The City of Valparaiso has changed tremendously over the past 20 years. Since the Valparaiso Economic Development Corporation (VEDC) started in 1984, its members have been working tirelessly to promote and continue this change for the benefit of all of Valparaiso.
Always building on past successes while looking forward to new opportunities, several VEDC projects represent its core mission of making Valparaiso “The Perfect Place.”
One very prominent past project that received both the support and backing of the VEDC was Central Park Plaza and later the William Urschel Pavilion in downtown Valparaiso.
“The commission was very much involved in Central Park Plaza and other essential projects around the city,” said George Douglas, VEDC board member.
Early on in the development, the VEDC understood the benefits of having a gathering space like Central Park in the middle of Downtown Valparaiso.
“Central Park Plaza has done wonders for the city of Valparaiso,” said Douglas. “Even 10-20 years from now, Central Park and the Urschel Pavilion will still check all the boxes.”
Separate from both the city and the chamber of commerce, the VEDC is there at the beginning, the middle, and the conclusion of large projects throughout the city. This work takes place over years and always has one singular focus – to generate economic growth and improve the quality of life in Valparaiso.
“The VEDC is about advocacy and support for projects to strengthen Valparaiso’s economic development,” said Douglas. “Over time, people forget about all the work that went into making these projects successful.”
Outside of downtown projects that are evident to all, the VEDC similarly aids in larger economic opportunities that are less well known.
In 2015, Pratt Industries, a leader in the packaging industry, invested $260 million in a new mill site in Valparaiso. Instrumental in the selection of Valparaiso as a site, the VEDC understood the new location would contribute ongoing revenue to the city and create more than 120 new jobs.
“Pratt and other older projects really showcase the VEDC’s impact over time,” said Douglas. “With economic development, we have to look at how this will affect our community in three years or five years, not just today.”
Longevity is at the heart of all the VEDC does. Not thinking about short-term wins, the VEDC understands that good economic growth lasts for generations.
“Someday, we will be able to look back at the investments that impacted our community for 50 years and see how the VEDC helped to make them possible,” said Douglas.
Douglas understands that this forward-thinking view can be challenging when faced with change or temporary inconveniences.
“I hope people see beyond the immediate, sometimes negative consequences of economic development,” said Douglas. “For example, today maybe something is under construction, maybe it’s not that pretty, but over the years, this project brings long-lasting benefits to Valparaiso.”
Currently, the VEDC is proud of both the Linc apartment project and the Grand Gardner Hotel in downtown Valparaiso.
“When people try to understand the benefits from these projects years down the road, there are so many things to consider,” said Vanessa Lynch, VEDC board member. “The Linc apartments and the hotel will support downtown small businesses by bringing in additional residents/visitors and providing additional retail spaces.”
For the VEDC, location, purpose, and impact are at the core of advocacy.
“Having developments that impact the walkability of our city and connect residents with businesses are things people sometimes don’t think of,” said Lynch.
Always looking for ways to grow and protect the quality of life for Valparaiso, VEDC members are constant attendees at city meetings.
“VEDC members attend city meetings and voice our support of projects that move our city towards progress,” said Dale Clapp, VEDC board chair. “Being there and showing support for projects we know will help our city make such a difference in ensuring that projects move ahead on the agenda.”
To learn more about the VEDC and future opportunities, please visit its website.
