Valparaiso Magazine Valparaiso

THE MAGAZINE OF THE GREATER VALPARAISO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Vol. 13 Issue 1 | Winter 2013 Valparaiso VMMagazine

Chuck Worden Lifetime Valparaiso Resident

GROWING

A SALUTE TO Leadership2012 800-727-6337 • www.nwicp.com | Vol. 13 Issue 1 PAGE 4 Winter 2013

GROWING COVER Valparaiso Magazine Valparaiso

VM PAGE 14 Valpo Chamber Business Awards

PAGE 18 A Salute to Leadership FEATURES

SECTIONS

PAGE 12 New Member Investors New Board-approved members A publication of the Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce. 162 W. Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN 46383 PAGE 17 Phone (219) 462-1105, Fax (219) 462-5710 Business Snapshot [email protected] BridgePoint Church valparaisochamber.org PAGE 22 Business Snapshot House of Fabian GREATER VALPARAISO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PAGE 23 Rex Richards, President Member Investor Julie Gaskell, Vice President, Operations Anniversaries Danielle Oeding, Vice President, Sales & Marketing VALPARAISO MAGAZINE is published A showcase of members who have Susan Antoszewski, Marketing & quarterly by the Greater Valparaiso demonstrated ongoing commitment Communications Specialist Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 330, Kurt Gillins, Programs Director Valparaiso, IN 46384-0330. PAGE 24 Christine Pazdur, Accounting Director Around Town Sue Stymiest, Resource Director To submit “Around Town” entries, Local business news call (219) 462-1105 or send to: PAGE 29 [email protected], Attn: Editor. Business Snapshot VALPARAISO MAGAZINE Locks of Fun Publisher: Rex Richards For advertising inquiries, Editor: Susan Antoszewski call (219) 462-1105, Attn: Danielle. PAGE 31 Sales: Danielle Oeding Ask an Expert Design and Production: Morse + Harris Marketing VALPARAISO MAGAZINE circulates “How Can I Provide the Cover/Feature Photography: Aran Kessler Photo.Imaging 18,000 copies per issue by direct mail to Best Customer Service?” Printing: Home Mountain Printing all businesses, and, on a rotating basis, PAGE 33 Mailing: Flanagin’s Bulk Mail Service to most households in the 46383, 46384 Business Spotlight and 46385 zip codes. Advertisers in the spotlight

Subscriptions may be purchased PAGE 34 at an annual rate of $12, for those Our Voice outside our regular circulation. “The Chamber Supports Vital Links in Northwest Indiana”

CALENDAR OF EVENTS valparaisochamber.org

www.valparaisochamber.org 3 GROWING

By Laurie Wink

Valparaiso is a vibrant, visionary, values-based community created by generations of civic-minded residents, including the four individuals profiled in this issue. Their “can do” spirit and desire to give back has been nurtured Chuck by family members, local WORDEN business owners and nonprofit Chuck Worden, organization leaders. Sharing 70, grew up in the personal stories and thoughts 1940s. As a lad, he about what it has meant to grow remembers riding his up in this close-knit community, bike all over town. the quartet explains the reasons He loved getting a bowl of soup at they continue to call it home. Harvey’s Dime Store and going to the Premier Theater downtown. “We got to see westerns and several cartoons for a quarter,” he says.

Starting at Central School and continuing through old Valparaiso High School, Worden says, “You just can’t ask for better ‘growing up’ years.” “My grandfather was a county councilman and Center Chuck and his brother, Tom, were raised in a five-room Township trustee,” he says. “My mother was involved bungalow on Bush and Franklin Streets, a block south with the Republican Women’s Club and did a lot of of the Grand Trunk railroad tracks and two blocks volunteer work. Our family was always involved in south of Tower Park. Their father, Dave Worden, was our church also.” a dispatcher for NIPSCO and mother, Wilma, was Worden married Marian Pulver, the daughter of a homemaker. Their parents played bridge, hosted Valparaiso natives Robert and Ruth Pulver. She went potlucks, and organized family-oriented activities that to high school in Manila, where her father worked didn’t require a lot of money, Worden recalls. for Exxon, and then attended Valparaiso University. Worden learned the importance of helping people Worden was a marketing major at Indiana University from his mother and his maternal grandfather, when he became reacquainted with Marian at a July Vernon Beach. 4th party. Taking her for a spin in his hot ’59 Ford convertible – black with a red-and-white interior –

4 Valparaiso Magazine | Winter 2013 “VALPARAISO’S GROWTH WAS A TEAM EFFORT AND STILL IS TODAY. IT’S A FAMILY-ORIENTED COMMUNITY, A HELPING- ONE-ANOTHER COMMUNITY, A SERVICE-ORIENTED COMMUNITY.” —Chuck Worden

Chuck recalls, “I knew I kinda liked Worden was on the city council for few bucks,” he says. “You have to her but I was focused on graduating eight years and ran (unsuccessfully) believe in the organization you work from college.” for mayor in 1983. Although that for. When you believe in what you’re ended his political career, it didn’t doing, it’s easy to sit down and talk After completing his studies in stop his drive to serve the community about the needs of that group.” January 1965, Worden returned in other ways. He’s been active in to Valparaiso and married Marian. a host of organizations, including For several years, Worden served Their daughter, Patricia, was born on the Town and Gown committee the Valpo Jaycees, Valpo Chamber, the following year, and Carole Rotary, the YMCA, Spring Valley/ at the request of the mayor. came along three years later. Housing Opportunities, the Board of Representatives of the city and Both daughters are married and live Realtors and the Historical Society. Valparaiso University discussed in Fort Wayne and Murfreesboro, projects and issues of mutual interest Tenn., respectively. Worden’s forte is fundraising. “I in an effort to bridge the gap between seem to have a knack for raising a community and campus. >>

www.valparaisochamber.org 5 GROWINGUpValpo

“WHAT’S BEEN REALLY COOL IS THAT THE LEADERS OF THE CITY HAVE DONE A GREAT JOB OF BRINGING THE DOWNTOWN TO LIFE. IT’S ALWAYS BEEN NICE BUT THEY’VE BROUGHT IT TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL.”

—Debbie Anselm

>> “When I was a kid, you didn’t go up Snyder led by example. “He was a photographed the evolving downtown to the hill,” he said. “You hardly knew great organizer for large projects.” landscape over several decades. the university was there. There was very little back and forth.” In banking, Worden was influenced During a recent visit to the Valpo by leaders such as Joe Bibler, Chamber building, he pointed across Worden learned volunteerism from men Les Robinson, Pete Candela, Lincolnway at buildings from the late he worked with during the ‘60s, ‘70s Mike Schrage and Jim Ellsworth. 1800s and 1900s and noted the various and ‘80s. The first was Clair Maxwell He recalls having quality experiences businesses that had occupied them at the Western Auto store, where with others, including Charlie Bowman, over the years. he worked during high school. At the Jim McGill, Len Ellis, and Alan Harre. Oxford Shop, he worked with Chuck Worden is proud of today’s bustling Heppner. “He was involved in church, “They all gave me the time to devote downtown business district, with its the park board, Rotary, and more I’m to many community projects, large and mélange of shops, restaurants, and small,” Worden says. “These folks laid entertainment options. sure,” Worden said. the foundation for the city we know As a real estate professional, Worden today and made it easy for new kids like “We’ve been working on that the last learned from John Wiggins, a former me to help do what we could to keep several years,” he explains. “There was high school teacher and coach. “He ‘community’ going strong in Valpo.” a time when there were more vacancies was a great mentor in the classroom downtown. But now we have a mix and in the real estate office and politics Worden worked for five businesses on of restaurants and more people are too,” Worden said. After that, Harley Lincolnway during his diverse career in working downtown. It’s a destination retail, real estate, and banking and has and people are talking about what’s happening. And the park is wonderful.”

6 Valparaiso Magazine | Winter 2013 Worden emphasized that no single person has been During high school, she hung out at Greek’s Pizzeria, responsible for the community’s growth and vitality. owned by the Karamasines family, and Valpo Velvet, “Valparaiso was not built on ‘I, I, me, me,’” he said. owned by her classmate Mike Brown’s family. “After “It was a team effort and still is today. It’s a family- high school basketball games, everybody would oriented community, a helping-one-another community, go to Tony’s,” Anselm recalls. a service-oriented community.” She enjoys seeing her children having fun downtown Since retiring from Centier Bank three years ago, with their friends. “What’s been really cool is that the Worden passionately pursues golf, reading, and leaders of the city have done a great job of bringing painting. If it’s not fun, he isn’t doing it. He’s happy the downtown to life. It’s always been nice but they’ve to play nine holes with friends and, especially, brought it to a whole new level, especially with Central his grandsons. He devours mysteries rather than Park Plaza.” business-related material. “I don’t read anything too deep,” he chuckles. “I don’t have to do that anymore.” Anselm graduated from Valparaiso High School in 1981 and earned a bachelor’s degree in public affairs And he’s discovered a talent for painting that has from Indiana University in 1986. After briefly living in been nurtured by artist Susan Young. Worden paints Indianapolis, she took a job at the Valparaiso YMCA, mostly landscapes for family members, charity where she established the gymnastics program. auctions, and individual clients. Six years later, she became marketing director of Benchmark Ltd., a real estate development company. For Worden, two lines from the Jaycee Creed he learned years ago continue to guide his life: “I was fortunate to have people willing to give me “Service to humanity is the best work of life,” opportunities along the way. When I think back about and “Faith in God gives meaning and purpose people that influenced my professional development, to human life.” Bill Anderson, Barb Young, and Bill Masterson immediately come to mind.”

Her husband, Scott Anselm, is a local boy with strong Debbie ANSELM family ties to the community. He was a standout on the Valparaiso University basketball team and now works Debbie Anselm, Porter County general manager of in sales for Luke Oil Company. The Times Media Company, moved to Valparaiso from Merrillville when she was seven years old. “We knew we wanted to stay here,” Anselm says. Her extended family is deeply rooted in the region. “Scott had job opportunities in other places but when Grandfather Eugene Swartz was Mayor of the City of we thought about our values – family, a strong sense Gary in the late ‘40s. of community – it was pretty clear that we wanted to do everything we could to stay here.” Anselm grew up in the Concord Woods and Oakwood subdivisions in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s and has The couple has three children: Alissa, 16, a sophomore fond memories of spending time with family friends, at Valparaiso High School; Zach, 13, an eighth grader many of whom she still sees. She’s the oldest child in at Ben Franklin Middle School; and Emma, 6, a first a blended family of seven and her siblings all live within grader at Cooks Corners Elementary School. The an hour’s drive of Valpo. family likes living in a university town, where they enjoy basketball games, VU’s Christopher Center Library, “Valparaiso has always felt like home,” she says. the Brauer Art Museum and special events on campus. “It was a place where you knew your neighbors and people in the larger community were neighborly.” Anselm’s life of service is rooted in family. Her step-father, Roger Shurr, was a children’s dentist She attended St. Paul’s Catholic School through eighth who volunteered his services to families in need. grade and spent a lot of time with friends at Harvey’s Her mother, Judie Shurr, was active in Tri Kappa, the Dime Store. “They had a big candy counter and with women’s service organization. Anselm has been a 25 cents you could get a good sized sampling,” she devoted Tri Kappa for over 20 years, and now serves said, adding she was also fond of french fries and as president of the local chapter. She’s served on chocolate shakes. Other downtown draws were the committees and boards of the Valpo Chamber, the Premier Theater and Lowenstein’s Department Store. Porter Starke Foundation, the YMCA, the Valparaiso>>

www.valparaisochamber.org 7 GROWINGUpValpo

>> Park Foundation, the American Cancer Society Douglas graduated from Valparaiso High School and PTA. She’s baked lots of cookies and raised a lot in 1986. “After high school, I was anxious to bust of “dough” through fundraisers. out,” he says. “What I didn’t see as a kid were the opportunities I see today. Part of it was youthfulness. “I enjoy volunteering,” she says. “My family It’s not until you start raising a family that you think volunteers a lot. We’re trying to instill that same of values.” sense in our kids. Being involved is critical. It’s what makes a home town your home town. We Douglas received a B.S. in political science and have a responsibility to make it the great place history from Purdue University in 1990. After we think it is.” college, he was a case manager at Bradley Center, a residential community corrections program in Anselm sees the same community spirit she grew Michigan City. In 1995, he became the City of up with in today’s mix of established and new families Valparaiso assistant city planner and economic in Valparaiso. development planner. From 2002 until 2005, he was “The willingness to say ‘hello’ and reach out a hand, operations manager for Natural Ovens and then joined makes this a great place to be,” she said. “People Indiana Beverage. in Valpo share a common vision of a welcoming George and Julie married in 1992 and have three community that puts its best foot forward children: Madeleine, 17, a junior at Valparaiso High and makes the best of what it has.” School; Sam, 15, a sophomore; and Sarah, 10, a fifth grader at Central Elementary School. Julie graduated from Purdue with a journalism degree, and then

George completed law school at Notre Dame. After practicing DOUGLAS law, she started a photography business and also George Douglas, general manager of Indiana teaches legal writing at Notre Dame. Beverage, Inc. has lived in Valparaiso all of his life, Ivan and Pat Bodensteiner, Julie’s parents, live two except for college and three years in South Bend. blocks away from the Douglas home and her sister, “I think Valpo is just a great place,” he said. “Growing Jill, lives in South Bend. up here was a lot of fun. Like most kids, I enjoyed “When we thought about raising a family, all the having a lot of family and friends around. I also values and close family ties in town made it a natural liked being near Lake Michigan and Chicago. It’s a choice to come back here,” Douglas said. wonderful location.” He learned about community leadership and service Douglas was raised in the ‘70s and ‘80s with at his first job as a delivery boy for Sievers Pharmacy, three brothers and a sister, who still lives in town. where he came to admire Paul Schreiner and Dick “I grew up in the area near downtown and Brychell. “I have enjoyed working with great people I remember getting my allowance and spending in a number of different businesses and not-for-profit the day downtown.” organizations. They have taught me so much His mother, Mary Rose, worked at J.C. Penney and about respect, compassion and commitment. Denise’s downtown and still lives in Valparaiso. People always make the difference in every business His father was a Porter County Superior Court judge and organization.” from 1972 until his death in 1989, when George Douglas serves as treasurer of the YMCA and is a was 21. The legacy his father left was a strong work board member of the Northwest Indiana Forum; PACT ethic, a sense of fairness and justice, and a belief that Inc., which operates Michigan City’s Bradley Center; “we’re all good people.” “My dad always said, and the Valparaiso Schools Foundation. He also is ‘Don’t judge people until you’ve walked a mile in a member of the Workforce Investment Board of the their shoes,’” he adds. Center of Workforce Innovations. Douglas met his wife, Julie Bodensteiner, when they “I’ve been given an opportunity to continue to serve,” worked at General Cinema during high school. He he said. “The sense of giving back is strong in laughs when he recalls that they were dating each the community. You find a cause and you’ll find a other’s best friends before becoming sweethearts. group willing to jump in (to help).”

8 Valparaiso Magazine | Winter 2013 Like the others, Douglas is enthusiastic about the enhanced downtown environment, citing “I THINK THERE’S the two community theaters, mix of restaurants and Central AN OVERALL HUGE Park Plaza, which he calls “a SENSE OF PRIDE AND phenomenal asset.” He credits OWNERSHIP WITHIN the city’s Redevelopment Commission with making THE COMMUNITY. important investments in IT’S NOT ONE infrastructure and he values the amenities available through PARTICULAR GROUP Valparaiso University, including THAT’S DRIVING THE sporting events, cultural VISION. IT’S NOT programs, and the Brauer Art Museum. ONE INDIVIDUAL’S PLAN. IT’S A “I think there’s an overall huge sense of pride and ownership COMMUNITY PLAN.” within the community,” Douglas —George Douglas says. “It’s not one particular group that’s driving the vision. It’s not one individual’s plan. It’s a community plan.”

Clay PATTON Attorney Clay Patton, of Osan & Patton, LLP, has spent most of his 40 years living in Valparaiso. He grew up with older brother, Todd, in Center Township in a house his parents, Jim and Jean Patton, built on Goodrich Road. They still live there. His 87-year- old grandmother and an aunt, uncle and cousins live in the area as well.

Patton’s parents were born and raised in Northwest Indiana. His father was a steelworker and his mother worked in the travel industry for 30 years and owned World Travel Unlimited. His parents chose to live in Valparaiso, Patton said, because they found a large piece of land here to build a house, it was close to his father’s work and the school system was first rate.>>

www.valparaisochamber.org 9 GROWINGUpValpo

>> As a kid, Patton remembers riding his bike to Rogers- Lakewood Park. He spent a lot of time downtown at Tony’s Place and Sievers Drug Store. Another favorite pastime was going to the movies at County Seat Plaza, and then hanging out at Shakey’s pizza. “... THE MOVE During high school, Patton worked [BACK] TO in the produce department at Town VALPO WAS A and Country grocery store and then delivered flowers for Schultz GOOD ONE. THE Floral Shop. COMMUNITY “On Friday and Saturday, HAS A CERTAIN teenagers would cruise up and SOMETHING down Lincolnway from the Post Office to the 7-11. The street was THAT ATTRACTS clogged,” he recalls. PEOPLE.” —Clay Patton Patton graduated from Valparaiso High School in 1990. He earned a B.A. in criminal justice from Indiana University in 1994 and a J.D. from IU’s Robert McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis in 1999. Patton met his wife, Jeri Pat Gabbert, while living in Indianapolis and the couple moved to Valpo nine years ago, when she joined Valparaiso University’s Office of Institutional Advancement. Recently, she was named Vice Chancellor for Advancement & External Affairs at Indiana University Northwest.

Patton and Gabbert have two daughters: Alexandra, 7, and Caroline, 4. The quality of life here was a big draw for the couple. “We realized the move to Valpo was a good one,” Patton says. “Raising children in a big city such as Indy, there are a lot of things you have to consider, such as child care, schools, and the expense of those things.”

Patton says he continually runs into former Valpo residents who have moved back. The community has a certain something that attracts people, he notes.

10 Valparaiso Magazine | Winter 2013 “I don’t know what it is about the community that makes it that way, but it seems to always have had it.” Grow. Like others who grew up in Valpo, Patton has been immersed in serving and giving back to the community he loves. One of the people who had a profound influence on him personally and professionally was Judge Bill Alexa, of Porter County Superior Court 2. Alexa lived We can help. down the street from Patton’s boyhood friends, so he was aware of the accomplished attorney who ran for the State Senate.

“Bill was probably the first attorney I really knew,” said Patton, who kept in touch with Alexa over the years. When Patton decided to return to Valpo to practice law, he asked Alexa to help him network for jobs.

“I was honored to be the treasurer of his re-election campaigns in 2006 and 2012,” Patton adds. Michigan City • Chicago • Indianapolis Patton is a member of the Valpo Noon Kiwanis group; 219-879-4276 vice president of the Valparaiso Schools Foundation www.morseandharris.com Board; past president of the Porter County Bar Association; and previously served as a trustee of the Family & Youth Services Bureau.

Like those before him, Patton is teaching his oldest daughter, Alexandra, to appreciate the benefits and opportunities she has in life, rather than taking them for granted, and to give back.

“She’s energetic about her school fundraisers and enjoyed helping serve Thanksgiving dinner at a local Salvation Army,” Patton said.

Patton is proud of the community’s commitment to creating an attractive environment for young families. His wife, Jeri Pat, serves on the Board of Valparaiso Community Festivals and Events that plans family friendly activities, such as movie night in Central Park Plaza.

“Thirty years ago, there wasn’t that kind of resource to bring the community together,” he says. “The Popcorn Festival was in its infancy.”

Collectively, the quartet of Worden, Anselm, Douglas, and Patton spans seven decades of growing up in Valpo. Amidst the community changes and the fond memories of days gone by, one comment is constant: Valparaiso is a place that keeps getting better, largely because of the people that nurture and care for it. Generation after generation. VM

www.valparaisochamber.org 11 NEW MEMBER INVESTORS Welcome Members The Valpo Chamber welcomes Board-approved new members who joined during September, October, and November 2012. Interested in joining the largest and most active chamber in Northwest Indiana? Contact Danielle Oeding at (219) 462-1105 or [email protected]

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www.valparaisochamber.org 17 CHAMBER FOCUS

A SALUTE TO Leadership By Laurie Wink 2012 The Valpo Chamber hosted its annual Salute to Leadership dinner on Saturday, January 12, where the Chamber Board of Directors honored Jonathan Nalli, CEO of Porter Health Care System, with the 2012 Distinguished Community Leader Award, the highest recognition the Chamber bestows on an individual member of the business community. Recipients are selected based on: demonstrated leadership; active involvement in the greater Valparaiso business community; reputation among business leaders; success in promoting business and industry development; overall contributions to the community and its quality of life; and professional activities. Rob Thorgren, vice president of Thorgren Tool & Molding Co., was awarded the 2012 Legacy of Service Award. The award recognizes individuals in the community who, over time or under extraordinary circumstances, have given service to the Tcommunity above and beyond what is expected in their profession. Recipients have created a legacy of community service and serve as an example for others to emulate. Both Nalli and Thorgren were nominated for the awards by their Chamber peers.

JONATHAN NALLI University North Central Advisory Committee and is a member of the Valparaiso Rotary. DISTINGUISHED COMMUNITY LEADER Nalli said he was “in a state of shock” and rendered Jonathan Nalli, 37, a native of Kentucky, moved to speechless when he found out he was named the 2012 Valparaiso in May 2007 becoming interim CEO of Porter Distinguished Community Leader. “When I look at the list Hospital. He was named permanent CEO later that year. of previous recipients, these people have spent a great deal He’s at the helm of a health care system that has more than of time in Valpo,” he says. “Their contributions have been 2,000 employees, making it the second largest employer phenomenal.” in Porter County. Under his leadership, the area’s health care “Words cannot describe what it feels like to be considered system has expanded to include the latest technologies and a peer in that category,” Nalli adds. “This is one of the most more than 45 new physicians. prestigious awards any organization in the county awards to people. So even to be considered is honor enough.” Nalli was nominated for the prestigious honor by Dave Rose, Porter County president of Horizon Bank, who noted, Jonathan and Cathleen Nalli are the parents of three-and-a- “In just a few short years, Jonathan personally immersed half-year-old Jonathan and two-year-old Delaney. Cathleen himself into the Valparaiso community in numerous activities taught at Hayes Leonard Elementary School before taking that provide significant community development.” time off to stay home with their children. She is involved with the Boys & Girls Club, the United Way and Tri Kappa. “Many Valparaiso organizations have received benefits from the leadership that exists through Porter Hospital that did Moving here required a leap of faith that has paid off, not exist a few years ago,” adds Rose. Nalli says. Nalli is a member of the Valparaiso Chamber board and “The community welcomed us with open arms,” Nalli executive committee; chaired the United Way 2011 explains. We have made this our home and our children are campaign; is a board member of the Porter County now Indiana Hoosiers. We feel the need to pay forward all Community Foundation; a member of the Porter County the opportunities given to us.” >> Redevelopment Commission; serves on the Purdue

18 Valparaiso Magazine | Winter 2013 “This is one of the most prestigious awards any organization in the county awards to people. So even to be considered is honor enough.”

— Jonathan Nalli

www.valparaisochamber.org 19 CHAMBER FOCUS • A SALUTE TO LEADERSHIP 2012

>> ROB THORGREN LEGACY OF SERVICE

Rob Thorgren isn’t the kind of person who is comfortable being singled out for special recognition. But he said it’s nice to be selected by the Chamber for this year’s Legacy of Service Award. “I’m really a Valpo guy and any time I can help the city I love, I’m all for it,” he says. Deb Koeppen, vice president chief development officer, Valparaiso Family YMCA, agrees. “If there were a ‘Mr. Valpo,’ “I’m really Rob would be first in our book!” a Valpo guy Koeppen explains he was instrumental in getting a new facility for the YMCA. “This young man, when he started on the board, and any became very engaged,” she says. “He chaired the Building time I can Committee and was immersed in the entire process. He watched contractors every day. The YMCA really was his second home.” help the city In addition to serving on the YMCA board, Rob has chaired, I love, I’m co-chaired, and been division leader of the YMCA Annual Campaign; served on the Capital Campaign Task Force and all for it.” other task forces; helped create the highly successful Jazz & — Rob Thorgren Blues Fest, a fundraising event now in its seventh year; and regularly volunteers for special events. Thorgren’s deep connection with the YMCA began in childhood, when he and his sister, Courtney and brothers, Tyler and Charlie, spent considerable time there with their father, the late Robert G. Thorgren Jr., who passed away in March. As a long-time philanthropist and benefactor, his father left a legacy of community service for Rob to follow, as well as the challenge of managing the third generation manufacturing and distribution firm started in 1946 by Rob’s grandfather, Robert G. Thorgren Sr. “I’m filling some big shoes and I’m very humbled by the honor,” Rob says. Thorgren, 35, grew up in Valparaiso and graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology. He intended to become a physical education teacher and coach but was pulled into the family business 13 years ago. Since then, he’s helped expand the business by creating new manufacturing facilities in China and Mexico and he frequently travels internationally. Thorgren finds time to serve on the Valparaiso Schools Foundation board of directors and is the incoming president. Spending time with family is a high priority for Rob and his wife, Natalie, who have two sons, Bo, 10, and Sam, 5. The family enjoys the YMCA and Rob coaches his sons’ Pop Warner football teams, another tradition he learned from his father. “My Dad always coached all of our teams when we were Indiana’s largest younger,” Rob said. “They were some of the most quality times privately-owned bank. we had with him and I’m sure my kids will remember that as

I do.” VM 1-888-CentIer | CentIer.Com mike Schrage Member FDIC Centier President & Ceo

20 Valparaiso Magazine | Winter 2013 2405 EAST US 30 VALPARAISO, INDIANA 46383 RESERVATIONS 219-462-5121 BANQUETS 219-531-0162 BAKERY 219-464-8643

www.valparaisochamber.org 21 BUSINESS SNAPSHOT House of Fabian

3510 Calumet Ave, Valparaiso Telephone: (219) 462-1458 Website: www.valparaisoflorist.com

Management: Patrick Fabian, Owner Chamber Member since: 2012

Since 1978, the Fabian name has been synonymous with quality, beauty, and creativity in floral designs. House of Fabian also offers an extensive collection of unique accessories, gifts, and treasures from home and abroad. Whether you are celebrating a birthday or a baby, Fabian floral designers have the artist’s touch, bringing imaginative, one-of-a-kind arrangements that will show how much you care. House of Fabian has been pleasing brides for 34 years and can help with event planning, graduations, individualized funeral displays – you name it. Nothing is too large or too small – a simple boutonniere to grand entry hall arrangements are all within your reach at House of Fabian. BCC BURKE COSTANZA & CARBERRY LLP

A T T O R N E Y S A T L A W Advisors you want. Advocates you need. www.bcclegal.com

VOTED 2012 & 2011 BEST CORPORATE LAW FIRM LAW FIRM FOR LITIGATION Photo by Aran Kessler Photo. ESTATE PLANNING PRACTICE Imaging LAW FIRM FOR BUSINESS Featured Chamber member business ACQUISITIONS AND MERGERS chosen at random. by the readers of Northwest Indiana Business Quarterly THANK YOU!

22 Valparaiso Magazine | Winter 2013 Your Local Print Connection MEMBER INVESTOR ANNIVERSARIES Produced by Members of Your Community The Valpo Chamber is proud to showcase our members who have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to our organization and to the business community. We applaud and appreciate your dedication. The following milestone anniversaries occurred in the first 219.462.6601 • www.homemountain.com quarter of 2013. 3602 Enterprise Avenue • Valparaiso, IN 25 Years Don Quijote Restaurante

HMP_ValpoMag Ad Jan2013.indd 1 12/27/12 3:07 PM 20 Years Midwest Insurance Agency David’s Mens Clothier Elwood Staffing Services, Inc. M&S Collision Center, Inc.

Paul Jankowski 15 Years Barile Ford, Inc. 888.846.6860 / 219.465.0844 Email: [email protected] 10 Years Web site: www.midwestinsurance.net Chandana Pointe Apartments Paul Jankowski is an independent authorized agent in Indiana for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. An independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ® ANTHEM is a registered trademark. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. 5 Years Bart Vickery & Co. Real Estate Duffy’s Place Hines Plumbing, Inc. Holladay Properties Horizon Bank Martin Security Systems, Inc. McMillan Law Offices, PC National CineMedia Congratulates Pak Mail Peoples Bank Jonathan Nalli Realty Executives Shirley Heinze Land Trust, Inc. Vogelsang Asset Management LLC Wayne Welter Congratulations Jonathan for being recognized as the Preventive Care | Dentistry | Surgical Care 2012 Distinguished Community Leader. Dog Training | Boarding | Wildlife Rehab | And More M•A•H Well deserved!

PET HEALTH CARE FOR CATS, DOGS & EXOTICS

219-462-5901 www.accesshorizon.com A NASDAQ Traded Company — Symbol HBNC 651 Eastport Centre Dr., Valparaiso www.mcafeeah.com EXCEPTIONAL SER VICE • SENSIBLE ADVIC E ® www.valparaisochamber.org 23 AROUND TOWN

Donna Rucks, CFP, is The agents and staff at with highest distinction. For Around Town proud to announce her new Century 21 Alliance additional information, visit is an important franchise, 360 refresh®, an Group congratulate Jeanne www.mybankcitizens.com. element to the local exclusive service for women Sommer on her recent ———————————— business coverage of who are thinking about divorce, Design Organization Valparaiso Magazine. in the process of divorce, or in (DO), a sustainable planning, Submissions by post-divorce. The goal of 360 architecture and interiors chamber member refresh® is to empower women firm founded in 1971 with businesses are by providing the knowledge offices in Chicago, Illinois given preference. and resources necessary to and Valparaiso, announced regain control of their lives. it has become a Division of Articles are business 360 refresh® helps prepare Shive-Hattery, Inc. Shive- announcements – women to better manage their Hattery, founded in 1895, is i.e. awards, new current situations and the Woman-Owned Business a 350-person architecture additions to staff challenges of the next phases of the Year award. The and engineering firm with nine or promotion of of their lives by providing award was presented by locations in Illinois, Indiana, title, and change of unique, personalized divorce the Northwest Indiana Small Iowa and Missouri. Design business location. assistance including the Business Development Organization will continue Sales promotions, following areas: psychological, Center at the 21st Annual to operate with the same advertisements, or physical, financial, self- Entrepreneurial Excellence leadership team and staff coupon ads may not improvement and career. Awards. This honor recognizes to manage their long list of be accepted. Around For additional information, Sommer’s passion, positive repeat clients, for their national Town submissions visit www.360refresh.com/ attitude, and commitment corporate workplace practice duneland. to the community – qualities and regional higher education, must be 130 words ———————————— that have been essential to healthcare, and public or less, are subject the success of Century 21 works practices. For more to approval, and may Alliance Group and the animal information, visit www.shive- be edited. rescue group she co-founded. hattery.com or www.designorg. For more information, visit com. www.21alliance.com. ———————————— ———————————— Michelle Bush recently Citizens Financial Bank accepted a position with is proud to announce the Diversified Marketing achievement of President Strategies (DMS) as a Calvary Church of and Chief Senior Valparaiso recently released Executive Account “Mighty Fortress,” its first Officer, Executive worship album. The album Daryl D. servicing our was recorded live on Sunday Pomranke, businesses mornings and produced who was in the Porter through the church’s in-house named County area. studio. Musicians featured on a 2012 Diversified the album are all part of the Leading CEO Award Winner Marketing To submit Around Town entries, Calvary Church community. by Northwest Indiana Business Strategies (DMS) is an award- call (219) 462-1105 or send to “Mighty Fortress,” sold Quarterly Magazine. Pomranke winning, full-service marketing, [email protected] through the Calvary Church joined the Citizens team in communications, and public Attn: Editor. office located at 1325 Evans April 2007 as Executive Vice relations agency with more Avenue, is also available President – Chief Operating than 20 years of experience. on iTunes. Calvary offers Officer, with over 16 years From branding, public relations, a contemporary worship of banking experience. He and brochure development to experience and relevant held several executive event planning, web design, expository preaching to management and operating and specialties, DMS is nearly 1000 worshippers. For positions with Mercantile dedicated to delivering tailored more information, visit www. National Bank of Indiana and marketing programs with a high calvaryweb.net. its successor, Harris Bank, level of return on investment ———————————— N.A. Pomranke is a graduate for its clients. DMS publishes of Indiana University, with a the award-winning Building bachelor of science in business Indiana magazine, >> 24 Valparaiso Magazine | Winter 2013 Methodist Hospitals President and CEO, Ian McFadden (left) and Valparaiso Family YMCA CEO, Bob Wanek

Methodist Hospitals and Valparaiso Family Methodist Hospitals and YMCA are both dedicated to building healthy families and communities. In many ways, our the Valparaiso Family YMCA missions and values are the same. As local, not-for-profit institutions, we both reinvest all of our resources into the communities we serve. That’s why we have forged a new Partners in partnership that combines our expertise and commitment to bring a robust menu of wellness programs to YMCA members and Wellness the entire community. In addition to health screenings, risk assessments, support groups, classes and physician seminars, we will introduce programs to help prevent and manage chronic conditions, such as obesity and diabetes. Methodist Hospitals will also bring new services such as cardiac rehabilitation, physical therapy, alternative medicine, employee assistance program support, as well as an on-site primary care and sports medicine certified physician to the Valparaiso Family YMCA.

Ultimately, our goal at Methodist Hospitals is to change the way health care is delivered in Northwest Indiana. Our new partnership with the Valparaiso Family YMCA is a significant Leading the Way to Better Health step toward that goal.

888-909-DOCS (3627) • METHODISTHOSPITALS.ORG

www.valparaisochamber.org 25 AROUND TOWN

>> the leading source of The services and programs ———————————— business and economic are designed to support the development news in the agency’s mission: to support state of Indiana. The woman- children and families as they owned and operated firm, encounter the various tasks, which has won more than 20 circumstances and challenges marketing industry awards of life—so that children have is headquartered in Crown the opportunity to become daily functions of social media, Metro Auto Recyclers is Point, Indiana, with offices in capable, responsible, and including Family Express’ proud to announce they have Indianapolis and Warsaw. contributing members of the social space, blogging, and become the first auto salvage ———————————— community and families have community development as company to receive Recycling The Board of Directors of the the means to effectively assist well as being connected with Industry Operating Standard Family & Youth Services in that process. Moreover, the broader social media (RIOS) certification for their Bureau is proud to announce the agency will encourage the world. She will also work with Valparaiso location. RIOS is the the promotion of Lisa community to nurture and care employees to generate stories recycling industry’s standard Jordan, a 17-year veteran of for all of its children. Jordan that happen in their stores for quality, environmental, the agency, replaces Dennis Morgan who as well as their community health & safety (QEH&S) to President served the Porter County while growing and building a management systems. RIOS and CEO. community for 40 years. more online presence through provides a powerful framework Family ———————————— social media. Keefover will for scrap recyclers of all types & Youth Family Express Corp. work out of the Family Express to improve their QEH&S Services is excited to announce the headquarters in Valparaiso. performance and their bottom Bureau, hiring of Ruth Keefover You can follow Family Express line. Becoming RIOS certified established in as Social Media Community on Twitter @FamilyExpress or solidifies the commitment that 1972, serves over 3,600 Porter Manager. Keefover will be “Like” at www.facebook.com/ Metro Auto Recyclers already County residents annually. responsible for managing the FamilyExpress. made to improve >> Congratulations!

The Board of Trustees, Medical Staff, Associates and Volunteers of Porter Health Care System congratulate Jonathan Nalli, CEO: Recipient of the 2012 Distinguished Community Leader Award

Porter Regional Hospital is directly or indirectly owned by a partnership that proudly includes physician owners, including certain members of the hospital’s medical staff.

26 Valparaiso Magazine | Winter 2013 66899_PORTER_CEO_7_917x5c.indd 1 12/14/12 12:08 PM GROWING STRONGER TOGETHER TheThe Hardest Hardest Hit Hit Fund Fund helps helps Indiana Indiana homeowners homeowners who who are are struggling to make their mortgage payments due to job loss or strugglingThe Hardest to make Hit theirFund mortgagehelps Indiana payments homeowners due to who job are loss or Congratulations to temporarytemporarystruggling financial financial to make hardship. hardship. their mortgage Qualified Qualified payments homeowners homeowners due to may job may loss receive receive or Rob Thorgren... The Hardest Hit Fund helps Indiana homeowners who are mortgagemortgagetemporary payment payment financial assistance assistance hardship. while Qualifiedwhile they they homeownerssearch search or orretrain may retrain receive for for new new 2012 Legacy of Service employment.employment.strugglingmortgage This payment to This make is ais assistance their program a program mortgage while through through paymentsthey thesearch the Indiana due or Indiana retrain to job Foreclosure for Foreclosure loss new or temporaryThe Hardest financial Hit Fundhardship. helps Qualified Indiana homeowners homeowners may who receive are Award Recipient! PreventionPreventionstrugglingemployment. Network toNetwork make This . is their. a program mortgage through payments the Indiana due to Foreclosure job loss or mortgagePrevention payment Network assistance . while they search or retrain for new employment.temporary financial This is hardship. a program Qualified through homeowners the Indiana may Foreclosure receive GetGetPreventionmortgage help. help. payment Network Get Get assistance . hope. hope. while they search or retrain for new Thank you for your ongoing and employment.Get help. This Get is a program hope. through the Indiana Foreclosure steadfast commitment to giving back Prevention Network . 1-1888-8881Get-888-401- 401help.-401-2592-2592-2592 Get ext. ext.hope. 201 201201 and providing support to our Y and Get help. Get hope. our community. 2192191-219888548-548--548-4012800-2800--28002592 ext. ext.ext. ext. 201 201 201201 1219-888-548-401-2800-2592 ext. ext. 201 201 • Board of Directors (Chair 2010-2011) • Annual Campaign Chair 219-548-2800 ext. 201 A HUD certified housing agency. • Special Events Volunteer A HUDA HUD certified certified housing housing agency. agency. • Trusted Committee Member A HUD certified housing agency.

A HUD certified housing agency. Your friends at the Valparaiso Family YMCA

Valparaiso Family YMCA •1201 Cumberland Crossing Drive • Valparaiso, IN 46383 219 462 4185 • www.valpoymca.org

Scrappy’s Spotlight on Recycling

Recycling aluminum cans reduces the amount of waste in America’s landfills by up to 50%. Currently 800,000 tons of aluminum cans are recycled each year. Recycling just one aluminum can saves the same amount of energy as watching TV for 3 hours.*

metro recycling is dedicated to making it easier than ever for residents of Valpo and its surrounding communities to do their part for our planet. * Source: US Environmental Protection Agency

2155 W. Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN Find more recycling tips at 219.465.1459 ScrappytheTurtle on Facebook

www.valparaisochamber.org 27 AROUND TOWN

>> the environment. Metro of older adults. To learn aspects of the concession Auto Recyclers also recently more on how Pines Village stand including budgeting, earned re-certification of celebrates the lives of older inventory management and the Indiana Department of adults, visit www.pinesvillage. staffing. “Teen Enterprise” Environmental Management’s org. is offered at the Valparaiso, highest level award, the Indiana ———————————— Portage and South Haven club Clean Yard Gold Level award. locations. The Clean Yard program Tracy Huyvaert (left), To learn more about the was established in 2009 as a Chief Operating Officer, programs at the Boys & Girls collaborative effort of IDEM received the prestigious Clubs of Porter County, call and the Automotive Recyclers “Linda Woolley Excellence in (219) 464-7282 or visit of Indiana, Inc. to decrease Nursing Leadership Award” www.bgcpoco.org. environmental threats posed that recognizes a licensed ———————————— by vehicles stockpiled in nursing professional who Jamie salvage yards. To learn more, demonstrates good mentoring The Porter County Sulcer, contact Metro Auto Recyclers relationships, enabling others Business League recently Business at (219) 462-3753. to act proactively in the contributed $500.00 to Boys Development ———————————— care of older adults through & Girls Clubs of Porter Specialist with LeadingAge Indiana presented clinical excellence, leadership, County to support its “Teen Chicago Pines Village Retirement and commitment. Judy Enterprise” program. Teen Title has been Communities with two Bornstein (right), Meridian members who participate in named in the Excellence Awards at its Woods resident, received the “Teen Enterprise” develop top 10 percent of residential annual state conference. The “Excellence in Volunteering - small business management sales representatives for awards celebrate dedicated Resident” award in honor of skills through operating the production in the country by individuals and organizations her extraordinary commitment Clubs’ concession stands Fidelity National Financial – who have improved the quality to preserving dignity, well- during athletic league games. the parent company of of life for older Hoosiers. being, and the independence Teens are responsible for all Chicago Title. VM

28 Valparaiso Magazine | Winter 2013 BUSINESS SNAPSHOT Locks of Fun

155 W Lincolnway, Valparaiso Telephone: (219) 548-7059 Web site: www.locksoffun.com

Management: Jen Pancek, Manager; Christian Quiroz, Assistant Manager Chamber Member since:2005

Locks of Fun is a children’s hair salon that makes getting a haircut an enjoyable experience for the parent as well as the child. Its special “cutting stations” are child-sized cars in six different makes and models including a jeep, police car, and sports car. Each car is equipped with its own flat screen television and gaming system that kids can watch or play while receiving a quality haircut from an experienced stylist. Every child receives a free juice, popcorn, and coupon for a treat at another downtown business during each visit. Locks of Fun works by appointment, reducing waiting time; but should you wait, there is a play area with a St. Mary Medical Center’s Breast Team train table and other fun items to keep your little (L-R): Donna Faitak, RT, (R)(M)(QM) certified breast health one busy. Make your child’s next haircut the best navigator; Richard Browne, MD, breast surgeon; Charisa Spoo, DO, dedicated breast radiologist. haircut at Locks of Fun!

Photo by Aran Kessler Photo. Imaging

Featured Chamber member business chosen at random. Jen Pancek, Manager and Christina Quiroz, Assistant Manager

www.valparaisochamber.org 29 G IN C N U O N N A

You’ve just had an accident! Don’t have a second, let us repair your vehicle.

Proud member of the Chesterton Location Valparaiso Location Valparaiso Chamber 219.926.8203 219.462.0405 of Commerce www.mandscollision.com

STUDENT SUCCESS THE PURDUE WAY Bachelor’s degrees Outstanding faculty Online classes available Saturday MBA WHY AREN’T YOU HERE? Undergraduate 219-531-4200 Graduate 219-531-6500 600 Vale Park Road, Valparaiso PNC PORTER COUNTY 30 Valparaiso Magazine | Winter 2013 ASK AN EXPERT

HOW CAN I PROVIDE The Best Customer Service?

We have all been in that situation where • PHONE CALLS – Answer the phone as you feel you have been treated unfairly by quickly as you can and in a pleasant voice. a business, whether it is charged a regular I recently answered the phone during a price instead of the sale price, or dealing with very busy morning and the person on the a rude and uncaring employee. We get angry other end said it sounded like I was busy. and vow to never return to that place of I felt bad for two reasons. First, I was business. We will also be likely to talk about amazed that they could tell I was busy the unjust manner in which we were treated, just by the tone of my voice in that By Sue Stymiest sharing the negative experience with friends five second greeting; and second, I did Valpo Chamber Wand co-workers. In the end, that business not want that person to feel I was too has just cut off a vital asset to its success… busy for their call. Try smiling when Sue Stymiest is the Resource the customer. talking on the phone – customers can hear Director at the Valpo Chamber. it in your voice! Previously, she was employed Everyone wants to feel important, and by the Valparaiso Community • MESSAGES – Return e-mails and businesses need to make each and every Schools as an instructional voicemail messages as promptly as you assistant at Flint Lake customer feel this way to be successful can, preferably within 24 hours. This Elementary for nine years. and stay successful in the future. Because, is a good way to make customers feel let’s face it, without happy customers you Stymiest attended DePaul important and let them know that you are University, with a concentration wouldn’t be in business. willing and available to help them. in Business, and the Harrington College of Design focusing on Here are several key points and • GIVE MORE THAN EXPECTED Interior Decorating. rules to providing good customer – Give your customers more than they service: Stymiest, an avid photographer, expect whether it be a discount for their recently won second place in the • LISTENING - The simple task of listening next visit, or just a genuine smile and “Wildlife” division of the Porter thank you for stopping in, even if they did County Master Gardeners to your customer’s wants and needs goes Association photography a long way toward customer satisfaction. not purchase anything. Do anything you contest. Her photography is also can to elevate your business above the featured on the 2013 Valparaiso There is nothing more frustrating than City Map. telling someone what the problem is, competition. or what you want, only to discover that These guidelines and rules for great Originally from Chicago, Stymiest resides in Valparaiso person wasn’t even focused on what you customer service should be practiced every with her husband, Mark, and were saying. day. There is, however, one rule of thumb their three children. • RESPECT – You need to treat each that I find to be a tried and true way to customer as an individual. Look them in the deliver exceptional customer service. Treat eye when talking to them and try to know everyone as you would want to be treated. their name. Be mindful of body language When a customer enters your place of and the tone of your voice when meeting business, immediately put yourself into their someone or speaking on the phone. shoes. Treat them how you would want and Always say please and thank you. People expect to be treated and you will have happy like to be acknowledged and treated as if customers returning to your business for a they are the main focus of your time. long time. VM

www.valparaisochamber.org 31 EXPERTISE.MEET ValPaRaISo’S nEwEST PhySIcIanS. Porter Physician Group is proud to welcome four outstanding new physicians. Each of them is dedicated to providing skilled, personalized care to the residents of our community. These physicians are part of our commitment to expand our services in the Valparaiso area and bring you the care of experienced physicians in a wide range of specialties. Call today for information or an appointment.

PorterPhysicianGroup.com

Crystal Tuncay, D.O. James Anthony, M.D. Masood Ghouse, D.O. Geoffrey Schwartz, M.D. Cumberland Internal Medicine Pulmonary-Critical Care Medicine Porter Hematology-Oncology Associated Ear, Nose & Throat 219-548-3843 219-464-9054 219-983-6260 219-531-0355

Members of the Medical Staff at Porter Regional Hospital

32 Valparaiso Magazine | Winter 2013 66237_PORT_4docs_7_917x10_25c.indd 1 12/17/12 1:56 PM BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Every Child: Safe, Healthy, Happy Parent and Family Support & Child Advocacy Center

Valparaiso • Michigan City 219-464-9871 (800) 897-0007 • www.dunebrook.org www.mybulkmail.com

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Healing Arts Center AlternAtive HeAltH tHerApies

Offering: • N.A.E.T. AllErgy ElimiNATioN 800.837.1400 • rEflExology • AcupuNcTurE ANd morE! BUY LOCAL, GIVE LOCAL CAll (219) 510-5623 for A free Consult! FOR DETAILS VISIT US ONLINE www.healingartsvalpo.com WWW.MCSHANES.COM

Quality • SuStainability

Excellent service Quality used auto parts Trained, knowledgeable staff 2155 W. Lincolnway • Valparaiso 219.462.3753 219.462.6929 (fax) www.metroautorecyclers.com

www.pureskinllc.com

Medi-Spa cosmetic laser services and skin care 2 Miniature Golf Courses Go Karts alliGators Jeane M. Ziegler, RN GaMe rooM Wave slide Certified Medical Aesthetician laser taG CoMinG soon! 2500 Calumet Ave, Valpo (inside Anthony’s Salon) 1050 Horseprairie Ave • 462-1194 219-743-5778 by appointment www.Zaoisland.net

Spotlight your business with a 2”x2” ad. Reach 17,000+ readers quarterly! Call Danielle Oeding, at the Valpo Chamber. (219) 462-1105 | [email protected]

www.valparaisochamber.org 33

OUR VOICE THE CHAMBER SUPPORTS

Vital

Links and the significant contribution this highway has made to economic in development in Porter County. Some of the projects this has fostered are: Porter Regional Hospital, Ivy Tech Community CLOSING THOUGHTS College, high quality residential By Rex Richards neighborhoods, and the soon- Valpo Chamber to-open St. Mary Medical Center Valparaiso Health Center. Further south of Rex G. Richards is the President of the Valpo NORTHWEST Route 30, the highway also Chamber. He has served passes Indiana Beverage the Chamber profession for INDIANA Corporate Headquarters, over 30 years having led Chambers in Logansport, Pratt Industries, Family Michigan City, and East Express Headquarters, and Chicago, Ind.; Kansas City, the Porter County Sheriff’s Department. Kan. and most recently Over 40 years ago, a Sarasota, Fla. before calling Now plans are being proposed for a new planning committee of the Valparaiso home. highway that would run from the western Northwest Indiana Regional Chicago suburbs, across the state line into He has successfully Planning Commission accomplished increases in Indiana south of Crown Point at Interstate was formed to explore program activities, capital 65, with a possible extension linking south resources, and membership the building of a new Lake, Porter, and LaPorte Counties with in the chambers he has East/West highway that served. In addition to over 30 Interstate 94. years experience, Richards would link Route 30, east has played an instrumental of Strongbow Inn, with The proposed Illiana Expressway would role in economic development Interstate 94. At the time, reduce traffic congestion where Interstate projects and public policy there were pessimists that 94 and Interstate 80 converge. This would initiatives. thought the project would bring new opportunities for the southern Richards also serves as the never come to fruition Porter County communities of Kouts president of the Valparaiso and, in fact, might waste and Hebron. Economic Development Corporation. important natural resources. Major highway projects like State Road 49 Today, it’s hard to imagine and the proposed Illiana Expressway shine Valparaiso without the vital a bright future upon Northwest Indiana link of State Road 49. and Porter County. The Valpo Chamber consistently works to support projects that Few can deny the value will enhance the greater Valparaiso business of this tremendous community. VM transportation corridor

34 Valparaiso Magazine | Winter 2013 We have all the OccupatiOnal HealtH tOOls that keep Northwest Indiana WORKING Well

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5 cOnvenient lOcatiOns: crOwn pOint | HammOnd | micHigan city | munster | valparaisO When a minor injury or illness just can’t wait. Urgent Care Center is here with on-site physicians and walk-in care for illnesses, injuries, school or sports physicals and more. We also offer lab and X-ray services, and are open evenings and weekends, too. Now that’s a relief!

Urgent Care Center Porter’s Chesterton Medical Campus • 650 Dickinson Road (150E) Chesterton • 219-926-7755 • 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., 7 days a week NOW OPEN in Valparaiso Porter’s Valparaiso Medical Center • 1900 Roosevelt Road • Valparaiso 5 p.m. - 9 p.m., Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday

Porter Regional Hospital is directly or indirectly owned by a partnership that proudly includes physician owners, including certain members of the hospital’s medical staff.

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