Valpo Chamber Blog

Marketing Tool for Business Exposure – Valpo Chamber Partnership Program!

2011-10-28T09:42:00.000-07:00

The 2012 calendar year will be an excellent time for Valpo Chamber members to consider participating in the Chamber Partnership Program to market their business brand to other businesses in greater Valparaiso.

2012 is the Valpo Chamber Centennial Celebration, marking 100 years of service to the business community of Valparaiso.

The Valpo Chamber Partnership Program provides a great opportunity to promote your business brand at specific chamber events throughout the year. The higher the partnership level, the greater the opportunity for exposure. There are four levels to the program: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze.

In 2011, 21 members utilized the Partnership Program:

Platinum

Porter Health System

Gold
Centier Bank
Frontier Communications
Teachers Credit Union
Silver
1st Source Bank
Citizens Financial Bank
Comcast Business Services
Harris N.A.
Laciak Accountancy Group
NIPSCO
REGIONAL federal credit union
The Times Media Company
Uzelac & Associates, Inc.
Bronze
Berglund Construction
Burke Costanza & Carberry
Hoeppner Wagner & Evans LLP
Horizon Bank
MacLennan & Bain Insurance
Peoples Bank
Rittenhouse Senior Living of Valparaiso
Scannell Wealth Management Group

Please contact Danielle at (219) 462-1105 or oeding@valparaisochamber.org with any inquiries about the 2012 Valpo Chamber Partnership Program.

Rex G. Richards

President
richards@valapraisochamber.org

Another great benefit to being a Valpo Chamber member? Referrals!

2011-10-05T10:35:00.000-07:00

Did you know that the Valpo Chamber office fields more than 1,000 phone calls each month? Many of those calls are individuals inquiring about a variety of services.

For instance, do we know someone who can clean their gutters, fix their broken furnace, or list their house? We also have people call to ask where they can go to pick pumpkins, have professional photos taken, eat a good meal, have furniture refinished, board their pet, and the list of inquiries goes on and on and on.

For every question we’re asked, we refer callers and visitors to Valpo Chamber members ONLY.

Several weeks ago, all members were mailed a verification form. One purpose of this form is to keep our database up-to-date so that we can make accurate referrals. The information included on our verification forms is also posted on our website, so anyone can get up-to-date information about our members. Referrals are just one of the countless benefits of being a member of the Valpo Chamber.

Julie Gaskell
Vice President, Operations
gaskell@valparaisochamber.org

Do you get SPAM-A-LOT?

2011-09-20T14:08:00.000-07:00

Have you ever received an e-mail and wondered how in the world you got on that mailing list? I have. It is annoying. I am sure that at times e-mails from any business can be an annoyance, including the chamber….Yes, we know we send out lots of e-mails to you, but it is only because we want you to be able to get the most out of your chamber membership.
My problem is not the number of e-mails received, it is receiving e-mails that I don’t want nor know how to stop receiving. In 2010, the Chamber signed up for a service called Constant Contact, a web-based company that assists in e-mail marketing. The benefits of this service are numerous….

Constant Contact allows you to (1) keep an up to date database of e-mail contacts, (2) view who is opening your e-mails,(3) who is clicking any links on them, and (4)check who is forwarding them to others. Constant Contact offers easy templates that allow you to create nice looking e-mails (I have to admit it took a bit of time for me to figure out how to remain creative while using these templates, but it’s possible.)

All the above benefits are worth signing up for Constant Contact, but the most important is the fact they help keep our e-mails LEGAL. There are so many people/companies out there who are sending e-mails that don’t fall in line with the federal CAN-SPAM Act. This Act sets rules for commercial e-mail use including: Don’t use false or misleading header information; Don’t use deceptive subject lines; Identify the message as an ad; Tell recipients where you’re located; Tell recipients how to opt out of receiving future e-mail from you; and Honor opt-out requests promptly.

I don’t want to beat anyone over the head with legalities on this blog, so if you want more information, click the link below for everything you need to know about CAN-SPAM.

http://business.ftc.gov/documents/bus61-can-spam-act-compliance-guide-business

Now here is my added extra plug for Constant Contact….this company is so great, they are offering a discount to any Valpo Chamber member if you sign up….and you thought you had to have an American Express Card to have privileges.

If after reading this e-mail you would like information on signing up for Constant Contact, visit www.constantcontact.com/chambermembers.

Kurt Gillins
Programs Director
kgillins@valparaisochamber.org

Who do you know that has a business and is NOT a Chamber member?

2011-09-13T08:22:00.000-07:00

But they should be!?

Invite them to the second annual Member/Guest event on Thursday, September 22 from 4:30 – 6:30 pm. This is a FREE event to all members bringing a guest. We will serve cocktails and appetizers upstairs at the chamber office. Nonmembers will have an opportunity to learn a little bit more about the Valpo Chamber, in a casual, social environment.

The 2010 debut of this event was fun.

“Last year Methodist Hospitals attended the Member/Chamber Guest Event, and decided to become a Valparaiso Chamber member,” commented Evelyn Morrison, Marketing & Corporate Communications Manager, Methodist Hospitals. “I was very impressed by the number of businesses that belong to the Chamber and the number of other programs they offer to their members. We are delighted to be a part of the Valpo Chamber.”

The 2010 event was attended by about 50 people. Eight attendees won door prizes, and one lucky nonmember won a $100 certificate to apply to a chamber membership.

Please consider coming out for another great Member/Guest event this year. Contact Danielle Oeding for more information, or to RSVP for the event.

Danielle Oeding
Vice President, Sales & Marketing
oeding@valparaisochamber.org

Valparaiso Notecards and Postcards exclusively at Valpo Chamber!

2011-08-30T12:36:00.000-07:00

Recently, my friend Susie told me that one of her friends was moving from Valpo and she wanted to get her a going away gift and asked me if I had any gift ideas. I told her I knew the perfect gift – Valparaiso Note cards offered exclusively by the Valpo Chamber. These note cards are sold as a set of six cards each with a lovely – and different – photo of Valparaiso on the front. The inside of the note card is blank to allow for the recipient to add whatever greeting they’d like. In addition, the set of cards come packaged in a beautiful blue ribbon making it perfect to give as-is. Susie took advantage of my idea and was so happy with the gift cards she bought for her friend, that she bought a set for herself!

These note cards are perfect as thank you cards, invitations, professional notes, personal stationary, and hostess gifts. And thinking way ahead, they even make a perfect stocking stuffer! An additional benefit to purchasing these note cards (with envelopes) is they are very reasonably priced – a set of six for only $7.00! The note cards can also be sold separately.

In addition to note cards, the Valpo Chamber is also now selling postcards. Choose from one of the six available postcards, each featuring the same photo displayed on the note cards. The back includes information about the photo and a space for the recipient’s address. Postcards are $1.00 each.

If you would like to purchase either the note cards, postcards, or both, please contact the Valpo Chamber office at 219-462-1105 or e-mail us at info@valparaisochamber.org.

Julie Gaskell
Vice President, Operations
gaskell@valparaisochamber.org

Promote Your Business to the Community!

2011-08-25T14:10:00.000-07:00

Try these easy, quick, and fun ways to get your business more business!

EASY - Has your business taken advantage of the free brochure rack in the Valpo Chamber lobby? Our high-traffic lobby has an area for your marketing information to be displayed - and it is for Chamber members only!

Do you have news you want to share? Send in your information for our monthly “Members in Motion” e-Blast (1,300 recipients) or to our quarterly “Around Town” feature in Valparaiso Magazine (17,000 readers) Submit your business articles in paragraph form - i.e. awards, new additions to staff or promotions of title, change of business location, events - that are 130 words or less. Articles are subject to approval and may be edited. Due to space constraints, articles will be accepted on a first-come/first-serve basis.

QUICK - Want to network with other businesses affiliated with the Valpo Chamber? Promotional items representing your business may be placed in the new member tote bags. These tote bags are distributed at the New Member Welcome – about 100 each year. You never know what connections could be made!

FUN - As a chamber member you have the opportunity to host a Business After Hours at your place of business and showcase your services to all the members of the Valpo Chamber! Is your business new to the greater Valparaiso area? Why not schedule a ribbon cutting to introduce your business to the community!

For more information on any of these ways to gain exposure for your business, contact the Valpo Chamber at (219) 462-1105 today!

Susan Antoszewski

Marketing & Communications Specialist

santoszewski@valparaisochamber.org

Get the most out of your membership!

2011-08-12T09:30:00.000-07:00

New members often have the same question. “If I were to devote my resources to one event during the year, which one would you suggest?”

Mike and Rob Moreth, Simko Signs

I always encourage every member to be involved in as many events and programs as possible, but if I had to choose the most important of the year, it would be Chamber Network Night. Many members view this event as the Valpo Chamber’s premiere event.

On the fourth Thursday of October of each year, over 1000 business professionals invade the Porter County Expo Center for the largest business-to-business networking events in Northwest Indiana. Over 170 booths showcase some of the best businesses in the region with their new products, services or just a healthy reminder that they are ready to do business with you.

Unique to many of the other business expos in the region is the fact that we market this event as business-to-business networking. We don’t restrict the attendance to only business professionals, but we don’t advertise to the general public either. This event is to help you build relationships with other businesses in the area and grow through those relationships.
Please consider reserving your booth for Chamber Network Night this year on Thursday, October 27. Every year the booth space sells out and there is a waiting list. Booth prices vary, so make sure you check out the reservation form on our website and call me if you have any questions.

CLICK HERE TO RESERVE ONLINE!

Chamber Network Night
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Porter County Expo Center
215 E Division Rd
Valparaiso, IN 46383

Must be 21 to attend.

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Booth-to-Booth Networking
4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – Doors Open
7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Special Business After Hours featuring 12 restaurants from Porter County

Kurt Gillins
Programs Director
kgillins@valparaisochamber.org

Continuing the Education of Employees

2011-07-28T13:47:00.000-07:00

This month I had the great fortune of attending my third year at the Institute for Organization Management. This program is held across the country at various sites throughout the year and is hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. I am thrilled each year to be able to participate in this class where I can learn the “ins and outs” of organizations like chambers and associations and I can bring back to Valparaiso some best practices and trends from around the country.

The Valpo Chamber has a long-standing tradition of continuing the education of its employees and I would encourage you to look into opportunities for you and your employees to continue down the road of education.

As I am sure you have heard already, the Valpo Chamber is hosting the Disney Institute on Tuesday, August 16. What you may not have heard is that if you are in a profession where you need to obtain continuing education credits, this event may get you closer to your quota. Disney Institute will give you the necessary paperwork to file with your organization for credit once you have received authorization from your association or professional group and completed the course.

As of today there are less than 30 spaces remaining for this event. That may sound like a lot of space, but just last week we had a company call with 26 reservations. That is a company that sees the value in continuing the education of their employees, as well as the value in this wonderful Disney Institute event.

If you are interested in attending Disney Institute or sending your employees, give me a call at the Chamber and we can get the registration completed. Don’t delay!

Kurt Gillins
Programs Director
kgillins@valparaisochamber.org

Valpo Chamber Gift Certificates! Great Gift! Great Marketing Tool!

2011-07-19T14:02:00.000-07:00

If you’ve ever been the recipient of a Valpo Chamber Gift Certificate, you already know what a great gift it is. You have a choice of over 100 different venues where to spend it! I don’t know about you but I love to spend “gift” money. Cash disappears on incidentals, but you HAVE to spend the gift certificate before it expires.

I have redeemed my chamber gift certificates to eat out, get my nails done, or simply buy groceries. I have given them as gifts to co-workers, the mailman, or as a birthday gift. I have even donated them to non-profits to use as a silent auction item or inside a gift basket door prize. Everyone loves to receive a gift certificate because it gives the recipient a choice of where to spend, and there are SO many choices.

In 2010, the Valpo Chamber sold approximately $98,000 worth of gift certificates. ANYONE can purchase, so we see businesses buying large quantities to give to employees at holiday time, AND we see folks stopping in to buy one or two … for coaches, schoolteachers, real estate closings, and “thank you for dog sitting” gifts! The marketability is diverse and vast. The number of certificates sold in 2010 was over 5000, in varying increments. Certificates are sold at ANY denomination the buyer stipulates.

So, we know chamber gift certificates have value for the recipient. But, what about the value to our member participants?

The 100+ vendors currently participating on this program pay ABSOLUTELY NOTHING for the marketing effect of this program. Every certificate sold includes an alphabetical list of vendors, plus the list is included on our website. Our annual directory defines vendors by including a shopping cart icon next to their name. Moreover, the chamber markets the certificates in email blasts and newspaper advertising, particularly at holiday time. The chamber does its best to bring exposure to all those vendors participating on the program.

Then, if a certificate IS redeemed at the vendor’s business, they simply retain the document, return it to the chamber office, and receive a 95% reimbursement check from the chamber. The top vendor on the program in 2010 received enough reimbursements back from the chamber that their annual membership could have been paid eight times over! The next “top five” vendors where certificates were redeemed include a grocery store, restaurant, automotive shop, butcher, and fueling center. Those five businesses were reimbursed $22,540 collectively…which, again, more than paid for their individual investments with the chamber.

Bottom line. Valpo Chamber Gift Certificates are the perfect gift, AND the perfect opportunity to promote your business to other businesses and to the community at large.

Want to view a complete list of current vendors? Learn more about becoming a vendor? Or, purchase a chamber gift certificate? Click here.

Danielle Oeding
Vice President, Sales & Marketing
oeding@valparaisochamber.org

We've got your number... or do we?

2011-07-14T12:49:00.000-07:00

In a few weeks, the Valpo Chamber will start its member verification process to assist us in providing accurate information about your business to your potential customers. The information you provide is also reproduced in our membership directories, on mailing labels, and on our website, http://www.valparaisochamber.org/.

The person you’ve designated to be key contact person for your business will receive the verification form in the mail. We hope you will take a few minutes to review the information we have on file, make any necessary corrections and/or additions and return it.

Below are some specifics to assist you in the verification process:

Member Information: Primary contact person, phone number, mailing address, including suffixes like Co., Inc., LLC, PC, etc.
Preferred communication: email or mail.
Representatives: Additional employees/business representatives you would like to receive Chamber information.
Business Category: Each Chamber member receives one category at no cost. Additional categories may be purchased and appear in the Chamber directories and on the Chamber web site.
Business Description: Help us provide information about your business to potential customers, 40 words max.

Once the necessary changes have been made on the verification form, please sign, date and return to the Chamber office via fax, mail or email. If you have any questions about the verification process, contact the Chamber at (219) 462-1105.

Wishing you continued business success!

Susan Antoszewski
Marketing & Communications Specialist
santoszewski@valparaisochamber.org

New strategic objectives to carry Chamber to next level

2011-07-07T07:53:00.000-07:00

Every successful business has a strategic set of goals that it hopes to achieve which in turn will help that business to be productive and survive in the market place. Recently, Microsoft made one such strategic move by acquiring Skype to further its competitive advantage in its industry.

The Valpo Chamber is no different in that it has a set of strategic objectives and goals to improve its member services. Four years ago, the Valpo Chamber adopted two important strategic objectives to help build a stronger organization.

The first objective was to undertake a major renovation of the second level in the Chamber building creating a first-rate conference facility for use by the Chamber as well as its members. The second objective included upgrading the Chamber web site, www.valparaisochamber.org, to better serve the members, provide a communication tool, to have a dynamic presence on the internet. Both objectives were accomplished.

In May, the Valpo Chamber Executive Committee hammered out a new set of strategic objectives that has since been approved by the Board of Directors. When accomplished, over the next several years, these strategic objectives will make the Valpo Chamber a stronger and more dynamic membership-based business organization.

Valpo Chamber Strategic Objectives:

Improve communication by surveying the membership to find out what our members feel is important.
Engage the Valparaiso City Council on Chamber programs and initiatives.
Advocate priority in spending proceeds of $185 million resulting from the sale of Porter Hospital.
Inform the membership of the importance of Porter County Regional Airport and its impact on industrial expansion and job growth.
Expand advocacy on state legislative issues impacting Valparaiso businesses.
Increase dialogue with federal elected officials for business, city, and regional projects.
Use 100-year Chamber Anniversary, in 2012, to build new resources and membership numbers.
Engage Valparaiso School system on capital expenditures for needs of K-12 schools.

Some of these strategic objectives will take more than one year to accomplish. To accomplish these goals, the Chamber will continue to utilize its committed Board of Directors, knowledgeable and professional staff, and dedicated, active members.

Rex G. Richards
President

rrichards@valparaisochamber.org

Got meeting space? No? Well the Valpo Chamber has exactly what you’re looking for!

2011-06-27T07:55:00.000-07:00

In 2010, a major renovation was undertaken on the second floor of the Valpo Chamber building. New conference rooms with state-of-the-art technology, comfortable accommodations, and room to host groups of 6 to 60 participants were the result of the extensive renovation – all in a professional atmosphere.

Conveniently located in beautiful downtown Valparaiso, the Valpo Chamber has three room sizes available exclusively to our members. Our small meeting room can accommodate 6-8 people, the Board Room will accommodate up to 28 people, and the large meeting room can fit up to 60 people.

In addition, a full kitchen is available. We’ll even provide you with a list of Chamber member caterers to fulfill your needs. Our Wifi enabled conference rooms are a great solution for conducting frequent meetings with your staff, clients, and business associates.

Meetings can be held any time during office hours which are Monday – Friday, 8am – 4:30pm.

Conference rooms include:
• Comfortable chairs designed for extended periods of sitting
• 6 foot tables equipped with modesty panels
• Wall Mounted 60 inch LCD TV equipped with computer for online and power point presentations
• an Easel with Paper
• Completely equipped kitchen

Room Rental Rate (for Chamber members) details, as follows:

• $50 for two (2) hours

• A minimum of two hours is required

• Each subsequent hour (or portion) is $10

• Maximum daily rate of $100

Feel free to contact me at 219-462-1105 or gaskell@valparaisochamber.org if you’re interested in renting one of our rooms or if you have any questions.

Julie Gaskell, Vice President of Operations

gaskell@valparaisochamber.org

Newsflash! College students spend money!

2011-06-22T08:57:00.000-07:00

Really, that’s not news, is it?

The 10th annual "College Explorer Study" indicates close to 16 million students (ages 18-34) entered college classes in the Fall of 2010, an all-time record and up 6% from about 15 million the year before. Their collective $306 billion in buying power is 13% more than roughly $270 billion the previous year.

That’s a lot of zeros.

And, that’s a lot of spending!

A student spends more than $13,000 per year on average, 19% of which is discretionary. That adds up to a substantial $211 per month of discretionary spending.* So, besides books and tuition, they spend on electronics, cosmetics, automotive needs, food, clothing, shoes, apartments, haircuts, carry-out, personal care products… it’s not just about Ramen noodles and energy drinks anymore (although they still like those).

I should know. I have one of those college students living under my roof this summer. She will return to Ball State University next fall as a senior. I like to think I’ve done my part for the economy of Muncie, Indiana these past three years!

But, guess who’s doing “student spending” in greater Valparaiso? Nearly 3500 undergraduate students of Valparaiso University…460 VU law students…250 graduate and international students…4000 Ivy Tech students…4500 Purdue North Central students…not to mention their parents and relatives, the faculty & staff at those schools, and the occasional visiting boyfriend/girlfriend.

Over ten years ago, the Valpo Chamber began publishing the student resource guide or, The U-Guide, as we now call it. This glossy, four-color, 50+ page publication was designed specificially to capture the attention of the student market and make them aware of the goods and services available to them from our chamber member businesses. These guides are placed in student mailboxes or meeting venues at area universities. The U-Guide is also available at www.valpo.edu and www.valparaisochamber.org, so it can be viewed by anyone checking out those websites. Over 4000 are printed, but many more are accessible online.

Check out our 2010 U-Guide!

If you want to cash in on $306 billion in buying power, why not consider reserving advertising space in the chamber’s U-Guide? Chamber members receive discounts and ads begin at just $175. Sales close July 18.

I know it seems like summer vacation just started, but the Fall 2011 semester begins again in just two months!

Danielle Oeding
Vice President, Sales & Marketing
Oeding@valparaisochamber.org

*Other college student spending stats, per www.stateuniversity.com: The typical college student is in their mid-twenties, either lives at home or on campus, and has a job. Students no longer expect to complete college in 4 consecutive years, and many fluctuate between full-time and part-time study over a period of 5 to 7 years. The older the student, the more money he or she generally has.

Most money comes from work. 75% of students maintain jobs while attending school, earning $645 per month on average. 20% have secured an on-campus job and 42% are spending school breaks working. Parents contribute too, contributing an average of $154 to a student’s monthly income.

Members Helping Members program offers discounts on goods and services

2011-05-24T06:41:00.000-07:00

One of the programs the Valpo Chamber offers you may have overlooked is Members Helping Members. For many years the chamber has encouraged members to offer other members discounts on goods and services. This program have been around for many years and gone through many different approaches, and recently it has transformed again.

Back in April, Members Helping Members went completely to email and the website. On the second Friday of each week, the chamber will be sending you a list of the current discounts for you and your employees (remember…everyone that works for you is eligible for these discounts, so pass them along).

When you read this blog, take a couple of minutes to look it over and see what is new.

You can find current offers at: http://www.valparaisochamber.org/services/members-helping-members.php

If you would like to offer your fellow Valpo Chamber members a discount it is easy to sign up. Just email me your offer and I will get it on the next email. Once you sign up to participate in the program, you won’t have to renew. If you decide you want to change your offer or remove your offer, you can simply email me once again. The Valpo Chamber has tried to make it as simple as possible to offer and receive these great discounts.

I hope you take advantage of these great offers! I have been able to use many of them including the free chips and queso at Chili’s....mmmmm….FREE!

Kurt Gillins
Programs Director
kgillins@valparaisochamber.org

When you get an opportunity for leadership, will you be ready?

2011-05-16T14:04:00.000-07:00

Apply for the 2011 Valpo Chamber Leadership Academy Today!

The Valpo Chamber Leadership Academy is a four-month community leadership program that prepares, challenges, and engages emerging and existing leaders to strengthen the community. Participants are exposed to the larger community, exploring the public/city government sector, private business sectors, and not-for-profit organizations that play a role in building a strong community.

The Valpo Chamber Leadership Academy creates a space both to learn and to make a commitment to developing the community through service.

Benefits of Leadership Academy
Whether you are new to the area or not, Leadership Academy participants build a better understanding of the nature of community leadership and open new doors to opportunities within our community.

Know the perfect candidate?
The Leadership Academy seeks candidates who represent a cross-section of the community and its institutions, including business, education, and community-based organizations.

The Academy is open to all members of the Valpo Chamber. Application deadline: Friday, June 24.Click here to learn more or to apply today

Susan Antoszewski
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Leadership Academy Staff Liaison

santoszewski@valparaisochamber.org

Shovel Ready Sites: A Key Component for Expanding the Local Economy

2011-04-13T06:36:00.000-07:00

A Key Component for Expanding the Local Economy
Every growing and expanding community needs one really important element to foster expanded job opportunities: Shovel Ready Sites.

A shovel ready site is a piece of land that has been designated in advance with the proper zoning and has the entire infrastructure needed such as roads, water, sewer, electrical and gas utilities located on the site. All a prospective industry needs to do is purchase the land and build the building.

Recently, at the Valparaiso Economic Development Corporation Annual Meeting, over 100 civic leaders and business professionals attended to hear Kevin Tobin of Tobin Development, Pete Peuquet of Chester, Inc., and Stu Summers of the Redevelopment Commission speak about the need for shovel ready sites. These three experts explained that when a firm is looking to expand or relocate to an area they are usually working on a very tight and stringent time frame. If the proposed plant cannot receive the necessary infrastructure, then the company cannot deliver on its contracts to its customers.

To eliminate any possible glitches to a proposed new factory or business location, most firms only desire to look at sites which have all they need already at the proposed site in advance of purchasing the land.

Valparaiso has a shortage of shovel ready sites. The Valpo Chamber and the City of Valparaiso are working hard to identify sites which can become shovel ready. The Valparaiso Redevelopment Commission has been working diligently to get utilities and proper zoning in the south east area of the community along the US 30 and IN 49 highways.
Maintaining the momentum for attracting and retaining high paying jobs and quality companies takes good planning, extension of utilities, and assembling land parcels to make an attractive and inviting package for companies desiring to invest in a community.

Keeping a community competitive for high-paying jobs is not an easy or inexpensive process. Having shovel ready sites is paramount in attracting good industry and high-paying jobs.

Rex G. Richards
President
richards@valparaisochamber.org

Looking for more visibility?

2011-04-12T13:21:00.000-07:00

Looking for more visibility?

Okay, that’s a weak pun, but hey, it’s spring break week, and I’m sitting in 35 degree weather in Valpo. I think I deserve a little slack.

How many times a day do you visit a website? To check out the weather? To plan a trip? Or, to look up more information about a business you know or need to know? In my business, I often review a business’ website to learn more about them -- many times, before I even meet them. I think websites are very valuable, and they’re available 24/7.

So, if you haven’t already, I invite you to check out http://www.valparaisochamber.org/.
According to Google Analytics, the chamber has had nearly 6,000 visits to our site in the past month. What I find more significant is visitors are spending an average of 2.5 minutes with each visit. That is a considerable amount of time navigating our site.

Once they’ve landed on our site, what do they see? If you want to showcase your business in a unique way on our website, why not consider an enhanced business listing? While ALL our chamber members have the basic contact information included in our online member directory, some have an enhanced listing for just $50 annually. The listing includes a 100-word business description, map to your business and your company logo. These stand-out listings can be viewed on the home page of our website right now.

While you are “in the neighborhood,” you will also notice three display ad spots available on the home page – one at the top of the page (premium), and two at the bottom (banner). These slots are “move- in ready,” if you have the interest. You can choose the length of the time, the page to appear on, and/or the position of the ad. Fees begin at just $125 per month, which, if you think about it, is only .02 per visit.

For more info on any of these great website opportunities give me a call, or drop me an email.
I’m here. At my desk. No spring break for me. (sigh)

Danielle Oeding
Vice President, Sales & Marketing
Oeding@valparaisochamber.org

See? Networking doesn’t have to be scary!

2010-11-01T12:24:00.000-07:00

On Thursday night, October 28, I celebrated my fifth Chamber Network Night (CNN). It is the Chamber event I most look forward to each year as part of my Valpo Chamber duties. Maybe it was because it was the first event I attended when I started working here, but maybe it is because of all the great things it does for the Porter County business community. I am floored each year at how much networking gets done in a six hour period and I am proud to be a part of it.

This year was the largest CNN yet. Around 6:15 p.m., the Chamber was informed by volunteers that we had run out of scavenger hunt cards and sponsor bags. WOW! We had ordered 800, as we have every year, and there were still people coming in the door! A few minutes later, a representative from one of the vendor booths asked me if I thought attendance was up because she had run out of all her water bottles. Everyone agreed this was the busiest and best CNN.

Chamber staff always enjoys asking exhibitors, especially new businesses, how their evening was. Each person we heard from said they made great contacts and are confident their business will grow because of CNN.

If you missed CNN this year, you really missed out. But fear not, it will return on Thursday, October 27, 2011.

Kurt Gillins
Programs Director
kgillins@valparaisochamber.org

Get out the Vote on November 2!

2010-10-27T09:42:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, November 2, citizens can cast their votes in a very important election. There are numerous Porter County offices up for election as well as important state legislative offices. Citizens will also have the chance to vote for U.S. Congress and U.S. Senator.

The Board of Directors of the Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce urges all citizens to exercise their important privilege of voting on Election Day.

There are numerous reasons why this is a very important election for business owners, their employees and citizens at large.

The leadership of Porter County Government is at stake with one of three County Commission seats open. The winner will help shape policy for county government for the next four years.
Several County Council positions are up for election. The County Council approves the budgets for all of County Governments. Their financial decisions will impact the rate of taxes for county government.
Township Trustees are up for election. This office deals with Poor Relief and fire protection in the unincorporated areas of the county.
Important County Administrative posts are up for election. Those include Recorder, Assessor, Clerk of the Courts, and Sheriff.
The elected State Legislators will decide how redistricting will occur and determine the level of funding for important things such as funding for public schools, mental health programs and our state tax policy.
Our Federal Congressional Representative and United States Senator will determine what kind and how much federal tax goes to stimulus programs and to regulate banks and the financial community as well as to fund military action any place in the world.

I, along with the Chamber Board of Directors, respectfully urge all citizens to vote on November 2.

Rex G. Richards

President

richards@valparaisochamber.org

Clean. Crisp. User-friendly. Easy to navigate.

2010-10-21T13:26:00.000-07:00

The Valpo Chamber is pleased to announce that its website, http://www.valparaisochamber.org/, has been completely redesigned in an effort to offer its members added value and convenience.

Designed to showcase Valpo Chamber member businesses and provide important business and visitor information about the community, the fresh look and user-friendly navigation engages visitors with images from throughout the community and allows them to easily find the information they seek.

Essentially, the Valpo Chamber has combined three websites into one. The landing page offers web visitors three distinct choices with not only a Chamber tab, but the introduction of an added Community tab and Economic Development tab to help market Valparaiso’s economic vitality and quality of life.

This dynamic website was created by Valpo Chamber member The Grossbauer Group, Inc., whose diverse team members collaborate in a high-energy creative environment to provide comprehensive services such as graphic design, Web programming, Web conversion rate enhancement, search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, advertising, creative writing, print production, e-mail campaigns, public relations, and marketing metrics.

The new website has been a carefully planned project. We are proud of the final product and look forward to the benefits it will provide to our members and visitors," says Rex Richards, president of the Valpo Chamber.

WELCOME to the new and improved http://www.valparaisochamber.org/. Take a moment, look around. Meet the nearly 700 businesses that make the Valpo Chamber a thriving, diverse organization. We encourage you to explore the site and make it your practice to do business with Chamber members first.

Susan Antoszewski
Marketing & Communications Specialist

santoszewski@valparaisochamber.org

The positive impact of students on our local economy

2010-06-22T11:23:00.000-07:00

College students in the greater Valparaiso community make a very positive and significant economic impact on the local economy.

Nearly 3,500 students – including law, graduate, and international students - are anticipated this fall on the Valparaiso University campus. Many of these students make their home here for at least nine months of the year, not to mention those who stay all year to work, intern, or continue their studies. These students patronize our restaurants and our service businesses, and shop at our local stores. Many also live off campus and commute back and forth, shopping for everything from gas to groceries. If parents come to visit, the opportunity to showcase and shop Valparaiso is even greater. At those times, the expenditures are multiplied and include special meals out and hotel room reservations.

In addition to Valparaiso University, we have Ivy Tech Community College and the Purdue University North Central campuses-- both locally and at Westville. These campuses also offer a nice boost for our local economy. Rather than attending college elsewhere, these students stay close to home, spending dollars here.

The bottom line? There is a real and unique economic engine that can be captured by local businesses in Valparaiso, because of the growing student population. We are fortunate to have such a great asset which sets us apart from most other communities. Millions of dollars are spent by students in our community each year.

One way the Valparaiso Chamber helps our members capture this student business is by offering the opportunity to advertise in our annual U-Guide or University Student Resource Guide. This publication is distributed to all the local campuses - inside every student’s mail box at VU, and at convenient distribution spots at other campuses. Advertisers are also given a Welcome poster for their window, and an online link to their business.

I encourage all businesses that want to provide goods or services to the university students in Valparaiso to contact Danielle in our office about participating in our U-Guide. We must remember that many times a great opportunity is right before our eyes.

Rex G. Richards
President

2010 Census - Valparaiso Counts!

2010-03-24T06:29:00.000-07:00

Every ten years the United States Government undertakes a count of all our citizens. As the Chair of the Complete Count Committe, the local effort to encourage our citizens to participate, I would like to offer some important information about the 2010 census.

Who does the Census count?
*Everyone.

How big is the Census?
*118 Million housing units are anticipated to be counted
*79 Million questionnaires will be returned within a two week period

What the Census does for You:
*The Federal government uses Census numbers to allocate over $100 billion in funds annually for community programs and services.

*State and Local governments use Census information for planning and allocating for new school construction, public buildings, highway safety and public transportation systems, new roads and bridges, location of police and fire departments, and many other projects.

*Community organizations use Census information for developing social service programs, community action projects, senior lunch programs, and child-care centers.

*Businesses use the Census numbers to decide where to locate factories, shopping centers, movie theaters, banks and offices - leading to the creation of jobs in our area.

*The U.S. Congress uses the Census totals to determine how many seats your state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives. Likewise, states use the numbers to allocate seats in their Legislatures.

It is very important for all Valparaiso citizens to be counted. When the Census form reaches your household please take a few moments and respond right away.

Rex G. Richards, President

Valpo Chamber Blood Drive

2009-01-28T12:23:00.000-08:00

In conjunction with the American Heart Association’s national Go Red for Women Day on February 6, the community of Valparaiso will be celebrating with red banners, a special breakfast and various initiatives to raise awareness of heart disease.
The Valpo Chamber, along with the Indiana Blood Center, will host a blood drive in front of the Chamber office at 162 W. Lincolnway. The bloodmobile will be on hand from 8:30am to 1:00pm, accepting donations from chamber members and residents alike. To schedule an appointment, go to http://www.donorpoint.org/ and click on Find a Drive. Walk-ins will also be accepted on the day of the drive.

Here are a few facts about blood donation:

*Every two seconds, someone needs blood – nearly 40,000 units of blood are used throughout the country every day.

*The blood supply needs constant replenishment – people with chronic illness may require up to 200 units of blood.

*Most people – 17 years & older, 110 pound minimum, good general health -- are eligible to give blood.

*Indiana Blood Center provides blood to more than 60 hospitals in Indiana.

*Nearly all blood used for transfusion in the United States is drawn from volunteer donors – hole blood may be donated every 56 days.

*Each donor receives a free mini-physical that checks for anemia, body temperature, pulse and blood pressure.

Please join us February 6 for this special opportunity. Donors will have a chance to win a $20 chamber gift certificate, awarded every hour of the drive, and redeemable at over 100 locations.

Don’t forget to bring a picture I.D.

Rex G. Richards, President

Marketing opportunities

2008-12-23T13:45:00.000-08:00

During challenging economic times, businesses are typically more interested in investigating new means of moving their marketing and sales to a higher level, especially if it means beating the competition. The Greater Valparaiso Chamber has some really interesting opportunities that can distinguish your firm from the competition.

One specific advertising opportunity that mails four times a year to over 17,000 Valparaiso addresses – both homes and businesses -- is our Valparaiso Magazine. This slick four-color publication has been hailed by many readers as a great way to market their brand as well as establish their product in the Valparaiso community. Did you know that Porter County has the fourth highest per capita income of all 92 counties in Indiana? Valparaiso Magazine reaches a good portion of those people – people with money to spend on your products. Ads in the magazine are discounted to chamber members.

Another really popular chamber publication is the Valparaiso Membership Directory and Community Resource Guide. The publication is recognized as a top notch business and service directory, listing every single chamber member by business category and alphabetically by business name. In fact, many businesses use the directory in place of a phone book, when making a decision about a potential supplier of products and services. Over 700 various businesses are listed in this publication. Not only do all Chamber members receive this publication, but it is distributed to new residents, new hires and prospective relocates who contact the chamber and desire newcomer packets. The opportunity to advertise in the directory is exclusive to chamber members.

A unique third opportunity this year is for advertising space on the only official four-color Chamber-sponsored community map, complete with street guide, advertisers’ index and enlarged downtown inset. The map, which only publishes every three years, will be published in the late fall of 2009. This publication is used by individuals who want a detailed overview of Valparaiso, by vendors of major industries visiting the community as well as by parents of local university students getting familiar with the community. Despite internet options and navigational systems, visitors and residents alike request chamber maps more than any other single publication. Advertising space goes fast for this high-demand publication, especially in light of our city’s rapid growth in the last several years. Ad space is always offered first to members, and is a sell-out.

Last, but not least, is the ongoing opportunity to help you market your business brand with Web advertising on the www.valparaisochamber.org website. The site is available 24/7 and is viewed by members and non-members; businesses and residents.

Don’t lose sight of this valuable resource -- your Valpo Chamber can assist you in your 2009 marketing plan. The person to contact at the chamber for any and all of these is Danielle Oeding, at 219.462.1105, or Oeding@valparaisochamber.org.

Rex G. Richards, President

Valparaiso University Confucius Institute

2008-10-03T08:10:00.000-07:00

One outstanding program available in Northwest Indiana is the newly established Confucius Institute at Valparaiso University. Confucius Institutes are non-profit public institutes with the goal of promoting a friendly relationship with other countries and enhancing the understanding of the Chinese language and culture among world Chinese learners as well as providing good learning conditions for them. All Confucius Institutes have a Chinese university partner to assist with Institute organization and oversight. Valparaiso University’s partner is Zheijang University of Technology, a public institution of approximately 35,000 students.

Recently, the Valparaiso Economic Development Corporation hosted a breakfast seminar for businesses who are interested in trading with and doing business in China. Guests included Deputy Consul Maoming Chu from the Peoples Republic of China Consulate in Chicago. At the presentation, guests were also entertained by members of the Jiangsu Silk and Bamboo Troupe from Nanjing, China.

There are several companies in and around the greater Valparaiso area that have extensive business ties with China. Our community benefits from international sales in the Far East and we are excited to have access to an even better understanding and knowledge through the Confucius Institute.

For more information on Valparaiso University’s Confucius Institute, visit www.valpo.edu/confuciusinstitute.

Rex G. Richards, President

Area Tourism Study

2008-09-24T09:47:00.000-07:00

The Porter County Convention Recreation and Vistor Commission (PCCRV) is to be commended for underwriting a study by Destination Development which reviewed how Porter County measures up in various aspects of tourism. While some of the results were positive, the study also indicated that our area of the county has room for improvement. The Valpo Chamber was, in fact, one of the locations that was mystery-shopped and we are using this opportunity to grow and improve.

Destination Development reported on a variety of critical elements throughout the entire county, from signage to customer service. Being more receptive and inviting to the traveling public was at the top of the list and gave us much to consider.

The PCCRV needs the support of everyone to help institute these ideas. The Valpo Chamber is ready to help lead the way and provide a great first impression of our community, particularly to visitors of our area. We invite all of our members to join us in making our county one that welcomes all visitors and residents alike.

Member businesses already know how important it is to continually review how to raise customer service to a higher level. The Valpo Chamber is no different. We thank the PCCRV for their initiative in helping all of us think again about how we do our jobs.

After all, you only get one chance to make a good first impression.

Rex G. Richards, President