2023_Fall_ValpoMagazine

lparaiso
By Haleigh Vander Vinne
grow, succeed, and prosper.”
incentivizing businesses to call Valparaiso
their home. “Our close proximity to the third
largest business community in the United
States, a vibrant downtown, our growing
housing, and a renowned school system has
helped attract businesses and individuals to
live here,” said Rex Richards, President of the
Valpo Chamber. New housing developments
in Valparaiso have started to attract
commercial businesses from other locations.
Vanessa Lynch, Executive Vice President of
Economic Development and Operations,
connects those looking to move or start a
business in Valparaiso to companies that
can make this dream a reality. Indiana, with
a business-supportive environment and
a tax-friendly climate, is already enticing
to businesses. Lynch simply supports
Valparaiso as a place “where people want to
live so that businesses follow.”
The Secret Ingredient?
Passion.
Each staff member showed a sense of
pride, enthusiasm, and enjoyment about
working at the Chamber. “We have six fulltime
employees buying into our mission to
help businesses expand and improve the
community,” said Richards.
Some landed their position through
recommendations while others, like Edwards,
manifested it. Ever since her first Chamber
meeting via her previous company, Edwards
knew this job was for her. The previous Vice
President of Programs and Communications
gave Edwards an inside look at what the role
entailed, and she thought, “This is going
to be my job one day.” Lo and behold, the
position was available, and she jumped at the
opportunity. “I really think what makes the
Valpo Chamber so special is just a genuine
shared love of Chamber work, having fun, and
seeing the end result,” said Lynch.
Valpo Chamber
is the Heart and Soul
of the Community
Not all chambers have what Valparaiso has.
“Not many communities have people and
businesses wanting to be involved,” said
Richards. Most are small with one or two
employees, unable to produce publications
like the one you’re holding in your hands
right now. The Valpo Chamber is fortunate
to have a passionate team who choose every
day to help businesses grow, succeed, and
prosper. “The key is we have a tremendous
staff here, and one person cannot do
everything,” commented Richards.
“When you have a dedicated staff that is
wanting to ensure this chamber succeeds,
you’re going to pour your heart and guts
into your job not only for yourself, but for the
chamber you represent,” said Zacharias. >>
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