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In This Issue
Chamber News
Community News
Community Education
Business News
Business Education
Activities and Promotions
Help Wanted

December 13, 2017

Chamber News
Member of the Week
The Member of the Week for December 11-15, 2017 is Holladay PropertiesHolladay Properties is a commercial real estate company with a long  tradition of success. We are committed to our Corporate Mission of providing excellence in service to our communities and our customers as well as
offering the comprehensive, customized and creative building solutions our customers expect from an industry leader. As a full-scale land development, design/build and fully integrated real estate company, we are able to provide a full range of real estate solutions and offer a wide-ranging mix of
products and services. Through the years, Holladay Properties has grown and diversified into a full-scale land development, design/build and fully-integrated commercial
real estate company. We are one of the largest medical office management
companies in the country and have developed over 20 million square feet of commercial space in the Midwest. With over 200 employees in a variety of specialties working from five development offices and about 30 management offices throughout the U.S., Holladay Properties has the knowledge, experience and people to complete any nature of project for any kind of client. Holladay Properties is known around Portage for many projects, including the newest- The Promenade at Founders Square.  Key elements of this project include: commercial and retail presence, high-end downtown residential units, amenities galore-parks, fitness center, pool, theater, party room, and some garage spaces. If you are interested in a new location for your business or residence call 219-649-1299 or check out the website.

Shop Local and Win!
This year to enhance your holiday shopping experience, the Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce (GPCC) is proud to sponsor "Shop Local and Win!" just for shopping local. From November 25, 2017 through December 24, 2017  spend a combined total of $200.00 (excluding gas/diesel) or more at GPCC Member businesses,  submit by mail:copies of receipts along with entry by January 3, 2018 and receive a $10.00 Chamber gift certificate  **Limited to the first 50 entries**  Entry Form  Businesses  print this flyer  and encourage your patrons to participate. Member businesses can be found  here


Rise Shine and Share-Success in 60 Series
Date: December 14th, 7:30am-8:30am-Central Time @ Portage Best Western
The Rise, Shine and Share will continue with the Success in 60 Series featuring Larry Galler. This session will teach you how to become a Power Networker. 
Register Online 
 
Holiday Party
The Chamber would like to thank you for your support in 2017 by inviting you to a Members only Holiday celebration.  Join us for complementary appetizers, conversation and a cash bar.  The Holiday Party will be at Bulldog on the Lake on Thursday, December 14th from 4p-7p. Bulldog on the Lake is located at 5987 Burns Waterway, Portage. Register here to let us know you will be there. If you do not have a Member Log-in please call or email the Chamber office. 
 
Space Available for Rent
There will soon be office space available within the Chamber Building for rent. 
The space will be available on December 8, 2017. The location includes: Private Lobby Area, Private Bathroom, 3 private rooms , Separate Entrance, Snow Removal,  Utilities and Garbage are included. The rent for this location is $650 per month and is roughly 675 sq.ft. If you are interested in seeing the available space please call the Chamber office at 219-762-3300 or stop in during business hours, Monday-Friday 8a-4:30p. 

Community News
Board Seeks Community Member
Portage Township Education Foundation
As a Portage community member, you have an exciting opportunity to support the Portage Township Schools!  Consider becoming a Board Member for the Portage Township Education Foundation!  The Portage Township Education Foundation provides funds for the Portage Township School (PTS) employees who submit grants.  These grants provide unique learning experiences for students which are not able to be funded through the typical school budget.  The funding for these grants largely comes through our fundraising efforts. Please send your name, email, phone and occupation to the Portage Township Education Foundation (PTEF) at ptefinfo@portage.k12.in.us.  We hope you can join us! 
 
Indiana Tourism Bureau Encourages Organizations to Apply
Indiana Dunes Tourism
Indiana Dunes Tourism is offering grant money to people and groups who plan to bring visitors into the county by building new attractions or by organizing festivals, events, meetings, conventions, or sports tournaments during 2018.  Grants are available to for-profit, nonprofit, and government entities.
A total of $50,000 is available to be awarded in 2018. Indiana Dunes Tourism, the official tourism bureau of Porter County, is specifically looking to support endeavors that will bring visitors from outside of the Lake, Porter, and LaPorte County areas, fill hotel rooms, and have a positive economic impact on local businesses and attractions.
In 2017, Indiana Dunes Tourism awarded grants to Gears of Hope Duneland Tour, Fish-On Annual Outdoor Show, Indiana Dunes Birding Festival, Taltree Acorn Concert Series, Northern Amateur Golf Tournament, Prairie Music Fest, Chesterton European Market, and many others.
The grants can be used for such things as construction of new attractions, as well as advertising, printing, and promotional expenses that bring visitors to Porter County and encourage overnight stays. The funds can also be used to develop brochures, websites, and other tools that encourage visitation.  Those interested in the 2018 grant program should visit:   indianadunes.com/grants .
 
Drop Off Site to Close
Porter County Recycling & Waste Reduction
Porter County Recycling & Waste Reduction is an agency dedicated to improving the environment and quality of life by providing services and educational programs which help residents reduce, reuse, and recycle. The drop-off recycling located at Willowcreek Middle School will soon be moving, it will be relocating by the end of day Dec. 29th. The district operates six other drop-off locations that residents can use until a new Portage site is located: Boone Grove Fire Department, 319 West 550 South, Valparaiso; Burns Harbor Street Department, 310 Navajo Trail; Chesterton, 1600 Pioneer Trail (Strack & VanTil); Hebron Municipal Building, 125 N. Main St.; Kouts Town Garage, 406 S. Kouts St.; and Valparaiso, 2168 W. U.S. 30 (Strack & VanTil).  Read More 

Community Education
Let Us Have Peace
Edmonds & Evans Funeral Homes
Edmonds & Evans Funeral Homes will be sponsoring "Let Us Have Peace" at the Bonner Senior Center on Friday, December 15th at 10:30am. This program provides a unique tour of America and guests will learn intriguing, often untold stories behind our presidents' final days and resting places. This event is free and open to the public.  

Business News
Tim Healy Named COO of Holladay Properties
Holladay Properties
Holladay Properties is pleased to announce that Tim Healy has become the firm's first Chief 
 
Operating Officer (COO). Mr. Healy has been leading the Portage/Chicago/Northwest Indiana office for the past 17 years and has been a Partner of Holladay since 2003.  "Please join me in congratulating Tim on the new chapter in his life - and the life of Holladay Properties," said John Phair, President & CEO of Holladay. "He earned it!."  The COO position is a new one for the South Bend, Ind-based commercial real estate firm. After doubling the volume of new development over the last five years, as well as increasing property management services and new hotel development activities, the position will provide valuable assistance to the CEO and additional leadership for all of Holladay Properties' offices.  "I'm very excited to be taking on this new role within Holladay," said Healy. "I've been here for over 17 years and have loved being a part of the amazing growth this company has achieved and I'm eager and honored to help lead Holladay Properties' continued growth for many years to come."  Mr. Healy's duties as COO will include oversight of Human Resources and Benefits, IT, as well as facility needs throughout the company. He will also provide valuable assistance to Holladay's investor relations, reporting processes, and capital management.

Ryan Smiley Named President & CEO
Boys & Girls Club of Porter County
As previously announced, two thriving local Boys & Girls Clubs organizations, Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County (BGCPOCO) and Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana (BGCNWI) will be merging into one organization, serving more kids and expanding its transformational programs and services.  Ryan Smiley, president & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County, will continue to lead the merger, as the newly appointed president & chief executive officer (CEO) of the new organization.  Smiley officially will assume the new responsibilities when the merger is complete on January 1, 2018. With the merger, the new organization will be in the top 2% of all Boys & Girls Clubs in the United States based on the number of facilities and members served during the school year.  The combined organization is expected to serve more than 10,000 youth and teen members annually throughout Northwest Indiana. Smiley has served as interim president & CEO of BGCNWI since October of 2016, which serves members at six Clubs in Lake County.  Both organizations are experiencing historical growth under Smiley's leadership.  "We are serving more kids today than at any time in our collective and storied histories," Smiley said. The average daily attendance of Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana has increased 40% since last October and active membership has grown by 1,046 youth in the past year under his leadership.  Read More

New Customer Specialists at the Valparaiso AAA office
AAA of Valparaiso
AAA would like to welcome two new Customer Specialists to the Valparaiso Office. Please welcome Abby Gunning and Sara Braun. Abby is a future elementary school teacher who attends Indiana University Northwest. She loves to read and spend time with her family and friends. Sara is the proud Mom to a 6 month old Golden Retriever named Hemi and a 3 month old German Shepherd named Daisy. She loves fast cars, her doggies, and her whole family loves AAA. If you would like to become a AAA Member or would like to apply for our 0% Credit Card for your Holiday shopping, please call us at (219) 242-8144.

Business Education
Simplifying Social Media for Solopreneurs
SCORE
Date: Tuesday, December 19th; 1pm Eastern
Do you have a social media strategy?
In this webinar, Donna Amos, founder of Solopreneur Solutions, will share what she has learned while working with hundreds of clients. This webinar can help businesses of all sizes who need time-saving social media tips. (Sponsored by Canon.)
Social media might be the last thing on the minds of time-strapped solopreneurs or freelancers. But with a well-planned strategy, even the self-employed can make the most of these powerful, and free, marketing tools. In this webinar, Donna Amos, founder of Solopreneur Solutions, will share what she has learned while working with hundreds of clients.  This webinar can help businesses of all sizes who need time-saving social media tips.
You will learn: What social media platforms to use if you are crunched for time, How to get the most out of your social media activities, How to align your social goals to business goals.

20 Things No ONe Tells Millennials About Entrepreneurship
SCORE
Date: December 28, 2017; 1pm Eastern
With the successes of Mark Zuckerberg and Evan Spiegel, it's easy for millennials to become enchanted by the idea of becoming an entrepreneur. Their dreams are becoming reality-according to recent studies, millennials are starting businesses at younger ages than previous generations. 
However, millennials should know the harsh truths about entrepreneurship before starting a company.  In this webinar, Ashley Williams, CEO and founder of RIZZARR, will share eye-opening truths that she learned as a millennial entrepreneur in hopes to empower millennials looking to start a company.  You will learn how to: Create a plan of action to move forward with your idea;  Surround yourself with the best possible team;  Test your idea in the market;  Develop the perseverance needed for success.
Register Here

Introduction to Quickbooks Online
ISBDC
We continue to partner with Accounting Made Simple on this online application workshop. Using the online version of QuickBooks allows users to handle all of their accounting needs and access data from anywhere online.
Key Objectives: Getting started and setting up, navigating QuickBooks online, recording transactions, reporting tools and expanding usability. 
When:  9 a.m. to noon Fridays  Jan. 12 a nd 19
Where: Purdue Technology Center of NWI, 9800 Connecticut Drive, in Crown Point 46307
Cost: $100 for the two-part workshop. Pre-registration is required.
Register Online
More information: Email northwest@isbdc.org or call (219) 644-3513.
The workshop does NOT contain any information for users of Desktop applications QuickBooks Pro, Premier, Enterprise Solutions or QuickBooks for the Mac.

2018 Vision Project
South Shore Leadership Center
Dates: February 6th and 7th
February 6th Cocktail Party - 5pm-7pm - TBD
February 7th All Day Event - 8am-5pm - Halls of St. George

This program invites experienced and seasoned leaders to join a cohort of individuals to discuss and delve into regional assets and the issues we face. The event will discover initiatives and recommend actions to advance the Region. Participants can expect a series of high-level presentations offering inspiration and benchmarks from around the United States. Presenters may include: Governors, Mayors, CEO's for Cities, Venture Capitalists, Futurists/Scientists, Technology Leaders, National Foundations/Philanthropies, Faith Leaders and more.

The theme for 2018:  Developing the Region as a Tourist Destination - What This Really Means!
 
Depending on what you would like to attend, make sure to purchase a ticket for both days or just the main event on February 7, 2018. 

The cocktail party will kick off the excitement for what attendees are about to learn. Appetizers and cocktails will be served, and we will give you a sneak peak into your day long program on February 7, 2018, Your day will start with 8am breakfast, followed by lunch at noon, and many fascinating experts touching on the topic of tourism in between. Register Online

Activities and Promotions
"Don't Get Scrooged"
Members Advantage Credit Union
Members Advantage Credit Union (MACU) launched its holiday "Don't Get Scrooged" campaign in an effort to give back to the community and show people how credit union membership can be different than using banks, while spreading holiday cheer to the Portage community.  As part of the "Don't Get Scrooged" campaign, MACU will be offering free money at its Portage ATM, doing random acts of kindness, offering amazing limited-time loan specials, and so much more, including:  FREE Money at MACU's Portage ATM - MACU will replace 50, $20 bills with $50 bills. So, 50 Portage MACU ATM visitors will get a holiday gift of cash from MACU! (Dec. 4-18); Random Acts of Kindness;  Visiting the Portage Walmart and surprising people by paying off their layaways;  Showing up at area restaurants and coffee shops to pay tabs for people;  Delivering surprise lunches to public servants;   And so much more!  Half off auto loans transferred to MACU's Portage branch;  Kasasa checking with cash back, iTunes, or above market interest rates;  0% APR on holiday VISA purchases, giving shoppers 0% interest for 6 months on  holiday purchases; C hristmas loan specials on auto or RV loans, or a low-interest, 24-month, $5,000 Chris tmas loan. Read More

Christmas Buffet
Miller's Senior Living
Miller's Senior Living will be hosting a Christmas Buffet on Sunday, December 17th from 11am-1pm. The buffet is $15 per person. All reservations must be in by Friday, December 8th. Please call Kim at 219-764-0623. 
 
Now Enrolling
Ma's Li'L Champs
Ma's Li'l Champs Learning Academy is now enrolling. They are conveniently located behind the Portage IMAX Theater. They are accepting children ages one thru Pre-School. Ma's Li'L Champs is a safe and clean environment with security monitors in every classroom and it is a state regulated facility. Ma's Li'L Champs accepts Step Ahead & CCDF and is a participant of the Paths to Quality Program. Call today, 219-763-0020.

2018 500 Club Tickets are on Sale
Portage Township Education Foundation
The Portage Township Education Foundation is selling tickets for the 2018 500 Club Tickets. The 500 club offers ticket purchasers 36 chances to win! The cost of a ticket is $50 and each month three winners are drawn to win- one winner for $500, one winner for $150, and one winner for $100. The winners are then put back in the pot to win again! The drawings are held the 2nd Tuesday of every month beginning in January. Winners are contacted via phone or email. Please complete this form and submit it to ptefinfo@portage.k12.in.us . When you support the education of our children....EVERYBODY WINS!

Help Wanted
Sales and Catering Manager
Country Inn & Suites and Affordable Suites of America
Responsible for soliciting, selling, organizing, and finalizing all arrangements for BTS accounts, group blocks, meetings, and catering functions. Responsible for generating group rooms from multiple market segments, booking social/corporate/catering, and securing corporate transient accounts, with the full understanding of all rooms and food and beverage practices for Country Inn & Suites Portage and Affordable Suites of America Portage by performing the following duties.

Hiring for all Positions
Moody Blooms
Moody Blooms is preparing for the holidays! They are now interviewing for all positions. Please email your resume to moodyblooms@aol.com

Caregivers Needed
ComForCare
ComForCare is a home care agency located in Portage, IN. We are growing fast and looking for new caregivers to join our team. We have clients 24/7 and also look for those who can do live-ins. 
We have clients all around the area an are in need of those who can fill small shifts, large shifts and weekend shifts. We are hiring, Companions, CNA's and Home Health Aids. Flexible hours 3-12 hour shifts available.
If you have experience and think you would be a good fit, please apply and we will contact you if we feel you would be a good addition to the team.  Apply online or stop in the office to fill out an application, 3391 Airport Road, Portage Indiana or call 219-462-2400.

Now Hiring
Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile is now seeking applicants to fill one full time position and one part time position. The individual must be 18 years or older. Must have a valid driver license. The individual should be out of high school. Please bring your resume to Boost Mobile, 6534 US Hwy 6, Portage