The Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce held their annual Spring Swing! Golf Outing Monday morning at The Course at Aberdeen in Valparaiso. The course may have been wet but the sun was shining bright as golfers teed off in support of the Chamber.
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“The Spring Swing helps to fund the Chambers operations,” said Nancy Simpson, Chair of the Marketing and Communications Committee. “We rely on non-due income and these events help us to meet our budget requirements. This year marks our 32nd Annual Outing and we’ve had over 75 golfers come out today.”
Portage Chamber members as well as members of the community were invited to come hit the links this year. It was a great opportunity to entertain customers and business associates, and individuals who enjoy meeting other great people while enjoying a wonderful day of golf.
“We try to do as much with local chambers as we possibly can,” said Rick Calinski, Public Affairs Manager with NIPSCO. “We want to be a more integral part of the community. Getting engaged and getting involved is so important. Events like these are steps in that direction.”
Portage Mayor James Snyder was at The Course and spoke about the important role the Chamber has in the community.
“The Chamber is really great for business retention and growth around the Portage area,” Mayor Snyder said. “Supporting each other en masse and doing well in our local community is really important and the Portage Chamber has done a lot to grow our region.”
This year's Spring Swing format was a four person team scramble. After the silent shotgun start just after 10am golfers made their way to their holes and were soon teeing off. The scramble format means that each golfer will hit from the tee and the best drive is chosen from the four. All players then brought their ball to the spot of the best drive and the next shot is played from there. That same process was continued for each shot until the ball is holed. Flights were determined after play had concluded.
Prizes were also awarded on several holes for exceptional shots or putts. Prizes included: 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams in each flight; Closest to the Pin on 4 holes; Longest Drive; Longest Putt. A Hole-In-One Challenge was also featured on one hole. The prize for the Hole-In-One was a new car sponsored by Arnell Chevy KIA.
You can reach The Greater Portage Chamber at http://www.portageinchamber.com/. Check out their website to get involved and take a look at their events calendar to see what’s happening!