2022SummerMagazine_Web

celebrating
years
VOL. 22 ISSUE 3 | SUMMER 2022
ANDY CAMPBELL
Director of Portfolio Planning
and Origination, NIPSCO
RE newables
volution

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celebrating
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COVER
PAGE 4
RE newables
volution
CONTENTS | SUMMER 2022
SECTIONS...
MEMBER INVESTOR
ANNIVERSARIES
PAGE 19
CHAMBER FOCUS
>> Community Improvement Awards 2022
PAGE 22
BUSINESS SNAPSHOTS
PAGE 26
NEW MEMBER INVESTORS
>> New Board-Approved Members
PAGE 30
FEATURES
A Holistic Approach to
Sustainable Building
PAGE 10
Industry and Environment
in Harmony
PAGE 14
AROUND TOWN
>> Local Business News
PAGE 34
VALPO VIEWFINDER
>> ““Recycling Spaces”
PAGE 38
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
PAGE 41
TALKING TRASH
>> “Plastic Bags Prove Problematic in Porter County”
PAGE 42
Valparaiso Magazine circulates 18,000 copies per issue by direct mail to all businesses, and, on a rotating basis, to most households in the 46383, 46384, and 46385 zip codes.
A PUBLICATION OF THE GREATER VALPARAISO
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
162 W Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone (219) 462-1105, Fax (219) 462-5710
info@valpochamber.org
www.valpochamber.org
GREATER VALPARAISO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Rex G. Richards, CCE, President
Julie Gaskell, Executive Vice President
Danielle Oeding, Vice President, Sales & Marketing
Kurt Gillins, Vice President, Programs & Communications
Christine Pazdur, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Sue Stymiest, Resource Director
VALPARAISO MAGAZINE
PUBLISHER Rex G. Richards, CCE
EDITOR Kurt Gillins
SALES Danielle Oeding
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ValpoChamber.org

THE RENEWABLES REVOLUTION
RE newables
volution
Indiana’s turn toward alternative energy benefits the
environment while driving investments into local economies.
By Katie Bieber
rom the dawn of the industrial revolution, fossil
fuels – coal, petroleum and natural gas have been major sources
of energy in the United States. Until the mid-1800s, the source
of our nation's energy was wood. But for an industrializing world,
the transition to coal resulted in enormous benefits. Expanded rail networks
transformed trade, offering greater mobility of new goods. The rise of
factory work changed lives as many left rural farms behind and moved to
cities. Steam engines spread into numerous industries resulting in a growing
economy. This cheap and accessible resource inspired inventors to find new
ways to use heat to produce power. Society was forever changed.
Andy Campbell
Director of Portfolio
Planning and
Origination, NIPSCO
However, this innovation, and dependency on fossil fuels, comes at a great
cost. When burned, fossil fuels emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This
specific greenhouse gas is the biggest contributor to global climate change.
The United States is also largely dependent on foreign energy sources to satisfy
its demand for fossil fuels. When a global supply disruption occurs due to
conflict, like Russia's invasion of Ukraine, global prices increase. This summer,
Americans hold their breath while filling up their tanks for $5+ a gallon.
The investment and development of renewable energy sources has been
proposed as the next revolution in energy production. According to a study
done by the Pew Research Center in January 2022, 69% of Americans believe
the United States should prioritize the development of renewable energy
sources, such as wind and solar. In 2020, renewable energy production and
consumption reached record highs. But what does a renewable energy
project look like from start to finish, and what impact does it make? The
innovative Jordan Creek Wind Energy Center in Benton and Warren counties,
Indiana is a prime example of how renewable energy is changing the lives of
Hoosiers at both the local and state level. It required research and vision from
a utility company, a clean energy expert to invest in and develop the project,
and a leader on the ground to inspire their community to get on board.
4 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2022

Improving Energy for Tomorrow's Generation
The Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) is a regulated public utility,
generating, transmitting, and distributing electricity for sale in Indiana and the
Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) regional electricity market.
It serves 480,000 electric customers covering northern Indiana. In addition, NIPSCO
and its parent company, NiSource, provide gas service to 3.2 million customers across
six states.
In 2018, NIPSCO embarked on a decade long transition toward more renewable
energy sources. It all began with a trailblazing Request for Proposals (RFP) in
2018. Hundreds of scenarios were part of a comprehensive review of future
energy options. According to Andy Campbell, Director of Portfolio Planning
and Origination at NIPSCO, the number one priority was to figure out how
NIPSCO could "safely and reliably serve customers at the lowest possible
cost.” To date, NIPSCO has brought three Indiana wind farms online with
two prominent renewable developers – NextEra and EDP Renewables –
and announced plans for additional wind and
solar projects.
"We weren't biased toward any resources, and we were quite
surprised how it turned out in renewables’ favor," said
NIPSCO Communications Manager Tara McElmurry.
NIPSCO is addressing future energy needs through an
Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) branded "Your Energy, Your
Future." The plan includes retiring all remaining coal plants
by 2028, reducing carbon emissions by more than 90% by
2030, compared to a 2005 baseline, after retiring its coal-fired
generating stations. But what about reliability?
"What is often lost is we are part of a broader integrated
market [MISO]. All assets are pooled – coal, renewables, gas
generation, nuclear generation, and MISO customers. We can
buy and sell from that market, and we gain reliability by being
part of that integrated market," said Campbell.
MISO is an independent, not-for-profit organization that operates
the power grid across fifteen U.S. states and the Canadian
province of Manitoba. Approximately 42 million people depend
on MISO to generate electricity every day. Being a part of MISO
is not a new concept, as NIPSCO has been a member since 2005.
Customers will continue to reliably receive electric energy from a
mix of resource
fuels bought from the MISO power grid, from which there is ample
power available.
Investments in Renewables
Provide a Significant
Economic Boost
One of the first “Your Energy, Your Future.” projects
was the completion of the Jordan Creek Wind
Energy Center in 2020. Located in Benton and Warren
counties, this 400-megawatt wind farm powers roughly
120,000 homes and was selected through their Request
for Proposal (RFP) solicitation. It was built by a subsidiary
of NextEra Energy Resources, who is also the owner and
operator.
NextEra has invested approximately $186 million in Indiana and
is the world’s largest generator of renewable energy from the wind
and sun. The energy from the Jordan Creek Wind Energy project
will serve NIPSCO customers under a 20-year power purchase
agreement. But what about the local community? How do they benefit
from a utility-scale renewable energy project?
Steve Eberly, Executive Director of Hoosiers for Renewables offers a
unique perspective. Eberly lives in the house his great-grandfather built.
It sits on a 200-acre cattle farm that has been in the family for more than
100 years. After graduating from Purdue, he spent the next 35 years at the
university as its Director of Food Stores. In this role he negotiated contracts
for approximately $15 million worth of food and beverages each year, was
responsible for quality control, and worked closely with chefs to develop
quality meals for students and others at the university. The dining halls
were ranked as some of the best institutional places to eat in the country.
Under his tenure, Purdue moved to purchasing Indiana-based products,
like Red Gold tomatoes.
During this time, he also started his political career in Warren County,
eventually rising to County Commissioner. During the last ten years
of his political career, he also became the Economic Development
Director for Warren County. In this position he was tasked with
promoting economic growth and development as an advocate for
Warren County.
Eberly reflected on this time in his career. “It was in this role that it
became very visible, the pervasive absence of needed necessities
in our smaller communities. How were people going to keep the
lights on in our smaller towns in Indiana?”
As Warren County Commissioner, Eberly was a key figure
in negotiating the $400 million Jordan Creek Wind Energy
agreement. Over the next 30 years, approximately $50 million in
additional tax revenue will be provided, money that can be used
to fix roads or enhance schools. Perhaps the biggest development
since the completion of the Jordan Creek project was Warren
County’s $5 million investment in broadband internet, something
most can’t live without, but is completely new to Warren County. >>
ValpoChamber.org 5

THE RENEWABLES REVOLUTION
>> However, it's important to note how these types of projects
impact actual landowners. The Jordan Creek project will provide
approximately $75 million in payments to landowners. “A lot of these
wind and solar projects are lease agreements, which equates to income
diversity for farmers. They’re getting an income stream from that land
lease whether they can farm it or not,” said Campbell of NIPSCO.
Companies like NextEra have thought about how these projects will
impact farmers long past their commissioning date, as the useful life
of these projects is typically 25-30 years. “A full decommissioning
bond is put in place with the county or township to fully decommission,
and it is put in place before the first shovel is in the ground. The
estimate is generated by a third-party engineer. Even if NextEra
were to go bankrupt, that money has already been set aside to give
county residents peace of mind that there is a financial structure to
decommission the site, should something happen,” said Zach Melda,
Project Director at NextEra.
Once a decommission has occurred, topsoil is brought in. “The land
has been given 25 years of rest. It will recoup nutrients that were lost in
farming days, giving farmers a brand-new surface that is ready to take
on agriculture again,” Melda continued.
Affordable and Renewable Energy
Benefits all Hoosiers
There are not currently any utility-scale renewable energy projects
in Porter County, but a proposal has been made. The Malden Solar
project would have a capacity of up to 200 megawatts of solar
energy. If approved, it is estimated that over the first 35 years of the
project, NextEra would make a significant capital investment of $250
million. It would also generate approximately $52 million in additional
tax revenue.
Steve Eberly
Executive Director,
Hoosiers for Renewables
Melda speaks highly of the innovations that would be part of this
project. “The Malden project would use bifacial panels. These
photovoltaic (PV) solar arrays capture sunlight and the light that is
reflected on the ground. Snowy day? The reflection of the snow can
photo provided
Zach Melda
Project Director,
NextEra Energy
Resources
photo provided
6 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2022

e captured on that panel. Panels also track the sun as it
moves across the sky. Couple that with a battery, and it
becomes a really sustainable piece.”
Siting authority for solar and wind systems in Indiana
resides at the local level. A crucial part of the process for
any utility-scale renewable energy project, it must first meet
the standards of the county. This is where the Malden Solar
project currently resides. Eberly understands how important
it is for members of a community to feel informed about
such large-scale projects. As an advocate for renewables,
he has driven all over the state speaking about the benefits.
Hoosiers for Renewables operates as an information
resource. “As folks have questions about projects, it is our job
to point people in the direction of factual information,”
said Eberly.
When asked what Hoosiers can do to support the renewable
energy project proposed around them, he emphasized the
importance of attending public meetings and engaging in
the civil process.
Melda of NextEra is excited about the future of renewables
in Indiana. “Renewables are here, and Indiana is uniquely
positioned to benefit from the renewable industry. Indiana
has really great people living there, and you also have
counties that are supportive of the projects and realize the
benefits they can bring. You also have the perfect setting
from a topography perspective. It's very flat. And even
though it isn't always sunny, we've found ways to capture
more and more energy from the sunlight via the tracking
system or the bifacial panels."
As Indiana begins to consider more renewable energy
prospects, utility companies like NIPSCO with their electric
generation transition plan “Your Energy, Your Future.”
are looking to the future to find ways to best serve their
customers.
“Customers are at the forefront of all the decisions we're
making. Rest assured the projects that we are choosing are
in the best interest of our customers. We're now working
to move our generation into the future. We're excited to
continue to bring these projects online and to continue to
serve our customers in the best way we can," said McElmurry
of NIPSCO.
The Dawn of Renewable Energy
Similar to the advancements that coal made to an
industrializing country, renewable energy is offering a new
path forward. As more data shows the impact these projects
make environmentally, economically, and socially, it will be
hard not to recognize their value.
“These are transformational times we're in. It's affordable
energy, it's clean energy, and it absolutely benefits the local
community. It's undeniable,” added Eberly.
ValpoChamber.org 7

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A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO SUSTAINABLE BUILDING
a holistic Approach to
SUSTAINABLE BUILDING
Two Valparaiso firms demonstrate that sustainable building is about so much
more than solar panels and energy efficient windows.
by Haleigh Vander Vinne
hat comes to mind when you picture an eco-friendly home
or office? Solar panels on the lawn? Highly efficient machines
that conserve energy and water? Or maybe a rain
barrel attached to a downspout? Architect Jeff Lewis,
South Shore Corridor Office Director for Shive-Hattery, and Master
Green Professional custom home builder Cory Kreith, Owner
and Founder of Younique Design + Build, show how sustainable
design goes beyond simply saving money and reducing energy
consumption.
Lewis and Kreith have both achieved the highest level in green
building design, following the Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design (LEED) certification’s framework. In 2011, Lewis
and his team designed the LEED-Platinum Fites Innovation Center
at Valparaiso University. Recently, Kreith completed the first
LEED-Platinum home in Valparaiso. To achieve this level of green
building design, Lewis and Kreith used a holistic approach to reduce
the contribution to global climate change, protect and enhance
the natural environment, promote sustainable and regenerative
material cycles, and improve community quality of life.
Buying Local
Purchasing local- and USA-made cabinets, furniture, and building
materials can help not only reduce emissions, but also improve
indoor air quality. It’s no surprise that having an item shipped
overseas to arrive at your doorstep uses a great deal of oil. “There
is an incentive to buy locally to minimize the travel and shipping
energy use,” explained Lewis.
However, it was a little more surprising to learn that furnishings
are made differently overseas versus in the U.S. because of environmental
laws and regulations on volatile organic compounds
(VOCs), compounds that have a high vapor pressure, low water
solubility and may have adverse health effects. “Items constructed
overseas may have a much higher VOC level that you’re
breathing into your lungs, creating the possibility of poor indoor
air quality,” said Kreith. In fact, a study done by the Environmental
Protection Agency found about a dozen common organic
pollutants were two to five times more concentrated indoors
than outdoors.
Reusing Materials
An eight-foot wide, ten-foot-tall dumpster arrives at a construction
site. In a typical construction scenario, everything that is in
the 30-yard dumpster goes straight to the landfill. Lewis and
Kreith, on the other hand, recycle as much as they can. “We
maintain a 92 to 94 percent recycled rate on our monthly
recycle job reports,” said Kreith. Plus, both companies use
recycled or recyclable building material through the
entire building, from subflooring to siding. “From
a building standpoint, you pick materials that
are highly recyclable like steel and carpet,”
said Lewis.
As you’d expect, instances arise when a
tree must be cut down at a construction
site. At the Valparaiso LEED-Platinum
home, Kreith turned the tree into mulch
to be used in landscaping around the
home. In another project, the felled tree
was turned into a mantle installed over
the home’s fireplace.
Reducing Carbon
Footprint
Saving energy and saving money is a
classic topic in the eco-friendly building
environment. It’s true – high efficiency
appliances, including multistage,
or modulated speed, furnaces
and air conditioners, do help reduce
carbon footprint, but solar gain can
make or break those benefits. You can
tell a home has high solar gain if you’re
feeling the sun’s heat inside.
“When a house has a little more solar
gain, we’ll put solar film on the house.
Basically, it’s a residential version of the
ceramic film that tints your car windows,”
explained Kreith. The best part? Cost. Solar
film is far more cost effective for those
looking to help with solar gain without
spending the extra dollars for solar glasses
or triple-pane glass. By decreasing the sogain
through windows, HVAC units don’t have
to work as hard, further lowering your
energy bill. “Most people are
sending $250 to $400
Jeff Lewis
Architect, Shive-Hattery, Inc.
lar
10 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2022

per month to NIPSCO. If clients follow a rigid
heating and cooling guideline, our green
buildings would be about half of that,” said
Kreith. The LEED-Platinum Valparaiso home
pays zero to NIPSCO every month for their
electric use and actually receives a kilowatt
(KW) credit since the solar panels produce
more energy than the home is actually using.
Site selection works in tandem with carbon
footprint reduction. “The optimum choice is to
pick a site where you’re closest to your people
to minimize the amount of travel they have to
do,” explained Lewis. Placing a building close
to a grocery store, walking or bike trails, public
transportation, restaurants, and coffee shops
encourages people to commute less which in
turn reduces emissions.
Clean, Clear Water
from Site to Stream
When rainwater rushes over parking
lots, streets, sidewalks, and
lawns, it picks up pesticides, oils,
sediment, debris, and other
pollutants, “ultimately ending up in our rivers
and lakes,” said Lewis. “Let’s say we’re building
a building in Valparaiso. We must be cognizant
of where the rainwater goes so it’s not
impacting the rest of the community in a negative
way,” explained Lewis. Native plantings,
best management practices, and low flow
sinks and toilets can aid water conservation
and improve water quality.
Health and Happiness
“The most current trend in sustainable design
is wellbeing of the occupants, which has
ramped up significantly in the past five years.
Clients are really concerned about the indoor
environmental quality of the space,” said
Lewis. To enhance indoor air quality, ERVs,
also known as fresh air exchangers, pull crisp
outside air into your HVAC unit while pushing
old air out. “You’re constantly getting
fresh air in your house without opening windows
or doors, and letting sickness, pollen,
mold, and other allergens escape,” said Kreith.
Indoor air quality is a significant contributor
to the health and happiness of its occupants,
but so are outdoor views, natural light, inside
plants, Zen rooms, social areas, dedicated fitness
space, and walking trails, which have also
become priorities for clients in recent years.
Sustainability for the Future
Whether desirable or not, everything we do
in Valparaiso leaves a lasting mark. By using
environmentally-friendly building materials,
thoughtfully selecting sites, and considering
the health and happiness of a building’s occupants,
Kreith and Lewis are working to ensure
that future generations inherit a healthy, thriving
environment.
“Architects and builders create and manipulate
the built environment. Green building
means that we do our work by leaving as little
impact on the natural environment as we can,”
said Lewis.
Photo provided by
Younique
Design + Build
ValpoChamber.org 11

12 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2022

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ValpoChamber.org 13

INDUSTRY AND ENVIRONMENT IN HARMONY
INDUSTRY &
ENVIRONMENT
in Harmony
How do farming and industry
mitigate the risk of damaging the
environment in Northwest Indiana?
by Haleigh Vander Vinne
ver 800,000 people, U.S.
Steel, Cleveland Cliffs
Burns Harbor, and Indiana
Dunes National State Park call
Northwest Indiana home. Here,
you’ll find a volcano-like tower
producing dense clouds along
Lake Michigan’s shoreline with
its pockets of dunes, forest,
wetlands, prairies, and moraines.
Environment and industry live
together in Northwest Indiana,
but do they exist in harmony?
Companies and organizations
dedicated to bridging the gap
between what’s good for the
economy and the environment,
like Environmental Incorporated
and Shirley Heinze Land Trust,
are working towards that goal.
Diagnose and Clean:
Leaving a Site Better
Than When They
Found It
Geologists Michael Palm
and Tom Stevenson started
Environmental Incorporated
in 1996 to provide better
environmental solutions to
land use problems. As an
environmental consulting and
service company with 70+
years combined experience,
their forte has been in the
management of brownfields. The
U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency defines brownfields as
land that may be corrupted by
the presence of a hazardous
substance, such as asbestos,
lead-based paint, and polluted
soil or groundwater. “It’s
interesting because the big
buzzword has been brownfields
for about 15 or 20 years now, but
we’ve been doing brownfields
since we’ve started. They just
weren’t called brownfields,”
said Stevenson.
Palm and Stevenson have
helped clients – ranging from
dry cleaners and gas stations to
U.S. Steel and municipal >>
Our focus is to leave a site
better than we found it... [while
also] doing good things for the
environment... and [being an]
industry advocate.”
— Michael Palm and Tom Stevenson
Geologists, Environmental Incorporated
14 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2022

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INDUSTRY AND ENVIRONMENT IN HARMONY
>> redevelopment entities –
assess, sample, and remediate
any potential environmental
issues. “We’ve done several
projects where sites were an old
dry cleaner in the ‘50s,” stated
Palm. “That’s a big one because
of the chemicals they use to clean
the clothing,” added Stevenson.
“Because it’s a solvent, it basically
will dissolve anything in its way.
It’ll decrease in concentration
as it moves farther away from
the source, but if the source is
still there, then it’s still pumping
into the ground,” said Palm. One
time, they found solvents in the
soil and groundwater about a
mile away from a dry cleaner in
Michigan City.
Environmental Incorporated
helps reduce industry’s impact
on the environment by helping
organizations make smart,
environmentally conscious
decisions at any stage of their
project. “Generally, our focus
is to leave a site better than we
found it so there are options
for the land to be reused,” said
Palm. For example, Stevenson
shared a story about a site they
assessed and cleaned up to
become “not only a wetlands
area, but also useful for flood
control and recreation.” Acting
as mediators between industry
and environment, Environmental
Incorporated, from Palm’s
perspective, is “doing good
things for the environment” and
is an “industry advocate, too”.
Sustainable Practices
for Farmers and
Landowners Through
Partnership
Shirley Heinze Land Trust
is a non-profit organization
dedicated to the preservation
and restoration of significant
natural areas throughout
Northwest Indiana. Currently,
2,700 acres are permanently
protected and managed
throughout Lake, Porter, Starke,
Marshall, and St. Joseph
counties. Over the past few
years, Shirley Heinze Land Trust
has begun having conversations
with farmers and landowners
about sustainable farming and
land management practices.
Alicia Pellegrino, Project
Manager at Shirley Heinze
Land Trust, said, “There is a lot
of opportunity to partner with
farmers and landowners about
how conservation and farming
can achieve mutual goals.”
Shirley Heinze Land Trust is
building partnerships with
farmers, landowners, and
partner organizations, such as
Porter County Soil and Water
Conservation District, Indiana
Department of Agriculture,
and Northwest Indiana Food
Council, to collaborate on land
management, legacy planning,
and conservation efforts.
“Farming and conservation
practices complement each other
in a variety of ways,” elaborated
Pellegrino. One way is soil health
and water management. Crop
production and soil health are
reliant on the nutrients that have
been applied or are already in
the soil staying put. Water can
cause sediment and nutrients to
run off, leaving the soil depleted
and affecting water quality.
“Farmers want those nutrients to
remain in the soil, and we don’t
want them in the water. So, it’s
mutually beneficial to think about
soil health,” said Pellegrino.
In addition, these efforts can
help water quality and quantity
management.
Environment and
Industry Can Work
Hand-in-Hand
Northwest Indiana is truly unique.
Diverse ecosystems thrive in
close proximity to a variety of
industrial and farming activities.
Pellegrino noted, “It’s just a really
interesting place to work from an
environmental perspective.” So,
can environment and industry
really exist in harmony? It’s
a work in progress, but with
Environmental Incorporated
and Shirley Heinze Land Trust as
available resources, there’s good
reason to be optimistic.
There is a lot of opportunity to partner
with landowners... to achieve mutual
goals... Farming and conservation
practices complement each other [to
ensure soil health and help water
management.]"
—Alicia Pellegrino
Project Manager at Shirley Heinze Land Trust
16 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2022

Take Control of Your Future
Whether you’re running a business or planning for
your golden years, it may be time for a second
opinion. We know 2022 has been a tough year but
we’re here to help you get on track. Give us a call and
ask for fiduciary Wes Barnes, CFP ® .
(219) 531-4941 or email Wes
at wbarnes@hightoweradvisors.com.
(219) 531-4941
hightowergreatlakes.com
Great Lakes
Securities offered through Hightower Securities, LLC member FINRA/SIPC.
Hightower Advisors, LLC is a SEC registered investment advisor.
Mike Anton Jim Anton Get big-city services from your
home-town provider.
Serving Porter County for 65 years. » Reliability » Flexibility
» High Speeds » Personalized
» Redundancy » Localized staff
Customized insurance coverage for all of your needs
and now part of one of the largest independent
agency families, with access to over 200 carriers.
2600 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso | 219.465.6530
155 S. Calumet Rd., Chesterton | 219.926.8681
antoninsurance.com
Learn more about NITCO Business
marketing@nitco.com
219-996-2981
.com
ValpoChamber.org 17

AN EXCEPTIONAL
VENUE FOR EXCEPTIONAL
EVENTS
Michigan City | Indianapolis | Fort Wayne | Lafayette
Our event planning team has over 30 years
of experience organizing business and private
gatherings of all types and sizes
Beautifully renovated to host events for 50-600 guests
portercountyexpo.com 219-464-0133
Solid Foundation.
Trusted Partner.
tonnandblank.com
If you need to get across the City, to Chicago, or need to get to the South Shore
Train Station, Valpo Transit has a bus to get you there! Valpo Transit offers
features like bus tracking and mobile ticketing to make your trip affordable,
reliable, and efficient. Visit Valpotransit.com for routes and schedules.
For the commuter who wants flexibility in their schedule, the South Shore Connect is
for you! The South Shore Connect has six bus departures to Dune Park Train Station
every day, allowing you to travel to Chicago or South Bend with ease.
Free Parking is located in Valparaiso at 260 Brown St.
Make your commute stress free! Sit back, Relax and enjoy the ride.
The ChicaGO Dash has five bus departures every Monday through Friday to and from
Chicago. With airplane -style seating, the Dash buses are equipped with free Wi-Fi,
bike racks and lavatories to make your commute in comfort and ease.
service throughout the City of Valparaiso. The V-line can take
you to the City's top destinations! Whether it be just down the
street, across the city, or downtown for an event, the V-Line will get you there!
18 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2022

ANNIVERSARY
A showcase of member investors who have
demonstrated an ongoing commitment
HAPPY
35
Years
• Family & Youth Services
Bureau, Porter County
• Republic Services
• Sievers Insurance Agency
• Tudor Floors and
More Carpet One
30
Years
• Aldi, Inc.
• RE/MAX Lifestyles –
Minakshi Ghuman
• Valpo Parks
25
Years
• Flanagin’s Bulk Mail
Service, LLC
20
Years
• Berkshire Hathaway
HomeServices Executive Group
Real Estate – Nick Arnold
• Century 21 Affiliated –
Judy Fischer
• DC I Executive Realty
@properties
• Northwest Indiana
Symphony Orchestra
• Saint Paul Catholic School
15
Years
• Edible
• Levin Tire & Service
Center Valparaiso
• Raymond James & Associates
• Salvation Army
• Steindler Signs & Graphix
CHAMBER ANNIVERSARIES >>
10
Years
• Barnes & Noble
Booksellers, Inc. Valparaiso
• Caribbean Pools, Inc.
• Crosscountry Mortgage, Inc.
• Family Focus, Inc.
• Nephrology Associates
• Reins of Life, Inc.
5
Years
• Creating Smiles, PC
• Jeff Brown Trio, Quartet
& Orchestra
• Patrick’s Grille
• Radius
• StoryPoint of Chesterton
• Vein & Laser Institute
ValpoChamber.org 19

20 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2022

PURSUING GREATNESS
THROUGH INNOVATION.
Find Your
Way to Flavor!
THE SPICE & TEA EXCHANGE ®
of VALPARAISO
161 Lincolnway | Valparaiso, Indiana
spiceandtea.com/valparaiso | 219.615.3162
At Purdue University Northwest, we go beyond the
classroom, walking the extra mile with students to empower
confidence and encourage real world experiences. We push beyond
the boundaries of innovation to drive engagement and make an impact
in Northwest Indiana and the world at large.
PURDUE UNIVERSITY NORTHWEST
pnw.edu
LET US HELP YOUR SAVINGS GROW!
- NEW MEMBERS WELCOME -
· Free Checking Accounts with no-required balance and Free Checks/Debit Cards
· New members with Direct Deposit and E-Statements get $150*
· Exisng members who refer a new member get a $100 referral bonus*
· Exisng members who refer a new/exisng member for a new loan get a $100 referral
bonus*
*Terms and condions apply, see USFCU for details
www.usfederalcu.org | 219.548.4600
334 W US HWY 30 - Valparaiso
405 Porters Vale Blvd. - Valparaiso
ValpoChamber.org 21

CHAMBER FOCUS | COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT AWARDS 2022
2022
Presenting Sponsors
1111 GLENDALE
Architect | Scott Hazlett, Hamstra Group
Contractor | Hamstra Group
ANGELCREST CEMETERY
COMMITTAL CHAPEL & MAUSOLEUM
Architect | Wagner Architecture
Designer | Brent Wagner & Jean Maczak
Contractor | Northwind Construction
Builder | Mark Bengel
Landscape Designer | McGuirl Landscaping
22 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2022

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF
NORTHWEST INDIANA
Architect/Designer | Shive-Hattery, Inc.
Contractor/Builder | Tonn & Blank Construction
Landscape Designer | Lakeshore Landscaping
CHICK-FIL-A
Architect | Chipman Design-Chicago, IL
Designer | HR Green-McHenry, IL
Contractor | Thorndale Construction Services-Naperville, IL
EXTRA SPACE STORAGE
LiUNA LOCAL 81
Architect | Laborers’ Local 81 & Gariup Construction Co., Inc.
Designer | Laborers’ Local 81 & Gariup Construction Co., Inc.
Contractor/Builder | Gariup Construction Co., Inc.
Landscape Designer | Laborers’ Local 81
Continued >>
ValpoChamber.org 23

Lorem ipsum
Lorem ipsum
Lorem ipsum
>> CHAMBER FOCUS | SALUTE TO LEADERSHIP 2022
>> CHAMBER FOCUS | COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT AWARDS 2022
>> Continued from Page 23
2022
NORTHWEST INDIANA EYE & LASER CENTER
Architect/Designer/Builder | Chester, Inc.
Business Continuity
& Disaster Recovery
Best of Northwest Indiana Business
Best Internet Provider
As voted by the readers of Northwest Indiana Business Magazine
Creating Next Generation
Voice, Video, and Data
Solutions Since 1992.
DISASTER RECOVERY
Managed IT Services
SIP and Telephone Services
Security Camera Systems
Network Security Firewalls
Telephone Systems
Enterprise Level Wi-Fi Systems
25% 50% 85%
High Speed Internet
Hosted/Cloud Unified
Communication Services
Business Continuity
6 Michigan Ave. Suite A • Valparaiso, IN • 219-465-4500
BucherTech.com • Info@BucherTech.com
Call MTA today and set up
a live demonstration
of MTA’s security camera
systems.
Compare MTA to your current provider and save $$$!
Call us at 1-877-PickMTA
or email us newsales@pickmta.com
24 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2022

SIMKO SIGNS
Architect/Designer/Contractor | Simko Signs – Robert & Mike Moreth
Builder | Russ Painting, Simko Signs, Bacilio Martinez Company
Landscape Designer | G&G Landscaping/Spartan Hardscape Materials
ST. PAUL SQUARE
Architect | Weaver Sherman Design, Indianapolis, IN
Project Architect/Design | Robert Finger, AIA
Developer | Mark J. Forszt, MJF Developments, LLC
Builder | Coolman Builders, LLC
Landscape Designer | Rob P. Szrom, Lakeshore Landscaping, Inc.
Al Fresco
Savory Flavors
Gatherings
fine American cuisine
ENJOY OUR BEAUTIFUL
OUTDOOR PATIO
COME EXPLORE OUR
EXPANDED MENU
PRIVATE PARTY ROOM
AVAILABLE
for groups
of up to 40
OPEN 11am-9pm 7 DAYS A WEEK
3907 CALUMET AVE • VALPARAISO • 219.465.9221 dishrestaurant.net
ValpoChamber.org 25

BUSINESS SNAPSHOTS
>>BUSINESS
SNAPSHOTS
RETRO-TECH SYSTEMS
VALPO CHAMBER
M
B
E M
R
SINCE 2010
E
RETRO TECH
SYSTEMS, INC.
Contact: Ethan Lowe
www.retrotechsystems.com
219-256-7200
Since 1993, Retro-Tech Systems has been
providing lighting solutions that provide
maximum financial, technical, and
environmental performance. Their clients
occupy many different building types,
including high-rise office buildings,
manufacturing, retail, data centers,
government institutions, schools and
hospitals. They use a sophisticated analysis
process to evaluate variables like how the
space will be used, amount of daylight,
maintain moving forward. An experienced
team of engineers, certified project managers,
technicians, construction and installation
professionals illuminate their clients through
the engineering and design of energy
efficient light systems.
VALPO CHAMBER
M
B
E M
R
E
SINCE 2021
Energy Solutions
OEO ENERGY
SOLUTIONS
Contact: Jim Luby
www.oeo.com
800-553-2112
VALPO CHAMBER
OEO was established in 1996 and has been
dedicated to lighting solutions since 2011.
OEO Energy Solutions is focused on providing
commercial and industrial customers the latest
in LED technology. They offer patented, directreplacement
LED "bulbs" designed to replace
existing metal halide, high pressure sodium or
mercury vapor light bulbs. Their "plug and play"
EZ LED technology makes the conversion to
LED as simple as possible, allowing for the use
of existing warehouse or industrial-type lighting
fixtures without any need to rewire or replace
those fixtures.
M
NWI RADON &
ENVIRONMENTAL
Contact: Laura James
www.nwiradon.com
219-248-7766
B
E M
R
SINCE 2022
E
NWI Radon & Environmental provides safe, long-term solutions to protect homeowners from the
harmful effects of radon and indoor air contaminants. Founder and owner Tim James, an experienced
home inspector, and his wife Laura started NWI Radon & Environmental to help homeowners in
the area become educated on radon and other air quality issues. Their team of knowledgeable,
professional, and highly qualified mitigators help homeowners take action to protect themselves and
their families by resolving radon and air quality issues within their homes.
In this issue, we’re highlighting three Valpo Chamber businesses that
specialize in helping commercial and residential clients make their spaces
safer and more environmentally friendly.
26 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2022

FREE COMPOST SITES FOR PORTER COUNTY RESIDENTS
VALPARAISO
2150 W. Lincolnway
Valparaiso, IN
PORTAGE
6451 U.S. Hwy 12
Portage, IN
BOONE GROVE
546 S. 400 West
Valparaiso, IN
Fees apply for out-of-county residents.
Where beautiful
portercountyrecycling.org
smiles begin!
Where beautiful
Where beautiful
smiles Dr. Where Anthony Puntillo beautiful begin!
Dr. Where smiles Christopher Crane beautiful begin!
smiles begin!
smiles begin!
Dr. Carolyn Gardiner
Dr. Anthony Puntillo
Dr. Dr. Christopher Anthony Puntillo Crane
Dr. Anthony Puntillo
Dr. Dr. Carolyn Christopher Gardiner
Crane Crane
Dr. Anthony Puntillo
Gardiner
Dr. Christopher Carolyn Gardiner
Crane
Dr. Carolyn Gardiner
ALL 3 SITES OFFER:
organic yard waste such as brush,
bushes, tree limbs & yardage
DROP OFF
PICK UP
RECYCLE
mulch & compost
household items such as smoke
detectors, lightbulbs & electronics
www.pandcsmiles.com
www.pandcsmiles.com
www.pandcsmiles.com
www.pandcsmiles.com
Crown Point
Merrillville Crown Point
Schererville
1539 S Court St
200 West 84th Dr
1000 Caroline Ave
Crown Point 1539 S Court StMerrillville
Crown Crown Point Point, IN 46307
Merrillville Merrillville, IN 46410
Schererville Schererville, IN 46375
1539 S Court St 1539 S Court St200 West 84th Dr 200 1000 West Caroline 84th Ave Dr
(219) 662-2264Crown Point (219) Crown 769-7447 Merrillville
Point, IN 46307 (219) 322-8552
Crown Point, IN 46307 Crown 1539 S Court Point, St IN Merrillville, 46307 IN 46410 200 Merrillville, West Schererville, 84th IN Dr IN 46410 46375
911 Wall St Valparaiso, IN 46383
(219) 462-3537
Merrillville
Valparaiso
911 Wall St
200 Schererville
Valparaiso Valparaiso, West IN 84th 46383 Dr
911 Wall St 1000 Caroline Ave
Merrillville, (219) Schererville
462-3537 IN 46410
Valparaiso, 1000 Schererville, Caroline IN 46383 AveIN 46375
(219) 662-2264 Crown Point, IN (219) 46307 769-7447 Merrillville, (219) 322-8552 IN 46410
(219) Schererville, 462-3537 IN 46375
(219) 662-2264 (219) 662-2264 (219) 769-7447 (219) 769-7447 (219) 322-8552
Offices also (219) 662-2264 located in Crown Point, (219) 769-7447 Merrillville and (219) Schererville
322-8552
Valp
9
V
(2
Cash
Loans
Coins &
Bullion
Never Pay
Retail Again
New & Estate
Jewelry
In House
Jewelry Repair
Watch Battery
Installation
ValpoChamber.org 27

WE ALWAYS STRIVE
FOR EXCELLENCE
But don’t just take our word for it, see what our fellow
chamber members say about working with Kre-Eight
WE APPRECIATE
YOUR EXCELLENT
WORK”
“
— Jonathon Costas
dish Restaurant
Call 219-561-1040
Call for a FREE onsite,
no-obligation estimate!
Wave Goodbye to Clutter!
Eco-Friendly Junk Removal
Same-Day & Next-Day Jobs
Fully Insured, Friendly Crew
Tax Receipts for Donations
Curbside Pick-Up Available
The Junkluggers of Greater NW Indiana
219-252-5882 • JUNKLUGGERS.COM
28 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2022

KEEP YOUR DATA OUT OF THE WRONG HANDS
Recycle Responsibly
Electronics Recycling | Document Shredding
If you’re throwing your old computers, cell phones, or sensitive
documents into the trash or recycling bin, you risk having your
personal data like bank statements, business information, or account
details stolen right from the curb. SecureShred is NAID, e-Stewards,
and ISO14001 certified, so you can TRUST US TO RECYCLE YOUR
DEVICES AND DOCUMENTS SAFELY AND SECURELY!
RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS
• Secure wiping and/or destruction of solid-state and hard drives
• Recovery of recyclable electronics and proper disposal of e-waste
• Secure document shredding
BUSINESS OWNERS
• Secure chain of custody, locked bins and trucks, monitored facility
• Secure on-site and off-site document shredding
219-476-1905
SecureShred.org
2801 Reduce Evans Risk Ave and • Valparaiso
Ensure Compliance
M-F: 8am-5pm Sat: 9am-1pm Closed Sunday
ITAD | Electronics Recycling | Paper Shredding
SecureShre
2801 Evans Av
Valparaiso, IN
SecureShred is a social enterprise of
Opportunity Enterprises, providing purpose
with a paycheck for individuals with disabilities.
SecureShred adheres SecureShred to top security adheres practices to top security and is compliant practices with and all applicable
data protection is compliant laws and with international all applicable electronics data protection recycling laws standards.
international electronics recycling standards.
As a certified vendor, SecureShred provides customers with:
ValpoChamber.org 29
• Secure chain of custody, locked bins and trucks, monitored facility

NEW MEMBER INVESTORS
MEMBERS
>> NEW
4th Street Theater
125 N 4th St, Chesterton 46304
219-926-7875
Angela Heid
> Theaters
www.4thstreetncca.com
4th Street Theater is in downtown
Chesterton and produces awardwinning
live theater productions.
Abundant Life
Health Advocates
219-508-5956
Stephanie Robertson
> Health & Wellness Products & Services
www.youradvocate.care
Teaching you to advocate for the
health you want and advocating for
you when you cannot.
ADP
8603 Magnolia St, St. John 46373
219-308-1532
George Theodore
> Payroll Processing
We are a comprehensive global provider
of cloud-based human capital
management (HCM) solutions that
unite HR, payroll, talent, time, tax and
benefits administration, and a leader
in business outsourcing services, analytics
and compliance expertise. Our
unmatched experience, deep insights
and cutting-edge technology have
transformed human resources from a
back-office administrative function to
a strategic business advantage.
AER Appraisal Group
100 Erie St, Ste 202
219-476-7337
Frank Odar
> Appraisers
https://aergroup.com/
Local real estate appraiser and
consultant specializing in land, residential,
commercial, and industrial
THE VALPO CHAMBER WELCOMES BOARD-APPROVED NEW MEMBERS
WHO JOINED DURING MARCH, APRIL AND MAY, 2022.
All addresses are in the 46383 zip code and phone numbers are 219 area code unless otherwise indicated.
Interested in joining the largest and most active chamber in Northwest Indiana?
Contact Brie Zacharias at (219) 462-1105 or brie@valpochamber.org.
appraisals. Federal and state tax
reduction consultant specializing in
cost segregation tax oversight on a
national basis.
American Business
Brokers Group
214 Edgewood Dr 46385
219-629-4528
Tom Krafft
> Business Brokerage Services
www.americanbusinessbrokers
group.com
ABBG provides business brokerage,
valuation, and advisory services to
family businesses including assisting
with the sale or purchase of a business,
income tax, and profitability planning.
Blackbird Café
114 E Lincolnway
219-548-2811
Daniel Cook
> Coffee-Shops, Products, Services
> Caterers
www.blackbirdcafevalpo.com
Blackbird is a full-service cafe offering
a huge selection of coffees, teas,
& espresso drinks. We have an
extensive breakfast, lunch, & catering
menu featuring quiche, fresh
pastries, salads, gourmet sandwiches,
& homemade soups.
Brookdale Valparaiso
2601/2501 Valparaiso St
219-548-2230
Tricia Catlin
> Nursing Homes/Assisted Living Facilities
www.brookdale.com
Licensed assisted living and licensed
memory care communities serving
seniors in an environment offering
both independence and nursing
assistance as needed while our
memory care provides a safe environment
offering both nursing services
and daily programming.
CertaPro Painters
of NWI
1161 Breuckman Dr, Ste A
Crown Point 46307
219-213-2349
Mark Powers
> Paint Products & Services
www.certapro.com
CertaPro Painters of NWI provides
painting and related services to both
residential and commercial customers
with a high level of certainty.
Discovery Travel LLC
219-406-0674
Tim Flatz
> Travel Services
http://discoverytrvl.com/
With Discovery Travel, you can count
on stress-free planning, personalized
service, reassurance that you’re
getting the best value, professional
recommendations, an advisor to
handle all of your group needs and a
travel agency that ensures top-notch
service from the time you decide to
travel to the moment you’re home
sharing your photos and experiences,
dreaming of your next trip.
dish Restaurant
3907 N Calumet Ave, Ste 203
219-465-9221
Evan Costas
> Restaurants
www.dishrestaurant.net
dish Restaurant offers the finest
ingredients for the finest dining
moments in Valparaiso.
Elite Crete Systems Inc.
1151 Transport Dr
219-476-3861
Kathy Paxton
> Manufacturing/Industrial
www.elitecrete.com
Elite Crete Systems is a world leading
developer and manufacturer of specialty
products for engineered high
performance surfaces and roofing.
Engineered Rigging
409 E Lincolnway, Ste 3
844-474-4448
John Kuka
> Engineers
www.engineeredrigging.com
Engineered Rigging is a trusted
provider of engineered solutions,
fabrication technologies and heavy
rigging/hauling equipment sales and
rentals. With decades of experience
and a wealth of technical expertise,
we specialize in innovative solutions
for challenging projects including
high elevations, confined spaces, and
remote locations. Best of all, we often
save clients a significant amount
of time, money and resources.
Farrall Wealth
105 Lincolnway, Ste 205
219-246-2516
Greg Farrall
> Financial Advisors
> Financial Services
www.farrallwealth.com
We are stewards of the irreplaceable
capital for a select group of families,
small businesses, and non-profits.
We accomplish this locally in the
city of Valparaiso where we raise
our families under the umbrella of
Midwestern charm. We accomplish
this nationally by having our advisors
affiliated with the largest independent
broker dealer in the nation in
LPL Financial, as reported by Financial
Planning magazine June 1996-2021
based on total revenue, with offices
in Boston, Fort Mill and San Diego.
30 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2022

Fika Spa
& Wellness Retreat
908 Roosevelt Rd, Ste 6
219-318-8917
Maria Gomez
> Salons/Spas
www.fikadayspa.com
Fika is about taking a pause during the
day to genuinely slow down, getting
back in touch with your body and the
people around you, and recharging
on a deeper level. We are inspired
every day and not only by the physical
appearance we assist our guests with,
but the transformation within them
that truly makes the difference.
General, LLC
219-333-7291
Paul Conover
> Consultants
General, LLC was formed to be an
employee-owned company (EOC) empowering
several select, committed,
local tradesmen and managers to act
as a team and run a construction/real
estate company.
Green Oaks
of Valparaiso
2550 W Morthland Dr 46385
815-922-7877
Julie Gambino
> Nursing Homes/Assisted Living Facilities
> Retirement Communities
Green Oaks of Valparaiso, is a threestory,
affordable assisted living facility
coming soon to Valparaiso.
Journeyman Distillery
109 Generations Dr
Three Oaks, MI 49128
269-820-2050
Bill Welter
> Restaurants
www.journeymandistillery.com
Full-service restaurant, bar, and distillery.
Offers event spaces.
KupKates
Custom Cakes
208 Elm St
219-707-7471
Kaitlyn Owens
> Bakery
www.kupkatescustomcakes.com
Bakery specializing in custom cakes.
Lake Mortgage
4000 W Lincoln Hwy
Merrillville 46410
219-769-5941
Sean Conley
> Mortgage Brokers/Lenders
Lake Mortgage specialized in dependable
pre-approvals and efficient loan
processing so you can close your
transaction on time.
The Lincoln Kitchen
704 Silhavy Rd
219-286-6178
Eric Berindei
> Restaurants
www.thelincolnkitchen.com
Do you ever want to get food and
can’t agree on one place? Order with
Lincoln Kitchen and everyone can get
the good quality food they want! Here,
at the Lincoln Kitchen, we have a variety
of food from multiple restaurants
at your fingertips. Order online for
pickup or delivery.
Lindsay Munden
Aesthetic Beauty
Lounge
951 Southpoint Cir, Ste B 46385
219-286-7121
Lindsay Munden
> Healthcare/Home Health Services
> Salons/Spas
www.lindsaymunden.com
The Lindsay Munden Aesthetic Beauty
Lounge is a nurse practitioner owned,
safe and luxurious medical spa providing
high quality, evidence-based,
non-surgical cosmetic enhancements.
The mission is to help patients achieve
the appearance they desire through a
harmonious blend of natural beauty
and cosmetic enhancement.
NorthStar Wealth
Group/Ameriprise
Financial
260 S Franklin St, Ste 103
219-464-1361
Jeff Lamb
> Financial Advisors
https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/
team/northstar-financial-partners/
NorthStar Wealth Group is a private
wealth practice of Ameriprise Financial.
Operating a franchise with
offices in Barrington, Woodridge, and
Valparaiso, NorthStar Wealth group
manages $450,000,000 in assets
for over 500 families and small businesses.
We specialize in consulting for
families and business by identifying,
prioritizing, and managing financial
objectives.
Continued on Page 32 >>
I PLEDGE TO PROTECT
AND CARE FOR THE
INDIANA DUNES. I WILL
ACT RESPONSIBLY AND
SAFELY, SET A GOOD
EXAMPLE FOR OTHERS,
AND SHARE MY LOVE
OF THE DUNES AND ALL
THAT MAKES IT SPECIAL.”
VISIT WITH CARE
The Indiana Dunes receives millions of
visitors every year, and impacts from our
actions add up quickly. But what you do
while enjoying the Indiana Dunes can make
a difference.
Scan here OR visit indianadunes.com/
visit-the-indiana-dunes-with-care to
learn how you can take the pledge, and,
“Love the Indiana Dunes like you mean it.”
ValpoChamber.org 31

NEW MEMBER INVESTORS >> Continued from Page 31
MEMBERS
> NEW
Northwestern Mutual
– Jackie Clark
2080 N Main St, Ste 2
Crown Point 46307
219-246-3483
Jackie Clark
> Financial Services
www.jackieclark.nm.com
Financial security is something
many of us strive to achieve in our
lives. You try to do what’s right
for those you care about, but the
wrong financial decision can often
undermine the best of intentions.
Whether you are concerned for your
own financial needs or those of your
family or your business, I can help
you identify your goals and dreams
and develop a plan that addresses
these needs and gets you started on
the path to financial security.
Notary Neighbor LLC
219-265-3430
Shauntel Harris
> Notary Public
http://notaryneighbor.business.site
Notary Neighbor offers mobile notary
services for any document you
need notarized. For example, POAs,
estate documents, real estate and
loan documents. Apostille services
are also available. All services are by
appointment only.
OEO Energy
Solutions
143 E Main St
Lake Zurich IL 60047
800-553-2112
Jim Luby
> Distributors
www.oeo.com
OEO Energy Solutions is focused
on providing commercial and
industrial customers the latest in
LED technology. OEO works directly
with businesses to lower operating
costs, improve light quality, and
assist with utility rebates in order to
deliver customer satisfaction second
to none.
Organizing Options
of Indiana
PO Box 14486
Merrillville 46411
219-246-1014
Brett Salamon
> Estate Liquidation
We provide customized assistance,
organizing, sorting, decluttering,
home cleanouts, in a sustainable,
responsible, ethical manner.
Service with compassion. With
our wealth of knowledge, we sell
antiques, collectables, household
items, equipment, automobiles.
We handle your belongings with
respect and integrity.
Parlor Doughnuts
Valpo
255 Morthland Dr
219-242-8184
Marissa Barnes
> Restaurants
www.parlordoughnuts.com
Parlor Doughnuts is a craft
doughnut and coffee shop offering
an array of unique bakery items,
including our original layered
doughnuts; vegan, gluten-friendly,
and keto-friendly products; artisanal
breakfasts; and specialty coffee.
Phelps, Jack
219-477-8853
Jack Phelps
> Civic Membership
Porter County Fair
217 E Division Rd
219-462-0321
David Bagnall
> Recreation
www.portercountyfair.com
Join us for the best 10 days of summer,
July 21-30, 2022! From world
renowned acts on our grandstand
TRUST MATTERS.
ESPECIALLY WHEN IT’S YOUR MONEY.
I work hard to build a relationship of trust by providing thoughtful,
personalized guidance and placing your interests first.
Invest with a knowledgeable financial advisor who’s on your side.
Call today for more information or to schedule a consultation.
James A. Kuxhaus
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER
President/Financial Advisor
162 W. Lincolnway, Suite 102
Valparaiso, IN 46383
(219) 386-3920
(855) PLANHOW (855-752-6469)
JK_Team@directionswealth.com
www.DirectionsWealth.com
Securities and advisory services offered through Cetera Advisors LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC,
a broker/dealer and a Registered Investment Advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership
from any other named entity.
NEED SOME HELP?
WE’RE HERE FOR YOU.
On special occasions or a regular cleaning schedule.
The most trusted and reliable
team in house cleaning.
Call for a free, in-home consultation and estimate.
219-386-2828
©2021 Molly Maid, Inc.
Each franchise is locally owned and independently operated.
Visit us at MollyMaid.com to learn more.
32 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2022

stage to food and fun on the midwaythere
is something for everyone at the
fair! Gates open each day at noon.
Proper Title
2252 W Morthland Dr
219-440-6490
Brent Fielder
> Title Companies
www.propertitle.com
Proper Title is one of the fastest growing
title companies with plans set for
regional and national expansion. Proper
Title’s rapid growth is a direct result of
our commitment to provide all clients
with an exceptional level of customer
service, superior efficiency, innovative
technology and an industry-best team for
each closing.
Quality Painting and
Stuff
219-440-1123
Daniel Stevens
> Painting Products & Services
www.qualitypaintingandstuff.com
Services include interior/exterior
residential painting and staining, decks,
handyman services, remodeling.
Signarama
405 Elm St
219-786-0171
Melissa Demopoulos
> Advertising/Billboards
> Packaging Products & Services
> Printers/Publishers
> Promotional/Specialty Products
> Signage/Banners
www.signarama.com
With more than three decades of experience
and more locations around the
world than anyone else, Signarama is the
leading innovator in the signs & graphics
industry.
Tall Tees
443 E US Hwy 30
219-707-0756
Katie Puchowski
> Screen Printing
Tall Tees is a small local business focused
on quality and customer satisfaction. We
design and screen print custom apparel
for any occasion.
Union Home Mortgage-
Talk to Travis
15 N Franklin St, Ste 120A
219-286-2211
Travis Waters
> Mortgage Brokers/Lenders
www.homeloansnwi.com
Since our inception in 1970, Union
Home Mortgage has guided hundreds
of thousands of aspiring homebuyers
through the process of achieving homeownership.
Driven by the belief that
homeownership should be accessible for
everyone, we go the extra mile for every
customer, while providing a personalized
experience unmatched in the industry.
Valparaiso Democratic
Committee
161 Lincolnway, Ste A
219-242-2601
Dr. Michael Mirochna
> Organizations
www.valparaisodemocrats.org
Committee of Democratic leaders in
Valparaiso.
Valpo Mow & Go Lawn
Service LLC
219-916-7997
Attila Tokody
> Lawn Products & Services
Valpo Mow & Go offers the services of
cutting grass lawns, trimming around
edges, removal of debris, hedge and
bush trimming, spring and fall clean
up. Please contact for free estimate.
Residential and Commercial.
Washington Street
Taproom
11 Washington St
815-546-0634
Chris Pearson
> Taverns
Our focus is on Indiana and independent
breweries while also focusing on beer
education. We have 50 beers available
between draft and package. You can also
buy beer from us to go.
ValpoChamber.org 33

AROUND TOWN
AROUND
Would you invest in kindness? It’s an
undervalued stock that can generate
excellent returns. Several months
ago, 1st Source Bank put up
signs in its Banking Centers, asking
everyone to invest in kindness.
People in Valparaiso noticed, and
they invested. “It just seemed to make
everyone more aware of how they
were treating others,” said Banking
Center Manager Crystal Cartwright.
“Our employees and customers say
they’ve noticed a difference. It’s also
sparked conversations with customers
about 1st Source Bank’s commitment
to volunteering and community
service.” The COVID-19 pandemic has
been tough on everyone, creating
anxiety and frustration that spilled into
our daily interactions. “Our people felt
appreciated when the bank put out
that message,” said Banking Center
Manager April Wolford. “It’s definitely
had a positive impact.”
Central Agency
Insurance is proud to
announce the newest addition to
our team! Introducing Camryn
Sterkowitz, sales agent. Camryn is
licensed to help you with all your
insurance policy needs. For more
information call (219) 464-4467.
Innovative Property Tax
Solutions is pleased to
announce the addition of Adam
F. Pollard to our
close-knit team. An Iowa native,
who had the good sense to
become a Hoosier when he
attended I.U., comes to us from
four generations of Commercial
AROUND TOWN is an important element to the local business
coverage of Valparaiso Magazine. Submissions are permitted
by chamber member businesses only. 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. Submissions must be 130 words
or less, are subject to approval, and may be edited. Send to info@valpochamber.org
Real Estate Appraisers. He had the
pleasure of serving for six years as a
Deputy Assessor at a local County,
so he is familiar with the appeal
process from both sides. Adam is
a Certified Tax Representative and
Level III Assessor/Appraiser. He also
has an exceptional customer service
background and would be happy to
answer any questions you may have
about your commercial or industrial
real estate valuation and property
taxes. Reach out to Adam today at
(219) 472-8682 x100 or by email at
apollard@innotaxsolutions.com. If you
would like to learn more about how
we can help ensure you’re only paying
your fair share of property taxes,
please feel free to visit our website at
www.innotaxsolutions.com.
Methodist Hospitals is pleased
to announce that its Southlake Campus
Wound Care Center is a recipient
of RestorixHealth's National Clinical
Distinction and Patient Satisfaction
Awards. The Methodist Hospitals
Northlake Campus Wound Care
Center is also a recipient of the Patient
Satisfaction Award. Recipients of
these awards meet or exceed national
quality benchmarks over a set period
of time. "This achievement reaffirms
the quality of care that our Wound
Care Center provides its patients every
day," said Matt Doyle, President and
CEO of Methodist Hospitals. "Despite
a daunting pandemic, we have been
able to maintain clinical excellence
and we are proud to be a recipient of
these awards that recognize the hard
work and dedication of our staff."
Signarama is pleased to introduce
the newest member to our team, Tom
Klapp. Tom comes to us with a wealth
of experience and knowledge from
the graphic design and art world
to sales and entrepreneurship. We
at Signarama look forward to and
know Tom will continue to provide
the highest level of partnering with
all customers. Tom is a busy man
juggling work, business and homelife.
Tom, wife Cindy, and his two boys
Andrew (14) and Daniel (15) have lived
in Valparaiso since 2010. The family
stays busy with both boys playing
multiple sports. When Tom and family
have free time they hang-out together
doing family projects and crafts such
as making their own soap, creative
painting, and Tom’s other passion of
working with raw live-edge wood. In
fact, Tom started a live-edge wood
slab business in 2015 called Dandrew,
Inc., that he still owns and operates.
Teachers
Credit Union
(TCU), announced
the appointment of
Jason Osterhage as
its new president
and chief executive
officer. In his role, Osterhage will
oversee all aspects of the day-to-day
operation of TCU, as well as lead its
executive team on the path to achieve
its strategic goals. Osterhage joins
TCU with 17 years of experience
in financial services, most recently
serving as executive vice president
and chief operating officer at Texas
Down Employees Credit Union in
Houston, Texas.
34 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2022

VV
VALE VIEW
MODERN APARTMENT HOMES FEATURING UPSCALE AMENITIES
Typical Vale View Unit Plan
CONTACT US TODAY ABOUT AVAILABILITY
260 S. FRANKLIN • VALPARAISO
2 Bed/2 Bath with Den
Built-In Gas Grill on each patio
Washer and Dryer
in each unit
Water is included
Private Elevator
Private Fitness Facility
Hi-Speed Fiber
Internet included
Private Underground
Parking
Solar-Powered
EV Charging for each
resident parking space
Trash Chute
Dog Friendly
FLUID Coffeebar
PROUDLY MANAGED BY
PHONE: 219.232.8785
WEB: WeValpo.com
EMAIL: WeManageValpo@gmail.com
ValpoChamber.org 35

V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
Be Part of Something
BIGGER
97% 90%
of 2020–2021 graduates
are employed or in graduate
school within six months
of graduation
46 NCAA
Fulbright recipients
in the past 16 years
36 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2022
➞
Graduate placement
has exceeded 90% for
nearly 30 consecutive years
DIVISION 1
ATHLETICS
Visit valpo.edu to explore our programs,
schedule an in-person or virtual visit, or apply
to Valparaiso University.

Insurance may be the last thing on
your mind, and that’s ok.
It’s the first thing on ours everyday.
At Anderson Insurance, we understand you need insurance
that’s personalized to fit your needs — not anyone else’s.
That’s why we listen to your worries, and then work to make
sure they never keep you up at night.
2022 Community Improvement Award Winner
NWI Eye & Laser Center
Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center
Contact us at 219.462.5178 or aiwmi.com.
CONTACT US ABOUT SPECIAL DISCOUNTS FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS
ValpoChamber.org 37

VALPO VIEWFINDER
VIEWFINDER
Recycling
>> VALPO
Many iconic Valparaiso buildings have been “recycled”
through the years to serve new businesses and purposes.
By Chris Hough
1
In the conversation about local green innovation and the way
we’re moving forward, where does our past fit? Where do
we look for roots in what is a relatively new initiative? But in
truth, our very foundation is recycled: the quaint buildings
that attract so many to our downtown have changed hands,
owners, and trades over the years, despite their faces
remaining the same.
City hall served as our post office for 70 years, from its
construction in 1918 to the date it became the center of our city government in 1988.
The Porter County Community Foundation was originally an A&P from 1962-1976,
before it housed the Porter County Health Department by 1979. On Glendale
Boulevard, what was once the original home of the Vidette-Messenger newspaper
circa 1972 is now the Associated Pediatricians clinic.
Though our schools have moved to accommodate our growing
community, our city still utilizes the original properties. Until
recently, the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Northwest Indiana -
Valparaiso Club was once the Gardner School. The Banta Senior
Center derives its name from its predecessor, Banta School. It
operated from 1924 until June 1972. It then housed the Special
Education Cooperative for several years before it became the center
we know today.
3
2
Our thanks to the Genealogy
Department of the Porter
County Public Library System for
contributing this article.
Perhaps the most well-known and storied of our recycled buildings
is the restored factory on South Campbell Street, soon to be the
Journeyman Distillery. The building was originally constructed in 1866
to house the Valparaiso Woolen Manufacturing Company, founded by
Julia A. George, William Powell, A. V. Bartholomew, and Hollis R. Skinner
with $60,000 in capital. Unfortunately, the mill was unprofitable due to
high costs and low pricing, and its operations ceased after a short six
years. In 1872, it became the National Pin Factory, the only pin factory
west of New York and one of a mere four in the United States at the time.
The founders, the Fontaine Brothers, would stay a short three years before
moving operations to Detroit.
The Powell family then took up their Germantown yarn manufacturing in the building, around 1875.
They added hosiery in 1881 before also moving to Michigan, this time to Muskegon. The premises
briefly hosted a wagon works owned by Mike Barry before Ohio native J. J. Burns bought it as
38 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2022

5
PROUD TO SERVE
THE COMMUNITY
4
1 The Vidette-Messenger, located at 1111 Glendale
Blvd. as shown on 1973 advertisement
2 Gardner School located at 354 W. Jefferson St. as
illustrated on a 1914 postcard
3 Valparaiso Post Office located at City Hall as
illustrated on a 1935 postcard
4 1911 Photograph of Chicago Mica Company located
on S. Campbell St.
5 A&P Super Market opened at 1401 Calumet in 1962
Valparaiso Vidette Messenger, Valparaiso, Indiana, US
May 08, 1962, Page 2
https://newspaperarchive.com/advertisement-clipping-may-08-1962-3213418/
APPLY NOW!
the factory site for Cosmo Buttermilk Soap Company, also
known as the Culbert-Hutchison Factory. Its former plant still
stands in Goshen, the design and structure very similar to the
Valparaiso location.
Then in 1899, the newly organized Chicago Mica Company
purchased the building to manufacture electrical products.
The name of the company was later changed to Continental
Diamond Fibre Company, a division of the Budd Company.
The longest tenant to date, the plant ceased operations in
1960. From then until 1985, the Anderson Company leased
the building to a number of tenants, most notably and
recently to ANCO, which made windshield wiper blades.
Now after nearly 40 years of vacancy, the Welter family
is restoring the plant and re-envisioning it as a distillery,
restaurant, and event space. The plan will cultivate a planned
hundreds of jobs, and share space with the City Transit
Center, serving those in our community who utilize the
ChicaGoDash Commuter Bus Service.
Communities like ours who recognize their history as an
asset are all the more charming for their ability to grow
and change, utilizing the materials left behind by our
predecessors. In this way, we’ve been green since the
beginning, and these buildings that have been with us so
long will hopefully remain and become part of the green
innovations we’ve envisioned for our future.
ValpoChamber.org 39

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40 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT >>
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CELEBRATING
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Blueprints • Photo Copies
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219-996-2981
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Not just different. Better
Valparaiso, Merrillville, Highland, LaPorte
and Ft. Wayne Locations Available.
(219)246-2240
www.libtitle.com
Email: Cynthia.Reed@libtitle.com
EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE IS OUR STANDARD,
MAKING HOMES SAFER IS OUR MISSION
Providing indoor air quality solutions
and radon mitigation for all of NWI
Free Estimates • Call or contact us online
219-248-7766 nwiradon.com
Dedicated & Focused in “Keeping it Legal”
Vitello law Firm
• Business & Corporate Law • Real Estate Law
• Estate Planning & Probate
Susan Vitello
Attorney, Advisor and Consultant
Licensed in Illinois & Indiana
219-476-7755 | vitellolawfirm@gmail.com
Call Brie Zacharias at the Valpo Chamber
(219) 462-1105 | brie@valpochamber.org
ValpoChamber.org 41

TALKING TRASH
>> TALKING
TRASH
PLASTIC BAGS
Prove Problematic
in Porter County
s a topic, plastic bags often draw mixed emotions and
in many instances prompt question marks. Plastic
as a textile is recyclable. So why aren’t plastic bags
recyclable curbside? The answer is interesting.
Local material recovery facility authorities advise plastic bags
shouldn’t be placed in curbside recycling as they can jam or
damage the machines at area sorting facilities.
“As human beings we are consumers and with consumption
inevitably comes waste. In Porter County, we look to
spotlight what can be recycled versus thrown away in trash.
At the District, we strive to help area residents find ways to
lessen consumables and particularly single use items like
plastic grocery bags. Plastic bags are almost everywhere in
Porter County. If we each make simple behavior shifts in the
day to day such as utilizing reusable bags this yields huge
benefit for our local environment,” said Keri Marrs Barron,
Executive Director of Recycling & Waste Reduction District
of Porter County.
We strive to help
area residents find
ways to lessen
consumables and
particularly single
use items like plastic
grocery bags.
— Keri Marrs Barron
Executive Director, Recycling & Waste
Reduction District of Porter County
The Recycling and Waste Reduction District of Porter
County aims to educate and help residents connect the
dots when it comes to plastic bag recycling and further
grasp complexities with environmental best practices for
Northwest Indiana.
“Not all plastic bags are created equal. Clean and dry
grocery bags, newspaper bags and even sandwich bags are
all good examples of bags that can be recycled at our plastic
bag drop off recycling locations in the Valparaiso, Portage
and Boone Grove Compost Sites,” said Keri Marrs Barron,
Executive Director of Recycling & Waste Reduction District of
Porter County.
Water softener bags, laundry detergent bags, mulch bags,
and flower wrapping bags are not accepted for recycling
at the plastic bag drop off recycling locations as they are
made of non-recyclable plastic and should not be placed in
curbside recycling.
Plastic bags can be recycled across all three of the District’s
public compost sites including, the Valparaiso Compost
Site located at 2150 W. Lincolnway, the Portage Compost
Site located at 6451 U.S. Hwy 12, & the Boone Grove
Compost Site located at 546 South 400 West (Valparaiso).
For a complete list of plastic bag recycling locations
throughout Porter County visit https://portercounty
recycling.org/recycling
“As we are all facing impacts from global climate change and
working toward a more sustainable future I encourage all
Porter County residents to rethink behaviors and approaches
to daily living. Whether it’s filling up a reusable water
bottle or eliminating single use plastic cutlery or single use
sandwich bags at meal times, these simple changes help
to remedy a complex issue for our planet,” said Keri Marrs
Barron, Executive Director of Recycling & Waste Reduction
District of Porter County.
For more information on acceptable recycling items contact the Recycling & Waste Reduction District
of Porter County at (219) 465-3694 or visit www.PorterCountyRecycling.org.
42 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2022

Valpo MBA
Pursue your degree online or on campus
Flexible scheduling options —
Earn your MBA in one year or
at your own pace.
valpo.edu/mba
@ValpoCoB @valpocob @ValparaisoCoB linkedin.com/in/valpo-mba
TOGETHER...
we care
Josh Kandel, on behalf of the Morgan Township Volunteer Fire Department, received a
donation from Emily Remster who established an endowment fund for the department at
PCCF with the help of her professional advisor, Darby Straw of Edward Jones.
Porter County
COMMUNITY
FOUNDATION
Est. 1996
www.pccf.gives
“I CAN SEE THE
JOY & FEEL
THE WARMTH
IN HER HEART
AS SHE MAKES
A GIFT TO THE
COMMUNITY
SHE LOVES.”
“- Darby Straw
Working together since 1996 to create
a powerful gift for the community.
ValpoChamber.org 43

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