Partners and members of the Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce gathered on Thursday afternoon at Latitudes at Marina Shores restaurant to hear about a number of successes in 2014 and look forward to a great 2015.
The annual “State of the Chamber” luncheon had its normal routine, highlighted by the update delivered by Cindy Colvin, president of the Chamber board of directors.
“I’d like to thank all of you for your participation and involvement with the Chamber,” Colvin said to about 50 on hand to celebrate the Chamber’s success.
Colvin noted that the Chamber had 286 members at the beginning of 2014, but that number has now ballooned to 302. She mentioned the “implementation of partnerships,” including a platinum one with Porter Regional Hospital and other strong connections made with other community businesses such as Horizon Bank and PortageLife.com (we’ve been a proud member since 2010). She encouraged other businesses to enter similar partnerships which, depending on the level, allow for participation in several chamber events such as the annual golf outing at Brassie County Club.
The 2014 golf outing was “a huge success with nice weather,” Colvin said. The always popular Portage Community and Business Night was so successful “some of the vendors were brought upstairs” at Woodland Park.
Monthly MidWeek Mingles “continue to gain success, allowing you to have good conversations, meet some folks and spread the word about your business.”
In 2015, Colvin said the Chamber will add strategic planning sessions.
“We want your feedback,” she said. “The Chamber is only successful if we can do what you want.”
The “30 Seconds of Fame” portion of the luncheon was especially popular, with businesses such as St. Mary Medical Center, Rittenhouse Senior Living of Portage, REGIONAL federal credit union and the host Latitudes sharing good news about themselves.
“We are going to open our beach house this Sunday for the Bears game,” Latitudes President Michelle Golab said.
Nancy Simpson, office manager of the Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce, also informed the group they have “one more day if you want a holiday banner on Willowcreek.”
Terry Hufford, executive director of the Chamber, introduced Blue Horizon and FirstLight Homecare as the newest Chamber members. FirstLight owner Michelle Alex introduced her business as one that can provide non-medical home care to all areas of Northwest Indiana.
In other news:
A ribbon cutting at the Porter Hospital location in Portage is set for December 2 from 4-6 p.m.
A Christmas Open House is planned for the Best Western of Portage from 4-6 p.m. on December 18.
While there is no MidWeek Mingle planned for December, there will be a Rise, Shine & Share on December 11 from 8-9 a.m. at the University Center.