Spring-2010

The Magazine of T he g reaT er Valparaiso ChaM ber of CoMMerC e 

VM 

Vol. 10 Issue 2 | Spring 2010 

Valparaiso 

Magazine 

Change Service Requested 

Rethinking, 

Reinventing 

& Reenergizing 

Valparaiso

VM 

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 

Valparaiso Magazine 

Vol. 10 | Issue 2 

Spring 2010 

Cover 

FEATURES 

PAGE 4 

Rethinking, 

Reinventing 

& Reenergizing 

Valparaiso 

PAGE 10 

The Straight and Narrow 

on the Roundabout 

PAGE 14 

U.S. 30 — Redefining 

the Vision 

Sections 

PAGE 13 

Business Snapshot 

Certified Financial Group, LLC 

PAGE 16 


Heartland Payment Systems, Inc. 

PAGE 18 

Chamber Focus 

“The Value of Joining a Chamber of Commerce” 

GREATER VALPARAISO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 

Rex Richards, President 

Danielle Oeding, Vice President, Sales & Marketing 

Julie Gaskell, Assistant Vice President 

Susan Antoszewski, Marketing & 

Communications Specialist 

Kurt Gillins, Programs Director 

Gloria Lodics, Administrative Support 

Christine Pazdur, Accounting Director 

VALPARAISO MAGAZINE 

[recommended format] 

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 

[landscape format] 

< (cover photo) 

Stu Summers, Executive Director 

Valparaiso Redevelopment Commission 

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. 

group7even.com 

PAGE 22 

Around Town 

Local business news 

PAGE 25 

Chamber Anniversaries 

A showcase of members who have 

demonstrated ongoing commitment 

PAGE 28 

New Chamber Members 

New Board-approved members 

PAGE 30 


Iddea Group, LLC 

PAGE 31 

Ask an Expert 

“What should Businesses Consider 

when Thinking about Expansion?” 

PAGE 32 

Business Spotlight 

Advertisers in the spotlight 

PAGE 33 


Saint Anthony-Valparaiso Center 

for Diagnostic Imaging 

PAGE 34 

Our Voice 

“Spinning the Flywheel” 

Calendar 

of Events 


Valparaiso Magazine | Spring 2010 

3

Valpara 

Rethinking, Reinventing & Reen 

4

REENERGIZING 

VALPARAISO 

ergizing 

iso 

to 

by Andrew Tallackson 

“A community that is not 

moving forward is going 

fall behind.” 

That’s the philosophy of Stu Summers, Valparaiso Redevelopment 

Commission executive director, and it is how he begins his discussion 

on Valparaiso’s remarkable journey, one that led to the Indiana Chamber 

naming it 2009 “Community of the Year.” 

It is a fitting assessment, not just as an overall view on economic growth, 

but also in revealing why Valparaiso caught the eye of the Indiana 

Chamber. In fact, it explains everything you need to know about the city 

and its people. 

Indeed, no one person, agency or group takes credit for Valparaiso’s 

progress or its recognition by the Indiana Chamber. They all stress how 

everyone formulated a plan, stood behind it, and found ways to make it 

work. In many ways, and in the simplest terms, they discovered ways to 

make the old new again. 

That, Summers said, is why Valparaiso is the 2009 “Community 

of the Year.” 

“You don’t get the redevelopment to happen,” he said, “until all the key 

players, particularly the private sector, can join hands and start investing 

in businesses and attractive products and services that bring people into 

that redeveloped area.” 

The Indiana Chamber, in naming Valparaiso its 2009 “Community of the 

Year” – the first for a city in Porter or Lake counties in the honor’s 20- 

year history – painted a picture of Valparaiso as a community refusing to 

let ruin, decay, or neglect deter its vision. 

The Chamber’s praise centered on: redeveloping the five-block 

downtown area; redeveloping County Seat Plaza into Cumberland 

Crossing; reinventing existing areas and structures, such as the new 

police station; $40 million in public investment, including more than $32 

million in state and federal grants; and nearly $700 million in private 

investment, such as Valparaiso University’s Harre Union, the new YMCA 

and Ivy Tech Community College. 

The journey began as Mayor Jon Costas, upon taking office in 2004, 

began assembling people to identify the city’s strengths and weaknesses 

and formulating a subsequent strategic plan. 

The first challenge, Summers said, was something he described 

as “deferred maintenance to recovery.” From city streets and 

key intersections to paving projects and parks, much of the city’s 

infrastructure had been neglected. >> 


5

REENERGIZING 

VALPARAISO 

Bill Baker, Director of Real Estate 

>Urschel Development Corp. 

“So,” Summers said, “the first 

effort was to break the log jams 

in the system. The mayor was able 

to convince the city council and 

other key players in the city to 

generate new money … so we 

could work to recover those items 

that had been deferred.” 

The next step, Summers continued, 

was to consider “corridor 

opportunities,” – targets where the 

city could make a difference. From 

there sprang concentrated efforts in 

the downtown area and the emerging 

shopping districts on the east side. 

Grants — The 

Driving Force 

None of these efforts could be 

achieved, of course, without strong 

financial backing, and when you 

consider Valparaiso has obtained 

more than $32 million in state and 

federal aid over a five year period, 

the message to local taxpayers is 

clear: the financial burden to realize 

Valparaiso’s dream does not have to 

empty their pocketbooks. 

By having a strategic plan in place, 

Summers said, the city knew exactly 

what it wanted and what type of aid 

might assist it best … and how to 

obtain it before others beat them to it. 

“There are a lot of fish out there in the 

sea,” he said of the grant process, 

“and you have to go fishing or 

someone else will eat your fish.” 

The driving force behind the grantwriting 

process for Valparaiso is Janet 

Cypra, principal at Cypra & Associates, 

and Costas can’t lavish enough praise 

on her, calling her an integral part of 

the city’s team. 

“She is a talented grant writer who 

understands in depth our strategic 

initiative to research and identify 

grants that meet our needs,” Costas 

said. “She has been very instrumental 

to obtain grants to carry out much of 

our redevelopment. She understands 

how the system works, and she’s 

been tenacious in finding the dollars 

that can improve our city.” 

“You can see her handiwork – her 

fingerprints – on what we’ve done.” 

Public/Private 

PArtnerships 

And, as Summers stressed, success 

also involves getting the public and 

private sectors involved so everyone 

has a stake in their community. 

Without question, that is true of the 

Urschel family, which has been part 

of the community for more than 100 

years, and who played a key role 

in transforming County Seat into 

Cumberland Crossing, now seen as a 

vibrant gateway to the city. The area 

not only contains attractive shopping 

and dining venues, but a new, $15 

million YMCA, $10 million of which 

came from a private contribution 

through the Urschel family. 

“The involvement of the Urschels in 

working to redevelop the property 

was not without its challenges, and 

as with any type of change, there are 

always going to be those detractors 

who voice opposition,” said Bill 

Baker, Urschel Development Corp. 

director of real estate. 

“However, everything was done in 

such a way as to provide a viable 

alternative to the community for retail, 

office, as well as a new gathering 

place in the recently completed 

YMCA. Now, it won’t be just 

another shopping center. It will be a 

destination where people can shop, 

have a nice meal, and enjoy recreation 

with their families.” 

Another exciting venture for the city, 

particularly with its ties to Valparaiso 

University, is the $34 million Uptown 

East apartment/retail project. 

Crucial to the effort was Investment 

Property Advisors LLC. Managing 

Member Larry Gough, who, along 

with his partner, Chase Sorrick, felt 

strong leadership, as exemplified by 

Costas and Valparaiso University 

6 

Valparaiso Magazine | Spring 2010

President Mark Heckler, that inspires 

confidence to invest in Valparaiso. 

“We hope that Uptown East acts as 

a stimulus to encourage other retail 

and/or student-related development 

to occur in the Eastgate district,” 

Gough said. “We would like to see 

Valparaiso attain more of a ‘college 

town’ feeling. As such, we see 

Eastgate as the link that would allow 

this to happen.” 

That train of thought is appreciated 

by Heckler, who believes what has 

transpired, reflects the mutually 

beneficial partnership between the 

university and the city. 

“The improvements in the Eastgate 

area invite current students into the 

community and provide an attractive 

entryway to campus for prospective 

students and other visitors,” 

Heckler said. 

“A visually attractive physical 

environment, both on campus and in 

the areas around our campus, is an 

indicator that the city and university 

are welcoming and vibrant places 

where people are excited to study, 

live and work.” 

Transpiring 

a City 

What transpires then, as a city takes 

pride in itself, as improvements 

are appreciated not only within 

the community, but by visitors and 

tourists, is the proverbial domino 

effect, where one good thing leads 

to another. 

That’s how David Smith sees it. 

The technical services manager 

for Smith Ready Mix Inc. and 

the Valparaiso Redevelopment 

Commission’s vice president, he 

admits so much has been done 

to improve the quality of life in 

Valparaiso, it is tough for him to 

remember what the city was like 

before the changes arrived. 

As the changes have presented 

themselves, like the roundabout 

on the city’s east side, welcome 

surprises have presented themselves. 

“By getting the ball rolling with 

infrastructure improvements, we have 

been able to interest new private 

investment in the area,” he said. 

“We have not only seen new 

construction, but also the renovation 

of existing structures.” 

The transformation of this area 

has already started, with more 

improvements yet to come. 

“By getting the 

ball rolling with 

infrastructure 

improvements, we 

have been able 

to interest new 

private investment 

in the area. We 

have not only seen 

new construction 

but also the 

renovation of 

existing structures.” 

– David Smith, Technical Services 

Manager for Smith Ready Mix 

and Redevelopment Commission 

Vice President 

Is there any one particular project 

Valparaiso tackled that instills pride? 

For Costas, that’s a tough question. 

He praises everything that has 

transpired, but when he arrives at the 

subject of the city’s downtown, there 

is unmistakable affection in his voice. 

“It is important to all the citizens that 

the downtown be a symbol for the 

vibrancy of the city,” he said. “The 

clear message here is that they 

want to see that continue, and they 

want the downtown to be the great 

destination spot in Indiana.” >> 


7

reenergizing 

VAlPArAiSo 

summers turns to a trickier project: Vale 

park Way, which connected Valparaiso 

and Campbell streets, ultimately helping 

open up the corridor and make it more 

family friendly. The project met with 

opposition, particularly over environmental 

issues, but that forced the redevelopment 

Commission to create something better, 

something that not only worked, but 

garnered honors and recognition. 

“That raised the bar for us,” he said. 

“We came back with the idea to build a 

rain-garden facility. We put in 300 trees. 

although it was a pretty emotional process, 

in the end, i think we now have a stretch the 

whole community can be proud of.” 

Only the beginning 

The work, of course, is never done. resting 

on their laurels, summers said, is not an 

option. Work remains within the city’s 

corridors, its downtown, parks, parking lots, 

and streets. Ways can be made, summers 

said, to give U.s. 30 through Valparaiso 

more of an identity. 

“There are opportunities to work together 

in a creative and frugal way,” he said. 

“otherwise, if these things don’t get done, 

we suffer through the loss of property 

values and urban decay. These are 

things we can work to prevent in a very 

cooperative way.” 

Whatever Valparaiso tackles, summers 

said, it will proceed with a specific plan in 

place and a collective air of cooperation. VM 

“We hope that 

Uptown East acts 

as a stimulus to 

encourage other 

retail and/or 

student-related 

development 

to occur in 

the Eastgate 

district.” 

– Larry Gough, Managing Member 

Investment Property Advisors LLC 

Chase Sorrick, Partner 

Investment Property Advisors LLC 

8 

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9

feAtUre roUndAboUtS 

The Straight and 

“I believe it created 

a new statement 

for redevelopment 

– a new, effective 

way of dealing with 

traffic.” 

– Stu Summers 

Executive Director 

Valparaiso Redevelopment 

Commission 

by andrew Tallackson 

Jbowker, John the City Council appointee to the Valparaiso redevelopment 

JCommission, calls it a “crown jewel” in the city’s redevelopment. 

Jtu Js Jummers, the Valparaiso redevelopment Commission’s executive 

Jdirector, believes it makes a statement, that an old part of town can embrace 

Jnew technology. 

JTim burkman, engineering director for the City of Valparaiso, can quote 

statistics that reiterate why it’s safer and results in more effective travel. 

so why is the city’s roundabout still so controversial? 

“people who don’t like it are challenged by the old way of doing things, 

i guess” summers said. “but i believe it created a new statement for 

redevelopment – a new, effective way of dealing with traffic.” 

roundabouts are circular intersections where traffic heads in one direction 

around a center island. Drivers must reduce their speed and afford the 

10 


Narrow on the 

right-of-way to motorists already in the 

circle. studies show roundabouts are safer 

and quicker than traditional intersections for 

drivers and pedestrians. 

The city’s first roundabout, which opened 

for traffic in 2007, saw Valparaiso obtain $3 

million through the indiana Department of 

Transportation (inDoT) for the project with 

the redevelopment Commission covering 

the $1.6 million balance. it combined three 

intersections: sturdy road and laporte 

avenue, 

sturdy road and lincolnway and 

lincolnway and laporte avenue. 

burkman believes the awkward skew 

of sturdy road and lincolnway was 

particularly problematic for drivers. 

“When traveling southbound on sturdy 

road towards U.s. 30, drivers at the former 

stop sign had to look back awkwardly over 

their shoulder to see traffic approaching on 

lincolnway,” he said. 

“The driver also had to judge if the vehicle 

heading northbound on sturdy from U.s. 

30 was going to take the curve and stay 

on lincolnway, or continue heading straight 

staying on sturdy. This made for lengthy 

delays and backups, as well as dangerous 

decision-making as to when to proceed 

through the intersection.” 

With the switch to the roundabout, 

burkman said, the immediate impact has 

been obvious. 

“accidents in the area ... have not only 

declined in number,” he said, “but most 

notably in severity.” 

The previous intersection was not safe for 

pedestrians either, burkman said. There 

were no sidewalks nor crosswalks. by 

contrast, the roundabout incorporated a 

pathway with safe crossings. 

City officials have heard complaints of the 

roundabout being too small, that trucks 

drive up on the “sidewalk” in the middle. 

That’s a common misconception, 

burkman said. 

“The concrete ring in the center of the 

roundabout is actually a mountable truck 

apron, not a ‘sidewalk’ as some would call 

it,” he said. “That feature allows the asphalt 

pavement width to be sized for vehicles and 

most trucks, while providing additional width 

for semi-trailers. 

“also, the diameter of the roundabout was 

sized intentionally to keep speeds low, 

allowing vehicles to more easily enter and 

exit the flow of traffic.” >> 


11

feAt 

Ure roUndAboUtS 

so pleased is the city with the roundabout, two more are under 

design, one at silhavy road and Vale park road, the other at the 

“five points” intersection of Calumet avenue, Vale park road, 

and roosevelt road. 

for the silhavy/Vale park project, the city has obtained a surface 

Transportation program grant to cover 80 percent of the costs, 

with the redevelopment Commission providing the 

20 percent local match. inDoT plans to 

begin work on the new indiana 49/ 

Vale park road interchange 

just east of proposed 

roundabout in 2011. 

trAffic floW 

In 2005, counts revealed 33,044 vehicles 

entered the triangle area on a single weekday. 

“Accidents in the 

area... have not 

only declined in 

number, but 

most notably 

in severity.” 

—Tim Burkman 

Engineering Director 

City of Valparaiso 

In 2009, counts revealed 36,431 vehicles passed 

through the roundabout on a single weekday. 

AccidentS 

In 2006, 29 accidents occurred at the three intersections 

that now comprise the roundabout, 13 of which involved injuries. 

Nine were right-angle collisions, six were rear end, four resulted 

from left turns and two were head-on. 

In 2009, with the roundabout in place, 22 accidents occurred, 

two of which involved injuries. The accidents typically were 

minor scrapes and fender benders. 

All statistics provided by Tim Burkman, 

Engineering Director, City of Valparaiso 

for the five points roundabout, the city obtained a highway safety 

improvement program grant to cover 90 percent of the costs, with 

the redevelopment Commission providing the 10 percent local match. 

Work is planned in 2011. 

as the city’s engineering director, burkman couldn’t be more thrilled 

with such plans. 

“The efficiency of traffic flow through the roundabout,” he said, 

“is hard to argue.” VM 

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13

enhAncinG U.S. 30 

“The outcome 

of the study 

will assist with 

the preparation 

of necessary 

engineering 

and design 

documents that 

will ultimately 

be used to 

construct 

and install 

the desired 

improvements.” 

— Craig Phillips 

Planning Director 

City of Valparaiso 

U.s. . 30 - reDefef 

T 

by andrew Tallackson 

Ts. The stretch of U. 30 that passes through Valparaiso 

Tcontains everything motorists expect of cities and towns 

Talong heavily traveled interstates. 

There are, of course, restaurants affording a quick 

Tbite Th 

Totels to eat. 

with accommodations for the night. 

TsTuperstores Tuperstores to pick up a thing or two before reaching 

Tfinal destinations. 

everything is accessible and accommodating, and for 

stu summers, Valparaiso redevelopment Commission 

executive director, there is nothing wrong with that. 

TThe stretch of U. 

it’s just, for summers, what drivers see on U.s. 30 lacks 

character. it does not entice them to stay, nor does it 

speak to Valparaiso’s strengths as a community. 

“i’d like to do something that gives a more positive 

feel to motorists about Valparaiso and gets them to 

occasionally say, ‘let’s turn here and see what the 

downtown is about, or what the university is about,’” 

summers said. 

“i don’t think we are giving them a good experience or 

any indication of the quality of life here. so, how do we 

find a way to market Valparaiso to visitors as a livable, 

attractive place?” 

summers has ideas. 

he turns to the old Town area of Chicago as inspiration. 

pass through its canopy gateway, he says, “and you 

instantly know you’re in a different place.” 

14 


ining The Vision 

indeed, the old Town Merchants & residents 

association has made a strong push to 

give visitors an unmistakable feel for the 

community, that those who call it home or 

visit need not head elsewhere when it comes 

to shopping, dining, entertainment, schools 

and special events, the latter ranging from 

photo tours to art festivals. 

Many of the flourishes were not expensive, 

but something summers argues lets visitors 

to old Town know exactly where they are. 

What could be done in Valparaiso, summers 

continues, would not be costly either. Things 

like improved landscaping and lighting, as 

well as appropriate signage enticing drivers to 

experience other parts of the city. 

“These are things that would make 

Valparaiso more apparent to people who 

would just basically touch Valparaiso by 

driving through it,” he said. 

That vision, of giving U.s. 30 a stronger 

identity, is part of Valparaiso’s strategic 

plan and, according to Mayor Jon Costas, 

typifies how the city and redevelopment 

Commission “are in many senses one.” 

a 

special U. s. 30 corridor study is currently 

under construction. The U.s. 30 Corridor 

study will examine existing conditions within 

the corridor from state road 49 on the 

east to hayes-leonard road on the west 

and make recommendations for future 

land improvements including roadway 

safety and capacity, transit and pedestrian 

access considerations, aesthetics such as 

landscaping and signage as well as make 

suggestions for possible incentives to 

help implement the preferred development 

scenario within the in the corridor. The study 

is the first step in an overall effort to enhance 

and revitalize the corridor. 

“The outcome of the study will assist with 

the preparation of necessary engineering 

and design documents that will ultimately 

be used to construct and install the desired 

improvements,” says Craig phillips, City of 

Valparaiso planning director. 

as part of the process, the City will hold 

a series of public and stakeholder input 

sessions to gain additional information to be 

considered when developing the plan. 

Concentrating on U.s. 30 is a long-term goal 

for Valparaiso, the exciting thing for Costas 

being what the city can dream up that reflects 

what makes it distinct. 

“We want to make U.s. 30 an enhanced 

corridor so it’s not like every other 

community,” Costas said. “sometimes, it’s 

all that anyone sees of Valparaiso. We want 

drivers to know they have hit Valparaiso and 

they can tell the difference.” VM 

 

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chamber focus 

TheValueof Joining a 

by Susan Antoszewski 

Chamber of Commerce 

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. 

“It is refreshing to learn what we have 

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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 2000 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, 

The Schapiro Group and Market Street conducted a research 

study and asked 2000 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 

When consumers know that a restaurant 

franchise is a member of the chamber, they are… 

• 50% more likely to eat there more often 

• 40% more likely to eat there in the next few months 

When consumers know that an insurance company is 

a member of the chamber of commerce, they are… 

• 43% more likely to consider buying insurance 

from it 

When consumers know that a small business is a 

member of the chamber, they are… 

• 44% more likely to think favorably of it 

• 57% more likely to believe it has a good reputation 

• 63% more likely to purchase goods or services 

from the company in the future 

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. 

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. 

To tap into this reservoir of goodwill, businesses should not 

only join the local chamber of commerce and participate, >> 

18 



19

chAMber focUS 

but also make sure consumers and other businesses are 

aware of that chamber affiliation. Most chambers provide 

members with a certificate for the wall or decal for their door, 

which demonstrates their membership in the organization for 

the current year. Members are also encouraged to display 

their local chamber logo in their marketing materials and 

advertisements. Valpo Chamber members, for example, 

may contact the office for a .pdf of the chamber logo and 

incorporate it into their marketing plan. 

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 your chamber’s 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 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, to build business, and to 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 

For information on membership, 

contact Danielle Oeding, 

Valpo Chamber, (219) 462-1105. 

Step right up. 

Visit our Valparaiso Banking Center 

2905 Calumet Avenue 

Valparaiso, IN 46383 

219-462-4100 

www.ibankpeoples.com 

At Peoples Bank, we build our 

business on relationships, 

not just transactions. 

We offer a full line of personal, 

business and wealth management 

products and services. 

That’s what we call You First Banking! 

20 


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[$0.40/line/mo.] and state/local fees by area). Sprint Surcharges are not taxes or government–required charges and are subject to change. Details: sprint.com/taxesandfees. 

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between domestic wireless numbers as determined when the call is placed using independent third-party and Sprint databases. Standard roaming rates/restrictions apply. Only available with select Sprint plans and 

while on the Nationwide Sprint or Nextel National Networks (excludes calls to voicemail, 411 and other indirect methods). Data/Web: Premium content/downloads (games, ringers, songs, certain channels, etc.) are 

additional charge. Messaging: Includes text, picture and video for domestic messages sent or received. International messages are $0.20 sent or received. SMS voice messages may incur an additional data charge 

of $0.03/KB. Texts to third parties to participate in promotions or other may result in additional charges. International services are not included. GPS Navigation: Includes Sprint Navigation for Sprint phones and TeleNav 

GPS Navigator for Nextel phones. GPS reliability varies by environment. Usage Limitation: Sprint may terminate service if (1) more than 800 minutes, (2) a majority of minutes or (3) a majority of kilobytes in a given 

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21

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. 

To submit Around Town entries, 

call (219) 462-1105 or send to 

info@valparaisochamber.org 

Attn. Editor. 

Jason M. Denny has joined the law firm of 

Blachly, Tabor, Bozik & Hartman LLC, 

practicing criminal defense law. Denny received 

his law degree from Valparaiso University School 

of Law in 2007. Prior to joining the firm, Denny 

served as Deputy Prosecutor in Lake County 

where he tried cases ranging from traffic violations 

to felonies including murder. Denny is a member 

of bar associations in Lake, LaPorte and 

Porter counties, and the Lake County Criminal 

Defense Bar. VM 

David L. Hollenbeck and Jeffrey S. Wrage, 

partners with Blachly, Tabor, Bozik & 

Hartman LLC, have been named 

“Indiana Super Lawyers 2010” by Indiana Super 

Lawyers magazine. Hollenbeck is an adjunct 

professor for Valparaiso University School of 

Law and founding member of AAJ Workers’ 

Compensation and Workplace Injury Section. 

Wrage is a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney 

by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and a 

member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. 

Wrage is the only Valparaiso attorney and one 

of only 11 Indiana lawyers to have earned both 

distinctions. Wrage practices law primarily in 

the areas of Personal Injury & Wrongful Death, 

Employment Litigation, and Business Litigation. 

For more information call (219) 464-1041 or visit 

www.lawyersonthesquare.com. VM 

Century 21 Alliance 

Group is pleased to 

announce that Linda M. 

Zyla - Sales Professional 

received the Century 21 

National Quality Service 

Award presented to 

producers who consistently provide high levels 

of service to customers based upon after sale 

independent surveys. Most recently, Linda also 

received the Top Sales Agent Award for the office 

in February 2010. VM 

Dynamic Rehabilitation Services, PC, 

announces the opening of their second office 

location at 3303 Pines Village Circle, in the Pines 

Village Retirement Community. Licensed and 

experienced physical therapists work one on 

one with clients throughout their rehabilitation. 

Outpatient physical therapy specialties include 

treatment for: low back pain, osteoporosis, sports 

injuries, joint replacement, orthopedic injuries or 

surgeries, post-surgical care, geriatric conditions 

and pre/post-partum care. For more information or 

to schedule an appointment, contact Dolly Phadke, 

P.T. at (219) 476-0377. VM 

E & S Technology Solutions is accepting 

used computers, printers, monitors, etc. 

for refurbishment and donation to Christian 

Community Action/Spring Valley Homeless 

Shelter. Computers are wiped clean of data 

and reloaded with AntiVirus, Adobe Reader, 

and a word processor before donation to 

the shelter. Interested parties please contact 

Eric Smith at (219) 531-9696 or 

eric@escomputerconsultants.com. VM 

Express Employment Professionals 

is hosting a one-day Chick-fil-A Leadercast on 

Friday, May 7 at Valparaiso University Harre Hall. 

This one-day leadership event is broadcast live 

from Atlanta to Valparaiso. Speakers include 

Jim Collins, Tony Dungy, John Maxwell, Steve 

Uzzell, Mark Sanborn, Connie Podesta, Jim 

Goodnight, Ed Bastian, Ben Carson and Chip 

Heath. The event is co-sponsored by Task 

Force Tips, Valparaiso University, and the Valpo 

Chamber. Seating is limited. For reservations 

or additional information, contact Jean Phelps 

at (219) 465-1868. VM 

continued on page 24 >> 

22 


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23

around town 

Flanagin’s Bulk Mail Service 

was recently mentioned for their 

unique customer service in an article 

in BusinessWeek.com. “How Disney 

Works to Win Repeat Customers” by 

Carmine Gallo describes how owners 

of retail shops and service businesses 

can borrow Disney’s “secondary-guest” 

strategy to convince customers to keep 

returning. To read the entire articles go to 

http://bit.ly/5YHGTW. VM 

The Grossbauer Group is excited 

to announce the 

addition of new 

team member, 

Mary Markovich, 

Director of 

Sales & Service. 

Markovich 

brings a wealth 

of association 

management, writing, and consulting 

experience to the position. She 

previously worked with clients in a 

broad spectrum of long and short 

term marketing and sales projects in 

her own practice. She may be 

reached at (219) 926-1000 x250 

or mary@ggnet.net. VM 

Iddea Group, the title sponsor, is 

pleased to announce the launch of a 

NWI Open Technology Community 

that will serve as an independent, online 

technology brain trust and open forum 

for IT professionals and small business 

leaders in Northwest Indiana. This 

community will foster online discussion, 

interaction and recommendations to 

real-world technology challenges facing 

small and medium sized businesses 

seeking open and transparent advice. 

In addition to the online nature of this 

endeavor, Iddea Group will also be 

sponsoring frequent meet ups for 

the group to meet and socialize in 

person. You can join the group at 

www.ConnectWithHarvest.com. VM 

University with a BA in accounting 

and business administration. Her 

responsibilities include assisting clients 

with accounting, tax preparation and 

consulting services. VM 

MacLennan & Bain Insurance has 

announced the appointment of Principal 

to four employees based upon their 

performance and their dedication to 

their clients, becoming shareholders and 

officers in the agency. Shawn Dickt, a 

graduate of Valparaiso University and the 

Hartford School of Insurance, specializes 

in commercial insurance lines. Tammy 

Javor, a graduate of Purdue University 

North Central, focuses on professional 

liability insurance. Michelle Albert 

serves as secretary of the agency. Jody 

Anderson attended Purdue University 

Calumet and specializes in personal 

insurance lines. VM 

Marc T. Nielsen Interiors is proud 

to announce the addition of Susan 

Turek to their design team. Turek has 

been working in the interior design 

Hoeppner Wagner & Evans LLP 

is pleased to 

announce that 

Michael L. 

Meyer has 

joined the firm 

as an associate. 

Meyer 

concentrates 

his practice in 

the areas of 

labor and employment, and commercial 

litigation. He joined the firm after 

graduating magna cum laude from 

Valparaiso University School of Law and 

serving as a law clerk to the firm for the 

past year. For more information, visit 

www.hwelaw.com. VM 

Laciak Accountancy Group P.C. is 

proud to announce three new accounting 

managers to its office. Brian Laciak, 

CPA, MBA (right), and Geoffrey 

Laciak CPA, MBA (left) both join 

with accounting degrees and minors 

in finance from Notre Dame, and 

MBAs from Northwestern University’s 

Kellogg School 

of Management. 

Michelle 

Gonzalez, CPA, 

with 10 years 

of experience in 

public accounting, 

graduated from 

Olivet Nazarene 

field for over 10 years and has recently 

moved back to Valparaiso from Chicago 

where she spent the past five years 

running a showroom at the Chicago 

Merchandise Mart. Turek manages the 

daily operations, focuses on building 

client relationships, and works with 

the team on project management. 

For more information, visit www. 

marctnielseninteriors.com. VM 

continued on page 26 >> 

24 


CHAMber 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 

anniversaries occurred in the second quarter of 2010. 

35 Years 

• Butterfield Law Office 

• Computer Services, Inc. 

30 Years 

• Valparaiso Country Club 

20 Years 

• McMahon 

15 Years 

• Aran Kessler Photo.Imaging 

10 Years 

• Anderson Insurance 

• Excel Driving Instruction, Inc. 

• Pratt Industries USA 

96802_MBI ad_Layout 1 3/10/10 7:09 AM Page 1 

5 Years 

• American Red Cross-Porter County Chapter 

• Bon Femme Cafe 

• Digital Graphic Solutions 

• Locks of Fun 

• Oil N Go 

• Rieth Riley Construction Co. 

Service, experience 

and financial strength 

since 1908. 

214 Aberdeen Drive 

Valparaiso, Indiana 46385 

219 464 0100 www.maclennanbain.com 


25

around town 

In honor of National Older Americans 

Month, Pines Village Retirement 

Communities is proud to bring 

Director, Aron 

Gaudet to 

Valparaiso on 

May 11 for 

the screening 

of the award 

winning movie 

“The Way We 

Get By.” This 

deeply moving 

documentary 

is about life 

and how to live 

it and follows the lives of three seniors 

who are volunteers with the Maine Troop 

Greeters. Since 2003, the greeters 

have gathered daily at a small airport to 

thank over 900,000 American soldiers 

departing and returning from Iraq. Aron 

Gaudet and troop greeter, Joan Gaudet, 

will be featured at a special breakfast 

on May 12 as they share their personal 

journeys during the filming of this movie 

and the subsequent national movement 

encouraging community volunteerism. 

Reservations are required for both events 

and can be made by calling (219) 465- 

1591 or online at www.pinesvillage.org. 

Proceeds from these events will benefit 

a newly established grant for primary and 

secondary educators concentrating on 

aging, patriotism and volunteerism. Visit 

www.thewaywegetbymovie.com to view 

the movie trailer. VM 

Matt Dilts, 

senior partner 

at WestPoint 

Financial Group 

LLC, recently 

completed a buyout 

of the life insurance 

division of Braman 

Insurance Services to create one of the 

largest life insurance and investment 

practices currently operating in 

Northwest Indiana. The ‘friendly’ buyout 

of Braman joins two multi-generation 

companies that the Braman and Dilts 

families began in the City of Gary. 

WestPoint Financial Group professionals 

offer life and long term care insurance, 

estate and retirement planning, 

investment guidance, and other financial 

advice and products. VM 

 

 

26 


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27

new members 

The Valpo 

Chamber 

welcomes 

Board-approved 

new members 

who joined during 

December 2009, 

January and 

February 2010. 

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 

Porter County? 

Contact Danielle Oeding 

at (219) 462-1105 or 

oeding@valparaisochamber.org 

AJ’s Pizza Company 

150 E US 6 

Lauren Vogelsang 

464-8282 

Restaurants 

www.ajspizzaco.com 

Amedisys Home Health 

442 Sand Creek Dr, Ste 101 

Chesterton, 46304 

Stacy Graves 

926-5100 

Healthcare/Home Health Services 

www.amedisys.com 

Anderson Crossing 

Apartments 

229 Huber Village, Ste 100 

Westerville, OH 

David Cooper, Jr. 

(614) 396-3200 

Apartments 

Real Estate-Developers 

www.wodagroup.com 

Boy-Conn Print & Copy 

803 Glendale Blvd 

Mark Connors 

462-2665 

Printers 

Calvary Church 

1325 Evans Ave 

Pastor Josh Reasoner 

462-4026 

Churches/Synagogues 

www.calvaryweb.net 

Century 21 Alliance (Zyla) 

450 W Lincolnway, Ste 200, 46385 

Linda Zyla 

462-2090 

Real Estate – Commercial & Residential 

www.21alliance.com 

Coco’s Canine Cabana 

405 Elm St, Ste A 

Kathy DeFries 

462-1222 

Pet Services/Supplies/Training 

www.cc-dogpark.com 

Duneland Solutions, LLC 

4508 Thornbury Dr West 

Dwain Dodson 

465-2111 

Consultants 

www.duneland-solutions.com 

E & S Technology Solutions 

3809 Calumet Ave 

Eric Smith 

531-9696 

Electricians 

www.escomputerconsultants.com 

Gary SouthShore RailCats 

One Stadium Plaza 

Gary, 46402 

Alan Bowman 

882-2255 

Recreation 

www.railcatsbaseball.com 

GGNet Technologies 

890 Sidewalk Rd, Ste 200 

Chesterton, 46304 

Joseph Grossbauer 

926-6800 

Computer Networking/Products/ 

Services/Training 

www.ggnet.net 

Gourmet Express Inc. 

303 E Jefferson 

Carol Herbrand 

531-1958 

Catering 

www.gourmetexpressservices.com 

Growing Kids Learning Center 

3400 Campbell St, 46385 

Carla Putrich 

462-7777 

Child Development/Daycare 

www.growingkids.com 

Horizon Awning LLC 

2227 E US Hwy 12 

Michigan City, 46360 

Marsha Markle 

(800) 513-2940 

Awnings & Shades 

www.horizon-awning.com 

Inspiration Wood Retreat & 

Conference Center 

642 E Inspiration Rd 

Westville, 46391 

Kimberly Van Sessen 

983-9922 

Lodging 

Special Events Planning/ 

Products/Services 

Tourism 

www.inspirationwood.com 

Integrated Movement 

450 W Lincolnway, Ste 110, 46385 

Andrew Wallen 

465-1800 

Health/Fitness Centers, 

Equipment, Instruction 

www.integratedmovement.net 

J. Kremke Construction 

Enterprises, LLC 

314 Springview Dr 

Porter, 46304 

John Kremke II 

309-0360 

Construction 

Real Estate-Commercial & Residential 

www.mygreenbuildingsolutions.com 

Liberty Tax Service 

3125 Calumet Ave, Ste 2 

John Spalding 

462-6750 

Accountants/Tax Services 

Northwest Indiana Agency, The 

1603 Lincolnway, Ste A 

Matthew Underwood 

707-5373 

Insurance 

http://agents.horacemann.com/ 

matthewunderwood 

Pretty Paws Pet Photography 

405 Elm St 

Cheryl Sutherland 

405-0671 

Photography Studios/Supplies 

www.prettypaws.vpweb.com 

Professionals’ Title Services, LLC 

156 Washington St 

Lisa M. Matson 

736-1825 

Title Companies 

www.protitlenet.com 

Restore-Tech Construction, Inc. 

2 Dumas St 

John Tilford 

477-6543 

Fire & Water Damage Restoration 

www.restore-tech.com 

S & B Systems, LLC 

360 Indiana, Ste E 

Sandrah Combs 

548-8710 

Security Products/Services 

www.site.construction101forwomen.com 

Simko Signs 

1459 S State Rd 2, 46385 

Michael Moreth 

308-6000 

Signs & Banners 

www.simkosigns.com 

Tri-County Roofing & Gutters 

858 W Lincolnway, 46385 

Travis Goff 

548-0897 

Roofing 

www.goroofpro.com 

Valparaiso Car Care & 

Transmission 

1607 E Lincolnway 

Joe Guidarelli 

462-4253 

Auto-Repairs/Service/Towing 

www.valpocarcare.com 

28

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29

USineSS SnAPShot 

get to know Iddea Group, LLC, one of our nearly 

700 strong Chamber member businesses that add to the 

unique quality of life that is Valparaiso. 

iddea group brings a fresh perspective to 

information Technology consulting. focused 

exclusively on virtualization, iddea group offers 

unprecedented network optimization, reliability, 

security and accessibility all with the goal of 

reducing capital expenditures. iddea group has 

a passion for small business and leverages their 

experience with large firms to deliver enterprise 

class solutions to enterprises of any size. 

The company name also represents their core 

values: Innovative Design, Disciplined Execution, 

and Accountability. 

Fixed & Retractable 

Awnings & Shades 

Commercial & 

Residential 

2227 E. US Hwy 12 

Michigan City, IN 

46360 

Call for free 

design & estimate: 

1-800-513-2940 

www.horizon-awning.com 

> Company: Iddea Group, LLC 

> Address: 15 N. Franklin Street, Valparaiso 

> Telephone: (877) AN.IDDEA (264-3332) 

> Web site: www.iddeagroup.com 

> Management: Mike Heinold, Co-Owner/Managing Partner; 

Glenn Abbett, Co-Owner; John Mario, Sr. Partner 


John Mario 

Senior Partner 

and Mike Heinold 

Co-Owner & 

Managing Partner 

> 

642 East Inspiration Road 

Westville, IN 46391 

219.983.9922 

www.inspirationwood.com 

Photo by 

Aran Kessler 

Photo.Imaging 




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Inspiration Wood is a serene, private environment 

perfect for your retreat, meeting or reunion. 

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30

What Should Businesses 

Consider when Thinking about 

Expansion? 

O 

ften when we think of economic 

development and redevelopment we think of 

bringing new business into the community. 

But, as redevelopment creates economic 

activity by renewing or expanding existing 

resources, new economic development can 

often be achieved through the renewal or 

expansion of existing businesses. 

Our prosperity in greater Valparaiso has 

been possible by the consistent expansion 

of stable existing businesses. Those with 

successful expansions considered many 

factors beyond the most basic factor of 

whether a demand exists for expanded 

services or products. Redevelopment 

involves unique considerations. 

Business expansion used to be an internal 

decision of the owner. Today the business 

must consider the local regulatory climate 

in its expansion plans. If the expansion 

requires a physical relocation or expansion 

of existing infrastructure, a business must 

consider how the local municipality will 

receive the expansion. 

Many regulatory hurdles exist today 

that did not exist years ago. However, in 

redevelopment, most municipalities are 

willing participants because redevelopment 

replaces improvements that have passed 

their useful life with new and, often, more 

efficient improvements. 

Recently, three local mayors that 

participated in a local economic 

development panel expressed their 

willingness to cooperate with businesses 

that wish to expand in their cities and, 

especially, in their aging downtown areas. 

The expansion increases the tax base and 

spurs further redevelopment activities. 

A business must consider financing 

resources when internal financing of an 

expansion is not possible. Financing has 

always required that the business show that 

its business plan is capable of producing 

the results that permit the increased rent or 

repayment of loans. 

Redevelopment expansions involve 

increased uncertainty because of the 

unknowns inherent in redevelopment. 

A business owner must include contingency 

reserves for these unknowns. Because 

development in the past was less regulated 

than today, the nature and location of 

existing improvements such as sewers 

and water lines may be unknown. 

Excavation of a foundation may require 

the relocation and removal of decade old 

sewer lines not anticipated at the time that 

the project began—even if significant due 

diligence was performed. An old building 

may have old railroad rails for beams that 

must be replaced. 

Government bodies are more aggressive 

in assisting with non-traditional sources of 

financing to help cover these costs—such 

as property tax phase-in programs, 

assistance with public infrastructure costs, 

and low cost loans. All of these tools have 

been used in Porter County from time to 

time with great success but these programs 

do involve a greater amount of lead-time 

and cooperation from one or more municipal 

boards, which adds to the complexity of 

the project. Fortunately the municipalities 

in our community understand the benefits 

expanding businesses provide, and they 

work very hard to make the process as 

streamlined as possible. 

Also consider the time and effort that an 

expansion requires. The expanding business 

must consider staffing the expanded 

business; providing increased internal 

resources to its staff; and, in the case of 

new physical expansion, manage the actual 

construction of the project – all in addition to 

maintaining its present business. Expansion 

in a redevelopment situation requires 

additional effort. Customers do not want 

the high-quality service or product that they 

have come to expect from the business to 

be diminished during the time of expansion. 

With care and planning, the expanding 

business owner can successfully navigate 

an expansion and maintain the high quality 

services and products that its customers 

and clients have come to expect in the past. VM 

ask an expert 

by Todd Etzler 

Burke Costanza & Cuppy 

Todd A. Etzler is a partner in the 

Valparaiso law office of Burke Costanza 

& Cuppy where his primary areas 

of practice include real estate and 

business law, construction law, zoning, 

planning and land use. Etzler received 

his undergraduate degree in building 

construction and contracting from 

Purdue University and his law degree 

from Indiana University School of 

Law - Indianapolis. He has served as 

president of the City of Valparaiso Plan 

Commission and is active in numerous 

bar associations. In addition to his 

activities in the legal profession, Etzler 

has served as Chairman of the Board 

for the Greater Valparaiso Chamber of 

Commerce and is a Commissioner for 

the Indiana Lottery Commission. 


31

USineSS SPotliGht 

Spotlight your business with a 2”x2” ad. Reach 17,000+ 

readers quarterly! Call Danielle Oeding, at the Valpo Chamber. 

(219) 462-1105 | oeding@valparaisochamber.org 

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE 

BY SERVICE PROFESSIONALS 

Member FDIC 

www.centier.com • 1-888-Centier 

 

Same day pickup 

& delivery available 

To order, please 

call or visit 

 

219-531-4300 

 

501 Silhavy Road 

(corner of Chicago & Silhavy) 

EdibleArrangements.com 

608 Roosevelt Rd 

VALPARAISO 

219-462-1149 

5351 US Hwy 6 

PORTAGE 

219-462-1323 

www.glassdoctor.com/valparaiso 

 

Security Consultants 

We watch when you can’t! 

New customers receive 

3 MONTHS FREE 

monitoring! 

(1 year contract applies) 

 

 

Our Policies 

Come With an Agent 

Donette Heinze 

1615 Calumet Ave. 

Suite 200 

Valparaiso, IN 

(219) 464-7744 

Your Shelter Agent can help 

you review options and help you 

find the right coverage for your 

needs. We’ll look for ways to 

keep your coverage affordable 

without compromising quality. 

After all, personal service has 

always been our policy. 

 

Seek Shelter Today! 

www.shelterinsurance.com 

www.vogelsang.wfadv.com 

VISIT OUR NEWLY REDESIGNED WEBSITE! 

RESERVATIONS 219-462-5121 

BANQUETS 219-531-0162 

BAKERY 219-464-8643 

2405 EAST US 30 • VALPARAISO 

VALPARAISO 219-462- 0110 

Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo 

Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN), Member SIPC Vogelsang 

Asset Management LLC is a separate entity from WFAFN. 

32 


m 

 

 

Convenient to State Road 

49, US Highway 30 & 

Valparaiso University 

On-Site V-Line Bus Pick-Up 

Close To Restaurants, 

Shopping, Post Office & 

The New YMCA 

Swimming Pool, Tennis 

Court & Community Room 

Beautifully Landscaped 

Park-Like Surroundings 

Miles of Walking Paths 

Intercom System 

Security Doors 

Giant Kitchens 

 

 

 

Spacious Living Rooms 

Huge Walk in Closets 

Extra Storage Space 

m 

bUSineSS SnAPShot 

get to know Saint Anthony-Valparaiso Center 

for Diagnostic Imaging one of our nearly 700 strong 

Chamber member businesses that add to the unique quality 

of life that is Valparaiso. 

> Company: Saint Anthony-Valparaiso 

Center for Diagnostic Imaging 

> Address: : 2411 LaPorte Ave, Valparaiso 

> Telephone: (219) 476-7226 

> Web site: www.valpoImaging.com 

> Management: Valerie Shields, Center Manager 


saint anthony-Valparaiso Center for Diagnostic 

imaging is a state-of-the-art outpatient medical 

imaging provider serving patients close to home in 

Valparaiso. They provide comfort, convenience, and 

clarity through their high-field, wide-open Mri, ultrafast 

CaT scans, Ultrasound and x-ray. You will also 

find advanced imaging services like Cardiac Mri 

along with a caring staff dedicated to excellent patient 

care. saint anthony-Valparaiso is the only provider in 

porter County accredited by the aCr in Mri, CT and 

Ultrasound, meeting specific national standards of care. 

When you need fast, accurate answers to get you 

back into an active life, remember to choose 

saint anthony-Valparaiso. 

Valerie Smith 

Center Manager > 

and 

Susan Neligan 

Lead Technologist 

Storage SpacemExtra m Bike & mBike Laundry Rooms Every Building 

min 

Walk Out mLarge 

mPatios/Balconies 

m 

m 

 

Photo by 

Aran Kessler 

Photo.Imaging 

 

 




33

oUr Voice 

Spinning 

Flywheel 

the 

Closing Thoughts: 

by Martin Sonnenberg 

Task Force Tips 

Martin Sonnenberg is the Chief 

Financial Officer for Task Force Tips, 

Inc. A Valparaiso resident since 1987, 

Sonnenberg graduated from Valparaiso 

University with a degree in Accounting. 

Currently, Sonnenberg serves as treasurer 

and chair-elect of the Valpo Chamber 

Board of Directors. He became involved 

in the Chamber after graduating from 

the first class of the Valpo Chamber 

Leadership Academy in 2006. Sonnenberg 

is also a member of the Valparaiso Parks 

Foundation Board of Directors. 

Martin, his wife Paige, and their son, 

reside in Valparaiso. 

Maybe you’ve read the book 

Good to Great 

by Jim Collins or 

heard others discuss how it helped 

their organization become better. one 

of the concepts discussed in the book 

is “spinning the flywheel.” a 

flywheel 

is difficult to start moving but, once 

you have it going, momentum makes 

it much, much easier to continue. The 

same holds true for companies and 

communities when they commit to 

reinvesting in themselves. 

Companies reinvest their profits 

in the company to make for 

a better future. for example, 

here at Task force Tips we 

profit when fire departments 

and other companies that 

need fire protection around the 

world pay more for our nozzles, 

monitors, and valves than it 

costs us to make and sell them. We 

have consistently taken these profits 

and put them back into the business 

to purchase more efficient machinery 

and better train our workforce. The 

better-trained workforce, using more 

efficient tools, allows us to make a more 

competitive product, sell more of them, 

and ultimately continue “spinning the 

flywheel” by hiring more people and 

giving them the skills and tools they 

need to succeed. 

in the past year we have made an 

even larger reinvestment. our new 

headquarters and expanded plant 

was built with the thought that past 

(and future) profit could be spent to 

consolidate our operations under 

one roof and build for future sales 

and profits. 

We’re certainly not alone in deciding 

to invest for the future – successful 

companies here and elsewhere do the 

same thing every day. but there are 

companies that delude themselves into 

thinking that they can enjoy all of the 

profits they earn today without investing 

it in their people and long term assets. 

These companies end up losing down 

the line when they compete against 

companies that have put thought 

(and dollars) into their future. 

The same holds true for our city. We 

have the choice whether to reinvest 

in Valparaiso by doing things now that 

will benefit the city later. investing in 

infrastructure, good schools, and quality 

of life – like our parks and downtown 

– does several things. first, it makes 

this a better place to live for us and our 

children. second, when combined with 

low taxes, it makes Valpo an attractive 

place for companies outside of our area 

that are looking to expand or move. 

having these companies and their 

employees in Valparaiso allows us to 

“spin the flywheel” by continuing what 

we’ve started – investing even more in 

our schools, our infrastructure, and our 

quality of life. 

The Valpo Chamber plays an important 

part in each of these scenarios – both 

with individual companies and the 

community as a whole. The education 

and networking opportunities provided 

by the Chamber help individual 

companies grow and build for the future. 

at the same time, the Chamber is an 

important part of shaping the community 

and attracting outside companies to 

invest in Valparaiso. 

The historical reinvestment of past 

and present Valparaiso residents 

is a major reason why the city was 

recognized as the indiana’s “Community 

of the Year.” Continued reinvestment 

can help make sure that Valparaiso is 

worthy of being considered for the 

honor again in the future. VM 

34 


With a commitment to providing personalized patient care, Porter 

integrates the most advanced technology to deliver the treatment that 

makes your life…better. 

Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement 

The first and only regional hospital to offer OSI surgical 

technology, which gets you up and moving more 

quickly with minimal pain. 

daVinci Robotic Surgery 

The most advanced technology for urologic 

and cervical surgeries, resulting in less 

pain, less blood loss, less scarring, and 

shorter recovery times. 

Cardiac & Vascular Institute 

Committed to the prevention, 

detection, and treatment of 

cardiovascular disease, Porter’s 

cardiovascular imaging capabilities are 

among the most advanced in the 

metropolitan Chicago area. Our team’s 

capabilities in caring for heart attacks 

and heart failure are among the best in 

the nation according to Medicare. 

(source: hospitalcompare.gov) 

Stroke Care Excellence 

At Porter, we know identifying stroke 

symptoms rapidly and with precision 

is essential.This is why we have 

stroke protocols in our emergency 

department with neuro-imaging 

services available 24/7. 

2 Hospitals. 

350 Physicians. 

7 Convenient 

Outpatient Locations. 

VALPARAISO 

PORTAGE 

CHESTERTON 

HEBRON 

DEMOTTE 

SERVING LAKE, PORTER, 

LAPORTE, STARKE, NEWTON, 

AND JASPER COUNTIES 

porterhealth.com

Spring-2010

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