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Portage Press
Building a Better Business Community
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Upcoming Events- Sign Up TODAY!
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Chamber News
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Member of the Week
The
Member of the Week f
or
March 20-24 is Shep Services, LLC. Shep Services, LLC is not only a full-service plumbing company, but also a provider of professional maintenance services such as A/C repair and snow removal.
Their licensed plumber has the ability to service and install complete plumbing systems. So, whether you have a small leak, looking to get your water heater serviced, or have a bathroom remodel planned, Shep Services can always help. Shep has 10 years of commercial and residential experience to promptly service your needs with quality workmanship you can expect.
Shep Services, LLC is licensed, bonded and insured. They are a Veteran owned and operated small business established in 2016.
Call Shep Services at (219) 405-3040. Want to stay up to date? Check out the Shep Services Facebook Page.
Come on your own, or join a team. The Greater Portage, Duneland, and Hobart Chambers will be hosting The Chamber Challenge at Zao Island on April 6th from 3p-6p. Individuals from all three Chambers will be put on teams of 10 to battle against each other in the Chamber Challenge. 
The afternoon will begin with Motivational Speaker, JJ Peller presenting information on goal setting and effective communication, then it is off to five rounds of competition. Learn team building techniques from Amber Alexander of the Portage Township YMCA and then put them them into play in a game of Laser Tag. Build relationships with others in a team relay of go-carts AND an inflatable slide. Use critical thinking skills while competing against others to earn the most tickets playing strategic games. We will end the event with networking and pizza buffet.
This is sure to be the most engaging professional development of the year!
Register today!
**If your organization or business is interested in donating ten promotional items or gift certificates for the winning team please let us know.
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.
Mark Your Calendars-Portage Brewfest is Coming!
The 4th Annual Portage Brewfest is partnering with the Portage Township YMCA and Greater
Portage Chamber of Commerce. With a NEW location at the city's Founders Square Park and the creation ofa night-life atmosphere with live music, this festival will attract adults to responsibly
celebrate the region's booming craft beer industry.
Mark Your Calendars t
his event will be held on
September 9th
-more information coming soon!
If you are interested in volunteering or being a part of the committee for this event please contact jbailey@portageinchamber.com
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Community News
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Community Needs Assessment
Portage Township YMCA
We need your help! Please help the Portage Township YMCA by taking this
it should only take about 5 minutes to complete. Thank you in advance for your participation.
Tall Cop Says Stop
Porter County Community Foundation
Porter County Substance Abuse Council is offering a
free program, "Tall Cop Says Stop". Jermaine Galloway is a former police officer will provide tools, resources, and training to spot alcohol and drug trends, "Tall Cop Says Stop." CEUs are also available. This program will be held at Woodland Park on April 6th from 8:30 am-3:30pm, the program is free. Registration can be done online at eventbrite.com.
Flyer
Wonderful World of STEM
Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County's Valparaiso Club was humming with anticipation on March 1, 2017, as Club members
eagerly awaited the opening of their first-ever STEM Expo. As the Club's gymnasium doors were opened to the Expo, Club
members were greeted with various activities including: Making Catapults; 3D Printer Images; Brilliant Binoculars; Making
Floam; Bows  & Arrows; No Breath Needed (Blowing Up Balloons); Hand Bubbler; Microscopes; The Power of Magnets; Color
Changing Lemonade; Shake It Up; Rain, Rain Go Away and Coding is the Future. The STEM Expo was born from Valparaiso Boys
& Girls Clubs Science Club guided by staff member Katelynn Stanko and led by the creativity of Club members. ArcelorMittal is a long-time partner of Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County. Three years ago, this partnership began moving in the direction of providing STEM opportunities to Club members. Read More
2017 Earth Day Exhibitors Sought
Porter County Recycling & Waste Reduction
Porter County Recycling & Waste Reduction District is seeking exhibitors to participate in the 2017 Northwest Indiana Earth Day Celebration.
Organizations and businesses from around Chicagoland and beyond that can provide environmental awareness, services and products are invited to  participate.
The largest free public environmental event in Northwest Indiana, the Earth Day Celebration is scheduled from
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday, April 22
, at the Porter County Expo Center, 215 E. Division Rd., Valparaiso. Besides exhibitors, the event will also include entertainment, live animals shows, hands-on activities, food, a Reuse Fair and more.
Information and online registration are available on the district's website,
www.PorterCountyRecycling.org
.
The district is also seeking sponsors for the event. For more information, call
219-465-3819
. More Information
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Community Education
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Colon Cancer: Screens, Genes, and More
Colon cancer inspires fear in many, and as the second leading cause of cancer death in both men and women, it's easy to understand why. Yet the disease is nearly 90 percent curable when diagnosed early, thanks to advances in screenings and treatments. Join Gastroenterologist Mark Fesenmyer, MD, and Geneticist Janice Zunich, MD, to learn about the latest screening options, treatments and genetic testing for colon cancer at
6 pm
,
Tuesday, March 28
in the Auditorium at St. Mary Medical Center, 1500 S. Lake Park Ave. in Hobart. Please use the West Entrance. To register for this free program, call 219-836-3477 or 1-866-836-3477.
Volunteer Tax Service Program Appointments Now Available
United Way of Porter County
The United Way of Porter County Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is now accepting appointments for the 2017 tax season. This free tax preparation service is open to individuals whose adjusted gross income is $54,000 or less and is staffed by IRS-certified volunteers that file both federal and state tax returns. "For many in our community, finding affordable tax preparation assistance can be a daunting task when money is tight," said Kim Olesker, president & CEO of United Way of Porter County. "This program provides such a vital safety net for low-wage earners struggling to make ends meet."The program is made possible with support from the IRS and JPMorgan Chase Foundation. Appointments begin
Monday, January 30 and run through
Thursday, April 13. Daytime appointments are available
Monday through
Thursday and on some Saturdays. For additional program guidelines and to make an appointment, visit
UnitedWayPC.org/VITA.
American Teens in Crisis
A Positive Approach to Teen Health
On Tuesday, May 2nd, A Positive Approach to Teen Health will be hosting a conference at Avalon Manor from 8am-4pm. American Teens in Crisis is a full day conference designed to equip, emp
ower and encourage parents, educators, counselors, youth workers, clergy
and anyone who is a part of ayouth support system. Be equipped and empowered with up to date information on current topics of concern and take away practical tools of implementation. Be encouraged to continue the positive and important work that you are doing. You are making a positive impact! Together we can make a difference one child at a time.
$65 Early Bird Registration $80 after March 31, 2017 Register Online
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Business News
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Texas Roadhouse
Easter is coming quick and Texas Roadhouse wants to be a part of your Easter Egg Hunts! Is your group, organization or church looking for donations to help make your egg hunts a huge success? Texas Roadhouse wants to donate FREE Kid Meal coupons to you! We can even have our mascot Andy the Armadillo come out weather permitting. Contact Anni or Stacey at 219-762-5900
to learn more on how to get those coupon donations before it's too late!
Veteran Build House
Habitat For Humanity Porter County
Habitat Porter County is pleased to announce that we will be partnering with Tina, a veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and her teenage daughter for this year's Veteran Build. Construction for the three bedroom ranch with an attached garage will begin this spring north of Valparaiso near Edgewater and Sapphire Lane. We are very excited to bring this opportunity to the community to show our appreciation to a deserving veteran. Habitat has been offered a $25,000.00 matching grant to help fund the house construction cost of $80,000.00. Habitat is looking for generous individuals and sponsors for this event.
Please click here for Sponsorship Information
.
Looking for Reality Store Volunteers
Portage Township Schools
Portage Township Schools will be hosting the Reality Store for Willowcreek Middle School on Thursday, May 11th and Fegely Middle School on Thursday, May 18th.
Business Volunteers are extremely important to this program. Volunteers will assist students as they learn
how to live within their means while enjoying their chosen career.Volunteers are needed in order to make both of these events run smoothly. Interested volunteers should contact:
Doug Johnson, Willowcreek Assistant Principal at
douglas.johnson@portage.k12.in.us
Fred Greene, Fegely Assistant Principal at
frederick.greene@portage.k12.in.us
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Business Education
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Bring a Co-Worker to Class
Computer Education Institute
Bring a co-worker to class. Computer Education Institute (CEI) is offering Chamber Members a chance to increase your Excel skills and make points with a co-worker by offering a Buy 1 Get 1 Free Excel class. CEI offers hands on training for Microsoft Office products, QuickBooks and other technical certifications. The coupon is good for the Excel Level 1 on
April 10
and the Level 2 classes offered
April 17 & 18
. Call 926-5740 to register.
Budgeting 101-Planning for Profit and Success Webinar
SCORE
Of small businesses, 40% make a profit, 30% come out even and 30% lose money.* A lot of that comes down to budgeting. Join our small business experts for this free webinar, and learn how to create a plan that can help you achieve your goals.
Register Online
Key takeaways:
A budget is a simple, yet important, tool that is vastly under-utilized by small businesses
Creating a budget doesn't require accounting knowledge
Think of your "Budget" as more of a "Plan" for your future
Your revenue and expense plan should reflect your high-level business goals and strategies
By tracking your progress and adjusting your forecast, you will be better informed to manage your cash and achieve your goals
Business Start-up 101
ISBDC
The workshop is a first step toward owning a successful small business and it aims to help entrepreneurs evaluate their business ideas, prepare a sound business plan, manage expectations and increase chances of accessing capital.
The workshop is based on the ISBDC's A Sound and Proven Path Towards Launching Your Own Business Workbook, available at all ISBDC offices. A free copy of this 60 page step-by-step workbook will be distributed to participants and used during the class.
When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 30
or
When:
6 to 8 p.m. Thu
rsday April 20
Where
: Purdue Technology Center of NWI, 9800 Connecticut Drive, in Crown Point
Register online
or
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 17th
Where: Commercialization and Manufacturing Excellence Center at Purdue University Northwest, 7150 Indianapolis Blvd., in Hammond
Cost per workshop is $25. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required as payments are not accepted at the door.
More information
: Email northwest@isbdc.org
or call
(219) 644-3513
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Activities and Promotions
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Friendly Fortune Tickets are NOW Available!
Friends of Portage Township Foundation, INC
The Friends of Portage Township Foundation are excited to announce that the tickets
for the June 2017-May 2018 drawings are now available for purchase for $20 each. The Friendly Fortune is a 1year ongoing, raffle drawing with three cash prize pots drawn each month. $250, $100 & $50 cash prizes will be awarded to lucky winners each month. That's 12 months of drawings with 3 winners each month for 36 chances to win...all for only $20! Total number of tickets being sold is 500. Tickets may be purchased at the Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce, Samuelson Insurance, Portage Township Trustee's Office, or Reeder's Auto Service Center.
Flyer
KidsCamp Available During Spring Break
Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County
Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County's before and after-school childcare program, Kidstop, is ready to register children for the upcoming Spring Break KidsCamp. KidsCamp theme during this school vacation is Spring Break Super Hero Week. Click
here for more information.
Vintage Bazaar
Miller's Senior Living
Miller's Senior Living is hosting a free Bazaar and mini Museum on Tuesday, March 28th from 1pm-5pm in their lobby. There will be 1000s of pieces of costume jewelry for sale. Also with a "mini" museum, there will be free estimates on collectibles. This event is open to the public, so come and bring a friend.
Zao Island Shopping Night
Zao Island
Spring into Zao on March 30th for an exciting night of shopping with over 50 local Crafters and Direct Sales booths.
Come hungry, Zao will offer a $10 Pizza Buffet too, along with other food and drinks available for purchase.
Admission is FREE to the event, but the Humane Society of Hobart will be there collecting donations of needed items. You will receive a raffle ticket for each item donated.
 Items Needed: X-Large Trash Bags, Clay Kitty Litter, Purina Cat Chow & Kitten Chow, Antibacterial Dish Soap, Purina Dog Chow, SOS Pads, Paper Towels, PLAIN Clorox, Bleach,Newspaper
If you are interested in a booth contact Debbie at debbie@zaoisland.net
Spring Fundraiser with Felix and Fingers Dueling Pianos
Ivy Tech Foundation
Ivy Tech Foundation's Annual Spring Fundraising Event will be held on
Friday, April 7 at 5:30 PM at the Aberdeen Manor in Valparaiso. The event includes dinner, silent auction and, by popular demand, entertainment will be provided by Felix and Fingers Dueling Pianos, a song-request show. Proceeds will help support programs at the Ivy Tech campuses in East Chicago, Gary, Michigan City and Valparaiso.
Tickets are $75 per person ($40 is tax deductible) and can be purchased online
. Please contact Cindy Hall at (219) 476-4710
or cjhall@ivytech.edu
for more info. Reservations/ticket purchase is needed by
Thursday, March 30, 2017
. The event will be a blast-one you will surely want to attend. Flyer
4th Annual Easter Eggstravaganza
NorthShore Health Centers
NorthShore Health Centers will be hosting their 4th Annual Easter Eggstravaganza on Saturday, April 8th. The event will be held at the Boys & Girls Club in Portage, 5895 Evergreen Ave. This event is for children ages 1-12, the egg hunt may take place outside, please plan accordingly.
Total Knockout Trivia
Portage Township YMCA
It is that time of year again. Time to battle for the top spot! It is Total Knockout Trivia Time.
Put together your dream team of 4 or 8,
Theme your team! Best costumes win a prize. (Optional)
Cash-value prizes for top 3 teams,
Automatic free entry for grand prize drawing.
Enter Wine & Dine Raffle,
Play side games for extra prizes.
Beer & wine available for purchase,
Food & soft drinks available for purchase. Thank you to
Mexico Lindo, the Official Food Sponsor. Are you looking to get your business recognized? This community event is the perfect time. Complete the Sponsorship information
here
.
Trail Run Xtreme Coming Soon
Gabriel's Horn
Gabriel's Horn will be hosting their Trial Run Xtreme on May 29th from 9a-12pm at the Imagination Glen BMX in Portage, IN. This event is a fundraiser to support Gabriel's Horn. Gabriel's Horn Shelter serves single women and mothers with children of Porter County. The mission of Gabriel's Horn is to
 provide a protected refuge for homeless women and their children by establishing and maintaining a facility, which will provide, for them, a safe temporary shelter and outreach services. We will empower women by giving them the tools to become self-sufficient through collaboration with our community, education, and counseling.
To stay up to date on information on this event please visit the
Facebook Event
. Ready to sign up, register
online
.
Sponsorships
are available.
Relay for Life Banners
Kiwanis Club of Portage
The Kiwanis Club of Portage is once again sponsoring Relay for Life Light Pole Banners. If there is a business, organization, or individual interested in having their names displayed on the banner to support Relay for Life please complete this form. If you would rather order a banner in Memory or in Honor of a loved one this is also a great opportunity to do that.
Gears of Hope Duneland Tour
American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society will be hosting, Gears of Hope Duneland Tour on June 24th. The event will begin at Founder's Square and participants will have the choice of riding their bike on a 25, 50, 75, or 100 mile ride. Please see the flyer for more information.
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.
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Help Wanted
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Companion Homemakers Needs
VNA
Visiting Nurse Association of Northwest Indiana is looking for compassionate, patient individuals to work with our clients who live in their homes.
Are you looking for flexible work? Do you enjoy cooking, cleaning, and spending time with the elderly?
Come join our team as a
C
ompanion Homemaker
to provide companionship and perform light housekeeping, meal preparation, laundry assistance, and shopping for clients who live in their homes. Applications are available online or at the VNA office:
Visiting Nurse Association
Attn: Dawn Steele, HR Assistant
2401 Valley Drive
Valparaiso, IN 46383
e-mail: dsteele@vnaportercounty.org
phone: 219-462-5195
fax: 219-531-8188
Meals on Wheels Volunteers Needed
VNA
VNA Meals on Wheels needs volunteers for the Portage area. Interested in spending an hour or so once a week, once a month, or whatever fits in your schedule, helping deliver a hot, nutritious lunch to a homebound senior? Sometimes, the VNA Meals on Wheels volunteer is the only person that senior may see all day. Your warm smile and a hot meal can make all the difference in the world to them! Whether you are retired, a college student, a parent working at home, or a member of the business community willing to share an occasional lunch hour, you will truly touch other lives as a VNA Meals on Wheels volunteer.
Call the VNA at 462-5195 and let us know you'd like to help.
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
Caregiver for Elderly
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 at:
http://comforcare.com/indiana/portage or stop in the office to fill out an application,
3391 Airport Road, Portage Indiana or call 219-462-2400.
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
Help Wanted
Portage Township YMCA
The Portage Township YMCA is looking for compassionate, patient individuals to work with our young students in our early learning and childcare center. These positions are part-time and hours vary. Portage Township YMCA offers payroll incentives to individuals who enroll in qualified furthering education programs.
Requirements include:
- 18 years or older with high school diploma
- Previous experience in early childcare
- Mandatory national background check (fingerprinting), drug screen and TB test
- Universal Precautions, First Aid, CPR certification a BIG plus.
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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