ValpoMag_Proof

VM
The Magazine of the Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce
Vol. 13 Issue 2 | Spring 2013
Valparaiso
Magazine
Melina
Yallourakis
United Dance Arts
WISE
Investments
More companies are
redefining themselves,
and their futures,
in
Valparaiso

800-727-6337 www.nwicp.com

VM
Valparaiso Magazine
Vol. 13 | Issue 2
Spring 2013
Cover
PAGE 4
WISE
Investments
More companies are
redefining themselves,
and their futures,
in
Valparaiso
FEATURE
PAGE 14
One-Stop Shop
Outpatient services focus
of new $17 million Valparaiso
Health Center
A publication of the Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce.
162 W. Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone (219) 462-1105, Fax (219) 462-5710
info@valparaisochamber.org
valparaisochamber.org
GREATER VALPARAISO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Rex Richards, President
Julie Gaskell, Vice President, Operations
Danielle Oeding, Vice President, Sales & Marketing
Susan Antoszewski, Marketing &
Communications Specialist
Kurt Gillins, Programs Director
Christine Pazdur, Accounting Director
Sue Stymiest, Resource Director
VALPARAISO MAGAZINE
Publisher: Rex Richards
Editor: Susan Antoszewski
Sales: Danielle Oeding
Design and Production: Morse + Harris Marketing
Cover/Feature Photography: Aran Kessler Photo.Imaging
Printing: Home Mountain Printing
Mailing: Flanagin’s Bulk Mail Service
VALPARAISO MAGAZINE is published
quarterly by the Greater Valparaiso
Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 330,
Valparaiso, IN 46384-0330.
To submit “Around Town” entries,
call (219) 462-1105 or send to:
info@valparaisochamber.org, Attn: Editor.
For advertising inquiries,
call (219) 462-1105, Attn: Danielle.
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.
Subscriptions may be purchased
at an annual rate of $12, for those
outside our regular circulation.
Sections
PAGE 12
Business Snapshot
Inn at Aberdeen, Ltd
PAGE 17
New Member Investors
New Board-approved members
PAGE 18
Chamber Focus
Leadership Academy
PAGE 21
Member Investor
Anniversaries
A showcase of members who have
demonstrated ongoing commitment
PAGE 23
Business Snapshot
Petey’s Gyros
PAGE 24
Around Town
Local business news
PAGE 29
Business Snapshot
Realty Executives Premier
PAGE 31
Ask an Expert
“How can I Widen My Circle of
Influence in 2013?”
PAGE 33
Business Spotlight
Advertisers in the spotlight
PAGE 34
Our Voice
“Investing in Your Community”
Calendar
of Events
valparaisochamber.org
www.valparaisochamber.org
3

Investme
WISE
4

More companies are
redefining themselves,
and their futures,
in
Valparaiso
s Melina Yallourakis offers a tour of United Dance Arts, a
dreamlike quality consumes her, as if awed by how her
studio, which opened a little more than five years ago, has
become Northwest Indiana’s largest dance facility.
She stands, for instance, in “The Ballet Room,” her hand gliding
through the open space to highlight the pink walls and full-length
mirrors. Shortly before taking her leave of the room, she steals
one last look, smiling. She then arrives at studios with names
like “The Mango Room” and “The Teal Room.” Each come
equipped with floors that provide dancers with cushion support
for their feet and joints, along with smooth surfaces that are
easy on dance shoes. Computer sound systems dot the walls.
Yallourakis nods her head as she takes in the sights. Everything
is exactly how she envisioned it to be. Later, she relaxes in the
“Fred Astaire Valparaiso Ballroom.”
“It’s like a dream,” she says of the studio. “People are blown
away by it. They can’t believe how professional it is. We were so
blessed to find this place, to have such amazing instructors and
staff, all of it. Nothing ever happens by itself. Everyone comes
together to make it work.”
nts
By Andrew Tallackson
Room to Grow
United Dance Arts, 2759 Morthland Drive, is an example of
how businesses are courting success by investing in Valparaiso.
Whether it be purchasing an existing site, building a new facility
or relocating here from elsewhere, executives at thriving
companies say Valparaiso affords the option to create efficient,
comfortable workplaces, and with plenty of room to grow.
Take Yallourakis.
When United Dance Arts opened in 2007, she was renting
a 6,000-square-foot site on U.S. 30. It met her vision for the
studio, but on a smaller scale. She’d had her eye on the 9,000-
square-foot Morthland Drive location two miles west for some
time, but the former flooring business building was out of her >>
www.valparaisochamber.org
5

WISE Investments
>> price range. Over the next few years,
opportunities would come and go for
her to acquire the site, but in spring
2012, a deal fell through and the building
was hers.
Yallourakis credits her husband, Dimitri, for
being “the brains behind the business.” By
August of 2012, the studio was essentially
completed– renovated and redesigned to
fulfill her goal of, over time, becoming a
full-blown performing arts center.
“He (Dimitri) had a vision laid out to use
all the space as efficiently as possible,”
she says. “People come in and get a very
warm feeling, that it’s a family friendly
environment.”
Indeed, United Dance Arts caters to
people of all ages. Students range from
2 to 75 years. Snacks, drinks, and meals
are available. Clean, comfortable dressing
rooms are accessible. The five studios,
joined by viewing areas so families can
watch students and instructors interact,
include one for martial-arts training.
Instructors teach everything from ballet
and ballroom to jazz, funk, and hip-hop.
In the fall, a new preschool, complete
with a certified instructor, will include an
emphasis on dance and movement.
“It is so gratifying and rewarding to see
people embrace this,” Yallourakis says.
“I always wanted a place like this. My
husband supported it, everyone on the
staff has supported it. It’s wonderful.”
The Perfect Location
Vogelsang Asset Management also
illustrates how an existing location affords
the perfect opportunity for a business to
relocate and redefine itself.
When it opened in October 2007, the
independent advisory practice affiliated
with Wells Fargo Advisors Financial
Network was renting space at 870
Eastport Centre Drive. Senior Financial
Advisor Karen Vogelsang says it was part
of the firm’s long-term strategy to buy its
own building – within five years to be exact
– and that’s precisely what happened.
A charming, home-like office at 307 E.
Jefferson St., built in the early 1920s
and owned for many years by medical
specialist David Sexton, became available.
Reconfiguring the space to suit the
company’s needs required some work,
Vogelsang says, from electrical upgrades
to cosmetic efforts that accommodated
more office space. The goal, however, was
to maintain the spirit and style of the era in
which the site was built.
The practice, which includes Vogelsang
and four employees, moved into its new
location, which is close to the city’s
thriving downtown, in February.
“It’s unique. There are so many
communities that don’t have the
leadership, the commitment that exists
6
Valparaiso Magazine | Spring 2013

here to making Valparaiso a great place,” she says. “There
definitely is a sense of community here. People who live here
are proud of what we’ve got.”
Strong Foundations
In many cases, businesses find that constructing a new facility,
one tailored to meet specific needs, is the best option.
That is true of Task Force Tips, 3701 Innovation Way, a
worldwide leader in creating and delivering firefighting
equipment to emergency responders.
While its roots date back to Hobart, Ind., in the late 1960s, it
has been a fixture in the Valparaiso community since 1976, its
first facility here located at 2901 E. Cascade Drive. By 1985,
it outgrew that location and constructed a 24,000 square-foot
building at 2800 E. Evans Ave. The new 180,000 square-foot
headquarters at 3701 Innovation Way, the company’s home
since 2009, now houses 200 full- and part-time employees.
What Task Force Tips has discovered, Chief Financial Officer
Martin Sonnenberg says, is that its strong relationship with
the local schools helps fuel its workforce, that the company
also can work closely with area vendors to meet its needs, and
learn from them as well.
The new headquarters
“many
communities
that don’t
have the
leadership or
commitment
that exists
here... There
definitely is
a sense of
community
here. People
who live here
are proud
of what
we’ve got.
“
— Karen Vogelsang
Senior Financial Advisor
Vogelsang Asset Management
has surpassed all
expectations.
“It’s definitely meeting
our needs,” he says.
“We built it with enough
space so we would not
need to expand for a long
time. We’re good with the
space we have, and we
have room
to grow.”
Opportunities for growth
exist as well for Farm
Credit Mid-America,
which in December 2011
moved into a new 2,800-
square-foot facility at
2901 Leonard Drive.
The agriculture-lending cooperative, which serves farmers,
agribusiness, and rural residents in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio,
and Tennessee, was situated for years near Walmart in a house
converted into office space.
What the company needed, says Randi Potts, Farm Credit’s
financial services officer, was space better suited to meeting
with customers, and with more advanced technology.
While the square footage of the new facility isn’t much larger
than the old one, Potts adds, it is arranged better with more >>
7

WISE Investments
>> of an office look, complete with a conference area, lunch room
and storage space. The building also is tailored to make future
expansions easy if the need arises. Another plus is that the site is
next to Farm Service Agency, which Potts says a majority of Farm
Credit customers visit.
The office, which has three loan officers, four support staff and
one crop-insurance agent, covers Lake, La Porte, and Porter
counties and part of Starke County, so remaining in Valparaiso
was essential.
“It is centrally located within all the counties we serve,”
Potts says.
In terms of growth, 2012 was a watershed year – one of many
over time – for Indiana Beverage. Formerly known as North Coast
Distributing, and with a rich history that dates back to its inception
as Valpo Beverages in 1939, the company not only merged
last year with Indiana Beer of South Bend, to become Indiana
Beverage, but also moved into a 215,000-square-foot office and
warehouse at 2850 Barley Road.
For several years prior to the move, the company studied its
capacity for growth within the marketplace and whether it could
meet those demands at its Silhavy Road facility, Indiana Beverage
General Manager George Douglas says. Taking the “Band-Aid
approach,” he adds, like reconfiguring warehouse space, “was
not going to solve a longer-term issue and more importantly would
prevent us from realizing our opportunities.”
The company hired an industry consultant to identify growth
patterns and the ideal location for a new facility. The study
identified the Indiana 49 corridor as the most attractive possibility
because of its proximity to vital highways and interstates, as well
as to its workforce and customer base.
From there, Douglas says, everything came together swiftly.
“What was unique about our project was, we identified a
great site, and the city, the chamber and the redevelopment
commission worked very well with us to identify our needs,
and worked with us to quickly put together a responsible, yet
responsive proposal to stay and expand here,” Douglas says.
The company, which has more than 200 employees, moved into
its new facility, complete with a museum celebrating the beer
industry as part of Indiana’s and America’s history, in February
2012. The site has exceeded expectations, Douglas says, but
what he savors most is what it means to the employees.
“Everyone wants to work for a good place and for a good
company, and we put a high premium on our people,” he says.
“That’s the foundation of our success. For our employees to be
able to work in this type of environment, I think it’s had a positive
impact on them.”
“
We identified a great site, and
the city, the chamber and
the redevelopment commission
worked very well with us
to quickly put together a responsive proposal to
stay and expand here.
“
— George Douglas
General Manager, Indiana Beverage
8

Healthy Solution
HealthLinc, a health-care provider with five Northwest Indiana
locations targeting low-income families, seniors and the uninsured,
has found itself in an unusual predicament. Growth has been so
rapid, its existing clinic at 454 S. College Ave. is at capacity,
with no room to expand.
CEO Beth Wrobel attributes the issue to HealthLinc becoming a
Federally Qualified Health Center in 2006. Consider, she says, the
following figures:
• In 2006, the current building accommodated
997 patients and 1,827 encounters.
• By the 12 months ending Dec. 31, 2011, it
accommodated 5,233 patients and 22,844 encounters.
• In Valparaiso’s zip codes, nearly 5,000 residents
exist with incomes below 200 percent of the poverty
level for whom the health center does not serve.
• Porter County has 16,800 residents with incomes
below 200 percent of the poverty level who
go unserved.
Issues began to mount with the current location. Parking
and accessibility, especially for people with disabilities,
were a problem. Misplaced walls and odd room sizes
proved challenging. Standing-room only waiting rooms became
the norm. Administrative staff shared small office spaces, with
two to three people in one room.
HealthLinc eventually located a building at 1001 Sturdy Road
that had been vacant for several years. In order to secure federal
dollars for the new location, Wrobel says, the health provider was
advised to reinvest in the community. Rehabbing an existing site,
she continues, was a viable option.
The new 22,000 square-foot clinic, located on 4.45 acres two
miles north of the existing facility, is near completion, with July as
the target date for the official opening. Three times larger than the
current site, it will feature 23 medical, four behavioral health and
12 dental rooms, along with ancillary clinical and administrative
space. Two rooms now will accommodate optometry services. A
1,810 square-foot community center will be available not only for
HealthLinc, but also to community organizations.
The expansion means HealthLinc has the capacity to care for
4,000 new patients, with 14,200 new encounters during the
first year of operations. >>
9

WISE Investments
>> Wrobel admits with a laugh that when
she talks with other community healthcenter
CEOs in the state about everything
HealthLinc has accomplished, they
confess to being somewhat envious.
“They look at me and go, ‘How the heck
did you do all that?’” she says. “I say to
them, ‘Valparaiso is a caring community.
We couldn’t do what we are doing if it
wasn’t for this community’.”
A ‘Giant Step Forward’
It speaks volumes about Valparaiso
that an out-of-state company looking
to expand opts to relocate its entire
headquarters here.
That’s what happened in July 2010 when
Retro-Tech Systems, an energy efficient
lighting business, moved its Lansing, Ill.,
operations to a 21,000 square-foot
facility previously occupied by a
home-construction firm at 853 Eastport
Centre Drive.
Minko says, meeting all of Retro-Tech’s
expectations, from being the right size and
price to its proximity to key interstates.
Support from city officials such as Mayor
Jon Costas and Economic Development
Director Matt Murphy aided the process,
Minko says.
In September 2011, Minko moved his
family to Valparaiso. That decision
“
reaffirmed that relocating Retro-Tech,
which boasts about 150 employees, was
not only the right thing to do, but also in
everyone’s best interests.
“We are tickled pink that we made the
decision to move to Valparaiso,” he says.
“It’s just worked out great. We took a
giant step forward in every aspect, and
we keep reaping the benefits over and
over again.” VM
Valparaiso is a caring
community. We couldn’t
do what we are doing if
it wasn’t for this
community.
“
— Beth Wrobel
CEO, HealthLinc
Before then, Retro-Tech existed in an
8,000 square-foot site it rented and
had long outgrown, President and Chief
Executive Officer Kurt Minko says.
“We were crammed into that space,”
he says. “We were literally on top of
each other.”
In 2006, the company considered a move
to Indiana, buying land in Crown Point
and working with contractors to design a
new facility. Then, in 2007, the economy
started to change, escalating to the
stock-market crisis in 2008. With the
uncertain business climate, the project
was put on hold.
Then, in 2009, the economy started to
pick up and Minko’s longtime friend and
Retro-Tech’s vice president, Gary “Buck”
Maynard, heard about the building in
Valparaiso, describing it to Minko as
“phenomenal.”
10
Valparaiso Magazine | Spring 2013

Kaylyn & Autumn Biggs, Dominic Blewett, Jaylayia Williams, Khristopher Means
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11

Business snapshot
Inn at Aberdeen, Ltd
13158 S State Road 2, Valparaiso
Telephone: (219) 465-3753
Web site: www.innataberdeen.com
Management: Linda & John Johnson, Owners
Chamber Member since: 1995
The Inn at Aberdeen is a 1850s home completely
remodeled in 1995 to create 11 spacious suites.
The Inn can offer the most memorable weddings,
receptions, and anniversaries to name a few.
Whether you want an event inside the luxurious
conference center, the Solarium, outside in the
gazebo, or spread throughout
the gardens surrounding the
Inn, the staff will surely
meet your needs. The
Innat Aberdeen is that
special place that you
deserve for a night,
a weekend, that
hectic business
trip, or simply
because.
Photo by Aran
Kessler Photo.
Imaging
Featured Chamber
member business
chosen at random.
John C. Johnson, Proprietor
12
Valparaiso Magazine | Spring 2013

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access to the most minimally invasive and advanced urological
treatments available. Dr. Perlmutter is the only fellowship-trained
urologic oncologist in Northwest and North Central Indiana.
Lakeshore Urology offers five convenient treatment locations
throughout Northern Indiana in Valparaiso, Portage, Plymouth,
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For an appointment, call 219-983-6230.
John Lynam, D.O.
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www.valparaisochamber.org
13
2/25/13 1:04 PM

Outpatient services focus of new $17 million Valparaiso H
One-Stop
Shop
By Andrew Tallackson
14

ealth Center
s thousands of visitors streamed through the doors of St.
Mary Medical Center’s Valparaiso Health Center last
January, many saw fit to pause and admire the soothing
elegance of the new $17 million outpatient facility.
Art glass walls, pendulum lighting and granite
counters commanded their gaze inside, while birch
trees and dune grass conveyed a feel for the native
landscape outside. Leaving the most indelible impression,
though, was the staff, which helped showcase the full scope
of available medical services.
“The response from people was overwhelmingly
positive,” says Mary Fetsch, St. Mary Medical Center
director of marketing and community relations.
“They initially commented on the appearance, the
warm feeling it gave them. But what they were most
impressed by were the physicians and the services,
which are very comprehensive. What we have here is
very much a one-stop shop for people.”
The 55,000 square-foot facility near Indiana 49 and
Burlington Beach Road, completed in less than a year
after the first bulldozer broke ground on Jan. 25, 2012,
reflects the goal by St. Mary Medical Center to have one
site offer the most frequently requested outpatient services.
That’s according to Janice Ryba, CEO of St. Mary Medical
Center, Hobart, Ind., which is part of the Community
Healthcare System that includes Community Hospital in
Munster, and St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago. She
says feedback from focus-group meetings involving area
residents, many already serviced by St. Mary, along with
independent projections that the Valparaiso community’s
population will increase, reaffirmed intentions to build a
new facility here.
“We were convinced we could bring another option to the
community focusing on a high level of quality and patientoriented
service excellence,” Ryba says.
The Valparaiso Health Center includes 30 primary care,
specialty physicians and ancillary staff, along with about 100
on-site employees at its peak operation levels.
Family and internal-medicine physicians are available,
as are specialists in obstetrics and gynecology, general
surgery, oncology, podiatry, gastroenterology,
pulmonology, urology, cardiology, orthopedics, plastic
surgery, neurology, weight-loss and bariatric medicine and
integrative medicine. Outpatient rehabilitation is another
option, along with a full clinical laboratory and the latest
advances in MRI, CT, digital X-ray, ultrasound, echo >>
www.valparaisochamber.org
15

one-stop shop
“
We were
convinced
we could
bring another
option to the
community
focusing on
a high level
of quality and
patient-oriented
service
excellence
“
— Janice Ryba
CEO, St. Mary Medical Center
>> and EKG. Same-day
mammography results that utilize
the latest 3-D technology are
available. The Immediate Care
Center, which has eight exam
rooms, is open from 8 a.m. to 8
p.m. daily and staffed by boardcertified
primary care physicians
and staff.
Other features include two
community rooms for educational
presentations and support-group meetings, as well as a resource
center, cafe and healing garden.
Ryba says the new health center’s location is ideal.
“We spent several months reviewing sites in the Valparaiso
community,” she says, “but Indiana 49 was always our
preferred location.
“Indiana 49 is identified as the health-care corridor for Porter
County. The site offered easy access, as well as an opportunity
for future expansion of health-related services.”
The new facility also conveys how excited St. Mary Medical Center
is to be part of the Valparaiso community.
“We’ve wanted to be part of it for a long time, and we wanted
to do it right and in the spirit that Valparaiso does everything–
with a lot of forethought,” Ryba says. “We didn’t have small ideas.
We came with the full intention of providing the very best we can
to the residents and the community.” VM
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of Commerce
16
Valparaiso Magazine | Spring 2013

New Member Investors
Welcome Members
The Valpo Chamber welcomes Board-approved new members who joined during
December 2012, January and February 2013.
Interested in joining the largest and most active chamber in Northwest Indiana?
Contact Danielle Oeding at (219) 462-1105 or oeding@valparaisochamber.org
All addresses are in the 46383
zip code and phone numbers
are 219 area code unless
otherwise indicated.
n 360 refresh
150 W Lincolnway, Ste 3001A
286-0233
Donna M. Rucks
Consultants
www.360refresh.com/duneland
n Aldred Homes
1709 Crimson Dr
465-2093
Aryl Aldred
Builders & Developers
www.aldredhomes.com
n Burgerhaus
3304 Calumet Ave
286-3296
Evan Costas
Restaurants
www.burgerhausvalpo.com
n Bedzzz Direct
1608 E Lincolnway, Ste 2A
464-2339
Chris Paulk
Furniture
www.bedzzzdirect.com
n Century 21
Executive Realty (Allen)
1211 Cumberland Crossing Dr
671-6351
Mary Jane Allen
Real Estate-Commercial & Residential
www.maryjaneallenhomes.com
n Employer Benefit Systems, Inc.
200 Monticello Dr
Dyer, 46321
322-1556
Matthew Glaros
Insurance
www.ebsinsure.com
n Look for IT Local.com
688-1655
Annette Hiller
Advertising/ Creative & Marketing Services
www.lookforitlocal.com
n Healthi Paws
2912 Calumet Ave
286-7062
Vanessa Bland
Pet Services/Supplies/Training
www.healthipaws.com
n Healthy Living
623 N 70 E
689-6058
Susan El-Naggar
Health & Wellness Products & Services
www.healthylivingnow.vpweb.com
n Home-N-Clature
1948 45th Ave
Munster, 46321
312-613-1500
Amanda Snider
Retail Stores
www.myhomenclature.com
n Kernels and Kones
56 Indiana Ave
299-2940
Kim White
Restaurants
www.kernelsandkones.com
n Moving Places Move
Management LLC
462-3221
Barbara Peuquet
Estate Sales
Move Management
www.movingplaces.org
n SavelDesign
628-3305
Nanc Ashby
Advertising/Creative & Marketing Services
www.saveldesign.com
n Senior Care Central, LLC
PO Box 1759, 46384-1759
(800) 842-9619
Dr. Kristen Mauk
Healthcare/Home Health Services
www.seniorcarecentral.net
n Sherwin-Williams &
M.A.B. (East)
2320 LaPorte Ave
465-7512
Brent Watts
Paint Products & Services
www.sherwinwilliams.com
n Sherwin-Williams &
M.A.B. (North)
2105 N Calumet Ave
462-5471
Scott Rippe
Paint Products & Services
www.sherwinwilliams.com
n Stacks Bar & Grill
175 Lincolnway, Ste C
462-0553
Sean Sinclair
Restaurants
www.stacksvalpo.com
n Stanley Steemer
Carpet Cleaner
9154 Louisiana St
Merrillville, 46410
(800) STEEMER/783-3637
Ron Cochran
Carpet Cleaning
www.stanleysteemer.com
n Surefire Sandwich Shop
385 W US Hwy 6, 46385
841-9698
Sandy Kolvek
Restaurants
www.surefirecatering.com
n Valparaiso Car Care
& Transmission
1607 E Lincolnway
462-4253
Neal Guidarelli
Auto-Repairs/Service/Towing
www.valpocarcare.net
n Valparaiso Sunrise
Kiwanis
PO Box 1211, 46384-1211
242-2657
John Laughery
Organizations
www.valparaisosunrisekiwanis.org
n Wegoshop.com
(855) 493-7467
Sally Ann Moyer
Delivery Service
www.wegoshop.com
M•A•H
Preventive Care | Dentistry | Surgical Care
Dog Training | Boarding | Wildlife Rehab | And More
Pet Health Care for
cats, dogs & exotics
Child Development
Tiny Tim’s Center
a child care ministry w/ St. Paul Catholic Church
Social, emotional and academic readiness in an environment
that emphasizes respect, caring and having fun!
Child Care (2-6 year olds)
Hourly / Daily / Weekly
Pricing as low
as $4.00/hr
Pre-School
Pre-3 Tues & Thurs 9:00-1:00
Pre-K Mon, Wed., Fri. 9:00-1:00
Pre-K Mon-Fri. 9:15 - 1:15
219-462-5901
651 Eastport Centre Dr., Valparaiso www.mcafeeah.com
1857 Harrison Blvd. | Valparaiso, IN
(219) 465-0882
serving our community for over 23 years!
www.valparaisochamber.org
17

CHAMBER FOCUS n Leadership Academy
Photo left to right:
Graduates and their
Sponsor Businesses
Seated:
Laura Yates
General Insurance Services, Inc.
Courtney Fokianos
BMO Harris Bank
Kelly Mamouzelos
Citizens Financial Bank
Carol Balko
Porter-Starke Services, Inc.
Beni Miller
Dunebrook
Randi Potts
Farm Credit Mid-America
Sara Olejniczak
Pines Village Retirement
Communities, Inc.
Standing:
Mackenna Dickt
United Way of Porter County
Chris White
Philips Ace Hardware, Inc.
Jacob Williams
First United Methodist Church
Nathan Vis
Blachly Tabor Bozik & Hartman LLC
Matthew Howell
Ivy Tech Community College
Jane Powers
St. Mary Medical Center
Amy Welkie
1st Source Bank
Eric Beschinski
Horizon Bank
Kevin Johnson
Scannell Wealth
CHAMBER
Management Group
Not pictured:
Ilija Matoski
Wells Fargo Advisors
Angela McMillan
The Times Media Company
strengthening
our community
The Valpariaso Leadership Academy focuses on
emerging and existing leaders
By Susan Antoszewski
In its short history, the Valpo Chamber
Leadership Academy has become a
shining example of quality and excellence
common to Chamber programming.
ALPARAISO
The Academy’s mission is to provide a
LEADERSHIP
growing leadership pool of willing and able
leaders and volunteers CADEMY
for current and
future civic, charitable, and governmental
organizations in Valparaiso.
The Leadership Academy program
brings INFORM together . business INSPIRE and . INVOLVE community
18
Valparaiso Magazine | Spring 2013

leaders to create a network of speakers and mentors
who participate in coaching sessions, small-group
discussions, and skill-building exercises with the
program participants. Admission to the program is for
Valpo Camber members only and participants must
have the full support of their employers.
The Academy is not just about training. From day
one, participants are encouraged to find their passion
for service and act on it. The Academy’s dynamic
curriculum not only exposes participants to pressing
community issues, but also introduces them to key
community leaders.
In 2012, the Valpo Chamber hired Dee Haklin, past
vice chancellor of the Ivy Tech Community College
Valparaiso campus, as facilitator of the Academy.
Haklin coordinated the varied curriculum of speakers
and presentations.
“The Valpo Chamber Leadership Academy is an
excellent model of ‘forward thinking.’ We hear
all of the media hype around the retiring boomers
and ‘brain drain’ that is decimating our region - the
Academy is an anecdote to both of those things,”
explains Haklin. “For our community, the Academy
is one tangible way to prepare young leaders to
fill some very big shoes - in business, community
service, and government leadership. It also exposes
Academy participants to the many opportunities
available to them and equips them to continue on the
road to success.”
“The Leadership Academy was a wonderful
experience!” says 2012 Graduate Courtney Fokianos
from BMO Harris Bank. “The Academy allowed us to
learn aspects of community leadership, community
involvement opportunities, and community
teamwork.”
During the focused seven sessions, August through
November, participants are infused in the community,
exploring the public sector, city government sector,
private business sector, and non-profit organizations
that currently benefit from local leaders. >>
www.valparaisochamber.org
19

CHAMBER FOCUS n Leadership Academy
>> Upon completion, participants are expected
to take the insights, skills, and contacts gained in
the Leadership Academy and apply them to
community organizations.
“This has been a wonderful opportunity to enhance
my leadership skills and gain insight from a variety of
community leaders,” adds 2012 Graduate Randi Potts
from Farm Credit Mid-America.
and to those who shared their time and experiences
to inspire the next generation of leaders,” says
2012 Graduate Kevin Johnson of Scannell Wealth
Management Group. “It was a great chance to
engage with peers who are well respected, and
working hard to maintain a high standard of service to
their community. We were all encouraged to be good
stewards of the opportunities we have, and to help
build on the foundation of leaders before us.”
“As a result of the information and guidance provided
by the Leadership Academy, I’ve had the chance to
become a member on two committees for fundraising
events, and I’ve had the good fortune to be invited to
“
The Leadership Academy is an
excellent model of ‘forward
thinking.’ For our community,
the Academy is one tangible way to
prepare young leaders to fill
some very big shoes - in business, community
service, and government leadership.
— Dee Haklin
Leadership Academy facilitator
join the Community Engagement Committee for Elder
Style. I highly recommend the Leadership Academy!”
adds Fokianos.
“Anyone who has been involved in the community
knows that it is easier, and more fun, to get
things done as a group than as just one person.
Unfortunately, I think the hectic pace of business
today prevents people from really developing
relationships and networks that will make it easier
to make a difference,” says Haklin. “This is an
opportunity for that very thing - and I think the
participants are surprised at how fast relationships
developed.”
“When I look back at photos of the Leadership
Academy graduating classes, I can’t help but notice
that these are the same people who are the active
volunteers and leaders in our community today,”
says 2012 Academy Graduate Mackenna Dickt from
United Way of Porter County. “I am both excited and
honored to be a part of this amazing network.”
“The program is a tribute to those leaders in our
community who organize and sponsor the program,
CHAMBER
“It has been a great privilege to be involved with the
Academy - I was encouraged by the level of support
and commitment that the community and business
leaders demonstrated over our sessions. Many very
busy people made participating a
priority - I think it is because they
know that young leaders are the
“
key to a bright future for all of us.”
adds Haklin
“The Leadership Academy helped
me figure out what kinds of
leadership opportunities would
best suit my qualities,” says 2012
Graduate Sara Olejniczak, Pines
Village Retirement Communities,
Inc. “The program encouraged all
of us to explore within ourselves
what we have to offer. It helped
us discover what makes a good
leader and what we can contribute
to the community.”
The 2012 Leadership Academy is sponsored in part
by Valpo Chamber Silver Partners: 1st Source Bank,
BMO Harris Bank, Burke Costanza & Carberry LLP,
Comcast Business Services, Horizon Bank, Laciak
Accountancy Group PC, REGIONAL federal credit
union, Uzelac & Associates, Inc., and the Valparaiso
Economic Development Corp. In-kind sponsor was
United Way of Porter County.
Leadership Academy is, at its heart, about
connection—connection between young professionals
and seasoned community leaders, and connection
between an individual’s desire to serve and
opportunities to demonstrate leadership that will
make a meaningful difference in our community. VM
To learn more about
ALPARAISO
Leadership Academy, visit
LEADERSHIP
CADEMY
www.valparaisochamber.org.
INFORM . INSPIRE . INVOLVE
20
Valparaiso Magazine | Spring 2013

Member investor
Anniversaries
The Valpo Chamber is proud to showcase our members
who have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to our
organization and to the business community. We applaud
and appreciate your dedication. The following milestone
anniversaries occurred in the second quarter of 2013.
40 Years
Clifford Stone & Material Co.
Martin Binder Jeweler, Inc.
25 Years
Custom Machining Services, Inc.
Mr. CopyRite
Porter County Regional Airport
World Travel Unlimited
20 Years
AT&T/Cartronix, Inc.
Burke Costanza & Carberry LLP
Lifestyles/The Gallery
15 Years
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Community Theatre Guild, Inc./Chicago Street Theater
Memorial Opera House
Porter County Community Foundation
Porter County Parks & Recreation
10 Years
Engstrom Jewelers
Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches
Meridian Title Corp.
RE/MAX Affiliates (Singleton)
RE/MAX Commercial Property (Macmahon)
5 Years
American Limb & Orthopedic Co.
AC Incorporated
Certified Financial Group, LLC
County Line Orchard/Apple Core LLC
Great Lakes Labs, LLC
The Grossbauer Group, Inc.
Hilltop Neighborhood House
Little U Academy
Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, PC
Old Style Inn
Restaurant Management Corp.
Sikorski Wealth Management Group
Tech Credit Union
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans – Greater Valparaiso Group
View Outdoor Advertising
Xorco Automation
Ziker Uniforms
www.valparaisochamber.org
21

I Chose
Methodist
You can’t say enough
when something like 3D
mammography saves your life.
Sandra Nixon, Crown Point
... for Breast Cancer Care.
Dr. Kenneth Segel
Dr. Anastasia Siatras
Methodist Hospitals is Northwest Indiana’s first hospital with
breakthrough, three-dimensional mammography technology.
Its advanced nature delivers cleaner, more accurate views of the breast
than digital mammograms. That means radiologists Kenneth Segel
and Anastasia Siatras can more effectively pinpoint the size, shape
and location of any abnormalities. This can lead to better detection,
fewer call backs and greater peace of mind. In Sandra’s case, her 3D
mammogram detected a tumor that is notoriously difficult to pick up
on a mammogram. She was ultimately treated without chemotherapy
because it was found so early. The entire experience seems like a miracle
to Sandra... and it began with a 3D screening mammogram at Methodist.
Dr. Susan Schneider
BREAST CENTER
Leading the Way
to Better Health
Methodist Hospitals is an American
College of Radiology Breast Imaging
Center of Excellence, and the f irst in
Northwest Indiana to be accredited by
National Accreditation Program for
Breast Centers.
Same-day appointments are available. To schedule your
3D Screening Mammogram, call 219-981-5440.
NORTHLAKE CAMPUS MIDLAKE CAMPUS SOUTHLAKE CAMPUS
22
Valparaiso Magazine | Spring 2013

BUSINESS SNAPSHOT
Petey’s Gyros
255 Morthland Dr, Valparaiso
Telephone: (219) 548-2233
Website: www.peteygyros.com
Management: Pete Poulos, Owner
Chamber Member since: 2012
BCC
BURKE COSTANZA & CARBERRY LLP
From his humble beginnings as a dishwasher at the age
of 16, Pete Poulos has come a long way. Graduating
from Hobart High School, Gary Career Center’s Culinary
Program, and Joliet Junior College with a degree in
Culinary Arts, Pete’s life revolves around food. Fast
forward 21 years and Petey’s Gyros is picking up steam.
Mouthwatering gyros,
homemade burgers,
wings, and more,
make Petey’s Gyros
a must try. Can’t get
out? Petey’s delivers.
Having a party?
Petey’s caters.
Want to stay
in your car?
Drive thru.
View the menu
online and
place your
order today!
Voted
BEST
by the readers of
Northwest Indiana
Business Quarterly
Find out why at
bcclegal.com
or call
219-531-0134
Law Firm in
Northwest Indiana
Photo by Aran
Kessler Photo.
Imaging
Featured Chamber
member business
chosen at random.
Pete Poulos, Owner
www.valparaisochamber.org
23

around town
Around Town
is an important
element to the local
business coverage of
Valparaiso Magazine.
Submissions by
chamber member
businesses are
given preference.
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. Around
Town submissions
must be 130 words
or less, are subject
to approval, and may
be edited.
To submit Around Town entries,
call (219) 462-1105 or send to
info@valparaisochamber.org
Attn: Editor.
Bella Photography announces their
relocation to the former Valparaiso Technical
Institute building at 1150 W. Lincolnway.
The new location allows for additional indoor
photography and a chance to expand with
videography. Bella Photography is also
thrilled to welcome Amy Blommer of
Valparaiso to its creative team. Blommer
is an Emmy Award
winning storyteller who
has spent most of her
career as a television
sports broadcaster.
Combining beautiful
still photography with
Blommer’s authentic
video capture will create
cherished memories
for clients. For more
information on services
available, visit www.bellaphotographs.com.
——————————————————
Citizens Financial Bank is proud to
welcome Scott Casbon, vice president,
regional manager, to the Citizens Financial
Bank Business
Banking Team.
Casbon joins the
Citizens’ Team with
over twenty years
of experience in
the industry, with a
strong background
in commercial
banking. Casbon,
who has a Bachelor
of Science Degree
in Accounting from
Indiana University, Bloomington, will
be responsible for Business Banking
in the South Region. To learn more,
visit www.mybankcitizens.com.
——————————————————
Derek Frazier has
recently been named
development director
for Frontline
Foundations
Inc., a faith-based
substance abuse
treatment provider
in Porter County.
He will oversee
fundraising,
marketing, and grant development. Frazier
was a member of the 2011 Valpo Chamber
Leadership Academy and currently serves
as co-chair for Emerge South Shore’s
Identify Committee. Frontline Foundations,
Inc. serves young men and women, ages 18
to 28, suffering from alcohol and drug abuse
while also providing an effective treatment
and recovery support system. To learn
more, visit www.frontlinefoundations.com.
——————————————————
HealthLinc was recently endorsed as a
Patient-Centered Medical Home provider
(PCMH) by the National Committee
for Quality Assurance (NCQA). PCMH
recognition shows that HealthLinc has the
tools, systems, and resources to provide
their patients with the right care at the
right time and exemplifies the vision of
HealthLinc to be known for its compassion
and quality of care. HealthLinc’s continuity
of care ensures that patients can receive
access and advice during and after hours,
open scheduling, expanded hours, and
new options for communication between
patients, their personal provider, and
practice staff through the patient portal.
For additional information about services
available, visit www.healthlincchc.org.
——————————————————
Healthy Living,
a Porter County
nutrition-based
Health & Wellness
consulting firm,
announces the
launch of its
new “Corporate
Wellness
Program.” Owners
and lead coaches,
Tarik and
Susan El-Naggar, provide businesses
with a proven program geared
to employee weight loss, disease
prevention, and health maintenance. With
continued focus on individual wellness,
Healthy Living’s “Corporate Wellness
Program” is targeted to employers desiring
to increase employee productivity and
reduce losses due to poor employee health
and excessive employee sick days. For
more information or to schedule a program,
visit http://healthylivingnow.vpweb.com.>>
24
Valparaiso Magazine | Spring 2013

www.valparaisochamber.org
25

around town
>> Meridian Title Corporation
is celebrating 75 years in business.
Meridian has over 30 offices located
in markets throughout Illinois, Indiana,
and Michigan including Lake and Porter
County locations in Valparaiso, Crown
Point, Hobart, Highland and Portage.
Meridian Title provides title insurance,
title research, escrow closing and real
estate related services for residential,
commercial, new construction,
land development, default (REO/
Foreclosure), easement and zoning
related transactions. Meridian Title is
a member of the American Land Title
Association and the Indiana, Illinois and
Michigan Land Title Associations.
To learn more about Meridian, visit
www.meridiantitle.com.
————————————————
Ogletree,
Deakins,
Nash,
Smoak &
Stewart,
P.C., is
pleased to
announce
that Tina
M. Bengs
has been
elected to the position of shareholder.
Bengs has a comprehensive practice,
focusing on employment law,
litigation, and employee benefits.
An experienced speaker, Bengs has
lectured on a variety of employment
and employee benefits topics for
several business associations and
earned her J.D., cum laude, from the
Thomas M. Cooley School of Law.
For additional information about Bengs
or services at Ogletree Deakins,
visit www.ogletreedeakins.com.
————————————————
Pines Village Retirement
Communities has joined COLLAGE,
The Art & Science of Healthy Aging.
COLLAGE is a consortium of aging
services organizations working to
advance healthy aging and improve
outcomes of older adults living
independently. Members of the
consortium use a unique, holistic,
evidence-based assessment tool and
person-centered process to improve
CONGRATULATIONS
to theValparaiso HealthLincTeam!
Designated as the First
Patient-Centered Medical Home
in Northwest Indiana by the
National Committee for Quality Assurance
HealthLinc is a community health center that provides compassionate
quality care, helping Valparaiso enjoy a healthier quality of life.
454 South College Avenue,Valparaiso, IN • 219-462-7173
Watch for our newValparaiso Health Center to open in July 2013!
healthlincchc.org
26
Valparaiso Magazine | Spring 2013

quality of life and successful aging.
Members from across the country
collaborate with other service providers
as well as researchers and clinicians
dedicated to creating innovative
programs and practices. For additional
information, contact Lu Krieger-Blake at
(219) 465-1591.
————————————————
Porter Health Care System
recently named EMS Office Manager
Darcy Jackson as its 2013
Associate of the Year; Cathy Pera,
Director of IMCU and the
Progressive Care Unit, as its Clinical
Manager of the Year; and Tracey
Knapp, Director of Porter Physician
Group, as its Non-Clinical Manager of
the Year. Porter Health Care System
has two hospital campuses and seven
outpatient facilities serving Porter,
Lake, LaPorte, Starke, Newton and
Jasper counties. With more than 350
physicians representing 50 medical
specialties on the medical staff, Porter
Health Care System is a leader in
technology and overall patient care.
For more information, visit www.
porterhealth.com.
^ Darcy Jackson ^ Cathy Pera ^ Tracey Knapp
Reins of Life, an accredited nonprofit
therapeutic riding center serving
children and adults with disabilities,
was recently elected to host the
Professional Association of Therapeutic
Horsemanship (PATH) Region 4
conference. Reins of Life, where the
nonjudgmental, unconditional love of
35 therapy horses and 480 volunteers
change lives through equine-assisted
activities, provides 3,000 hours of
therapeutic horseback riding lessons
for 500 riders each year, a mini-horse
visitation program, and PATH Certified
Instructor-in-Training. Most riders come
from St. Joseph, LaPorte, and Porter
Counties. For additional information,
visit www.reinsoflife.org.
————————————————
Valpo Schools Foundation
(VSF) will host the Harlem Wizards
on Thursday, April 25, at 6:30 pm at
Valparaiso High School. The Wizards
will play Valparaiso elementary and >>
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www.valparaisochamber.org
27

around town
>> middle school staff in a full basketball game. The goal for this
event, sponsored by Cavanaugh & Nondorf Orthodontics, is to
bring elementary and middle school families together in common
admiration for the community and its schools. Tickets may be
purchased in advance by contacting Amy Burton at (219) 531-
3000/x1135 or aburton@valpo.k12.in.us. VSF will also hold its
6th Annual Golf Outing at Valparaiso Country Club on Monday,
June 10. For more information, contact Jason Schwerdt at
(219) 462-4334 or jschwerdt@valpofirst.com. All proceeds from
both events directly benefit students and teachers of Valparaiso
Community Schools.VM
“I trust Dr. Hyde to make
sure my smile reflects my
business confidence.”
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From clear aligners, retainers, and today’s braces,
Dr. Hyde will recommend the treatment plan that
meets your needs and fits your lifestyle.
orthobyhyde.com
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219.462.3537
Take the Uncertainty
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When you factor Horizon Bank into your business
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experts will develop a customized business loan that
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28
Valparaiso Magazine | Spring 2013

68476_PORTE_CareEx_3_625x10_437c.indd 1
3/1/13 10:59 AM
your life. better.
QUICK.
WHEN A MINOR INJURY OR ILLNESS
JUST CAN’T WAIT.
Business snapshot
Realty Executives Premier
310 E Lincolnway, Valparaiso
Telephone: (219) 462-2224
Web site: www.rexpremier.com
Management: Mike Tezak, Broker/Owner
Chamber Member since: 2008
Realty Executives is a progressive real estate company
serving Northwest Indiana whose multi -million dollar
sales agents consistently rank among the top producers
in the area. Using the latest technology and marketing
tools, Realty Executives Premier assist buyers and
sellers in today’s quickly changing
real estate market. Although
Realty Executives utilizes
cutting edge technology,
its primary focus remains
on service. Whether
buying or selling, Realty
Executive agents are held
to specific standards
to make the
process as
smooth and
seamless
as possible.
Photo by Aran
Kessler Photo.
Imaging
Featured Chamber
member business
chosen at random.
Porter Regional Hospital is directly or indirectly owned by a partnership that proudly includes
physician owners, including certain members of the hospital’s medical staff.
Mike Tezak, Broker/Owner
www.valparaisochamber.org
29

Home Mountain
Coming Soon
360 Morthland Drive
(West of Walgreens)
1-888-Centier • Centier.com
Member FDIC
Indiana Beverage
W
Metro buys and recycles
scrap steel from sources
such as construction
materials, cans, cars
and appliances.
Recycling steel saves
75 percent of the energy that
would be used to create steel
from raw materials, enough to
power 18 million homes.
Source: Earth 911.com
WE BUY OR RECYCLE: ALUMINUM CANS | COPPER | BRASS | SCRAP STEEL & IRON | WIRE | RADIATORS | STAINLESS STEEL
ALUMINUM SIDING | VINYL SIDING | ELECTRIC MOTORS | PAPER | CARDBOARD | AND MORE | CALL FOR PRICING
We accept junk vehicles at our Valparaiso
and Griffith locations.
Follow us for
recycling tips
WhereDoIRecycle.com
1-855-97-SCRAP (72727)
VALPARAISO, IN GRIFFITH, IN BLUE ISLAND, IL
Metro Recycling is proud to support Opportunity Enterprises (OE). Anyone wishing to drop off their paper recycling may do so at Metro Recycling in Valparaiso on behalf
of OE. Your donations will be given to OE and their Secure Shred company. Our customers may also donate any or all of their metal recycling proceeds to OE as well.
30
Valparaiso Magazine | Spring 2013

ask an expert
CircleofInfluence
How Can I Widen My
in 2013?
With the uncertainty of what 2013 may hold for
the economy, now is the time to consider how
you’re going to succeed this year. Whether you
want to expand your business or develop your
career, you have to take responsibility, make
a plan, and steer your own course. One of the
best ways to benefit your professional life is to
widen your circle of influence. Here are four tips
to help you broaden your impact.
Get involved in local
professional associations.
If you want to be known as a leader in your field,
then you need to be seen with other leaders.
Joining your local professional associations
gives you the opportunity to network and meet
new people. You never know if you’ll meet your
next employee, employer, or customer at one
of the meetings. It also gives you a chance to
take on additional leadership roles. Don’t just be
a member, take on an active role, whether it’s a
formal board position, volunteering at an event,
or having your business sponsor a meeting.
Have an online presence.
You need to be visible beyond your local area,
though. Social media has opened the doors for
small-town leaders to have a worldwide impact.
So, embrace and expand your presence online.
Create a professional account on LinkedIn.
Start a leadership or industry-relevant blog and
comment on other similar blogs. Just remember
to always keep your online presence business
or industry focused, and make sure to lock
down any personal profiles you have so they’re
not open to the public.
Be proactive about
your development.
Do what it takes to stay at the top of
your field. You can never stop learning, or
you’ll fall behind. Uncover some skills or
knowledge you’re lacking, and then find
a way to remedy that. Ask a colleague to
lunch so you can pick his brain about the
latest development
in your industry. Read a white paper or watch
a webinar online to learn about the newest
trends in leadership and management. Being
in a professional association is also beneficial
because they normally provide you access to
speakers and conferences.
Find your advocates.
Don’t be the only one talking about what you
or your business can offer the world. You need
advocates to spread the message and help you
build your brand. Start by working with the ones
you have – co-workers, your vice president,
employees, customers, friends or community
leaders. By staying in contact with your
advocates and talking about your passion for
what you do, word of your abilities will spread,
and you’ll gain far more influence than you could
have ever achieved on your own.
Being successful is all about maximizing your
influence. You have the ability to impact others
in your own business, in your community,
across the nation and around the world. This
year is the perfect time to widen your circle of
influence and see the benefits it brings to your
professional life. VM
By Jean Phelps
Express Employment Professionals
Jean Phelps is franchise owner of
Express Employment Professionals.
She is a life-long resident of
Northwest Indiana and has lived in
Porter County for over 25 years. She
has a B.S. Degree in Management
from Calumet College of St. Joseph.
Serving on numerous boards,
Phelps is an Athena Award winner
and she and her husband most
recently co-chaired the United Way
of Porter County 2010 campaign.
She has served as board chair for
United Way and currently serves
on the Valparaiso Boys and Girls
Club Foundation Board, Workforce
Investment Board, and Ivy Tech
Advisory Board. She is a past board
member for the Valpo Chamber
and Society of Human Resource
Management.
Express Employment Professionals
is an international Fortune 500
franchise with sales totaling over
$2 billion in 2011. Jean and her
team provide expertise in evaluation
and direct hire, temporary staffing,
contract staffing, and human
resource solutions. The Northwest
Indiana franchise, located at 332 W
Highway 30, Suite C, in Valparaiso,
has earned the status of an award
winning office for 15 consecutive
years. For additional information on
Express Employment Professionals,
visit www.expressnwi.com.
www.valparaisochamber.org
31

Associates in Surgery
85 East U.S. Highway 6, Valparaiso
2000 Roosevelt Road, Valparaiso
Jac Cooper, MD
Adam Conn, MD
Nancy Han, MD
Michael Nemeth, MD
Roland Thomas, MD
219-983-6240
Associated ENT Specialists
2802 Leonard Drive, Valparaiso
85 East U.S. Highway 6, Valparaiso
James Turk, DO
Michael Keenan, MD
Geoffrey Schwartz, MD
219-531-0355
Cumberland Internal Medicine
1231 Cumberland Crossing, Valparaiso
Kimberly Perry, MD
Sangeeta Sehgal, MD
Daniela Sikoski, MD
Crystal Tuncay, DO
219-548-3843
Lake Porter Primary Care
336 East U.S. Hwy. 30, Valparaiso
Michael Mirochna, MD
Maria Stamp, MD
219-464-7430
Lakeshore Urology
85 East U.S. Highway 6, Ste. 230,
Valparaiso
809 LaPorte Avenue, Valparaiso
3630 Willowcreek Road, Portage
104 E. Culver Road, Ste. 104, Knox
1919 Lake Avenue, Ste. 107, Plymouth
900 I Street, LaPorte
John Lynam, DO
Adam Perlmutter, DO
219-983-6230
Portage Medical Group
3630 Willowcreek Road, Portage
Zeba Ali, MD
Kenneth Black, MD
Don Dunevant, MD
Natalie Opanasets, MD
Candice Yu-Fleming, MD
219-364-3700
Glendale Primary Care
1101 East Glendale Boulevard, Valparaiso Porter Hematology-Oncology
Derek Gasper, DO
85 East U.S. Hwy. 6, Valparaiso
James Taylor, MD
Masood Ghouse, DO
219-464-9521
Mary Y. Klein, MD
Lyle R. Munn, MD
219-983-6260
HEALTH.
38 DEDICATED PHYSICIANS. ONE FOCUS: YOUR HEALTH.
Porter Pulmonary &
Critical Care Medicine
1231 Cumberland Crossing, Valparaiso
James Anthony, MD
Douglas Mazurek, MD
219-464-9054
Primary Care
3125 Willowcreek Road, Portage
Donald Maddack, DO
Leonard Ostrowski, MD
219-762-3175
Mohammad Tabib, MD, Urology
3630 Willowcreek Road, Portage
219-465-0940
Richard Turk, DO, Family Medicine
442 Sand Creek Drive, Ste. 103,
Chesterton
219-926-8211
Vale Park Primary Care
401 Wall Street, Valparaiso
Sudhakar Garlapati, MD
Michael Mirochna, MD
219-462-2106
Valparaiso Family Health Center
808 Lincolnway, Valparaiso
Faleh Atassi, MD
219-462-4446
Wanatah Primary Care
306 South Ohio Street, Wanatah
Geraldine Feria, MD
219-733-2755
Westchester Medical Group
650 Dickinson Road (150 E), Chesterton
Omer Ansari, MD
Patrick Fleming, MD
Heather Hazel, MD
219-926-2133
PorterPhysicianGroup.com
32
Valparaiso Magazine | Spring 2013

usiness spotlight
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
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& Child Advocacy
Center
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Spotlight your business with a 2”x2” ad. Reach 17,000+ readers quarterly!
Call Danielle Oeding, at the Valpo Chamber. (219) 462-1105 | oeding@valparaisochamber.org
www.valparaisochamber.org
33

our voice
Investing in Your
Community
CLOSING THOUGHTS
By Tim Warner
Centier Bank
Tim Warner is a Vice President and
Business Banking Specialist with
Centier Bank in Valparaiso. Warner
has been in commercial banking for
26 years and joined Centier in 2006.
He specializes in serving small to
medium sized businesses.
Originally from Central Illinois,
Warner attended Eastern Illinois
University where he received a
Bachelors Degree in Business
majoring in Finance with a
minor in Economics.
In addition to serving on the Valpo
Chamber Board of Directors,
Warner serves as Board Chair for
HealthLinc, Inc., as a Board Member
for the Valparaiso Parks Board
of Commissioners, as a Board
Member for the Valparaiso Parks
Foundation, as a member of the
Valparaiso Economic Development
Commission, as a Board Member
and Treasurer for the Valparaiso
Rotary Club, and as a Board
Member and Treasurer for the
Portage Economic Development
Corporation. Warner is a past board
member and volunteer for the United
Way of Porter County.
Warner resides in Valparaiso with
his wife Karen and their five children.
Financial investors typically measure the
success of their investment by evaluating
rates of return. Gains or losses are
reflected in terms of percentage points.
Measuring the rate of return on community
investment is not as easy. I
believe community investment is
best measured by evaluating the
quality of life in that community.
Obviously, this is much more
subjective. It’s not just a
percentage but it’s something we
observe and feel.
Seven years ago my wife Karen and I made
a decision to relocate to Northwest Indiana.
Quality of life played an important role in our
decision process. We lived in a community
where the quality of life was pretty good.
We were content. You could say we came
to the table with fairly high standards. We
visited several communities in Northwest
Indiana but Valparaiso soon became our first
choice as we observed quality of life.
In Valparaiso we didn’t have to look hard to
see a community that has benefited from
ongoing investment. We were impressed
by the quality schools, the beautiful parks,
the vibrant downtown, and the wonderful
neighborhoods. We observed a community
with strong values and friendly people. We
observed a strong business community.
We were soon introduced to the Valpo
Chamber, the United Way, the Rotary Club
and many other fine organizations that make
strong contributions and foster success and
quality of life.
Karen and I grew up in university towns.
Having Valparaiso University in the
community was a big plus. In addition,
we were impressed to see the strong
presences of Purdue University North
Central and Ivy Tech Community College
in the community. Communities with
institutions of higher education benefit. We
are happy to see the continued investment
these institutions make in our community.
As a community banker and commercial
lender, I work closely with businesses and
business owners. I see first hand their
passion for investment and how they strive
to improve quality of life in the community. In
my role, I look for ways to help businesses
succeed by making loans and providing cash
management services. It is always rewarding
when I can effectively invest the Bank’s
capital back in to our community.
It’s been my honor to volunteer for a number
of fine organizations in our community. I
am amazed by the wonderful leaders that
generously give time, talent and treasure
back to the community. These individuals
are a driving force for our quality of life. Their
commitment and passion is a clear example
of investment in our community.
businesses have emerged. The downtown
continues to evolve. The new Central Park
has made our downtown a true destination.
Pathways and round-a-bouts have sprouted.
Despite the economy, new investment and
new development is happening. Our quality
of life continues to improve.
How can you invest in your community? Be
involved. Support local businesses. Support
your Chamber. Support organizations like
the Valparaiso Parks Foundation and the
United Way of Porter County. These are just
a few examples. Be part of investing in our
quality of life. We can all benefit from the
return on your investment. VM
34
Valparaiso Magazine | Spring 2013

Have fun ooos!
We’re ere if yo d us.
Franciscan ExpressCare is a full-service walk-in clinic offering caring, convenient
medical treatment to patients of all ages for non life-threatening injuries and illnesses.
Tratig a varety of ailents:
n fever
n sprains and strains
n sore throats and earaches
n mild asthma attacks
n nausea
n diarrhea
n vomiting
n wound repair
n rashes
n minor allergic reactions
n flu-like symptoms
n flu shots
n tetanus immunizations
n colds
n respiratory infections
n sports injuries
...and more.
FranciscanExpressCare.org
Thre ovenent oatos:
VALPARAISO (Located at East Gate
Plaza on the north side of LaPorte Avenue)
LOOK FOR THE CLOCK TOWER
219.476.8855
Monday - Friday 8 am - 6 pm
Saturday 8 am - 2 pm
CROWN POINT (at Franciscan Point)
219.662.5700
Monday - Friday 9 am - 7 pm
MICHIGAN CITY
(at Coolspring Health Center)
219.873.2919
Monday - Thursday 8 am - 8 pm
Friday - Sunday 8 am - 6 pm

SURVIVE.
THE BEST WAY TO SURVIVE A HEART ATTACK IS TO NEVER HAVE ONE.
TAKE OUR FREE HEART RISK ASSESSMENT AT PORTERHEALTH.COM/HEARTAWARE OR
CALL 800-453-2330 TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE ASSESSMENT IN PERSON WITH OUR SCREENER.
Porter Regional Hospital is directly or indirectly owned by a partnership that proudly includes physician owners, including certain members of the hospital’s medical staff.