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VMT h e M a g a z i n e o f t h e G r e a t e r V a l p a r a i s o C h a m b e r o f C o mm e r c eVol. 12 Issue 1 Winter 2012ValparaisoMagazineBlazingtheTrailChamber celebratesa century of success
BlazingTrailtheCoverPAGE 4Chamber celebratesa century of successFEATUREsValparaiso MagazineVMVol. 12 Issue 1Winter 2012PAGE 14Three Leading LadiesA Peek into the Chamber BoardLeadership from the FemalePoint of ViewPAGE 18Chamber FocusA Salute to Leadership“Two Pillars of the Community”SectionsPAGE 11Business Awards50-75-100 Business Longevity AwardsPAGE 12A publication of the Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce.New Member Investors162 W. Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN 46383Phone (219) 462-1105, Fax (219) amber.orgNew Board-approved membersPAGE 17Business SnapshotBoys & Girls Clubs of Porter CountyGREATER VALPARAISO CHAMBER OF COMMERCERex Richards, PresidentJulie Gaskell, Vice President, OperationsDanielle Oeding, Vice President, Sales & MarketingSusan Antoszewski, Marketing &Communications SpecialistKurt Gillins, Programs DirectorChristine Pazdur, Accounting DirectorSue Stymiest, Resource DirectorVALPARAISO MAGAZINE is publishedquarterly by the Greater ValparaisoChamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 330,Valparaiso, IN 46384-0330.To submit “Around Town” entries,call (219) 462-1105 or send to:info@valparaisochamber.org, Attn: Editor.For advertising inquiries,call (219) 462-1105, Attn: Danielle.PAGE 22Business SnapshotJean Kohler American Family InsurancePAGE 24Around TownLocal business newsPAGE 29Business SnapshotRittenhouse Senior Living of ValparaisoPAGE 30VALPARAISO MAGAZINEPublisher: Rex RichardsEditor: Susan AntoszewskiSales: Danielle OedingDesign and Production: Morse & Company AdvertisingCommunications, Inc.Cover/Feature Photography: Aran Kessler Photo.ImagingPrinting: Home Mountain PrintingMailing: Flanagin’s Bulk Mail ServiceVALPARAISO MAGAZINE circulates17,000 copies per issue by direct mail toall businesses, and, on a rotating basis,to most households in the 46383, 46384and 46385 zip codes.Subscriptions may be purchasedat an annual rate of 12, for thoseoutside our regular circulation.Ask an Expert“Why Join a Chamber of Commerce? Value.”PAGE 32Business SpotlightAdvertisers in the spotlightPAGE 33Member InvestorAnniversariesA showcase of members who havedemonstrated ongoing commitmentPAGE 34Our Voice (cover photo)Len Ellis, Founder of Radio One and 1967 Board Chairwith Jon Schmaltz, Partner at Burke Costanza & Carberry,2012 Board Chair“Aiming High for the Future”Calendarof Eventswww.valparaisochamber.orgValparaiso Magazine Winter 20123
BlazingtheTrail4ChamberCelebratesa Century ofSuccessin ValparaisoBy Kim Ranegar
hrough economic upswingsand downturns, triumphs andtragedies, the Greater ValparaisoChamber of Commerce hasbeen there. This June, the ValpoChamber turns 100. The yearlongcelebration has already begun andthere’s so much to look forward toin 2012. The fun begins with a lookback at the Chamber’s origins andsome of the incredible leaders whohave contributed to this our firstCentury of Success.Just Getting StartedThe Chamber continues to evolve,to empower its members, andto contribute to the community’squality of life. “The Chamber hasan incredible legacy behind it, butwe’re just getting started,” saysRex Richards, Chamber President.“People belong to the Chamberbecause they make a voluntarychoice to get involved,” he says.“We provide a benefit to thecommunity and our members arethe reason.”Today, the Chamber includesmore than 700 members,dedicated to ensuring thecommunity’s quality of life byproviding information, advocacy,networking opportunities, andmember services.To tell the Chamber’s own story,former Board Leaders of theorganization share their insights. John Sievers, 1912the Chamber’sfirst leaderJohn Sievers, 1912The Chamber’s forefather left hisguidance in a special column hewrote in the Vidette newspaperon March 18, 1937. Words fromthat original manuscript revealthoughts of the times. In 1937,he writes:“Those of us who wereinstrumental in organizingValparaiso’s first Chamberof Commerce back just 25years ago, have many happymemories.” He writes “ aswe did not have much money tooperate on, we had to make upfor this handicap by putting ourshoulders to the wheel and makethings go by teamwork: Andthat is just what we did do. As amatter of fact, if I had my choicebetween having a lot of moneyand having a group of men whowould work together and pulltogether, I would take the latterevery time.”From the start, cooperationwas key. Sievers owned thebuilding in which the Chamberwould begin its meetings – theRyan livery stable on SouthFranklin. “Our headquarters werepapered and painted by a groupof painters and paperhangerswho donated their labor and theHeineman & Sievers Drug Storecontributed the wallpaper andpaint,” said Sievers. “We did nothave much of a budget to workon – dues I believe were fivedollars per year.”Sievers goes on to describethe proceedings: “Our oldChamber of Commerce usedto have meetings, usually withbig dinners with businessmendoing the cooking, the servingand even washing the dishes,”he recalled. “We had everybusiness and professional manpulling for Valparaiso.” Coming together, past and present1798251819 12 20 1310212411345212214231516671. Carolyn Hartley, 19892. Len Ellis, 19673. Gus Olympidis, 19904. Dee Haklin, 20085. Todd Etzler, 20066. Harley Snyder, 19737. Jim Hutton, 19788. Dale Clapp, 20099. Norm Jacobs, 198310. John Shroat, 198611. Jim Jorgensen, 199912. Bill Wagner, 198113. Jon Schmaltz, 201214. Chuck Worden, 199815. Larry Raber, 199216. Brian Hurley, 199517. Robert V. Coolman, 198018. Paul Von Tobel, 197919. Dick Blastick, 199120. Fred McNulty, 200321. Larry Daly, 198822. Martin Sonnenberg, 201123. Nick Sommer, 201024. Dick Panton, 199625. Dave Rose, 2007www.valparaisochamber.org5
He reminisced about ahomecoming the Chamberstaged in its first year – 1912,which included a grand parade.“Why we even got W.E. Franklin,that old showman, to let ususe his circus wagon and,mark this fact, our Chamber ofCommerce members went out tothe old Chautauqua building,pulled out those wagons laid upin winter quarters, washed themand greased them!”“If I were to name the one thingthat made our organizationa success, I would saycooperation,” said Sievers.This “cooperation” was catchyand it’s still spreading todaythrough the Chamber.Broadcasting Wisdomfrom the ‘60sLen Ellis, 1967As the Chamber’s senior rankingvolunteer leader, Len Ellis servedas the Chamber’s Board Chair in1967 when he was just 39 yearsold. While he was leading theChamber, he was also runningPorter County’s first radiostation, which he had establishedjust four years earlier. Becausehe had a morning radio showand a young family at home, Elliswas up by 4:30 a.m. daily. “I wasbusier than a one-armed paperhanger,” Ellis says.“I remember having meetingswhen the Chamber was acrossthe street from where theMayor’s office is now. Theycouldn’t afford a shade for thewindow so we used an oldRingling Brother’s poster,”he says.Ellis recalls a number of the topinitiatives he worked on duringhis service with the Chamber.“We wanted to leave a littlelegacy behind and decided tocome up with an award forthe company that has redonetheir business or storefront ornew building,” he says. TheCommunity ImprovementAward remains an annualChamber highlight.Other major projects includedadvancing the Porter CountyAirport to promote economicBeing a part ofthe Chamber gives youa feeling of beingwanted the familiarityof going down the streetand knowing people.Doors open for you.It helped in business.Len Ellis, 19676development. The Chamberwas involved in supporting theairport beginning in 1940 whenit campaigned for the project,which officially opened in 1950.“We also had conversationsabout the bypass every five orseven years – for 50 years,”he laughs. Another goal duringhis tenure: “We were lookingfor new business. Does thatsound familiar?”Ellis, 83, remains busy inthe community, still doinga radio show at Radio OneCommunications, which is nowrun by his son, Leigh Ellis.“Being a part of the Chambergives you a feeling of beingwanted the familiarity of goingdown the street and knowingpeople. Doors open for you. Ithelped in business.”Looking ForwardJon Schmaltz, 2012Like Len Ellis, Jon Schmaltz willturn 39 during his year of serviceas Board Chair in 2012.Also like Ellis, Schmaltz hasa young family at home, asuccessful day job and ambitiousgoals for the Chamber. “Thecommunity has certainly changedsince the time that Len served asChair and I think the Chamber ischanging as well. We needto reflect the needs of memberbusinesses, support growthduring tough economic times,find ways to operate regionally,and advocate for our members,”says Schmaltz.Schmaltz grew up in nearbyMichigan City and returnedto the region after earning hisundergraduate degree at PurdueUniversity and his law degree atIndiana University in Indianapolis.“Like many kids growing up, Itended to think I wouldn’t returnto Northwest Indiana. I’m gladI did and I’m glad it’s Valpo,”he says.
makes a difference. There are somany intelligent, motivated, andsophisticated business owners inValparaiso and Porter County,”he says.“I enjoy working with theChamber. As we support eachother it raises the quality oflife for the entire community,making it an attractive place formembers and employees. It alladds to a positive quality of life inour community,” he says.Schmaltz shares Ellis’s passionfor community and strong workethic, yet there is a difference:“I’m more of a night owl,”confesses Schmaltz. “Had I beenaround at the time, I doubt that Iwould have heard Len’s morningshow,” laughs Schmaltz.As we support each other itraises the quality of life for theentire community, making it anattractive place for membersand employees. It all addsto a positive quality of lifein our community.As a CPA and Partner withGeorge S. Olive, Huttonserved many of the downtownbusinesses and is delightedto see a great number ofthem still succeeding inValparaiso, particularlythird-generation restaurantStrongbow Inn, and longtimeretailers such as David’sClothiers, Seasons onthe Square, and MartinBinder Jewelers.“Our downtown is somethingto be proud of. I give credit tosubsequent leaders who haveall had the foresight to keep thespace viable,” he says. Keeping Up withDowntownJim Hutton, 1978“Keeping the downtownviable” was one of thepriorities during thetime that Jim Hutton ledthe Chamber’s Board.“We had seen othercommunities wherethey were losing theirdowntown. And we sawthreats like SouthlakeMall. People wereconcerned about whereall the shoppers weregoing,” says Hutton.Jon Schmaltz, 2012Schmaltz and wife Jenny chosethe city in 1999 when he joinedBurke Costanza & Carberry,where he is now a partnerspecializing in helping businessesas well as estate planning.“Valpo was a perfect fit for us.It’s easy to make friends here.There are wonderful schoolsfor our kids. And the strengthof the business community“But Valpo’s leadershiphas had the foresightto keep the downtownviable to make it adestination,” he says.In Valparaiso, there are always people thinking ahead.Jim Hutton, 1978www.valparaisochamber.org7
“Even the most recent announcement aboutapplying for the grant at Morgan and Lincolnway[for a proposed transit center]. That’s the kind ofthing that will allow the success to continue.”Hutton also recalls serious discussions at theChamber about economic challenges. “The countrywas in a period of spiraling inflation. We hadalready started to make economic development apriority for the future, which led to formation of theValparaiso Economic Development Corporation justa few years later,” he says. “In Valparaiso, there arealways people thinking ahead.”Though Hutton had only been in the communitysince 1966, shortly after graduating from NotreDame, he quickly became one of the community’sbiggest fans and remains one today. “Valparaisois just a great community. It’s a great place todo business, to raise a family,” he says. Thoughretired, Hutton remains active on a number oflocal boards in between spending time with his11 grandchildren.Where It All BegaThe Greater ValparaisoChamber of Commercewas formed on June 7, 1912,to promote the economic,civic, and social welfareof the Valparaiso area.Prior to its formation, anorganization known as theCommercial Club existedas far back as 1898. Thefirst meeting of the currentchamber was in what wasknown as the Dr. J.R. Ryanbuilding, which later becamethe Lowenstein store.Since these early days, theChamber has been creditedwith many accomplishments.When the subject of a hotelfor Valparaiso was broachedin 1922, the Chambertook the lead and signeda contract with Charles F.Lembke who built the HotelLembke.The saving of theValparaiso and Northernrailroad by preventingthe junking of the GaryConnecting line betweenWoodville and Gary.In 1923, the Chamberstepped in to preventChicago, Gary, and MichiganCity interests from takingPorter County’s lakefrontfor state park purposes.TheChamber made a valiantstand against the plan totake over nine miles of lakefrontage by the state. Onlythree miles were finallytaken and the remainderwas saved for industrialexpansion.In 1926, when the Academyof Music block [located atwhat is now Lincolnway andWashington] was destroyedand the lives of two firemen,one from Gary and one fromValparaiso, were snuffed outby falling walls, and a dozeninjured, the Chamber wasfirst to advance aid for thefamilies of the dead men andthose injured in the line ofduty. A fund of 10,000 wasraised and distributed to thefamilies of the men killedand injured.20sA special Centennialedition of the VidetteMessenger related alist of the Chamber’saccomplishments, to date,on Aug. 16, 1936.Highlights of this list follow(Through 30’s) – in thewords of the day:8Valparaiso Magazine Winter 2012Establishment of a bus linebetween Valparaiso, Kouts,and Hebron.Backing of the movewhereby the ValparaisoCountry Club cameinto being.When the question of agymnasium was advocatedin 1925, the Chamber placedits entire strength behindthe proposition and, as aresult of its efforts; a holdingcompany was formed,which resulted in buildingof the structure.Another high achievement ofthe Chamber was the savingof Valparaiso Universityby inducing the Lutheranmanagement to take overthe school. Committees ofthe Chamber worked longand hard on this project,and made many trips aboutthe country to canter withLutheran officials.30sThe straightening of theJoliet Bridge and thewidening and improvementof Lincolnway into one of thefinest thoroughfares in thestate was another plume inthe cap of the Chamber.One of the greatest bitsof work by the Chamberwas the fight made by theChamber against splittingup the Northwestern IndianaTelephone exchanges bysale to the WinonaTelephone Company, amove that would have beendetrimental to Valparaisobusiness interests. This fight,started in 1923, was carriedover a period of seven yearsbefore the Chamber finallywas victorious.The Chamber also had alarge part in the improvingof State Roads 49, 2, 6, 130and 30 by acquiring right-ofway and inducing the statehighway commission toconsider the projects.
Family BusinessRobert V. CoolmanOf the Chamber’s many Board Chairs, just one ofthem followed in his father’s footsteps: Robert V.Coolman served as Board Chair in 1980 after watchinghis father serve in 1961. “I remember realizing in mythirties that my father had never stopped being myhero,” reminisces Coolman. “As far as I know, therewas no finer man. His commitment to his family and hiscommunity were complete,” he says.arrived in the city in 1950 when Robert B. Coolmancame to work at Farmer’s State Bank (now BankOne). “His philosophy was if the community thrives,the bank thrives,” says Coolman of his father. Theelder Coolman worked diligently with others, includingCharlie Bowman, to develop land, build business, andsupport the community. He was instrumental in formingthe United Way and in putting together partnershipsthat resulted in developing the US 30 Industrial Parkand retail areas on North Calumet, creating jobs andprosperity for the city. Though the elder Coolman passed away in 1986, theCoolman legacy remains in Valparaiso. The familyganOther important projectsin which the Chamber hasbeen active were the aidingof the Porter County MedicalSociety in two attempts topromote a county hospital,both of which were turneddown by the voters bysmall margins.Worked with NorthernIndiana business and civicinterests to induce the WarDepartment to build a 3million harborat the mouth of BurnsDitch, Lake Michigan, andinaugurated various tradepromotion campaigns inwhich Valparaiso merchantssecured greatly increasedreturns in business.40sThe Chamber was involvedin advancing economicdevelopment by supportingthe Porter County Airportbeginning in 1940 when itcampaigned for the project,which officially openedin 1950.Valpo’s leadership hadthe foresight to keep thedowntown viable andmake it a destination whileother nearby communitieswere losing their downtown.Although the country faceda challenging economy andspiraling inflation, economicdevelopment was a majorpriority for Valparaiso’sleaders. This visionaryspirit led to formation ofthe Valparaiso EconomicDevelopment Corporationin 1984Worked diligently withothers, including CharlieBowman, to develop land,build business, and supportthe community.Instrumental in forming theUnited Way and in puttingtogether partnerships thatresulted in developingthe US 30 Industrial Parkand retail areas on NorthCalumet, creating jobs andprosperity for the city.60sPorter County’s first radiostation was established in1963 by Len Ellis, who laterserved as the Chamber’sBoard Chair in 1967.The Popcorn Festival wasborn in 1979 as a wayto bring the communitytogether. The Popcorn Festwill celebrate its 34th yearin 2012, bringing thousandsof visitors to Valparaisoeach year.In 2004, moving forwardin economic growth, theChamber decided to make amove, to a new “old” building.200080sIn the wake of a collapsingsteel industry, unemploymentin Porter County topped20 percent in 1980. Yet theChamber was active.The Chamber’s current homeat 162 Lincolnway.“We need to reflectthe needs of memberbusinesses, support growthduring tough economictimes, find ways to operateregionally, and advocate forour members.”—Jon Schmaltz, 2012the success continueswww.valparaisochamber.org9
The younger Coolman tookon the challenge of leading theChamber through the difficultyear of 1980. “You know howbad the economy is right now?1980 may have been worsehere in Northwest Indiana,”he says. In the wake of acollapsing steel industry,unemployment in Porter Countytopped 20 percent in 1980.Yet the Chamber was active.“The year before, when Paul VonTobel was Board Chair, we werelooking for ways to bring thecommunity together. Someonefloated the idea of a festival andthe Popcorn Festival was born,”says Coolman. The PopcornFest, organized by ValparaisoCommunity Festivals & Events,will celebrate its 34th year in2012, bringing thousands ofvisitors to Valparaiso each year.“It was tough in 1980, but Valpowas proactive. We workedtogether with outstanding people.We accomplished some goodthings for the community and forsociety. In many ways that’s morevaluable than a few bucks,” saysCoolman. “As a kid, Valpo wasValparaiso aims higher.Whenever people talkabout a great city ora great chamber, theytalk about Valpo.Fred McNulty, 2003a farm town in many ways.LaPorte had Whirlpool andInternational Harvester andother successful industry.Now they look at Valpoand say ‘Wow!’ That didn’thappen by accident.It took a lot of leadershipby a lot of people over alot of years.”A Year of SurprisesFred McNulty, 2003Fred McNulty took on theChamber’s board leadershipduring the year that the Chamberdecided to make a move to anew old building. “We saw theneed for a new space if we wereto go forward with ec
Jean Kohler american family insurance PAGe 24 around town local business news PAGe 29 business snapshot rittenhouse senior living of Valparaiso . was key. sievers owned the building in which the Ch
