ValpoMagProof_12-21_Rev

The Magazine of the Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce 

VM 

Vol. 10 Issue 1 | Winter 2010 

Valparaiso 

Magazine 

2009 

Community 

of the Year 

Task Force Tips 

True Family Tradition 

Salute to Leadership 

Half Century Awards

VM 

Valparaiso Magazine 

Vol. 10 | Issue 1 

Winter 2010 

Cover 

PAGE 4 

Valparaiso named Indiana 

Chamber of Commerce 

2009 

Community 

of the Year 

FEATURES 

PAGE 13 


“True Family Tradition” 

PAGE 18 

Salute to Leadership 

PAGE 28 

Half Century Awards 

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 

www.valparaisochamber.org 

Sections 

PAGE 11 

Business Snapshot 

Glass Doctor of Northwest Indiana 

PAGE 16 


Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance-Porter County 

GREATER VALPARAISO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 

Rex Richards, President 

Danielle Oeding, Vice President, Sales & Marketing 

Julie Gaskell, Assistant Vice President 

Susan Antoszewski, Marketing & Communications Specialist 

Kurt Gillins, Programs Director 

Gloria Lodics, Administrative Support 

Christine Pazdur, Accounting Director 

VALPARAISO MAGAZINE 

Publisher: Rex Richards 

Editor: Susan Antoszewski 

Sales: Danielle Oeding 

Design and Production: Morse & Company Advertising 

Communications, Inc. 

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 

17,000 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. 

PAGE 22 

Around Town 

Local business news 

PAGE 25 

Chamber Anniversaries 

A showcase of members who have 

demonstrated ongoing commitment 

PAGE 26 

New Chamber Members 

New Board-approved members 

PAGE 31 

Ask an Expert 

“Influenza Vaccination —How Important is it?” 

PAGE 32 

Business Spotlight 

Advertisers in the spotlight 

PAGE 33 


Valparaiso Community Festivals and Events 

PAGE 34 

Our Voice 

“Reflections on Valparaiso’s Unique 

Quality of Life” 

< (cover photo) 

left to right: Rex Richards, President, 

Valpo Chamber and Jon Costas, 

Mayor, City of Valparaiso 

Calendar 

of Events 


Valparaiso Magazine | Winter 2010 

3

4

Community of the Year 

VALPARAISO 

Valparaiso: Our Kind of Town 

by Andrew Tallackson 

The trip to Indianapolis last November to witness the Indiana 

Chamber name Valparaiso the 2009 “Community of the Year” 

began with the expected brio of collective excitement. 

A crisp, distinct chill circulated through 

the emerging crowd outside the two 

ChicaGo Dash buses. Sponsored by the 

Valparaiso Redevelopment Commission, 

with additional support from 1st Source 

Bank and NIPSCO, the buses were 

contracted to shepherd everyone to the 

ceremony. Laughter percolated among 

individuals gently kidding nearby friends. 

Others offered hugs to new arrivals. 

Once on the buses, the joviality gave 

way to a quiet, yet recognizable sense of 

anticipation. A shared sense of pride was 

taking hold. “The entire community came 

together for this,” commented Stuart 

Summers, Valparaiso Redevelopment 

Commission executive director, as the 

bus neared Indianapolis. “I think, at the 

end of the day, we all wanted something 

that makes Valparaiso a better place to 

live, a better place to work, and a better 

place to grow.” 

Later that evening, as Mayor Jon 

Costas and Chamber President Rex 

Richards, accepted the award before 

nearly 1,100 people at the Indiana 

Convention Center, the same 

sentiments appeared. 

“While we are deeply humbled by this 

recognition, may I be audacious enough 

to say I believe it is well deserved,” 

Costas said. “My defense is this: the 

remarkable progress in Valparaiso over 

the last six years is not the product 

of any one officeholder, but of many 

individuals, citizens, and organizations 

working toward a common vision 

and in a spirit of partnership. It was a 

grassroots movement for change — not 

necessarily political change, but a change 

in direction.” 

Inspiring people to speak openly about 

Valparaiso’s Community of the Year 

award requires little to no effort on the 

interviewer’s behalf. Simply mention 

the honor, and the replies spill forth like 

water from a tap. 

As the responses take hold, the same 

words keep popping up: Positive. 

Progressive. Vibrant. Dynamic. Growth. 

Commitment. Teamwork. 

No one points to any one particular 

person or entity as being solely 

responsible. Valparaiso’s success over 

the past few years is viewed as a >> 

www.valparaisochamber.org 5


VALPARAISO 

“It’s a great 

place to 

locate or 

expand a 

business, to 

move your 

family so 

they can 

get a good 

education. 

It’s a good 

community to 

retire in...” 

— Kim Ranegar, 

Freelance Writer 

collaborative effort, a shared vision that 

rallied a community together. 

In selecting Valparaiso as “Community of 

the Year” – the first for a city in Porter or 

Lake Counties in the honor’s 20-year history – 

the Indiana Chamber had a wealth of success 

stories from which to contemplate. 

Of the many qualities it highlighted, those that 

drew the most attention were: redeveloping 

the five-block downtown area; redeveloping 

County Seat into Cumberland Crossing; 

reinventing existing areas and structures, 

such as the new police station; $40 million in 

public investment, including more than $32 

million in state and federal grants; and nearly 

$700 million in private investment, such as 

Valparaiso University’s Harre Union, the 

new YMCA and Ivy Tech. 

The Valpo Chamber nominated the 

community for the award, first in 2008, 

then again in 2009. 

“The feeling was that now was the right 

time to acknowledge the positive movement 

[and leadership] Valparaiso has had over 

the past several years,” says Dale Clapp, 

2009 chamber board chairman and Citizens 

Financial Bank executive vice president. “This 

movement has created a working partnership 

between the public and private sectors, 

which has resulted in revitalization within the 

community. The time is right to recognize all 

of these efforts.” 

The city turned to freelance writer, 

Kim Ranegar, to pen the “Community 

of the Year” application. 

“We always felt like we had a good story 

to tell,” says Ranegar. In doing so, she 

believes Valparaiso’s application spoke to 

the Indiana Chamber. 

“It showcases the things we all know are 

great about our community,” she adds. “It’s 

a great place to locate or expand a business, 

to move your family so they can get a good 

education. It’s a good community to retire in 

and have transportation that is not available in 

other cities. It’s about the city coming together, 

getting behind a good idea, and proving it 

can work.” 

A fitting start to charting Valparaiso’s 

growth over the years is John Schnurlein, 

Realtor-Commercial Division at Century 21 

Pace Estates. 

In looking back 20 years, Schnurlein takes 

the approach of considering Valparaiso from 

an aerial view. The city’s southeast corner, 

he stresses, consisted primarily of Montdale 

Industrial Park, Porter County Municipal Airport, 

the recently completed Indiana 49 bypass and 

“modest” beginnings of the Strongbow Centre 

and Valparaiso Industrial Park. 

Compared to recent aerial photos, says 

Schnurlein, the difference is staggering. 

“You’ll note four sizable shopping malls, 

the arrival of the Aldi warehouse and the 

49er properties, which attracted the Porter 

County Jail, Jett Corr (Pratt Industries USA) 

and numerous types of service businesses, 

including Walsh & Kelly,” he adds. 

“The Montdale Industrial Park only has one 

20-acre building site available since the 

arrival of Rieth-Riley and the huge expansion 

of Task Force Tips,”Schnurlein continues. 

“Ten acres has been added to the Porter 

County Fairgrounds/Expo Center. I take note 

that approximately half of these job-creation 

business growth firms have arrived during the 

last 10 years.” 

6 Valparaiso Magazine | Winter 2010

Growth, indeed, 

has emerged in 

every aspect of the 

community. 

Take, for example, Pines Village Retirement 

Communities. The non-profit senior retirement 

community, serves about 160 people at its 

Pines Village site and 82 at Meridian Woods. 

Realizing a need to improve, the retirement 

community obtained $10.6 million in taxexempt 

bonds from the city and financed 

through Centier Bank. 

The changes are many: 12 new apartments, 

eight laundry rooms and three dining areas, 

Internet café and store, an art gallery and a 

fitness suite with exercise, massage, whirlpool 

and out-patient physical therapy. 

Safety issues were addressed, along with 

increased parking, a new walking trail, and two 

pond areas. 

What Pines Village has achieved, according to 

Laurie Mullet, chief executive officer, reiterates 

why partnerships with the city are successful. 

“From a practical standpoint,” says Mullet, 

“the Valparaiso community has all the 

amenities that a person is looking for: 

wonderful shopping, restaurants and services, 

and most importantly, accessibility. It’s really a 

great place to work, live and retire.” 

The opportunity to expand extends to the faith 

community as well. 

Valparaiso Nazarene Church, for instance, has 

added a little more than 45,000 square feet to 

its existing site. Through the expansion, the 

congregation of more than 2,000 has a new 

worship center, office space, nursery, and 

Anomaly coffee shop. 

“Despite so many churches in our community, 

there is a faith heart to Valparaiso where we 

all are thriving,” says Reverend Gene Tanner. 

“Mayor Costas calls the faith community of 

Valparaiso one of the pillars of our community.” 

Whether the business is profit or non-profit, 

those who work in Valparaiso say its positive 

attitude, its firm embrace of the spirit of 

cooperation, courts success. 

Bruce Lindner, Porter County Aging & 

Community Services executive director, 

finds himself inspired by people’s “can do” 

attitudes. 

“When people are positive, they are always 

looking for ways to help,” he says. “They 

volunteer more. They donate more. They focus 

more on the needs of others. It is a great place 

for a service organization to be.” >> 

(left to right) 

John Schnurlein, Realtor- 

Commercial Division at 

Century 21 Pace Estates 

and Dale Clapp, Citizens 

Financial Bank 



VALPARAISO 

Reverend Gene Tanner, 

Valparaiso Nazarene Church 

> 

Others, like Jeanne 

Sommer, broker/owner of 

Century 21 Alliance Group, 

and Lee Lane, attorney with 

Hoeppner Wagner & Evans 

LLP, admire the small-town 

feel, but big-city services. 

“I love the changes that 

the downtown area, as 

well as the east side, 

has experienced,” says 

Sommer. “Years ago, you 

would go to other areas 

to do your shopping and 

dining, but not anymore. 

There are so many great 

restaurants and stores in Valparaiso. I also 

think it is great to support the people who own 

businesses in our area.” 

Lane says Hoeppner Wagner & Evans 

attributes its success to being firmly rooted in 

the Valparaiso community. 

“It’s important for us to develop strong 

relationships with our clients and deliver 

high quality services,” she explains. “In a 

growing and vibrant business community like 

Valparaiso, our firm fits in well.” 

The fact that Valparaiso is consistently on the 

move, always envisioning ways to improve 

the quality of life, lends itself well to someone 

like Larry Hitz, broker/owner of Prudential 

“Community 

of the Year” 

reflects united 

efforts to make 

the community 

dynamic, 

constantly 

improving. 

— Mark Heckler 

Valparaiso University President 

Executive Group Real 

Estate. The changes make 

offering tours to prospective 

new professionals to the 

community a pleasure. 

“They are impressed with 

all of the redevelopment 

and improvements taking 

place in every part of town,” 

adds Hitz. “Our downtown 

is doing very well with its 

shops, restaurants and 

entertainment. People 

seeing it for the first time are 

very impressed.” 

No discussion of 

Valparaiso’s greatest strengths is complete 

without considering its commitment to 

education. It’s one of the first qualities people 

stress. 

Stacey Schmidt, Valparaiso Community 

Schools director of elementary education, 

gives the credit not just to staff, but also the 

students and parents. 

“Our talented teachers work hard to provide 

a quality instructional environment for every 

student,” she says. “We have wonderful 

students in each of our schools and parents 

who volunteer and are committed and involved 

in their children’s education.” 

Valparaiso University President Mark Heckler 

says Valparaiso’s title as “Community of 

the Year” reflects united efforts to make the 

community dynamic, constantly improving. 

In the process, the university and community 

have cemented their relationship. 

“Improvements in the city’s infrastructure, 

for example, have made Valparaiso a more 

attractive community to current and future 

students, faculty and staff,” he says. 

“Businesses and non-profit agencies in 

Valparaiso also are excited about partnering 

with the university to provide our students 

opportunities for academic enrichment, 

professional development, and serving others. 

“[Through the award], the visibility of 

Valparaiso will be raised in communities 

throughout the state of Indiana and beyond as 

people become more aware of how attractive 

it is to live, work, study or visit here.” 

8 

Valparaiso Magazine | Winter 2010

Stacey Schmidt, Valparaiso Community Schools > 

Reinventing and 

reinvesting 

The one person everyone praises as crucial to 

Valparaiso’s progress is Costas. When told that, 

however, the mayor grows quiet, a tad uncomfortable. 

“I have a lot of people who come up to me and 

thank me,” Costas said. “I am a symbol of what’s 

happening, but I can’t be defined by that. What’s 

important is that we feel much better about our 

community, that it looks better, and we’re addressing 

issues. We’re giving our grandkids a better future.” 

Costas describes the climate within Valparaiso when 

he took office in 2004 as fueled by a pent-up desire to 

look better and invest in itself. Wanting to make “the 

old new again,” he began assembling group leaders 

to identify needs, strengths and weaknesses, inspire 

change and project a positive image. 

The mayor kept stressing what he saw as five pillars 

of the community – business, education, faith, 

government and non-profit – through the process. 

“People are looking for leaders to stand up and cast 

a vision that is hopefully congruent with what the 

citizens want,” says Costas. “Once the ball started 

rolling, there was an increased desire to be involved. 

Plus, we have been very successful at getting grants. 

We haven’t had to do much borrowing. It’s kind of the 

perfect storm. A lot of good things happen.” 

One such example is the much-discussed roundabout 

to replace the awkward triangle intersection in the 

“Eastgate” corridor. The roundabout was considered 

necessary for efficiency, safety, and financial reasons. 

Opening for traffic in 2007, it resulted in the city 

obtaining $3 million through the Indiana Department 

of Transportation and the Valparaiso Redevelopment 

Commission handling the $1.6 million balance. 

“That was a critical juncture,” explains Costas. 

“Anything would be better than what we had. The 

bottom line is it moves traffic a whole lot safer.” 

That spirit of cooperation is what J. Michael Baird 

appreciates about Valparaiso. As regional president- 

Northwest Indiana Region of Harris N.A., he served 

on the Valparaiso Redevelopment Commission for 

four years, during which he witnessed everything 

from the Vale Park Extension to the downtown 

beautification project. 

“These projects were made possible by our ability 

to leverage local funds with various grants and state 

dollars,” he explains, again stressing the collaborative 

effort it took to achieve success. “We enjoy an 

engaged citizenry with a strong spirit of volunteerism 

that permeates the community.” 

What’s next for 

Valparaiso? 

It’s all part of the strategic planning process. The 

downtown area – the heart of the city, as Costas calls 

it – will remain a major focus, as well as efforts to 

boost cultural aspects, from commerce, to dining, to 

the arts. The city also will embark on a five- to sevenyear 

plan to make the drive along U.S. 30 through 

Valparaiso more enjoyable. 

Costas says he will remain steadfast to his belief of 

being “creatively frugal,” which he stressed when 

accepting the “Community of the Year” award in 

Indianapolis. 

“‘Frugal’ means we take an honest inventory of 

our current situation and hold fast to principles of 

sound fiscal responsibility,” he said at the time. “But 

‘creatively’ means we don’t lay our aspirations on the 

altar of scarcity. 

“Through ingenuity, imagination, and dogged 

perseverance, we eventually grasp the goal which at 

first seemed beyond our reach.” >> 


9


VALPARAISO 

“I love the 

changes that 

the downtown 

area, as well 

as the east 

side, has 

experienced.” 

— Jeanne Sommer, broker/ 

owner of Century 21 

Alliance Group 

Soon after the mayor’s 

acceptance speech, Rex 

Richards, Valpo Chamber 

president, could be seen 

quietly taking everything 

in, a smile from ear to ear. 

Moved by the evening, his 

comments reflected nothing 

but praise for the city. 

“I’ve been in the chamber 

business about 37 years 

and Valparaiso is the best 

community I have worked 

in,” he said. 

“The leaders are great, and 

we have an outstanding 

mayor who has set the 

course for us for the 

21st century.” VM 

Stuart Summers, > 

Valparaiso 

Redevelopment Commission 


usiness snapshot 

Get to know Glass Doctor of Northwest 

Indiana, one of our nearly 700 strong 

Chamber member businesses that add to the 

unique quality of life that is Valparaiso. 

> Company: Glass Doctor of Northwest Indiana 

> Address: 608 Roosevelt Road, Valparaiso 

> Telephone: (219) 462-1149 

> Web site: www.glassdoctor.com/valparaiso 

> Management: Ron and Jane Maxey, Owners 

> Employees: 6 

> Chamber Member since: 2006 

Whether it’s for your home, auto, or business, 

Glass Doctor will “fix your panes.” Locally 

owned and operated, Glass Doctor is Porter 

County’s only company registered by the Auto 

Glass Replacement Safety Standards (AGRSS). 

Auto glass installation is done by NGA certified 

technicians and carries the best warranty in the 

country. Residential services include window repair 

and replacement, mirrors, and beautiful custom 

shower doors. Commercial services include 

windows, doors and complete 

storefront installation. 

Glass Doctor of Northwest 

Indiana has convenient 

locations in Valparaiso, 

Portage, and 

Michigan City. 

> 

Ron and Jane 

Maxey, Owners 

Photo by 

Aran Kessler 

Photo.Imaging 

Featured Chamber 

member business 

chosen at random. 

11

Congratulations 

to the City 

of Valparaiso 


The administration, physicians, and 

staff of Porter wish to congratulate 

the City of Valparaiso for earning the 

distinction of “Community of the 

Year” by the Indiana Chamber of 

Commerce. The state chamber has 

given out the award for 20 years, but 

this is the first time a city in Lake or 

Porter County was chosen. 

Porter – with hospitals in Valparaiso 

and Portage – is proud to be an 

integral part of this vibrant 

community. By providing the 

technology, services, and facilities 

throughout Valparaiso and Porter 

County, Porter is helping to make 

your life…better. 

porterhealth.com 

2 Hospitals. 

350 Physicians. 

7 Convenient 

Outpatient Locations. 

VALPARAISO 

PORTAGE 

CHESTERTON 

HEBRON 

DEMOTTE 

SERVING LAKE, PORTER, 

LAPORTE, STARKE, NEWTON, 

AND JASPER COUNTIES 

12 Valparaiso Magazine | Winter 2010

s you approach the brick facade and red bay doors of 

Task Force Tips, the turn-of-the-century firehouse evokes 

a comforting reminder of the past. Inside, everything and 

everyone represents what is right about the present and future 

of the American business. 

The company’s firefighting museum, a meticulously arranged 

work in progress that greets visitors as they enter the building, 

symbolizes that approach as well, although Task Force Tips’ 

president, Stewart McMillan, admits it took a guest of the 

company to help him appreciate that. 

It was soon after the company moved its entire operation to the 

new 180,000-square-foot headquarters at 3701 Innovation Way 

in July 2009. McMillan was entertaining 26 South American 

guests for dinner. One gentleman asked why the museum was 

built, to which McMillan stressed the need to preserve and pay 

tribute to firefighting traditions. 

The man shook his head and pointed a finger at McMillan. 

“I think you are wrong,” McMillan recalls the man saying. “My 

belief is that you built it to teach the legacy of the company to 

the future managers of it.” 

McMillan, humbled as he recalls the moment, confesses the 

man’s declaration put everything into perspective. 

“I never thought of it that way,” he said, “but it’s true. How can you 

possibly go into work and not understand where you came from?” 

That vision not only is embraced by the employees, who in 

every way possible are treated like family, but by the Indiana 

Chamber, which saw fit to name Task Force Tips one of six 

contenders for 2009 Indiana Small Business of the Year. The 

award, according to the Indiana Chamber, goes to an Indiana 

company with fewer than 250 employees that “demonstrates best 

practices in business sustainability and growth, commitment to 

employees and a track record of community involvement.” 

The recognition, alone, is what means the most to him and 

his employees. That, and the fact that what began as an 

enterprise in the family basement has emerged as a worldwide 

leader in creating and delivering firefighting equipment to 

emergency responders. 

Help us build strong kids and 

strong families for our strong 

Community of the Year ! 

“I’ve had a couple of people say how 

coming into work brings it home how 

far we’ve come,” McMillan said. “It has 

been an incredible ride. Only in America.” 


Task Force Tips: True Family Tradition 

A 

by Andrew Tallackson 

COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT AWARD WINNER 

2009 Community 

Improvement Award 

Winner 

Rhonda Kaplar and Stewart McMillan, 


“It’s all 

built on 

teamwork” 

— Donna Hannah, 


The origin of Task Force Tips almost sounds too good to be true. 

But, the indisputable fact is, it all began with scribblings on a 

napkin. 

On May 10, 1968, Stewart McMillan’s father, Clyde McMillan, was 

working with the Gary Fire Task Force when he came up with the 

concept of an automatic nozzle. Using a red felt pen, he sketched 

out what he envisioned on a napkin in the 

family kitchen. 

Clyde McMillan would receive his first order for an automatic 

nozzle on Nov. 12, 1970, from the Village of Downers Grove fire 

chief. Ten months later, in Sept. 1971, Fire Task Force Innovations 

began in the family basement, with Clyde, his wife, Betty, and 

son, Stewart, as the employees. First-year sales clocked in at just 

below $14,000. >> 

Your Valparaiso Family YMCA is proud to be 

building strong kids and strong families 

in a community recognized for its commitment 

to building a stronger Valparaiso! 

5th Annual 

Valpo 

Jazz 

& Blues 

Fest 

“STRONG KIDS” Campaign 2010 

Providing Scholarships ~ Enriching Lives 

Saturday, February 27, 2010 

6:30 p.m. - midnight 

Strongbow Inn 

Tickets $50 each 

Sponsorships Available 

Contact: Deb Koeppen at 219/462-4185 x. 229 

or dkoepppen@valpoymca.org 


13

Task Force tips 

In 1976, significant growth saw the company leave the family 

home for its first facility at 2901 E. Cascade Drive. By then, total 

yearly sales had climbed to $250,000, and the family was joined 

by several part-time employees. The first full-time employee, Art 

Lambert, came on board in 1978. 

As the 1980s arrived, the company was now known as Task 

Force Tips, and the family had integrated computers into the 

work flow. Clyde passed away in 1982. 

By 1985, the company had outgrown its Cascade Drive facility. 

Land was purchased and ground broken for a new 24,000 

square foot facility at 2800 E. Evans Avenue. Total sales per 

year hit $2.5 million, with the staff now at 35. 

From then on, what ensued encapsulated a firm sense 

of vision and need for growth at precisely the right times. 

Task Force Tips purchased California-based KK Products, which 

manufactured selectable gallonage nozzles, in 1988. 

By 1992, 18,000 square feet was added to the existing facility. 

Total sales now generated $6 million per year, with the number 

of staff at 60. 

Six years later, the company bought the facility at 2351 Industrial 

Drive, moving its material and cutting operations, as well as the 

Production Dynamics division, to the site, now referred to as the 

“South Plant.” By 2001, the Production Dynamics division was 

sold, and the design group moved to the “South Plant.” One 

year later, another 10,000 square foot addition was required. 

Sales were at $15 million a year, with the staff at around 120. 

In 2008, Task Force Tips broke ground for its 120,000 square 

foot addition at the Industrial Drive site. Yearly sales hit $34 

million, and by July 2009, the entire operation, with about 200 

employees, was world headquartered at the new address of 

3701 Innovation Way. 

Donna Hannah, assistant to the president, leads a tour of the 

new facility like a proud parent talking about her children’s 

accomplishments. 

She allows time for the attention to detail within the company’s 

new museum, which comes with its own curator, to take hold. 

Indeed, it is impressive, from the 1890 Silsby Manufacturing Co. 

steam fire engine, to the uniformed mannequins, to the display 

cases of firefighting helmets, uniforms and gear, to the moving 

tribute to fallen firefighters. 

Upon entering the actual plant, the first thing that strikes you 

is how spotless it is. The work stations could easily pass the 

proverbial white-glove test. 

“You know,” Hannah pauses, reflectively, “these are good jobs 

in clean places. He [McMillan] takes great pride in high-tech, 

clean environments, and remember, these are jobs that are 

staying in Northwest Indiana.” 

As you proceed through the plant, employees stop what they’re 

doing to smile, wave, and say hello. Striking flags adorn the ceiling 

representing the many international dealers with which Task Force 

Tips does business. There is an emphasis on recycling and other 

“green” approaches. 

Back in the office portion of Task Force Tips, Hannah offers 

glimpses into the company’s training center, which draws 

Task Force Tips Continued on page 17 >> 

Your banking resource. 

Peoples Bank offers: 

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Banking Center Manager 

> Personal and Business Checking, Savings 

and Money Market Accounts 

> Mortgage, Home Equity and Auto Loans 

> Commercial and Small Business Loans 

> Wealth Management. 

2905 Calumet Avenue 

Valparaiso, IN 46383 

219-462-4100 

www.ibankpeoples.com 

John Breckenridge 

 


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15


Get to know Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, one of 

our nearly 700 strong Chamber member businesses that 

add to the unique quality of life that is Valparaiso. 

 

 

 

Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance is a multi-line 

insurance company that serves the insurance 

needs of all of Porter County. The Valparaiso 

location serves as its largest office, with seven 

agents and five well-trained CSR staff who 

provide friendly and efficient service. Providing 

auto, home, commercial, farm, and life insurance 

through 14 agents in various locations in Porter 

County, Indiana Farm Bureau’s main goal is to 

assist their clients in making sure that they have 

the proper amount of coverage in place at the 

time of loss. 

> Company: Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance-Porter County 

> Address: 1304 E Evans Ave, Valparaiso 


> Web site: www.infarmbureau.com 

> Management: Tim Donnelly, Agency Manager 



Tim Donnelly, 

Agency Manager 

> 

 

 

 

 

 

• Board Certified 

in Family Practice 

• Residency – 

St. Elizabeth Health 

Center, Youngstown, OH 

 

 

• Board 

Certified in 

Family Practice 

• Residency – St. Luke’s 

Hospital, University of Toledo, OH 

From a simple stomach ache 

to something more serious, 

you need doctors you can 

trust with the well-being of 

your family. Fortunately, 

Dr. Patel and Dr. Elango 

are here to help. 

They offer compassionate 

care, often with same- or nextday 

appointment availability 

and are conveniently located 

on Highway 30 between 

Valparaiso and Hobart. 

 

 

Photo by 

Aran Kessler 

Photo.Imaging 

336 US Highway 30, Suite A&B • Valparaiso 




N 500 W 

475 W 

30 

Tower Rd 

Joliet Rd 

Hayes Leonard Rd 

130 

16

Task Force Tips Continued from page 15. 

departments everywhere from Canada to France, as well as its in-house 

video studio. 

Later, she points to the framed print of the now legendary napkin 

on which Clyde McMillan conceived his automatic nozzle, and 

discusses the company’s TFT University, which provides ongoing, 

manufacture-driven continuing education. 

“It’s a huge place,” Hannah admits, “but it’s all built on teamwork. 

[McMillan] hires people he knows can do the right things.” 

Don Massa, graphic and marketing manager, takes that sentiment 

one step further, praising McMillan’s vision. 

“Who would choose to build a new building at a time like this?” Massa said. 

“Stewart sees what is happening five to 10 years down the way, and what’s 

more, he encourages all of us to do the same.” 

When McMillan hears about the praise lavished on him by his 

Task Force tips 

colleagues, he grows quiet. His voice trembles a bit. He is 

clearly moved. 

It’s been one of his greatest challenges as company president, 

maintaining a sense of family even as leaps in technology 

necessitate fewer employees to achieve complicated tasks. 

And yet, turnover is low at Task Force Tips, with the rate at 

fewer than 10 percent in some years. 

That’s why the Indiana Chamber recognition – the application for 

which was submitted by Rhonda Kaplar, Task Force Tips humanresources 

manager – is such an honor. 

“That she thought enough about what we do and what we’ve 

done, that means so much to me,” McMillan said. 

And now that Task Force Tips exists under one roof, 

Stewart can return his emphasis to the big picture: the 

company’s future. VM 

Four generations of Schrage family 

ownership have transformed Centier 

into one of the largest independently 

owned and operated banks in 

Northern Indiana. Independent 

ownership allows us to preserve the 

qualities of community bankingthat 

you enjoy most – local decisionmaking 

and the preservation 

of family values. 

Member FDIC 

Congratulations, Curt Gill! 

Legacy of Service Award Winner 

www.centier.com • 1-888-Centier 

INDIANA STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 

COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR AWARD 

Thanks for making this 

a great place for home, 

for business, 

and for life. 

an employer of choice 


17

chamber focus 

David Rose, Horizon Bank 

Salute To Leadership 

> 

18 

Presenting Sponsor: 

Salute To 

Leadership 

January 16, 2010 

6:00 p.m. 

Strongbow Inn 

Valparaiso Magazine | Winter 2010 

T he Valpo Chamber will host its annual Salute to 

Leadership dinner on Saturday, January 16, 2010. 

The Valpo Chamber Board of Directors 

will honor David Rose, market president - 

Northwest Indiana, Horizon Bank, with the 

2009 Distinguished Community Leader Award. 

This award is given to an individual within the 

community who demonstrates a leadership role; 

is involved in and contributes to the community; 

has a general reputation among the community 

business leaders; and enhances the quality of life 

of the community on a sustained basis. 

Dr. E. Ric Frataccia, associate superintendent 

for curriculum, student learning & achievement, 

Portage Township Schools, and Curt Gill, vice 

president, Centier Bank, will be awarded 2009 

Legacy of Service Awards. 

The Valpo Chamber Board of Directors created 

the Legacy of Service Award in 2004 to give 

recognition to individuals in the community 

who have, over the course of time or in an 

extraordinary circumstance, given service to the 

community above and beyond what is expected 

in their profession. They have, in fact, created 

an example to which others might aspire and a 

legacy from which others might learn the value of 

community service. 

Rose, Frataccia, and Gill were nominated for 

the awards by their Chamber peers. Four Valpo 

Chamber member businesses that were recently 

honored by Governor Mitch Daniels with Indiana’s 

Half Century Business Awards will also be 

recognized (see page 28.) Outgoing 2009 Board 

Chair, Dale Clapp, Citizens Financial Bank, and 

incoming Chair Nick Sommer, Century 21 Alliance 

Group, will also receive recognition. 

The evening will begin with cocktails at 6:00 p.m. 

at Strongbow Inn. Dinner will be served, with 

the awards ceremony to follow. The event is 

open to the public. Seating is limited. Please 

contact the Valpo Chamber at (219) 462-1105 

for reservations. 

David Rose 

Distinguished Community Leader 2009 

David Rose’s call to serve, his involvement 

in community, and his big heart make him a 

stand-out leader — a distinguished community 

leader, in fact. 

“I have known Dave for many years through 

his work at Horizon Bank and his work in his 

community. A homegrown Valparaiso resident, 

he has distinguished himself as someone who 

believes in giving back by serving Valparaiso 

and Porter County in many different ways,” 

says Fred McNulty, director of engagement at 

Purdue University North Central. 

Rose joined Horizon Bank in 1980 and has 

served in many different capacities. Beginning 

as an Operations Officer, he quickly advanced 

to the positions of Commercial Lending 

Officer, Auditor, and Senior Operations Officer. 

Currently, he serves as the Market President - 

Northwest Indiana. 

“Through his position at Horizon Bank, Dave 

has been very supportive of the addition of 

new business and the expansion of existing 

businesses throughout Northwest Indiana and 

in Porter County specifically,” explains James 

Dworkin, chancellor, Purdue University North 

Central, “In addition, he understands the 

challenges faced by local businesses given the 

current economic conditions.” 

In addition to his work with Horizon Bank, Rose 

has served many different associations and 

boards throughout Northwest Indiana: Michigan 

City Redevelopment Committee, LaPorte and 

Porter County United Way, Porter County 

Community Foundation, Greater Valparaiso 

Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scouts of America, 

LaSalle Council, Dollars for Scholars, Porter- 

Starke Services, Porter Health System, and the 

Valparaiso Economic Development Corporation 

among many others. 

“Dave Rose is a true leader and humanitarian. 

His involvement in the community comes from 

the heart. He is a wonderful example for his 

employees and family,” adds Dorcas Hammond, 

AVP branch manager, Horizon Bank. “Dave 

continues to give 24 hours a day to make our 

community a better place to live, work, and play. 

Whether it is holding a seat on a community 

board or just helping at a boy scout cookout, he 

gives 100 percent plus.” 

Rose has been a resident of Valparaiso for over 

40 years. After graduating from Valparaiso High 

School, he went on to receive his bachelor’s 

degree in Finance from Indiana University. Rose 

has been married for 29 years to his wife Linda. 

They have two children, Kristin and Michael.

With more than 20 years of experience 

in marketing and advertising, 

Morse & Company proudly serves clients 

in northwest Indiana. As a full-service agency, 

we provide strategic marketing solutions, 

public relations, creative direction 

and cutting-edge design for 

print and electronic media. 

continually on target marketing your business 

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Corporate Office 

631 Pine Street 

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219.879.1223 

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vision and 

reliability 

SERVING THE VALPARAISO 

COMMUNITY SINCE 1922 

800 871 1555 tonnandblank.com 


19

Dr. E. Ric Frataccia, Portage 

Township School Corporation; and 

Curt Gill, Centier Bank 

Dr. E. Ric Frataccia 

Legacy of Service 2009 

“Ric is a wonderful choice for the Legacy of Service Award. He is a 

true servant leader,” says Sharon Kish, president of United Way of 

Porter County. “He cares deeply about this community, especially the 

children. He inspires others to give of themselves and our community 

is a better place because of his compassion and dedication.” 

Born in Fulton, New York, Ric is the oldest of six children of 

Vincent and Jane Frataccia and 

feels “blessed to be raised in 

a large, complicated and 

happy family.” 

After high school, Ric entered 

the U.S. Army, where he served 

three years. Later, he attended 

college at the State University of 

New York and then went on to 

Ball State University and earned 

his Master’s Degree. During his 

Master’s program, Ric studied 

at the University of Monterey in 

Mexico, where he met his future 

wife, Kaye. They were married 

after Ric’s first year of teaching. 

After completion of his doctorate 

at Ball State University, and ten 

years of teaching in Arlington, 

Texas, and the birth of their two sons, they moved to Valparaiso. 

Ric accepted a position as principal of Northview Elementary School. 

Subsequently, he also accepted the position of Director of Elementary 

Education for Valparaiso Community Schools. He then went on to 

serve for ten years as the Superintendent of Union Township’s School 

Corp. Currently, Frataccia is the Associate Superintendent of Portage 

GVCC WINTER 09.ai 12/14/2009 9:29:50 PM 

Township School Corporation. 

C 

M 

Y 

CM 

MY 

CY 

CMY 

K 

219.531.3500 

 

PROUD TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY FOR 50 YEARS 

20 

 

www.griegersmotors.com 


chamber focus 

Ric’s community involvement has included affiliations with Housing 

Opportunities, Memorial Opera House Foundation, Porter County 

Redevelopment Commission, Purdue University North Central 

Advisory Board, Valparaiso Planning Commission, Valparaiso 

University Town and Gown Committee, and the Valpo Chamber, to 

name a few. 

Frataccia, himself a three-sport standout in high school, was 

recently inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame for his 

integral role in starting the football program at the Union Township 

School Corporation. He is a past recipient of the Distinguished 

Hoosier Award, the highest award given by the State of Indiana and 

has received the Outstanding Educator Award from the Portage 

Chamber of Commerce. 

Dr. James B. Dworkin, Chancellor, Purdue University North 

Central, shared his appreciation of Frataccia’s efforts. “Ric’s 

work in Valparaiso and Porter County stands as a testament to 

his dedication and relationship with his community. His work is 

an excellent example of civic engagement for others. He is welldeserving 

of this special recognition.” 

“I have been blessed throughout my life with a wonderfully 

supportive and loving wife, family members, friends, and 

colleagues,” says Ric. ”Because of their support and love, I have a 

life that is much richer than I could have dreamed.” 

Curt Gill 

Legacy of Service 2009 

The Legacy of Service award is reserved for those individuals who 

have given service to the community above what is expected in their 

profession. “Curt is always there for the community, borrowers, and 

people of Valparaiso. His outstanding volunteerism is an example for 

us all,” says Michael Schrage, President of Centier Bank. 

Curt was born and raised in Gary, Indiana. After graduating from 

Emerson High School in 1964, he attended Indiana University 

where he studied Business Management & Administration. Shortly 

after graduation, he married Marion Worth and from 1968 to 1974, 

served in the US Army. 

Curt began his volunteer activities shortly after he went into 

banking. Over the past 30 years, he has been actively involved in 

many organizations such as the Valparaiso Economic Development 

Corp., Porter County Career & Technical Education Advisory 

Board, Rotary Club, Junior Achievement, Valpo Chamber, Tobacco 

Education and Prevention Coalition for Porter County, Porter-Starke 

Services, Valparaiso University Confucius Institute Delegation to 

China, and the American Cancer Society (ACS). Through ACS, 

Curt was awarded the St. George Medal, the highest award given 

to a volunteer. 

As an officer of Centier Bank, Curt was not only allowed, but 

encouraged and supported in his volunteer activities. “For the past 

30 years, Curt has shared his resources and knowledge through a 

plethora of organizations for the benefit of the community,” says Chris 

Campbell, Centier Bank, “He is someone we can truly emulate. His 

service will be felt in the community for a long time to come.” 

Curt’s family has always supported him in his volunteering. Curt 

and Marion have been married for 41 years and have two 

daughters, Jennifer and Julie, both Special Education teachers, 

and three grandchildren. VM 


Dave Rose! 

2009 DISTINGUISHED 

COMMUNITY LEADER 

AWARD 

Horizon Bank is proud 

to recognize our own 

Dave Rose for receiving the 

2009 Distinguished 

Community Leader Award. 

Congratulations, Dave! 

www.accesshorizon.com 

A NASDAQ Traded Company — Symbol HBNC 

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE • SENSIBLE ADVICE ® 

www.valparaisochamber.org 21

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. 

around town 

Brad Cavanaugh, 

President of Air 

One Aerial 

Photography, is 

proud to announce 

the release and 

recent book-signing 

of a photography book 

entitled “Northwest 

Indiana: A Different 

View” with over 100 pages of unbelievable, birdseye 

views of Northwest Indiana. Co-authored with 

his father Tom, only 1,000 copies of the coffee 

table books are available. For more information, 

call (219) 462-1182. VM 

Last fall, Jeanne Sommer (right) of Century 

21 Alliance Group presented two checks to 

Jennifer Peek (left) and the Porter-Starke 

Services Foundation through Century 21’s 

“Keep It in Our Community Program.” Both 

donations were a percentage of Sommer’s 

commission on real estate transactions 

conducted by Porter-Starke Services employees. 

As an employee of Porter-Starke Services, 

Lisa Lemmons (center), who purchased a 

home brokered by Sommer, was able to take 

advantage of savings on closing costs and other 

perks offered by Century 21 Alliance Group. 

The Porter-Starke Services Foundation supports 

mental wellness initiatives throughout the 

community. For additional information, visit www. 

porterstarke.org/foundation. Further information 

about the Century 21 Alliance Group “Keep It in 

Our Community” program can be found at www. 

keepitinourcommunity.com. VM 

Great Lakes Labs recently hosted 35 high 

school students involved in the Porter County 

Vocational Program for Criminal Justice to 

“walk” in the shoes of a forensic analyst and 

have “hands on” time in a laboratory setting. 

Forensic Analyst Jenny Gallo instructed each 

student on the anatomy of a forensic case by 

stressing the importance of chain of custody 

procedures, proper technique, and paperwork. 

Each student was presented with a folder with 

paperwork and instructions, allowing them 


to work side by side with Gallo during the mock forensic case 

presentation. For more information about Great Lakes Labs and the 

services it provides, visit www.gl-labs.com. VM 

Rita Bacevich, President of HDW 

Commercial Interiors, has been recognized 

as “Minority Small Business Person of 

the Year” by the Northwest Indiana Small 

Business Development Center. Bacevich joins 

other Entrepreneurial Excellence honorees 

that have made a mark on the region. Winners 

were honored at the 18th Annual E Day 

Luncheon celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit 

of small business owners as well as advocates 

who champion for the small business 

community. HDW Commercial Interiors uses a 

creative approach to bring clients a space that is functional, inviting, 

and affordable. For more information, visit www.hdwinteriors.com. 

The Indiana Commission for Higher Education has granted approval 

to Purdue University North Central College of Liberal Arts to 

offer a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work. The Social Work 

program and curriculum has been developed to reflect the policies 

and standards of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). 

It will also qualify PNC to seek national accreditation through the 

CSWE. This accreditation will entitle PNC graduates to sit for state 

licensing examinations in Indiana and surrounding states. For further 

information on the PNC Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, 

visit www.pnc.edu. VM >> 

to One Congratulations Congratulat 

of Our to One Own of Our Jon Costas Mayor Jon Costas Ma 

better for place making Valparaiso for to live a making better and place to work. live and work. Valpar 

LakeCountyOffice LakeCountyOffice 

PorterCountyOffice 

9191Broadway 9191Broadway 

156Washington 

Merrillville,IN46410 Merrillville,IN46410 

Valparaiso,IN46383 

19.769.1313 

w.bcclegal.com 

 

219.769.1313 

www.bcclegal.com 


around town 

Once Upon A Child, located at 1699 

Morthland Drive, has gone gold! The gentlyused 

children’s reseller was recognized for 

achieving a “Gold Standard” measurement. 

The Gold Standard is reached when a store 

achieves a set of standards set forth by the 

franchisor during the evaluation process. 

The Valparaiso store achieved the customer 

experience, store operations, and consistent 

brand identity to earn Gold Standard 

recognition in 2009. Once Upon A Child 

provides a place for parents to buy and sell 

their quality, gently-used kids stuff for their 

ever-growing children - saving them time 

and money. For more information, visit 

www.ouac.com. VM 

Opportunity Enterprise’s 18th Annual 

Winter Gala, hosted by the Delta Theta Tau 

service sorority, will take place on Saturday, 

February 6, at the Porter County Expo 

Center. The Gala will include a catered 

dinner, live music, dancing, and an exciting 

silent auction. Proceeds from the event will 

be matched dollar for dollar by the Dean 

and Barbara White Family Foundation, and 

will support growth and development of 

Opportunity Enterprises’ Lakeside property. 

For more information, contact Events and 

Stewardship Manager Allison Thomas at 

(219) 464-9621. VM 

Dr. Meg G. DeMakas, CEO of 

Reflective Teaching, Inc., kicked off an 

in-school Young Authors’ Conference recently 

at South Haven Elementary School Library as 

a visiting author. DeMakas brought the class 

a set of her new picture book “Captain Jeb, 

Pirate Cat” featuring South Haven Elementary 

and other places in Northwest Indiana that 

were hit by the Great Flood of 2008. VM 

Join Shirley Heinze Land Trust on March 

20, at the Memorial Opera House to enjoy 

an evening concert featuring Bryan 

Lubeck, an electrifying Latin guitarist heard 

on radio stations around the world. All profits 

will benefit Shirley Heinze Land Trust, which 

works to protect and restore ecologically 

significant natural areas in Northwest 

Indiana. For more information, visit 

www.heinzetrust.org. VM 

Vogelsang 

Asset 

Management, 

LLC 

is pleased 

to announce 

Kelly Shikany, 

CFP® is now 

an Associate 

Financial 

Advisor and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL 

PLANNER professional. She has been in 

the financial services industry for 15 years, 

most recently as an Investment Officer for an 

Investment Management firm. As an advisor 

with Vogelsang Asset Management, Kelly 

provides comprehensive financial advice to her 

individual and business clients. Kelly has earned 

an Accredited Asset Management Specialist 

AAMS® designee as well as her Indiana Life & 

Health Producer license. She holds a Bachelor 

of Science degree in Business from Indiana 

University. For more information, visit 

www.vogelsang.wfadv.com. VM 

Real Estate 

Real Advice 

Larry Hitz 

Owner/Broker 

219.548.7810 direct line 

LHitz@pruexec.com 

HousesAreSelling.com 

Licensed in Indiana & Illinois 

An independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. 

is a registered service mark of The Prudential Insurance Company of America. 


25 Years 

• Courtyard by Marriott 

20 Years 

• Chester, Inc. 

• Coldwell Banker 

• Commercial NRT (Nicksic) 

• Family Express Corp. 

• Harris N.A. 

• Heinold & Feller Tire & Lawn Equipment 

• Kent Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. 

• Life Care Center of Valparaiso 

• Mercury Drive-In Cleaners 

• Mortensen CPA Group 

• NIPSCO 

• Okaya Electric America, Inc. 

• Philips Ace Hardware, Inc. 

• Porter County Builders Association 

• Porter Health System 

• Post-Tribune 

• Prudential Executive Group (Hitz) 

• Smith Ready Mix, Inc. 

• Teachers Credit Union 

• Urschel Development Corp. 

• Urschel Laboratories, Inc. 

• Valparaiso Community Schools 

• Weiler, Inc. 

CHAMber 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 anniversaries occurred in the first quarter of 2010. 

15 Years 

• A.T. Business Solutions, Inc. 

• Family House, Inc. 

• Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute 

• Tudor Cleaning & Restoration Services 

10 Years 

• Centech Security Systems, Inc. 

• Century 21 Alliance Group (Sommer) 

• Golfview Apartments 

• Horizon Bank 

• LAC Utilities 

• Lifestyle Properties LLC 

• Morse & Company Advertising 

Communications, Inc. 

• USF Corporation 

5 Years 

• Amereco Engineering 

• Aspen Studio 

• Bank of America 

• Dodrill Electric, Inc. 

• Duneland Group, Inc. 

• First Trust Credit Union 

• Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets 

• Maplewood M.H.C. 


Valparaiso! 

Indiana Chamber’s 2009 


Construction 

Services 

Information 

Technologies 

Phone (219) 465-7555 

• Robert V. Burrus, LLC 

www.chesterinc.com 

• Saint Anthony Hospital 

• Stolpe Real Estate 

• Terry’s Discount Windows & More, LLC 

Home Mountain 

Providing you with the best 

combination of service, experience 

and financial strength 

Commercial • Professional • Personal 

Life & Health • Employee Benefits 

MacLennan & Bain Insurance 

214 Aberdeen Drive 

Valparaiso Indiana 46385 

219 464 0100 www.mbiins.com 


The Valpo 

Chamber 

welcomes 

Board-approved 

new members 

who joined during 

September, 

October and 

November, 2009 

All addresses are in 

the 46383 zip code and 

phone numbers are 

219 area code unless 

otherwise indicated. 

new members 

Interested in 

joining the 

largest and 

most active 

chamber in 

Porter County? 

Contact Danielle Oeding 

at (219) 462-1105 or 

oeding@valparaisochamber.org 

Allure, The 

301 B St, LaPorte, 46350 

Jenny Wallace 

477-9666 

Banquet/Meeting Room Facilities 

www.allureone.com 

Amps & Volts Electric 

902 Calumet Ave, Ste 1, #114 

Brenda Krause 

462-3873 

Electricians 

Generators Sales/Service 

www.ampselectric.com 

Blackbird Café 

114 E Lincolnway 

Daniel Cook 

548-2811 

Restaurants 

Bridge Point Church 

105 Washington St 

Pastor Jeff Cagwin 

477-4207 

Churches/Synagogues 

www.bridgepointchurch.info 

Capital Processing Network 

2354 White Water Ct, 46385 

Benji Stemple 

928-3734 

Credit Card Services 

Communicating 101 LLC 

2057 Covenant Circle 

Tom Pollock 

707-9465 

Consultants 

Employment - Training Services 

Executive Search Consultants 

Speakers/Trainers/Lecturers 

www.communicating101.com 

Concert Association of 

Valparaiso 

416 Madison St, 46385 

Bob Simmons 

462-5705 

Music 

www.valpoconcerts.com 

Double Diamond 

Real Estate, LLC 

PO Box 248, 46384-0248 

Jennifer Williamson 

462-6900 

Real Estate – Commercial & Residential 

www.ddre.org 

Hilltop Church of Christ 

PO Box 300 

Wheeler, 46393-0300 

Matthew French 

688-6091 

Churches/Synagogues 

www.hilltopcoc.com 

Therapy Practice, PC 

660 Morthland Dr Center, 46385 

Rob Sillevis 

(219) 531-1756 

Physical Therapy 

www.integratedtherapypractice.com 

Kauffman Chiropractic 

7620 E 109th Ave, 

Crown Point, 46307 

Danielle Kauffman 

662-9855 

Chiropractors 

www.kauffmanchiros.com 

Lady Viking Soccer 

PO Box 1881, 46383-1881 

Joseph Alessi 

464-8061 

Recreation 

www.ladyvikingsoccer.org 

Keller Williams Realty Leaders 

1425 Eagle Ridge Dr 

Schererville, 46375 

Jana Caudill 

864-5777 

Real Estate – Commercial & Residential 

www.kwleaders.com 

Helen Chupp: 405-8920 

www.helenchupp.com 

Matt Evans: 241-8401 

www.themattevansteam.com 

Kimberly Genovese: 508-6742 

www.nwihomeexpert.com 

Maryann Maki: 661-7772 

www.maryannmaki.com 

Brad Mistina: 972-8000 

www.thebradmistinateam.com 

Lakeshore Area Regional 

Recovery of Indiana (LARRI) 

9200 Calumet Ave, Ste N-510 

Munster, 46321 

Jane Delligatti 

836-1325 

Social Service Agencies 

www.larri.info 

Loving Care Agency, Inc. 

3206 Cascade Dr, Ste A/B 

Elizabeth Lapinski 

548-0099 

Healthcare/Home Health Services 

www.lovingcareagency.com 

rTrail, LLC 

1220 Garden Court N, 

Orono, MN 55634 

Brenda Magnetti Erickson 

(952) 353-4980 

Advertising/Creative & Marketing Services 

Consultants 

Marketing Research 

www.rtrail.com 

Northwest Indiana 

Auto Buying Services 

PO Box 544, 46484-0544 

Tom Elliott 

508-8239 

Consultants 

www.nwiautobuyingservices.com 

Porter County Cancer Society 

2502 Beech St, Unit 60 

Lisa Clark 

462-7466 

Social Service Agencies 

Public Education Foundation 

of Valparaiso 

3801 N Campbell, 46385 

Trish Sarkisian 

531-3000 

Fundraising Organization 

www.valpo.k12.in.us/PEFV 

Shelter Insurance 

451 W Lincolnway, Ste B, 46385 

Erin Valdivia 

464-3493 

Insurance 

www.shelterinsurance.com 

Solutions MD, LLC 

225 Abington St, 46385 

Susan DeMeyers 

462-8560 

Medical 

www.solutionsmd.net 

Studio This Is 

112 E Lincolnway 

Jeremy Bustos 

465-0189 

Photographic Studios/Supplies 

www.studiothisis.com 

Suzie’s Café & Catering, Inc. 

1050 Southpoint Dr, 46385 

Suzie Bigott 

462-5500 

Restaurants 

Valparaiso Vacuum Company 

1051 Southpoint Dr, Ste E, 46385 

Don Rush 

707-5162 

Vacuum Cleaners/Service/Supplies 

Verona Pizza VII 

1689 Morthland Dr, 46385 

Eric Hidalgo 

465-3737 

Pizza 

26 


219.462.7200 | www.golden-tech.com 

 

 

 

 

Prepare for the future. 

2600 Roosevelt Rd., Ste. 1001 • Valparaiso, IN 

462-4621 • www.tcunet.com 

 

Immediate, Convenient Healthcare! 

Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

No appointment necessary 

No long waiting periods 

Convenient hours 

Convenient location 

Caring staff 

On site X-ray equipment 

Most insurances accepted 


2307 LaPorte Ave. , Suite 8 (across from Starbucks) 


27


Governor Mitch Daniels honored four Valpo 

Chamber member businesses for longevity and 

community service on November 4, 2009, during 

the annual Governor’s Century and Half Century 

Business Awards in Indianapolis. 

The Governor presented Grieger’s Motor Sales, 

Inc., Marc T. Nielsen Interiors, Tonn and Blank 

Construction, and Valparaiso First Insurance 

with a Half Century Award. Lieutenant Governor 

Becky Skillman and Secretary of Commerce 

Mitch Roob joined Daniels in honoring these 

companies for their commitment 

to Indiana. 

“Simply speaking, building a business takes 

drive, business acumen, and sometimes a little 

luck. Building a successful company which 

spans decades and generations, however, is a 

truly special accomplishment. It is my honor to 

recognize Hoosier entrepreneurs who have left 

permanent marks on their communities through 

their home-grown enterprises,” said Daniels. 

> 

Grieger’s Motor Sales, Inc. - Dave Rodgers 

The Governor’s Century and Half Century 

Business Awards honor Indiana businesses that 

have remained in operation for 100 or 50 years 

or more and have also demonstrated a history of 

community service. More than 1,300 companies 

from across Indiana have been recognized during 

the 19-year history of the Awards. 

Nominated by individuals or organizations within 

the same community, the Century and Half 

Century Awards honor Indiana’s well-established 

companies and their outstanding contributions to 

the economic growth and prosperity of the state. 

W E ' R E P R O U D T O B E P A R T O F 

VALPARAISO! 

Citizens Financial Bank congratulates Valparaiso on being named the 

Indiana Chamber of Commerce's 2009 Community of the Year! 

Member FDIC 

Valparaiso Banking Center 

855 Thornapple Way, Valparaiso, IN 46385 


www.mybankcitizens.com 

28 


“Building a 

successful company 

which spans decades 

and generations is 

truly special.” 

–Indiana Governor, Mitch Daniels 

HALF CENTURY AWARDS 

50 years 

Greiger’s Motor Sales, Inc. 

1756 Morthland Drive, Valparaiso 

(219) 462-4117 

www.griegermotors.com 

Formed in 1959 in Valparaiso as an Austin Healey dealership, Grieger’s 

Motor Sales, Inc. became a Dodge dealership in 1963. The company 

merged with a local Chrysler Plymouth dealership in the mid-1970s and 

moved, expanded, and became a Jeep franchise in 1985. 

> 

Marc T. Nielsen Interiors - Front row seated (left to right) Valerie Steil A.S.I.D, 

Virginia Phillips A.S.I.D, Dewey Kooinga, Dot Kesling Back row standing 

(left to right) Lou Biggs, Tom Witzman, Jose Santos, Jenny Gora, Melodee 

Kalinke, Jeanie Kettwig 

85 years 

Marc T. Nielsen Interiors 

734 Old Suman Road, Valparaiso 

(219) 462-9812 

www.marctnielseninteriors.com 

Since 1924, Marc T. Nielsen Interiors has been helping people create 

beautiful, comfortable environments fulfilling their needs and desires. The 

company’s professional design staff helps clients plan interior spaces, select 

structural and decorative materials, and choose colors and furnishings. 



Valparaiso First Insurance - (left to 

> 

right) 

Jason Schwerdt, Charles Welter, Donna Howell, 

Bennie Moesta 

Tonn and Blank Construction - 

Jon Gilmore 

> 

87 years 

Tonn and Blank 

Construction 

1623 Greenwood Avenue, 

Michigan City 

(219) 879-7321 

Tonn and Blank Construction 

was founded in Michigan City 

in 1922 and soon completed 

its first project: construction 

of a coal chute. Since then, 

Tonn and Blank Construction 

has grown rapidly to meet the 

needs of its customers and 

today specializes in providing an 

integrated, fast-track approach 

to construction management, 

general contracting, and 

design/build. 

87 years 

Valparaiso First Insurance 

3001 Leonard Drive, Suite 101A, Valparaiso 

(219) 462-4334 

Valparaiso First Insurance, Inc. has been serving the insurance 

needs of Porter County residents since 1922. The company is a 

dedicated supporter of the local community, Boys and Girls Clubs 

of Porter County, the local YMCA Foundation, and the Valparaiso 

University National Law Council. VM 


Influenza Vaccination – How important is it? 

ask an expert 

Every year, Influenza causes 36,000 

deaths and 200,000 hospitalizations. Over 

90 percent of deaths and about 60 percent 

of hospitalizations occur to people 65 

years of age and older. Children younger 

than five years old also account for 20,000 

hospitalizations yearly. 

Based on these statistics, the Advisory 

Committee on Immunization Practices 

recommends that persons aged 50 years or 

older, persons ages 18 to 49 years with a 

higher risk of complications, and all children 

six months to 18 years should receive an 

annual influenza vaccination. 

Why aren’t more people becoming 

vaccinated? Fear. One fear is Thimerosol, 

a mercury-based preservative, that helps 

prevent the growth of bacteria or fungus 

that may contaminate the vial. If a person 

is allergic to Thimerosol, single dose 

vials without Thimerosol are available. 

Federal agencies have reviewed the use of 

Thimerosol and have found it to be safe. 

Another fear is the rare disorder called 

Guillain-Barre´ Syndrome (GBS), a condition 

in which one’s own immune system 

damages nerves and causes weakness and 

sometimes paralysis to the muscles. It is not 

fully known what causes GBS, but in very 

rare cases someone may develop GBS 

after receiving a vaccination. 

Flu vaccines, like any medicine, are capable 

of causing side effects. Some possible side 

effects from a flu vaccine are: soreness, 

redness, or swelling where the vaccine was 

given, low grade fever, aches and nausea. 

Side effects will usually occur soon after the 

vaccine and usually last one to two days. 

The risks of not receiving the vaccine should 

be weighed against the risk of severe illness 

or spreading the flu to others who may be 

in a weakened state. Influenza is extremely 

contagious and is spread through coughing, 

sneezing, or coming in contact with a 

contaminated surface. 

Influenza can also be transmitted 24 hours 

before symptoms show, meaning people 

spread it even before they are aware they 

are ill. 

There are two different ways to receive the 

Influenza vaccine: by injection or nasal mist. 

For the nasal mist, you must be between 

the ages of two and 49 and not have any 

medical conditions that would prohibit you 

taking it. It is always important to read the 

vaccination information sheet before taking 

any vaccine to make sure you have a good 

understanding of the vaccine. 

In April 2009, a new influenza virus strain, 

H1N1, created a pandemic situation 

affecting more than 100 countries 

worldwide. Centers for Disease Control 

(CDC) has discovered there have been 

more cases of H1N1 in people younger than 

25 years of age than in people 65 years 

and older, which is atypical from seasonal 

influenza. Since the beginning of H1N1 in 

April, the Federal Government began the 

challenge to produce a safe and effective 

vaccine to counter attack the spread 

of H1N1. 

In addition to vaccinations, the 

CDC recommends: 

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue 

when you cough or sneeze. Throw the 

tissue immediately in the trash. 

• Cough into the bend of your arm and 

not into your hand. 

• Wash your hands often with soap and 

water. If soap and water are not available, 

use an alcohol-based hand rub. 

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or 

mouth as germs will spread this way. 

• Try to avoid close contact 

with sick people. 

• If you are sick with flu-like symptoms, 

stay home for at least 24 hours after 

your fever is gone except to get medical 

care or for other necessities. 

Influenza vaccination seems an easy fix for a 

complex problem we face annually. In order 

to be successful and reduce the annual 

deaths and hospitalizations we need to 

encourage all to receive a flu vaccine as the 

best preventative measure we have. VM 

by Jonathan Nalli, 

Porter Health System 

Jonathan Nalli is the Chief Executive 

Officer for Porter Health System. 

Jonathan has been in health care 

management since 1999. He 

is originally from Lexington, 

Kentucky and has a degree in Health 

Administration from the University of 

Kentucky and earned his MBA from 

Drexel University in Philadelphia. In 

April 2007, he was named to the Top 

40 Outstanding Alumni for the College 

of Health Sciences at the University 

of Kentucky, the first such awards 

given by the University of Kentucky. 

Jonathan, his wife Cathleen, and their 

new son reside in Valparaiso. 

References: 

Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention 

2009 H1N1 Flu and You: 

http://cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm 

Vaccine Safety: 

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/ 

Vaccines/Common_questions.html 

MMWR: October 9, 2009; 

Influenza Vaccination Coverage 

Among Children and Adults: 

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwrhtml/ 

mm5839al.htm 

Fact Sheet: Guillain-Bare 

Syndrome(GBS), 

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1/ 

vacciantion/factsheet_gbs.htm 


31

usiness spotlight 

Spotlight your business with a 2”x2” ad. Reach 17,000+ 

readers quarterly! Call Danielle Oeding, at the Valpo Chamber. 

426-1105 | oeding@valparaisochamber.org 

Happiness is always in season! 

 

 

 

 

Member FDIC 

www.centier.com • 1-888-Centier 

Chocolate Dipped 

Strawberries 

Same day pickup 

& delivery available 

To order, please call or visit 


501 Silhavy Road 

(corner of Chicago & Silhavy) 

Save $ 5 

On your order when 

you mention this ad.* 

*Offer valid on select products. 

Cannot be combined with 

any other offers. Offer code 

must be used when placing 

the order. Offer expires: 

4/30/10 • Code: valp0719 

EdibleArrangements.com 

Host a Drive to Collect NEW, 

Small Stuffed Animals 

Stuffed animals are given to local schools 

for children in crisis or to assist the 

literacy program “Reading Buddies”. 

(219) 464-3583 

info@unitedwaypc.org 



Get to know Valparaiso Community 

Festivals and Events, Inc. one of 

our nearly 700 strong Chamber member 

businesses that add to the unique quality 

of life that is Valparaiso. 

> Company: Valparaiso Community Festivals and Events 

> Address: 162 W. Lincolnway, Valparaiso 


> Web site: www.valparaisoevents.com 

> Management: Tina St. Aubin, Executive Director 



Valparaiso Community Festivals and Events, 

Inc. (VCFE) is a not-for-profit, volunteer 

organization that is dedicated to sustaining the 

vitality of downtown Valparaiso through the 

cultivation of partnerships, and the creation 

and promotion of festivals, events, and retail 

establishments that are crucial to the success 

of Valparaiso’s downtown. Whether you are 

discovering downtown for the very first time, or 

rediscovering your favorite 

places and exploring the 

brand new spaces, 

make time to spend 

an hour, an afternoon, 

or an entire day in the 

downtown area and you 

will clearly see what all 

the buzz is about! 

Tina St. Aubin, 

Executive Director 

> 

Photo by 

Aran Kessler 

Photo.Imaging 





33

our voice 

Reflections on Valparaiso’s 

Unique Quality of Life 

Closing Thoughts: 

by John Seibert 

John Seibert recently returned to the 

position of Director of Valparaiso 

Dept. of Parks and Recreation in 

February 2009. He left as Director in 

2004 to serve as Valparaiso’s first City 

Administrator under Mayor Costas. 

He has also served as President of 

Housing Opportunities and as Vice 

President of Opportunity Enterprises. 

Seibert is an adjunct professor at 

Valparaiso University, teaching at 

the senior management level in the 

college of Business Administration. 

He holds a Master’s Degree in 

Recreation Administration from 

Indiana University. 

He has been recognized for his 

leadership by many organizations, 

including being named United Way’s 

Outstanding Professional of the Year. 

Seibert is currently a member of the 

Valpo Chamber Board of Directors and 

a founding task force member of the 

Valpo Chamber Leadership Academy. 

John, a Valparaiso resident for 28 

years, has been married to Rin since 

1980; they have three children and a 

daughter-in-law. 

When listening to others speak 

about Valparaiso’s distinctive 

characteristics, its remarkable 

quality of life often enters into 

the conversation. That quality 

of life featured prominently in 

Valparaiso’s designation as 

the Indiana Chamber’s 2009 

“Community of the Year.” 

Exceptional results grounded 

in solid values are no mistake. 

They are made possible by 

a network of relationships 

and a spirit of collaboration that is a legacy 

of our city. Mayor Costas described how the 

five pillars of community: business, education, 

faith, government and non-profit, work together 

to build and sustain a dynamic city and an 

extraordinary quality of life. Each sector within 

our community produces exceptional results. 

They each express their mission, vision, and 

values in specific ways. 

Additionally, they each seem to share some 

form of mutual community values: integrity, 

innovation, excellence, and selflessness; or 

caring for our neighbors and community. 

Foundations laid in the past, by extraordinary 

community leaders in every sector, set the bar 

for high expectations and an engaged citizenry. 

With that foundation, we continue to celebrate 

tremendous momentum. 

We are led by the city administration and 

the Chamber of Commerce in partnership 

with all sectors to achieve and recognize an 

unprecedented breadth and depth of quality of 

life enhancements. With what Mayor Costas 

termed “creatively frugal” as a consistent 

standard for decision-making, we reap great 

benefit from the resources available. 

I have had the privilege to be mentored, to 

witness, and to participate in this quality of 

life movement for more than 25 years. Our 

parks are one of the most visible signs and 

indicators of a healthy community that retains 

and attracts residents and businesses. Like 

the other sectors of our city, the Park system, 

led by its citizen volunteers and staff, is 

thankful for a past rich in community support 

and involvement and is celebrating the current 

renaissance. 

The community’s values of excellence 

and innovation also call for continuous 

improvement. So, the Parks Department, along 

with most organizations throughout the City’s 

various sectors, are in the midst of strategic 

planning for the future. We do not rest on our 

laurels or reputations. 

Focus groups, public input sessions, and 

broad-based, on-line surveys will encourage 

community involvement in all of these 

engagements. In addition, current community 

leaders are seeking input and making room for 

new and emerging leaders to serve. Initiatives, 

like the Valpo Chamber’s Leadership Academy, 

engage and enable more people to get 

involved and offer their gifts. 

As we appropriately celebrate our current 

success, may we always remember what 

brought us to this place. May we continue to 

honor and fulfill the legacy given to us. May 

we celebrate and continue to enhance the 

current momentum before us. And may we 

look forward with enthusiasm to the great 

future ahead of us as we continue together to 

preserve, develop and promote Valparaiso’s 

remarkable quality of life for our children and 

our grandchildren. VM 

34 


PNCPorterCounty 

PNC’s Future in 

Valpo Looks Bright 

and So Can Yours! 

Get your world-class 

Purdue degree in Valpo! 

Ask About PNC’s Newest 

Bachelor’s Degree: Social Work 

YourPurdueDegree 

Visit PNC’s Undergraduate and 

Graduate Centers in Valparaiso Today! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finanical Aid Marathon 

February 27-28, 2010 

PORTER COUNTY 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

www.pnc.edu

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