Winter-2006
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Valpo Magazine <strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2006</strong><br />
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Contents<br />
Volume 6 Issue 1 <strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2006</strong><br />
Feature Story 5<br />
Reinventing Valparaiso<br />
Through Redevelopment<br />
Salute To Leadership 8<br />
Valparaiso Chamber honors<br />
Douglas Pierce, Dr. John R. Poncher<br />
and Lorrie Woycik.<br />
WINTER <strong>2006</strong><br />
A publication of the Greater Valparaiso Chamber of<br />
Commerce. 162 W. Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN 46383.<br />
Phone (219) 462-1105 Fax: (219) 462-5710.<br />
gvcc@valparaisochamber.org<br />
www.connecttovalpo.com<br />
www.valparaisochamber.org<br />
GREATER VALPARAISO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE<br />
Deb Butterfield, President<br />
Amy Page, Vice President, Member Services<br />
Ashli Bowen, Marketing & Communications Specialist<br />
Julie Gaskell, Administrative Assistant<br />
Century and Half 10<br />
Century Business Awards<br />
Ask An Expert 16<br />
This new column provides expert<br />
answers to your business questions.<br />
Calendar of Events<br />
www.connecttovalpo.com<br />
Danielle Oeding, Advertising & Membership Sales<br />
Renee Egan, Bookkeeper<br />
Barb Grimsgard, Special Events<br />
Debbie Pulley, Support Staff<br />
VALPARAISO MAGAZINE<br />
Publisher: The Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce<br />
Design and Production: Griffin Marketing Services, Inc.<br />
Feature and Photos: Aran Kessler Photo Imaging<br />
Editor: Griffin Marketing Services, Inc.<br />
Printing: Home Mountain Printing<br />
Mailing: Flanagin’s Bulk Mail Service<br />
Your Chamber At 20<br />
Work For You<br />
A recap of chamber networking events.<br />
Sections<br />
New Chamber Members 12<br />
Around Town 15<br />
Business Spotlight 19<br />
Editorial Wrap-up 22<br />
VALPARAISO MAGAZINE is published quarterly by<br />
the Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce, P.O.<br />
Box 330, Valparaiso, IN 46384-0330. To submit<br />
“Around Town” entries, call 219-462-1105 or send<br />
to: gvcc@valparaisochamber.org, Attn: Editor.<br />
For advertising inquiries, call 462-1105.<br />
VALPARAISO MAGAZINE circulates 16,500 copies<br />
per issue by direct mail to all businesses, and, on a<br />
rotating basis, to most households in the 46383,<br />
46384 and 46385 zip codes. Subscriptions may be<br />
purchased at an annual rate of $12, for those<br />
outside our regular circulation.<br />
www.connecttovalpo.com<br />
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4 Valpo Magazine <strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2006</strong> ww
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Balancing Growth and Creating a<br />
Unified Dynamic Image for the City<br />
This article is the first in a series in which<br />
Valparaiso Magazine will examine the role<br />
redevelopment plays in the growth of a<br />
community. In upcoming issues we will more<br />
thoroughly explore specific redevelopment<br />
projects, examine the human side of the story<br />
and what happens when your business is<br />
targeted for relocation, and envision what Valpo<br />
might look like in 25 years.<br />
“Build it and they will come,” goes the old<br />
adage, and it doesn’t take a particularly astute<br />
observer of the city of Valparaiso to<br />
understand the veracity of that statement.<br />
Here is a community that exudes charm, that<br />
teems with friendly people, that is ideally<br />
located, that has a wonderful school system,<br />
that possesses a vibrant collegiate culture, that<br />
is clean and safe and dynamic, that . . . well<br />
the list goes on and on. So, it shouldn’t be<br />
surprising that those things that keep people<br />
Redevelopment Commission President<br />
Mike Baird reviews concepts for Eastgate<br />
with interested parties.<br />
here also attract others looking for the<br />
same values and amenities. That’s how<br />
communities grow and, quite simply, a<br />
healthy city is a growing city – but only if<br />
growth is planned and controlled.<br />
“Managing growth is complex. It takes a<br />
clear vision, innovation, and collaboration,”<br />
says Chamber and VEDC President Deb<br />
Butterfield. “You need great ideas, but you<br />
also have to be realistic about what it takes to<br />
implement change. Every time we need to<br />
expand a road because of increased traffic<br />
flow, we have to call NIPSCO to move poles<br />
and utilities. You don’t want to do that more<br />
than once.”<br />
Today systemic and logical growth hinges<br />
on two concepts: development and redevelopment.<br />
The former focuses on moving<br />
the boundaries of a community outward and<br />
converting green fields to business or<br />
industrial centers. The latter involves using<br />
resources already in place to redesign, redefine<br />
and reenergize existing sites to create new<br />
opportunities. Each plays a vital and viable<br />
role, and the challenge is striking the balance<br />
between these two separate, but related,<br />
engines of progress.<br />
Redevelopment was initially created as a<br />
remedy for urban deterioration. It provides<br />
ideas and resources for renewing areas<br />
devastated by the loss of industries and<br />
commercial businesses. It is a way to reclaim<br />
abandoned buildings and brownfields left in<br />
the wake of business relocations and/or urban<br />
sprawl that takes vital retail shoppers out of<br />
downtown areas to malls often located on the<br />
outskirts of town.<br />
Redevelopment identifies specific projects<br />
and then creates resources to revitalize the<br />
sites, create jobs, attract new businesses, and<br />
revitalize the business climate. Funds are<br />
raised through the sale of bonds or tax<br />
increment financing (TIF) which diverts<br />
tax revenues from increased assessed valuation<br />
to the redevelopment agency. Local redevelopment<br />
agencies also have the power of<br />
eminent domain to “condemn” property if<br />
necessary to facilitate renewal.<br />
“Redevelopment is very significant<br />
because it shows that we highly value what we<br />
currently have in place and that we are willing<br />
to reinvest and take care of it,” says Mayor Jon<br />
Costas. “The worst thing you can do to a city<br />
is to let existing residential and commercial<br />
areas deteriorate.”<br />
He points out that redevelopment is a<br />
broadly encompassing concept that spans the<br />
spectrum from “simple” infrastructure<br />
improvements to visionary strategic planning<br />
that literally changes the environment and<br />
character of a city. “We have to think about<br />
the impact of our ideas for the long term. We<br />
have to imagine a city even better than the<br />
one we live in today and then make it<br />
happen,” he says. “Short term thinking just<br />
won’t work.”<br />
“(Redevelopment) keeps the heart and<br />
soul of the city intact. It’s a less expensive way<br />
to serve the city’s needs through existing<br />
infrastructure,” explains Stu Summers,<br />
Executive Director of the Valparaiso<br />
06 www.connecttovalpo.com<br />
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What Goes Around<br />
Comes Around<br />
Anyone who has ever driven through<br />
England was probably a bit bewildered the<br />
first time he or she merged with traffic into<br />
the very European invention known as the<br />
roundabout. But one time around and<br />
through certainly yielded the response,<br />
“Gee, that was easy.”<br />
When city officials examined alternatives<br />
for dealing with traffic problems at the<br />
“triangle” on East Lincolnway, the first<br />
ideas were fairly traditional in nature.<br />
Engineers from several companies<br />
proposed sophisticated new traffic<br />
light systems that would be<br />
controlled by computer.<br />
The ideas were not only<br />
ho-hum, but also expensive,<br />
and few believed they<br />
would really<br />
relieve the<br />
congestion and<br />
confusion in the<br />
long run.<br />
“Then a researcher<br />
from England proposed a<br />
roundabout,” explains Stu<br />
Summers, Executive<br />
Director of the Valparaiso<br />
Redevelopment Commission.<br />
A roundabout is a circular<br />
intersection. Rather than having<br />
two or more stoplight systems,<br />
roundabouts bring together conflicting<br />
and converging traffic streams and<br />
allow the cars to safely merge, traverse,<br />
and exit the roundabout. Drivers<br />
approaching a roundabout must slow to<br />
a speed that will allow them to interact<br />
with other users. This makes them safer<br />
and allows for a virtual continual flow of<br />
traffic. In a study of eleven roundabouts<br />
in the United States that replaced<br />
conventional intersections, accidents<br />
were reduced by as much as 51% and<br />
injuries decreased by 73%.<br />
“We loved the idea. It was more<br />
effective, provided greater safety, and<br />
was less expensive ($1.5 million versus<br />
$4 million for a new signaling system),”<br />
Summers points out. “But what was best<br />
is that it was different.”<br />
Different indeed, the new roundabout,<br />
which is scheduled for construction this<br />
year, will serve as the catalyst for a<br />
complete revitalization of the Eastgate<br />
area, making it the centerpiece of a<br />
renewed destination.<br />
6<br />
Economic Redevelopment Commission.<br />
“It’s often more environmentally friendly,<br />
practical, and keeps the core of the<br />
city healthy.”<br />
While redevelopment has proven effective<br />
in urban areas reeling from blight and flight,<br />
cities without problems of this magnitude –<br />
like Valparaiso – can use the concept not only<br />
to preserve and renew important community<br />
assets, but also to integrate these ideas into a<br />
more comprehensive plan that includes<br />
new development.<br />
“It’s sometimes hard to separate where<br />
development ends and redevelopment begins,<br />
because the two are really attempting to<br />
do the same thing: make our city a better<br />
place,” says Mike Baird, Senior Vice President<br />
of Mercantile Bank and President of the<br />
Valparaiso Redevelopment Commission.<br />
“Improvements in infrastructure that extend<br />
to the east Lincolnway area, for example,<br />
also enhance downtown, and vice versa. So,<br />
it takes a collaborative, coordinated effort<br />
from both the public and private sectors to<br />
ensure success.”<br />
“In some respects, redevelopment is easier<br />
because we’re working with something that is<br />
already in place. In other respects, it’s harder<br />
because we’re working<br />
with something already<br />
in place,” says Jim<br />
Jorgensen, local attorney<br />
who served as<br />
chairperson of an<br />
implementation committee<br />
for the city’s<br />
Downtown Hyett<br />
Palma Study, and<br />
currently serves as<br />
Chairman of the<br />
Valparaiso Economic<br />
Development<br />
Corporation. “Just like<br />
it’s sometimes easier to<br />
rebuild a home than<br />
to remodel it, we<br />
have to balance our<br />
efforts to the best<br />
long-term interest of<br />
the community.”<br />
Whether redevelopment<br />
is easier or harder,<br />
it’s still critically important,<br />
says Summers. He<br />
points out that most<br />
people can name several<br />
cities that urban sprawl<br />
has left in the dust. He<br />
doesn’t want that to<br />
EQUAL HOUSING<br />
L E N D E R<br />
happen in Valparaiso, and a comprehensive<br />
redevelopment plan is the way to prevent it.<br />
“By setting high standards, being creative,<br />
being fiscally responsible and establishing a<br />
process that gets the public involved, we can be<br />
a model for the rest of the region.”<br />
To that end, during the last 10 years or so,<br />
the city has commissioned and/or conducted<br />
several studies to generate discussion and brainstorming<br />
on the best ideas for managing<br />
Valpo’s growth. These studies continue to be<br />
examined and revised by a coalition of public<br />
and private sector participants including city<br />
government, the Redevelopment Commission,<br />
the Valparaiso Economic Development<br />
Corporation, property owners, private citizens,<br />
volunteers and, of course, the Greater<br />
Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce.<br />
“A lot of different areas were being studied<br />
on an individual basis,” says Butterfield.<br />
“We (the Chamber) really pushed for a<br />
comprehensive plan so that as resources<br />
became available, or opportunities came along,<br />
we would have a big picture and be able to take<br />
advantage. From our perspective, you couldn’t<br />
go halfway. It may take more upfront money,<br />
but not looking at things in totality just wouldn’t<br />
work and would cost more in the long run.”<br />
“Success usually comes to<br />
those who are too busy<br />
to be looking for it.”<br />
- HENRY DAVID THOREAU<br />
At Mercantile Bank, we take your success<br />
seriously. Whether your needs are<br />
business or personal, you will enjoy a<br />
personal relationship with financial<br />
experts who understand your needs and<br />
are empowered to respond effectively to<br />
them. Mercantile is recognized for its<br />
leading business lending and wealth<br />
management services and works to<br />
ensure the best solutions for your<br />
personal banking needs as well.<br />
As a member of the Harris group of<br />
companies, Mercantile is proud to offer<br />
enhanced service and world class products<br />
in each of the communities it serves. To<br />
learn more about our partnership with Harris<br />
Bank, visit us at www.mercantileweb.com.<br />
For Business Banking service, contact Dale<br />
Clapp at (219) 852-3365. For Wealth<br />
Management services, contact Rick<br />
Schumacher at (219) 933-3810.<br />
MEMBER<br />
FDIC<br />
Valpo Magazine <strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2006</strong><br />
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06<br />
That “big picture” today initially targets<br />
four specific areas: downtown, the Sturdy<br />
Road LaPorte Avenue “triangle” on east<br />
Lincolnway, North Calumet (specifically the<br />
former County Seat Plaza), and the Vale Park<br />
Road extension.<br />
But what began as, perhaps, a<br />
problem-solving mission has evolved into<br />
a real strategic envisioning process that has<br />
energized the community toward more<br />
exciting ideas. The goals now are not just to<br />
fix what needs fixing, but to create a whole<br />
new environment that encompasses the entire<br />
community and helps create a unified,<br />
dynamic image for the city.<br />
Take, for example, how the thought<br />
processes evolved when officials examined the<br />
problems on East Lincolnway.<br />
“It started out as a road and traffic issue at<br />
the triangle where LaPorte and Sturdy roads<br />
converge with East Lincolnway,” Jorgensen<br />
explains. “But some students from Ball State<br />
brought in sketches of what it could look like,<br />
and we suddenly realized there was a great<br />
opportunity here to do something special, to<br />
create a real statement.”<br />
Thus was born the Eastgate project, not<br />
just new traffic lights and road widening, but<br />
the creation of a “gateway” into the city that<br />
takes advantage of the proximity to Valparaiso<br />
University. This plan explores the creation of<br />
a student village with restaurants and retail<br />
stores, a University townhouse community, a<br />
retirement community, other free-standing<br />
retail concepts and a “roundabout” (see<br />
sidebar) to enhance traffic flow.<br />
www.connecttovalpo.com<br />
Similar visionary thinking is taking place<br />
regarding downtown and north of the city on<br />
Calumet Avenue. For example, in addition to<br />
a new downtown streetscape that includes<br />
charming sidewalk paving and new streetlights,<br />
way-finding signage and pedestrian-friendly<br />
amenities, plans are in the works for a possible<br />
in-city transit system. Additionally, the South<br />
Shore has identified Valparaiso as a key<br />
location in its West Lake Corridor project, an<br />
eventuality that would dramatically increase<br />
the city’s appeal.<br />
“Imagine if the South Shore built a<br />
station down where the train used to stop,<br />
near the Franklin House,” Mayor Costas says.<br />
“Think of the cluster of development that<br />
would spur just in that corner of the city.”<br />
The North Calumet corridor will also be<br />
reinvented, adhering to an overall plan that<br />
“By setting high standards, being creative, being<br />
fiscally responsible and establishing a process that gets the public<br />
involved, we can be a model for the rest of the region.” -Stu Summers<br />
will enhance and unify it with the entire<br />
Valparaiso community. Baird pointed out<br />
how the planning process there helped shape<br />
the Commission’s thinking on the Vale Park<br />
Road extension. “First of all, we’re not going<br />
to please all the people all the time. Frankly,<br />
there are some folks who want the city to stay<br />
as it is. Our perspective is that it’s important<br />
to listen to citizens,” he says. “The Vale Park<br />
Road extension evolved from merely a<br />
road through a neighborhood to a beautiful<br />
parkway because of the concerns and<br />
involvement of people who live there and who<br />
had ideas that greatly enhanced the project.”<br />
“This is redevelopment at its best,”<br />
Mayor Costas says. “Symbiotic working<br />
relationships (see sidebar); great people with<br />
great ideas; unity and a<br />
sense of purpose; and a<br />
focus on getting things<br />
done. It’s an exciting<br />
time to be involved<br />
in the evolution of<br />
this city.”<br />
For more information<br />
on redevelopment visit<br />
www.connecttovalpo.com<br />
Getting It Together: How Does<br />
This City Get So Many People<br />
On The Same Page?<br />
Community redevelopment is a daunting<br />
challenge, requiring not only vision and<br />
commitment, but also a collaborative spirit<br />
that, let’s face it, isn’t always easy to attain<br />
or maintain. But observe what is happening<br />
here – through two administrations, by the<br />
way – and you have to be impressed.<br />
Jim Jorgensen, a local attorney who<br />
chaired a comprehensive city planning<br />
process, credits former Mayor David<br />
Butterfield with setting the tone. “Dave<br />
was a consummate partnership builder,<br />
there’s no better way to say it. Then<br />
(current mayor) Jon Costas just took<br />
that and expanded on it.”<br />
Mayor Costas generally kept the<br />
Redevelopment Commission team intact<br />
because he respected the members and<br />
understood that this type of planning long<br />
outlives most administrations. “We have<br />
to look at solving problems for thirty to<br />
fifty years, not ten to fifteen,” he said.<br />
“I won’t dictate what needs to be done.<br />
We focus on getting things accomplished<br />
and don’t let artificial things like politics<br />
get in the way.”<br />
“I think we have such a unique and<br />
wonderful community, and the people<br />
that participate in this planning believe<br />
that too,” says Mike Baird, President of the<br />
Redevelopment Commission. “I sincerely<br />
believe that everyone is interested only in<br />
what is best for the community. It doesn’t<br />
mean we don’t disagree, but our perspective<br />
is always what we can do to provide the<br />
widest possible positive impact for the<br />
most citizens.”<br />
Deb Butterfield, President of the<br />
Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce<br />
and the Valparaiso Economic Development<br />
Corporation believes that frequent and<br />
open communications with constituencies<br />
is the primary reason for successful<br />
collaboration, “Our (Chamber) members<br />
have to feel that they have a voice in what<br />
is happening in their community. So, we<br />
act as a catalyst to bring issues to them.<br />
We are not redevelopment experts, but we<br />
recognize the need to keep our eye on the<br />
ball and to involve the entire community.”<br />
7
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Salute To Leadership<br />
LO<br />
200<br />
On January 14, <strong>2006</strong>, at its annual “Salute to Leadership” dinner the Valpo Chamber honored Douglas<br />
Pierce as the 21st recipient of the Distinguished Community Leader Award and Dr. John R.<br />
Poncher and Lorrie Woycik as recipients of the 2005 Valpo Chamber Legacy of Service Award.<br />
DOUGLAS PIERCE<br />
2005 Distinguished Community Leader<br />
The Distinguished Community Leader<br />
award is given to an individual each year within the<br />
community who demonstrates a leadership role, is<br />
successful in promoting and developing business<br />
and industry, is involved and contributes to the<br />
community, has a general reputation among the<br />
community business leaders and enhances the quality of life in our<br />
community on a sustained basis.<br />
Born and raised in Valparaiso, Doug Pierce is an entrepreneur,<br />
reputable community leader and compassionate volunteer and honored<br />
as this year’s Distinguished Community Leader.<br />
Upon graduating from Valparaiso High School, Doug Pierce<br />
received an Architectural Degree at University of Cincinnati. In 1971,<br />
after serving two years in the U.S. Army, he established Design<br />
Organization, Inc. (DO) an architectural, design and space planning<br />
firm. Celebrating 34 years, DO has received numerous awards and has<br />
been instrumental in local projects, like Valparaiso University’s GeoMet<br />
Building and Ivy State Tech College Region 1, Valparaiso Campus.<br />
Currently retired, Doug proudly and accurately<br />
promotes his job title as “Community<br />
Member.” He was a founding member and first president of<br />
Porter County Arts Commission; President of Porter County Mental<br />
Health Association; member of the Valparaiso Community Schools’<br />
Curriculum Advisory Panel and the Valparaiso Chamber Board. In the<br />
1980’s, Doug was selected by County Commissions to represent Porter<br />
County at the Northern Indiana Health Systems Agency serving as<br />
Secretary for two terms and Treasurer for one term; he was selected by<br />
the Governor to represent Northern Indiana in state level health care<br />
planning strategies; served as a surrogate parent under Indiana Rule S-1<br />
and oversaw the academic scheduling for children at Shultz-Lewis home;<br />
and chaired the Rotary Committee for community development where<br />
he initiated the idea of the original south Washington Street “Gate to the<br />
City” and developed the first “East Gate” plan for east Lincolnway. In<br />
the 90’s he organized the Central Neighborhood Association to preserve<br />
“the front porch” character of old neighborhoods, spawning the Banta<br />
Neighborhood Organization; he organized the Valparaiso Reclamation<br />
Foundation, a 501c3 Corporation to save residential “at risk” structures;<br />
served as President of the Valparaiso Parks Foundation; and member of<br />
the Northview Elementary Curriculum Review Committee. In the<br />
2000’s Doug co-chaired the Veteran’s and Volunteer Memorial project;<br />
was an active participant in the Hyatt-Palma Study for downtown<br />
building and business owners; and was a team member, under City<br />
Planner Craig Phillip’s direction, to update the downtown building and<br />
design ordinance.<br />
Doug is supported, encouraged, and helped by his wife, Cindi,<br />
daughter, Catherine, and son, Andrew.<br />
Dam<br />
dev<br />
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DR. JOHN R. PONCHER<br />
2005 Legacy of Service<br />
“Valparaiso<br />
truly is my<br />
town,” explains Dr.<br />
John R. Poncher as he<br />
refers back to the mid<br />
1800’s when his family<br />
first decided to make<br />
Valparaiso home. Ask any lifelong Valparaiso<br />
resident and they would surely agree.<br />
Practicing pediatrics for four generations, Dr.<br />
Poncher is an icon in Valparaiso’s medical<br />
community. A child advocate and member of<br />
the American Academy of Pediatrics, he has a<br />
passion for children’s health. Dr. Poncher is<br />
a graduate of Wabash University, Valparaiso<br />
University and Indiana University Medical<br />
School and served a four-year stint in the U.S.<br />
Navy. His professional affiliations include<br />
partner at Glendale Medical Center from<br />
1967-2002, founder of Associated<br />
Pediatricians in 1969 and co-initiator of the<br />
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Porter<br />
Memorial Hospital.<br />
Even today, as a “retiree,” (which he is far<br />
from in true definition) Dr. Poncher has given<br />
back to the community by wholeheartedly<br />
volunteering his time and expertise. His<br />
financial and social dedication to Hilltop<br />
Community Health Center, a state-funded<br />
center, includes serving on the board and<br />
providing free healthcare every Friday for the<br />
past four years. In 2004, the Indiana State<br />
Medical Association awarded him the<br />
Physician Community Service Award for his<br />
efforts at Hilltop.<br />
Dr. Poncher serves on the Porter County<br />
Special Education Cooperative’s Advisory<br />
Board; Board of Directors - Children’s<br />
Memorial Hospital Community Physicians<br />
Association; and Board of Directors – Fifth<br />
Third Corporation, Northern Division.<br />
Through all the awards and recognitions,<br />
Poncher remains a grounded individual who<br />
attributes his accomplishments to those<br />
around him. The doctor and his wife, Gwen,<br />
currently reside in Valparaiso. They have 4<br />
children and 6 grandchildren.<br />
Valpopourri<br />
The first church established was<br />
First Baptist Church in 1837.<br />
8 Valpo Magazine <strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2006</strong><br />
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LORRIE WOYCIK<br />
2005 Legacy of Service<br />
Lorrie Woycik, a native<br />
of New York came<br />
to Valparaiso to attend<br />
Valparaiso University where<br />
she earned her bachelor’s<br />
degree in 1952 and<br />
received her master’s in<br />
Special Education from<br />
St. Mary’s College, Notre<br />
Dame in 1966. Her humanitarian spirit,<br />
devotion to community service, and advocacy<br />
for children with special needs is eloquently<br />
illustrated in her life’s work.<br />
Her “lifelong love” began in 1957 when<br />
she was asked to teach at the Vale Day School<br />
(now Opportunity Enterprises), a school<br />
dedicated to those children who were denied<br />
public schooling. “I was hooked the first day<br />
and have led a life of joy and blessings ever<br />
since!” Lorrie taught for 39 years and<br />
continues to be involved with “her kids”<br />
through Special Olympics as both Porter<br />
County Coordinator and Outreach Director.<br />
She assisted Harley Snyder in co-chairing the<br />
expansion of Opportunity Enterprises,<br />
serves on Opportunity Enterprises’ board,<br />
and assists with the Gala silent auction.<br />
In addition, she is serving in her 12th year on<br />
the Valparaiso Community School Board;<br />
volunteers at the high school’s security door;<br />
and is a member of Kiwanis. She actively<br />
serves whenever and wherever she is<br />
needed whether with Ivy Tech, Relay for Life,<br />
Breast Cancer Walk, Elvis Fantasy Fest,<br />
Building Together and everything in<br />
between.<br />
Lorrie also writes a weekly<br />
column for the “Neighbors” section<br />
of the Post-Tribune because she “believes<br />
in learning the good<br />
about others.”<br />
“Most people equate<br />
success with big houses,<br />
fancy cars, bulging bank<br />
accounts and prestige.<br />
I humbly suggest that<br />
they have it all wrong –<br />
my success is from hugs,<br />
“I love you Miss Lorrie,”<br />
caring friends and a<br />
husband who lets me<br />
be me!”<br />
Lorrie Woycik and<br />
her husband Barney have<br />
three children (Cheryl, Mark and Carol) and<br />
7 grandchildren.<br />
Valpopourri<br />
In Spanish, Valparaiso means<br />
“Vale of Paradise”.<br />
di,<br />
06<br />
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Governor’s Century and Half<br />
Century Business Awards 2005<br />
Governor Mitch Daniels joined Lt.<br />
Governor Becky Skillman and<br />
Secretary of Commerce Patricia R.<br />
Miller at the Statehouse on November<br />
9, 2005 to honor 91 Indiana<br />
businesses at the annual Century and<br />
Half Century Business Awards<br />
ceremony. The Governor’s Century<br />
and Half Century Business Awards<br />
honor Indiana businesses that have<br />
remained in operation for 100 or 50<br />
years and more and have also<br />
demonstrated a history of community<br />
service. Nominated by individuals or<br />
organizations within the same<br />
community, Indiana’s well-established<br />
companies are honored for their<br />
outstanding contributions to the<br />
economic growth and prosperity of<br />
the state.<br />
The Valpo Chamber congratulates<br />
the following recipients:<br />
Century Awards<br />
The Pangere Corporation, currently in its<br />
third generation of family ownership, was<br />
founded 100 years ago by Greek immigrant<br />
John Pangere as an industrial painting and<br />
sheeting contracting company. Company<br />
president, since 1972, Steve Pangere is legally<br />
blind but, in spite of this disability, has helped<br />
propel the company into the 21st century by<br />
expanding upon the foundation of what John<br />
built and turning The Pangere Corporation<br />
into a full-service construction company.<br />
The business’ commitment to the community<br />
of Gary is evident in its many contributions<br />
to various local causes and<br />
charitable organizations.<br />
‘Dodrill’s’ Valparaiso Plumbing Company,<br />
Inc. is a 119 year-old company, originally<br />
founded and owned by Lyman Dean as<br />
‘Dean’s’ Valparaiso Plumbing Co. Roger<br />
Dodrill, Sr. joined the company in 1952 and<br />
eventually became owner of the company.<br />
The company’s community service efforts<br />
include donations to the Rotary Club, the<br />
Boy Scouts and membership in several<br />
community based organizations.<br />
James H. McGill established the McGill<br />
Manufacturing Company in Valparaiso in<br />
1905. After dabbling in everything from<br />
electrical components manufacturing to<br />
automobile carburetors and laxatives,<br />
McGill’s eventually found its niche in the<br />
ball-bearing manufacturing business. Today,<br />
with four product patents, McGill’s is a<br />
global leader in the business that also supplies<br />
precision bearings for US military, naval and<br />
space equipment. Though now owned by<br />
Emerson Power Transmission, the company is<br />
still a major competitor in the industry.<br />
McGill’s community service includes<br />
donations to numerous area schools, youth<br />
clubs, Valparaiso University and the American<br />
Cancer Society.<br />
The Govern<br />
Business Aw<br />
remained in op<br />
have also demo<br />
Half Century Awards<br />
Originally founded by Lester and Ethel<br />
Blythe as Griffith Sport Shop in 1952,<br />
Blythe’s Sport Shop, Inc. has locations<br />
in Griffith, Valparaiso and Portage. This<br />
family-owned business is also one of Indiana’s<br />
most complete, independent sporting good<br />
stores. The company is a faithful supporter of<br />
the communities in which they operate<br />
through sponsorship of little league programs<br />
and youth organizations and serves on a<br />
number of environmental conservation and<br />
restoration committees.<br />
Valpopourri<br />
Intended from the beginning to<br />
be the county seat, Valparaiso was<br />
first named Portersville.<br />
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ernor’s Century and Half Century<br />
Awards honor Indiana businesses that have<br />
in operation for 100 or 50 years and more and<br />
demonstrated a history of community service.<br />
hel<br />
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When mason Joseph Clifford decided to<br />
acquire some form of storage to house<br />
material for his jobs, it was purely for his own<br />
convenience. When other masons started<br />
submitting requests for him to stock materials<br />
for their own jobs Clifford Stone and<br />
Material Company was formed. Fifty-one<br />
years later, the company is a five-acre<br />
property that stocks over 400 different types<br />
of material and has its own fleet of trucks,<br />
fork lifts, delivery trailers and masonry<br />
equipment. The company’s community<br />
outreach includes donations to Habitat for<br />
Humanity, local Fire and Police Departments,<br />
as well as area events and festivals.<br />
Gil Drug Company, Inc. has been a part of<br />
the Valparaiso landscape for the past 50 years<br />
and has an unmistakable small-town charm.<br />
The drug store is owned by Gilbert Turlicher<br />
and at one time sold everything from<br />
paint to soda from a vintage soda fountain.<br />
Gil Drugs sponsors a number of charitable<br />
organizations, such as the Porter County<br />
American Cancer Society, local schools,<br />
athletic teams and churches.<br />
Kent Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.<br />
was founded in 1954 by James Kent and is<br />
currently owned and operated by his son<br />
Allen. The company is an active community<br />
partner which donates labor and materials<br />
to replace and repair heating and cooling<br />
systems for the less fortunate through such<br />
programs as ‘Christmas in April’ and<br />
‘Rebuilding Together.’<br />
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New Members<br />
THE GREATER VALPARAISO<br />
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE<br />
welcomes new members who joined<br />
during September – Mid-November 2005<br />
Accent Dental<br />
402 Marquette St • 465-4008<br />
Dean Boldin DDS, Dentists<br />
Berglund Construction<br />
1050 Broadway, Ste 11, Chesterton, 46304<br />
926-4246<br />
Bill Gorski Jr., Construction<br />
Blue Eyed Girl<br />
119 Broadway, Chesterton, 46304<br />
395-1069<br />
Liz Welter, Apparel/Retail<br />
Box Seat Tickets<br />
607 N Morgan • 462-3349<br />
John Wilson, Ticket Broker<br />
Campbell Street Café<br />
4245 Meridian Woods Dr • 531-1800<br />
Vicky Gadd, Restaurant<br />
Carpenter’s Son Construction, LLC<br />
106 Erie Street • 617-5941<br />
Thomas Feick, Construction<br />
Century 21 Executive Group (Appel)<br />
2612 N Calumet Ave • 548-7856<br />
Judith Appel, Real Estate/<br />
Commercial & Residential<br />
Century 21 Executive Group-<br />
Heneka, Tucker, & Kull<br />
2612 N Calumet Ave • 548-7868<br />
Nikki Heneka, Real Estate/<br />
Commercial & Residential<br />
DataCom Solutions<br />
PO Box 1401, Portage, 46368<br />
916-6974<br />
Dan Rosenberger, Computer Networking/<br />
Products/Services/Training<br />
F. C. Tucker Northwest Indiana<br />
Realtors, Inc. (Niloff)<br />
2500 Calumet Ave, Ste D • 464-3800<br />
Dave Niloff, Real Estate/Commercial &<br />
Residential<br />
Food Bank of Northwest Indiana<br />
2248 W 35th Ave, Gary, 46408<br />
980-1777<br />
Jeff Fox, Organization<br />
Foster Printing Service, Inc.<br />
4295 S. Ohio Street, Michigan City, 46360<br />
(800) 382-0808<br />
Kristin Hadari, Printers<br />
Innovative Cleaning<br />
3602 Lake Meadow Drive 46385<br />
241-9899<br />
Michelle Manney-Ullom, Cleaning/<br />
Janitorial Services<br />
Inspector, The<br />
265 W Brown St, #2<br />
465-1785<br />
David Czekaj,<br />
Home Inspection<br />
Jackson Hewitt<br />
Tax Service<br />
3125 N Calumet<br />
(574) 255-2200<br />
Pam Zahrt, Tax Service<br />
Lexus of Mishawaka<br />
4325 N Grape Rd<br />
Mishawaka, 46545<br />
(574) 243-7707<br />
Perry Watson IV, Auto<br />
Dealers/New &Used<br />
NARDO Builders<br />
PO Box 472,<br />
46384-0472<br />
(800) 748-8120<br />
Jack Barko, Builders &<br />
Developers<br />
All addresses are in the 46383 zip code and<br />
phone numbers are 219 area unless otherwise indicated.<br />
Old Mill, The<br />
3534 N Calumet Ave • 477-5511<br />
Scott M Reder, Pizza/Restaurant<br />
One Source Construction<br />
11 1/2 N Washington St • 477-4663<br />
Michael Magiera, Construction<br />
Osage Productions<br />
1956 Joliet Rd, 46385 • 476-3221<br />
Derek Granquist, Advertising &<br />
Marketing Services<br />
Premier Hospice<br />
1205 W Lincoln Hwy, Merrillville, 46410<br />
324-7733<br />
Tina VanSessen,<br />
Health Care/Home Health Care<br />
Purdue Calumet Learning Center<br />
9900 Connecticut Dr, Crown Point, 46307<br />
756-4611<br />
Dorothy Briestansky,<br />
Education/Schools<br />
She<br />
251<br />
Lea<br />
Win<br />
150<br />
Sco<br />
Environmental Solutions Group<br />
506 E 86th Ave<br />
Merrillville, 46410 • 769-3400<br />
Brian Gerike, Environmental Products/Services<br />
Northwest<br />
Geothermal Inc.<br />
16600 N 700 W,<br />
Demotte, 46310<br />
987-2822<br />
George Kontol Jr.,<br />
Heating/Air Conditioning<br />
12 Valpo Magazine <strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2006</strong> ww
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Valpopourri<br />
In 1874 the Public High School<br />
held its first commencement.<br />
Shelemey Law Office<br />
251 Indiana Ave • 531-1230<br />
Lea Shelemey, Attorneys/Legal Services<br />
Winger Management Services<br />
150 W Lincolnway, Ste 102 • 531-4090<br />
Scott Winger, Construction<br />
WYIN 56/DT 17<br />
8625 Indiana Place,<br />
Merrillville, 46410<br />
756-5656<br />
Megan Ciszewski,<br />
Television<br />
7<br />
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T<br />
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Valpopourri<br />
Around 1900, the solitary gas<br />
street lights at each corner were<br />
mounted on a pulley so they<br />
could be pulled to the second<br />
story of a nearby building<br />
to be lit each night.<br />
A<br />
B<br />
6<br />
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When experience and<br />
GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE<br />
meet.<br />
Helping meet the needs of State Farm® customers<br />
is how I help you protect what you value most.<br />
I’m proud to be recognized as a member of<br />
State Farm’s President’s Club.<br />
It’s my privilege to serve you.<br />
Todd Thomae Ins Agcy Inc<br />
Todd A Thomae, Agent<br />
Valparaiso, IN 46383<br />
Bus: 219-462-0527<br />
Toll Free: 877-462-0527<br />
todd.thomae.lr68@statefarm.com<br />
State Farm • Home Offices: Bloomington, IL • statefarm.com ® P057006 1/05<br />
A Complete Print Connection<br />
In Your Community<br />
O<br />
D<br />
t<br />
E<br />
S<br />
S<br />
a<br />
C<br />
-Established 1924-<br />
219.879.9144 • 800.382.0808<br />
www.fosterprintingservice.com<br />
sales@fosterprintingservice.com<br />
14 Valpo Magazine <strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2006</strong><br />
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Valpopourri<br />
By 1890, Valparaiso’s population had<br />
increased to more than 5,000, and<br />
by 1900 it surpassed 6,000.<br />
Around Town<br />
Butterfly Kisses Children's Boutique moved to a new location on January 1, <strong>2006</strong>. The new address is<br />
68 W Lincolnway (next door to Bon Femme). They will be hosting a Business After Hours/Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting on<br />
Thursday, February 16. For more information, please contact owner Jennifer Ziemkiewicz 531-7444.<br />
The Executives’ Council 17th annual luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, March 22, <strong>2006</strong> at the Radisson Hotel. This year’s keynote<br />
speaker, Rita Murray, a first-generation American businesswoman, will present “Generations in the Workplace,” a guide to working with<br />
four generations and leveraging their strengths for success in today’s 24/7 global marketplaces. Contact Anne Brooks at (219) 393.5251 or<br />
email info@executivescouncil.com for corporate sponsorships, ranging from $100 to $500 and/or individual luncheon tickets at $20 each.<br />
Visit www.executivescouncil.com.<br />
J & N Enterprises, Inc.<br />
On Thursday, October 27, 2005 Northwest Indiana Small Business<br />
Development Center presented J & N ENTERPRISES, INC. with<br />
the Small Business Exporter of the Year Award at its 20th annual<br />
Entrepreneurial Awards Luncheon. Owners, Nancy Kleppe and<br />
Scott Kleppe (pictured in center) were nominated for this award by<br />
Scott Steinwart (pictured left), Senior Vice President, Chase Bank<br />
and Deb Butterfield, President, Greater Valparaiso Chamber of<br />
Commerce (pictured right).<br />
MADHAUS is pleased to announce that they are the proud<br />
recipient of 3 MarCom International Creative Awards. The MarCom<br />
Creative Awards is an international awards competition that<br />
recognizes outstanding achievement by marketing and<br />
communication practitioners. Entries are judged by industry<br />
professionals who look for companies and individuals whose talent<br />
exceeds a high standard of excellence and whose work serves as a<br />
benchmark for the industry. There were over 4,600 entries from<br />
throughout the United States and several foreign countries in this<br />
year’s competition. Madhaus received a Gold Award for the Horizon<br />
Christian Fellowship Web Site - www.horizon.org, a Gold Award for<br />
the Schroeder Photography Seniors Brochure and Honorable Mention<br />
for the Prairie at Aberdeen Campaign. “We are very excited about<br />
this,” said Michael Bennett, CEO of Madhaus. “Not only does<br />
this speak to the quality of our design, it brings great exposure to<br />
the clients for whom we did the creative work. It’s quite an honor<br />
for all of us here at Madhaus.”<br />
RICHARD BLEDSOE, President and CEO of McDaniel Fire<br />
Systems, has been appointed to the Business Advisory Council (BAC) by<br />
the National Republican Congressional Committee. The Business<br />
Advisory Council is dedicated to making sure the small business has<br />
a voice in Washington. Bledsoe will serve the state of Indiana and is<br />
expected to play a key role in the Party’s efforts to involve top<br />
business people in the process of government reform. His particular<br />
interest in debt reduction and insurance and tax reform will be a<br />
valuable contribution to the work of the Council. For more<br />
information, please contact Viki Gudas at 219-548-5145 or<br />
vgudas@mcdanielfire.com<br />
MERCURY CLEANERS<br />
The Indiana Department of<br />
Environmental Management<br />
(IDEM) is pleased to<br />
announce that Mercury<br />
Cleaners has been awarded<br />
IDEM’s 5-Star Environmental<br />
Award for drycleaners. Norman<br />
and Brett Dygert recently<br />
received the award from<br />
IDEM’s Northern Regional<br />
Mercury Cleaners Office Director Michael<br />
Aylesworth. “It makes me very<br />
proud to present the 5-Star drycleaning award to a business in my home<br />
area. It’s satisfying to know that people in my own community are going<br />
to extraordinary measures to achieve such high environmental goals.<br />
The Dygerts are protecting the environment, active in the community,<br />
and they are serving their customers with the highest level of service,”<br />
said Aylesworth. The 5-Star Award is given to recognize drycleaners that<br />
have achieved compliance with all existing environmental regulations<br />
and gone “above and beyond” to ensure that operations are<br />
performed in a manner that is protective of the environment.<br />
THE PORTER-STARKE SERVICES FOUNDATION proudly<br />
announces the selection and acceptance of Stephen A. Massa as a member<br />
of their Board of Directors. Massa is a senior partner at Golden<br />
Technologies, a technical consultant firm he founded in Valparaiso<br />
over ten years ago. “Through my involvements with Porter-Starke and<br />
various community health agencies, I’ve developed a deep appreciation<br />
and knowledge of mental health and wellness and the quality services<br />
they provide the community. It’s extremely gratifying to be a part of<br />
their efforts,” Massa said. The Porter-Starke Services Foundation<br />
promotes and offers financial support for the behavioral and mental<br />
health needs of our community. For more information about the<br />
Porter-Starke Services Foundation or to make a charitable donation,<br />
please call 219-531-3510 or visit www.porterstarke.org<br />
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Ask An Expert<br />
This new column provides expert answers<br />
to your business questions. If you would like<br />
to submit questions, please either email them<br />
with the subject line “Ask the Expert,” to<br />
info@valparaisochamber.org or mail them<br />
to Valparaiso Magazine (162 W. Lincolnway,<br />
Valparaiso, IN 46383).<br />
Questions answered by Stu Summers and<br />
the Valparaiso Redevelopment Commission.<br />
1) Earlier this year, when improvements<br />
were made to LaPorte, why wasn't the<br />
section of LaPorte in front of Culvers and<br />
Dairy Queen widened to include a center<br />
turn lane so that vehicles making a turn from<br />
the opposite sides of the street could safely<br />
turn into Culvers or Dairy Queen without<br />
holding up traffic?<br />
The portion of LaPorte Avenue from<br />
Culvers west to Sturdy is part of the roundabout<br />
project. Design for the roundabout was<br />
completed in the Fall of 2005. The Indiana<br />
Department of Transportation will review and<br />
approve the plans this winter. Some right of<br />
way will need to be acquired for the<br />
roundabout. Later this winter or in early<br />
Spring <strong>2006</strong>, we hope to take bids on<br />
constructing the roundabout, for completion<br />
in late fall of <strong>2006</strong>. New turning<br />
movements and pathways will be part of the<br />
roundabout project.<br />
2) What will happen with the building that<br />
used to house Century 21 Estates in the<br />
middle of the proposed roundabout?<br />
Expert Answers To Your Business Questions<br />
The Redevelopment Commission bought<br />
the triangle building last year to make room for<br />
the roundabout connecting south Sturdy Road<br />
with Lincolnway and LaPorte Avenues. The<br />
building is one of the better looking structures<br />
in the neighborhood and the primary plan is to<br />
relocate the building to another site in the East<br />
Gate area. Engineers for Greg Engstrom are<br />
reviewing the feasibility of moving the<br />
building to a vacant parcel on<br />
Chicago Street directly north of<br />
Engstrom’s Ameripawn. If the<br />
building cannot be recycled for<br />
another use, it will be stripped<br />
and demolished to make way<br />
for the roundabout.<br />
3) What will happen to the<br />
land where the old Red Hots<br />
and Larry Miller Glass used to<br />
be located?<br />
After the roundabout is<br />
completed in late <strong>2006</strong>, the<br />
excess land (about one acre) will be sold to<br />
the highest and best bidder. The land is<br />
zoned commercial.<br />
4) What is going to be developed on the<br />
empty lot at the corner of Lincolnway<br />
and Campbell?<br />
The parcel is outside of the Redevelopment<br />
area. City Economic Development Director<br />
Charles McGill reports the Langer & Langer<br />
law firm purchased the property and is<br />
planning on making a substantial investment<br />
in a new building for their practice.<br />
5) What is the difference between<br />
redevelopment and economic development?<br />
Both economic development and redevelopment<br />
serve two basic purposes: To grow<br />
the tax base of the community while reducing<br />
the demand for expensive governmental<br />
services. For example, when a new employer<br />
comes to town and builds a building, property<br />
taxes, sales taxes, and income taxes to state and<br />
Redevelopment Commission Meets<br />
local governments go up, while the need for<br />
welfare, unemployment assistance, and public<br />
protection services go down because of the<br />
new jobs and increased employment.<br />
Redevelopment is a subset of economic<br />
development and involves numerous<br />
governmental tools needed to address the special<br />
challenges and difficulties facing previously<br />
developed areas. In Valparaiso, this typically<br />
means the extension or rebuilding of roads,<br />
pathways, and utilities to make way for new economic<br />
and community development projects.<br />
Continued on page 18<br />
16 Valpo Magazine <strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2006</strong><br />
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Valpopourri<br />
• 77% of Valparaiso Chamber members<br />
rate this magazine as “valuable.”<br />
• 40.8% of Valparaiso Chamber<br />
members think our gift certificate<br />
program is valuable.<br />
• Almost 52% of our members<br />
take advantage of “Business After<br />
Hours” events.<br />
06<br />
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Ask An Expert (continued)<br />
6) Does a city have the right to condemn or<br />
take a piece of property for any reason?<br />
No. The power of eminent domain is<br />
granted to governmental units and utilities<br />
only to serve the greater public good in<br />
fulfillment of the government’s powers and<br />
responsibilities. A public utility, such as<br />
NIPSCO, could acquire property for<br />
extending power lines, but not for building a<br />
school. General units of government, such as<br />
the state, county, or city, are permitted to<br />
acquire property for economic development or<br />
the elimination of blighted conditions, as well<br />
as general roads, bridges, parking, etc. In all<br />
cases, the governmental unit or utility must be<br />
able to demonstrate to a court the public<br />
benefit of the acquisition and then pay not<br />
only fair market value but also reasonable relocation<br />
expenses to the private property owner.<br />
7) Can or will utility lines be buried when<br />
redevelopment occurs?<br />
Generally not: Burying electrical and<br />
communications lines is extremely expensive,<br />
and in some cases, such as high voltage lines,<br />
impractical. The aesthetics of a commercial<br />
area can be improved if lines are relocated off<br />
the street to alleyways, moved to higher<br />
positions, softened with tree plantings, or<br />
buried. When lines are buried, the adjacent<br />
property owners will have to incur the expense<br />
of connecting to the underground lines, and<br />
bringing the service entrance up to new<br />
electrical codes. Thus, underground service is<br />
most feasible as part of new construction.<br />
8) Who appoints the Redevelopment<br />
Commission members?<br />
By state law, the Mayor appoints 3 of the<br />
5 members, and 2 are appointed by the City<br />
Council. In Valparaiso, the City Council has<br />
chosen to make its two appointments from<br />
the membership of the City Council.<br />
Commission members serve one-year<br />
terms, must be residents of the city, and are<br />
eligible for unlimited reappointments at the<br />
pleasure of the appointing authority.<br />
9) What does “TIF” stand for?<br />
Tax Increment Financing.<br />
10) How does a TIF work?<br />
In general, TIF provides for the temporary<br />
allocation to the redevelopment commission<br />
of increased property tax proceeds (known as<br />
the “increment”) in an allocation area<br />
generated by increases in assessed value.<br />
Thus, TIF permits the city to use increased<br />
tax revenues stimulated by redevelopment to<br />
pay for the capital improvements required<br />
to induce redevelopment.<br />
Valpopourri<br />
The first railroad to serve the town was<br />
the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne and Chicago<br />
(Pennsylvania) Railroad, which was<br />
built through the town in 1858.<br />
In 1906, the same year that<br />
Home Mountain Printing<br />
began operation, Reginald Fessenden<br />
made the first extended radio broadcast.<br />
In <strong>2006</strong>, Home Mountain Printing<br />
celebrates its 100 th anniversary, and we are<br />
proud of this achievement. After all, we<br />
have continued operation through the<br />
Great Depression, two World Wars, and<br />
other wars. In good time and bad, we have<br />
been able to grow and prosper. We pride<br />
ourselves on the excellence of our<br />
Customer Service, and we continue<br />
to provide our clients with the<br />
finest printing and mailing services.<br />
Though most companies do not stand the<br />
test of time, there are some that have been<br />
out there nearly as long as we have.<br />
2102 N. Calumet Ave. • Valparaiso, IN 46383 • 219-462-6601<br />
18 Valpo Magazine <strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2006</strong><br />
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Your Chamber<br />
At Work For You<br />
The first Wednesday of every month, at<br />
7:00 a.m., while others are still sleeping or<br />
getting ready for work, 60+ Chamber members<br />
are gathering at the Chocolate Café in<br />
downtown Valparaiso, eager to make a business<br />
connection. Hosted by the Valpo Chamber for<br />
the past two years, AM Valpo is one of the most<br />
successful FREE early morning networking<br />
events in Valparaiso. Unlike typical networking<br />
programs, AM Valpo guarantees that all<br />
attendees will be individually introduced to every<br />
one of the other business professionals in the<br />
room. Everyone receives thirty-seconds of “stage<br />
time” to stand and present information about<br />
their business. At the conclusion of the program,<br />
one feature business card is drawn. The selected<br />
business is granted five to ten minutes of time the<br />
following month, giving that business more time<br />
for an in-depth “commercial” of their products<br />
and services. Therefore, the hour-long AM Valpo<br />
concludes each month with a different business<br />
profile. Following the event, the Chamber sends<br />
each attendee a contact list of everyone who<br />
attended that morning’s AM Valpo, thereby<br />
encouraging connections to continue beyond the<br />
confines of the cafe.<br />
Here’s what a few AM Valpo attendees have<br />
to say about the event: “AM Valpo is Valparaiso's<br />
best kept secret. It has been our best leads club<br />
with no fees, no requirements, no obligations and<br />
if you miss one you are not kicked out. We get all<br />
the benefits of a leads club without the pressure.”<br />
- Donna Flanagin, Flanagin's Bulk Mail Service<br />
“Bob Johnson and Nationwide Floors did an<br />
excellent job installing our new hardwood flooring<br />
in our home. I met Bob at AM Valpo and he<br />
came out to our home and gave us a very<br />
competitive bid. He saved me time, money and<br />
best of all, my wife Dawn loves the floor!”<br />
- Paul Sciarra, Bartholomew and Son Insurance<br />
“One of my best experiences with AM Valpo<br />
has nothing to do with selling anyone my<br />
services, but in learning about someone else’s<br />
service and then utilizing that service to help my<br />
business. I started about two years ago mailing a<br />
monthly newsletter to my customer base.<br />
I personally would stamp, label, and tab the<br />
newsletters every month. Why? Because I didn’t<br />
have enough time to research bulk mailers and<br />
how they could save me money. And then one<br />
month, at AM Valpo, I approached Donna from<br />
Flanagin’s Bulk Mailing Service, and she<br />
explained in simple terms how they could do the<br />
work and save me money. They have been doing<br />
my newsletter ever since.” - Gary Taylor, Kenpro<br />
Cleaning Services<br />
“As a first- time business owner, I was looking<br />
for a good way to reach the community. I joined<br />
the chamber before we even opened for business.<br />
I have attended the AM Valpo meeting almost<br />
every month since joining.<br />
From the very beginning I felt supported by<br />
the other attendees. Everyone was friendly and<br />
welcoming to me. Numerous customers have<br />
come into my store as a direct result of my<br />
involvement with AM Valpo. The 30-second<br />
opportunity we each have to share our<br />
business is the perfect way to let everyone know<br />
what sales or special events are coming up.<br />
I would recommend the Valparaiso Chamber<br />
of Commerce to any service-related business as<br />
a valuable tool to help grow business.”<br />
- Diane Haines, Au Naturel Market<br />
EXCEPTIONAL PEOPLE<br />
EXCEPTIONAL MEDICINE<br />
The Duneland Health & Wellness Institute<br />
810 Michael Drive • Chesterton, Indiana<br />
Charles Tattersall, MD<br />
is now scheduling patients<br />
in Chesterton. Board<br />
Certified in Vascular Surgery,<br />
Dr.Tattersall specializes in<br />
vascular surgery, endovascular<br />
procedures and varicose veins.<br />
To make an appointment<br />
with Dr. Tattersall, please<br />
call 219-395-2197.<br />
Zeba Ali, MD is now scheduling<br />
January appointments. Board Certified<br />
in Family Practice, Dr. Ali is the Medical<br />
Director of the Women’s Comprehensive<br />
Health Center and is interested in<br />
hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.<br />
To make an appointment with<br />
Dr. Ali, please call 219-395-2195.<br />
20 Valpo Magazine <strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2006</strong> ww
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Saint Anthony Memorial<br />
An acute care hospital located in Michigan City,<br />
providing comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services.<br />
HealthPartners<br />
A multi-specialty physician network with offices in<br />
Michigan City, Chesterton, Westville and LaPorte.<br />
Duneland Health &<br />
Wellness Institute<br />
A comprehensive health campus with a medically<br />
based fitness center, physician offices, women’s health,<br />
neuromuscular therapy and behavioral medicine.<br />
Women’s Comprehensive<br />
Health Center<br />
Convenient access to women’s health services,<br />
mammography and quality health providers such<br />
as nurse practitioners.<br />
Indiana Sleep<br />
Disorders Center<br />
The Indiana Sleep Disorders Center provides the sleep<br />
you dream of in a convenient location.<br />
Woodland Healthcare<br />
Surgicenter<br />
Outpatient surgery for your convenience.<br />
06 www.connecttovalpo.com<br />
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Using Eminent Domain Wisely<br />
for the Good of Our City<br />
by Jon Costas, July 12, 2005<br />
When is it appropriate and fair for<br />
government to use its eminent<br />
domain power to obtain land for<br />
public purposes?<br />
Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a<br />
decision which clarified the rights and duties<br />
of government in its ability to create a “forced<br />
sale” in order to further public projects. In<br />
Kelo vs. New London, the city of New<br />
London, Connecticut, sought to obtain land<br />
to construct a new riverfront complex and<br />
research park to create an estimated 1,000 jobs<br />
in this economically distressed city. The court,<br />
in a close 5 to 4 decision found in favor of the<br />
city thereby reaffirming local government’s<br />
ability to use eminent domain to acquire<br />
property for economic development purposes.<br />
Most notably, the court broadly defined<br />
“public purpose” by finding that economic<br />
development is an acceptable public goal and<br />
best left to local officials.<br />
The Kelo decision has evoked a flood of<br />
emotion because it involves one of our<br />
fundamental rights; private land ownership. At<br />
what point does a legitimate collective good<br />
outweigh the right of individual landowners to<br />
retain their land? This is a crucial issue because,<br />
without eminent domain power, many, if not<br />
most, public projects would not occur.<br />
Locally, the city of Valparaiso, through its<br />
Redevelopment Commission, has taken legal<br />
action to condemn County Seat Plaza to pave<br />
the way for a wholesale redevelopment of the<br />
long-ailing retail center. Clearly, Valparaiso<br />
citizens want the center improved and, as<br />
such, it is a major priority for the city.<br />
Unlike the situation in Kelo, use of eminent<br />
domain at County Seat is not just to foster<br />
economic development, but to cure a blighted<br />
condition. Eliminating a black eye on the city<br />
requires strong medicine.<br />
But government officials must recognize<br />
that eminent domain is a very powerful tool<br />
and, like any tool, can be abused and cause<br />
irreparable damage. Here are a few guidelines<br />
my administration uses when considering<br />
eminent domain for<br />
public purposes. First,<br />
the city must clearly<br />
establish that the public<br />
purpose is very important<br />
to the community<br />
and has the support of its<br />
citizens. Second, the<br />
city must explore all<br />
viable options to archive<br />
the public purpose<br />
before resorting to use<br />
of eminent domain.<br />
Private negotiations must<br />
be exhausted before<br />
Valpopourri<br />
A stage line connected Valparaiso with<br />
Calumet (now Chesterton) in 1854.<br />
eminent domain is used. And finally, the city<br />
must do its homework thoroughly so that the<br />
net result is an economic and aesthetic benefit<br />
to the community as a whole.<br />
With the Kelo ruling, the eminent domain<br />
“club” has gotten bigger. As such, it is<br />
incumbent upon local officials to use it<br />
carefully and wisely and only when it clearly<br />
furthers the best interests of the common good.<br />
NEXT ISSUE (April <strong>2006</strong>)-We will be more<br />
closely looking at eminent domain and how<br />
it impacts business owners whose properties are<br />
included in redevelopment efforts.<br />
Editors Note: LNR, current owners of<br />
County Seat Plaza are expected to sign an<br />
agreement with the Redevelopment<br />
Commission to sell the retail center for<br />
$6,999,900 and close a deal on January 18,<br />
<strong>2006</strong>. The city has received a proposal from<br />
a subsidiary of Urschel Development<br />
Corporation to purchase the County Seat<br />
Plaza for $7 million. The agreement will<br />
officially end the city's eminent domain suit<br />
with LNR to acquire the property.<br />
22<br />
Valpo Magazine <strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2006</strong><br />
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Brains –<br />
and Good Looks, Too!<br />
The world-class Purdue education on a jewel of a campus –<br />
That’s the Purdue North Central experience!<br />
No wonder it’s Valparaiso’s public university of choice.<br />
Purdue North Central<br />
219-462-4197, ext. 5505<br />
1401 South US Hwy. 421, Westville<br />
Need more information?<br />
Visit www.pnc.edu and click on<br />
IM to chat with admissions<br />
PNC Valparaiso Academic Center<br />
219-548-2468<br />
600 Vale Park Road South, Valparaiso<br />
www.pnc.edu<br />
an equal access/equal opportunity university