Summer-2009

Summer 2009 | Volume 9 | Issue 3 

Ron Meyers, RO-KA Farms, Inc. 

4 Valparaiso Magazine – Summer 2009

Photo by Aran Kessler Photo.Imaging 

Valparaiso is emerging as one of the most dynamic 

and innovative communities in the Midwest. With 

its commitment to attracting high-tech industries 

and its continual evolution as an influential educational center, 

the community is refashioning itself as a robust city of 

the new millennium. 

What may escape the casual observer, however, is that 

the (literal) roots from which the community has grown are 

still at work. In the fury and flurry of economic development 

and construction, these other activities may go unnoticed, 

but the impact on the area—and on the world —is as 

profound as the most amazing invention built in a local 

plant or the most brilliant graduate of one of our universities. 

We speak, of course, of agriculture. 

The story actually begins some 14,000 years ago with 

the retreat of the last great continental glacier. As the massive 

sheet of ice inched northward, it chewed up the land, 

creating rivers and marshes. Huge boulders, massive oak 

trees, and other organic debris were strewn in the low 

moraine, and crystalline sand was left on the shoreline of the 

glacier’s final resting place—Lake Michigan. In the other 

areas, a layer of sandy clay soil was deposited, an excellent 

medium for growing food. 

As the first American settlers moved west, many discovered 

this friendly soil and stayed, building homes and starting 

farms. To put it quite frankly, life was not easy. Farming 

was truly hands-on and back-breaking work. Farmers dealt 

with persnickety mules, unpredictable weather, pestilence 

and disease simply to hammer out subsistence and make 

enough food to sell to others in the region. 

Today, farming is high-tech, scientific, and using all of 

the state-of-the-art tools that have transformed other industries. 

While weather is still uncontrollable, it is no longer so 

unpredictable. Persnickety mules have been replaced by massive 

machines which plant and harvest to precise specifications. 

Fields, which once had to be walked and inspected for 

viability, are now observed from space where data can be 

transmitted to drive a sprayer and precisely administer the 

right amount of fertilizer. As a result, an ear of corn grown 

in a field a mile from downtown Valparaiso can avoid pests, 

survive drought, and end up on the dinner plate of a family 

in China. 

Technology is Changing Everything 

Jane Maxwell’s family farming history may not go back 

14,000 years, but it is still one of the longest in Valparaiso, 

and she has had a front row seat in witnessing the incredible 

evolution of farming in her lifetime. 

Maxwell Farming in Porter County began in 1842 and 

continues today through six generations. Jane is a farm girl 

herself, born to Dwight and Mildred Smoker and grew up 

on the Smoker Farm east of Wanatah. Her father was 

renowned throughout the country for his expertise in feeding 

cattle, producing prime beef, and setting record prices at 

the Chicago Stock Yards. 

In 1958, Jane married Phillip Maxwell, who passed 

away in 1999. “In 1959, we settled in his home farm on the 

corner of Division Road and State Road 49 where he had 

lived since he was 3 years old,” Maxwell says. “We had a 

used tractor, a four-bottom plow and some old machinery 

that had belonged to Phil’s dad. My dad gave us 12 sows to 

farrow with the agreement that we pay for them when we 

sold our first hogs – which we did after getting a whopping 

14 cents a pound for them. We had a few beef cows that we 

purchased from Phil’s mom, and we were off and running, 

or should I say ‘farming’?” She points out that those 271 

acres of rented land evolved into some 2,000 acres of production 

farm. 

She shakes her head in disbelief when she considers 

how much has changed in her lifetime. “In 1930, 21 percent 

of America’s population was farmers, compared to less than 

two percent today; yet these guys produce the food to feed 

the world,” she explains. “Back in 1940, people farming 80 

acres could make a living. Today, Purdue University estimates 

that one farmer needs 1,000 acres of row crops, like 

corn, soybeans, or wheat, in grain-only operations to make a 

living. In the 1930s, a farmer could harvest about 100 

bushels of corn in a nine-hour day. Today a farmer can harvest 

900 bushels of corn per hour.” 

The driving force behind these changes is both technological 

and biological says Lonnie Steele, the manager of the 

Porter County Fair. “The farmers of today are growing crops 

continued on next page >> 

www.valparaisochamber.org 

5

“Farmers are 

my heroes. 

They never go 

on strike. They 

never quit. 

They just keep 

getting better 

and producing 

more.” 


– Jane Maxwell, 

Maxwell Farms 

Cover Story 

Local Educational Resources 

Help Farmers and Consumers 

Needless to say, it is important for today’s 

farmer to keep up with these new technologies 

and information to stay competitive. Fortunately, 

the extraordinary resources of one of 

the world’s leading universities in agriculture 

are right in our backyard. 

Purdue University participates in the Cooperative 

Extension Service, a network of colleges, 

universities, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 

serving communities and counties across 

America. The Purdue Cooperative Extension is 

one of the nation's largest providers of scientific 

research-based information and education. 

Through Purdue’s College of Agriculture, 

the Purdue Cooperative Extension in Porter 

County has been providing educational information 

to help farmers, families, and communities 

make decisions that will improve their lives. 

Annetta Jones is the County Extension Director 

and Consumer and Family Sciences educator 

for Purdue Extension-Porter County. “We 

disseminate research information from Purdue 

and other universities to local residents,” she 

says. “Over the years, the type of agricultural information 

has evolved to keep pace with technological 

and scientific discoveries.” 

The program’s reach also extends to consumers. 

“We include assistance for homeowners 

on growing a garden, a lush lawn, or 

beautiful landscapes,” she says. “I 

assist consumers in selecting, 

preparing and preserving their 

food. Consumers can get answers 

to questions about food preparation 

or what combination of food 

will provide a healthy diet. The 

Family Nutrition Program focuses 

on helping limited income audiences 

to buy and prepare healthy 

food for less money.” 

Joan Grott is the 4-H Youth 

Development Extension Educator 

for Purdue Extension Porter 

County Office, and her educational 

mission begins with children. “The 4-H 

program was created in 1902 as a way of 

teaching kids how to raise crops according to 

university methods which were not necessarily 

embraced by farmers in those days,” she explains. 

“It was a way for the universities to get 

parents to see how their kids were doing things 

and maybe say, ‘Hey, there’s something to 

this.’” 

More than 200 adult volunteers work 

with 1,000-1,100 young people each year in 

the 4-H program in Porter County. Grott 

points out that 4-H is not just for farm kids. 

“At the heart of the program is the teaching of 

life skills that are applicable to anything they 

may do in their lives,” she says. “Time management, 

communication skills, the ability to 

4-H Horse showing at the Porter County Fairgrounds. 

Photo courtesy of Porter County Fair. 

organize and stick with a project are important 

life lessons. Plus the nature of the task—the 

care of a living being—is a great analogy or 

metaphor for life.” 

Another important educational opportunity 

is the annual Porter County Fair which is 

July 23 through August 2 this year. “The fair 

gives fairgoers the opportunity to experience 

agriculture up close,” explains Lonnie Steele. 

“In planning and implementing the Fair, I interact 

with people from all facets of the agricultural 

community. Our goal is to bring the 

best of agriculture to the Fair and then attract 

thousands of people. [This event] provides opportunities 

to experience and interact with 

those currently involved with various agricultural 

endeavors throughout Porter County.” 

continued on page 10 >>> 

“At the heart of 

the [4-H] program 

is the teaching of 

life skills that are 

applicable to 

anything [young 

people] may do in 

their lives.” 

– Joan Grott, 

4-H Youth Development 

Extension Educator 


From left: Joan Grott, 4-H Youth 

Development Extension Educator and 

Annetta Jones, Director and Consumer 

and Family Science Educator for Purdue 

Extension - Porter County. 


7


How well do you know Valpo? 

Cover Story 

>> 


“Agriculture is 

so important in 

our community 

because it 

generates over 

$42 million in 

farm receipts to 

Porter County.” 

– Ron Meyers, 

RO-KA Farms, Inc. 


Congratulations... to the Community 

Improvement Award winners at Eastport Centre 

When it comes to your next big project 

Belden Professional Campus 

Construction Services 

Architectural & General Contracting Specialists 

(219) 465-7555 • Valparaiso 

www.chesterinc.com 

Great Lakes Labs 

Little U Academy 

IPACT Manufacturing Solutions 

count on us to... 

cross your t’s 

dot your i’s 

put your ducks in a row 

and safely place your eggs in one basket 

(we print well, too!) 

3602 Enterprise Avenue • Valparaiso, IN 46383 219-462-6601 


11

When it comes to doing business, look no further than the Valpo Chamber. We've worked for nearly a century to make 

greater Valparaiso and Northwest Indiana the best place to live, work, and play. Meet three of our nearly 700 strong 

Chamber member businesses that add to the unique quality of life that is Valparaiso. 

Company: Dykes Funeral Home, Inc. 

Address: 2305 N Campbell, Valparaiso 

Telephone: (219) 462-3125 

Management: Patricia S. Dykes and 

Edward J. Dykes, Co-Owners 

Employees: 3 

Chamber member since: 1973 

Established in 1951 by Julian and Patricia Dykes, Dykes Funeral Home Inc. has been arranging gracious, 

dignified services for families for nearly 60 years. Family owned and operated, Dykes is conveniently 

located and offers both traditional and custom-designed funeral options. In 1993, after the 

death of his father, Ed became co-owner of Dykes Funeral Home, Inc. Patricia and Ed are available 

to discuss prearrangement plans, cremation options, and pricing. Tours of the beautiful, spacious, 

homelike facility are available, with no obligation. The Dykes family will gladly accommodate your 

funeral needs, with dignity and compassion. 

> Stewart G. McMillan, President 

Photo courtesy of Task Force Tips, Inc. 

Company: Villas at Vale Park, 

an Epcon Community 

Address: 2445 Allison Circle, Valparaiso 

Telephone: (219) 464-7387 

Web site: www.epconcommunities.com 

Management: Jamie Wilcox, President 

Employees: 11 

Chamber member since: 2007 

Villas at Vale Park offers a new and improved lifestyle in a charming, village-like setting. The community 

features 72 luxury ranch-style homes nestled amid tree-lined streets and elegantly landscaped common 

areas. Homeowners appreciate the gracious maintenance-free living without the hassles of cutting grass, 

trimming shrubs, or shoveling snow! At Villas at Vale Park, free time doesn’t necessarily mean idle time. 

Homeowners also have access to a spacious private clubhouse, outdoor heated swimming pool, walking 

and bike trails, fitness center, picnic pavilion, and so much more. Villas at Vale Park – where life begins! 

“Scientists have developed 

ways to insert as many as eight 

genes into seeds to, for example, 

fight insects...Genetic engineering 

also makes the plants 

herbicide resistant and hardier 

in the case of drought.” 

– Dennis Werner, Werner Farms 


Cover Story 

Start your own business, become 

a State Farm Insurance Agent. 

Join the nation’s leading auto and home insurance 

company as a State Farm Agent 

and experience personal success running 

your own agency in your own community. 

Qualifications: 

• Ability to organize, operate and assume the risk of running a business 

with a focus on marketing and customer service 

• Driven by achievement and financial rewards 

• Financially stable 

Benefits from the first day: 

• 8 month paid training program 

• $18,000 sign on bonus 

• Unparalleled support & side by side mentor agent coaching 

• Among the industry’s most attractive incentive & rewards program 

• A work environment that allows you control over your time 

• One of the most recognized brand names in the industry 

• Office set up assistance 

• Plus much more... 

If you or someone you know would like to be 

considered immediately, please contact and 

forward your resume to: 

State Farm Insurance Companies 

Attn: Maria Herrera, Recruiter 

Address: 2602 Chicago Street • Valparaiso, IN 46383 

Phone: (219) 263-8628 

Email: Maria.herrera.LU4L@statefarm.com 

Websites: www.statefarm.com/agents/career • www.sfredportfolio.com 

EOE www.statefarm.com State Farm Insurance Companies Home Offices: Bloomington, Illinois 


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 

Advanced Hearing Technologies 

10437 Illinois Rd 

Fort Wayne, 46814 

(260) 426-4138 

Tim Kruse 

Hearing Products & Professional 

Services 

Avalon Manor, Inc. 

3550 E US Hwy 30 

Merrillville, 46410 

945-0888 

Jayne Dudek 

Banquet /Meeting Room Facilities 

BookKeeping Express 

6820 Ava Ave 

Portage, 46368 

741-7963 

Cindy Zromkoski, CB 

Accountants/Tax Services 

Donna M. Rucks & Associates 

150 Lincolnway, Ste 3001 

464-1361 

Donna M. Rucks, CFP 

Financial Advisors 

Dr. Vegetable, Inc. 

291 S 150 E 

531-1723 

Richard Busse 

Special Event 

Planning/Products/Services 

Eleanor’s Avon LABC 

19 E Lincolnway 

548-7464 

Eleanor Tomczak 

Cosmetics/Beauty Supplies 

FedEx Home Delivery/Ground 

500 E Ridge Rd 

Griffith, 46319 

(224) 456-9621 

Monica A. Dixon 

Transportation Services 

First Partners, LP 

800 Wall St, Ste D 

465-5892 

Kathleen Murphy-Jacobs 

Property Management & Maintenance 

Franciscan Express Care/ 

Working Well 

2307 LaPorte Ave, Ste 8 

476-9389 

Gail Mathews 

Medical 

Occupational Health 

Urgent Care 

Frontline Foundations, Inc. 

802 Wabash, Ste 2 

Chesterton, 46304 

728-1638 

Amber Hensell 

Counseling Services 

G.E. Marshall, Inc. 

1351 Joliet Rd, 46385 

462-3415 

Frank A. Marshall 

Construction 

Global Engineering & Land 

Surveying 

601 Franklin Sq, Ste 407 

Michigan City, 46360 

872-4444 

Jeanette Hicks 

Engineers 

Surveyors 

Hidden Garden Florist 

65 Franklin St 

462-8069 

Jim Maryonovich 

Florist 

Hoosier Healthcare, NW, LLC 

2950 Morthland Dr, Ste 1, 46385 

464-7073 

Donald Kiger 

Healthcare/Home Health Services 

Kotys Wealth Management 

Group 

175 Lincolnway, Ste D 

465-6924 

Wesley M. Kotys 

Financial Advisors 

Lubeznik Center for the Arts 

101 W 2nd St, Ste 100 

Michigan City, 46360-3228 

874-4900 

Carolyn Saxton 

Art Galleries 

Museums 

Mary Elisabeth Pitz & Associates 

500 N Michigan Ave, #300 

Chicago, IL 60611 

(312) 750-9150 

Mary Elisabeth Pitz 

Advertising/Creative & Marketing 

Services 

Public Relations 

Montessori School of Valparaiso, 

Inc. 

505 Marquette St 

462-1932 

Christa M. Emerson 

Schools/Education 

Once Upon a Child-Valparaiso 

1699 Morthland, 46385 

531-9000 

Kevin Hutnick 

Apparel – Retail 

Panera Bread 

2710 LaPorte Ave, Ste 150 

476-0080 

Linda Cutter 

Caterers 

Restaurants 

Patrice & Associates Hospitality 

Recruiters 

139 Westchester Lane, 46385 

462-9352 

Barry Jones 

Employment-Human Resource & 

Staffing Services 

Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza 

800 E. 81st Ave 

Merrillville, 46410 

769-6311 

Michael Williams 

Banquet/Meeting Room Facilities 

Lodging 

Rittenhouse Senior Living of 

Valparaiso 

1300 Vale Park Road 

531-2484 

Judy Cramer 

Nursing Homes/Assisted Living Facilities 

Schoolhouse Shop 

278 E 1500 N 

Chesterton, 46304 

926-1551 

Roy J. Krizek 

Apparel – Retail 

Retail Stores 

Service Master by Monroe 

Restoration 

1155 Marsh St, Ste D, 46385 

562-1664 

Jeremy Davidson 

Fire & Water Damage Restoration 

Studio Virgo 

916-6893 

Melissa Washburn 

Advertising/Creative & Marketing 

Services 

United First Financial, Inc. 

(877) 733-3710 

Greg DePorter 

Financial Services 

Valpo Soccer Club 

10 Whitekirk Green, 46385 

531-8616 

Bill Riley 

Organizations 

Valpopourri 

Did you know? 

When it comes to beef cattle production, 

most operations are smaller than you 

might think: 79 percent of beef 

cattle operations have less than 

50 head of cattle. 


15

2009 Community Improvement Awards 

The Valpo Chamber, City of Valparaiso, and Porter County 

Builders Association recognized 16 local businesses for 

their commitment and investment in Valparaiso by 

awarding them with a 42nd Annual Community Improvement 

Award. A luncheon sponsored by Porter Health System was 

held July 7 to honor the recipients and their projects which improve 

our city. These projects join the more than 200 properties 

that have been recognized since the awards program began. 

1251 Eastport Centre Drive 

Architect: Chester, Inc.; Scott Hazlett 

Site Designer & Landscaping: Chester, Inc.; 

Scott DeBold 

Contractor/Builder: Chester, Inc. 

1555 Lincolnway 

Designer: Todd Martin 

Contractor/Builder: Todd Martin Construction, Inc. 

Landscape Designer: Lawn Images 

Belden Professional Campus 

870-880 Eastport Centre Drive 

Architect: Robin Witte 

Contractor: Chester, Inc. 

Landscape Designer: Great Oaks Nursery 

Calvary Church (Facility Expansion) 

1325 Evans Avenue 

Architect: Cattail Design 

General Contractor: International Construction 

Services 

Landscape Designer: Landscape Concepts, Inc. 

Campbell Center 

450 West Lincolnway 

Architect/Designer: Stephen Pease 

Contractor/Builder: Tom Combs and Sons, Inc. 

Landscape Designer: Horses Landscaping 

Downtown Streetscape 

Lincolnway between Napoleon Street and 

Morgan Boulevard 

Architect: Land Plan 

Designer: First Group 

Contractor: Garriup Construction 

Builder: Don McGinley, Project Manager 

Eastgate Reconstruction 

East Lincolnway from Roundabout to 

Roosevelt Avenue 

Designer: American Structurepoint 

Contractor: Rieth-Riley Construction Co. & 

G.E. Marshall, Inc. 


The Evelyn Bay Coffee Company 

3800 Calumet Avenue 

Architect: Bird Houk Colllaborative 

Designer: Charles and Chase Sorrick 

Contractor/Builder: Investment Property 

Advisors, LLC 

Landscape Designer: Lakeshore Landscaping, Inc. 

Great Lakes Labs 

1051 Transport Drive 

Architect: Robin Witte/Scott Hazlett 


Landscape Designer: RV Properties 

Heinold & Feller Tire Co. & Lawn Equipment 

1707 East Lincolnway 

Architect: Falk Design Group 

Designer: Scott Falk 

Contractors: Dennis and Sons/Hamstra Group, Inc. 

Builder: Dennis and Sons/Hamstra Group, Inc./ 

Schneider Builders/Northstar Stone 

Landscape Designer: Horses Landscaping 

Little U Academy 

751 Eastport Centre Drive 

Architect: Chester, Inc. 

Designer/Landscape Designer: Eric & 

Jeannine Hornback 


Peoples Bank 


Architect: Robert Priesol 

Designer: Karen Anderson 

Contractor/Builder: Hasse Construction 

Landscape Designer: Robert Priesol/ 

Cummings Landscape 

REGIONAL Federal Credit Union 

2801 Boilermaker Court 

Architect: Dave Kinel, Gerometta & 

Kinel Architects 

Designer: Dave Kinel and Scott Winger 

Contactor/Builder: Thomas D. Combs & Sons 

Landscape Designer: Hubinger Landscaping 

Social Security Administration Building 


Architect: Pollack Architects 

Designer: Charles and Chase Sorrick 

Contractor/Builder: Investment Property 

Advisors, LLC 

Landscape Designer: Lakeshore Landscaping, Inc. 

Valparaiso Family YMCA 

1201 Cumberland Crossing Drive 

Architect: Moake Park Group 

Interior Designer: McDonald/Cagen, Inc. 

Contractor: Tonn & Blank Construction, Inc. 

Valparaiso University Harre Union 

1509 Chapel Drive 

Architect: Design Organization 

Designer: Sasaki Associates, Inc. 

Contractor: Mortenson Construction 

Landscape Designer: Lakeshore Landscape, Inc. 

Photo courtesy of Aran Kessler Photo.Imaging 


17

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. 

1st Source Corporation, parent company of 1st Source Bank, has 

been named one of the nation's “100 Most Trustworthy Companies” 

according to Forbes and Audit Integrity. 1st Source was selected for 

this honor from among more than 12,000 companies traded on U.S. 

exchanges and was recognized for displaying the highest corporate integrity 

and consistently showing transparent and conservative accounting 

practices and solid corporate governance and management. 1st 

Source was also named one of the Top 150 Performing Banks in the 

country by Bank Director Magazine. 1st Source is ranked number 30 

on the list as a well-rounded bank that is both profitable and well capitalized. 

In compiling the list, Bank Director Magazine reviewed six 

performance categories that measure profitability, capitalization, and 

asset quality. Since 1863, 1st Source has been committed to the success 

of the communities it serves. For more information, visit 

www.1stsource.com. 

Bethel Valparaiso All Nations Church is excited to announce the Jesus 

Culture Conference August 12 through 14 to be held at Valparaiso 

University and the Financial Peace University Class at Bethel Valparaiso 

on Tuesday nights from September 15 to December 8. Bethel 

Valparaiso, led by Pastor Garner Tullis, meets every Sunday at 10:00 

a.m. at 552 Morthland Drive. For more information, visit 

www.bethelvalpo.com or call (219) 462-2211. 

Bookkeeping Express, the first U.S. franchise focused solely on bookkeeping 

services, is now open in Portage, Indiana serving Valparaiso, 

Portage, Chesterton and parts of Lake County, Indiana. Local entrepreneur 

Cindy Zromkoski opened Bookkeeping Express in March 

2009 and is the first in Indiana and throughout the Chicagoland region. 

With more than 13,000 small businesses in the region, Bookkeeping 

Express offers a much-needed service to companies that are 

not equipped or do not wish to handle accounting responsibilities such 

as setting up charts of accounts and general ledgers, monthly data 

entry, processing and managing accounts payable and accounts receivable, 

producing monthly reports and tax reporting. Plus, Bookkeeping 

Express utilizes a Custom Flex Pricing Model that is based on the 


clients’ needs instead of a one fits all, hourly billing approach. For 

more information contact Bookkeeping Express at (219) 741-7963 or 

CZromkoski@bookkeepingexpress.com. 

Daryl D. Pomranke, President and Chief Operating 

Officer of Citizens Financial Bank and CFS 

Bancorp, Inc., was appointed to the Citizens Financial 

Bank Board of Directors. Prior to joining 

the Bank and holding company, Pomranke, who 

has nearly two decades of banking experience, held 

several executive management and operating positions 

with Mercantile National Bank of Indiana 

and its successor, Harris Bank, N.A. A graduate of Indiana University, 

with a bachelor of science in business with highest distinction, he 

began his career with KPMG Peat Marwick, now KPMG LLP. CFS 

Bancorp, Inc. is the parent of Citizens Financial Bank, a $1.1 billion 

asset federal savings bank. With 22 offices throughout Chicago’s 

Southland and Northwest Indiana, Citizens Financial Bank is an independent 

bank focusing its people, products, and services on helping individuals, 

businesses, and communities be successful. For more 

information about Citizens Financial Bank, visit www.citz.com. 

continued on next page >> 

Congratulations 

Valparaiso University 

on your 

2008 Community Improvement Award 

for the 

Harre Union! 

From your friends at 


19

Community College, Valparaiso Dept. of Parks & Recreation, along 

with many other area sponsors and donors. For more information 

please contact Ivy Tech at (219) 464-8514 or the Valparaiso Parks Department 

at (219) 462-5144. 

Marc T. Nielsen Interiors is proud to introduce Stylist 

Dot Kesling and Operations Manager Jenny Gora. 

Kesling is a graduate of Indiana University with a degree 

in Fashion Merchandising and an avid photographer, 

enabling her to look at spaces from a different 

perspective. She shares the Marc T. Nielsen philosophy 

that one should “shop” in one’s own home first, making 

the best of what we already have, and then adding 

what is needed. Gora’s focus is on operational processes 

including marketing, training, and customer service. A 

Louisiana native, Gora is a strong team leader with 

proven ability to analyze processes and help identify 

areas for improvement. Both Kesling and Gora contribute 

to Marc T. Nielsen Interior’s efficiency, growth 

and prosperity, as well as client and customer experience. 

Terry Peek II, owner of MasterTech Pest Control, Inc. celebrates five 

years of solving pest control problems throughout Northwest Indiana. The 

family-run business has seen steady growth since its inception in 2004 and 

cites community relationships and customer referrals as a key to its success. 

continued on page 23 >> 


21

10 Practical Ways to Save on Direct Mail 

Don’t stop mailing, 

just start mailing SMART. 

Ask An Expert 

D 

o you find yourself saying, “I need to 

bring in more business but can’t afford 

to mail right now?” The truth may 

be you can’t afford not to mail. With a little 

extra-added attention to your database, you can 

save on postage, preparation costs, and the 

biggest savings of all, the printing costs. 

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is moving 

away from the carrier making delivery decisions 

and is relying more on technology or 

“automation.” Yes, automation mailings receive 

the best postage rates but they also require a 

valid address. The following are simple and practical 

ways to clean up your database and start 

mailing SMART: 

1. Clean it up or clear it out 

What good is an address if you cannot deliver to 

it? Think of an address the same way you do a 

phone number: wrong phone number, no connection 

- wrong address, no delivery. A quick 

way to check a single address is the USPS website 

http://zip4.usps.com/zip4/welcome.jsp. This 

will give you the advantage of correcting bad addresses 

before you mail, instead of after. 

2. Automation is Key 

Automation mailings are key to better rates, but 

automation mail can only be processed by USPS 

certified software. Check with your local post office 

for more information on how to mail automated. 

3. Divine Design 

Database layout is critical. Keep as much information 

in unique fields as possible. For example, 

first name in one field, last name in another field 

and most important, keep only addresses in the 

address field. 

4. Mailing to moving targets 

The postal service estimates 17 to 20 percent of 

Americans move each year. National Change of 

Address (NCOA) processing will match your list 

against a national database of all changes submitted 

to the postal service. When was the last time 

your list was checked? 

5. Double Trouble 

Picture this. You walk out to your mailbox and 

discover you have received three solicitations 

from your favorite charity. Why are they wasting 

my donation on multiple solicitations? Remove 

duplicates. A vendor with the proper software 

can find your duplicates easily. 

6. Saturation Mailing 

If you are a local business looking for an inexpensive 

way to increase your sales, you might want to 

consider “saturating” your market. It is inexpensive 

both in preparation and postage, and can 

reach customers quickly. But before you begin, 

make sure you understand the rules. Saturation 

mailings need to meet certain USPS requirements. 

7. Post Office Box out-ranks Physical Address 

Post Office (PO) Boxes should always appear directly 

above the City, State, Zip in the address. If 

you are using the physical address without the 

PO Box, deliverability is poor. 

8. How “Suite” It Is 

Always use suite numbers if available. Remember, 

computers are reading your addresses and in the 

future, may reject it without the suite number. 

9. It’s a family affair 

A great way to cut your overall count is to mail 

to The “Smith” Household instead of each individual 

at an address. This works great for political 

mail also. 

10. Did you know… 

…Morthland Dr is the correct name for Hwy 30 

in Valparaiso? 

…Valparaiso University has an actual address? 

VU, Memorial Hall #234 is not an address. Each 

dorm has a street address and a room number. 

… the abbreviation “ST” means “Street” to the post 

office? Thus, St Rd 2 translates to Street Rd 2. 

Educate your employees about the importance 

of correct data entry. Occasionally, you should 

export your data to Excel. You will be amazed 

what errors you can spot. When was the last 

time you took a look? 

by 

DONNA FLANAGIN 

Donna Flanagin is the owner of 

Flanagin's Bulk Mail Service; a 

family owned and operated business 

established in 1994. Flanagin 

and her two daughters, Erica 

George and Monica Decker, take 

great pride in providing first-class 

service with first-rate savings. 

The goal of Flanagin’s Bulk Mail 

Service is simply to provide customers 

with bulk mail solutions 

to help them achieve a successful 

mailing campaign at the best possible 

rates. They accomplish this 

through their expertise in United 

States Postal Service (USPS) technical 

knowledge, over 20 years of 

database management, and great 

customer service. 

Flanagin is proud to have Premier 

Status with the USPS and is 

Women Business Enterprise 

(WBE) minority certified. Flanagin’s 

Bulk Mail is a member of 

the Greater Valparaiso and 

Portage Chambers of Commerce 

and the Northwest Indiana 

Postal Customer Council. 

Flanagin's Bulk Mail Service is 

conveniently located at 802 Evans 

Avenue across from the Butterfield 

Pavilion walking track. To 

learn more about Flanagin’s, visit 

www.mybulkmail.com, join their 

network on Linkedin, or follow 

them on Twitter. 



23

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25

Chamber Focus: 

by Susan Antoszewski 

Insight on 

“Insights” 

As part of the Chamber’s on-going effort to provide 

innovative and interesting programs for young 

professionals and emerging leaders, the Valpo 

Chamber has designed a program entitled “Insights: Casual 

Conversations with Successful Leaders.” The program is modeled 

after the successful CEO Exchange featured on PBS. 

The Valpo Chamber Leadership Engagement Committee developed 

the new programming in 2007 after a thorough review 

of the events the committee was supporting. The timing was right to 

offer a new, more educational experience for young professionals in the 

area. The task force discussed a variety of ideas but 

the reoccurring concept was to find a way to connect 

emerging professionals with successful leaders. 

“Insights is an exciting program series designed to 

give business professionals a unique ‘up close and 

personal’ look into the personality, skills, and a 

knowledge of high-impact leaders,” states Joe Ubben, 

President of BreakAway Performance Group and Leadership Engagement 

Committee Co-Chair. 

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• Programs start as low as $350 per month! 

Call today for more information: 

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27

CHAMBER FOCUS 

“We have not had a single 

guest who is anything less 

than outstanding.” 

– Jon Schmaltz, Partner at Burke Costanza & Cuppy 

“Insights is a wonderful opportunity for professionals in the Valparaiso 

community to meet successful individuals,” says DePra. “Through this 

program we are able to take advantage of open questions, one-on-one 

conversations, as well as hearing the journey one has accomplished to 

reach their destinations in life.” 

“Valparaiso is a vibrant community,” adds Buinicki. “In the midst of 

growth, change, and progress, it is important to deliberately create an opportunity 

for leaders to reflect, share, and teach the next generation of torchbearers. 

Insights is an intentional opportunity for learning and growth.” 

The next Valpo Chamber Insights program will be held at the Valparaiso 

Country Club at 4:30 p.m. with special guest Mark Heckler, President 

of Valparaiso University on October 13. For persons interested in attending, 

please contact the Valpo Chamber at (219) 462-1105. 


29

y 

THOMAS E. BOYT 

Thomas E. Boyt received his 

Ph.D. degree from the University 

of Oklahoma in 1994. He 

received his DVM degree from 

Colorado State University in 

1980 and his BS degree from 

the United States Air Force 

Academy in 1973. He is currently 

the Dean of the College 

of Business Administration at 

Valparaiso University. Prior to 

coming to Valparaiso University 

he was Dean of the College 

of Business Administration for 

three years at the University of 

Central Oklahoma. Prior to 

that he was the Chair of the 

Marketing Department at the 

University of Nevada, Las 

Vegas. From 1980 to 1990, he 

owned and managed an AAHA 

hospital in Oklahoma. He 

maintains his license to practice 

veterinary medicine in Oklahoma 

and Colorado. 

WWhen the economy is in turmoil and government 

leaders, pundits, and the talk on the street is that the 

country is in not just serious but catastrophic trouble; 

leaders in all segments of the economy have 

choices that need to be made. Layoffs can be made 

or doors can be closed. But for the entrepreneurial at 

heart, down times can be the best time to look for 

opportunity, growth, and fortune. 

Though economically not isolated from the 

repercussion of current fiscal policy, people have to 

eat. The world’s population continues to grow with 

the concomitant demand to feed that population. 

Increased tonnages of raw food and materials are imported 

into this country from around the world. 

With these imports the country has experienced another 

round of uncertainty. However, the recent fiascos 

involving contaminated food imported 

internationally can create opportunity for the local 

farmer/rancher. 

In Valparaiso, Porter County and all of Northwest 

Indiana, the value of the farm and ranch community 

to the economy is immeasurable. While other areas 

of our Valparaiso economy are also critical to our 

overall economic well being, the value of our strong 

local agricultural economy cannot be overlooked or 

underestimated. 

Financial distress and economic crisis can be the 

opportune moment for the entrepreneur with big 

ideas, willing to make calculated risks. Corporations 

and inventions that stem directly from recessionary 

times are great examples. Such giants as Burger King, 

Hyatt Corp, FedEx, GE and Microsoft came from 

recessionary periods of our times (Caron 1). 

From the great depression of the 1930s came new 

inventions such as electric razors, Laundromats, xerography, 

car radios and a brand new channel of distribution 

in the food industry; the supermarket (Cooper 

1). An entrepreneur looks for niches for current products 

and services or creates new products and services 

to meet current needs. 

Historically, the American small farmer/rancher 

has been the world’s expert in horticulture and/or 

livestock management. With the current world economic 

crisis and the sophistication of world markets 

it is clear that the small farmer/rancher must also 

continue to develop their expertise in business skills 

and technology. 

The days of scribbling receipts and handling accounts 

on the back of a napkin as my grandfather 

did are long in the past. To survive in the current 

market conditions, the small farmer/rancher must 

look for and/or create opportunities and new ways of 

doing agriculture. 

Consumers have become very sophisticated and 

knowledgeable in every purchase they make. Food is 

certainly no exception. The food scares of the past 

few years are a good example. If given the choice, 

most people would prefer organic vs. non-organic 

food. While I personally am not quite certain what 

that all really means, it is a force that must be dealt 

with by the producer. 

Successful businesses give the consumer what they 

want when they want it. If my own personal observations 

are correct, the local farmers markets and the 

side of the road retailers are busier than ever. Perhaps 

the reason behind this is that the consumer perceives 

a shorter food supply chain is safer and more nutritious 

than a long food supply chain involving international 

corporations they know nothing about. 

There will be agricultural entrepreneurs that will 

seize the opportunity of our current tumultuous economic 

environment and will create new markets, 

new channels, new products, new services and new 

bundles of products and services that will become 

the foundation of all agricultural activities for 

decades to come. The blending of sophisticated 

small farm and small ranch management with sophisticated 

business models will economically advance 

each and every small farmer/rancher as well as 

the economic development of Valparaiso, Porter 

County and all of Northwest Indiana. 

The people in Valparaiso have always been very 

entrepreneurial. If ever there was a time to look for 

those new opportunities, it is now. As a city, as a 

county, and as a region, every effort should be made 

to help our agricultural neighbors in their endeavors. 

The Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce is 

firmly committed to their efforts. 

Works Cited 

Caron, Sarah. “14 Big Businesses That Started in a Recession.” Inside- 

CRM. 15 June 2009 

. 

Cooper, Steve. “Inventions from the Great Depression.” BusinessWeek. 

15 June 2009 

. 



31

UNDERGRADUATE and GRADUATE CENTERS 

Everything You Need 

Is On-site! 

• Admissions 

• Advising 

• Financial Aid 

• Registration 

Nearly 80 Classes for Fall 2009 

Call: 219-531-4200 Email: ckurmis@pnc.edu 

www.pnc.edu/portercounty 

Today! 

Your diploma, awarded by 

Purdue University, signifies a 

world-class education. 

“The Purdue MBA was a 

great investment for my future.” 

–Eylem Mauck, MBA Graduate 

PORTER COUNTY 

Call: 219-531-6500 Email: mba@pnc.edu www.pnc.edu/mba 

An Equal Access/Equal Opportunity University

Summer-2009

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