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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
Whether you're building, buying, selling or trading, there is one place to turn. Portage Real Estate, Inc has been rated a Top Sales and Listing Agent since 1979. Their professionals will sit down with you and work out the best possible plan to help you make the move you want to make.
When buying, or selling your home, you want performance you can count on. Leo Hatch, Jr., President, Broker, Owner, Manager of Portage Real Estate, Inc. for 36 years has the expertise and knowledge to make the sale or purchase of your new home a trouble-free experience. W
hatever you need in buying, building or selling a home - Portage Real Estate will make it happen! Contact Leo at 219-762-2186 or email at leohatchjrpre@yahoo.com
New Fishing & Outdoor Show! Vendor Spots Still Available
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.
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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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.
Hearts of Hope Tree Lighting Ceremony
St. Mary Medical Center
The public is invited to attend the 2017 Hearts of Hope tree lighting ceremony at
6:15 pm,
Wednesday, Feb. 15 in the West Patient Tower Lobby of St. Mary Medical Center, 1500 S. Lake Park Ave., in Hobart. Cardiovascular patient Lachunda Young will share her personal story and light the heart-decorated tree with lights that shine in honor of those whose lives have been affected by cardiovascular disease. The ceremony will feature an update on current advances in cardiovascular research by St. Mary Medical Center cardiologist Kais Yehyawi, MD, and remarks by Janice Ryba, hospital CEO. The event will also feature an educational seminar by Dr. Yehyawi at
5:30 pm.
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Community Education
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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
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.
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Business News
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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
. The Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce will be assisting Vital Nutrition with their Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on February 28th from 4-5:30pm.
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Business Education
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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:
6 to 8 p.m.
Thursday Feb. 23
Where
: Regional Development Company, 1757 Thornapple Circle in Valparaiso
Register online
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
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
Introduction to Government Contracting
ISBDC
The workshop will spotlight the opportunities available to work with local, state and federal governments.
Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) counselor Diana Hunter will lead the no-cost event on government contracting.
NW-ISBDC business advisers will also be available to outline how the agency works with entrepreneurs to help them launch, grow and develop.
There will be time for questions at the end of the program.
When:
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Thursday Feb. 9
Where: Purdue Technology Center of NWI, 9800 Connecticut Drive in Crown Point
More information
: Email northwest@isbdc.org
or call (219) 644-3513
.
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Activities and Promotions
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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.
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Help Wanted
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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
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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