Fall-2006

Diet, Exercise, Reduced Stress Levels, Adequate Rest
staying healthy is
heart work
Northwest Indiana Cardiovascular Physicians, P.C. provides quality, affordable, state-of-the-art technology and
personal care that have made us the most trusted and respected cardiologists in the area.
• Clinical Evaluations
• Consultations
• Nuclear Stress Tests
• Echocardiograms
• 24-Hour Holter Monitors • Arterial and Venous Dopplers
• Permanent Pacemakers and Transtelephonic Evaluations
The cardiovascular team of NICP, pictured left to right:
Dr. Wheat, Dr. Forchetti, Dr. Kholoki, Dr. Rao, Dr. Atassi and
Dr. Marchand. Sitting: Dr. Harris, Dr. Linert and Dr. Sehgal.
VALPARAISO | 2000 Roosevelt Rd. | 219-531-9419
Northwest Indiana
Cardiovascular Physicians, P.C.
PORTAGE | 3630 Willowcreek Rd. | 219-364-3062
With other convenient locations in Chesterton, DeMotte and Knox.
TOLL FREE 800-727-6337
www.nwicp.com

Valpopourri
Did you know?
The first airfield in Valparaiso was
located at the corner of Calumet Ave.
and Vale Park Rd., and was owned by
Urschel Laboratories, Inc. (This area is
now known as Cumberland Crossing.)
The Magazine of the Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce
Volume 6 Issue 4 Fall 2006
Contents
ON THE COVER: Kyle Kuebler, airport manager
for the Porter County Municipal Airport
▲
Cover photo and photos on this page
by Aran Kessler Photo Imaging
Valpo 4
Taking Off
How the Porter County Airport
Impacts Economic Development
Aviation Museum 6
Offers Visitors a Glimpse of History
Air Charters 8
and Flight Schools
Bring the Sky Within Reach to
Local Travelers
Chamber Focus 11
The Valpo Chamber’s
Leadership Development/
Community Engagement
Committee Conducts Leadership
Programs for Valpo Professionals
Chamber 12
Network Night
Business-to-Business Networking
Event on Thursday, Oct. 26
Ask An Expert 18
Expert answers to your
business questions.
What entity choice should I choose
when beginning a new business?
Sections
New Chamber Members 14
Around Town 16
Business Spotlight 21
Our Voice 26
Calendar of Events
www.connecttovalpo.com
FALL 2006
A publication of the Greater Valparaiso Chamber of
Commerce. 162 W. Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone (219) 462-1105 Fax (219) 462-5710
gvcc@valparaisochamber.org
www.connecttovalpo.com
www.valparaisochamber.org
GREATER VALPARAISO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Rex Richards, President
Amy Page, Senior Vice President, Member Services
Ashli Bowen, Marketing & Communications Specialist
Julie Gaskell, Administrative Assistant
Danielle Oeding, Advertising & Membership Sales
Renee Egan, Bookkeeper
Debbie Pulley, Support Staff
VALPARAISO MAGAZINE
Publisher: The Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce
Design and Production: Griffin Marketing Services, Inc.
Editor: Griffin Marketing Services, Inc.
Printing: Home Mountain Publishing, Inc.
Mailing: Flanagin’s Bulk Mail Service
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: gvcc@valparaisochamber.org, Attn: Editor.
For advertising inquiries, call 462-1105.
VALPARAISO MAGAZINE circulates 16,500 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.
www.connecttovalpo.com
3

When executives at Pratt Industries were considering
places to locate another facility for their
packaging manufacturing business, several
meetings between Pratt and city officials actually took
place in the conference room at the Porter County
Municipal Airport. These negotiations eventually led to
the construction of a corrugating plant near East Point
Centre, and one has to believe that the convenience and
quality of the facilities helped present this community in
a very positive way to Pratt officials.
“We are extremely proud of our terminal and facilities
and the role the airport plays in the economic growth
of this area,” explains Kyle Kuebler, airport manager. But
whatever small role the airport may have contributed, it’s
only the tip of the iceberg. Kuebler cites a 2003
Economic Impact Study published by the Aviation
Association of Indiana that attributes nearly $23 million
dollars of economic impact for that year. “This amount
represents a factor roughly 25 times the operational budget
of the airport and roughly 50 times that of the levy to
meet the budget.”
In fact, according to numerous studies, airport construction
and utilization is among the most significant
economic engines at work in the United States today. The
study cited by Kuebler addresses not only the economic
benefits generated at individual airports throughout the
state of Indiana, but also the economic benefit for the
entire state.
(cont. on page 6)
4 Valpo Magazine Fall 2006

▲
▲
Photos by Aran Kessler Photo Imaging
www.connecttovalpo.com 5

Valpo Taking Off (cont. from page 4)
The findings reveal that the total annual
impact of direct and indirect airport economic
activity on Indiana's economy is estimated to
be more than $2.8 billion per year. These
expenditures in turn generate an induced
annual impact of more than $1.3 billion. In
addition, transportation cost savings exceeded
more than $455 million, providing a total
annual impact of more than $4.6 billion.
Also, airports mean jobs to communities.
At Indiana airports, more than 18,940 people
are employed, representing more than $478
million in direct wages statewide. Porter
County Municipal Airport board president
Paul Chael also emphasizes the jobs the facility
generates through the people it employs and
those employed by other companies who provide
services for, or at, the airport. “With eight
full-time and two part-time employees plus
nearly 60 other full and part-time employees
who work for other companies located here, it’s
important to recognize the financial impact
this provides to the area,” he explains. “Also,
we are continually working on facilities and
runways, adding technology and other
improvements which bring in local construction
companies and other contractors and vendors.”
With a 7,000 foot runway – longer than
any at Midway Airport – the Porter County
Municipal Airport has come a long way since
its inception in 1949 when residents including
“I don’t think most people have any idea of the scope
of activity that takes place here.”
a World War II pilot, pulled together a coalition
of business and civic groups to spearhead
a movement to convince the county to pass an
ordinance creating a Department of Aviation.
This led to the construction of an 1800 foot by
50 foot north-south runway, a 2000 foot by
200 foot east-west runway and a modest terminal
which also housed the administration.
Throughout the 60s, 70s and 80s various
other navigational aids, taxiways, hangars and
apron areas were constructed, and continual
improvements and technological upgrades
were implemented. Finally, in 1997, a new
corporate complex/terminal was opened, providing
an impressive
5250 square foot terminal
area comprised of a
plush passenger lobby,
pilot’s lounge and rest
area, computerized
flight planning, vending,
restrooms and, of
course, the aforementioned
conference
room. The second
floor provides lease
space for corporate
flight offices. An
18,000 square foot
hangar offers accommodations for large business
jets for owners based in the area as well as
for transient users. All-in-all the airport occupies
718 acres.
“Considering all of our recent improvements,
the airport has positioned itself as the
full service airport of choice when traveling to
and from Northwest Indiana,” Kuebler says.
“We have the most up-to-date technology and
systems and a staff dedicated to customer satisfaction.”
The first glimpse Bob Swinehart, president
and chief operating officer of Emerson
Power Transmission, had of Valparaiso was
6 Valpo Magazine Fall 2006

Jim Read was having the time of his life
when suddenly things went wrong. Very
wrong. It was July 4, 1998 and he was putting
his new toy – a vintage 1947 Corsair
warbird aircraft – through a series of loops
and belly rolls. The plane had recently
arrived in Rockford, Illinois from its previous
home in England where he had bought it
almost a year previously. This was Read’s
first flight in the aircraft the Japanese in
World War II had nicknamed “Whistling
Death” because of the distinctive sound of its
engines. But on this day, it almost lived up
to that name for Read and his cockpit companion
Don Keller.
“It flew very easily and was quite nimble
for a big airplane,” he explains. “I rolled it
upside down, came through a hole in the
deck (clouds), and the engine backfired so
loudly I thought it would fall out!” After
much wrestling with the controls and an
emergency call to a nearby airfield in
Freeport, Read brought the aircraft back to
earth – on its wheels – and instead of
“I rolled it upside down,
came through a hole in
the deck (clouds), and
the engine backfired so
loudly I thought it
would fall out!”
– Jim Read
becoming history, Read’s magnificent aircraft
(not to mention the pilot himself) is preserved
for history at the Indiana Aviation
Museum at the Porter County Municipal
Airport.
Today the Corsair is one of the focal
points of a unique and intriguing collection
of 11 vintage aircraft housed in a hangar at
the east end of the Airport. And, like each of
the other planes in the group, it still flies.
Included in the museum are a P-51D
Mustang, F4U5N Corsair, T-28 Trojan, AT-
6G Texan, P-17 Stearman, L-2 Grasshopper,
A-37A Dragonfly, T-34B Mentor, and DHC
1 MK 22 Dehavilland Chipmunk.
Creation of the museum was the direct
result of the curiosity it aroused in visitors to
the airport. “When we would open the
hangar up to work on the airplanes, people
would stop and come in just to watch,” Read
explained. “They would ask a lot of questions
and got us to thinking that (a museum)
might be an asset to the airport and the
community.”
He filed for nonprofit status for the
concept and the rest, as they say, is history.
The airport is open to the public 10-4 on
weekends.
Read and several of his pilot friends still
take to the air in the remarkable machines,
and can be frequently seen flying in formation
over the communities of Porter County.
“It’s a lot of fun,” Read says.
– Mark Taylor, board vice president,
Porter County Municipal Airport
from the runway at the Porter County
Municipal Airport in the early 90s. “An
Emerson plane picked me up in St. Louis and
dropped me off here,” he explains. “At the
time, the terminal was not a very impressive
structure, but this new facility holds its own
with any small airport in the country.”
Executives from Emerson fly in and out of
Valpo several times a month, according to
Swinehart, and having a convenient airport is
critical to his company’s success. “We have
plants and offices in places where there are no
direct commercial flights,” he says. “When
you can either spend five or six hours driving
to Kentucky or fly there in one hour and be
back the same day, the decision is really not difficult
to make.”
“I don’t think most people have any idea
of the scope of activity that takes place here,”
airport board vice president Mark Taylor says.
With 35-40,000 operations per year, the Porter
County Municipal Airport is among the
busiest in Indiana. It is also in the top two in
the number of aircraft based there. “This is a
prime example of what government can do
right. The growth of this place is amazing in
the last ten years.”
“We’ve always tried to jump out ahead of
the demand (for service),” Chael adds. “We
Photo by Aran Kessler Photo Imaging
have operated on the philosophy of ‘build it
and they will come,’ and it has worked real
well.”
This thriving, growing, hustling entity
serves as an integral cog in the economic
machinery that helps support business and
commerce in the entire Porter County area. It
provides a critical link between Northwest
Indiana and literally the rest of the world for
local corporations such as Family Express,
Focus Enterprises, Chester Inc., Urschel
Laboratories, Inc., Task Force Tips, North
Coast Distributing, Emerson Power
Transmission and many others. The airport is
also the place to go for flight instruction, charter
flights, scenic excursions and connections
to the two big Chicago airports.
Pete Peuquet, CEO and chairman of the
board of Chester Inc., can literally watch the
runway from his office at company headquarters.
His company has found the accessibility
and convenience of the airport to be a tremendous
asset. “When we’re doing jobs outside
the area in places like Detroit, Louisville or
Atlanta, it is extremely productive to be able to
hop on a charter, fly to the site and be back and
working the same day,” he says.
Executives at Chester have also benefited
from the amenities the airport makes available
to incoming customers. “Often our clients will
fly in and meet us right at the airport in their
conference room. This is so convenient and
means we don’t have to rent hotel conference
facilities.”
Stewart McMillan, President of Task Force
Tips, says that his company has been taking
advantage of the airport for years. “The Porter
County Airport has been a huge resource to
Task Force Tips,” he explains. “We can leave in
the morning with a team of engineers, pickup
a tool manufacturer in Piqua, Ohio, fly to
Pennsylvania, have a four or five hour meeting
with a critical supplier of castings, drop off the
tool maker in Ohio on the way home (after
(cont. on page 10)
www.connecttovalpo.com 7
▲
▲

Air Charter Services and Flight Schools
Bring the Sky Within Reach to Local Travelers
The flight that started it all – a 12-second, 120-foot-long sojourn on the windswept sands of Kitty Hawk in 1903 – set into motion
a series of events that, as much as any, created and defined the 20th Century. Even though it happened nearly 103 years ago, the
hypnotic allure of flight still amazes and attracts people today. For some people, flying is a hobby; for others, an integral part of
their business. That’s why the Porter County Municipal Airport offers a wide range of services that cater to everyone’s needs – from
the pleasure flyer, to the corporate fleet, to the traveler who simply needs to get somewhere fast.
▲
John Slegers (left) president of Eagle
Aircraft stands in front of the recently
renovated hangar and facilities with
Lisa Lynch, operations manager and
Dr. John Read, founder and current
vice president of the organization.
The 4500 square foot office and classroom
structure is adjacent to the
company’s bright, expansive hangar.
At any given time, some 50-60 aviation
students are in various stages of
flight training by the staff at Eagle.
▲
▲
Photo by Aran Kessler Photo Imaging
Eagle Aircraft
Founded by Dr. John Read some 30 years ago, Eagle Aircraft
specializes in aviation training, but also offers a full spectrum of
other flight-related services. With a mission “To promote and
support a thriving general aviation industry in Porter County
and throughout Northwest Indiana,” Eagle Aircraft provides:
❏
❏
❏
❏
Flight instruction
Aircraft rental and sales
LaserGrade testing facilities
Discovery Aerial Tours
For more information call 219-464-0132.
Midwest Air Link
Midwest Air Link provides daily shuttle services
to Midway and O’Hare, effectively cutting drive
time by as much as two-thirds and at a cost that
is less than a private limousine service. Trip time
from terminal to terminal averages 25 minutes to
Midway and 40 minutes to O’Hare and passengers arrive at
luxurious executive terminals in both airports. “The experience
is VIP all the way,” says John Slegers, president of the
organization. “It is a tremendous value and makes Valpo accessible
to anywhere in the world.”
For information call 219-465-2104.
Midwest Air Charter
This company provides charter flights to anywhere in the
contiguous US and Alaska aboard a Cessna Citation V
which flies at 480 miles per hour at 40,000 feet. “We can
take up to eight passengers to the destination of their
choice,” explains Curt Morse, chief pilot and director of
flight operations. From shuttle flights to and from the
Chicago hubs – or any other major airport – Midwest provides
a no hassle, luxurious flight experience.
“We really pamper our customers,” Morse adds. “We
can even have a rental car on the tarmac waiting for
them.”
8
For information call 219-776-0516.

www.connecttovalpo.com
9

VALPO TAKING OFF (cont. from page 7)
further discussions have occurred on the plane)
and have everyone home at their own dinner
table and in their own beds.”
McMillan also appreciates the sheer practicality
of the concept. “It allows us to have
more minds focus on a problem with less cost
and still maintain the quality of life for our
employees. With our aircraft we can deliver
eight people anywhere east of the Rocky
Mountains nonstop
in less time
“If we could
just get
more people
to think
about the
value of this
airport, how
important it
is to people
coming to
visit the
area, the sky
is the limit”
than it takes to
drive to O’Hare
and go through
security.”
“If we
could just get
more people to
think about the
real value of this
airport, how
important it is
to people coming
to visit the
area, the sky is
the limit,” says
John Slegers,
president of
Eagle Aircraft,
which operates
its aviation
– John Slegers,
training school,
president of charter service
Eagle Aircraft and Cessna
dealership out
of the airport
facility. “To realize that you can literally fly to
any place in the world from here and that anyone
from anywhere can get here by air is a
tremendous asset and advantage to this community.”
While growth over the past decade has
been extraordinary, the future looks even
brighter according to Chael, even though the
local aviation industry – like the rest of the
country – was rocked by the events of 9/11.
“We had a dip (in activity) for a short time, but
ultimately grew in spite of the tragedy.”
In fact, Taylor points out, general aviation
has grown since that day, and the changes taking
place in the entire industry bode well for
operations like Porter County’s. “The wave of
the future seems to be away from hubs (like
O’Hare and Midway) and towards local airfields,”
he says. “People are looking for ways to
avoid the hassles of the major hubs.”
Chael adds another factor: “A whole new
generation of light jets is going to cause the system
to blossom,” he says. “A reduction in capital
costs and technology in the design of aircrafts
are going to make private flying a lot
more attainable for more companies.” Plus, he
adds, technologies like GPS and other protocols
make it easier and more affordable for
local airports to provide the same level of control
as larger airports do.
This sea change in air travel also promises
a bright future for those current local operators
who provide air taxi flights to and from the
hubs as well as throughout the country. (See
Midwest Air Link and Midwest Air Charter
sidebar.) “I truly believe you’re going to see
great growth in these areas as people turn to
their local options,” Taylor says.
▲
▲
GETTING READY TO TUG.
Moving airplanes from hangars to the
tarmac requires the use of a vehicle
known as a "tug." Here (left to right)
Jim Bilic, line technician, Dave
Bachman, director of maintenance
and Kyle Kuebler get ready to set an
airplane for boarding.
Photo by Aran Kessler
Photo Imaging
But these great opportunities for small airports
also provide some challenges.
“Technologies involved in aviation and the
needs of the user are ever-changing, and to succeed
as an industry, we must grow and modify
our facilities and services to meet those needs.”
The Porter County Municipal Airport has
received numerous awards in the last five years,
has hosted several airshows and events, and
Kuebler was named Indiana Aviation Person of
the Year in 2003 by the Aviation Association of
Indiana.
“Probably the greatest compliment we can
receive is when people from other communities
come here to study how we run our operations,”
says Chael. “This has been happening
a lot lately, and it is a tribute to Kyle and the
rest of our staff.”
To Kuebler, awards are fine, but the passengers
and users are most important. “We
focus on service and convenience,” he explains.
“Our philosophy is to be proactive to the needs
of our customers. From the amenities they
find in our terminal, to the conditions of our
landing areas, our staff does whatever it takes
to ensure an efficient and pleasing experience
at our facility.”
By combining state-of-the-art technology
with unparalleled customer service, it’s easy to
see why airport officials unanimously agree
that the sky, indeed, is the limit.
Member
FDIC
10 Valpo Magazine Fall 2006

The Valpo Chamber’s Leadership Development/Community
Engagement Committee conducted several professional leadership
events designed to provide skills and techniques for engaging
young professionals in the community. The Committee teamed up
with United Way September 21, 2006 to present Map to the Minefield:
Choosing Your Guide to Becoming a Professional Leader at Strongbow
Inn. A moderated forum of six community leaders discussed how to
choose the right mentor. They also shared personal experiences, both
as mentors and individuals who were mentored earlier in their careers.
The committee also hosted the first Speed Networking event at
the Chocolate Café in downtown Valparaiso on October 6, 2006.
Inspired by the speed dating rage, Speed Networking is designed for
those whose business success benefits from meeting new people, referrals
and marketing. Structured and fast-paced, Speed Networking
allows participants to interact with other professionals one-on-one, for
a set period of time. Participants walk away with more new contacts
in one evening than some make in six months.
The committee was established late in 2005 in response to the
desire of Chamber members – particularly young professionals – for
guidance on how to become actively involved in the community and
engaged as a leader. The committee, led by co-chairs Bill Trowbridge
of Harris N.A. and John Seibert of Opportunity Enterprises, develops
programs that instill a heightened personal commitment to community
involvement and build awareness of the opportunities and challenges
that exist in the Valparaiso area.
"Our principal goal is to provide emerging and existing leaders
with opportunities to enhance their business and community knowledge,
civic network and leadership skills,” explains Trowbridge. “The
Leadership Development/Community Engagement Committee will
serve as a continual source of active volunteers committed to the development
and advancement of Valparaiso.”
In addition to Trowbridge and Seibert, the committee consists of:
Andrea Proulx Buinicki (United Way of Porter County), Dan McGuire
(Valparaiso Department of Parks and Recreation), Craig Menne
(General Insurance Services, Inc.), Jon Schmaltz (Burke Costanza and
Cuppy LLP), Antonice Thomas-LeRoy (Manpower), Kris Parker
(Purdue Extension, Porter County), April Wolford (Harris N.A.),
Melissa Fagen, (Fagen Pharmacy), Jamie Jaurez (Meridian Title),
Anna Parker (Porter County Convention Recreation & Visitor
Commission), Kevin Pressel (Chester, Inc.), and Mark Ribordy
(North Coast Distributing, Inc.) In addition, Amy Page and Rex
Richards of the Valpo Chamber, Deb Butterfield of Porter and Jim
Jorgensen of Hoeppner Wagner & Evans LLP provide expert guidance
and experience.
www.connecttovalpo.com
▲
LEADERSHIP ACADEMY PARTICIPANTS (from left to right):
Michael Mika, Martin Sonnenberg, Charles Hurst, Kevin Pressel,
Kacie Harrington, Barry Pruett, Matt Harvey (photo cont. on page 19)
“My initial role as a co-chair of this committee was to serve in a
leadership position, working with the committee to set direction and a
vision,” says Seibert. “Ultimately, it has been a privilege to coach and
support the group of young professionals who serve on this committee.
They are some of the most talented and dedicated individuals I have
come in contact with. Their visions are extraordinary and their commitment
to engaging their peers in the community, as leaders, is to be
commended.” (cont. on page 19)
Large or Small . . .
Few or Many
The solution has
always been close
to home
• Stationery
• Business Cards
• Postcards
• Sales Kits
• Newsletters
Call us today for all
your printing needs
• Brochures
• Magazines
• Newsletters
• Manuals
• Direct Mail
3602 Enterprise Avenue • Valparaiso, IN 46383
219-462-6601 • Fax 219-465-0766
Since 1906
11

Business-to-Business
Networking Event
809 Wabash Ave, Chesterton
800.828.2253
www.republicservices.com
502 Wall St, Ste 104B, Valparaiso
219.548.1670
www.catalyst-marketing.com
2301 E. Morthland Dr, Valparaiso
219.465.1700
www.marriott.com/vrpcy
2101 E. Morthland Dr, Valparaiso
219.465.6225
www.marriott.com/vrpfi
14 Indiana Ave, Valparaiso
219.462.4165
www.fnbv.com
4295 Ohio St, Michigan City
800.382.0808
www.fosterprintingservice.com
2702 Beech St, Ste C, Valparaiso
219.465.3133
www.indianarebath.com
Greg Farrall, Financial Advisor
219.926.1182
www.lakesidefinancialgroup.com
1567 E 93rd Ave, Merrillville
800.935.2181
www.pickmta.com
12 Valpo Magazine Fall 2006

Presented by the Porter County Chamber Coalition
Chesterton/Duneland, Hebron, Kouts, Portage and Valparaiso Chambers of Commerce
Discover solutions to your business needs, connect with potential customers and meet the people
behind Porter County’s thriving business community face to face. Over 120 exhibitors will introduce
their newest and greatest products and services. Chamber Network Night is the premier
business to business networking event of the year dedicated to generating high-quality leads,
learning from the brightest and networking with the best.
LaPorte
219.362.7610
www.warmfloors4u.com
Ron Bush
219.617.2651
www.divresdev.com
332 W US Hwy 30, Ste C, Valparaiso
219.465.1868
www.expresspersonnel.com
New
Location
4980 W. US 20, Michigan City
219.872.1700 219.617.1453
www.garmanelectric.com
3602 Enterprise Ave, Valparaiso
219.462.6601
www.homemountain.com
Recycling & Waste Reduction
District of Porter County
155 Indiana Ave, Valparaiso
219.465.3694
www.itmeanstheworld.org
901-1 Calumet Ave, Valparaiso
219.531.4997
www.tricorpwireless.com
www.connecttovalpo.com
13

Members
All addresses are in the 46383 zip code and phone
numbers are 219 area unless otherwise indicated.
THE GREATER VALPARAISO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE welcomes new members who joined during June, July and Mid-August 2006.
Accounting Made Simple
957 West St, 46385
462-0588
Anna Sheets
Computer Networking/Products/
Services/Training
Art Advertising Specialties, Inc.
230 1/2 Main St, PO Box 31
Hobart, 46342
942-2814
Melissa Czekaj
Promotional/Specialty Products
Century 21 Executive Group
(Genovese)
2612 N Calumet Ave
508-6742
Kimberly Genovese
Real Estate Residential/Commercial
Construction Services of
Indiana
17500 S Paxton Ave
Lansing, IL 46375
808-3542
Stephen Gillespie
Construction
D Mofield Property Services
0152 S 400 W
LaPorte, 46350
362-7610
Amy Feikes
Heating & Air Conditioning
Desert Moon Fresh Mexican
Grille
2310 LaPorte Ave, Ste 500
531-9000
Jennifer Gillespie
Restaurants
The Flagstick
2355 Clifford Rd
531-7888
Larry Stuber
Recreation
Good Hospitality Services, Inc.
1351 Silhavy Rd, Ste 100
462-6265
Carrie Hanks
Property Management &
Construction
Griffin Valuation Group, LTD
1311 Peachtree Dr
465-1908
Barbara Wiggins
Accounting/Tax Services
Green Field Technologies
2264 Morthland Dr, Ste 101
309-0127
Dale Kroeger
Computer Networking/Products/
Services/Training
Making Dinner Fun
1809 N Calumet Ave
531-2949
Eric Hiller
Meal Preparation
Mr. Electric of Porter County
PO Box 1396
465-5205
Charles McCrammer
Electricians
Northwestern Mutual Financial
Network (Hurst)
954 Eastport Centre Dr, Ste C
548-8722
Charles Hurst
Financial Services
Northwestern Mutual Financial
Network (Reuter)
954 Eastport Centre Dr, Ste C
548-8722
Steven Reuter
Financial Services
Pines Ski & Family Recreation
Area
674 N Meridian, 46385
477-5993
Jennifer Pluskis
Recreation
Porter County Family
Counseling Center, Inc.
554 South Locust
464-3919
Dana Hofstetter
Counseling Services
RCA Physical Therapy
952 S State Rd 2, 46385
548-0597
Fatai Adisa, DPT
Physical Therapy
RE/MAX Affiliates (Osika)
2803 Boilermaker Ct, Ste 1A
548-9020
Melissa Osika
Real Estate/Commercial &
Residential
Saint Anthony Center for
Diagnostic Imaging
2411 LaPorte Ave
476-7226
Valerie Shields
Medical
Snow Pros, Inc.
900 Locust St
476-7669
Michael Anderson
Snow Removal
Stewart Title
175 Lincolnway, Ste H
531-4147
Joe Yonkman
Title Company
Tweenville Glamour Salon, LLC
1806 Burlington Beach Rd
464-7200
Gladys Osby
Salons
Special Event Planning/
Products/Services
Valparaiso Family Health
Center, PC
808 E Lincolnway
462-4446
Faleh Atassi MD
Physicians
Valparaiso Nazarene Church
2702 E Glendale Blvd
462-2751
Juli Radtke
Churches
Venue
74 W Lincolnway
512-5620
Michelle Carter
Banquet/Meeting Room Facilities
Special Event Planning/
Products/Services
Walsh & Kelly, Inc.
1700 E Main St, Griffith, 46319
924-5900
Jim Sellhorn
Construction
14 Valpo Magazine Fall 2006

www.connecttovalpo.com
15

Visit www.connecttovalpo.com for a calendar of events and a list of fall/winter recreation.
Answering Service Professionals, Inc., of
Valparaiso, was awarded with the exclusive
2006 Award of Excellence for the third consecutive
year. The award is presented annually
by the Association of TeleServices International
(ATSI), the industry’s trade association for
providers of telecommunications and call center
services including telephone answering and
message delivery. For more information visit
www.ringading.com or call (219) 462-4007.
The Chicago Theatre Guild’s Chicago
Street Theatre opens its 52nd season
(2006/07) with Neil Simon's Rumors,
October 6 - 22, 2006 directed by Stephany
Mullen and It's a Wonderful Life
Nov. 17 - Dec. 10, 2006 directed by Kelly Hite
and Jan Rees, dramatized by James W.
Rodgers. Visit www.ctgonline.org for more
information or call (219) 464-1636.
On Thanksgiving morning, Thursday,
November 23, Kids Alive® International
will host their Third Annual Turkey Trot
10K Run and “Fun Run”/Walk. The proceeds
of this race go to help Kids Alive rescue
10,000 children in 14 countries around the
globe. The race begins at 8:30 a.m. from
Valparaiso High School. Pre-registration fee is
$15 per entrant if registered by Nov. 20, 2006.
Same day registration fee and registration after
Nov. 20 is $20. For your convenience, online
registration is available, please visit www.kidsalive.org.
For more Turkey Trot information,
contact Phyllis@kidsalive.org or call (219)
464-9035.
The Memorial Opera House presents
Mame, November 4, 10, 11, 17, 18 at 8:00
p.m. and November 5, 12, 19 at 2:00 p.m.
The Winter Wonderettes take the stage
December 8, 9, 15, 16 at 8:00 p.m. and
December 10, 17 at 2:00 p.m. Individual tickets
are $16 for Adults, $13 for Students &
Seniors. Call (219) 548-9137 or visit
www.memorialoperahouse.com.
If you are doing business in Porter County, this
is where you need to be! Chamber Network
Night, hosted by the Porter County
Chamber Coalition will be held at the Porter
County Expo Center on Thursday, October
26th from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. One of the largest
and most entertaining business trade shows in
all of Porter County, this annual event features
120 exhibitors and the opportunity to meet
more than 700 potential customers and business
decision makers. Open to the public.
Admission is free. For more information visit
www.valparaisochamber.org or call (219)
462-1105.
Porter-Starke Services, Inc. is offering the
following Lunch & Learn monthly educational
seminars: October 17th, 11:30-1:00
p.m., Carol Todd of The Mental Health
Association in Porter County presents Helping
Families Cope with Schizophrenia at Porter-
Starke's Children's Services Building, 701 Wall
Street, Valparaiso, IN. November 21st, 11:30-
1:00 p.m. Holidays and Stress...at Holiday Inn
16 Valpo Magazine Fall 2006

Express, Portage, IN. December 19th, 11:30-
1:00 p.m., New Treatments for Kids presented
by Dr. Linda Munson...Knox Community
Center, Knox, IN. January 16th, 11:30-1:00
p.m., Coping with Chronic Illness by Susan
Fingerhoot at Porter-Starke's Children's
Services Building, 701 Wall Street, Valparaiso,
IN. The Lunch & Learn’s are monthly educational
seminars open to the general public as
well as clinicians and educators. Lectures feature
informative and practical topics. There is
no charge for the presentation. The Mental
Health Association in Porter County proudly
sponsors the series and offers 1.5 Continuing
Education Credits for $5.00. A boxed lunch
can be purchased from our Wall Street Café for
$5.50 or you may bring your own. For more
information or to RSVP, simply call (219) 476-
4505 or email: thowe@porterstarke.org.
Alice’s Halfway House, Boys & Girls
Clubs of Porter County, Family
Counseling of Porter County and VNA
Hospice were recently presented $15,000 collectively
as part of St. Theresa of Avila
Church's three-year long Good Samaritan
Campaign. The Good Samaritan Campaign
was launched in 2004 and registered members
of the church were invited to make a financial
pledge to aid the Raise a Roof campaign for the
new Spring Valley Homeless Shelter. The
response from a small congregation of only 250
registered families was so overwhelming that
the Social Justice Commission at the church
decided to begin a grant process to help other
non-profit organizations in Porter County.
Over $109,000 has been pledged over three
years (2004-06). A total amount of $60,000
will be awarded to Spring Valley Homeless
Shelter, $20,000 each year for three years
(2004-06). For more information about this
program, contact Danielle & Bill Oeding, cochairpersons,
219-464-9829, or Father Kevin
McCarthy of St. Teresa of Avila Church, 464-
4042.
Valparaiso Community Festivals &
Events will hold its annual Trick or Treat
Fun Nite on Friday, October 27, 2006 from
4:00 – 6:00 p.m. in downtown Valparaiso. A
ghostly fun Halloween celebration includes
trick-or-treating at downtown businesses,
cider, and hayrides around the downtown
square. Admission is FREE. For more information
visit www.popcornfest.org or call
(219) 464-8332.
Holly Days & Live Nativity, a kick-off to
the Christmas Holiday Season hosted by the
Valparaiso Community Festivals &
Events, will be held downtown at the
Valparaiso Courthouse Square on Friday,
December 1, 2006 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. A
family-fun event, Holly Days & Live Nativity
is filled with the spirit of the season. Come and
hear the girl scouts caroling, witness a Live
Nativity scene, enjoy a cup of hot cocoa, take a
carriage ride around the downtown square, and
shop at your favorite downtown stores. And,
don't miss Santa Claus riding into town on a
fire truck! Admission is FREE. For more information
visit www.popcornfest.org or call
(219) 464-8332.
The Valparaiso Department of Parks &
Recreation is currently accepting reservations
for the 2006 hayride season at Rogers-
Lakewood Park. The group hayride is great
fun for youth groups, family gatherings, clubs,
birthday parties and more. Hayrides will be
held on Friday and Saturday evenings, and
NEW FOR 2006 on Sunday afternoons,
September 15 through November 12.
Available hayride times will be 5:00, 6:30, and
8:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings and
2:00, 3:30, and 5:00 p.m. on Sundays. The
reservation includes a 45-minute hayride and
45-minute campfire. Hayrides take place at
the Derby Downs area in Rogers-Lakewood
Park. Groups are welcome to bring food and
beverages. The standard fee per hayride is $65;
resident discount fee is $55. For more information
visit www.valparaisoparks.org or call
(219) 462-5144.
The Valparaiso University Chamber
Concert Band, which released its fourth
album earlier this summer, will again feature
the works of John Phillip Sousa during its
2006-2007 season. The Chamber Concert
Band opens its season Nov. 4, partnering with
the VU Chorale for its fall concert. The concert
will be the Chamber Concert Band's first
since the June release of "Spirit of the March
King," featuring live recordings from the
ensemble's authentic Sousa concerts. The
University's 9th annual Sousa Tribute Concert
takes place Feb. 17, 2007 with a program that
includes a variety of ballads, marches and patriotic
songs by Sousa. Joining the Chamber
Concert Band for the concert will be musicians
from community and high school bands. The
ensemble's final concert of the year will take
place April 27, 2007. The Chamber Concert
Band also will be one of the featured groups at
the annual Valparaiso Christmas Concert,
which will be performed Dec. 1 and 2. All of
the Chamber Concert Band's performances
take place in the Chapel of the Resurrection on
campus. Tickets for each concert are $15 for
adults and $10 for senior citizens and students.
For more concert and ticket information, call
the VU Box Office at (219) 464-5162.
www.connecttovalpo.com
17

Establishing a legal structure for your business
is a decision that is based on many factors.
The choice you make will govern virtually
all the aspects of your business. How you
interact with investors, banks and other sources
of capital; whether you acquire operating assets
through purchase or lease; how the company
will be managed day-to-day and in the future;
how to allocate profits and losses among owners,
lenders, employees and investors; and how
these decisions dovetail into State and Federal
regulatory legal requirements and limitations –
are all critical questions that are addressed by
the legal formation of your company entity.
Operating as a sole proprietorship or as a
single partnership does not require formal
organization in writing. A person operating as a
sole proprietorship need not be concerned with
State or Federal regulations. All business matters
of operation and management inures to the individual.
Both State and Federal governments
look to the individual and holding the individual
responsible for compliance. The individual
reports business financial affairs, i.e. profits and
losses, on their individual tax returns without
accountability beyond himself. Accounting can
be handled by bank deposits and issuing checks,
risks of business affairs by insurance and individual
asset protection devices. This is the simplest
form and least expensive to maintain. However,
such election determines whether or not the
business practices and financial records are subject
to confidential and privacy protection or is
disclosure permitted to third parties. Costs of
administration of the business enterprise are low.
The owner of a created legal entity, such as
a limited partnership, a limited liability company
or corporation, begins to lose his individual
discretionary authority and becomes more
accountable to those who do not have as much
money, commitment to the business plan or to
the ultimate success of the business venture as
the individual owner. By being removed from
the business activities, such third persons as well
as government interests require more formality
for the owner. It is the need to rely on others to
furnish money or provide assistance that the
organization needs to be more formalized but
more restrictive to the owner. It is the creation
of legal entities which require lengthy written
contracts, such as an Operating Agreement,
Articles of Organization or Incorporation, and
corporate by-laws, formalized accounting and
audit procedures and disclosures. Lesser committed
persons now require that their rights and
obligations be in writing, opportunity for review
of operations by accountants and lawyers with
the management structure more confining, with
less discretion in the owner, and with more hindsight
and criticism of business operations and
decisions. Costs and administration increase to
meet the needs of these outsiders.
(cont. on page 20)
18 Valpo Magazine Fall 2006

(cont. from page 11)
VALPO YOUNG PROFESSIONALS (VYP)
Social and/or cultural enrichment activities are also offered as part of
Valpo Young Professionals which is in its third year and brings
together future business leaders with events that are fun, educational
and allow attendees to establish business relationships that could last a
lifetime. Every first Thursday of the month, from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.,
the VYP host AFTER 5 at a local restaurant. AFTER 5, a casual networking
event, is free to Chamber members and no reservations are
required. Earlier this year, the VYP held the 2nd annual Wine
Experience at “Blue”, An American Restaurant. In June, City
Planning Director Craig Phillips presented The Puzzle of Planning
Valparaiso as part of the VYP’s Cultivation Café, an annual educational
seminar and luncheon. July’s event, Grand Slam Summer Outing,
a picnic and Railcats’ baseball game at the U.S. Steel Yard, was a huge
hit. The final 2006 VYP event, the 2nd annual Center Stage, a theatre
and dining event, will be held at the Chicago Street Theatre on
Wednesday, November 29th from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. Participants will
Valparaiso North
3500 Calumet Ave.
Valparaiso, IN 46383
(219)462-0105
▲
LEADERSHIP ACADEMY PARTICIPANTS (cont. from page 11)
Cliff Malings, Stephenie Moser, Michelle Jones, Diana McMillon,
Chad Rodriguez, Lynette Jones, Scott Akins and Clay Patton
sit in on a dress rehearsal of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” take a tour of the
theatre and enjoy hors d'oeuvres and drinks.
VALPO CHAMBER LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
In addition to the Valpo Young Professionals’ events, the Leadership
Development/Community Engagement committee, through a collaborative
effort with the Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce staff
and Board of Directors, established the first Valpo Chamber
Leadership Academy. The mission of the Leadership Academy is to
provide a growing leadership pool of willing and able leaders and volunteers
for current and future civic, charitable and governmental
organizations in Valparaiso. The academy complements other leadership
organizations with a focused training on the skills and knowledge
necessary to be an effective leader in the community, including serving
on boards, public speaking, dealing with media, managing time, problem
solving, team building and understanding corporate structure.
During the six four and half hour sessions, August through November,
participants will be infused in the community, exploring the
public/city government sector, private business sectors and non-profit
organizations that currently benefit from local leaders. Local leaders
will also mentor the group, sharing their personal experiences at each
session. Upon completing the six sessions, students will take the
insights, skills and contacts gained in the Leadership Academy and
apply them to community activities and organizations.
Fifteen students are participating in the inaugural Leadership
Academy, including: Scott Akins (Task Force Tips), Kacie Harrington
(First National Bank), Matt Harvey (Claudon & Anderson Insurance,
LLC), Charles Hurst (Northwestern Mutual Financial Group),
(cont. on page 23)
Valparaiso South
750 S. Washington
Valparaiso, IN 46383
(219)531-6497
www.harrisbank.com
Member FDIC
www.connecttovalpo.com
19

ASK AN EXPERT (cont. from page 18)
Limited liability companies, limited partnerships and corporations
are creatures of State legislation but impact of the State and Federal
statutes and regulations upon formation of these entities and special
benefits for these created entities is the tension of choices. Furthermore,
these State created entities are only viable and existing if governmental
requirements are met in its formation and during its existence. Ignoring
or failing to meet requirements will preclude the entity from recognition
as an entity and may evolve into a sole proprietorship with its limitations.
Maintaining a legally created entity is more expensive and time
consuming.
The State has evolved a business philosophy to promote inventiveness
of ideas and entrepreneurial ventures. Through legislation the State
permits creation of statutory business entities, which insulates an individual’s
personal wealth and future financial well-being from seizure for
business debts. The State’s statutory schemes for entity formation create
methods to form limited liability companies, limited partnerships
and corporations to create this shield. By law these entities limit personal
assets put at risk for these entrepreneurial ventures. The trade-off for
this shield of protection is an increase in regulatory State requirements
for the entity. These State requirements require formalized legal documents
filed with the Secretary of State, as well as periodic filing of
reports of business activity. The Federal government is limited in its
involvement with entity formation, but influences business formation
decisions through its taxing and regulatory authority. Tax returns are
required for the entity and the individual owner. Financing institution
and trade creditors require more formalized and detailed statements of
business operations.
Having chosen an entity for limitation of risk and for individual
asset protection, the next major concern is how does the successful
owner access profits but avoid, minimize or defer the taxman’s share.
Choosing a corporation form puts at risk business profits and causes
burdensome “double taxation” and complicates decisions necessary to
maximize the retention of business profits. Centuries old business entity
concepts have limited the flexibility of financing arrangements and
the needs of owners, partners and investors. In today’s expanded international
market the economic model for operating and financing small
business enterprises are not limited to local economies. One must keep
in mind the innovative financing arrangements for real estate development
funded through individual banks and insurance companies which
are not U.S. citizens, let alone residents. To meet these issues, the limited
liability company was created by State legislation and recognized by
State and Federal taxing agencies. The limited liability company statutory
scheme takes that which is necessary and desirable from decades of
business experiences from the State limited partnership, corporate statutory
requirements and Federal taxation law. This entity is not a vehicle
which meets all business issues anticipated at the time of its formation,
(cont. on page 24)
20 Valpo Magazine Fall 2006

The right place to be.
For more info:
219-921-1444
www.lbji.com
Orthopedics. Podiatry. Rheumatology.
For over 50 years, Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute has been
dedicated to helping our patients overcome their pain. From necks
to feet and everything in between, our physicians and specialists use
the most innovative surgical and non-surgical treatments available.
Our Specialties Include:
• Orthopedic Care • Pediatric Orthopedics • Sports Medicine
• Spine Surgery • Upper Extremity Care • Rheumatology
(arthritis) • Podiatry (foot & ankle) • Trauma Care
Orthopedic Surgery
: : James A. Malayter, MD
: : Michael C. Leland, MD
: : Bruce J. Thoma, MD
: : Paul J. Gruszka, MD
: : Thomas H. Kay, MD
: : Ron Clark, MD
: : David J. Musgrave, MD
: : Anthony C. Levenda, MD
Spine Surgery
: : Anton A. Thompkins, MD
Upper Extremity
: : George Alavanja, MD
Podiatry
: : Marc S. Bruell, DPM
: : Rachel L. Stern, DPM
Rheumatology
: : Karen Kovalow-St. John, MD
CHESTERTON • HOBART • MICHIGAN CITY • PORTAGE • VALPARAISO
22 Valpo Magazine Fall 2006

(cont. from page 19)
Lynette Jones (The Caring Place), Michelle Jones (McDonald/Cagen,
Inc), Cliff Malings (Compass Financial Advisors), Diana McMillon
(Compass Financial Advisors), Michael Micka (Harris N.A.),
Stephenie Moser (Emerson Power Transmission), Clay Patton
(Gordon Etzler & Assoc.), Kevin Pressel (Chester, Inc.), Barry Pruett
(Burke, Costanza & Cuppy LLP), Chad Rodriguez (Computer
Services Inc.) and Martin Sonnenberg (Task Force Tips).
“The leadership academy is not just about training. The students
who complete the academy in 2006 will be linked with organizations
in the community and placed in a position of leadership for the year
2007. Whether they decide to serve on a board or a commission, they
will have the skills necessary to be successful and prosper,” says John
Seibert, co-chair of the Leadership Development/Community
Engagement committee.
Henrik Isben, an influential Norwegian playwright, once said, “A
community is like a ship; everyone ought to be
prepared to take the helm,” and with the spirit and commitment
put forth by the Valpo Chamber’s Leadership
Development/Community Engagement committee, Valparaiso will
continue sailing with great fortitude.
For more information on the Valpo
Chamber’s Leadership
Development/ Community
Engagement committee or the
Valpo Young Professionals,
please visit
www.valparaisochamber.org
or contact the Valpo Chamber
(219) 462-1105.
Valpopourri
Did you know?
Thomas Edison visited Valparaiso in
1881 to demonstrate his newest invention,
the incandescent lamp (seven
years before the first light bulb.)
Prostate Cancer
YOUR PROSTATE MOVES EVERY DAY.
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DAILY PROSTATE POSITIONING FOCUSES RADIATION THERAPY
PRECISELY WHERE IT IS NEEDED EACH DAY. BEFORE EACH
TREATMENT, RADIATION ONCOLOGISTS USE ULTRASOUND
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WHICH CAN MOVE UP TO ONE CENTIMETER IN ANY
DIRECTION FROM DAY TO DAY. THEN, EACH INDIVIDUAL
TREATMENT IS TARGETED SPECIFICALLY SO THAT ONLY THE
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THIS EXCITING TECHNOLOGY IS AN IMPORTANT
ADVANCEMENT IN PROSTATE CANCER TREATMENT – AND
THE NORTHERN INDIANA ONCOLOGY CENTER IN VALPARAISO
IS PROUD TO BE THE FIRST AND ONLY CENTER IN OUR
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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 462.8246.
THE NORTHERN INDIANA ONCOLOGY CENTER
54 ROOSEVELT ROAD
VALPARAISO, INDIANA 46383
219.462.8246
A joint venture between and
Northwest Indiana Radiation Oncology Group

ASK AN EXPERT (cont. from page 20)
but is and has become the entity of choice for most small businesses.
A limited liability company is an entity whose laws and regulations
permit necessary flexibility to meet present day business issues. Through
contract provisions incorporated into the Operating Agreement, it is possible
to define selectively who will operate and manage the company, perhaps
separate from investors and employees; how the company will comply
with accounting rules and regulations; how investor contribution
funds are treated and return on investments rendered; who is paid, how
much, and in what manner; how losses and other tax deductions and
attributes are recognized; how privacy concerns and trade secrets are recognized
and protected. A limited liability company has the flexibility to
favor one investor over another, if having substantial economic substance.
The Operating Agreement can also determine the legal status of the
owner as a member or as an employee. This classification can effect
whether a person is entitled to health and life insurance benefits or even
if social security and other employment taxes are paid. Of course, the
major positive effect is that personal assets are
protected without the inflexibility of State or
tax regulations of Sub “S” Corporation or the
double taxation of a “C” Corporation.
The choosing of entities is a function of
the analysis of State and Federal regulatory and
taxation law, which imposes limitations and
exceptions to general rules. Choosing a proper
entity is as important to a business’s success as
making sound management and marketing
decisions. Success doesn’t hang in the balance
but the wrong decision can be costly, and, as in
all matters, it pays to do it right.
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About the author:
Gordon A. Etzler is
licensed to practice
law in the state of
Indiana in both
State and Federal
Courts and maintains
his office at
251 Indiana Avenue,
Valparaiso, Indiana.
If you live, work,
worship, or go
to school in
Porter County,
you are eligible
to join!
We’re looking
forward to greeting
new customers and
better serving our
current members at
our new location.
Your health…
your life…
Duneland Health and
Wellness Institute is a
medical campus featuring:
• Aesthetics
• Behavioral medicine
• Medically based
Fitness Center
featuring aquatics,
personal trainers
and group instruction
• Neuromuscular therapy
• Physical and
occupational therapy
• Physician offices
• Women’s Comprehensive
Health Center
• X-ray/lab services
Together We Will Share!
302 Silhavy Road •
Valparaiso, IN
219-465-5047 •
www.selectcommunityfcu.org
810 Michael Drive, Chesterton, IN 46304
(219) 983-9832
24

Welcoming a new baby into the world is one of
life’s most joyous occasions. The Birth Day Place at
Saint Anthony Memorial brings together the comfort
and privacy of a hotel suite with the expert care
of an acute-care hospital.
Each mom has her own private suite and bathroom –
a peaceful, warm and quiet place in which to welcome
her newborn and visit with family and friends.
The Birth Day Place features the most advanced
medical technology available, with care provided
by board-certified physicians and specially trained
obstetric nurses. And our advanced OBIX technology
allows remote surveillance of both mother and baby.
For more information about The Birth Day
Place at Saint Anthony Memorial, please
call 219-877-1610.
301 West Homer Street • Michigan City, IN 46360

The Porter County Municipal Airport has
been a key ingredient to supporting and
encouraging jobs in not just Valparaiso,
but Porter County as a whole. The 7,000 foot
runway was a significant factor in helping
Bethlehem Steel in its early days with the airport
being an important tool in shuttling executives to
and from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on their corporate
aircraft. Many of the decisions leading up to
the announcement of Pratt Industries coming to
Valparaiso were actually made at meetings held at
the Porter County Municipal Airport. These
important meetings were held at our municipal
airport because Pratt flew their decision makers
into Valparaiso when they were scouting the area.
Today, local firms base their corporate planes here
to accommodate their management teams’ need to
be out and back in one day visits to both customers
and their far flung operations that are
located elsewhere. The Chamber feels it is important
to showcase the Porter County Municipal
Airport as an important core asset for our job
retention and job creation efforts.
Another key component in attracting people
to Valparaiso is the quality of education offered
here. During late August of this year, many of our
educational institutions were recognized for their
outstanding performance. Washington Township
and Porter Township School Corporations were
both designated as exemplary school districts by
the Indiana Dept. of Education. Valparaiso
schools were also recognized with the important
award of commendable. The awards put our K –
12 districts at the highest levels of achievement in
the state. We are most fortunate to have highly
achieving leaders and teachers working with our
youth. Valparaiso University was also given
national recognition in August when the US News
and World Report ranked the University number
2 and number 3 in the entire Midwest for 4 year
degree and master’s conferring institutions. Few, if
any, communities in the state have been so fortunate
to achieve such honors for outstanding performance
at all levels of their educational institutions.
Valparaiso could easily call itself the premier
education community in the state of Indiana.
Good schools play a major role in attracting people
to the community. Award winning schools,
like ours, help distinguish our community as an
excellent quality of life community.
Valparaiso - good job!
26
Valpo Magazine Fall 2006