FINAL THOUGHT THOUGHT >> >> FINAL As you have seen, in this issue of the Valparaiso Magazine we have featured the Chamber: the organization, the staff and its facilities. The Chamber in Valpo was founded in 1912 and moved into its current location when it purchased the 162 W. Lincolnway building almost 20 years ago. Historically, the 162 W. Lincolnway building has served as the home to a wide range of businesses. It originally served as home to the Grand Opera House, which was built in 1875 by the uncle of actress Beulah Bondi, who played George Bailey's mother in It's a Wonderful Life. Since that time, it has housed a clothing store, a carpentry shop, a funeral home, a Sears and Roebuck department store, and an office supply business before becoming home to the Valpo Chamber. The Chamber purchased this building from the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a charitable organization. The Odd Fellows used the second floor for their organization and ceremonial programs and, with a handshake agreement, they continue to meet in the renovated second level for their bimonthly meetings. Over the twenty years that the Chamber has owned the 162 W. Lincolnway building, there have been three renovations. The first renovation occurred when the building was acquired. At that time, the Chamber renovated the first level into its administrative offices. Seven years later, the Chamber undertook renovating the second floor into a conference center that included three conference rooms of various sizes and handicap assessable bathrooms. The third renovation occurred just this year, in the late spring and early summer when the Board of Directors approved a renovation of the main level. The main level houses the administrative offices and welcomes Chamber members, prospective businesses, tourists, and members of the general public. Over the last three months, the first floor has received beautiful, as well as functional, upgrades. New carpeting has been installed and the walls received a fresh and modern paint scheme. Glass walls have been added to the administrative area, which are filmed for privacy and provide more productive workspace for the staff. Every staff member now has a private office, except for the Resource Director who greets visitors and handles the incoming phone calls. The Valpo Chamber has successfully served this community throughout its 111-year history. In the 1920’s, when the Ku Klux Klan wanted to buy the University, the Chamber opposed the purchase and played a significant role in the sale of the University to the Lutheran Church. Today, the Chamber continues to collaborate with local and regional organizations to promote growth and advance the interests of business. As a result, the Chamber has recruited many of the existing major employees to the community. By Lee Lane, <strong>2023</strong> Chair Over the last 20 Years the Valpo Chamber has received many honors. Three times, it was selected as the best Chamber in Indiana by an independent panel of Judges of the Indiana Chamber Executives Association. In 2018, it was selected as the second-best Chamber in America by the American Chamber Executives Association. In 2012, Rex Richards was selected as the Chamber President of the Year for Indiana. Every award is a product of hard work and passion, and much of that work is done behind the scenes by a team of people. The Chamber has excelled because of the teamwork of its staff, its members, and the community. The history and impact of this Chamber has been significant to the City and the Region. The Chamber undertakes programs that inform and assist business. It markets and promotes this community. Its members are the heartbeat of the organization. The Valparaiso Magazine is a product of the Valpo Chamber that is published four times a year and goes into 18,000 homes and businesses. 46 FALL <strong>2023</strong> |
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