The Valparaiso Economic Development Corporation (VEDC) works hand-in-hand with community partners and the city of Valparaiso every day.
To celebrate this work and the progress this collaboration has made, the VEDC hosted a partnership breakfast.
Dale S. Clapp, Northwest Regional President for First Merchants Bank and the current Board Chair of the VEDC, welcomed attendees and noted the collaborative partnership between VEDC and the city.
“We like to refer to Valparaiso as the 'Perfect Place,'” Clapp said. “The partnership between the VEDC, the city, and the chamber of commerce–three independent organizations–with a common mission to help our city grow and prosper.”
Understanding that the VEDC supports this mission regardless of politics, Clapp set the stage for continued growth through advocacy.
“Our job is to try to bring folks, projects, and information together,” said Clapp.
The VEDC does this work by connecting with prospective new businesses and explaining the benefits of Valparaiso. The team also attends council meetings and supports investment and expansion.
“This is what the VEDC does every single day, every single month of the year,” said Clapp.
Emphasizing the mission of collaboration and partnership, fellow VEDC board member Nick Sommers highlighted current and future projects happening around the city.
Sommers reviewed 19 projects currently in process. Running the gamut of housing, public works, and restaurants Valparaiso is continuing to grow in a changing climate.
“What's interesting about these projects is how broad they are,” Sommers said. “We have housing, manufacturing, and retail. We’re not relying on any one niche in this market and that has helped us become more prosperous and more independent.”
A few of the projects mentioned were the upcoming Tru Hotel on Morthland Drive, multiple new neighborhoods in development, and a potential expansion of the MAAC Foundation.
“The MAAC Foundation is a premier first responder training facility,” said Sommers. “There is a three-acre parcel that the MAAC Foundation is hoping to use for the North Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.”
The Academy would allow law enforcement personnel from around Northern Indiana to train 48 weeks out of the year in three 16-week sessions.
Additional projects include the Grand Gardner Hotel, Lenny’s Coal Fire Pizza, and Green Oaks of Valparaiso.
Operating as an independent private group, the VEDC is able to produce impressive results due to its partnerships.
“A lot of times people confuse VEDC with another organization,” said Jon Schmalz VEDC board member. We exist because of the participation and financial support of our partners.”
Schmalz concluded the breakfast by reminding the attendees that although these developments are impressive, there is still much to be done.
“We can't rest on our laurels,” said Schmalz. “All of Valparaiso has a vested interest in our ‘perfect place’. We will continue participating in this work–listening, engaging, and supporting our town.”
To learn more about the Valparaiso Economic Development Corporation and how you can support their efforts, please visit their website.
