Valparaiso Magazine - Spring 2023

SPRING 2023 

VOL. 23 ISSUE 2 

Craig and 

Rebecca Tomerlin 

SEAL SOLUTIONS 

Made in 

VALPARAISO 

Niche Manufacturing 

In Our Own Backyard

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SPRING 2023 

CONTENTS 

BUSINESS SNAPSHOTS 

PAGE 20 

Made in 

VALPARAISO 

Niche Manufacturing 

In Our Own Backyard 

MEMBER INVESTOR 

ANNIVERSARIES 

PAGE 23 

NEW MEMBER INVESTORS 

>> New Board-Approved Members 

PAGE 26 

AROUND TOWN 

>> Local Business News 

PAGE 30 

VALPO VIEWFINDER 

>> “A Passion for the Pop” 

PAGE 34 

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 

PAGE 37 

SEAL 

SOLUTIONS 

PAGE 4 

HEAT 

WAGON 

PAGE 7 

UNION 

ELECTRIC 

STEEL 

PAGE 8 

ARCH WOOD 

PROTECTION 

INC. 

PAGE 11 

DANISH MAID 

BUTTER 

PAGE 15 

FAIRWAY LASER 

SYSTEMS 

PAGE 16 

A FINAL WORD 

>> The Importance of the Manufacturing 

Industry to Our Economy 

PAGE 38 

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 

Vanessa Brown, Executive Vice President, Economic Development & Operations 

Kurt Gillins, Vice President, Programs & Communications 

Christine Pazdur, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer 

Sue Stymiest, Resource Director 

Brie Zacharias, Vice President, Sales & Marketing 

VALPARAISO MAGAZINE 

PUBLISHER Rex G. Richards, CCE 

EDITOR Kurt Gillins 

SALES Brie Zacharias 

FEATURE WRITING AND PRE-PRODUCTION 

JCMA Marketing + Technology 

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION 

Kre-Eight Design Marketing 

COVER/FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY 

Aran Kessler Photo.Imaging 

PRINTING Schumann Printers, Inc. 

MAILING Flanagin’s Bulk Mail Service 

FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: 

call (219) 462-1105, Attn: Brie 

or brie@valpochamber.org 

ValpoChamber.org

MADE IN VALPARAISO | SEAL SOLUTIONS 

Stepping Outside the 

Comfort 

Zone 

In 11 short years, Seal Solutions has transformed from a 

three-room mechanical repair shop into a manufacturing 

and distribution business for the mechanical seal industry. 

By Haleigh Vander Vinne 

Craig Tomerlin was in school for 

woodland firefighting when he 

met his wife, Rebecca. Her father, 

Terry, had been in the mechanical 

seals industry for 40+ years and 

asked Tomerlin to lend a hand. 

With no experience or knowledge of the 

industry, he jumped in headfirst and fell in 

love. “I decided to give it a try. I had 

someone to impress so I tried really hard 

and got really good at it,” said Tomerlin. 

And, in 2012, he opened Seal Solutions 

where he repaired mechanical seals, devices 

used to provide a seal at the point of entry or 

exit of a rotating shaft. 

Breaking Down a 

Mechanical Seal 

A mechanical seal has two parts – one hooks 

onto the shaft, spinning with it, while the 

other connects to the machine, staying 

still. “One spins against the other,” added 

Tomerlin. The metal parts that “kiss” are 

4 SPRING 2023 | 

known as faces. “When those two faces are 

in contact with each other, the gap between 

them is eleven millionths of an inch, which is 

like a molecule,” commented Terry. “These 

faces are made out of certain materials, 

from silicon carbide, which is almost as hard 

as diamond and dissipates heat very quickly, 

to carbon Viton, used for chemicals that 

won’t dissolve the rubber O-rings inside,” 

explained Tomerlin. 

Due to friction, these faces suffer wear and 

degradation. Seal Solutions will rebuild and 

repair the mechanical seal if possible. “What 

you do to take the wear mark out is resurface 

it. Then, we will re-polish it so you can see it 

has a mirror shine,” explained Tomerlin. 

Making the Switch from 

Repair to Distribution 

In the beginning, Tomerlin would spend 

hours driving up and down the lakeshore to 

repair or deliver seals. “The farther I would 

go, the more upsetting it’d be because I 

would spend all this time driving, talking to 

the customer, trying to get more work and I’d 

drive back and I’ve missed shipping orders, 

phone calls, this, that. I had to pull it in and 

stay put,” said Tomerlin. In doing so, Seal 

Solutions went from renting three rooms at 

3103 Cascade Drive, Valparaiso, IN 46383, to 

buying the entire building last year because 

they started stocking inventory to ship. 

“Switching from solely repair to distribution 

has been the biggest change and probably 

the biggest help in growth,” said Tomerlin. 

Being in the Middle 

Has Its Benefits 

Valparaiso has been the ideal place 

for Seal Solutions to grow. The area is 

home to different types of factories 

and manufacturers that have a need for 

mechanical seals. In addition, they have 

attracted businesses from California to the 

East Coast. “They would not be thinking so 

much of us if we weren’t in the middle of the 

United States,” commented Tomerlin.

Valparaiso's location 

is ideal for attracting 

customers from 

California to the 

East Coast. 

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— Craig Tomerlin, 

Seal Solutions 

Tomerlin also spoke of their efforts to continue 

expanding their inventory, adding new staff, 

including a salesperson to connect to more 

industries, and developing their own mechanical 

seal line in India. 

Looking Back – And Forward 

A decade has passed since Tomerlin stepped out 

of his comfort zone and opened Seal Solutions’ 

doors. Now, having grown the company into a 

manufacturing and distribution operation, he can 

look back and see how far he’s come. “My natural 

abilities were the actual fixing, touching, doing, but 

when you have a business side, I had to step out of 

where I’m comfortable to actually do what needs 

to be done to really grow,” said Tomerlin. 

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| ValpoChamber.org 5

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6 SPRING 2023 |

MADE IN VALPARAISO | HEAT WAGON >> 

Turning 

UP 

We wanted to stay 

a small, local, 

family-owned business 

and have decided 

to use that strategy 

to grow. 

— John Walsh, Heat Wagon 

the Heat 

Valparaiso’s Heat Wagon 

uses its small size to its 

advantage by doubling 

down on its strengths 


It’s said that there are two 

seasons in Northwest 

Indiana: winter and 

construction. But thanks 

to the wide range of 

temporary heaters built and sold 

by Valparaiso’s Heat Wagon, 

construction season can easily 

extend into winter as well, much 

to the chagrin of region drivers. 

Assembled from parts 

shipped from right here in 

Valparaiso, Niles, Michigan, 

and other locations, Heat 

Wagon’s temporary heaters 

are sold to equipment dealers 

and specialty heat suppliers 

around the country. The small, 

local manufacturer offers a 

range of portable heaters, 

ranging in size from 65,000 

BTU to 7 million BTU, offering 

both direct and indirect 

fired. Fuel options include 

gas, propane, and kerosene/ 

diesel, with power requirements 

ranging from 110 volts to 480 

volts. “We want to make sure 

that we can fill a void with the 

right product,” said John Walsh, 

President of Heat Wagon. 

Standing Strong 

as a Small, Local, 

Family-Owned Business 

Many other heating equipment 

manufacturers have been sold to a venture 

capital company or consolidated into a 

larger company, but Heat Wagon continues 

to be locally owned. “We wanted to stay a 

small, local, family-owned business and have 

decided to use that strategy to grow,” said 

Walsh, who bought the company with his 

business partner in 1996. This strategy gives 

Heat Wagon a leg up on its competitors. With 

a tight team of 23 employees, Heat Wagon 

can help a customer in less time than it takes 

a larger company to just get an approval. 

“We pride ourselves in being quicker and 

more nimble than bigger companies in the 

way we can satisfy our customers and what 

they want,” said Walsh. 

The people who live and work in the area 

also contribute to Heat Wagon’s success. 

Walsh noted that Valparaiso has a generous 

labor pool to draw hard-working, honest 

people from, and looks forward to investing 

in the development of his employees and 

their skills. 

Innovating and Looking 

to the Future 

Technology has helped the team improve 

customer service. Heat Wagon has added 

diagnostic lights, how-to videos, and 

instructional QR codes for transparency, 

effectiveness, and accessibility. “We will 

continue to come up with more ideas for 

new bells and whistles on the products,” 

said Walsh. 

Because heaters are seasonal, Heat Wagon 

is also looking to enter new markets, 

exploring the development of products such 

as fans, dehumidification equipment, and 

humidifiers. “A goal for us is to create offseason 

products to be able to manufacture or 

distribute through our current dealer network 

and grow sales,” said Walsh. 

All Fired Up 

While larger companies have vast resources 

that can make the thought of being a smaller 

competitor chilling, Heat Wagon has leaned 

into the advantages of its smaller size – speed 

to service, innovation and a family-oriented 

culture – to build a business that has stood 

the test of time for 42 years. 


MADE IN VALPARAISO | UNION ELECTRIC STEEL 

Rolling 

RIGHT ALONG 

for 52 Years 

Union Electric Steel has been delivering 

quality rolls and keeping employees 

happy in Valparaiso since 1971 


Work is constant. No matter what industry you are in, no 

matter what day and time your shift is, hours are given 

to employers. Good employers know that they can 

retain employees by letting them work those hours in a 

healthy working environment with good pay, time off, bonuses, and 

other benefits. Union Electric Steel, a supporting business for the steel 

industry, is one of the best. 

Manufacturing “Rolling Pins” for the Steel Mills 

Since 1923, Union Electric Steel has been making large rolls that 

compress slabs of metal into a desired thickness. “I like to describe 

them as rolling pins,” said Paul Ruff, plant manager at Union Electric 

Steel. These big “rolling pins” flatten metals like a pasta maker 

flattens dough. 

The forged rolls are heated in a cauldron and continuously whacked 

until the hot iron resembles a rolling pin at Union Electric Steel’s 

Paul Ruff, 

Union Electric Steel 

headquarters in Pennsylvania. Then, they are shipped to Valparaiso’s 

52-year-old finishing plant for induction heat treating, making the steel 

as hard as possible, followed by a series of machining operations to 

tailor the roll to each customer’s needs. Once the rolls pass inspection, 

half stay in North America while the rest sail to Europe, India, Asia, 

and China. 

Valparaiso as a Source for Qualified Workers 

The Valparaiso plant has 90 employees, some of whom started 

when the plant opened in 1971. When some long-standing 

employees decided to retire, Union Electric Steel sought out the 

Valparaiso community to replenish their workforce. “Valparaiso and 

surrounding areas have quite a bit of industry where people have 

done things that are fairly similar in the industrial environment,” said 

Ruff. It was also Union Electric Steel’s work environment that attracted 

qualified workers. 

What is the Secret to a Long-Lasting Workforce? 

“We have a positive work environment,” said Ruff. Union Electric Steel 

focuses on performance, utilizing bonus plans, team building, and 

open communication. “No matter what your business is, 

you’re going to be successful as long as you can make an employee 

believe that what they are doing is important,” added Ruff. That is 

why the Valparaiso plant has created a making-a-difference work 

environment that encourages workers to meet key metrics that help 

drive the business. 

Looking Forward 

With a happy team, great product and an ideal location here in 

Valparaiso, Ruff has every reason to look forward to a bright future for 

Union Electric Steel. “We have the service, the support, and what we 

believe is a quality product.” 


Immediate Care Centers 

of Community Healthcare System ® 

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1451 W. Morthland Dr., Valparaiso 

Hours: M-F: 8 am–8 pm 

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Valparaiso Health Center 

of St. Mary Medical Center 

3800 St. Mary Dr., Valparaiso 

Hours: M-Sat: 8 am–8 pm 

Sun: 8 am–5 pm 

219-286-3707 

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MADE IN VALPARAISO | ARCH WOOD PROTECTION, INC. >> 

Expanding 

SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS 

Arch Wood Protection, Inc.’s products are a key 

component in the drive to lengthen the lifespan 

of wood structures 

in Our Backyard 


Wood is all around us – used in 

construction of houses, decks, 

telephone lines, and railroads 

– and lying exposed to Mother 

Nature’s wrath. Rain, fungi, mold, 

and insects threaten a piece of 

wood’s life. Treated lumber is used when 

wood will be in contact with the ground or 

concrete to protect it from said threats. This 

treated, or Wolmanized®, lumber you see 

stocked at home improvement stores is pressure 

treated with a chemical compound made 

by Arch Wood Protection, Inc., located right 

here in Valparaiso. 

Protecting Wood from 

the Elements 

Arch Wood Protection, Inc. 

is a small specialty wood 

preservative business, 

a subsidiary of Arxada, a global 

full-service supplier of microbial control 

and similar specialty products. “We’re a big 

company, but this particular facility is very 

much like a small, family-owned company, just 

because of the way the people operate,” said 

David Newton, Arch Wood Protection, Inc.’s 

production manager. The facility has eight 

employees with 175 total years of experience 

making antiseptic chemicals used in sawmills 

to protect wood in residential and infrastructure 

applications. “We sell to mom-and-pop 

treaters all the way up to big corporate entities 

that are in the wood treating business, 

mostly in Canada and the Southeast,” 

said Newton. 

To create Wolmanized® wood, treaters submerge 

a piece of wood into a copper treating 

agent, and pressure treat it, so the life-extending 

preservative penetrates 

through the grain. “Every bit of the wood is 

contacted by this chemical,” added Newton. 

Wolmanized® lumber can withstand the elements 

longer and hold up against insects, 

fungi, and mold that would normally tear 

apart a wood structure. 

Valparaiso Was Always Arxada’s 

Top Choice for Growth 

Arch Wood Protection, Inc. was a small wood 

preservative subsidiary of Lonza, a global 

partner to the pharmaceutical, biotech and 

nutrition markets, until a few years ago when 

they were split off to become part of a new 

company called Arxada. This separation 

launched an investment into the growth of 

the Valparaiso location. “For any kind of new 

development that is considered within the 

company, Valparaiso was always the top >> 

L to R: 

Therese Bruszewski, 

Craig Culver, 

Ron Walters, 

Greg Kent, 

Kenny Wilson, 

David Newton 

| 

ValpoChamber.org 11

MADE IN VALPARAISO | ARCH WOOD PROTECTION, INC. 

>> on the list,” said Newton. Newton called 

Valparaiso a “hub of transportation networks” 

with readily available rail and highways like 

I-80/90 and I-65 that make service to Canada 

and the Southeast simple. 

The manufacturing business has plans to add 

new personnel, increase production volume, 

and invest in new unit operations. 

“Valparaiso has a high volume of industry in 

the area combined with the technical resources, 

such as Ivy Tech or Purdue Northwest that 

will provide skilled, smart, talented people 

to help Arxada grow,” said Jay Hilsenbeck, 

Global Product Director and NA Marketing 

Director for Arxada’s Conley site, and Belinda 

Remley, a marketing professional at Arxada’s 

Alpharetta site. 

There’s Always Room to Be Greener 

Because Wolmanized® wood has a longer life, 

fewer trees need to be cut down. Combined 

with a sustainable harvesting and replanting 

plan, it is possible to responsibly utilize wood 

as the world’s biggest renewable resource. 

“It’s our initiative to be greener and healthier, 

and our customers are on the same parallel 

path as we are,” commented Newton. 

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service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity. 

| 

ValpoChamber.org 13

Taking Care 

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MADE IN VALPARAISO | DANISH MAID BUTTER >> 

Danish Maid Butter 

A Timeless and Delicious, Family Tradition 

By Katie Bieber 

ou may have seen it among your holiday spreads: a sweet 

Easter lamb or festive Thanksgiving turkey made entirely 

of whipped butter. For many in our area, and now across the 

nation, these small butter sculptures have become a staple at 

these family gatherings, often inviting warm notes of thanks to 

their manufacturer: Danish Maid Butter. A brand name, and playful 

turn of phrase, that both evokes the company's European roots while 

also honoring its small, family operation. 

The Original Buttercup 

The first owner of Danish Maid Butter, Sivert Kramme, was born in 

Denmark where he learned the art of butter making. After migrating 

to America, he launched his own creamery in Chicago, Consolidated 

Creamery Co., in 1936. He would eventually sell this company and leave 

butter churning behind. When he established Danish Maid Butter, he 

decided to specialize in the production of whipped 

butter products. 

What put Danish Maid Butter on the map was Kramme's invention of 

the single-serve whipped butter cup. You'll find it offered today at 

restaurants, hotels and with catering companies. "If it has ridges like 

a coffee creamer and a white lid, it's ours. And on our lid, it says "The 

Original Buttercup," because we did invent the original buttercup," said 

Susan Wagner, current co-owner of Danish Maid Butter. 

Susan's father Ray Wagner started working at Danish Maid Butter 

in 1968. Commuting from Chesterton to Chicago every day, Ray 

jumped in feet first. Over the next 20 years, Ray would eventually 

manage all operations at Danish Maid Butter. As Kramme neared 

closer to retirement, he suggested Ray buy the company from 

him. And after some consideration, Ray and his wife, Susie, 

bought Danish Maid Butter in 1988. 

Family-Owned and 

Operated 

Susan was six years old when her parents 

purchased the company. "Any spring break, 

summer break, we were always there helping 

out," said Susan. From a young age, Susan 

and her older three brothers were taught 

the importance of hard work and providing 

excellent customer service. "I never saw 

my dad sit down. He was on a forklift, he 

was working on a machine, he was helping the 

employees," said Susan. While Ray managed more 

of the manual labor, her mother Susie was back in the 

office, working on the books and answering 

the phone. 

"I always wondered how she was able to remember, and be so incredibly 

personable with, every single person that called,” Susan reflected. 

After her father Ray passed away in 2005, Susan joined her brother in 

working at the plant full-time. Following their mother's death in 2018, 

they bought the company and continue running it together. Danish 

Maid Butter still manufactures their products in the same building 

it's been operating out of in South Chicago since 1962. The Wagners 

hope that the future will present them a location that's closer to home 

in Northwest Indiana. But no matter where they operate, there is 

guaranteed to be a loyal Danish Maid Butter following. A quick look at 

their social media pages will reveal hand-written notes, pictures, and 

messages of love for the small, family-owned business. 

"We stem from a small family business that Mr. Kramme started, and it's 

still a family business. My dad was meticulous and wanted to put out a 

good product. That's why we're so hands on. How do we make sure that 

continues to happen? We're a part of the process," 

concluded Susan. 

During the Easter and Thanksgiving season, Susan's role on the 

production line is to put the butter mold in a cardboard sleeve. The 

next time you add a whipped butter lamb or turkey from Danish Maid 

Butter to your grocery cart, remember that it was likely packaged by 

Susan or Matt, and you're supporting a local, familyowned 

business. 

Matthew Wagner and 

Susan Wagner, 

Danish Maid 

Butter 

| 

ValpoChamber.org 15

MADE IN VALPARAISO | FAIRWAY LASER SYSTEMS 

Making 

A MARK 

Fairway Laser Systems, 

Serving the Midwest for 

Over 20 Years 

By Katie Bieber 

La•ser 

['lāz r] 

a device that produces a narrow 

beam of light that is useful in many 

technologies and instruments. The 

letters in the word laser stand for Light 

Amplification by Stimulated Emission 

of Radiation. 

Dan Molchan, 

Fairway Laser Systems 

A Stroke of Luck 

Dan Molchan has lived in Valparaiso most 

of his life. Long-time residents may 

remember the sign shop he owned in the 

eighties and nineties. During this time, he 

was offered a sales position with Epilog 

Laser. At the start he was primarily selling 

to trophy shops, which used lasers to 

engrave plaques, plates, trophies, and 

other small awards. But as the popularity of 

lasers started to grow, and expanded into 

industrial, medical, and military applications, 

"it became a full-time job. I no longer 

did signs and didn't have paint under my 

fingernails anymore," said Molchan. 

Building on his success, Dan was tapped 

to be a distributor for Epilog Laser and was 

given four states as a territory: Indiana, 

Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio. Although 

Epilog Laser manufactures their equipment 

in Colorado, they need knowledgeable 

representatives, like Dan, to show, train 

and service their products. Over the past 

27 years, their product line has grown 

dramatically. When Dan first started, he had 

two machines to offer. Now he has machines 

to meet the needs of a wide range of people. 

From a startup or hobbyist, all the way to a 

higher end, sophisticated table with greater 

power, "We sell machines to a man that 

works in his basement on bird houses all the 

way to General Motors," he said. 

A Legacy of Success 

In 2015, Dan took a risk. He decided to build 

a new facility from the ground up to meet 

more of his customers' needs and demands. 

"I took the plunge to invest in a building and 

it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. 

It has led to growth in my business that 

has exceeded my expectations. The Valpo 

Chamber and Valparaiso helped make it 

possible with their support," he reflected. 

Dan uses this facility to showcase models 

of Epilog Laser Equipment to prospective 

customers in a top-of-the-line demonstration 

room. He also shares the building, and the 

company, with his two sons, Daniel and Cory. 

"The reason it's Fairway Laser is because my 

sons and I, we love to golf. That's our hobby. 

And we treat people in a fair way." He plans 

on leaving the company to his sons upon his 

retirement. 

The Future of Lasers 

Laser applications are all around us. Do you 

have a personalized Yeti tumbler? Are you 

working on a wooden puzzle? They were 

most likely lasered. Although Fairway Laser 

isn't a personalization shop, they are excited 

to provide the technology to make it happen 

- on any scale. 

"We want to make other businesses 

successful using our piece of equipment. 

And we really enjoy seeing all the different 

applications that are brought to us. Not a 

month goes by that someone doesn't ask us, 

will a laser do this? And we say, I don't know, 

let's find out," concluded Molchan. 


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. 

ELEVATE 

YOUR BRAND — 

not your marketing budget. 

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 

Free estimates 

Call 219-561-1040 

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. 

Advisors you want. Advocates you need. 

156 Washington St, Valparaiso, IN 

www.bcclegal.com p. (219) 531-0134 

| 

ValpoChamber.org 17

97% PLACEMENT RATE AT THE 

Top-Ranked 

UNIVERSITY IN NORTHWEST INDIANA 

Visit valpo.edu to learn more about the world-class 

opportunities available at Valparaiso University. 


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. 

Danish Maid Butter Co. 

FRESHLY WHIPPED GRADE AA BUTTER 

Available 

Daily at 

the Best 

Restaurants! 

Available at Your Local Grocery 

Every Spring Since 1947! 

Available Every Fall! 

Chicago, IL - 773-731-8787 | www.DanishMaid.com 

@DanishMaidButter 

Operated by the Wagners 

of Chesterton & Valparaiso 

| 

ValpoChamber.org 19

BUSINESS SNAPSHOTS 

>>BUSINESS 

SNAPSHOTS 

CUSTOM MACHINING 

SERVICES, INC. 

326 N 400 E, 


(219) 462-6128 

customcrimp.com 

VALPO CHAMBER 

Established in 1979, Custom Machining 

Services, Inc. is one of the leading U.S. 

producers of hydraulic hose crimpers, 

crimping dies and accessories for the hose 

crimping industry. The CustomCrimp® and 

ValPower® trade names are distributed 

worldwide and have established a 

respected name for quality, accuracy, 

and unparalleled service. They are 

used in commercial and industrial 

applications ranging from farming to 

oil exploration. CustomCrimp® and 

ValPower® products are produced in a 

modern 46,000 sq ft facility in Valparaiso, a 

fully integrated manufacturing, production 

and design facility. All of the component 

parts that are used in the product, 

including the pumps and cylinders, are 

produced on CNC (Computer Numerically 

Controlled) equipment to assure quality, 

consistency and optimum manufacturing 

cost control. 

M 

B 

E M 

R 

SINCE 1988 

E 

MIDWEST PRESSURE 

SYSTEMS, INC. 

VALPO CHAMBER 

850 Transport Dr, 


(219) 462-0070 

midwestpressuresystems.com 

Midwest Pressure Systems, Inc. was 

incorporated in 1987 and operates in a 

new 18,000 square foot factory in 

Valparaiso. They design and manufacture 

systems for boosting the pressure of shop 

air and other gases. Their products are 

used in global markets and meet many 

international codes and standards. Their 

engineering team has been working in 

the industry for over 45 years and has 

experience with their products as well as 

their competitors. Customers include end 

users, original equipment manufacturers, 

distributors, resellers, sales representatives, 

engineering firms, mechanical service firms 

and catalog houses. 

M 

B 

E M 

R 

E 

SINCE 2017 

SENSIT 

TECHNOLOGIES 

851 Transport Dr, 


(219) 465-2700 

gasleaksensors.com 

SENSIT Technologies designs, 

manufactures and services a 

complete line of gas leak detection 

instruments, combustible gas 

indicators and confined space 

monitors. Their products are used in 

many industries including propane, 

natural gas, public safety, industrial 

health and safety, and the HVAC and 

plumbing industry. Their product-line 

also includes vehicle mounted methane 

detectors and underground pipe 

locators. Combustible gas leak detectors 

and hazardous gas monitors are 

engineered to the exact standards used 

within the natural gas industry. Their 

instruments undergo stringent testing 

for durability and intrinsic safety to gain 

approvals from UL, CSA and ATEX. 

In this issue, we’re highlighting three Chamber business members 

that specialize in Manufacturing products in Valparaiso. 

VALPO CHAMBER 

M 

B 

E M 

R 

SINCE 2003 

E 


Our wood preservatives are synonymous 

with quality, service and innovation. 

We are proud to be a part of the 

Valparaiso, Indiana, business community. 

Learn more about us at 

WolmanizedWood.com 

FrameGuard 

MOLD & DECAY 

PROTECTION 

INSECTICIDE 

Please read all product information available at wolmanizedwood.com before use. © 2023 Arxada

Big-city services from your hometown 

provider. 

» Reliability » Flexibility 

» High Speeds » Personalization 

» Redundancy » Localized staff 

LEARN MORE ABOUT NITCO BUSINESS 

219-996-2981 | sales@nitco.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! 


MEMBER INVESTOR ANNIVERSARIES >> 

ANNIVERSARY 

>> HAPPY 

35 

Years 

• Custom Machining 

Services, Inc. 

• Mr. CopyRite 

• Porter County 

Regional Airport 

30 

Years 

• Burke Costanza & Carberry 

• Lifestyles/The Gallery 

25 

Years 

• Chicago Street Theatre 

• Coldwell Banker Realty 

• Memorial Opera House 

• Porter County Community 

Foundation 

• Porter County Parks 

& Recreation 

A showcase of member investors who have 

demonstrated an ongoing commitment 

20 

Years 

• Jimmy John’s Gourmet 

Sandwiches 

• Meridian Title Corp. 

15 

Years 

• American Limb & 

Orthopedic Co. of 

Valparaiso & 

Paws in Motion 

• Certified Financial Group 

• The Grossbauer Group, Inc. 

• Hilltop Neighborhood 

House 

• Little U Academy 

• Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, 

Smoak & Stewart PC 

• Tech Credit Union 

• Thrivent Financial 

Lakeshore Group 

• Xorco Technology 

10 

Years 

• C.L. Williams & Companies 

• Mr. Rooter of Northwest 

Indiana 

• Preserve at Grande Oaks 

• Schoop’s Hamburgers 

• WeCreate Media 

5 

• Ameripawn 

Years 

• Anderson’s Winery & 

Vineyard 

• Century 21 Affiliated – 

Noorlag 

• E & A Jewelers, Inc. 

• First United Methodist 

Church 

• GGNet Technologies 

• K2 Construction 

• Northwest Indiana SCORE 

• Once Upon a Child – 

Valparaiso 

• Residences at Coffee Creek 

| 

ValpoChamber.org 23

CATS, DOGS & EXOTICS 

Compassionate care that pets & people 

have looked up to for 80 years 

219-462-5901 

651 Eastport Centre Dr., Valparaiso www.mcafeeah.com 

M•A•H 

Pet Care for Cats, Dogs & Exotics 

Preventive Care | Dentistry 

Surgical Care | Boarding & More 

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. 

219-462-5901 

651 Eastport Centre Dr. | Valparaiso 

www.mcafeeah.com 

Contact us at 219.462.5178 or aiwmi.com. 

CONTACT US ABOUT SPECIAL DISCOUNTS FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS 

| 

ValpoChamber.org 25

NEW MEMBER INVESTORS 

MEMBERS 

The Valpo Chamber welcomes board-approved new members 

who joined during December, 2022; January and February, 2023. 

>> NEW 

Burke’s Outdoor Equipment 

745 W US Hwy 30 

46385 

219-759-2688 

David Brown 

> Landscape Design/Products/Services/Supplies 

https://www.burkeslawn.com 

Burke's Outdoor Equipment is a dealership that 

sells zero turn mowers, push mowers, handheld 

equipment such as trimmers, blowers, chainsaws, 

and snow blowers. We sell the following brands- 

Ariens, Gravely, Toro and Echo. 

The Course at Aberdeen 

245 Tower Rd 

219-462-5050 

Andy Higgins 

> Golf Courses/Country Clubs 

www.golfataberdeen.com 

Eighteen-hole golf course with food 

and beverage. 

Equitable Advisors, LLC 

1515 W 22nd St, Unit 300 

Oak Brook, IL 60523 

219-213-1099 

Connor Mullen 

> Financial Advisors 

www.equitable.com 

Equitable Advisors offers a humanistic and 

holistic approach to financial guidance that 

considers the whole you. Financial professionals 

guide you towards personalized financial strategies 

that will help you make smart choices and a 

financial portfolio that will help you live your life 

with confidence. 

Geitonia Greek Grill 

1703 Calumet Ave, Unit C 

219-286-7183 

Michael Filipidis 

> Restaurants 

www.eatgeitonia.com 

The best authentic Greek food in Northwest 

Indiana. 

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. 

Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy 

2502 Calumet Ave, Ste 3 

219-280-2034 

Janelle Golly, PT, DPT 

> Physical Therapy 

www.ivyrehab.com 

The physical and occupational therapists at Ivy 

Rehab work to provide patient care with emphasis 

on having individuals reach their personal goals. 

We are in network with most insurances and we 

guarantee scheduling your initial evaluation 

within 24-48 hours. 

JE Roofing & 

Construction, Inc. 

708-889-1390 

Robyn Estrada 

> Roofing 

www.jeroofing.com 

Fulfilling all exterior upkeep and remodeling 

needs of residential homes. 

Kaiser Auto LLC 

806 N 360 W 

46385 

219-763-7493 

Kevin Kaiser 

> Auto-Repairs/Service/Towing 

www.kaiserautovalpo.com 

Leading the Paq 

219-575-9150 

Dylan Schlundt 

> Health & Wellness Products & Services 

www.leadingthepaq.com 

We help people reach their health and financial 

goals through supplements, micro-nutrients, 

sublingual vitamins, collagen, alongside offering 

complimentary financial coaching and ways to 

earn additional income. We also offer high quality 

photography and video services. 

Mascot Hall of Fame 

1851 Front St 

Whiting 46394 

219-354-8814 

Paige Grabinski 

> Museum 

www.mascothalloffame.com 

The Mascot Hall of Fame is an interactive children's 

museum that combines the world of mascots 

with fun and learning. Our mascot-themed 

exhibits have a strong focus on education and are 

embedded with S.T.E.A.M. based principles. 

Mesirow Wealth 

Management 

353 N Clark St 

Chicago, IL 60654 

312-595-8130 

Tiffany Irving 


www.mesirow.com 

An independent financial services firm owned by 

employees and invested in the interconnected 

success of our clients, communities, and culture. 

Moving Places 

1151 Southpoint Cir, Ste G 

46385 

219-241-9901 

Nicole Husiar 

> Move Management 

> Moving & Storage 

> Estate Sales 

www.movingplaces.org 

Full service moving and estate sales. 

Monty Willis Team PC 

1101 Cumberland Crossing Dr, #273 

219-464-4377 

Mary Willis 

> Real Estate-Commercial & Residential 

www.montywillisteam.com 

Real estate sales. Residential, Commercial, 

and land. 


Northern Indiana 

Therapeutic Massage 

951 Transport Dr 

219-363-7197 

Carol Rabey 

> Massage Therapy 

www.nitherapeuticmassage.com 

Northern Indiana Therapeutic Massage 

specializes in the relief of physical and 

emotional pain using therapeutic massage 

and hypnotherapy. 

Nutrition Lounge 

1703 Calumet Ave, Unit D 

219-242-8256 

Kristina Rosado 

> Health & Wellness Products/Services 

We offer a variety of protein shakes, 

inside out shakes (Viking Bowl), refreshers. 

Many boosters to help with daily 

activities. 

Prime IV Hydration 

& Wellness 

1703 Calumet Ave 

219-265-4000 

Kristin Knight 


www.primeivhydration.com 

At Prime IV, our skilled and medically 

licensed staff will give you a full 

evaluation prior to your IV infusion. 

Our proprietary blends of vitamins, 

minerals, amino acids, and IV fluids are 

infused directly into the bloodstream, 

giving your cells rapid access to the 

nutrients required for healing. The drips 

at Prime IV are specifically formulated to 

dramatically increase energy, boost your 

immune system, decrease inflammation, 

aid in muscle recovery and even help 

you bounce back from a hangover. 

R Legacy Portraits 

219-310-5608 

Kristi Rizzo 

> Photography 

Capturing beautiful portraits that 

promote healing for a lifetime. 

Regional Care Group 

8400 Louisiana Group 

Merrillville 46410 

219-757-1800 

William Trowbridge 

> Social Services Agency 

> Healthcare/Home Health Services 

www.regionalgroup.care 

Regional Care Group is Indiana's largest 

and most comprehensive network of 

community-based health care and 

social services providing a complete 

continuum of care through Regional 

Health Systems, Geminus Corporation 

and Lake Park Residential. We treat the 

whole person. 

Save the Dunes 

444 Barker Rd 

Michigan City 46360 

219-879-3564 

Amber Seiler 

> Environmental Products/Services 

https://savedunes.org/ 

Save the Dunes is a 501c3 nonprofit 

organization in Northwest Indiana 

whose mission is to preserve, protect and 

restore the Indiana dunes and all natural 

resources in Northwest Indiana’s Lake 

Michigan Watershed. 

Scott Martin State Farm 

1351 Silhavy Rd, Ste B 

219-263-0292 

Scott Martin 

> Insurance 

www.scottmartininsurance.com 

State Farm Insurance Agency-Insurance 

sales and service. 

Schillings 

175 W Lincolnway, Ste D 

219-462-0838 

Dean Schilling 

> Lumber/Building Materials 

> Cabinetry 

> Countertops 

> Flooring-Residential/Industrial/Commercial 

> Home Improvement 

> Remodeling-Commercial & Residential 

> Windows 

www.schillings.com 

Schillings specializes in kitchen, bath, 

windows and doors, outdoor living, 

moldings and millwork, lumber, 

hardware and more for Chicagoland and 

Northwest Indiana. 

Seek & Find 

Financial, LLC 

2400 Cumberland Dr, Ste A 

219-249-4879 

Daniel Delaney 


https://seekandfindfinancial.com/ 

Financial planning firm. We look to 

exhaust all possible options across 

investments in and out of the market, 

life insurance, annuities, and taxes. 

Spruce Up 

Green Clean 

219-802-5355 

Kyle Hopkins 

> Cleaning/Janitorial Services 

Spruce Up Green Clean is a local 

residential cleaning company with a 

focus on using eco-friendly products. 

That 1 Painter 

NW Indiana 

257 Indiana Ave, Ste D7 

219-395-4548 

Adam Myers 

> Paint Products & Services 

https://that1painter.com/location/ 

house-painters-valparaiso-in/ 

Our promise is to be the best house 

guest you've ever had. Through 

thoughtfulness and attention to 

detail, That 1 Painter strives to be the 

number one house painter and commercial 

painter in NW Indiana. 

Tom Little 

Insurance Agency 

802 Wabash Ave, Ste 110 

Chesterton 46304 

219-250-2841 

Tom Little 

> Insurance 

Insurance Agency-home, auto, life, 

membership, commercial, financial 

services, insurance agent. 

Van Wagner Sports 

& Entertainment 

1009 Union St 

704-562-6971 

Blair Minton 

> Sports Marketing 

Our company is a leading full-service 

sports and entertainment firm. 

We focus on sponsorship and media 

sales in the college space. 

The Vitamin Shoppe 

1805 E Lincolnway, Ste C 

219-286-6908 

Rochelle Cantrell 


www.vitaminshoppe.com 

The company sells vitamins, 

minerals, nutritional supplements, 

herbs, sports nutrition formulas, 

homeopathic remedies and green 

living products. 

Headstones ~ Vases 

Civic Monuments ~ Brick Pathways 

Cremation Memorials 

Benches & More 

Kovenz 

Memorial 

Valparaiso | 219-531-2717 

kovenzmemorial.com 

AFFORDABLE WINDOWS 

by 

Replace All 

the Windows 

In Your Home 

for only 

$129 / Month 

212 E. Morthland Dr. • Valparaiso 

(219) 531-1095 

info@affordableremodelers.com 

affordableremodelers.com 

Includes up to 10 premium built 

vinyl replacement windows 

| 

ValpoChamber.org 27

Our beautifully renovated 

venue will inspire you. 

Our experienced event 

planning team will 

amaze you. 

BOOK YOUR 2023 

EVENTS NOW! 

business events & 

private gatherings of 

all types and sizes 

PorterCountyExpo.com | 219-464-0133 

| 

ValpoChamber.org 29

AROUND TOWN 

TOWN 

>> AROUND 


CS Elements Travel is excited 

to announce they are now offering 

bus tours. Bus tours range from full 

day getaways to 7-night stays. Join 

them for a journey through North/ 

South Dakota June 4-11, 2023. 

Other trips include the Bourbon 

Trail in Kentucky, Branson, Mystery 

Trip, Chicago Cubs game and more! 

For more information contact Kari at 

219-395-6537. 

Dunes Hospice has earned a 

FIVE STAR rating – the highest a 

hospice company can receive from 

the Centers for Medicare and 

Medicaid Services. Dunes Hospice 

is the only Valparaiso hospice to 

earn FIVE STARS. In addition, 95% 

of families surveyed in 2022 said 

they would recommend Dunes 

Hospice. We are honored to 

support our patients and families 

at the end of life with excellent 

physical, emotional, and spiritual 

care. We continue to support 

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 

150 words or less, are subject to approval, and may be edited. 

Send to info@valpochamber.org 

families after their loved one 

passes with any of our eight grief 

support groups (both in-person 

and online). We have been 

certified by the Accreditation 

Commission for Health Care 

(ACHC) since 2014 and serve 

twelve counties in Northwest 

Indiana. For more information, 

call 888-602-9004 or visit 

www.duneshospicellc.com. 

Horizon Bank is honored to 

announce the celebration of 150 

years of service as a leading 

community bank in Indiana and 

Michigan. This milestone provides a 

clear point for reflection on the 

Bank's last century and a half of 

service. Horizon received its first 

charter under the name of First 

National Bank in April 1873. The 

pillars outside the Bank’s headquarters 

in Michigan City, Indiana still 

stand from the original location 150 

years ago. During the last 150 years, 

Horizon has grown from a single 

location in northwest Indiana to 

over 70 locations in 40 counties 

throughout Indiana and Michigan 

with over $7 billion in assets. The 

celebratory mantra “150 Years 

Strong” planned by the Bank is a 

direct affirmation of its remarkable 

legacy. Not only has the Bank 

survived significant moments like 

the great depression, world wars 

and the great recession, the Bank 

has also been instrumental in 

ensuring generations of families and 

communities continue to thrive. 

Stephanie Joseph has been 

promoted to Executive Chef for 

Residences at Coffee 

Creek Senior Living, 2300 

Village 

Point, 

Chesterton. 

The 

skills she 

learned 

over the 

past few 

years 

as Sous 

Chef created a pathway to leadership 

of the kitchen staff. Stephanie 

has over 20 years of experience 

working in every aspect of the kitchen, 

most recently in hospitality prior 

to joining the Coffee Creek team. 

Stephanie enjoys creating Asian as 

well as Polish cuisine in particular. 

She has a keen interest and advanced 

skill in mixed cocktails and 

wine pairings for dinners. Stephanie 

also received a B.A. in Communications 

from Purdue University, West 

Lafayette and enjoys writing. She 

and her family reside in Portage.

Teachers Credit Union (TCU) 

is pleased to announce that Stephany 

Leonard, former 

manager 

of both TCU 

locations in 

Valparaiso, 

has recently 

transitioned 

to a newly 

created role in 

the northwest Indiana region as a Business 

Banking Relationship Manager. In 

this role, Leonard joins TCU’s Business 

Banking team and will serve Porter 

and Lake counties. Stephany believes 

in building trust and growing relationships 

to align with TCU’s core value of 

serving our members and our community. 

In this new position Stephany will 

spend time networking with business 

owners and working with them to help 

with their business needs, including 

guiding them through the process of 

obtaining a business loan. Stephany will 

strive to become a trusted advisor as 

she grows relationships with business 

members. Leonard is based at TCU’s 

Valparaiso North branch located at 

2600 Roosevelt Rd., Suite 1001. 

Valpo Web Design & 

Marketing is proud to announce 

that we have been awarded Google 

Premier Partner status, a coveted 

recognition only given to the top 3% 

of Google Partners nationwide. As a 

Google Premier Partner, we have 

demonstrated exceptional expertise in 

creating and managing Google Ads 

campaigns, providing our clients with 

the highest level of service and results. 

This achievement also means that we 

have access to the latest tools, 

resources, and training from Google, 

enabling us to deliver the best 

possible digital marketing solutions to 

our clients. We offer a wide range of 

services, including custom website 

design, SEO, Google Ads management, 

social media marketing, and all 

avenues of digital marketing. Our 

team of experienced professionals is 

committed to delivering customized 

solutions tailored to meet the unique 

needs of each of our clients. To learn 

more, call 219-246-2132 or visit 

valpowebdesign.com. 

We are proud to announce that 

VNA Hospice NWI has achieved 

full accreditation through the Accreditation 

Commission for Health Care 

(ACHC) for its hospice services, both 

inpatient and outpatient. Accreditation 

by ACHC reflects an organization’s 

dedication and commitment to meeting 

standards that facilitate a higher level 

of performance and patient care. This is 

the fourth consecutive 3-year accreditation 

the VNA Hospice has received from 

ACHC demonstrating a pattern of 

excellence. “I’m very proud of our team 

who has accepted this accountability 

for excellence,” said Bob Franko, VNA 

Hospice’s president and CEO. “We have 

extremely high standards for care and 

understand the privilege of trust we’re 

honored with from our families and 

referral sources,” he said. “I hope this 

accreditation further conveys that we 

take very seriously the care we provide 

and the satisfaction of our patients 

and families.” 

Save Better 

MEMBER 

FDIC 

Connect to a higher 

savings rate today! 

1-888-CENTIER 

Centier.com/Connect 

| 

ValpoChamber.org 31

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

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 

Fun is always in the forecast. 

A fantastic meal. A jaunt into town. A nice chat over coffee. At StoryPoint Chesterton, if it makes your 

day, we make it our priority. Call today to learn more about life at our community. 

219-912-2144 | StoryPoint.com 

StoryPoint Chesterton 700 Dickinson Road, Chesterton, IN 46304 

| 

ValpoChamber.org 33

VALPO VIEWFINDER 

VIEWFINDER 

>> VALPO 

A Passion 

for the 

How two Purdue 

grads’ quest for 

the perfect kernel 

produced a renowned 

consumer brand and 

one of NWI’s premier 

construction and 

agricultural 

systems firms. 

Most remember the 

popcorn factory on 

Route 30 as being 

“Orville’s” without 

knowing it was 

primarily home to 

Chester Inc., born from Redenbacher’s 

initial investment in Northwest Indiana. 

Before Redenbacher’s image found 

its way onto popcorn bags and park 

benches, it was Chesty, the ear of corn, 

that represented the original George 

F. Chester and Son hybrid seed farm. 

A farmer by trade, Mr. Chester sold 

fertilizers, insecticides, and accompanying 

accessories from 1937 to 1951, before he 

sold his company to Charles Bowman and 

Orville Redenbacher. 

Redenbacher, an agronomy graduate of 

Purdue with a well-documented penchant 

for developing the perfect popcorn, and 

Bowman, who had also graduated from 

Purdue, met through farming connections. 

Both had some experience already in the 

industry and continued to sell farming 

chemicals and equipment under the 

newly named Chester’s Hybrids. But 

developing the perfect strain of popcorn 

seed was their passion. They tried tens of 

thousands of hybrid strains before hiring 

plant geneticist Carl Hartman in 1959. 

Over a decade from when they began, the 

trio were finally satisfied with the strain 

they had developed and launched the 

Redbow popcorn brand in 1965. Their 

first big customer was Chicago’s very own 

Marshall Field’s. 

An advertising company would soon 

advise them to change their name 

to something more recognizable. 

Redenbacher tells the story in a later 

television interview: 

“I didn't know too much about marketing, 

so my partner, Charlie Bowman, said 

‘Go to Chicago and hire a firm to help us 

develop a trade name.’ They didn't know 

too much about popcorn. I didn't know 

too much about marketing. So, when 

I went back a week later to get their ideas 

and see what kind of a brand name they 

had, and what kind of package they 

had, and they came up with the name 

Orville Redenbacher – which was the same 

identical name my mother 

thought up 

eighty-three 

years ago. 

And then they 

charged me 

$13,000 

for the idea.” 

Pop 

By Kelleen Cullison and Chris Hough 

And so, in 1970, Redbow was rebranded 

to Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet 

Popping Corn, catapulting Orville 

Redenbacher to household-name fame. 

The brand dominated a third of the unpopped 

popcorn market – popcorn that 

was produced in Valparaiso, Indiana. 

Redenbacher and Bowman sold the 

popcorn company to Hunt-Wesson Foods 

in 1976, though Redenbacher continued 

promoting the brand. It was after this 

initial sale that Valparaiso launched its first 

Popcorn Festival in 1979. 

Valparaiso Vidette Messenger, Valparaiso, Indiana, US 

May 05, 1947, Page 17 

https://newspaperarchive.com/advertisement-clipping-may-05-1947-3704450/ 

Mid-century ad 

clippings from 

Valparaiso Vidette 

Messenger 


Valparaiso Vidette Messenger, Valparaiso, Indiana, US 

January 09, 1963, Page 14 

//newspaperarchive.com/advertisement-clipping-jan-09-1963-3735072/

Meanwhile, in 1967, Cargill Inc had purchased the company’s 

hybrid seed corn department and renamed the company 

Chester Inc. Bowman stayed on as President and General 

Manager, and Redenbacher as Chairman of the Board. A plant 

was built off U.S. 30 just outside of Valparaiso to manufacture 

agricultural chemicals, herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers. 

A full-service chemical company for farmers, they also sold 

sprayers and applicators for their products, as well as John 

Deere lawn and garden equipment. 

The company was sold in the 90’s, the “plant food division” 

factory was sold off in 1996, and the popcorn factory closed in 

1999. Though the Orville Redenbacher name is still used, today 

it is part of the Conagra Brands family, and Chester Inc. became 

Chester Inc. Commercial Construction. The company’s primary 

focus is on Architectural Construction, Information Technology, 

and Agricultural Systems. It remains operational to this day, and 

continues to operate out of Valparaiso, manufacturing irrigation 

and grain handling systems in Northwest Indiana for 

America’s farmers. 

Where beautiful 


smiles Dr. Where Anthony Puntillo beautiful begin! 

Dr. Where smiles Christopher Crane beautiful begin! 

Dr. Carolyn Gardiner 

Dr. Anthony Puntillo 

Dr. Dr. Christopher Anthony Puntillo Crane 


Dr. Dr. Carolyn Christopher Gardiner 

Crane Crane 


Gardiner 

Dr. Christopher Carolyn Gardiner 

Crane 

Discover the 

magic waiting 

at your library! 

Scan the QR 

code to learn 

more or visit 

PCPLS.org. 


smiles begin! 

smiles begin! 

smiles begin! 

Dr. Carolyn Gardiner 

Our thanks to the Genealogy Department of the Porter 

County Public Library System for contributing this article. 

www.pandcsmiles.com 




Crown Point 

Merrillville Crown Point 

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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 

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Merrillville 

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911 Wall St 

200 Schererville 

Valparaiso Valparaiso, West IN 84th 46383 Dr 

911 Wall St 1000 Caroline Ave 

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Offices also (219) 662-2264 located in Crown Point, (219) 769-7447 Merrillville and (219) Schererville 

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Valp 

91 

Va 

(2 

Take Control of Your Future 

Whether you’re buying your first house or planning for 

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We know it’s been a tough few years, but we’re here 

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ValpoChamber.org 35

EXCELLENT HEALTHCARE. 

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OCCH030223NI

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT >> 

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18,000+ Readers Quarterly with a 2”x2” ad. 

Contact Brie Zacharias at the Valpo Chamber 

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SPOTLIGHT YOUR 

We create beautiful smiles for all ages 

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| 

ValpoChamber.org 37

A FINAL WORD 

>> A FINAL 

WORD 

The Importance of the 

Manufacturing Industry 

to Our Economy 

s you have seen, this issue of 

Valparaiso Magazine has featured 

some of our specialty manufacturing 

firms. We did this because 

historically the manufacturing 

sector tends to sell their products to 

customers outside of Valparaiso and even 

outside of our country. The fact that most 

of our manufacturers sell outside of our 

area means they are bringing fresh new 

dollars to be circulated within the marketplace, 

and not just circulating existing 

dollars from a captive audience locally. 

The importance of bringing in new dollars 

in the form of sales to our area from 

outside means that these manufacturers 

are building our economy through import 

sales. These new dollars coming into 

our area help build and strengthen our 

economic engine. 

The manufacturing sector in Indiana, 

as a state, accounts for 26.56 % of total 

output in the state. Manufacturing firms 

employ 17.51 % of all employment in the 

Indiana work force. There are 546,000 

manufacturing employees in Indiana. The 

manufacturers paid an average wage 

of $86,052 annually to their employees 

based on statewide averages. These 

figures show why manufacturing is so 

important to the state economy as well as 

our own local economy. The total output 

in values of manufactured goods at the 

end of 2021 was $105B. 

The local impact of what the manufacturing 

sector does for our region and local 

economies by their very nature is to bring 

dollars to the community from outside 

the state and use those dollars to support 

local charities, nonprofits, and most 

importantly high wages and benefits for 

their employees. 

In addition to the firms mentioned in 

this issue, I will add Cleveland Cliffs, 

Pratt Industries, Task Force Tips, Sensit 

Technologies, and Urschel Laboratories. 

Many of these firms have been here for 35 

to 100 years. 

Another important aspect of the manufacturing 

sector is the higher amount 

of property taxes manufacturers pay 

compared to homes. The investment that 

a manufacturer has in their real estate 

By Rex G. Richards, CCE 

President, Valpo Chamber 

is significantly larger than a residential 

home. Say a home with a market value 

at $250,000 with a mortgage exemption 

would pay something like $2,000 in 

property taxes. A manufacturing plant 

valued at $30M would pay a significantly 

larger amount of taxes than a home. It 

would easily be several hundred thousand 

dollars in just property taxes. In 

addition, a manufacturer would also pay 

personal property taxes on equipment 

and computers or robotics and machinery 

they have inside the building. These 

taxes that manufacturers pay support 

our schools, libraries, as well as city and 

county government. Manufacturing firms 

have an obligation to pay taxes, yes, but 

remember the size of their tax bills must 

be paid by sales and profits to underwrite 

the overhead. 

Having a strong contingent of manufacturing 

firms in any community provides 

numerous benefits that help build a 

strong diversified economy. We are so 

fortunate to have a strong contingent of 

specialty manufacturers in Valparaiso, 

Porter County, and NW Indiana. 


Make an 

Appointment 

to live your best life. 

Living your best life starts with living a healthy life. At Northwest Medical Group, 

our healthcare providers take the time to identify your health risks and can help 

you prioritize good health. Regular check-ups and age-appropriate screenings are 

important to be healthy now – and to stay well in the future. 

With same-day appointments and online scheduling, we make it easy to make an 

appointment right now. You can even see us from the comfort of home via telehealth. 

Your best life is what you make it. We can help you make it healthy. 

Make an appointment at NWIndianaDocs.com.

Valparaiso Magazine - Spring 2023

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