Valparaiso Magazine Spring 2022

celebrating
years
VOL. 22 ISSUE 2 | SPRING 2022
BETH SHRADER
Director of Planning and
Transit, City of Valparaiso
BOB THOMPSON
Director of Porter County
Development and Storm
Water Management
Here We
Again

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celebrating
years
CONTENTS | SPRING 2022
COVER
PAGE 4
Here We
SECTIONS...
CHAMBER FOCUS
>> Salute To Leadership 2022
PAGE 22
MEMBER INVESTOR
ANNIVERSARIES
PAGE 27
Again
BUSINESS SNAPSHOTS
PAGE 28
NEW MEMBER INVESTORS
>> New Board-Approved Members
PAGE 30
FEATURES
Growing to Serve
a Community on the Rise
PAGE 8
The Next Leg of the Journey
PAGE 16
AROUND TOWN
>> Local Business News
PAGE 34
VALPO VIEWFINDER
>> “From Humble Beginnings”
PAGE 38
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
PAGE 41
A FINAL WORD
>> “Growth in the Valparaiso Marketplace”
PAGE 42
Valparaiso Magazine circulates 18,000 copies per issue by direct mail to all businesses, and, on a rotating basis, to most households in the 46383, 46384, and 46385 zip codes.
A PUBLICATION OF THE GREATER VALPARAISO
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
162 W Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone (219) 462-1105, Fax (219) 462-5710
info@valpochamber.org
www.valpochamber.org
GREATER VALPARAISO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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Julie Gaskell, Executive Vice President
Danielle Oeding, Vice President, Sales & Marketing
Kurt Gillins, Vice President, Programs & Communications
Christine Pazdur, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Sue Stymiest, Resource Director
VALPARAISO MAGAZINE
PUBLISHER Rex G. Richards, CCE
EDITOR Kurt Gillins
SALES Danielle Oeding
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call (219) 462-1105, Attn: Danielle
or danielle@valpochamber.org
ValpoChamber.org

HERE WE GROW AGAIN
Here We
By Sean Hay
Again
Renderings courtesy of DLZ
Valparaiso and Porter County have
been busy creating phenomenal spaces
to work, live and play. Our city and
county planners have been just as busy
creating and improving connections
between those destinations.
I
n city and county government, it can be unusual for city and
county planners to have much more than a tolerable working
relationship, let alone a good working relationship.
That's hardly the case for Bob Thompson, Director of Porter County
Development and Storm Water Management, and Beth Shrader, the
City of Valparaiso's Director of Planning and Transit, who asked to be
interviewed together so they could use the time to bring each other
up to speed on the projects that each of them are working on. Just as
they make an effort to stay connected themselves, both Shrader and
Thompson are focused on creating new ways for residents to connect to
all of the unique destinations throughout the city and county.
Marquette Greenway
An avid cyclist himself, Thompson was excited to talk about work on a
section of Marquette Greenway, a 60-mile-long hiking and biking trail
running through Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties in Indiana.
4 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

Beth Shrader, Director of Planning and Transit, City of
Valparaiso & Bob Thompson, Director of Porter County
Development and Storm Water Management
Extending Willowcreek Road South to US 30
One of the largest roadway projects that Porter County has in the works
is the extension of Willowcreek Road, which currently ends just south of
Portage at 700 North, south to U.S. 30. "We're really lacking a northsouth
corridor on the west side of the county," Thompson said.
"Some of the traffic counts that we have on 600 North and 700 North
are extraordinary, as motorists find other routes to travel north and
south. This project is going to give a lot of relief to some of those other
roads and make it easier for people to get around."
Currently, plans are to begin construction by 2025, with a goal to have
the extension complete by 2030.
Work is scheduled to begin in Fall of 2022 on the section of the trail
running from Mineral Springs Road along U.S. 12 to the Dune Park
South Shore station. Past the Dune Park station, the trail will run on to
National Park property, "moving through some really beautiful areas,"
Thompson said, before connecting to the Singing Sands Trail just
outside Michigan City.
"The ultimate goal for this Marquette Greenway Trail is to connect from
Chicago all the way up to New Buffalo," Thompson said. Porter County
plans to have work on their section of the Greenway complete by
2025, and thanks to an $18 million-dollar federal grant awarded to the
Northwest Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC) last fall, the
connection is scheduled to be completed by 2028.
Barrel District
"This is going to be transformational for Valparaiso," Shrader said.
Located at Campbell and Brown Streets, the upcoming Journeyman
development will serve as the anchor for Valparaiso's Transit-Oriented
Development (TOD), a hub for the many mass transit services that
Valparaiso offers, including the South Shore Connect bus service that
runs to Dune Park South Shore station and the ChicagoDash bus service
that runs from Chicago three times per day Monday through Friday. In
addition, Greyhound recently began providing bus services to Valparaiso
as well as via a route that runs between Indianapolis and Chicago.
Downtown Trail System Additions
This expansion of the trail system will connect downtown with the
Barrel District with a lighted, multi-use trail. Shrader said, "This will >>
ValpoChamber.org 5

HERE WE GROW AGAIN
THE ULTIMATE
GOAL FOR THIS
MARQUETTE GREENWAY
TRAIL IS TO CONNECT
FROM CHICAGO
ALL THE WAY UP TO
NEW BUFFALO
— Bob Thomspon, Director of Porter
County Development and
Storm Water Management
>> be a terrific addition to our downtown trail
system. Getting across railroad tracks is always
a big issue for pedestrians and cyclists, so
making a safe, comfortable crossing will really
be important to make that area feel like an
extension of downtown."
U.S. 30 Corridor Trail
Enhancements
Completed in 2020, the trail system that runs
between Hayes Leonard Road and Washington
Street along U.S. 30 has been a win for cyclists
and pedestrians alike. Shrader notes that the
city plans to put the finishing touches on this
project by adding wayfinding signage as well
as monument signs at the entrances to the city.
One of the forward-looking goals of Shrader's
department is creating connections between
this new trailway and other pedestrian trails
within the city. "We're focused within the city
on providing those missing links. Right now,
the U.S. 30 trail is kind of floating out there on
its own, and it's a priority for us to make those
connections," Shrader said.
Strong City & County Leadership
Both Thompson and Shrader credited strong
leadership for their ability to move these
important infrastructure projects forward.
"The county commissioners have pretty
much taken off and run with some of these
infrastructure projects – they want to get them
done. Kudos to the team for working with the
county council to get buy-in and move these
projects forward," Thompson said.
"Leadership is huge in the city, too –
beginning with Mayor Costas and now Mayor
Murphy, you can see their fingerprints all over
the positive things that we're seeing now,"
Shrader said.
"I think we're blessed with thoughtful,
responsive local government and forwardthinking
leadership that understands what it
takes to keep people in love with their city.
They make sure we're taking care of the stuff
that we all take for granted, like roads and
utilities, and then they go the extra mile to
provide the amenities that residents didn't
know they wanted, like trails and a destination
downtown," Shrader said.
Looking Ahead
The idea of connectivity surfaced again as
Shrader and Thompson discussed their future
priorities. In addition to updates to their
respective comprehensive plans, which guide
the growth of the city and county and ensure that
they're prepared for the growth that's to come,
both Shrader and Thompson spoke of a desire
to create pedestrian and cycling connections
between destinations within the county.
"It would be wonderful to have Valparaiso
connect with Chesterton, county parks,
and regional draws. Maybe starting with
connecting Rogers Lakewood Park to Sunset
Hill Farm County Park, and then on to the
hospital. Eventually take that up to Chesterton
and then south of Valparaiso to Kouts and
Hebron," Shrader and Thompson, who were
so in sync at this point that they were finishing
each other's sentences, said.
"A lot of the things that we're putting in place
in terms of infrastructure are going toward
improving the quality of life in the city and
county," Thompson said, noting that this
benefits current residents as well as helps
attract future residents and employers to the
region. "A lot of companies are looking for
good places to locate, meaning low taxes
and good infrastructure, but they're also
seeking a good quality of life to help ensure
their employees and families enjoy their time
outside of work as well."
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6 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

THIS IS GOING TO BE
TRANSFORMATIONAL FOR
— Beth Shrader, Director of Planning
and Transit, City of Valparaiso
VALPARAISO
Advisors you want. Advocates you need.
156 Washington St, Valparaiso, IN
www.bcclegal.com p. (219) 531-0134
ValpoChamber.org 7

GROWING TO SERVE A COMMUNITY ON THE RISE
Growing to Serve a
RISE
COMMUNITY on the
By Haleigh Vander Vinne
Valparaiso’s pro-business growth strategy over the past 20 years
has paved the way for three local businesses to grow and serve the
community’s needs.
Change can be the catalyst for growth. From the time that Valparaiso decided to wipe the sleep out of its eyes and
spur business growth downtown by offering low-cost liquor licenses to fine dining restaurants, it has shown that it
values making it easier for businesses to help the city grow. These fine dining restaurants intrigued a new crowd of
people, which spawned an allure for both businesses and residents to live, work and play in Valparaiso.
The city’s pro-business mindset has made it easier for three Valparaiso businesses – a breakfast and lunch
restaurant, a club serving the community’s youth, and a heat stabilizer manufacturing company – to look change
square in the face and grow today, all while giving the local community exactly what they asked for.
A Larger Space for a Growing Demand
Evan Costas, owner of Le Peep on North Calumet Avenue, first witnessed this change when the pandemic hit back
in spring of 2020. “A big change, like COVID, makes you reassess everything,”
Costas said and that’s exactly what he did, finding “beauty in simplicity.”
So, Costas and his team focused on their strengths. “One of our biggest
strengths is Le Peep and it also had the biggest need for reinvestment,”
Costas reflected.
Over the years, the fresh menu and welcoming environment have
attracted more and more customers to Le Peep in Valparaiso.
Costas and his team knew Le Peep was outgrowing its space,
saying, “We kept throwing more gravel down on this parking lot
on the other side of the street until there was no space left to
extend. So, we said, ‘Alright, we’re ready. It’s time‘.”
This summer, Le Peep will be moving from their 3,000 square foot building to a newly constructed 5,000
square foot building. The new restaurant will increase seating capacity from 112 people to roughly
160 seats on the inside alone to better serve the demand, from a larger waiting area to a water feature
off the newly-constructed patio. Costas noted the move will be “better for everyone when we have the
space we need.” He added, “We didn’t know 12 years ago how it was going to go, with any new small
8 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022
Evan Costas,
Costas Restaurant Group

Ryan Smiley, Boys & Girls Clubs
of Northwest Indiana
business being risky. We’ve had some ventures work out great; some
have not worked out at all. Le Peep has taken on a life of its own.”
So, what will the future hold for Le Peep’s current location? A coal-fire
pizza place may be in the works. Costas and his team hope to grow Le
Peep’s catering business and renovate the old building into a place on
the North side of Valparaiso where one can sit, relax with a cold beer,
and watch a game.
A State-of-the-Art Club for Kids Today
Like Evan Costas with Le Peep, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater
Northwest Indiana also reassessed, completing a comprehensive
facility assessment of all the buildings and properties in 2018 after
clubs in Lake and Porter County were merged to form one organization.
“It became very clear that the Valparaiso club, while it served us well
for the last 50 years, was beyond its useful lifespan for kids today,” said
Ryan Smiley, Chief Executive Officer of the Boys and Girls Clubs of
Greater Northwest Indiana.
Times have changed in the way kids are taught, what they are
interested in, and how they live. Ryan Smiley described the change by
saying, “Years and years ago, there was a woodshop in the Boys and
Girls Club and kids were learning woodworking. Now, kids are into
technology and STEM-related activities.”
The new Boys and Girls Club in Valparaiso will open in “the most
state-of-the-art building that we’ve seen and planned to date” on
Evans Ave, right across from Butterfield Pavilion. The eight-and-ahalf-acre
location offers “ample green space and a more centralized
location” for better accessibility to kids and families. “We really like the
location,” commented Smiley. “Having the opportunity to influence
and customize this project from the ground up will attract kids from all
walks of life.”
The new club will have a two-story rock climbing wall, digital music
room, Exergaming Studio, which was explained as “technology-based
fitness equipment for kids,” a teaching kitchen where kids can learn
to cook simple meals at home, a cafeteria that provides after-school
snacks, a dedicated teen center with a separate entrance, a STEM Lab,
homework rooms and two full-size gymnasiums that accommodate
two high school regulation volleyball and basketball courts. “When a
kid walks through our doors, it’ll be the first time all day they have a
choice on what they want to do,” Smiley said, “whether they are into
music, cooking, physical fitness, or arts. We want to expose kids to
opportunities that they wouldn’t have anywhere else.” >>
ValpoChamber.org 9

GROWING TO SERVE A COMMUNITY ON THE RISE
Frank Kusbel, AM Stabilizers
>>
Diving Headfirst into a Booming Market
Reassessment led Evan Costas and Ryan Smiley to build entirely
new buildings to serve Valparaiso better. As a global supplier of heat
stabilizers, AM Stabilizers answered the call by adding manpower to
serve a growing market. Director of Operations Frank Kusbel noted,
“The business environment is changing. The supply chain has caused
some of our customers to struggle with getting their material, so that in
turn has opened up doors for additional businesses.”
There are two markets for PVC heat stabilizers: flexible and rigid. Prior
to COVID, AM Stabilizers had solely produced for the flexible market,
helping companies develop soft, pliable PVC products, such as vinyl
decals for cars and building wire and cable. “We’ve not been able to
penetrate into the rigid market because of the cost, but within the
last nine months, key raw materials prices shot through the roof and
became very hard to come by,” said Kusbel. Mostly dominated by tin
stabilizers, the rigid stabilizer market constructs denser, harder plastic
products, like vinyl plank flooring, siding for houses and PVC pipe.
When customers began requesting an application for the rigid market,
AM Stabilizers jumped at the opportunity. “Rigid plank flooring
is booming. Companies are actually building facilities in the U.S. to
manufacture vinyl plank flooring,” said Kusbel. Higher tin prices
and trending vinyl flooring created a “two-prong increase” that AM
Stabilizers is capitalizing on to help businesses get heat stabilizers in
both rigid and flexible markets.
To meet the demands of the rigid stabilizer market in Valparaiso, AM
Stabilizers started working two shifts, five days a week, back in March
and April of 2021, but then ramped up their efforts in December to a
24/7 operation. Coming this summer, AM Stabilizers will be adding a
third production line and is exploring adding an additional facility to be
closer to the flooring companies they are now serving.
A Business-Friendly Community
In Valparaiso, “people value local family-owned, small business,”
said Costas. From the time that the city administration began making
downtown a destination by making it easier for restaurants to get
liquor licenses, they set the tone for business-friendly growth in the
city. Because Valparaiso focuses on making it easier for businesses to
change and grow, Le Peep, the Boys and Girls Club, and AM Stabilizers
had the chance to rise to meet the community’s need. “We have a
strong sense of community pride here and that’s reflected in our local
businesses,” said Costas.
10 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

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Care
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ValpoChamber.org 11

ELEVATION.
TEENS
OFFICE
P-f
P-f
A09.91X
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OFFICE
CORRIDOR
A06.40B
VALPARAISO BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB
Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana
708 Evans Avenue
Valparaiso, IN 46383
A09.91X REFERENCE SHEET A140 FOR ACCENT PAINT
A10.26 CG1 - FULL HEIGHT CORNER GUARD PER SECTION 10
2600 - REFER TO MATERIAL FINISH LEGEND ON SHEET
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DETAILS AND SPEC SECTION 06 4023.
A06.40U PLASTIC LAMINATE TRANSACTION TOP/WORK
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MILLWORK DETAILS AND SPEC SECTION 06 4023.
A06.40L PLASTIC LAMINATE CUBBIES (PL1). SEE FINISH
SCHEDULE, INTERIOR ELEVATIONS, MILLWORK
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A06.40M PLASTIC LAMINATE CUBBIES (PL2). SEE FINISH
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57 Franklin Street, Suite 201 | Valparaiso, Indiana 46383
219.476.1400 | www.shive-ha tery.com
Iowa | I linois | Indiana | Nebraska
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We’re Ready! Are you?
Your new Valparaiso Boys & Girls Club
opening this June!
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OFFICE
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B1
P-a
A09.91X
B
W
F
A10.26
139
P-a
B1
CPT2,5
B
W
F
A06.40M
P-d
A09.91X
A06.40M
P-e
133
CORRIDOR
SC1
B1
P-a
WATER / FIRE
PROTECTION
LVT1
B1
P-a
B
W
146
F
B
W
F
147
P-a
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SC1
ELECTRIC
B
W
F
3
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12 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

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ValpoChamber.org 13

We Balance Great Academics with
Strong Faith and a Fun Family Community.
Now Enrolling for 2022-2023
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14 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

If you need to get across the City, to Chicago, or need to get to the South Shore
Train Station, Valpo Transit has a bus to get you there! Valpo Transit offers
features like bus tracking and mobile ticketing to make your trip affordable,
reliable, and efficient. Visit Valpotransit.com for routes and schedules.
For the commuter who wants flexibility in their schedule, the South Shore Connect is
for you! The South Shore Connect has six bus departures to Dune Park Train Station
every day, allowing you to travel to Chicago or South Bend with ease.
Free Parking is located in Valparaiso at 260 Brown St.
Make your commute stress free! Sit back, Relax and enjoy the ride.
The ChicaGO Dash has five bus departures every Monday through Friday to and from
Chicago. With airplane -style seating, the Dash buses are equipped with free Wi-Fi,
bike racks and lavatories to make your commute in comfort and ease.
service throughout the City of Valparaiso. The V-line can take
you to the City's top destinations! Whether it be just down the
street, across the city, or downtown for an event, the V-Line will get you there!
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ValpoChamber.org 15

THE NEXT LEG OF THE JOURNEY
The Next Leg of the
The forthcoming Journeyman Distillery,
opening in downtown Valparaiso in 2023, is
as much a homecoming as it is the next step on a
lifelong journey for founder and owner Bill Welter.
ill Welter remembers what it
was like to grow up in a quieter,
bucolic Valparaiso that hardly
bears resemblance to today's
bustling destination for tourists
and aspiring residents alike.
He reminisces about how the
intersection of Calumet Avenue
and Glendale was a four-way stop,
a gas station occupied the corner
where Walgreens now stands, and
pretty much everything north of
that was woods.
Born at the old Porter Memorial
Hospital, just a handful of blocks
from the ANCO windshield
wiper factory site that will be
Journeyman Distillery's newest
location, Bill grew up the son of
Charles Welter, President
and CEO of First National Bank,
Valparaiso, which served Porter,
La Porte and Starke counties.
"Growing up in the family
business, I roller skated through
the bank, left notes for the tellers,
and played with the rubber
bands and paper clips in the
desks," Welter said. "It was a
special place for myself and my
three sisters. That's really where
I learned the importance of a
family business."
Welter attended Northview
Elementary School, Benjamin
Franklin Middle School and
Valparaiso High School. An avid
golfer, he played frequently at
Forest Park, Valparaiso Country
Club and later at Creekside.
By Sean Hay
After attending Missouri State
University on – you guessed it – a
golf scholarship, Bill intended
to follow his father's and
grandfather's footsteps and find
his place in the family business at
First National Bank, though not
without a short detour.
"Deferring the inevitable of
finding a real job," he said, he
followed his passion for golf and
left for Scotland in the spring of
2000, spending 18 months living
in St. Andrews. Welter got his first
taste of the hospitality industry
in Scotland, working first as a
dishwasher and then as a server
at a local bar. It was there that he
befriended fellow golf lover Greg
Ramsay, who also happened to
be a whiskey afficionado.
In 2001, Welter returned home
to Valparaiso to that "real job,"
joining his father in banking at
First National Bank. However,
the sale of the bank in 2006 left
Bill looking for a new direction.
He decided to explore the dual
interests in hospitality and
whiskey that had been kindled
during his time in Scotland. Over
the next four years, he worked
in restaurants in Chicago and
traveled to Tasmania to work with
Ramsay, who had opened a craft
distillery after returning from
Scotland.
Welter returned to Northwest
Indiana with the intention of
opening his own craft distillery. At
that time, though, the laws were
not on the side of Welter's plans,
as Indiana's laws prohibited craft
distilleries. So, Welter traveled a
few miles further north to Three
16 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

Oaks, Michigan and, in 2011,
opened Journeyman Distillery
in a renovated corset and buggy
whip factory.
"The name Journeyman comes
from this idea that life throws
you these curveballs, and for me
the name represents having to
reinvent myself and my career,
and that was Journeyman,"
Welter said.
The concept was a hit. Today,
Journeyman's Three Oaks
location hosts 200,000 visitors
per year, boasts a full-service
restaurant, three event venues,
a 30,000 square foot real grass
putting green, and of course,
the distillery itself. The infusion
of tourist dollars has helped
revitalize a town that had
experienced its share of financial
difficulties and was under state
management when Journeyman
first opened.
Full Circle
By 2018, Journeyman had grown
significantly and was ready for its
next step. In need of more space
for production, Welter was ready
to explore new opportunities to
expand, as there were limits to
what the town of Three Oaks,
with only 1,500 residents, could
offer.
"In a way it's destiny. Our family
has had ties to Valparaiso dating
back to the early 1900's, and
we've been doing business in
Valpo since the early 1970's,"
Welter said.
Welter may have helped point
destiny in the right direction.
He had a hand in changing the
legislation that now allows craft
distilleries to operate in the state
of Indiana, which paved the
way for Journeyman to pursue
opening a location in Valparaiso.
The next hurdle to clear was
the location. ANCO ceased
operations at the factory on
south Campbell Street in the
1960's, and the complex has
largely been vacant ever since.
Before ANCO, the facility
had hosted a wide array of
manufacturing businesses >>
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ValpoChamber.org 17

THE NEXT LEG OF THE JOURNEY
>> beginning in the 1880’s,
including a wool mill, pin factory,
wagon and carriage company,
soap company, mica company,
and insulation production.
The site was purchased by the
Valparaiso Redevelopment
Commission in 2017. The
Commission paid for cleanup
of the site, including asbestos
and mercury removal, making it
suitable for development. Welter
said, "There were significant
issues with the site that really
required the involvement of an
entity like the Redevelopment
Commission that could really go
in and lay the groundwork for a
developer to come in at a later
point in time."
Todd Leeth, partner at Hoeppner,
Wagner & Evans LLP, located in
downtown Valparaiso, has helped
Welter guide the project through
the city's variance and approvals
process. With a specialty in real
estate law, Leeth applies a team
approach to manage complex
projects such as the Journeyman
project. "We'll have a professional
engineer, a surveyor, a land
planner, an environmental
consultant. I work with all those
different disciplines to create the
plan that the client has envisioned
to get all the things in line to meet
the client's timelines," Leeth said.
"I think Journeyman is a very
exciting project," Leeth said.
"I was tickled to be involved
in the project because it is a
redevelopment of a blighted
area in Valparaiso. Anytime you
can do that it's a benefit for the
community overall. I think Bill is
building a destination spot, and
that's exciting for the community."
"Something's pulling me back
here, and I'm excited to carry on
the next chapter of our family in
the city of Valparaiso," Welter
said. "More and more people
are recognizing that Northwest
Indiana, and specifically
Valparaiso, is a great
place to raise a family but
also a great community
with a lot going on."
A True Destination
In the way that the original
Journeyman location in Three
Oaks honors its history as a buggy
whip and corset factory, Welter
expressed a desire to honor the
manufacturing history of the
Valparaiso location. "There's an
amazing story behind each one of
these buildings. At the very core is
this excitement of telling the story
of the history, bringing these old
factory buildings back to life. We
have a wonderful opportunity to
tell a significant manufacturing
story in Valparaiso," Welter said.
Clocking in at 140,000 square
feet, the new Journeyman facility
in Valparaiso will feature a wide
range of family-friendly activities,
from live music to tours, tastings,
and dining. The space will be
designed to offer a number of
social activities within a more
compact space, and, uniquely,
the building that runs east-west
on the site will be "opened up"
during construction to better
join the north and south parts
of the complex, making it easier
for patrons to explore the entire
campus.
"We're creating a place where
people of all ages can come,
where there's kind of a constant
buzz of activity, with a unique
collaboration of hospitality and
manufacturing, and that tells the
story of the history of the site,"
Welter said.
Two full-service restaurants will
occupy the first floor. While both
will be whiskey-inspired, one will
offer classic American fare and
the other will be a steakhouse. In
the evenings, a karaoke nightspot
will serve wood-fired pizza while
patrons belt out the hits.
On the second level,
approximately 27,000 square
feet of event space will cater to
weddings, corporate events, and
other gatherings. The larger of
the event spaces will feature an
outdoor terrace overlooking the
main courtyard.
And, of course, the facility will
also be home to Journeyman's
distilling, and, for the first time,
brewing facilities. A retail store
will offer Journeyman spirits and
merchandise, and distillery tours
and tastings will be available
as well.
"When Will You
Be Open?"
Welter chuckles and says that his
most frequently asked question
couldn't be more challenging to
answer these days, with COVIDrelated
materials delays and
pricing issues wreaking havoc on
even the simplest projects, let
alone an undertaking of this scale.
Noting that he's just as anxious to
move forward as everyone else,
Welter says if all goes according
to plan, Journeyman will open
during the first quarter of 2023.
Fingers crossed.
Todd Leeth, Attorney
Hoeppner Wagner & Evans LLP
18 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

A Business-Friendly
Climate
Both Welter and Leeth
expressed that a project of this
magnitude would not have
been possible without strong
partnerships with and leadership
by the City of Valparaiso and
Valparaiso Redevelopment
Commission, not to mention the
Regional Development Authority
and others.
"It's a business-friendly
environment. The leaders of the
community recognize the value
of business and the impact on
the community. The success of
the community or business falls
on the hands of leadership and
management, so I would have to
point to the City of Valparaiso's
leadership and management of
the town." Welter said.
"Our community supports
good quality businesses.
Porter County and specifically
Valparaiso has an excellent
team from the mayor and the
city council down to all the staff
that the mayor has assembled
to make projects as easy as
they can be. The city is willing
to work with you to make things
happen," Leeth said.
A Marathon,
not a Sprint
Journeyman's Valparaiso
location has been in the works
for four years, and while much
remains to be done, Welter is
encouraged by the positive
feedback and excitement
he's received from the public.
However, he acknowledges that
opening Journeyman isn't the
end, but rather the beginning.
"When you're opening a
business, everyone says it's
going to do great. I think the
worst thing you can do is read
your own press clippings,"
Welter said.
"Our job is to focus on executing
a truly unique experience; focus
on quality spirits, quality food
and beverage, and a quality
experience that's unique and
everything will take care of
itself," Welter said.
As he looks to the future, Welter
nods to the influences from the
past that have helped him get
where he is today.
"I was able to take some of those
core elements of my dad and
his dad -- their ideals on what a
family business should be and
what entrepreneurship is and
the importance of small business
and the positive impact it can
have on our families and the
community. I'm excited to have
that opportunity to come back
to Valparaiso and take some of
those ideals and make some of
those similar commitments and
investments in the community
and hopefully have success."
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20 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

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ValpoChamber.org 21

CHAMBER FOCUS | SALUTE TO LEADERSHIP 2022
>> CHA
Salute to
By Darlene McCarty Cohn
Once a year, the Valpo Chamber recognizes the accomplishments of business leaders who embody a spirit of selfless
dedication to the community. This year, Rick Urschel, President and CEO of Urschel Laboratories, will receive the 2022
Distinguished Community Leader award. Laurie Mullet, retired CEO of Pines Village, will receive the 2022 Legacy of Service
award. The recipients of both these awards were nominated by their peers.
Rick Urschel 2022 Distinguished Community Leader
he Distinguished Community Leader Award is
the highest recognition the Chamber confers
on an individual member of the business
community. Recipients have demonstrated
leadership, active involvement in the greater
Valparaiso business community, reputation
among business leaders, success in promoting
business and industry development, overall
contribution to the community and its quality
of life, and professional activities.
Urschel is especially unique in being named
this year’s Distinguished Community Leader
as he is the third generation of his family to
receive the award – the first such recipient
ever. Both his grandfather and father won the
award in years past. The spirit of community
involvement and service is integral to the
Urschel family, and he says he is “humbled” to
be a part of this legacy.
Urschel grew up in greater Valparaiso, working
in the family business, Urschel Laboratories.
He started working with his family at 6 years
of age, and now, as CEO, he is determined
to continue to protect the long-term success
of the company. He is especially proud of
transitioning Urschel Laboratories from
a privately-owned family company to an
employee-owned company in 2016. He says
the company has always been “employeecentric,”
and now the employees can steward
the company in the present and into the future.
He sees this as ensuring the prosperity and
longevity of the company.
Urschel’s list of contributions to the greater
Valparaiso community is impressive. He
explains he always comes back to the 3 T’s
when considering his involvement in a project.
“Time, Talent, and Treasure. They represent
what someone is willing and able to give freely.
I try to give at least one of those wherever I
can.” He believes that anything one can do
to promote the wellbeing and prosperity
of the community benefits the business
community as well as the quality of
life in Valparaiso as a whole. Among
Urschel’s many contributions to the
community, he has served on the
Valpo Chamber Board of Directors,
the YMCA Board of Directors, and
as the Vice President of the Valparaiso
Redevelopment Commission. He is
currently serving as President of the
Valparaiso Schools Foundation Board, and as
Secretary for the Valparaiso Rotary Club.
Presently, Urschel is also co-chairing the
Supporters of Valparaiso Community
Schools committee, working to
promote the passage of this
year’s schools referendum.
His two daughters
both attend Valparaiso
Community Schools, which
he describes as “a great
asset to our community.”
With the spirit of
community service
Urschel represents so
deeply ingrained in
the Urschel family, we
can only imagine that
we’ll be presenting
this award to a 4th
generation Urschel
in the future.
22 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

MBER FOCUS
Laurie Mullet 2022 Legacy of Service
The Legacy of Service Award recognizes
individuals in the community who, over time
or under extraordinary circumstances, have
given service to the community above and
beyond what is expected in their profession.
Recipients have created a legacy of
community service and serve as an example
for others to emulate.
Laurie Mullet describes herself as humbled
and surprised at being recognized with the
Legacy of Service Award. She laughs that she
is retired, and yet lists an impressive number
of causes and organizations she continues
to support.
Mullet grew up in the greater Valparaiso area
and has always lived within a 10-mile radius.
Her roots run deep in the community, and she
is dedicated to helping others wherever and
whenever she can. She credits her parents
and Christian upbringing for setting the tone
and example of this commitment to service,
citing James 1:27 in the Bible as her guiding
principle: “to visit orphans and widows in
their affliction.” Her parents answered this
call directly in both adopting children and
fostering dozens of children in need. She says
this experience gave her a “compass” for real
life – to give others grace, to be flexible, and to
always appreciate what you have.
Volunteerism was encouraged in her family,
and she began what would become a career
in nursing and medical administration in 8th
grade as a candy striper at Porter Memorial
Hospital. She learned it was her calling to “be
a bright force in the lives of others.” As an
adult, Mullet applied her skills to a number
of non-profit organizations before settling at
Pines Village, where she spent twenty years as
CEO before retiring.
Mullet is currently working with several
state and local organizations.
In 2021, she was appointed
by Indiana Governor Eric
Holcomb to the Board of
Community and Home Options to Institutional
Care for the Elderly and Disabled (CHOICE.)
She also serves as secretary on the PACT
Board and is a member and secretary of the
Valparaiso Advisory Human Rights Council.
Throughout her life, Mullet has also been
deeply committed to programs that assist
with literacy, food insufficiency, basic health
care needs, and those suffering from trauma
and/or addiction. Mullet was deeply involved
with the United Way of Porter County (now
Northwest Indiana) for many years. She also
served on the New Durham Township Library
Board and volunteered for Meals on Wheels.
Mullet is also a strong advocate for veterans
and worked to create programs that honor
veterans and bring awareness to PTSD or
other mental health challenges. She says, “Our
veterans have sacrificed pieces of themselves
to defend our freedom. I believe it is our duty
as citizens to ensure the needs of our veterans
are met.”
Mullet and her husband have passed the
same dedication to volunteerism on to their
two sons, and now their granddaughters – all
of whom contribute to their community in a
variety of ways. She says, “Each opportunity
I’ve had to teach the next generation to give to
the community is important. When we equip
the next generation for service, we will reap
the benefits!” She has a policy of doing what
she can wherever she can and encourages
others to do the same. “The legacy of service,”
she says, “goes on with whatever task is set
before you; it doesn’t have to be elaborate
or through an organization. Mother Teresa
taught me that the poverty of loneliness is the
worst poverty of all. If each person took the
time to reach out to another daily, the world
would be a much better place.”
Both Rick Urschel and Laurie Mullet are
indispensable assets to the Valparaiso
community. Our city and its people
are better for their spirit of giving and
selflessness. We thank them for their
dedication and are pleased to honor
their service with these awards.
ValpoChamber.org 23

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INTRODUCING
the Dean of the
College of Engineering
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ValpoChamber.org 25

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Valparaiso, 1000 Schererville, Caroline IN 46383 AveIN 46375
(219) 662-2264 Crown Point, IN (219) 46307 769-7447 Merrillville, (219) 322-8552 IN 46410
(219) Schererville, 462-3537 IN 46375
(219) 662-2264 (219) 662-2264 (219) 769-7447 (219) 769-7447 (219) 322-8552
Offices also (219) 662-2264 located in Crown Point, (219) 769-7447 Merrillville and (219) Schererville
322-8552
Schererville
Valparaiso 1000 Caroline Ave
Valparaiso 911 Wall St
Schererville, IN 46375
911 Wall Valparaiso, St IN 46383
Valparaiso, IN 46383
(219) 462-3537 322-8552
(219) 462-3537
Valparaiso
911 Wall St
Valparaiso, IN 46383
(219) 462-3537
26 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

ANNIVERSARY
A showcase of member investors who have
demonstrated an ongoing commitment
HAPPY
45
Years
• Arch Wood Protection, Inc.
• Porter-Starke Services, Inc.
35
• Centier Bank
Years
• McAfee Animal Hospital
25
Years
• Express Employment
Professionals
• Valparaiso Project & Facility
Management
20
• El Salto
Years
• Williamsburg on the Lake
15
Years
• CLH, CPAs & Consultants
CHAMBER ANNIVERSARIES >>
10
Years
• Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa
• CAPTRUST
• FirstLight Home Care
• Garrard Wealth Management
• House of Fabian
5
Years
• AJ’s Garage & Detail
• Anytime Fitness
• Civic Member –
Donna Deruntz
• Com-Control, Inc.
• Fairfield Inn & Suites
• Hospice of the Calumet Area
• Midwest Pressure Systems, Inc.
Serving Valparaiso & beyond for
1971-2021
ValpoChamber.org 27

BUSINESS SNAPSHOTS
>>BUSINESS
SNAPSHOTS
ADAMS RADIO GROUP
Contact: Jennifer Figg
jfigg@argni.com
219-462-6111 x3336
Adams Radio Group is a small to medium market radio company
that provides live, local advertising, including on-air and
interactive opportunities to brand your business on Indiana
105.5 FM, XRock 103.9, and Z107.1 radio stations.
NIPSCO
Contact: Denise Conlon
dmconlon@nisource.com
219-325-4229
VALPO CHAMBER
Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) supplies
natural gas to 821,000 customers and electric to 468,000 customers
across 30 counties in the northern third of Indiana. Since
1912, NIPSCO has been part of the communities they serve,
and currently owns and operates two hydroelectric plants that
generate 16.4 megawatts of electricity combined.
M
B
E M
R
SINCE 1976
VALPO CHAMBER
M
B
E M
R
SINCE 1990
E
E
PEOPLES BANK
Contact: Cindy Sausman
csausman@ibankpeoples.com
219-462-4100
For over 100 years, Peoples Bank has been helping customers
find the right solutions to move their finances forward. A
responsive, reliable financial partner, Peoples Bank offers consumer,
business, and wealth management products along with
digital banking services to meet the individual’s unique needs
for today and tomorrow.
WAYNE ENTERPRISES
Contact: Matt Welter
mwayneenterprises@gmail.com
219-232-8785
VALPO CHAMBER
Owned and managed by a 4th generation Valparaiso native,
Wayne Enterprises improves and develops real estate at the
highest level, benefitting the whole community. Wayne Enterprises
strives to increase the value of their properties, from Vale
View Luxury Apartments to their commercial buildings located
throughout Valparaiso, by focusing on continual maintenance
and improvements.
M
B
E M
R
SINCE 2008
E
VALPO CHAMBER
M
B
E M
R
SINCE 2019
E
In this issue, we’re highlighting four businesses
with team members who are joining the board
of the Valpo Chamber this year.
28 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

TRUST MATTERS.
ESPECIALLY WHEN IT’S YOUR MONEY.
I work hard to build a relationship of trust by providing thoughtful,
personalized guidance and placing your interests first.
Invest with a knowledgeable financial advisor who’s on your side.
Call today for more information or to schedule a consultation.
James A. Kuxhaus
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER
President/Financial Advisor
162 W. Lincolnway, Suite 102
Valparaiso, IN 46383
(219) 386-3920
(855) PLANHOW (855-752-6469)
JK_Team@directionswealth.com
www.DirectionsWealth.com
Securities and advisory services offered through Cetera Advisors LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC,
a broker/dealer and a Registered Investment Advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership
from any other named entity.
PINESVILLAGE.ORG 219-465-1591
PINESVILLAGE VALPO
PINESVILLAGE
ValpoChamber.org 29

NEW MEMBER INVESTORS
MEMBERS
>> NEW
The Allure on the Lake
526 Indian Boundary Rd
Chesterton, 46304
219-250-2652
Troy Clark
> Banquet/Meeting Room Facilities
www.allureone-weddings.com
The Allure on the Lake is located in
the heart of Northwest Indiana, with
beautiful panoramic views of its lake.
Its rustic yet modern industrial style
with hints of glam are the perfect
combination for couples vying for
the ever popular indoor/outdoor
wedding day.
Art Z & Co.
6 Morgan Blvd, Ste 100
219-781-8374
Bridget Nadolski
> Art Galleries
This art gallery features over 20 NW
Indiana artists' work. See artwork in
different mediums, such as pottery,
paintings, jewelry, woodwork, and
more. National award-winning artist
Jax, licensed artist Peggy Davis, and
local potter Bob Witt are a few of our
featured artists. Shop our in-house
boutiques featuring Jazzy Gems, Flying
Mermaids, 112th Ave Creations,
and Flashbacks' Vintage! Art Z and Co.
offers 2-hour art classes monthly for all
ages. We offer classes in acrylic pour
techniques, board and brunch, canvas
painting, jewelry, and more! We will
even design small events and art
classes just for you and your friends!
Ashford Law Group,
P.C.
332 W 806 N, 46385
219-728-5210
C. Anthony Ashford
> Attorneys/Legal Services
www.nwilawfirm.com
Full-service law office.
THE VALPO CHAMBER WELCOMES BOARD-APPROVED NEW MEMBERS
WHO JOINED DURING DECEMBER, 2021 & JANUARY AND FEBRUARY, 2022.
All addresses are in the 46383 zip code and phone numbers are 219 area code unless otherwise indicated.
Interested in joining the largest and most active chamber in Northwest Indiana?
Contact Danielle Oeding at (219) 462-1105 or danielle@valpochamber.org.
BAC Marketing
7654 US 20, Ste 101
Michigan City, 46360
219-307-4093
Carlton Bishop
> Advertising/Creative & Marketing Services
www.nwi-marketing.com
BAC Marketing is a NWI marketing
agency that specializes in lead acquisition
and branding that builds a positive
ROI. Originally started in Valpo,
our team has worked with small business
owners throughout Northwest
Indiana along with local governments
as well as national distributors.
Balloontacular
Entertainment
255 Indiana Ave, Ste 1
219-226-6789
Stephanie Brockman
> Special Event Planning/Products/Services
www.balloontacular.com
Balloontacular Entertainment offers
balloon twisting, glitter, and airbrush
face painting and tattoos.
Big Brothers Big
Sisters Southern Lake
Michigan Region
610 Glendale Blvd
877-367-2244
William Carnegie
> Social Services
www.becomeabig.com
We provide youth mentoring services
for at-risk youth age 6 to 18 through
the use of volunteers who commit
to meet with the child 2-4 times
per month for at least one year. We
are the oldest and most recognized
youth mentoring program in the
United States.
Bob Nelson
231-920-0422
Bob Nelson
> Printers/Publishers
Bob is a manufacturer's representative
for two printing companies. One is an
advertising brochure and packaging
company. One is a publication and
catalog printer. He also represents a
packaging support company supplying
vinyl pouches and trays for point
of purchase.
Body Be Wellness
100 E Lincolnway, Ste 201-RM 2-3
219-895-0676
Renee Fetsch, LMT
> Health & Wellness Products & Services
> Massage Therapy
> Skin Care Products & Services
www.body-be-wellness.com
Body Be Wellness is the service
division of Body Be, LLC-Offering
massage and body since 2017.
Renee is a 20-year veteran in the
industry, practicing massage therapy
since 2002. Indulge in a variety of
therapeutic products and services
meant to bring calm and relaxation
to the body, mind, and soul. Hours by
appointment. Easy online booking.
Bowen Center
2621 E Jefferson St
Warsaw, 46580
800-342-5653
Kimberly Kennedy
> Social Service Agencies
www.bowencenter.org
The Bowen Center is a community
mental health agency that offers a full
range of professional services to meet
mental health needs of individuals
in northern Indiana. Since 1961, the
Bowen Center has dedicated itself to
the provision of excellent care to families,
individuals, and organizations. A
wide variety of services are available
for all ages.
BRJ Fireworks
457 S Campbell St, 46385
219-615-8610
Bill Jump
> Special Event Planning/Products/Services
www.brjfireworks.com
We make a commitment to provide
our customers with affordable, reliable,
and exciting firework displays for
all occasions.
Chunky’s Tacos
1603 E Lincolnway, Ste A
773-383-2840
Eric Herrera
> Caterers
> Restaurants
www.chunkystacos.com
Restaurant and food truck catering services
providing fresh, made to order
tacos and burrito bowls in a fast-casual
environment.
Civic Member —
Barb Regnitz
219-595-2495
Barb Regnitz
> Civic Membership
www.citizensforregnitz.com
Compass Mortgage
630-589-7600
Rachel Stell
> Mortgage Brokers/Lenders
www.compmort.com/loanofficers/
listing/rachel-stell/
Compass Mortgage is "Home To a Better
Mortgage Experience." Mortgages
are my only business. I can guarantee
that meeting all of your mortgage
needs is my top priority.
30 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

Convenience Services
Group
PO Box 1997, Portage, 46368
219-248-7755
Janel Taylor
> Vending Machine Sales/Service
www.convenience1st.com
Convenience Services Group is forging
ahead with the tastiest snacking options
in the region providing office coffee,
water, vending and micro markets.
Experience true convenience with CSG.
Courthouse Square
Lofts
13 Lincolnway
219-809-5735
Paul Conover
> Real Estate-Commercial Leasing
www.courthousesquarelofts.com
Executive office suites for rent in the
heart of downtown Valparaiso. Utilities
included, conference room, free Wi-Fi.
Duneland Media
510 Lincolnway, La Porte, 46350
219-229-2636
Selah Brooks
> Advertising/Creative & Marketing Services
> Web Page Design/Management
> Video Production Services
www.dunelandmedia.com
Duneland Media puts clients first
with our strategic, customized digital
marketing services. From web development,
SEO, and SEM to branding, video,
and much more. The team at Duneland
Media will design and execute the
perfect digital marketing plan for your
company's goals. The Duneland Media
team uses a consultative approach to
develop a customized and transparent
marketing program catered specifically
to your goals. We stay on top of trends
in the ever-changing digital marketing
world to deliver results.
Dunes Hospice LLC
4711 Evans Ave
888-602-9004
Chad Schuitema
> Hospice
www.duneshospicellc.com
Hospice provider
Healing Arts Center/
Forum Health
2307 LaPorte Ave, Ste 10
219-510-5623
Renee Kimberling, RN, ND
> Medical
> Dietitians/Nutrition
> Health & Wellness Products & Services
https://forumhealthvalpo.com
We offer holistic, personalized medicine
that targets the underlying causes of
disease and health challenges. Rather
than treating the symptoms, our practitioners
treat the whole person-body,
mind, and spirit-with customized care
plans that are tailored to individual
needs. With a broad range of advanced
diagnostics and innovative therapies,
Forum Health reveals otherwise hidden
issues that patients may not realize
impact their everyday life.
Justin Camper Law,
LLC
2190 S Carlson St, Ste 311
Hammond, 46323
773-742-5619
Justin Camper
> Attorneys/Legal Services
www.justincamperlaw.com
Law firm specializing in small business
legal services and trademarks.
KARES in Action Inc.
219-242-8693
Charmaine Morgan
> Social Service Agencies
https://karesinaction.com
Kindness, Altruism, Regeneration,
Encouragement, and Support (KARES)
is exemplified and prayerfully put into
action by sharing the Gospel of Jesus
Christ, prayer, and random acts of
kindness.
Limitless Nutrition
265 Morthland Dr, Ste D
219-510-5631
Elena Doneska
> Health & Wellness Products & Services
Full-service protein shake bar. We
sell aloes, herbal teas, protein coffee,
protein shakes and supplements.
Maxey & Associates
Insurance, Inc.
310 W US Highway 6, 46385
219-763-2401
Pam Hart
> Insurance
With over 45 years of business,
Maxey & Associates is a brokerage
agency specializing in providing
medical, dental, vision, life, STD/
LTD benefits to businesses for their
employees. For those turning 65 years
young, we also specialize in navigating
and enrolling in a Medicare plan and
prescription benefit.
Continued on Page 32 >>
Michigan City | Indianapolis | Fort Wayne | Lafayette
Solid Foundation.
Trusted Partner.
tonnandblank.com
ValpoChamber.org 31

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>> NEW MEMBER INVESTORS >> Continued from Page 31
MEMBERS
> NEW
Methodist Hospitals
600 Grant St, Gary, 46402
219-738-5915
Rafael Nunez
> Hospitals
> Urgent Care
www.methodisthospitals.org
Non-for-profit community hospital.
Non-for-profit immediate care (Valpo
location).
Meyers Glaros LLC
8605 Broadway, Merrillville, 46410
219-865-6447
Rob Adlard
> Insurance
www.meyersglaros.com
In today's topsy-turvy world, the
insurance benefits landscape
changes literally every day. But
that’s nothing new to us-we've been
learning to adapt and grow since
1916. By merging two successful
and specialized agencies, the Meyers
and Glaros families brought together
a wide range of industry expertise
and strong vendor relationships to
provide our clients with the most
comprehensive insurance, benefits,
and consulting.
New Beginnings
Health Center, LLC
851 Eastport Center Dr, Ste B
219-510-8888
Christina Matoski
> Health & Wellness Products & Services
www.nbhealthcenter.com
Discover the difference that personalized
care can have on you and
your health. With over 25 years of
healthcare experience, New Beginnings
Health Center offers the best
in patient-centric care for individuals
looking for solutions to challenges
ranging from weight loss to hormone
replacement, thyroid issues, chronic
fatigue, mental health and quality
family healthcare.
Northwest Indiana
Business Magazine
905 Joliet St, #237, Dyer, 46311
219-230-3739
Troy Linker
> Printers/Publishers
> Advertising/Creative & Marketing Services
https://nwindianabusiness.com
Our mission is to publish stories
about people and ideas that inform,
inspire, challenge, and educate local
business and community leaders to
improve our region's economy and
quality of life. Let us help you share
your message with the region's most
influential decision-makers. We
serve a targeted B2B audience in a
10-county region of Northwest and
North Central Indiana home to 1.36
million Indiana residents and a fifth
of all Indiana businesses. Choose traditional
or digital advertising to share
your message with engaged readers
on their preferred platform.
Ondro CPA PC
209 Morthland Dr
219-764-3949
David Ondrovich
> Accountants/Tax Services
www.ondrocpa.com
Ondro CPA specializes in tax
compliance, advisory, accounting,
and financial planning services for
individuals and businesses with less
than 500 employees. We serve clients
throughout the United States in
the areas of accounting, information
systems, payroll, tax compliance as
well as planning and advisory in the
areas of tax, retirement, education,
risk, and legacy.
Business Continuity
& Disaster Recovery
Mike Anton
Jim Anton
Serving Chesterton
for over 60 years.
Customized insurance coverage for all of your
needs and now part of one of the largest
independent agency families, with access to over
200 carriers.
25% 50% 85%
DISASTER RECOVERY
2600 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso | 219.465.6530
155 S. Calumet Rd., Chesterton | 219.926.8681
antoninsurance.com
Business Continuity
6 Michigan Ave. Suite A • Valparaiso, IN • 219-465-4500
BucherTech.com • Info@BucherTech.com
32 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

Porter County
Project Kids
219-299-1579
Cynthia Wold
> Organizations
A diverse and inclusive charitable group
that comes together to forge community
bonds and to be positive role models for
the youth of Porter County.
Schiralli Art
702 E Lincolnway
219-771-5104
Rocco Schiralli
> Art Galleries
www.schiralliart.com
Fine art gallery with cafe.
Telfer, Inc.
219-465-6010
Dean Hemmersbach
> Recycling
We are a recycling company working hard
to find solutions for paper and plastics.
We work with accounts both big and small
throughout Indiana, Illinois, Michigan,
Ohio, and Kentucky to tackle their waste
recycling needs.
Think Tank
101 W 84th Dr, Ste A
Merrillville, 46410
219-736-2667
> Computer Networking/Products/
Services/Training
www.thinktankntg.com
Since 1990, Think Tank NTG has been
providing IT business solutions to small
and medium-sized businesses. Think
Tank’s services include managed services,
data back-up and recovery, help ticket support
software, business communications
solutions, and more.
Twin Creeks Farm
2251 Clifford Rd, 46385
773-456-1543
Mack Perry
> Special Event Planning/Products/Services
www.twincreeksvalpo.com
At Twin Creeks Farm, we’re thrilled to help
turn your weddings, reunions, retreats,
Farm-to-Table dinners, graduations,
photography sessions into unforgettable
events. Whatever you want, we’ve got you
covered. Get in touch so we can make your
dream come alive together.
VIA Realty
443 Roxbury Rd, 46385
773-618-9199
Anthony Sobczak
> Real Estate-Commercial & Residential
www.viarealtynwi.com
VIA Realty is a fully functional one stop
brokerage for all your real estate needs.
Our mission is to provide the best service
for all your buying, selling and rental
needs. In the real estate industry, it is
essential to build a brand while providing
exceptional service to your clientele and
we're confident VIA Realty partners delivers
on both.
Wholesome Wellness
LLC
3907 Calumet Ave, Ste 207
219-613-8130
Dr. Amanda Yarbrough, DNP, APRN,
FNP-BC
> Health & Wellness Products & Services
> Healthcare/Home Health Services
www.wholesomewellnessllc.com
Lifestyle and wellness-based primary
care practice that integrates necessity
and luxury through innovative, personalized
medicine.
Younique Design +
Build, Inc.
2700 Valparaiso St, Unit 1506, 46384
219-249-4469
Nicole Kreith
> Builders & Developers
Design-Build Home Builder with
emphasis on Green Building Methods
for sustainable and high-performance
building. Sustainability and high performance
incorporates construction and
development techniques, materials and
designs intended to minimize a home's
impact on the environment and conserve
natural resources. It is a practical response
to a wide range of issues affecting all
consumers: rising energy costs, the need
to improve air quality, ensure clean water
and minimize water usage.
ValpoChamber.org 33

AROUND TOWN
AROUND
AROUND TOWN is an important element to the local business
coverage of Valparaiso Magazine. Submissions are permitted
by chamber member businesses only. 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. Submissions must be 130 words or less,
are subject to approval, and may be edited. Send to info@valpochamber.org
All businesses claim they’re a great place to work, but
1st Source Bank backs it up with prestigious awards
honoring its culture. Forbes Magazine lists 1st Source Bank
as one of “America’s Best Midsize Employers.” The award is
based on surveys of workers conducted by the magazine.
1st Source is one of only 500 companies across the nation
with more than 1000 employees to receive the recognition.
Forbes also listed 1st Source Bank as one of America’s
“Best Employers for Veterans.” The bank is one of only two
companies based in Indiana to receive that award. “We
work hard to create a family environment where everyone
feels respected and appreciated,” said 1st Source Director
of Human Resources Dan Lifferth. Member FDIC.
The Barbauld
Agency in Valparaiso
recently received two
Bronze ADDY Awards for
their work in 2021. They
have earned this season’s
accolades for creative
designs and a complete
marketing campaign.
American Advertising Federation protects and promotes
the well-being of advertising, and their ADDY Awards
are given to celebrate the classiest creative minds in the
business. This is the second time The Barbauld Agency has
been recognized, having received a Silver Award last year.
Initium Creative
is thrilled to announce
that it has won two
Addy Awards at this
past year's American
Advertising Federation
North Central Indiana's
awards ceremony.
The ceremony was
held on the evening of
February 23rd in Lafayette, IN. Owner of Initium Creative,
Braden Walker and his wife, Kristy, were in attendance
for the awards ceremony. Initium Creative submitted two
entries and won for both, taking home a Bronze Addy
Award for their campaign video for David Reynolds for
Porter County Sheriff and a Silver Addy Award for their
promotional video for Aaron Collins Real Estate Refined.
Owner of Initium Creative, Braden Walker, commented on
receiving the awards, "We are very pleased and honored
to receive these two Addy awards and look forward to
continuing to create award winning video content for our
clients." Initium Creative specializes in video production
and web design/development and can be found online at
www.initiumcreative.com or by phone at 219-230-6003.
After 38 years, PanoramaNOW Entertainment
News magazine will have its own radio show on WVLP,
called “PanoramaNOW at Noon.” Every Friday at noon,
you can tune in to WVLP at 103.1 FM, or online at wvlp.
org. Each show will preview on Thursday Night LIVE on
the PanoramaNOW Facebook page at 7pm. The shows
will feature “What to do this Weekend,” as well as the
weekly blogs that PanoramaNOW publishes each week.
The weekly blogs are distributed through Newsbreak, the
website and their free weekly newsletter, which has over
3,000 subscribers. Continued on Page 36 >>
34 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

V A L P O S C H O O L S L E G A C Y W A L K
V a l p o S c h o o l s F o u n d a t i o n i n v i t e s i n d i v i d u a l s , b u s i n e s s e s a n d c o m m u n i t y
p a r t n e r s t o m a k e t h e i r m a r k o n t h e V a l p a r a i s o H i g h S c h o o l L e g a c y W a l k b y
d o n a t i n g a c u s t o m b r i c k . B r i c k d o n a t i o n s s u p p o r t s t u d e n t s c h o l a r s h i p s ,
c l a s s r o o m g r a n t s a n d a t h l e t i c t e a m s a n d c l u b s .
O r d e r s f o r P h a s e 2 a r e d u e J u n e 1 , 2 0 2 2 .
S c a n t h e Q R c o d e f o r d e t a i l s !
w w w . v a l p o s c h o o l s f o u n d a t i o n . o r g
ValpoChamber.org 35

AROUND TOWN >> Continued from Page 34
AROUND
M•A•H
The Indiana State Library has announced the creation of the
Indiana Digital Library (IDL), a new cooperative consortium
of 199 libraries dedicated to expanding and enhancing
access to digital material for Indiana library patrons.
Jesse Butz, Director of the Porter County Public
Library System, and Stephanie Murphy, Director
of the New Carlisle-Olive Township Public Library, both
leaders of the IDL development committee, worked closely
with the Indiana State Library to create the largest digital
consortium in Indiana history. The IDL’s collection will
create access to expansive collections of patron-focused
content, with low waiting periods for materials. The IDL was
formed in partnership with OverDrive, the leading digital
reading platform for libraries and schools worldwide.
The IDL’s content will be developed and maintained by
volunteers from participating library systems, with a focus
on providing materials that serve a wide range of interests
while dramatically minimizing hold times.
Dan Wilburn, an independent
LPL Financial advisor at
R. B. Smith Company
announced his inclusion in the
LPL’s Chairman’s Club. This
Preventive Care | Dentistry |
elite award
Surgical
is presented
Care
to
Dog Training | Boarding | Wildlife Rehab | And More
less than 4% of the firm’s more
than 19,000 financial advisors
nationwide. “I congratulate Dan
CELEBRATING 75 YEARS
of on Caring behalf & of Community LPL,” said Angela
Xavier, LPL executive vice president, Independent Advisors
Services “We are inspired by his dedication to clients and
strong commitment to helping them work toward their
financial goals. It is an honor to support Dan with robust
resources, integrated capabilities and differentiated
service experiences designed to help him run a thriving
practice.” Wilburn is affiliated with LPL Financial, a leading
wealth management firm. LPL provides the resources,
tools and technology that support advisors in their work to
enrich their clients’ financial lives.
VNA Hospice of NWI loves everyone and to make
sure we have a safe time, we have decided to move the
date for the 2nd Annual Hops for Hospice event from
February to Saturday, June 4, 2022 at the Porter County
Expo Center. We are confident that conditions will improve
and that we will be able to enjoy a wide range of local
brews, delicious food, and live music in a worry-free
environment. We thank you for your patience and support!
Together we can Make Best Days Possible by helping
ensure that the care of VNA Hospice NWI is there for our
family, friends, and neighbors when they most need it.
Purchase your tickets today and we look forward to seeing
you all in June. Looking to sponsor Hops for Hospice?
Contact mgalka@vnanwi.org. Ages 21+. Dedicated driver
ticket pricing is available.
PET HEALTH CARE FOR
CATS, DOGS & EXOTICS
Compassionate care that pets & people
have looked up to for over 75 years
219-462-5901
651 Eastport Centre Dr., Valparaiso www.mcafeeah.com
M•A•H
Pet Care for Cats, Dogs & Exotics
Preventive Care | Dentistry
Surgical Care | Boarding & More
219-462-5901
651 Eastport Centre Dr. | Valparaiso
www.mcafeeah.com
FEEL THE LOVE & AWE
See what Valpo Chamber members
say about working with Kre-Eight
“ LOVE
IT! ”
— Dawn Collins
DC | Executive Realty
— Lori Daly
Porter County Expo
“ YOU’RE
AWESOME ”
Call 219-561-1040
— Julie Keelen
Terry’s Discount Windows & More
— Tracy Healy
Rice & Rice Attorneys at Law
36 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

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ValpoChamber.org 37

VALPO VIEWFINDER
VIEWFINDER
>> VALPO
Valparaiso began as the small county seat for an even
From Humble
Beginnings
By Chris Hough
Valparaiso has come a long way over
the past 150 years to make the city a
better place to learn, play and live.
Valparaiso, Indiana - Gardner School 1911
smaller county. Despite only having a little over 6,000
residents in 1900, it was still larger than the surrounding
townships and villages that relied on it for commerce. By
1950, the city’s population had doubled, and today boasts
over 34,000 residents, and is in the top 30 largest cities in
Indiana. Naturally, the city has had to expand alongside its
residents, and in the past century has undergone incredible
changes in an effort to better serve the community.
At the turn of the twentieth century, Valparaiso had only
three public educational buildings—Central (1871), Columbia
(1892), and Gardner (1899). Until Central opened, the
only schools in the city were those run by the Immanuel
Lutheran (1865) and St. Paul’s (1867) church. It wasn’t until
1924 that the Banta school opened, and not until 1927 did
Valparaiso build its first high school where Ben Franklin
Middle School stands today. The growth of the next fifty
years would dwarf that of the previous. In 1936, the city
had 6 public educational institutions with a combined
total of less than 1800 students. By 1986, there were 8
elementary schools alone, not including the two middle
schools and the high school.
Our thanks to the Genealogy
Department of the Porter County
Public Library System for
contributing this article.
Valparaiso, Indiana - Public Library 1924
38 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

With 2,056 students registered today, there are currently
more students enrolled in the high school than there were in
the entire public school system in 1936.
Valparaiso was attracting new residents and growing families,
and with the increase in children came a growing need
for recreational areas. As of 1918, the city had but one park,
Kirchhoff, which was generously donated by Frederick Kirchhoff.
It stood as the lone city park for 20 years, as recreational
areas went largely ignored. It wasn’t until the Jaycees took up
the cause that funding came through for a softball diamond at
the old fairgrounds, and for construction of a band mound at
the Kirchhoff park for orchestra concerts. But through the war
years, meeting recreational needs fell to the wayside. The Jaycees
attempted a public pool and an ice-skating rink during
this period, but funding fell through each time. It wasn’t until
the city park board was established in 1944 that consistent
construction began. Where 100 years ago, Valparaiso had but
one park, today there are no less than 17 official parks in and
around the city.
In service to the growing community, the Valparaiso Library
has also expanded and adapted. What began in 1905 as a
two-story house donated by Hubbard and Finette Hunt and
a collection of 575 items quickly doubled over the next 10
years, leading to the construction of the Carnegie Library in
1916. For 80 years, the library served the community out of
that historical building, which was remodeled and expanded
multiple times to accommodate our growing collection. What
began as a collection of under 600 items became a circulating
inventory of over 36,000 by 1968. The library underwent several
additions, and eventually had to tear down the historical
Carnegie to make room for what has become a collection of
over 170,500 items.
From the small county seat to one of the fastest growing cities
in the state, Valparaiso has evolved to fit the changing needs
of its residents. But the Valpo of a century ago still exists at the
city’s heart—still the county’s center of commerce, crisscrossed
with railroad tracks; still a quiet metropolitan home to city and
rural dwellers alike.
Thorgren Tool & Molding
is proud to be a part of the
Valparaiso community
for the past
75
years.
We would like to
also extend a note of
congratulations to
Rick Urschel
for his outstanding service to
the community. Thank you, Rick
for all you do for this wonderful City!
Forest Park Plan, published in The Vidette Messenger - 3/27/52
ValpoChamber.org 39

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40 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

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ValpoChamber.org 41

A FINAL WORD
>> A FINAL
WORD
Growth in the
Valparaiso Marketplace
By Mary Sudicky, Board Chair, Valpo Chamber and VP Finance/CFO St. Mary Medical Center
and Community Stroke and Rehab Center
This issue of the Valparaiso Magazine
focuses on the positive economic growth
taking place in our Valparaiso community.
Positive-planned growth is important for
cities and businesses to thrive, both for
profit and non-profit, creating a quality of
life for its residents.
Growth taking place right now is evident
with new housing development. A
current planned increase of nearly 1,300
new homes will bring new residents and
families, increasing the need for goods
and services from local small businesses,
grocery and retail stores, professional
services, healthcare services, restaurants,
and more. In short, all aspects of the
community will continue to benefit with
more new resident consumers.
The numerous economic development
and quality of life projects that have
taken place in Valparaiso over the last 10
years have made the City of Valparaiso
a destination city. Families choose a
place that has quality neighborhood
schools, robust park programs, and
opportunities for leisure time and
recreation. Central Park Plaza and the
Urschel Pavilion provide a focal point for
entertainment and activity in our dynamic
downtown. The City of Valparaiso and
Parks Department recently announced
a generational project that consists of a
248 acre planned development to include
a youth sports complex, a new activity
center for adults called ACE, a state of
the art skatepark, and improvements
to existing park locations. The recently
announced Linc Project will bring 121
multi- family apartments to the core of
downtown, along with a parking garage
that will continue to enhance the vitality of
downtown and the businesses that serve
it. The site of the Journeyman Distillery
will be a dining and entertainment
venue drawing visitors from throughout
Northwest Indiana.
Peter Drucker once famously said,
“The ultimate resource in economic
development is people.” While he may
have been talking about building a skilled
workforce to support modern business,
it is evident that the people of Valparaiso
are its greatest resource, and are eager
and willing contributors to both the
business and non-profit sector, improving
the lives of residents. The strength of the
local economy and its people provides for
philanthropic endeavors and this activity
is strong in Valparaiso. For example,
the Boys and Girls Club recently broke
ground on a modernized facility, allowing
for triple its current membership, and
providing top programming for our
youth. The MAAC Foundation, a pioneer
in first responder training, plans further
expansion this summer to its state of
the art facilities, by adding a residential
tactical village. Hilltop Neighborhood
House, which provides high quality
childcare and early childhood education,
has added a community garden to
provide healthy food and life skills to
its participants, made possible by the
generosity of contributors.
The Valparaiso community is executing
a growth and development plan that will
benefit its current and future residents,
businesses and charitable organizations
for many years to come. The energy,
generosity, and commitment of its
people, dedicated community leaders,
and business owners are what make the
Valparaiso marketplace a sought-after
destination and great place to be.
GIFT CERTIFICATE
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REDEEMABLE AT OVER 120 LOCAL BUSINESSES!
TO PURCHASE GIFT CERTIFICATES:
Call the chamber office at 219.462.1105
or visit www.valpochamber.org and
click purchase gift certificates to order online.
All major credit cards, checks and cash accepted.
42 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

we learn
TOGETHER...
Nonprofit leaders from all over Porter County attended the latest Fund Raising
School training hosted by the Porter County Community Foundation.
Porter County
COMMUNITY
FOUNDATION
Est. 1996
Helping local nonprofit
leaders learn more
since 1996.
“
“Smaller nonprofits like
Hilltop do not have
access to professional
fundraising training.
The Foundation
brings quality training
opportunities to Porter
County allowing more
staff to attend and
that is amazing.”
- Jennifer Wright,
President & CEO
Hilltop Neighborhood House
www.pccf.gives
Valpo MBA
Pursue your degree online or on campus
Flexible scheduling options —
Earn your MBA in one year or
at your own pace.
valpo.edu/mba
@ValpoCoB @valpocob @ValparaisoCoB linkedin.com/in/valpo-mba
ValpoChamber.org 43

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