker goes on to explain that all the material they collect and receive at the drop off center is sent directly for pulping into tissue paper. “One customer said, ‘So, you shred my tax documents this year and next year I am blowing my nose on them.’ That pretty much sums it up!” he laughs. Recycling is one area in which Valparaiso leads the nation. Currently, through aggressive recycling efforts, including the co-mingling of recycling materials, the city diverts almost half of its waste away from the landfill and into reuse. “Our 49 percent diversion rate is impressive, given that the national aver- age is 32 percent according to the Environmental Protection Agency,” says Costas. “Yet, we are challenging ourselves to increase recycling to 70 percent by 2011. We definitely like to be a city that recycles more than it throws away.” Valparaiso’s Wal-Mart is also taking a lead position in recycling. In addition to John Blosky, Amereco Engineering, showcases the cellulose insulation used in his installing receptacles at the store entrance “recycled” office building. for any used plastic shopping bag, the Photo by Aran Kessler Photo Imaging merchant has begun a new program that converts almost anything into reusable reusable bags have an impact on waste. fluorescents—a total of more than 400 resources. “We’ve always recycled card- “We are beginning to see significant bulbs. But it paid off very quickly. board and aluminum,” explains manager reductions in plastic and paper waste by “It doesn’t sound like a big deal, but I Chuck Pribbernow, “but now we’re tak- making these bags available to our cus- have to tell you, I was amazed at what it ing almost everything—plastic, paper, tomers,” he explains. While the store did for us,” she says. “We spent about

“We feel good about making the switch to this cleaner burning fuel that’s made from renewable resources right here in the .” Bill Oeding, City of Valparaiso

old pill bottles, plastic hangers, soda bot- charges 99 cents for the bags, a rebate is $3,000 on compact fluorescent lights and tles, aluminum, wrappers, newspapers, given for using them. “They literally pay our energy bill went down more than $600 you name it—and mashing it all together for themselves in a few trips,” he points per month. The payback is astonishing.” into what we call a super sandwich bail. out. “But they save us money which ulti- John provides further evidence of the We put a piece of cardboard on the top mately saves our customers money, and impact of CFLs on the store. “We were and bottom and everything else in (the process) is great for the environment.” burning almost three times the number between.” He describes how these three- John and Renee Blosky each run of watts per hour [with the old incandes- feet wide by five-feet high bails are then independent businesses, and their collec- cent lights],” he says. “Now we’ve gone shipped to Rocky Mountain Recycling tive consciousness about green issues is from 25 watts per lamp per hour to nine, for separation. He says they send out five playing a big role in the way they operate and we get more light!” of these huge sandwiches a week. “But their enterprises. Upon purchasing Additionally, Renee says, many of the the number is sure to grow.” Lifestyles/The Gallery the first thing store’s offerings are environmentally Harold Howie, manager of Town & Renee did was change every light bulb in friendly. “We are beginning to sell recy- Country Market, explains how low cost the store from incandescent to compact cled and renewed jewelry and offering

6 Valparaiso Magazine – Summer 2008 things like bamboo clothing and organic cot- ment and, at the same time, From Sasquatch to ton,” she says. “We are also using green relieve at least some of our cleaning supplies and have installed efficient dependence on foreign oil. heating and cooling to capture the air from One of the city’s initiatives Tinkerbell: outside and recycle it to heat and cool the includes the use of biodiesel Reducing Valparaiso’s Carbon Footprint space.” She also adds that the store is aggres- in the city’s fleet of trucks and Environmentalists call it a “carbon footprint.” It’s the sively participating in recycling. equipment. Biodiesel is a amount of carbon dioxide released into the environment John, owner of the environmental engi- clean-burning alternative fuel from emissions, energy usage, and waste. The City of neering firm Amereco Engineering, applied produced from domestic, Valparaiso has created several very aggressive initiatives the same mindset when he “recycled” an old renewable resources such as designed to reduce its carbon footprint to a fraction of home near downtown Valparaiso into a mod- vegetable oils, recycled cook- what it once was. Here are just some of those ever-evolv- ern, green office. “We came in and gutted ing grease and/or animal fats. ing, ever-expanding programs: the place, a total interior demolition,” he According to Bill Oeding, • Aggressive recycling efforts, including the co-mingling says. “We completely rewired it and installed director of Public Works, the of recycling materials CFLs and retrofitted it with new, energy effi- city’s fleet uses a blend of bio cient appliances and gas charged windows.” diesel fuel (B20) made from • Installation of LED (Light Emitting Diode) signals in Because the home was built prior to 1886, 20 percent soy bean oil and new projects there was no insulation in the walls or attic. 80 percent diesel fuel. “Bio • The use of “smart” traffic signals “We blew in cellulose insulation [made from diesel fuel can be made from • The V-Line city buses and the commuter bus to Chicago recycled paper products] and now we have animal fat, waste oils from • Construction of miles of new pathways, encouraging an R-45 rating in the ceiling.” restaurant fryers, and other pedestrian/pedaling traffic The couple agrees that they could have vegetable oils but quality con- gone a less expensive route, but to no great trol is an issue,” he says. “Plus • The use of biodiesel in the city’s fleet of trucks and advantage. “With soaring energy costs, we the product doesn’t always equipment didn’t think twice,” John explains. “The pay- burn as cleanly and as effi- • A commitment to trees by instituting a tree inventory back is faster today [than in the past] and ciently as soy bean oil.” • Separation of storm water and sanitary sewers to well worth it.” All in all, he is satisfied with maximize treatment the fuel’s performance so far. • Reducing winter salt usage through conservation and “We began using biodiesel in computerized salt spreaders the city’s fleet just over a year BIOFUELS, HYBRIDS AND MORE ago, and we are very pleased • Plastic bag recycling and the distribution of ARE THEY THE ANSWER? with the performance,” he reusable bags explains. “We feel good about A lot of talk in the media focuses on the making the switch to this able resources right here in the United States.” use of alternative fuels to protect the environ- cleaner burning fuel that’s made from renew- Just using fuel efficient cars is not the only important lesson to deliver to student drivers, however. “In teaching new drivers, we emphasize not only safety, but also the environmental consequences of speeding such as wasting gas, brakes, and rubber,” explains Thomas Lambert, a senior instruc- tor at Excel Driving Instruction, Inc. “I tell my students that increasing speed by as little as five miles per hour can decrease fuel econ- omy by as much as one mile per gallon.” Which brings us to the next big question: are hybrids and ethanol burning automobiles really making a dent in our carbon footprint? Another energy alternative building momentum in Valparaiso is the use of E85 ethanol. Gus Olympidis, president and CEO of Family Express Corporation convenience stores and fueling centers, has made a per- sonal commitment to making this fuel avail- able as an alternative to regular gasoline. Stu Summers, Excel Driving, explains hybrid fuel-efficient technology to student This renewable fuel is a blend of 85 per- driver Brad Painter. Photo by Aran Kessler Photo Imaging continued on page 11 >> www.valparaisochamber.org 7 How Green is Your Office? One Pro’s Guide to Maximizing Efficiency Friday, August 1 Porter County LuWow ake a good look at the typical office of today: lights burning, P a rking Garage printers churning out page after page, computer keyboards 7:00 - 11:00 p.m. Tclicking, monitors ablaze, waste baskets filling up, toner car- Rain or Shine tridges being used up, air conditioners rumbling—you get the idea. Must be 21 Energy is being consumed constantly and continually, but all of these activities are the lifeblood of the American economy, not to mention the livelihoods of the employees. How can we possibly save energy Purchase tickets through the Valpo Chamber and still operate at full capacity? 1 6 2 W. Lincolnway or (219) 462-1105 Kramer Leonard Office Products has embraced green technology, $25 in advance / $30 at door from energy-efficient appliances to office supplies, and Greg Fox, president of the company, has some tips for business owners and office managers:

• Use EnergyStar compliant machines. “Check to make sure your copiers, printers, and other electronic components are certified EnergyStar. They consume 75 percent less electricity than non-certified models,” he says. “They also generate less heat.”

• Recycle those cartridges! Kramer Leonard has instituted a American Family Insurance/M. Masterson Agency cartridge collection service, the proceeds of which go to the City 1st Source Bank; Horizon Bank; The Times of Hope charity.

Comfort Keepers; Haviland-Callan, Inc.; Lakeside Wealth Management, LLC • When it comes time to replace furniture, look at companies S c annell Wealth Management Group; Valuation Services, LLC who lead the industry in “green” technology. “Herman Miller is a company that is known and studied globally for their innovation [in environmental protection],” he explains. “They have a ‘greenhouse’ and a ‘farm’ at their manufacturing plant, and Start your own business, become they offer products made from totally recycled materials like their a State Farm Insurance Agent. revolutionary Aeron chair.” Other companies, including Kimball and Hon, have virtually eliminated all harmful ingredients, Join the nation’s leading auto and home insurance company as a State Farm Agent polishes, varnishes, etc. in their manufacturing processes. and experience personal success running your own agency in your own community. • Buy green office supplies! “Kramer Leonard has an entire catalog of green office supplies,” Fox explains. The catalog includes Qualifications: everything from paper to pens to glue. “The alternatives are • Ability to organize, operate and assume the risk of running a business with a focus on marketing and customer service getting better and better all the time, and new products are being • Driven by achievement and financial rewards introduced every month.” • Financially stable Benefits from the first day: • 6 month paid training program • $18,000 sign on bonus • Unparalleled support & side by side mentor agent coaching • Among the industry’s most attractive incentive & rewards program Valpopourri • A work environment that allows you control over your time • One of the most recognized names in the industry Did you know? • Office set up assistance • Plus much more... A single tree can absorb one ton If you or someone you know would like to be (2,000 pounds) of carbon dioxide considered immediately, please contact and over its lifetime. The shade it forward your resume to: provides can lower State Farm Insurance Companies Attn: Maria Herrera, Recruiter your cooling bills. Address: 2602 Chicago Street • Valparaiso, IN 46383 Phone: (219) 263-8628 Email: [email protected] Websites: www.statefarm.com/agents/career • www.sfredportfolio.com EOE www.statefarm.com State Farm Insurance Companies Home Offices: Bloomington, Illinois

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www.connecttovalpo.com 9 How well do you know Valpo?

<<< This photo depicts some landmark, place, or building somewhere in the city limits of Valparaiso.

If you think you know, simply visit www.valparaisochamber.org, click on the "Know Valpo" logo, and tell us where the photo was taken. Be as specific as possible (include an address or approximate name/location). Don’t forget to include your own contact information!

Each quarter, we will draw one entry, among those correctly identified and submitted, and send you a $25 Chamber Gift Certificate, redeemable at over 100+ participating chamber member merchants. See www.valparaisochamber.org for official rules.

Enter to see how well you Know Valpo!

Good Luck!

– The Valpo Chamber

And last issue’s winner was... Maeve Crowley of Valparaiso. Congratulations for winning the drawing after correctly identifying the FrosTop Root Beer mug located at 1st Source Bank on John Howell Drive.

10 Valparaiso Magazine – Summer 2008 Eco-Innovation << continued from page 7

efficient and cleaner. Fortunately, we are able to offer a line of cars that perform better than most in terms of gas mileage.” He goes on to say that all of these ideas are important and necessary to continue to move forward in his industry. “The worst thing we can do is to do nothing. Collectively this is a good effort, and we have to believe that it will lead to break- throughs in technology that will be good for the environment and for business.” Olympidis offers another strong argu- Gus Olympidis, Family Express Corporation, has made the commitment to bring ment for continuing to research these the alternative E85 ethanol fuel to the region. alternative technologies. “E85 is simply necessary in order for our country to meet Photo by Aran Kessler Photo Imaging its energy needs and reduce its dependence on hostile oil,” he explains. “Currently in cent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline and Instruction, is also employing small steps the United States, we produce approxi- can be made from biodegradable wastes to help solve a big problem. He explains mately nine billion gallons of ethanol, and and several plants like switchgrass, willow, that by the end of the summer 40 percent the recently passed Energy Act requires and corn. The fuel is offered at a price of his driver education car fleet will be that we increase the number to 36 billion considerably less than regular gasoline. In either E85 or hybrid. “We feel that buying gallons by 2022. Our state happens to be fact, this summer, Family Express has fuel from corn grown down the road is nested in the heart of the corn belt, and offered E85 at a full dollar cheaper than good for the state and national economies we also possess water which is necessary to regular fuel. and helps reduce reliance on overseas sup- produce ethanol. It would be unwise not “I am not a scientist, but I do know plies from volatile regions,” he says. “We to take advantage of this tremendous eco- that ethanol burns cleaner than regular think our customers appreciate it. nomic resource.” gasoline, although it does require some Including hybrids in our fleet just plain The massive effort to offer ethanol- energy to produce it,” says Olympidis. “It makes sense with the rising cost of fuel.” based fuel is as much economically and

“Currently in the United States, we produce approximately nine billion gallons of ethanol, and the recently passed Energy Act requires that we increase the number to 36 billion gallons by 2022.” Gus Olympidis, Family Express Corporation

politically motivated as environmentally, is generally believed that in the aggregate, Tom Kennedy of Kennedy but Olympidis has a realistic perspective there is an environmental gain to using Buick/Mazda considers this advancement, on the long-term benefits. “Ethanol and this type of fuel.” along with concepts such as hybrids and biofuels in general are not the silver bullet The long-range potential of E85 and hydrogen cars, as only bridges to final that will make us energy self-sufficient,” other biofuels is key to strategies devel- solutions. “The two big events in the last he says. “We need to conserve more effec- oped by American car manufacturers. 12 months that have impacted thinking in tively; we need to explore our biofuels’ General Motors, for example, is a leader in our industry are the price of gasoline get- competitive advantages, but we also need E85 flex fuel vehicles, with more than ting out of control and the federal govern- to aggressively pursue solar, wind, and three million of them on the road in the ment mandating higher miles per gallon nuclear energy.” United States and a goal of having half of standards,” he explains. “I think that the their fleet meet these standards by 2012. final solution is going to be making the Stu Summers, owner of Excel Driving combustible engine as we know it more continued on page 12 >> www.valparaisochamber.org 11 Eco-Innovation << continued from page 11

GREEN CONSTRUCTION GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, GOOD FOR BUSINESS

Imagine constructing two massive new buildings—say a library and a multipurpose educational center—and being able to operate them with no additional cost in utilities; tens of thousands of square feet of indoor space with no impact on gas and electric costs. Sounds impossible, doesn’t it? That is exactly what Valparaiso University was able to do with their new library and the elegant Christopher Center. It all hap- pened through a shrewd combination of architectural design, material choices, and the judicious management of energy usage campus wide. “Energy conservation here began before my time, and I’ve been here for 18 years. We have a real culture of awareness on this cam- pus that extends from our academic programs to the way we run the plant,” says Fred Plant, director of the university’s physical plant. “I think we have been extraordinarily innovative and cre- ative, using ideas like white roofs, insulated roofs, insulated glass, and the most energy efficient appliances.” He goes on to point out that every building retrofit includes changes like low flow toilets, waterless urinals, flow-controlled showerheads and electric hand dryers. Replacement of incandescent lights with compact fluores- cents and recycling of old fluorescents also contribute to the cause. “One of the major things we have done is to eliminate our cen- tral boiler system which used to send heat to 11 buildings, and replace it with high efficiency boilers for our buildings,” he says. “The (old system) had all kinds of leaks. It was easy to find them in the winter just by looking at the patches of melting snow.” But Plant laughs a bit when he points out one of his favorite green fixes. “We have decreased our maintenance truck fleet by 11 vehicles by replacing them with electric golf carts,” he says. “How cool is that!” Unlike John Blosky’s 100-plus-year old converted office build- ing which was originally built with, let’s face it, absolutely no con- cern for energy usage or efficiency, green concepts are now the focal point of modern architectural design and construction, mak- ing buildings like those at VU possible. Jeff Lewis of Design Organization explains that, Valpopourri “Good design attempts to marry efficiency and Did you know? durability with function and form. In school we If Americans replaced just one incandescent are taught to be stew- bulb in their home with a compact fluorescent, ards of the environ- it would save enough energy to light 2.5 ment. As architects, we have the ability to million homes in one year and prevent an greatly impact the envi- amount of greenhouse gases equivalent ronment and it is our to the emissions of responsibility to do so.” 800,000 cars. He points to the Leadership in Energy and

12 Valparaiso Magazine – Summer 2008 Jan Stump, with son Brian, offers Tudor Floors’ customers environmentally friendly flooring options.

Photo by Aran Kessler Photo Imaging

Environmental Design (LEED) program nies and car seat manufacturers. How developed by the United States Green about bamboo, which grows like grass and Building Council as the template for specific is cut and used while it regrows? areas to be considered in sustainable design. In addition, her company has a green These categories are sustainable sites, culture. “Our company recycles all of our THE ENVIRONMENT water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, trading materials as well as paper materials. EVERYONE’S BUSINESS materials and resources, and indoor environ- The odds-and-ends-pieces of ceramic, mental quality. “Some of these categories are hardwood, and carpet are given to many One of the true miracles of a plan as ambi- more easily achievable than others, depend- nonprofit organizations so they can create tious as Valparaiso’s is not just the positive ing on the project. But all should be consid- art,” she says. impact it has on our environment, but also ered for opportunities,” he explains. Lewis, The use of these and other materials is the overriding impact it has on the com- like several other architects at Design becoming standard operating procedure in munity—creating dialogue, engaging peo- the home building process as well, explains Organization is certified by the LEED pro- ple who otherwise may not be engaged, gram as a “green” designer. David Gring, director of sales for Steiner Homes. “It is very important in today’s age providing perspectives and new ways of Meeting these benchmarks includes the to respect the environment. We build our thinking. ingenious use of recycled and eco-friendly homes to be both beautiful and efficient, If the villagers who awaited the visit materials. Jan Stump, owner of Tudor and it is very important to people to know from their king would have had a mayor or Floors, sees a continuing array of new that this is not only possible, but neces- a group of business leaders to motivate and products and manufacturing techniques sary,” he says. inspire them, it is very likely that the king’s being applied to what she sells. “The floor Using materials like cellulose insulation beverage would have been much more to made from old newspapers, energy effi- covering industry is making a conscious his liking. Fortunately for the residents of effort for our future generations by using cient windows and EnergyStar appliances is the rule at his company, not the excep- Valparaiso, it certainly looks like a culture and producing products that are more tion. But his designers go even a bit fur- has been created that will pay dividends to environmentally friendly,” she says. ther. “We centralize the HVAC system to all of its citizens for years to come, hope- She points out exciting new break- the center of the home, keeping the trunk fully inspiring them to do their part, no throughs in materials for floor products lines and spans short for more efficient air matter how small it may be. Because it is like: reclaimed wood, natural cork instead movement,” he says. “Another neat prod- only by getting everyone involved that we of wood which keeps the tree alive, floor- uct is manufactured sideboard trim and will be able to return a better, cleaner, and mats made from recycled tires, carpet fibers cement board siding that is efficient and healthier city. made of beverage bottles, and carpet pads works like wood.” made out of recycled and scrap polyurethane foam from mattress compa- www.connecttovalpo.com 13 14 Valparaiso Magazine – Summer 2008 All addresses are in the 46383 zip code and phone numbers are 219 area code unless otherwise indicated.

Interested in joining the Duffy’s Place Konkey Technologies Group, Inc. Treasure Island Gift & Gem largest and most active 1154 Axe Ave 409 E Lincolnway, Ste W 307B E Lincolnway chamber in Porter County? 462-1057 531-5840 531-2349 Jeff St. Aubin David Konkey Casa Marshall Contact Danielle Oeding at Tavern Computer Networking/ Gifts Products/Services/Training (219) 462-1105 or Evelyn Bay Coffee Co., The View Outdoor Advertising [email protected] 3800 N Calumet Ave Little U Academy 1000 E 80th Place, Ste 425 N 979-2649 751 Eastport Centre Dr Merrillville, 46410 Tia Hoffman 840-5458 736-8439 American Limb & Orthopedic Restaurant Jeannine Hornback Meghan Mauman Company of Valparaiso Child Development/Daycare Advertising/Billboards 201 E Morthland Dr, Ste 2 Gallagher Benefit Services 531-7479 125 S Wacker Dr, Ste 1580 Mobile Cellutions W.M. Regnier & Co. Inc. Dagny Laur Chicago, IL 60606 450 St John Rd 2705 Highway Ave Medical (312) 803-6355 Michigan City, 46360 Highland, 46322 Ned Broadwater 879-0707 972-1330 Bart Vickrey & Co. Real Estate Employee Benefit Services Brandon Popadotos Rick Lohmeyer 456 Morthland Dr Insurance Telecommunications Insurance 531-1111 Bart Vickrey Gary SouthShore RailCats Old Style Inn Xorco Automation Real Estate Residential & Commercial One Stadium Plaza 5 E Lincolnway 6289 Central Ave Real Estate Commercial Gary, 46402 462-5600 Portage, 46368 882-2255 Mary Grcich 841-6440 Barth Anderson Insurance, LLC Adam Harris Caterers Robert Cox 3823 Quail Covey Dr Recreation Restaurants Technology Automation/Integration 464-2882 Barth J. Anderson Gaucho’s Brazilian Steakhouse Porter County Treasurer Insurance 597 W US Hwy 30, 46385 155 Ave 759-1100 465-3380 Black Rouge Technologies Sam Barakat Jim Murphy 40 Edinburgh St, 46385 Banquet/Meeting Room Government 462-9318 Restaurant Howard Gutenstein Realty Executives Computer Networking/ Get Scootin’ 310 E Lincolnway Products/Services/Training 68 W Lincolnway 462-2224 Consultants 531-4386 Pam Tezak Scott Heuring Real Estate Residential & Commercial Boulder Bay Realty Group (Maki) Motorcycle Sales/Service Real Estate Commercial 2211 Roosevelt Rd 531-6683 Great Lakes Labs, LLC Restaurant Management Maryann Maki 555 Eastport Centre Dr, Ste C Corporation Commercial-Residential Real Estate 464-8885 1575 Adler Circle, Ste C Michelle M. Volk Portage, 46368 Brooke Insurance Laboratories 764-3355 1691 Morthland Dr Dave Furman Holladay Properties 477-6890 Restaurants Kimberley Parker 1605 Adler Circle, Ste E Insurance Portage, 46368 SuperTech Business 841-5583 Communications, Inc. Cinemark at Valparaiso Michael Micka 1451 E Summit St 700 Porter’s Vale Blvd Real Estate Developers Crown Point, 46307 464-0260 661-1662 Susan Westrick Home Helpers Nancy Robinson 605 Beech St Theatre Telephone Products/Services (800) 947-7144 Colonial Cleaners Kathleen Luken Thrivent Financial for Lutherans 1761 Morthland Drive, 46385 Healthcare/Home Health Services - Greater Valparaiso Group 464-8321 331 W 806 N, 46385 Michael Zurn Indiana Blood Center 763-2244 Cleaners/Laundromats 3450 N Meridian St Indianapolis, 46208 Jaclyn DeBord D & M Brokerage Consultants, LLC (317) 408-7903 Financial Advisors PO Box 1663, 46384 Christina Crane 462-7929 Healthcare/Home Health Services Robert Ring Transportation Services www.valparaisochamber.org 15 The City of Valparaiso and the Valpo Chamber recognized twelve local businesses for their commitment and investment in Valparaiso by awarding them with a 41st Annual Community Improvement Award (CIA). A luncheon sponsored by Porter was held July 8 to honor the recipients and their projects which improve our city. These projects join the more than 200 properties that have been recognized since the awards program began. Community Improvement Awards are based on the visual impact of exterior appearance and are judged on the following criteria: • Enhances the attractiveness of Valparaiso • Compatible with the 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 In addition, a Special Recognition Award is given to a project that demonstrates out- standing achievement on its own merits but does not fit into the general CIA parameters of eligibility. The Valparaiso Historic Preservation Commission also presented its sixth Heritage Award for Historic Preservation at the luncheon. The award is given to the owner of a building whose construction or renovation efforts result in significant enhancement and reinforce- ment of the historic character of Valparaiso.

COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT AWARD WINNERS

ABERDEEN MANOR CHAPEL CORNERSTONE APPRAISAL SERVICES COUNTRY INN & SUITES Architect: Brent Wagner Architect: Peter Brennen, AIA Architect: Centre Point Architecture Designer: Bill & Denna Fyock Designer: Scott L Hazlett Designer: Carlson Hotel Contractor/Builder: Bill Dodrill/Dodrill Contractor/Builder: Chester, Inc. Contractor: Das & Das Construction Builder: Madan Construction Landscape Designer: Bill & Denna Fyock

FOUNTAINHEAD POINTE GLENDALE MEDICAL CENTER HERON WOODS RESTROOM AT TALTREE Designer: Bill Applegarth, MD Architect: The Linden Group ARBORETUM & GARDENS Contractor/Builder: Norm Wineholt Contractor: Wagner Commercial Architect: Brent Wagner Landscape Designer: Bill Applegarth, MD Construction, LLC Contractor/Builder: Dennis & Sons Developer: The Braeside Group, Ltd Landscape Designer: Richard Hitz

16 Valparaiso Magazine – Summer 2008 SPECIAL RECOGNITION HERITAGE AWARD FOR AWARD WINNER HISTORIC PRESERVATION

BUTTERFLY MEADOWS PARK - VALPARAISO DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION Designers: Valparaiso Department of Parks & Recreation Staff/Parkreations, Inc. – Little Tykes Builders: Wampler Works Landscape Designer: Valparaiso Department of Parks & Recreation Staff

AMERECO ENGINEERING 204 Jefferson Street Circa 1885

HORIZON BANK SIGNATURE CONSTRUCTION SILHAVY SQUARE CENTER Architect/Contractor: Tonn and Blank Information not available at press time. Developer: Fourstone Properties, LLC Construction Architect: Pollack Architectural Group Landscape Designer: Stuart Franzen, ASLA Builder: Vic Charlson of Charlson Construction Project Mgr: Dan Tursman of Charlson Construction Landscape Designer: Landscapes by Leslee Patio Landscape Designer: Lakeshore Landscaping, Inc.

TACO BELL VALPARAISO POLICE DEPARTMENT VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY Architect/Designer: Taco Bell Corp. Architect: RQAW PARKING RAMP Contractor/Builder: Indi-Illi Mexican Designer: Brett Dodd Architect: Design Organization Food Co. Contractor/Builder: Snemis Construction, Inc. Designer: Carl Walker (Designer); KJWW Landscape Designer: Horses Landscaping & (Mechanical, Electrical, Technology & Garden Center, Inc. Structural); Naughton & Associates (Signage) Contractor/Builder: M.A. Mortensen Landscape Designer: Lakeshore Landscaping, Inc. www.connecttovalpo.com 17 Joe Ubben, President of Chester, Inc. hosted Meg G. Theresa Valade, CEO of The Growth BreakAway Performance Renslow, Ed.D. on April 22 ®, recently expanded her team with the Group LLC, selected the (Earth Day), author of the chil- addition of Lesly Bailey as her Executive Courthouse Square Office dren’s book, “Aphrodottie or Assistant. Bringing a journal- Lofts at 13 Lincolnway in How the Wellswood Cat Came ism background, Bailey previ- Valparaiso for the location of to Be.” Renslow wrote the book ously worked as a Copy Editor the company’s new office. to honor her deceased brother, and Page Designer at The The third floor of the building was recently Daniel Craig Grandfield, a landscape architect Republic in Columbus, Ind. remodeled, adding to the offices already creat- who was employed with Chester. Because of for 11 years, and most recently ed and occupied on the second floor. Dan’s love of trees, proceeds from the sale of the as a Design Editor at The BreakAway Performance Group is dedicated book will benefit reforestation projects like Times in Munster, Ind. The Growth Coach® to the development of people, guiding indi- www.secondchancetrees.org. Dr. Renslow’s busi- works with businesses to increase profitability viduals and organizations to a higher level of ness, Reflective Teaching, Inc. provides prod- while helping individuals realize potential and achievement using goal-oriented processes ucts and services for professional writers of all redirect outcomes. To contact The Growth that focus on improving personal and profes- ages. Consult www.reflectiveteachinginc.com Coach®, call 219.680.7720. For more infor- sional performance in a variety of business for more information. mation, visit www.success-trek.com or email environments. For more information about [email protected]. BreakAway Performance Group, contact Joe Ubben at (219) 508-8418 or [email protected]. Express Employment Professionals renewed its registration as an ISO 9001:2000 company Hilltop Neighborhood House is planning the through Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance 5th Annual 5K Hilltop Fun Run/Walk for after satisfying numerous stringent assess- Saturday, August 2. This event has been sig- Century 21 Alliance Group is ments and documentation of policies and nificantly upgraded and all runners will be pleased to announce Alicia procedures. ISO standards, published by the chip-timed to record their race times. Ponce has joined the firm as a International Organization for Beginning at the Reiner Community Center, sales associate specializing in Standardization, place stringent requirements 510 Union Street, the course will wind residential property sales in on business processes including a heavy con- through the beautiful Valparaiso University the Porter, Lake, and La Porte centration on customer satisfaction and con- campus. Primary sponsor is Porter Health County area. Recently com- tinual improvement. The System. All walkers raising a minimum of $10 pleting an extensive training and licensing Express began operation in 1993 and services will receive a pedometer. Registration forms program, Ponce focused on all aspects of the the Porter, Lake, and La Porte Counties with may be obtained on-line at Real Estate Industry. Century 21 Alliance temporary and full-time employees in a vari- www.calstrider.org. All proceeds will benefit Group, located at 336 W US Hwy 30, Ste A, ety of fields including office services, light the childcare program at Hilltop is a full-service real estate brokerage company industrial, contract staffing and professional Neighborhood House. For more information, specializing in residential properties. For more placement. For more information on Express or to register a team call (219) 477-4222 ext information visit www.21alliance.com. or to apply for a job online, visit 251 or e-mail [email protected]. www.expresspros.com.

continued on page 20 >>

When You’re Considering 1-888-IVY-LINE A College For Your Child, http://nwi.ivytech.edu You Want the School With the Most Choices

18 Valparaiso Magazine – Summer 2008 www.connecttovalpo.com 19 To submit Around Town entries, call (219) 462-1105 or send to [email protected] Attn. Editor. << continued from page 18

This August, Valparaiso will welcome Purdue University The Valpo Chamber would like to congratu- Little U Academy, a childcare center for chil- North Central Alumni late its members who were voted “2008 Best dren six weeks old to Association recently of Northwest Indiana Business” among 34 school age. Designed held its Networking & categories by the readers of Northwest Indiana and built with your Awards Night honor- Business Quarterly. They are: Best Place to child in mind, Little U ing James Neff (right) Work: Centier; Best Place for a Corporate Academy will be an Indiana State certified and D. Carol Kurmis (center) with Retreat: The Inn at Aberdeen; Best center specifically engineered to meet and Distinguished Service Alumni Awards; Dr. Jeff Restaurant for a Business Lunch: Bistro 157; exceed current state regulations for childcare Jones with the Humanitarian Alumni Award; Best Advertising Agency: Morse & Company centers. Important safety features such as door and Fred McNulty (left) with the Honorary Advertising Communications, Inc.; Best alarms, intercom systems, and advanced fire Star of Excellence. For more information on the Commercial Printer: Garman Printing Co., and security monitoring systems will also be PNC Alumni Association, contact Director Inc.; Best Bank for Business: Centier; Best available. Little U is located at 751 Eastport Karen Braddy at (219) 785-5697 or visit Caterer for Business Events: Bistro 157; Best Centre Drive. For additional information or to www.pnc.edu/alumni. Corporate Law Firm: Hoeppner Wagner & register your child, visit Evans, LLP; Best Estate Planning Practice: www.littleuacademy.com. Burke Costanza & Cuppy, LLP; Best Hospital in Region: St. Anthony Medical Seasons On The Square, Center; Best Insurance Agency: General the distinctive women’s Insurance Services, Inc.; Best Office Interior McDaniel Fire Systems has been named a apparel boutique in Design Firm: HDW Commercial Interiors; Silver ESOP Award winner by The ESOP downtown Valparaiso, is Best University for an MBA: Valparaiso Association. The Silver ESOP Awards recog- excited to announce it has University; Best Place to Purchase Office nize companies for their work in sustaining become a retail location of Vera Bradley prod- Furniture: Kramer & Leonard Office their ESOP for 25 years or more. The ESOP ucts. Vera Bradley, an Indiana based company Products; Best Internet Provider: Comcast; Association is the national trade association located in Fort Wayne, has earned a reputa- Best Place to Purchase Office for companies with employee stock ownership tion as a leader in the gift industry. Creating Equipment/Supplies: McShane’s Business plans (ESOP) and the leading voice in stylish quilted cotton luggage, handbags and Products & Solutions, Best Golf Course: The America for employee ownership. Based in accessories, the company combines smart Course at Aberdeen; Best Local Spectator Valparaiso, IN, McDaniel is an employee product designs with distinctive and colorful Sport: Gary SouthShore RailCats; Best owned company specializing in fire protection fabrics and trims. Seasons On The Square is Performing Arts Group or Organization: and life safety solutions. Started more than 70 the store for classic contemporary clothing Memorial Opera House; Best Residential years ago, McDaniel has grown to 6 locations and accessories for women who appreciate Real Estate Company: McColly Realtors; across the Midwest with more than 470 trends with timeless style. For more informa- Best Occupational Health Clinics: Working employee-owners. tion on Vera Bradley products visit Seasons Well/St. Anthony Memorial; Best Veterinary On The Square located at One Lincolnway, Clinic: Vale Park Animal Hospital. directly across from the Court House.

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www.valparaisochamber.org 21 FPSI_spring.indd 1 2/28/08 10:24:26 AM Ask An Expert “Is it Easy Being Green?” The only hurdle to being green is making a commitment.

rowing up in the sixties, the Peace, Love, In addition to these special events, businesses can do and Save the Earth movement had a pro- more each day to take advantage of recycling options G found effect on me. Though the Hippie and respect our environment. Businesses can: movement was decades ago, as consumers we are only now beginning to take baby steps • Participate in the trash and recycling evaluation toward positive change. We must balance our own program available through Recycling & Waste creature comforts with the negative impact these Reduction District. Visit them at comforts place upon the earth. In my opinion these www.itmeanstheworld.org. Chances are it will save by BILL OEDING steps cannot be fast enough or strong enough. you money while it helps the environment. • Consider using both sides of your paper. In Valparaiso, we are working harder than ever to Avoid printing out documents by reviewing Bill Oeding is Director of become greener. We’ve come a long way since curb- them electronically. side recycling was first introduced. I remember when Public Works for the City of the program started and a good friend declared • Install fluorescent light bulbs and use environ- Valparaiso. He is responsible “there is no way I am washing my trash,” and mentally friendly cleaning supplies. for streets and sanitation, snow refused to recycle. Today she is an avid recycler. Like • Make good buying decisions. Choose products plowing, recycling, and main- my friend, the city’s recycling efforts have evolved with minimal packaging. tenance of city cemeteries. He over the years. Now we offer 96-gallon wheeled con- tainers and are boasting a 50 percent diversion rate. • Remove your name from catalog mailing lists. serves on the Social Justice Commission for St. Teresa’s • Use reusable shopping bags. The city is taking many other steps to be more envi- church, and is a board mem- ronmentally conscious. We’ve converted the fleet of It’s up to us. We can’t go back to the sixties, but we ber for Christian Community Public Works and Parks equipment from diesel fuel can work together to save our planet. Action. He is also the staff to a biodiesel mix containing 20 percent soybean oil. liaison to the Ethics B20 reduces carcinogens released into the air by 40 Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. percent. Not only is biodiesel a clean-burning fuel, Commission for the city. but it’s produced from domestic, renewable resources, which extends petroleum supplies and makes it part of a sound energy policy.

The environment factors into so many city decisions these days, from constructing energy efficient round- abouts reducing idling time and emissions, to choos- ing LED lighting which use one tenth the energy of traditional lighting. Yet, there are more ways we can “Green Days” all get involved, which is why we’re hosting a special Recycling Event “Green Days” event for residents and business alike. July 18, noon to 5:00 pm and July 19, 8:00 am to noon County Administration Building, 155 Indiana Ave

Accepting:

Valpopourri • Paper files for shredding and recycling • Discarded electronics Did you know? • Fluorescent tubes and bulbs • Plastic shopping bags If we all installed one EnergyStar appliance, it would be like planting Shopping Bag Swap 1.7 million acres of new trees. Stop by the “Green Days” Recycling event on Saturday, July 19 and get free reusable shopping bags! Receive a free reusable bag for every 10 plastic bags you turn in – up to 5 reusable bags per family. Wal-Mart is partnering with the city on this effort by baling the used bags and delivering them to a recy- cling center.

22 Valparaiso Magazine – Summer 2008 Spotlight your business with a 2” x 2” ad. Reach 17,000+ readers quarterly! Call Danielle Oeding, at the Valpo Chamber. 462-1105 | [email protected]

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www.connecttovalpo.com 23 Recycling: Recycling Facts

It Does Make A • Electricity production is the leading cause of industrial air pollution in the United States, and is responsible for 40 percent of the nation's carbon emissions that con- Difference! tribute to global climate change. • At most, 35 percent of coal's energy in a power plant By recycling paper and cardboard converts to electricity. The remaining two thirds is lost as in 2007 the residents of Valparaiso saved: waste heat, benefiting no one and often harming sur- rounding ecosystems. • 34,874 trees • 779,547 gallons of oil • Almost half of the average home's energy consumption is • 14,360,080 gallons of water used for heating. • 123,086 pounds of air pollution • Improperly sealed/caulked windows can account for up to 25 percent of total heat loss from a house. The city recycled 2,051.44 tons of paper. According to industry estimates, each ton of • Lighting consumes up to 34 percent of electricity in the recycled paper is equal to 17 trees, 380 gal- United States. lons of oil, 7,000 gallons of water, or 60 pounds of air pollution!

24 Valparaiso Magazine – Summer 2008 • Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) are an energy-saving • A refrigerator built 20 years alternative to incandescent bulbs - they produce the same ago uses 70 percent more amount of light, use one third of the electricity, and last up energy than today's energy- to ten times as long. efficient models.

• If every household replaced its most often-used incandescent • Many idle electronics – light bulbs with CFLs, electricity use for lighting could be TVs, VCRs, DVD and CD cut in half. players, cordless phones, microwaves – use energy • Where electricity is produced from coal, each fluorescent even when switched off to lightbulb used prevents 1,300 pounds of carbon dioxide keep display clocks lit and emissions and 20 pounds of sulfur dioxide from being memory chips and remote pumped into the atmosphere. controls working. Nationally, these energy • If you need to warm up or defrost small amounts of food, “vampires” use five percent use a microwave instead of the stove to save energy. of our domestic energy and Microwave ovens use around 50 percent less energy than cost consumers more than conventional ovens do. $8 billion annually.

www.connecttovalpo.com 25 Chamber Focus: by Susan Antoszewski Plotting the Valpo Chamber on the Green Meter

hat is your trash? Whether you have the corner to recycle. Reduction might mean using ceramic coffee mugs instead cubicle in your office building or you are of disposable cups; making double-sided copies; or, using electronic messaging as much as possible. Wworking out of your home, you can streamline business operations and cut back on refuse-collection A waste review has three basic elements, which you and your staff costs. The first step? Conduct a waste review. might do yourself. Or, like us, ask the experts to guide you. First, take visual stock of what your office throws away and in what quantities. Recently, the Valpo Chamber contacted Therese Davis, executive How much paper, printer cartridges, aluminum cans, glass, plastics, director of the Recycling & Waste Reduction District of Porter “junk” mail, and packing materials is sitting in your trash can? County, to conduct a free waste review of our offices. Our goal was to have her evaluate and observe our current waste generation and offer Next, explore the content of all recycling bins and refuse containers recommendations for reducing the overall amount of waste generated within your office premises. For protection, be sure to wear protective and increase our level of recycling. gloves and/or clothing.

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. These are Finally, analyze your business processes. Examine records to weed-out not only the goals of a waste extraneous supplies your office may be stockpiling, as well as to iden- Valpopourri review, but that is the order of tify items that could be replaced with eco-friendlier options. (See importance placed on becoming sidebar “How green is your office” on page 8 of this issue.) Did you know? greener. A waste review looks first at how much trash you are So, how did the Chamber stack up? Davis acknowledged some of the Valparaiso Magazine uses soy inks generating and then at how efforts already in place: confidential papers are collected and shredded and is printed on 10 percent you might reduce that amount. regularly and then recycled; other paper and outdated periodicals are recycled material. Offices are encouraged to reuse recycled through city recycling; printer cartridges and electronic first, and when that’s not possible, equipment are recycled; electronic messages, newsletters, and registra-

continued on page 28 >>

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26 Valparaiso Magazine – Summer 2008 SIGNATURE GUARANTEED

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Member FDIC www.valparaisochamber.org 27 CHAMBER FOCUS << continued from page 26 tions replace mailings as often as possible; draft papers are reused for scratch pads; and some reusable dishes are used.

Opportunities for improvement were also noted. While many desks had paper-recycling containers underneath, not all offices and common areas had recycling containers. Recycling needs to be convenient to be success- ful. Signage next to receptacles identifies what items can be acceptably placed inside. Davis also encouraged everyone to replace disposables with reusable dishes, cups, utensils and cloth dishcloths. Consider installing driers in restrooms as opposed to using paper towels. Environmentally-friendly cleaning products and cleaning rags are prefer- able. Obviously, some of these steps require a commitment to clean the reusable items. Employees can pitch in. Or, the office may consider pur- chasing a dishwasher.

Waste reviews are an easy and effective tool to plot your business on the green Valpopourri meter. To learn more or schedule your Did you know? own free waste review, contact the Recycling & Waste Reduction District The amount of oil it would of Porter County at (219) 465-3694. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. take to make just 14 plastic bags would run your car for one mile.

28 Valparaiso Magazine – Summer 2008 www.connecttovalpo.com 29 With energy and fuel prices breaking records on an of fuel and energy it took to manufacture the prod- almost daily basis, we have to ask ourselves, “What uct and ship it to its final destination. This distance By can Valpo do to be Green?” should be taken into account when ordering, even if JEFFREY LEWIS, AIA, the local product is a little more expensive. LEED AP Unfortunately, there is no single answer to this ques- Associate tion. Some think being green means recycling, others Greening your business is not going to happen think it means replacing lightbulbs, and still others overnight. Small, yet consistent steps will help ease Jeff Lewis joined Design think it means less driving. In fact, it means all of the the transition. Set goals and consider incentives for Organization in May of above, and more. We, as a business community, must achieving and beating them. I believe that with a lit- 1998. He graduated from take a holistic look at how we work and operate. tle effort, Valparaiso can set the standard among Ball State University with a With over 40 percent of the world’s energy and mate- Indiana communities, and help move toward a more Bachelor of Architecture Wrials being consumed by buildings and businesses*, sustainable future. Degree and a Bachelor of we have the greatest opportunity and obligation to Science degree in become more sustainable. In closing, I’d like to share a quote which exempli- Environmental Design. fies what we need to do as a business community – Based on his understanding of The City of Valparaiso is making an effort to “…our transition to sustainability must be a deliber- architecture and engineering, become one of the greenest communities in the ate choice to leave the linear surge of an extractive organizational skills and an state. Expanding the recycling program with larger economy and enter a circulating, renewable one.” – unparalleled commitment to containers and allowing co-mingling of materials Janine Benyus, Biomimicry client satisfaction, Lewis makes it much easier for consumers and businesses quickly moved to a project to recycle. The city fleet is moving toward biodiesel management role at DO. He with every new vehicle purchased. Mayor Costas has is now an associate managing created an Energy Commission that is focused on the development of construc- * According to U.S. Green Council tion documents and field evaluating the entire city’s energy consumption, and observation for interior archi- will make recommendations on reduction. All of tecture projects. these ideas are excellent steps in the right direction, especially in a region surrounded by industry. Jeff has been able to develop a sustainable design philosophy The next step is to create awareness among business- for greener, healthier buildings es and individuals who would like to improve our and passed the LEED community and environment. Conservation can Professional Accreditation Valpopourri lead to efficiency and cost savings, but how is it exam developed by the United States Green Building Council. done? The Valpo Chamber is a perfect conduit for Did you know? Jeff also facilitates sustainable this information to spread from business to busi- One acre of tree cover can reviews of DO projects to bring ness. Successful strategies, lessons learned, and even value added benefits to clients. failed attempts are all useful tools. In fact, support- compensate for automobile fuel use ing local business, a key part of the Chamber’s mis- equivalent to driving a car between He and his wife, Kristin, sion, is probably one of the easiest green strategies 7,200 and 8,700 miles. reside in Valparaiso. to accomplish. Products and services obtained from great distances have a substantial amount of what is called “embedded” energy, referring to the amount

30 Valparaiso Magazine – Summer 2008 www.connecttovalpo.com 31