ValpoMag12-19-2011_3

The Magazine of the Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce
VM
Vol. 12 Issue 1 | Winter 2012
Valparaiso
Magazine
Blazing
Trail
Chamber celebrates
a century of success
the

VM
Valparaiso Magazine
Vol. 12 | Issue 1
Winter 2012
Cover
PAGE 4
Blazing
Trail
Chamber celebrates
a century of success
the
FEATUREs
PAGE 14
Three Leading Ladies
A Peek into the Chamber Board
Leadership from the Female
Point of View
PAGE 18
Chamber Focus
A Salute to Leadership
“Two Pillars of the Community”
Sections
PAGE 11
Business Awards
50-75-100 Business Longevity Awards
A publication of the Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce.
162 W. Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone (219) 462-1105, Fax (219) 462-5710
info@valparaisochamber.org
www.valparaisochamber.org
GREATER VALPARAISO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Rex Richards, President
Julie Gaskell, Vice President, Operations
Danielle Oeding, Vice President, Sales & Marketing
Susan Antoszewski, Marketing &
Communications Specialist
Kurt Gillins, Programs Director
Christine Pazdur, Accounting Director
Sue Stymiest, Resource Director
VALPARAISO MAGAZINE
Publisher: Rex Richards
Editor: Susan Antoszewski
Sales: Danielle Oeding
Design and Production: Morse & Company Advertising
Communications, Inc.
Cover/Feature Photography: Aran Kessler Photo.Imaging
Printing: Home Mountain Printing
Mailing: Flanagin’s Bulk Mail Service
< (cover photo)
Len Ellis, Founder of Radio One and 1967 Board Chair
with Jon Schmaltz, Partner at Burke Costanza & Carberry,
2012 Board Chair
VALPARAISO MAGAZINE is published
quarterly by the Greater Valparaiso
Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 330,
Valparaiso, IN 46384-0330.
To submit “Around Town” entries,
call (219) 462-1105 or send to:
info@valparaisochamber.org, Attn: Editor.
For advertising inquiries,
call (219) 462-1105, Attn: Danielle.
VALPARAISO MAGAZINE circulates
17,000 copies per issue by direct mail to
all businesses, and, on a rotating basis,
to most households in the 46383, 46384
and 46385 zip codes.
Subscriptions may be purchased
at an annual rate of $12, for those
outside our regular circulation.
PAGE 12
New Member Investors
New Board-approved members
PAGE 17
Business Snapshot
Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County
PAGE 22
Business Snapshot
Jean Kohler American Family Insurance
PAGE 24
Around Town
Local business news
PAGE 29
Business Snapshot
Rittenhouse Senior Living of Valparaiso
PAGE 30
Ask an Expert
“Why Join a Chamber of Commerce? Value.”
PAGE 32
Business Spotlight
Advertisers in the spotlight
PAGE 33
Member Investor
Anniversaries
A showcase of members who have
demonstrated ongoing commitment
PAGE 34
Our Voice
“Aiming High for the Future”
Calendar
of Events
www.valparaisochamber.org
Valparaiso Magazine | Winter 2012
3

Blazing
the
Trail
Chamber
Celebrates
a Century of
Success
in Valparaiso
By Kim Ranegar
4

hrough economic upswings
and downturns, triumphs and
tragedies, the Greater Valparaiso
Chamber of Commerce has
been there. This June, the Valpo
Chamber turns 100. The yearlong
celebration has already begun and
there’s so much to look forward to
in 2012. The fun begins with a look
back at the Chamber’s origins and
some of the incredible leaders who
have contributed to this… our first
Century of Success.
Just Getting Started
The Chamber continues to evolve,
to empower its members, and
to contribute to the community’s
quality of life. “The Chamber has
an incredible legacy behind it, but
we’re just getting started,” says
Rex Richards, Chamber President.
“People belong to the Chamber
because they make a voluntary
choice to get involved,” he says.
“We provide a benefit to the
community and our members are
the reason.”
Today, the Chamber includes
more than 700 members,
dedicated to ensuring the
community’s quality of life by
providing information, advocacy,
networking opportunities, and
member services.
To tell the Chamber’s own story,
former Board Leaders of the
organization share their insights.
the Chamber’s
first leader
John Sievers, 1912
The Chamber’s forefather left his
guidance in a special column he
wrote in the Vidette newspaper
on March 18, 1937. Words from
that original manuscript reveal
thoughts of the times. In 1937,
he writes:
“Those of us who were
instrumental in organizing
Valparaiso’s first Chamber
of Commerce back just 25
years ago, have many happy
memories.” He writes “…as
we did not have much money to
operate on, we had to make up
for this handicap by putting our
shoulders to the wheel and make
things go by teamwork: And
that is just what we did do. As a
matter of fact, if I had my choice
between having a lot of money
and having a group of men who
would work together and pull
together, I would take the latter
every time.”
< John Sievers, 1912
From the start, cooperation
was key. Sievers owned the
building in which the Chamber
would begin its meetings – the
Ryan livery stable on South
Franklin. “Our headquarters were
papered and painted by a group
of painters and paperhangers
who donated their labor and the
Heineman & Sievers Drug Store
contributed the wallpaper and
paint,” said Sievers. “We did not
have much of a budget to work
on – dues I believe were five
dollars per year.”
Sievers goes on to describe
the proceedings: “Our old
Chamber of Commerce used
to have meetings, usually with
big dinners with businessmen
doing the cooking, the serving
and even washing the dishes,”
he recalled. “We had every
business and professional man
pulling for Valparaiso.”>>
Coming together, past and present
8
24 25
17
18 19 12
20 13
9 10 11
2 3
5
4
1
21
14
6
22
15
7
23
16
1. Carolyn Hartley, 1989
2. Len Ellis, 1967
3. Gus Olympidis, 1990
4. Dee Haklin, 2008
5. Todd Etzler, 2006
6. Harley Snyder, 1973
7. Jim Hutton, 1978
8. Dale Clapp, 2009
9. Norm Jacobs, 1983
10. John Shroat, 1986
11. Jim Jorgensen, 1999
12. Bill Wagner, 1981
13. Jon Schmaltz, 2012
14. Chuck Worden, 1998
15. Larry Raber, 1992
16. Brian Hurley, 1995
17. Robert V. Coolman, 1980
18. Paul Von Tobel, 1979
19. Dick Blastick, 1991
20. Fred McNulty, 2003
21. Larry Daly, 1988
22. Martin Sonnenberg, 2011
23. Nick Sommer, 2010
24. Dick Panton, 1996
25. Dave Rose, 2007
www.valparaisochamber.org
5

He reminisced about a
homecoming the Chamber
staged in its first year – 1912,
which included a grand parade.
“Why we even got W.E. Franklin,
that old showman, to let us
use his circus wagon and,
mark this fact, our Chamber of
Commerce members went out to
the old Chautauqua building,
pulled out those wagons laid up
in winter quarters, washed them
and greased them!”
“If I were to name the one thing
that made our organization
a success, I would say
cooperation,” said Sievers.
This “cooperation” was catchy
and it’s still spreading today
through the Chamber.
Broadcasting Wisdom
from the ‘60s
Len Ellis, 1967
As the Chamber’s senior ranking
volunteer leader, Len Ellis served
as the Chamber’s Board Chair in
1967 when he was just 39 years
old. While he was leading the
Chamber, he was also running
Porter County’s first radio
station, which he had established
just four years earlier. Because
he had a morning radio show
and a young family at home, Ellis
was up by 4:30 a.m. daily. “I was
busier than a one-armed paper
hanger,” Ellis says.
“I remember having meetings
when the Chamber was across
the street from where the
Mayor’s office is now. They
couldn’t afford a shade for the
window so we used an old
Ringling Brother’s poster,”
he says.
Ellis recalls a number of the top
initiatives he worked on during
his service with the Chamber.
“We wanted to leave a little
legacy behind and decided to
come up with an award for
the company that has redone
their business or storefront or
new building,” he says. The
Community Improvement
Award remains an annual
Chamber highlight.
Other major projects included
advancing the Porter County
Airport to promote economic
Being a part of
the Chamber gives you
a feeling of being
wanted…the familiarity
of going down the street
and knowing people.
Doors open for you.
It helped in business.
Len Ellis, 1967
development. The Chamber
was involved in supporting the
airport beginning in 1940 when
it campaigned for the project,
which officially opened in 1950.
“We also had conversations
about the bypass every five or
seven years – for 50 years,”
he laughs. Another goal during
his tenure: “We were looking
for new business. Does that
sound familiar?”
Ellis, 83, remains busy in
the community, still doing
a radio show at Radio One
Communications, which is now
run by his son, Leigh Ellis.
“Being a part of the Chamber
gives you a feeling of being
wanted… the familiarity of going
down the street and knowing
people. Doors open for you. It
helped in business.”
Looking Forward
Jon Schmaltz, 2012
Like Len Ellis, Jon Schmaltz will
turn 39 during his year of service
as Board Chair in 2012.
Also like Ellis, Schmaltz has
a young family at home, a
successful day job and ambitious
goals for the Chamber. “The
community has certainly changed
since the time that Len served as
Chair and I think the Chamber is
changing as well. We need
to reflect the needs of member
businesses, support growth
during tough economic times,
find ways to operate regionally,
and advocate for our members,”
says Schmaltz.
Schmaltz grew up in nearby
Michigan City and returned
to the region after earning his
undergraduate degree at Purdue
University and his law degree at
Indiana University in Indianapolis.
“Like many kids growing up, I
tended to think I wouldn’t return
to Northwest Indiana. I’m glad
I did and I’m glad it’s Valpo,”
he says.
6

makes a difference. There are so
many intelligent, motivated, and
sophisticated business owners in
Valparaiso and Porter County,”
he says.
“I enjoy working with the
Chamber. As we support each
other it raises the quality of
life for the entire community,
making it an attractive place for
members and employees. It all
adds to a positive quality of life in
our community,” he says.
Schmaltz shares Ellis’s passion
for community and strong work
ethic, yet there is a difference:
“I’m more of a night owl,”
confesses Schmaltz. “Had I been
around at the time, I doubt that I
would have heard Len’s morning
show,” laughs Schmaltz.
As a CPA and Partner with
George S. Olive, Hutton
served many of the downtown
businesses and is delighted
to see a great number of
them still succeeding in
Valparaiso, particularly
third-generation restaurant
Strongbow Inn, and longtime
retailers such as David’s
Clothiers, Seasons on
the Square, and Martin
Binder Jewelers.
“Our downtown is something
to be proud of. I give credit to
subsequent leaders who have
all had the foresight to keep the
space viable,” he says. >>
As we support each other it
raises the quality of life for the
entire community, making it an
attractive place for members
and employees. It all adds
to a positive quality of life
in our community.
Jon Schmaltz, 2012
Schmaltz and wife Jenny chose
the city in 1999 when he joined
Burke Costanza & Carberry,
where he is now a partner
specializing in helping businesses
as well as estate planning.
“Valpo was a perfect fit for us.
It’s easy to make friends here.
There are wonderful schools
for our kids. And the strength
of the business community
Keeping Up with
Downtown
Jim Hutton, 1978
“Keeping the downtown
viable” was one of the
priorities during the
time that Jim Hutton led
the Chamber’s Board.
“We had seen other
communities where
they were losing their
downtown. And we saw
threats like Southlake
Mall. People were
concerned about where
all the shoppers were
going,” says Hutton.
“But Valpo’s leadership
has had the foresight
to keep the downtown
viable… to make it a
destination,” he says.
In Valparaiso, there are always people thinking ahead.
Jim Hutton, 1978
www.valparaisochamber.org
7

“Even the most recent announcement about
applying for the grant at Morgan and Lincolnway
[for a proposed transit center]. That’s the kind of
thing that will allow the success to continue.”
Hutton also recalls serious discussions at the
Chamber about economic challenges. “The country
was in a period of spiraling inflation. We had
already started to make economic development a
priority for the future, which led to formation of the
Valparaiso Economic Development Corporation just
a few years later,” he says. “In Valparaiso, there are
always people thinking ahead.”
Though Hutton had only been in the community
since 1966, shortly after graduating from Notre
Dame, he quickly became one of the community’s
biggest fans and remains one today. “Valparaiso
is just a great community. It’s a great place to
do business, to raise a family,” he says. Though
retired, Hutton remains active on a number of
local boards in between spending time with his
11 grandchildren.
Where It All Beg
The Greater Valparaiso
Chamber of Commerce
was formed on June 7, 1912,
to promote the economic,
civic, and social welfare
of the Valparaiso area.
Prior to its formation, an
organization known as the
Commercial Club existed
as far back as 1898. The
first meeting of the current
chamber was in what was
known as the Dr. J.R. Ryan
building, which later became
the Lowenstein store.
Since these early days, the
Chamber has been credited
with many accomplishments.
The saving of the
Valparaiso and Northern
railroad by preventing
the junking of the Gary
Connecting line between
Woodville and Gary.
When the subject of a hotel
for Valparaiso was broached
in 1922, the Chamber
took the lead and signed
a contract with Charles F.
Lembke who built the Hotel
Lembke.
In 1923, the Chamber
stepped in to prevent
Chicago, Gary, and Michigan
City interests from taking
Porter County’s lakefront
for state park purposes.The
Chamber made a valiant
stand against the plan to
take over nine miles of lake
frontage by the state. Only
three miles were finally
taken and the remainder
was saved for industrial
expansion.
In 1926, when the Academy
of Music block [located at
what is now Lincolnway and
Washington] was destroyed
and the lives of two firemen,
one from Gary and one from
Valparaiso, were snuffed out
by falling walls, and a dozen
injured, the Chamber was
first to advance aid for the
families of the dead men and
those injured in the line of
duty. A fund of $10,000 was
raised and distributed to the
families of the men killed
and injured.
Another high achievement of
the Chamber was the saving
of Valparaiso University
by inducing the Lutheran
management to take over
the school. Committees of
the Chamber worked long
and hard on this project,
and made many trips about
the country to canter with
Lutheran officials.
30s
8
A special Centennial
edition of the Vidette-
Messenger related a
list of the Chamber’s
accomplishments, to date,
on Aug. 16, 1936.
Highlights of this list follow
(Through 30’s) – in the
words of the day:
Valparaiso Magazine | Winter 2012
Establishment of a bus line
between Valparaiso, Kouts,
and Hebron.
Backing of the move
whereby the Valparaiso
Country Club came
into being.
20s
When the question of a
gymnasium was advocated
in 1925, the Chamber placed
its entire strength behind
the proposition and, as a
result of its efforts; a holding
company was formed,
which resulted in building
of the structure.
One of the greatest bits
of work by the Chamber
was the fight made by the
Chamber against splitting
up the Northwestern Indiana
Telephone exchanges by
sale to the Winona
Telephone Company, a
move that would have been
detrimental to Valparaiso
business interests. This fight,
started in 1923, was carried
over a period of seven years
before the Chamber finally
was victorious.
The straightening of the
Joliet Bridge and the
widening and improvement
of Lincolnway into one of the
finest thoroughfares in the
state was another plume in
the cap of the Chamber.
The Chamber also had a
large part in the improving
of State Roads 49, 2, 6, 130
and 30 by acquiring right-ofway
and inducing the state
highway commission to
consider the projects.

Family Business
Robert V. Coolman
Of the Chamber’s many Board Chairs, just one of
them followed in his father’s footsteps: Robert V.
Coolman served as Board Chair in 1980 after watching
his father serve in 1961. “I remember realizing in my
thirties that my father had never stopped being my
hero,” reminisces Coolman. “As far as I know, there
was no finer man. His commitment to his family and his
community were complete,” he says.
Though the elder Coolman passed away in 1986, the
Coolman legacy remains in Valparaiso. The family
arrived in the city in 1950 when Robert B. Coolman
came to work at Farmer’s State Bank (now Bank
One). “His philosophy was if the community thrives,
the bank thrives,” says Coolman of his father. The
elder Coolman worked diligently with others, including
Charlie Bowman, to develop land, build business, and
support the community. He was instrumental in forming
the United Way and in putting together partnerships
that resulted in developing the US 30 Industrial Park
and retail areas on North Calumet, creating jobs and
prosperity for the city. >>
an
Other important projects
in which the Chamber has
been active were the aiding
of the Porter County Medical
Society in two attempts to
promote a county hospital,
both of which were turned
down by the voters by
small margins.
Worked with Northern
Indiana business and civic
interests to induce the War
Department to build a $3
million harbor
at the mouth of Burns
Ditch, Lake Michigan, and
inaugurated various trade
promotion campaigns in
which Valparaiso merchants
secured greatly increased
returns in business.
Worked diligently with
others, including Charlie
Bowman, to develop land,
build business, and support
the community.
Instrumental in forming the
United Way and in putting
together partnerships that
resulted in developing
the US 30 Industrial Park
and retail areas on North
Calumet, creating jobs and
prosperity for the city.
60s
Valpo’s leadership had
the foresight to keep the
downtown viable and
make it a destination while
other nearby communities
were losing their downtown.
The Popcorn Festival was
born in 1979 as a way
to bring the community
together. The Popcorn Fest
will celebrate its 34th year
in 2012, bringing thousands
of visitors to Valparaiso
each year.
Although the country faced
a challenging economy and
spiraling inflation, economic
development was a major
priority for Valparaiso’s
leaders. This visionary
spirit led to formation of
the Valparaiso Economic
Development Corporation
in 1984
In 2004, moving forward
in economic growth, the
Chamber decided to make a
move, to a new “old” building.
2000
40s
The Chamber was involved
in advancing economic
development by supporting
the Porter County Airport
beginning in 1940 when it
campaigned for the project,
which officially opened
in 1950.
Porter County’s first radio
station was established in
1963 by Len Ellis, who later
served as the Chamber’s
Board Chair in 1967.
80s
In the wake of a collapsing
steel industry, unemployment
in Porter County topped
20 percent in 1980. Yet the
Chamber was active.
The Chamber’s current home
at 162 Lincolnway.
“We need to reflect
the needs of member
businesses, support growth
during tough economic
times, find ways to operate
regionally, and advocate for
our members.”
—Jon Schmaltz, 2012
the success continues
www.valparaisochamber.org
9

The younger Coolman took
on the challenge of leading the
Chamber through the difficult
year of 1980. “You know how
bad the economy is right now?
1980 may have been worse
here in Northwest Indiana,”
he says. In the wake of a
collapsing steel industry,
unemployment in Porter County
topped 20 percent in 1980.
Yet the Chamber was active.
“The year before, when Paul Von
Tobel was Board Chair, we were
looking for ways to bring the
community together. Someone
floated the idea of a festival and
the Popcorn Festival was born,”
says Coolman. The Popcorn
Fest, organized by Valparaiso
Community Festivals & Events,
will celebrate its 34th year in
2012, bringing thousands of
visitors to Valparaiso each year.
“It was tough in 1980, but Valpo
was proactive. We worked
together with outstanding people.
We accomplished some good
things for the community and for
society. In many ways that’s more
valuable than a few bucks,” says
Coolman. “As a kid, Valpo was
Valparaiso aims higher.
Whenever people talk
about a great city or
a great chamber, they
talk about Valpo.
Fred McNulty, 2003
a farm town in many ways.
LaPorte had Whirlpool and
International Harvester and
other successful industry.
Now they look at Valpo
and say ‘Wow!’ That didn’t
happen by accident.
It took a lot of leadership
by a lot of people over a
lot of years.”
A Year of Surprises
Fred McNulty, 2003
Fred McNulty took on the
Chamber’s board leadership
during the year that the Chamber
decided to make a move… to a
new old building. “We saw the
need for a new space if we were
to go forward with economic
development and growth,”
remembers McNulty who served
as Executive Director of the
Porter County Interlocal in 2003.
While McNulty was Board
Chair, the Chamber found a
new location, worked to build
the partnerships necessary to
finance the move, redesigned
the aged building, and assisted
in the remodel and move to the
Chamber’s current home at
162 Lincolnway.
“It was really an exciting
time. Exciting and also nerve
wracking!” he says.
< Robert V. Coolman, 1980
“Every time we had a plan, there
was a surprise – a leaky roof, a
faulty elevator… but we saw the
value in it and got it done.”
McNulty sees the Chamber as
a place where leaders gather.
“I’m old enough to have seen the
changing of the guard a number
of times in Valpo. It’s great to
see that there’s always another
cadre of really talented leaders
who keep it up and stand on the
shoulders of others before them
to make it better,” he says.
He uses an analogy he learned
from a New York firefighter who
was on site at 9/11. “Their
orders that day as they climbed
those stairs were ‘Go as high as
you can and do as much as you
can.’ Wouldn’t it be something if
we all did that? Wherever we are
on the staircase of life. Climb as
high. Do as much as you can.”
“Valparaiso aims higher.
Whenever people talk about a
great city or a great chamber,
they talk about Valpo. We have
people willing to give the energy
and the time and we have great
cheerleaders. It’s the perfect
storm of lots of things that make
this city wonderful,” he says. VM
10

100
YEARS
75
YEARS
50
YEARS
Business awards:
Five Valpo Chamber
businesses will be honored
with the Valpo Chamber
Business Awards at the
Salute to Leadership dinner
on Saturday, January 14.
These awards are designed
to recognize Valpo Chamber
member businesses that
have endured longevity of
50, 75, or 100 years.
Congratulations,
Bob Urschel!
Distinguished Community Leader 2011
Your commitment to giving
back and providing support
to our neighbors will be
forever appreciated.
Your friends at the
The Valparaiso Family YMCA
www.valparaisochamber.org
11

New Member Investors
The Valpo Chamber
welcomes Boardapproved
new
members who
joined during
September,
October, and
November 2011.
All addresses are in the 46383
zip code and phone numbers
are 219 area code unless
otherwise indicated.
Interested in
joining the
largest and
most active
chamber in
Northwest
Indiana?
Contact Danielle Oeding
at (219) 462-1105 or
oeding@valparaisochamber.org
27 Entertainment
112 E Lincolnway
Wade Breitzke
928-6168
Music
Video Production Services
www.27entertainment.net
Assisting Seniors, Inc.
1156 Smallwood Trail, 46385
Tammy Jindra
508-4155
Healthcare/Home Health Services
www.assistingseniorsnwi.com
Billy Jack’s Bar & Grill
2904 N. Calumet Ave
Jack Richey, Jr.
477-3797
Caterers
www.billyjackscafe.com
BrightStar of Valparaiso
450 Morthland Dr
Rick Lijana
299-2319
Healthcare & Home Health Services
www.brightstarcare.com
Bucko, Mike
Mike Bucko
476-6142
Civic Member
Café Barista
3100 Ivy Tech Dr
Gordana Traycoff
462-3805
Restaurants
www.thecafebarista.com
CoinStretch
P.O. Box 1971, 46384-1971
Bethanie Clausen
548-3499
Advertising, Creative &
Marketing Services
www.coinstretch.com
Delta Sun Electric Corp.
3900 E 31st Ave
Hobart, 46342
Kenneth Pazdur
962-5100
Electricians
Family Home Health Services
9150 E 109th Ave, Ste 3A
Crown Point, 46307
Peter Carlson
310-8537
Healthcare/Home Health Services
www.fhhs.us
Fidelity National
Title Insurance
20 Indiana Ave
Christine Banter
462-4188
Title Companies
www.indiana.fnf.com
Fitzgerald Earles
Architects & Associates
566 W Lake St, Ste 100
Chicago, IL 60661
Daniela Fitzgerald
(312) 768-4212
Architects
Interior Designers
www.feaachicago.com
Hands of Health Professional
Massage Therapy, Inc.
2305 Roosevelt Rd
Penny Pysh
299-2628
Massage Therapy
www.handsofhealth.net
Head to Soul Wellness LLC
Pamela M. Rogalski
921-6634
Health & Wellness Products & Services
www.headtosoulwellness.com
In City Media
32 Kincraig Court, 46385
Jim Ford
548-7251
Printers/Publishers
www.incitymag.com
J. Roe, CPA Services
301 Appletree Lane
Jason Roe
477-9613
Accountants & Tax Services
www.jroecpaservices.com
Legacy Advisors
Wealth Management
8000 Utah St
Merrillville, 46410
Chris Winkler
942-7500
Financial Services
www.legacyadvisorswealth.com
Mechanical Concepts, Inc.
750 S County Line Rd
Gary, 46403-3321
Ralph Neff
938-1941
Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning
www.mechanicalconceptsinc.com
Ooh La La Salon, Inc.
103 Library Lane
Lina Elribie
465-0099
Salons/Spas
Powder Processing
& Technology, LLC
5103 Evans Ave
Ken Bartelt
462-4141
Manufacturing & Industrial
www.pptechnology.com
R&B Car Company, Inc.
1059 West St, 46385
Michael Bonaventura
510-5700
Auto Dealers/New & Used/Specialty
www.rbcarcompany.com
S. Charles Decorating, LLC
Scott Mitchell
405-2334
Paint Products/Services
Schwerd, Fryman
& Torrenga, LLP
1158 Lincolnway, Ste 2, 46385
Benjamin D. Fryman
841-5683
Attorneys/Legal Services
Shoe Carnival
360 Silhavy Rd
Jessie Lembcke
464-1222
Apparel – Retail
www.shoecarnival.com
South Shore Insurance/
Christine J. Newton Agency
760 S Calumet Rd
Chesterton, 46304
Christine J. Newton
395-1747
Insurance
www.southshoreins.net
T&H Timing
652 Woodstream Crossing, 46385
Todd Henderlong
462-8605
Recreation
www.thtiming.com
Thorgren Tool & Molding Co.
1100 Evans Ave
Rob Thorgren
462-1801
Manufacturing/Industrial
www.thorgren.com
Thrifty & Chic
256 W Indiana Avenue
Jane Schreiner
617-1998
Retail
Western Southern Financial
1150 Eastport Centre Dr
Evan Compton
548-8700
Financial Services
www.westernsouthern.com
12
Valparaiso Magazine | Winter 2012

Student Success
The Purdue Way
Save More!
Graduate
in Four!
Take a Summer Class –
Schedule your summer classes
beginning in March
Purdue North Central
www.pnc.edu 219-462-4197
1401 S US Hwy 421, Westville
PNC–Porter County
Undergraduate 219-531-4200 Graduate 219-531-6500
600 Vale Park Road, Valparaiso
www.valparaisochamber.org
13

3Barb Young, 2000 > Dee Haklin, 2008 >
Leading Ladies
By Mallory Jindra
A Peek into the
Chamber Board
Leadership from the
Female Point of View
Women have come a long way, baby.
When the Chamber began in 1912, Juliette
Gordon Low had just organized the first Girl
Scout Troop and women were only beginning
to realize their own leadership possibilities.
They were seeking the right to vote still,
which they won in 1920. While it’s hard
to remember a time when women weren’t
contributing to Valparaiso, three extraordinary
leading ladies have made a difference as
leaders of the Chamber’s Board of Directors.
Carolyn Hartley, Indiana University Northwest
Director of Human Resources, became
the first chairwoman in 1989; Barb Young,
Porter County Community Foundation
President, served in 2000; and Dee Haklin,
Ivy Tech Northwest Vice Chancellor, Ivy Tech
Community College, served in 2008.
Chamber duties are hardly the only thing on a
Chamber Board Chair’s plate; they have full-
14
Valparaiso Magazine | Winter 2012

Carolyn Hartley, 1989
time jobs, families, and many serve as board members
for several other community organizations. Hartley,
Young, and Haklin set the bar extremely high for future
chairwomen.
ALL PART OF THE JOB
When she became Board Chair in 1989, Hartley was
not yet in her forties, and she was both surprised
and honored to be chosen. A large article about her
appointment and photo of her and her all-male team
ran in the Vidette-Messenger newspaper. Hartley
notes that in the late 1980s, a climate of discrimination
against professional women in high positions still
existed, but she felt none of that in the Chamber.
“I did think it was a very big step, an innovative
breakthrough for this community,” says Hartley. “At
that time, I think the Chamber wanted our community
to grow, they wanted the business base to grow, and
they didn’t let any biases get in the way of that. I think
they just thought, ‘Why would you exclude those who
could offer their talents?’” >>
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15

By 2000, when Young served as
Chair, she felt that being a woman in the
top job had really become a non-issue.
“I was among colleagues and pleased that
they thought I was capable of the job,”
says Young. “We all worked together to
accomplish the things we did. I do think
that the more women do things like that,
the more it encourages other women. If I
can be a role model for someone else,
then I think it’s a good thing.”
In 2008, Haklin was right in the middle
of Ivy Tech Northwest’s new campus
construction and raising nearly $4 million
in the school’s capital fund drive. “It was a
pretty crazy time - giving
hard hat tours and working
with the construction, then
going to Chamber events.
I didn’t feel that it was
difficult, though, because
we had a great Chamber
staff that collaborated
really well. Collaboration is key.”
BRINGING THEIR TALENTS
TO THE TABLE
Being Chamber Board Leader requires
commitment and skill in several areas,
but each chairwoman brought something
unique to the job.
In 1989, Hartley was working in human
resources for a magnetics manufacturing
company called IG Technologies - in a
field largely run by men. Hartley says
her expertise in staffing, collective
bargaining, and employment policy issues
was particularly valuable.
Young recalls using her team’s excellent
business and communication skills to help
strengthen the relationships between the
Chamber, the city, and other community
groups. During Young’s leadership,
Porter County was seeing consolidation
in the healthcare industry and risked
significant job loss. The Chamber Board
was active in preserving jobs as well as
local healthcare options. “I think it’s very
important for the Chamber to provide a
forum for community issues - in business
and outside of business - and I think we
did that.”
...the Chamber wanted
our community to grow,
they wanted the business
base to grow, and they
didn’t let any biases get in
the way of that.
As Board Chair, Haklin aspired to be the number one
Chamber event-attender; she knew supporting members
meant more than just board meetings and behind-thescenes
decision-making.
“I believe I attended almost every event there was,”
says Haklin. “Presence speaks volumes to members.
It’s important to members to have a ribbon-cutting, and it
doesn’t matter if a business has only two employees or
50. Each business is just as important as another. I think
I brought a tremendous amount of enthusiasm to the job.
When I make a decision to do something, it’s because I
truly believe in it.”
Carolyn Hartley, 1989
We all worked together
to accomplish the things
we did. I do think that the
more women do things
like that, the more it
encourages other women.
Barb Young, 2000
...it doesn’t matter if a
business has only two
employees or 50. Each
business is just as
important as another.
Dee Haklin, 2008
SOMETHING IN RETURN
For all of the time and brain
power they put into the Chamber
during their year as Board Chair,
each leading lady found a few
learning opportunities and job perks
of
her own.
“Professionally, I enjoyed working
on a team and realizing that other
opinions and the knowledge of
others are invaluable in making
decisions,” recalls Hartley. “And the
friendships I formed. I got to know
some of the best people I’ve ever
known and still have relationships
with today.”
For her part, Young says she got to
know better the workings of the city
and appreciated understanding more
about the issues that were going on
in the community at the time.
And as an avid golfer, she didn’t
mind the golf outings that came
with the job, either!
Haklin says that while she doesn’t
miss the 7:30 a.m. meetings, her
favorite parts of the job included
the Salute to Leadership event
and honoring the Community
Improvement Award recipients.
“That’s when you really get to
recognize the people who are
investing in their community. What
that year did for me was to improve
my sense of leadership and my
sense of being taken seriously by
my colleagues. I was honored and
pleased to be able to do it.” VM
16
Valparaiso Magazine | Winter 2012

Business snapshot
Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County
Chamber Member since: 1989
THORGREN
TOOL & MOLDING CO., INC.
Leading the air movement industry
for over 65 years.
Congratulations
Bob Urschel
on your outstanding achievement!
Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County has a forty year
tradition of offering daily youth development activities
designed to provide the skills necessary for youth to
succeed in life. Almost 5,000 members, aged 5-18, attend
Clubs in Valparaiso, South Haven, Portage and Chesterton
and eight Porter County elementary schools. The annual
membership fee is $25 with scholarships available to
families who qualify. Its core program areas are: Character
& Leadership; Education & Career Development; Health &
Life Skills; Sports, Fitness &
Recreation and The Arts.
Boys & Girls Clubs of
Porter County is a nonprofit,
United Way Agency
with a Board
of Directors
composed
of nineteen
passionate
volunteers.
Chuck Leer, President and Nick Arnold, Chairman of the Board
1100 Evans Avenue, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383
Telephone (219) 462-1801
Fax (219) 462-7941
www.thorgren.com
CONTACT:
354 Jefferson St, Valparaiso
Telephone: (219) 464-7282
Website: www.bgcpoco.org
Management: Nick Arnold, Chairman of the Board
and Chuck Leer, President
Photo by Aran
Kessler Photo.
Imaging
Featured Chamber
member business
chosen at random.
www.valparaisochamber.org
17

chamber focus • A Salute to leadership
2Pillars
of the
Community
Local Leaders
Are Recognized
for Their
Contributions
to Valparaiso
By Amanda Wilson
It’s that time of year again: time to recognize
and honor those who help make Valparaiso
a great place to live and do business. Each
year, the Greater Valparaiso Chamber of
Commerce awards exemplary individuals,
nominated by their Chamber peers, who
display true business and community
leadership. The Distinguished Community
Leader Award recognizes a local business
leader who demonstrates exceptional
leadership skills; is successfully promoting
member businesses and industry while
contributing to the Valparaiso community;
has a general reputation among the
community business leaders; and enhances
the quality of life in Valparaiso on a continual
basis. The Legacy of Service Award
recognizes an inspirational local individual
who has created an example, or legacy, by
giving service to the community beyond
what is expected, in such a way that shows
the value of community service.
Like Father, Like Son: Second
Generation Distinguished
Community Leader
This year’s Distinguished Community Leader,
Bob Urschel, is proud to hold the distinction
of being the first second-generation
Valparaiso business leader to win the award.
His father, Joe Urschel, was one of the first
to receive the award for his contributions
to Valparaiso.
“I am truly humbled to win this award, especially
when I think of all the outstanding people who
have won in the past, like my friend Bruce Leetz
(the 2010 Distinguished Community Leader),”
says Bob Urschel, president and CEO of
Urschel Laboratories, Inc.
18
Valparaiso Magazine | Winter 2012

^ Bob Urschel, holding photo of his father Joe, who received the same honor in 1988.
The solid local government,
the great schools, and the
excellent park system are
all part of what makes
Valparaiso a great place to
live. The growth of Valparaiso
over the years speaks to the
quality of life in this city.
Bob Urschel,
2011 Distinguished Community Leader
Urschel, who has served on the
board of the Valparaiso YMCA and
as president of the Rotary Club, has
lived in Valparaiso all of his life. He
started working at the family-owned
company (he is the grandson of Urschel
Laboratories founder William Urschel)
part-time when he was 16-years-old,
and has been with the company fulltime
for 42 years. “I’ve worked my
way up throughout the years, working
with various machine tools, getting
to know the company from the inside
out,” Urschel says. The family tradition
continues to this day: his sons, Rick
and Andy Urschel, also work for
Urschel Laboratories.
When asked what’s great about having
a business based in Valparaiso, Urschel
says “I just can’t think of a community
that would suit our employees better.
The solid local government, the great
schools, and the excellent park system
are all part of what makes Valparaiso
a great place to live. The growth of
Valparaiso over the years speaks to
the quality of life in this city.”>>
www.valparaisochamber.org
19

chamber focus • A Salute to leadership
Urschel Laboratories, established in 1910, designs,
manufactures and sells precision food cutting
equipment which is used by every major food
processing manufacturer in the United States and
in over 100 countries throughout the world. Urschel
Laboratories employs 500 people, 300 of whom
work in Valparaiso.
Dee Haklin, 2011 Legacy of
Service Award recipient
Committed to Community
“It’s hard to put into words what an honor it is to
receive this award,” says Dee Haklin, the 2011
Legacy of Service Award recipient. Haklin, the
vice chancellor of Ivy Tech Community College -
Valparaiso Campus, cites the commitment that the
Valparaiso community at large has in supporting its
various nonprofit organizations as inspiration.
Haklin, who has been in her current position with
Ivy Tech Community College since she moved to
Valparaiso from Fort Wayne in 2000, is also
active in other Valparaiso organizations. She serves
as vice chair on the Pines Village Retirement
Community Board, and as the vice president of
the Eastport Centre Association; on the NIPSCO
Advisory Panel of Porter County; the Valparaiso
Economic Development Corporation; the Tobacco
Education and Prevention Coalition for Porter County;
the Valparaiso Diversity Network Association; the
Porter County Economic Development Alliance; and
is a member of the Rotary Club. She also served on
several committees with the Valpo Chamber before
she served as Chamber Board president in 2008.
When asked what makes Valparaiso
such a great community to live and work
in, Haklin says “Valparaiso is remarkable.
Quality of life matters here. If problems arise,
people pull together and rally for change. VM
Home Mountain
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20
Valparaiso Magazine | Winter 2012

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Head to Toe, We Treat the Whole You.
From head to toe, from infancy and up,
we treat patients for a lifetime.
If you’re sick, we’ll do what we can to get you better.
If you’re doing well, we’ll help you stay that way.
336 S. US Hwy. 30 Valparaiso
Michael Mirochna, MD
Maria Stamp, MD
Call to Schedule an
Appointment
219.464.7430
A Healthy Commitment
www.porterhealth.com
Lake Porter Medical Group is a member of Porter Health System.
Porter is directly or indirectly owned by a partnership that proudly includes physician
owners, including certain members of the hospital’s medical staff.
lakeportermedical.net
www.valparaisochamber.org
21

Business snapshot
Jean Kohler American Family Insurance
Chamber Member since: 2011
Jean Kohler American Family Insurance serves the needs of
the greater Valparaiso community by providing Auto, Home,
Life, Business, and Health Insurance to individuals, families,
and businesses throughout the area. This local office
serves to maximize customer value through industry-leading
service, exceptional claims experiences, and products that
build long-term relationships. Jean Kohler and her team at
American Family Insurance serves clients through fairness,
ease and convenience, helpfulness and caring to meet their
needs with a strong servicefirst
attitude. American
Family offers competitive
pricing to fit each specific
client’s needs and offers
personal insurance
reviews to assist each
client with features
and benefits that
offer the best
protection
for them.
2405 EAST US 30
VALPARAISO, INDIANA 46383
RESERVATIONS 219-462-5121
BANQUETS 219-531-0162
BAKERY 219-464-8643
Proudly Serving The Financial Needs
Of Our Porter County Families Since 1959
First Trust *FREE Checking
*FREE Bill Pay
Visa Debit/ATM Card
Overdraft Protection
Direct & Payroll Deposit
New and Used Auto Loans
First Mortgage, FHA and
Home Equity Loans
Money Market and CD’s
Financial Planning
24/7 On Line Banking
Mobile Banking
29,000 ATM Locations Nationwide
Valparaiso
1404 E. Lincolnway
(219) 462-7805
Additional Offices in Michigan City,
LaPorte, Wheatfield & Rensselaer
800-276-6161
firsttrustcu.com
*Some Restrictions Apply, Ask A Member Service Representative For Details
5 miles East of Chesterton, Indiana
642 East Inspiration Road
Westville, IN 46391
219-983-9922
www.inspirationwood.com
Jean Kohler, Agent/Owner
CONTACT:
2500 Calumet Ave, Ste D2, Valparaiso
Telephone: (219) 510-5405
Web site: www.jkohleragency.com
Management: Jean Kohler, Agent/Owner
Photo by Aran
Kessler Photo.
Imaging
Featured Chamber
member business
chosen at random.
Honor Your Mission
Live with Intention
Lead Your Team
Inspiration Wood is a serene, private environment
ideal for your retreat, meeting or conference.
22
Valparaiso Magazine | Winter 2012

Methodist Hospitals’ Breast Program
provides Northwest Indiana’s most
complete menu of state-of-the-art
prevention, detection, and
treatment services.
Our 3D clarity gives you the
most accurate results available
today...even better than digital
mammograms.
These vastly
improved, super sharp
mammogram images,
available only at
Methodist Hospitals,
make it easier for
our radiologists to
detect abnormalities,
including small tumors hidden in dense tissue.
That means you’re less likely to endure
a stressful false positive, or return for
additional tests.
With this new technology, Methodist
Hospitals can now diagnose breast cancer at
even earlier, more curable stages.
No physician referral is needed for a routine
screening mammogram. Call 219-981-5440.
To arrange a diagnostic mammogram, talk to
your doctor.
Meet Dr. Susan Schneider,
Specialist in
Compassionate Care
As a specialist in postmastectomy
breast
reconstruction, Susan
Schneider, MD, knows
that today’s advances
in treatments and
reconstructive surgery
offer women a wider
range of choices than
in the past.
The benefits of having reconstructive
surgery go beyond the cosmetic. Most
patients who have reconstructive surgery
are less likely to develop post-surgical
depression, and maintain more positive
attitudes that contribute to faster healing.
Dr. Schneider is a board certified plastic
and reconstructive surgeon, a member of
the American Society of Plastic Surgery and
a fellow of the American Board of Surgery.
Methodist is designated
a Breast Imaging Center of
Excellence by the American
College of Radiology
BREAST PROGRAM
888-909-DOCS (3627)
METHODISTHOSPITALS.ORG
200 E. 89th Avenue, Suite 3-C
Merrillville, IN 46410
219-757-7566
Leading the Way to Better Health
NORTHLAKE CAMPUS MIDLAKE CAMPUS SOUTHLAKE CAMPUS
www.valparaisochamber.org
23

around town
Around Town
is an important
element to the local
business coverage of
Valparaiso Magazine.
Submissions by
chamber member
businesses are
given preference.
Articles are business
announcements –
i.e. awards, new
additions to staff
or promotion of
title, and change of
business location.
Sales promotions,
advertisements, or
coupon ads may not
be accepted. Around
Town submissions
must be 130 words
or less, are subject
to approval, and may
be edited.
Rick Lohmeyer of
Anderson Insurance,
a Keystone Insurers Group
partner, received the top
2011 “Thoroughbred Award”
in recognition of outstanding
new business production,
at Keystone’s recent Annual
Carrier meeting. This award
is presented to the top three
producers in each state in
which Keystone has partners.
Keystone Insurers Group
is the fifth largest privately
held insurance agency
group in the United States.
For more information on
services offered by Anderson
Insurance, contact Lohmeyer
at (219) 462-5178. VM
Devarj Design Agency
announces it has won
four American Graphic
Design Awards for 2011 in
recognition of exceptional
work in corporate branding
and package design. Devarj’s
work was selected for the
third consecutive year from
among 8,000 entries in the
prestigious competition,
sponsored by Graphic Design
USA. The firm’s latest awards
will be published in the
Graphic Design USA annual
2011 magazine, and the work
will also be featured on the
GDUSA Web site with more
than 100,000 visitors every
month. To learn more, visit
www.devarj.com or call (219)
476-0600. VM
case studies through photos
and illustrations where visual
marketing was executed
in unique, effective ways.
Campbell and Langton,
experts in marketing for
small businesses, requested
Group 7even submit creative
artwork from 2009 and
2010 for a local technology
company. The campaign was
selected because of its eyecatching,
attention-grabbing
creative work that was used
in a unique way to build
awareness of a new company
and, ultimately, increase sales.
Stellar creative combined with
thought-provoking messaging
resulted in a highly successful
campaign with measurable
results. VM
To submit Around Town entries,
call (219) 462-1105 or send to
info@valparaisochamber.org
Attn: Editor.
Michael Anton, Jr.,
CIC, CRM, CSRM, AAI,
of Anton Insurance
Agency, has recently
been named Vice President
–Treasurer of the 2012
Independent Insurance Agents
of Indiana (IIAI) Leadership
team. IIAI installed its 2012
Slate of Officers at its 113th
Annual Convention. VM
Group 7even was
approached by the team of
Anita Campbell and David
Langton to include creative
work in their book, Visual
Marketing: 99 Proven Ways
for Small Businesses to
Market with Images and
Design. The book, designed
to be a resource for small
business owners, presents
Ivy Tech Community
College recently announced
the retirement of Dr. Dee
Haklin, vice chancellor of
the Valparaiso campus. Dr.
Haklin began her career at
Ivy Tech in Fort Wayne in
1991 as an adjunct faculty
member and went on to
become the Human Services
Program Chairperson and
later became the Health
and Human Services
Division Chairperson. Dr.
Haklin serves the boards
of the Valparaiso Economic
Development Corporation,
Porter County Economic
Development Alliance,
24
Valparaiso Magazine | Winter 2012

Valparaiso Rotary Club,
Porter-Starke Services,
Pines Village Retirement
Communities, and has served
on the boards of Family House
and the Valpo Chamber. Dr.
Haklin is a trained volunteer
with the Horton VNA Hospice
Center, Co-Chair of the
Higher Education Committee
for Northwest Indiana
Strategic Plan, Vice Chair of
the Board for Eastport Centre
Association, and has been
actively involved with Ivy Tech
capital campaign. VM
Randy Hall has joined Kids
Alive International as
the Director of Development.
Hall possesses more than
20 years of experience in
the fields of development
and communications,
most recently leading the
Annual Giving efforts for
Valparaiso University and
previously leading the Donor
Communications department
at Moody Bible Institute in
Chicago, IL. Hall has been
an active member of the
Valparaiso community
for more than seven years,
coaching youth soccer and
serving in various teaching
roles at Calvary Church. VM
Please support
Visit web site
Larry Galler of Larry
Galler & Associates has
been elected to serve on the
Board of Governors of the
Society of Innovators.
Rely on 21 years real
The Society promotes
estate experience.
creativity and innovation by
discovering and honoring
innovators and innovation >> 219.462.2090
.com
www.valparaisochamber.org
25

around town
>> across the generations for
the greater good of our region,
state, nation and world. VM
Life Care Center of
Valparaiso, located at
3405 N. Campbell Road, was
recently named Life Care
Centers of America’s Facility
of the Year for the company’s
Heartland Division. The award
recognizes the facility as the
premier location in Life Care’s
Heartland Division, which
includes 22 skilled nursing
and rehabilitation facilities in
Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan.
Criteria for this award include
excellent customer service,
positive financial performance,
a strong activities department,
an active volunteer program
and involvement in the
community. Under the
leadership of Executive
Director Amber Janeczko,
Life Care Center has set itself
apart in the division by
achieving a deficiency-free
state inspection and a 98
percent overall satisfaction
rating on the most recent
family satisfaction survey.
The facility was also praised
for its fiscal responsibility.
For more information about
Life Care Center, visit
http://lcca.com. VM
Metro Auto Recyclers
was recently recognized
with the Indiana Clean Yard
Gold Status by the Indiana
Department of Environmental
Management (IDEM).
Gold Level exceeds the
criteria used to become
an IDEM Indiana Clean
Yard by exhibiting a greater
commitment to environmental
protection. This prestigious
award has been given to
only seven auto recyclers in
Indiana. With this recognition,
Metro Auto Recyclers has
committed to go beyond what
is required by environmental
regulations to show that
it is concerned with the
community’s well-being and
the commitment to protect
the environment. For more
information about Metro Auto,
visit www.metroautorecyclers.
com. VM
26
Valparaiso Magazine | Winter 2012

Pines Village Retirement
Communities is pleased
to welcome Julia Versau,
an AmeriCorps volunteer
and Valparaiso resident.
Versau will work on a variety
of projects to support the
programs and outreach of
Pines Village. A longtime writer
and community volunteer, she
is the editor of Oregionality,
a noted book about the
Northwest Indiana region. A
graduate of Adrian College
who received her masters
degree at the University of
Chicago, Versau has served
as a PTO president and school
volunteer, Girl Scout leader,
and publicity chair for Valpo
Reads a Book. Pines Village
Retirement Communities is
an award-winning not for profit
organization providing housing
and other services for older
adults. As an AmeriCorps
volunteer, Versau will connect
Pines Village to the national
network of programs that
engages more than 70,000
Americans each year in
intensive service to meet
critical needs in communities.
VM >>
BCC
Want a doctor who’s
interested in your family?
Derek Gasper, DO, provides individualized care
and same-day appointments. Finding the right doctor is
one of the healthiest things you can do in life. And with Derek Gasper, DO,
you will get the quality care you need – along with the attention you want.
To schedule an appointment, call 219.464.9521.
Member of the Medical Staff at
GlendalePrimaryCare.net
Porter Hospital is directly or indirectly owned by a
partnership that proudly includes physician owners,
including certain members of the hospital’s medical staff.
BURKE COSTANZA & CARBERRY LLP
A T T O R N E Y S A T L A W
59141_PORT_Gasper_3_875x5c.indd 1
12/1/11 11:53 AM
www.valparaisochamber.org
27

around town
>> Jan Rubsam, owner
of Valpo ATA Black
Belt Academy LLC,
and free sparring. Rubsam
has been a member of
the American Taekwondo
Association for 13 years and
is a certified instructor. VM
the Board of Directors of the
Indiana Commercial Board of
Realtors (ICBR). Williams will
serve as representative of
District 1, which includes the
northwest and north central
regions of Indiana. VM
has achieved the rank of
4th Degree Black Belt in
the American Taekwondo
Association. Rubsam
traveled to Orlando, Florida
in October to test before a
panel of nine masters. The
test required proficiency in
forms, weapons (bo staff),
Kenneth P. Williams,
broker/owner of Williams
Commercial Real
Estate Services, LLC,
has been elected to serve on
Congratulations
Dr. Delores Haklin
2011 Legacy of Service Award Recipient
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn
more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
-John Q. Adams
28
Valparaiso Magazine | Winter 2012

Business snapshot
Rittenhouse Senior Living of Valparaiso
Chamber Member since: 2009
Renew Your Looks in the New Year.
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880 Eastport Centre Drive, Suite 200
www.renewyourlooks.net
(219) 464-2255
The people at Rittenhouse Senior Living believe that
residents come first – in everything. They’ve created
assisted living and Alzheimer’s care that puts individual
progress and personal fulfillment as their highest objective.
This focus on each resident and his or her enjoyment of
life gives Rittenhouse its refreshing charm. It’s the reason
Rittenhouse can attract better, more passionate caregivers,
and it’s embedded in their hearts to keep this tradition of
care moving forward. Individuals who need help with dayto-day
living receive special encouragement at Rittenhouse
to add meaning and fulfillment to their lives. Rittenhouse
Senior Living allows residents to feel
at home and mingle with others,
while gaining
encouragement
and loving
care from
Rittenhouse
staff.
BCC
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A T T O R N E Y S A T L A W
Suzanne Dille, Director of Nursing and
Betsy Cuellar, Marketing Director
CONTACT:
1300 Vale Park Road, Valparaiso
Telephone: (219) 531-2484
Web site: www.rittenhousesl.com
Photo by Aran
Kessler Photo.
Imaging
Featured Chamber
member business
chosen at random.
Management: Debby Atsas, Executive Director; Suzanne Dille, Director of
Nursing; Betsy Cuellar, Director of Marketing; Anne McGoldrick, Business
Office Director; Sylvia Stockman, Activity Director; Lisa Gress, Memory
Care Program Director; JoAnn Quade, Dietary Manager; Ray Stepanovich,
Maintenance Director; and Diane McNorton, Housekeeping Director
www.valparaisochamber.org
29

ask an expert
Susan Antoszewski is the
Marketing & Communications
Specialist and Publications
Editor at the Valpo Chamber.
Antoszewski joined the Chamber
in 2006 and serves as its
communication professional,
including the management and
coordination of all Chamber
publications and Chamber Web
site www.valparaisochamber.org.
Antoszewski is the staff
liaison to the Valpo Chamber
Leadership Academy and
also serves the Valparaiso
Economic Development
Corporation in a marketing
and communication role.
A Valparaiso resident,
Antoszewski graduated from
Purdue University North
Central with a degree in
Behavioral Sciences.
30
By Susan Antoszewski
Valpo Chamber
Why Join a Chamber
of Commerce?
“It is refreshing to learn what we have suspected for
years — that chamber membership and community
involvement are good investments.”
This statement, by J. Mac Holladay, CEO of
Market Street Services, corroborates the
findings of a national study
conducted by The Shapiro
Group, an Atlanta-based
strategic consulting firm. In this
scientific survey of 2,000 U.S.
adults, The Schapiro Group
found overwhelmingly positive
perceptions of chamber members in a number
of areas, including overall favorability, consumer
awareness and reputation, and likelihood of
future patronage.
Why Join a Chamber of Commerce?
The Shapiro study reveals that membership in
a local chamber of commerce can significantly
boost a business’s image among consumers, as
well as among other businesses.
The study, commissioned by the American
Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE),
and Market Street Services, showed that when
respondents were told that a particular small
business was a member of its local chamber,
they were 44 percent more likely to rate it
favorably than study respondents who were
not told of the chamber affiliation. Respondents
were also 63 percent more likely to want to
purchase goods or services from the small
business that is a chamber member.
The positive impact of chamber membership is
felt by big businesses, too. For example, when
consumers believed that a restaurant chain was
a member of the local chamber of commerce,
they were 40 percent more likely to eat at the
franchise in the future.
How Can I Help my Business?
The message from the Shapiro Group study
is as simple as it is groundbreaking. Join your
local chamber, be an active participant in its
Value.
programs, and be sure to let your customers
and prospects know you’re a proud chamber
supporter when they come in your business
and when they see your marketing material.
As many companies struggle through this
difficult economy, owners and employees
are asking themselves, “How can I help my
business?” Joining your local chamber of
commerce is one answer. When a company
is active in its local chamber, it is doing the
The Schapiro Group and Market Street conducted a
research study and asked 2,000 U.S. adults* questions
about their business perceptions as they relate to
chamber membership.
If a business is active in their local chamber…
• 59% of consumers believe that is an effective
business strategy
• 25% believe it communicates good
business practices
• 25% think it communicates the business
is reputable
If a company shows that it is highly involved in its
local chamber, consumers are…
• 19% more likely to think favorably of the
company overall
• 12% more likely to think that its products
stack up better against its competition
When consumers know that a small business is a
member of the chamber, they are…
• 63% more likely to purchase goods or
services from the company in the future
• 57% more likely to believe it has a
good reputation
• 44% more likely to think favorably of it
What does a chamber membership show
the consumer?
• 70% said it showed you use good
business practices
• 69% thought it showed you have a
good reputation
• 64% believe you care about your customers
• 63% believe it means you are involved in
the community
*The respondents to this web-based survey were demographically
and geographically representative of the adult U.S. population.

Get the Smile You’ve
Always Wanted
right thing not only for the business community as a
whole, but for its own success as well. Connections are
made with possible clients, new business relationships,
and throughout the community. Not to mention that
the perception of your customers will be more positive
toward your business.
The Valpo Chamber is a non-profit partnership of
businesses and professionals working together for a
common goal – to build a healthy local economy, build
business, and improve the quality of life within the
community. The Chamber is uniquely positioned to
connect members with opportunities to grow
their business.
The Chamber not only connects businesses to other
businesses, the Chamber connects its members to
valuable community resources and information that is
essential to maintain a business. It’s a one-stop shop for
business success. By utilizing the Chamber’s assets,
together we can all succeed and serve the greater
Valparaiso community with purpose and passion. VM
CALLTODAY
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Valparaiso
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Crown Point
219.663.3399
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3301 N Calumet Ave •Valparaiso, IN 46383
219.462.0508 •www.wphcc.org
Non-profit Nursing Homes • People Before Profits
Congratulations to the Valparaiso Chamber
for 100 exceptional years of representing and providing service
to the business community.
Shannon Franko
Banking Center Manager
Peoples Bank offers:
> Personal and Business Checking,
Savings and Money Market Accounts
> Mortgage, Home Equity and Auto Loans
> Commercial and Small Business Loans
> Wealth Management
> Free Consumer and Business Online Banking
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Your banking resource.
John Breckenridge
Commercial Loan
Like us on
Facebook!
. . .
2905 Calumet Avenue Valparaiso, Indiana (219) 462-4100 ibankpeoples.com
www.valparaisochamber.org
31

usiness spotlight
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ad. Reach 17,000+ readers quarterly!
Call Danielle Oeding, at the Valpo Chamber.
(219) 462-1105 | oeding@valparaisochamber.org
EXECUTIVE REALTY
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Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo
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WHEN YOU
SUPPORT
THE Y
YOU SUPPORT COMMUNITY
Attend Valpo Jazz & Blues Fest
Sat., Feb. 25, 2012
at Strongbow Inn
VALPARAISO FAMILY YMCA
www.ValpoYMCA.org
32
Valparaiso Magazine | Winter 2012

Member investor
Anniversaries
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 quarter of 2012.
60 Years
Home Mountain Printing
35 Years
Hoeppner Wagner & Evans LLP
25 Years
Valparaiso Community Festivals & Events
Visiting Nurse Association Foundation
20 Years
Manpower, Inc.
Porter County Fair & Expo Center
15 Years
Von Tobel Lumber Co., Inc.
Zao Island
10 Years
Gelsosomo’s Pizzeria
Hilton Garden Inn
Luke $5 Car Wash
Northwestern Mutual Financial Network (Mogck)
Shults Lewis Child and Family Services
VP Apartments, LLC/View Pointe Apartments
5 Years
Courthouse Square Lofts, LLC
Devarj Design Agency
Ken Pro Glass, Inc.
Life Care Center of the Willows
McColly Real Estate (Golub)
MS Nails
Organizational Development Solutions, Inc.
Party Outlet
Pikk’s Tavern
Porter County Aging & Community Services, Inc.
Rent-A-Man Maintenance, Inc.
Tonn and Blank Construction
Uzelac & Associates, Inc.
www.valparaisochamber.org
33

=
our voice
aimingHigh
FUTUrE
for thea
CLOSING THOUGHTS
By Jon A. Schmaltz
Burke Costanza & Carberry LLP
Schmaltz is a partner at Burke,
Costanza & Carberry LLP. His
practice involves business
and real estate acquisitions,
land use and zoning matters,
loan transactions, and private
equity and debt placements.
He represents developers
of commercial properties,
commercial lenders, and
counsels clients in industries
such as food production, utilities,
and hospitality.
Schmaltz received his bachelor’s
degree in Actuarial Science
from Purdue University in 1996
and earned his law degree from
Indiana University School of
Law – Indianapolis in 1999. He is
a member of the American Bar
Association, Indiana State Bar
Association, Lake County Bar
Association, and Porter County
Bar Association. His involvement in
community organizations includes
directorships through the Purdue
Alumni Association, Purdue Club
of Northwest Indiana, Valparaiso
Chamber Foundation, Inc., and
Valpo Chamber.
Schmaltz lives in Valparaiso
with his wife Jennifer and their
three children.
I like history. I enjoy learning
about people who have come
before me and forming a mental
image of what life must have
been like. My imagination puts
me in a time I was never able to
experience firsthand.
This year, the Valpo Chamber
celebrates its 100th Anniversary.
That is remarkable, not only because 100 years
is a long time. It is no accident that the Chamber
has survived – in fact, flourished – for so long.
That longevity is the result of great leadership and
active participation within Valparaiso’s business
community. At its core, the Chamber’s success
can be attributed to the vision of those upon
whom the community’s future has depended.
Valparaiso has always looked to its future. In
the 1920s, a group backed by the Chamber
envisioned a first-class hotel in what was a quickly
growing city. Their vision and efforts culminated in
the financial commitment of Charles H. Lembke
and the eventual construction of the five-story
Lembke Hotel.
More recently, the determination and vision within
our community are no less brave or imaginative
than they were generations ago. Entire
neighborhoods and commercial corridors have
undergone a dramatic transformation in our efforts
to redevelop and renew. Our downtown has
become a destination for dining with the addition
of six new restaurants. And, let’s not forget the
unique public space that is Central Park Plaza,
offering the opportunity to gather as a community.
As with our physical environment, Valparaiso’s
institutions show the signs of growth and
progress resulting from their visionary leaders.
Ivy Tech Community College and Porter
Hospital have attracted attention and generated
excitement with the construction of new facilities.
Valparaiso University, under the leadership of
President Mark Heckler, is embarking upon
a courageous strategic effort to multiply its
enrollment and add to its world class reputation
among private universities. Changes like these will
affect Valparaiso forever.
Like the community as a whole, the Valpo
Chamber is a product of bold leadership and
vision over the years. It occupies one of the
most notable, and certainly historic, office
buildings in downtown Valparaiso. It enjoys
unique relationships with Valparaiso Community
Festivals and Events, the Valparaiso Economic
Development Corporation, and the city’s
Redevelopment Commission. With over 700
members, it is not only the largest chamber of
commerce located in Northwest Indiana, but
offers unparalleled events and programming that
fuel the success and growth of those members.
These achievements and our successes are
far greater reasons to celebrate than are the
100 years it took to achieve them. I will enjoy
celebrating with you this year, but I will not be
satisfied knowing that we have achieved so
many goals.
In a tribute to the past and a focus on our future,
there are few words more inspiring than those of
one of the most defining characters of the Italian
Renaissance, Michaelangelo:
The greatest danger for most of us is not that
our aim is too high and we miss it, but that
it is too low and we reach it.
The challenges and opportunities that lie ahead
stir my imagination far more than what has
passed. I will be looking forward to our future.
I hope you will, too. VM
34

One thing I’ve noticed in my time here
is a certain spirit that feels like it’s been
around forever.
As human beings, we naturally divide
our lives into hours, weeks and years.
But here, there’s something timeless.
A way of treating people; of comforting them
and giving them the attention they need.
Of course we offer the most modern
technology and advanced treatments.
But it’s the people behind these things
that set us apart.
I am a Franciscan Alliance nurse.
And I walk in the footsteps of St. Francis.
When St. Francis walked out into the world and began his ministry, he left everything behind.
It was a selfless act, symbolic of his desire to care for those in need. Today, in the halls of our
hospitals, we follow in the footsteps of a single man whose timeless mission continues to inspire
the 18,000 doctors, nurses and health care professionals of Franciscan Alliance.
14 hospitals. One mission.
Divisions of Franciscan Alliance 14hospitals.org
www.valparaisochamber.org
35

During a stroke,
know where to go.
Porter’s Valparaiso Hospital Campus
When you experience symptoms of a stroke, get to Porter’s Valparaiso Hospital Campus.
We are one of the region’s first hospitals to be certified by The Joint Commission as a
Primary Stroke Center. That’s important, because we have demonstrated expertise in the
early assessment, rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke emergencies.* Our Stroke Alert
team collaborates with local EMS to provide patients with quick access to our advanced
diagnostic and treatment technology. In an emergency, call 911 and know where to go.
Choose a leader in nationally accredited stroke care.
To learn more about your risk for stroke, visit porterhealth.com/stroke.
porterhealth.com/stroke
*According to The Joint Commission, www.jointcommission.org.
Porter Hospital is directly or indirectly owned by a partnership that proudly includes physician owners, including certain members of the hospital’s medical staff.