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

January 11, 2017

Chamber News
Member of the Week
The  Member of the Week for January 16-20 is The Well, A Christian Community
The Well is a Christian Community rather than a church.  People often think of church as an institution rather than a body of people.  Therefore the approach to THE WELL is much different from the institution that many see in their minds when they think of church.   THE WELL  is a Christian Community who serves as ambassadors of Christ for the purpose of inviting others into a restored relationship with God.  The motive for planting this Christian Community is to reach those who are age 18-40 who are not sure that they believe in God.  They are the generation who does not believe in "absolute truth" and therefore are unsure if they even have a need for Christ.  The goal is to meet people where they are, to go to them.   Gatherings are held Sunday evenings at 6:30 pm at the Portage Township YMCA. For more information on The Well please contact Kevin August at 219-246-8926 or email kevinaug@thewellacc.org

New Fishing & Outdoor Show! Registration is Open
On February 24th and 25th the Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce will be hosting it's First Annual Fishing & Outdoor Show in the Portage High School Fieldhouse. Fish-On Portage is a collaboration between the Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce Sea Quest Lures. Mark your calendar now as this event is open to the public. Are you interested in renting a booth? This show is for fishing, outdoor, and related businesses. Do you sell fishing equipment? Own a charter boat? Insure campers or boats? Offer loans for outdoor equipment? Rent a booth today. We are also looking for sponsors for this event, if you are looking to get your name out-Sponsor Today! For more information please call 219-762-3300 or go online to the Fishing Show page Sponsorship Opportunities Information Flyer

Registration for Portage Community & Business Night is OPEN 
The 14th Portage Community & Business Night will be held Thursday, April 20th from 4pm-7pm at Woodland Park. This event offers businesses and organizations the opportunity to showcase their services and products to over 750 community members and also expose your business to over 100 local businesses. Registration for this event is available online or you may call the Chamber office. 

Community News
Lights Up Sound Down
Jacob's Ladder Pediatric Rehabilitation
From the creators of Despicable Me, now showing Sing!  Lights Up Sound Down is a tailored movie showing for children with sensory or other special needs.  With the lights up higher and the sound turned down to medium, this showing is an amazing opportunity for children who are intimidated by loud noises or bright lights to enjoy a show. Join us Saturday January 21st from  10am-1pm at the Portage IMAX Theater.  After the movie, stay for lunch, crafts, and activities all for only $5 per person!  Click here to reserve your seat

Pap-a-thon
St. Mary Medical Center
St. Mary Medical Center will host a Pap-a-thon, a one day health fair, providing free Pap tests and clinical breast exams to women in the community from 8 to 11 am, Saturday, Jan. 28 at the Valparaiso Health Center, located at 3800 St. Mary Drive in Valparaiso. In addition to the examinations, women attending the Pap-a-thon will also have the opportunity to partake in free bone density screenings as well as certified bra fittings, chair massages, mini manicures, light refreshments and more. Limited appointments are available and pre-registration is required. To make an appointment, call  1-866-836-3477.

Community Education
Retail Management 
WorkOne
Training Details: January 23-March 20, 2017, 8:30am-12:30pm (4 hours in-class instruction on
Mondays in addition to on-line course work).

Curriculum: Overview of concepts and processes, areas of accountability for a manager on human
resources, merchandising, customer service and sales, and financial reporting.
More Information here. For more information or to register call: 219-362-2175, ext 535 or email srichardson@innovativeworkforce.com

Customer Service & Sales
WorkOne
Training Details: January 23-February 17, 2017, 1:00-5:00pm, Monday through Friday.

Curriculum: Overview of retail industry, role of a sales associate, the value of delivering excellent
customer service, strategies to drive sales, and basic understanding of store operations.
More Information here. For more information or to register call: 219-362-2175, ext 535 or email srichardson@innovativeworkforce.com

FAFSA Fridays
United Way of Porter County
The U.S. Department of Education has extended the federal student aid filing period from now through March 10, 2017, the FAFSA filing deadline. Thanks to a new partnership with Valparaiso University, United Way of Porter County is providing a free FAFSA filing service at their office on January 13, February 10 and March 10. Appointments are available from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. To register, visit UnitedWayPC.org/FAFSA.

New Toastmasters Group
Toastmasters
There is a brand new Toastmasters group that has formed. Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that operates clubs worldwide for the purpose of helping members improve their communication, public speaking, and leadership skills. This group is open to all, but focused on those that work or live in the Hobart, Portage, and Lake Station areas. This group will meet the 2nd and 4th Mondays each month at the Hobart Chamber of Commerce located at 1001 Lillian St, Hobart. For more information please contact Lisa at 219-614-6939 or lisanjeffie@yahoo.com

Business News
Now OPEN!
Vital Nutrition
Vital Nutrition has just opened! Located at 6350 Central Ave., just across the street from Beef Mart and next to Speedway. Vital Nutrition is your daily stop for Essential Nutrition on the go. The Meal Replacement Shakes contain 24 Vitamins and Minerals coupled with around 20g of Protein. They are also an excellent source of fiber which helps with your digestive health. For more information check out the Facebook page.

Business Education
In Search of Appi-Ness
ISBDC
Learn how small businesses can leverage apps to develop cost-effective mobile marketing strategy. 
Participants will be provided with a step-by-step template to develop and implement a mobile marketing strategy.  The workshop will be conducted by Dr. Subir Bandyopadhyay, professor of marketing in the field of digital and social media, and Dr. Ranjan Kini, professor of management - information systems, specializing in location-based marketing and in developing apps for mobile platforms.
When:  Noon to 4 p.m.  Monday, Jan. 23
Where: IUN, 3400 Broadway in Gary at the Dunes Medical/Professional Building Room 2158 
For parking facilities, please visit:  http://www.iun.edu/parking/index.htm
No-cost event: There is no charge as it is sponsored in part by Innovate Indiana,   www.innovate.indiana.edu.

There is limited seating so registration is required. Light refreshments will be provided.

Activities and Promotions
Cabin Fever
Portage Athletic Boosters
Cabin Fever,  a silent auction/raffle social evening, will be held on February 25, 2017 at Woodland Park. This event helps the Portage Athletic Department to offset the financial demands of approximately  650  student-athletes participating in 22 different sports in grades 9-12.  The Athletic Department is a non-profit department that funds items related to competing in athletic competition at the high school level.  The Athletic Department is looking for  different companies, vendors, and organizations to donate auction gifts that will be raffled off to adults in our community.  If you have any questions regarding the above information, please contact Kelly Bermes at 1-219-764-6051.

Christmas in July
Yogi Bear Jellystone Camp-Resort
Yogi Bear Jellystone Camp-Resort is accepting donations for their annual Christmas in July event. The event will take place on July 29, 2017 and will include a day full of fun for all. Some activities include live music, parades, games, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. If you would like to provide gifts or a monetary donation for this event please contact Carolyn at 219-762-4141. 
Read More

Help Wanted
Teachers Needed
Ma's Lil Champs
Ma's Li'L Champs Learning Academy is looking for loving, caring individuals to fill part and full time Teacher positions at our wonderful childcare center. Business hours are  Monday  -  Friday ,  6:15 am - 6:00 pm . Ma's Lil Champs participate in T.E.A.C.H. grants for qualifying individuals and offer sick and personal Paid Time Off for full time employees. Other incentive programs are also offered to ensure employee moral is always high.  
Some Requirements include:
- At least 18 years of age with a high school diploma
- Previous experience a plus, but not mandatory
- Mandatory National Fingerprinting and Drug Test required
No phone calls or faxed resumes will be accepted. 
Please stop in to fill out an application. 
6564 Pan Am Blvd
Portage, IN 46368

Intern Architect Needed
Falk Liggett Design 
Falk Liggett Design is seeking a talented Intern Architect to join our design-oriented firm focusing on
commercial, corporate office and healthcare architecture and interior design projects in a highly
creative, collaborative environment. We offer competitive compensation and strong growth opportunities. Candidate must have excellent design, problem-solving and verbal presentation skills. As part of a Project Team under the supervision of a licensed architect, the candidate is also expected to be capable of working independently on projects from initial concept through construction contract documents and into construction administration. Read more

Sales Representative
Ideas in Motion Media
We are looking for talented, driven individuals to help us communicate who we are and what we offer with businesses that serve Northwest Indiana. We are looking for people who are:
- Hard working in attitude
- Aggressive in mentality and seeks and conquers challenges
- Engaging personalities who feel comfortable creating communication
- Self-starters who have goals above and beyond ours
- Gregarious when talking to new people
- Eager to get out and introduce the people and businesses of Northwest Indiana to ValpoLife, PortageLife, LaPorteCountyLife, and NWIndianaLife  Read More

Teller/Universal Banker 
Centier Bank
Part Time - Crown Point, Gary/Miller, Plymouth, South Haven
Perform transactions for individual and business clients, which include: deposits, withdrawals, loan payments and payoffs, cashing checks, and purchases of other items and services. This person needs to keep the clients' needs in mind while assisting them and make product and/or service referrals when appropriate. Responsible for following federal and state banking regulations and laws and for following bank policies and procedures. Responsible for developing strong client relationships by providing World-Class Service experiences for every client during every interaction.
Minimum qualifications:  High School diploma or equivalent. Banking experience is a plus, but not required. Customer service experience is desirable. For a complete job description and/or to apply, visit us on line at:  www.centier.com/careers

Web Developer/IT Assistant
NWIndianaLife
Involves working in many different areas, including:
- Programming
- Developing custom functionalities for our websites
- Updating content
- Assisting with office IT
- At times this position involves updating content and addressing emergencies during evenings and weekends. Read More

Caregivers Needed
Moses Caregivers
Caregivers needed for an assisted living home with 8 elderly residents.  Must be able to toilet, bath, feed, etc for the residents.  Starting pay is $8.50 for 1st 60 days.  After 60 days an evaluation is given and a potential raise discussed.  Part time and Full time wanted.  We pay time and half for overtime and holidays.  No experience needed we will train, but must love the elderly.  Please call Missy at 219-309-8544  or Liz at 219-508-7004

Coverage Team Members
PortageLife
An ideal coverage team member would be able to:
- Take photos at community events
- Write clear and entertaining articles about positive events, people and happenings in NW Indiana
- Engage with people in the community, promote our four sites and serve as an ambassador for good news and our mission
- Be available to cover events on nights and weekends
- Be available for event coverage at least one time per week
- Respond well to constructive criticism
- Have strong communication with others
- Work tight deadlines 

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