ValpoMag12-19-2011_3

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
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