The Valparaiso Economic Development Corporation (VEDC) is planning on beginning 2025 the same way it always has–with a focus on collaboration and advocacy, driven by community-minded volunteers with a passion for fostering growth.
As a proudly non-political and non-partisan organization, the VEDC focuses entirely on its mission to strengthen Valparaiso’s economy and connect businesses to opportunities without engaging in the debates of public policy or partisan agendas.
“The VEDC is not political, and it is certainly not partisan,” said Jon Schmaltz, VEDC board member. “The VEDC is not a public entity that’s connected with the city.”
The VEDC is composed of local volunteers who dedicate their time to supporting development throughout Valparaiso.
“Historically there’s been confusion out there that the VEDC is somehow an agency of the city,” said Schmaltz. “To advocate, we work closely with the city and there's a relationship, but the VEDC is a separate entity.”
As an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the VEDC is self-sustaining, relying on the support of dedicated volunteers rather than public funding. This independence underscores its ability to remain neutral while fostering meaningful connections with key partners like the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) and the Regional Development Authority (RDA).
“For example, the VEDC works with the IEDC downstate to support new businesses or established ones who are looking to build a facility or connect to someone in the area,” said Vanessa Lynch, VEDC board member.
The VEDC partners with over 40 local organizations alone to support the city of Valparaiso. Partnerships enable VEDC to bridge local and regional goals, offering businesses a seamless path to growth while ensuring Valparaiso remains competitive in a broader marketplace.
“Our role is to stay neutral and simply advocate to make use of resources that benefit the community,” said Schmaltz.
A defining feature of the VEDC is its volunteer board, a group of individuals who devote their time and expertise to advancing the region’s economic prospects.
“A key benefit of the VEDC board is it is completely comprised of volunteers who come from all aspects of the private sector,” said Dale Clapp, VEDC board chair. “We work together with the common mission of helping advance development within the city.”
Its work goes beyond traditional advocacy—the VEDC builds networks, facilitates resources, and ensures that Valparaiso’s unique strengths are showcased to potential investors and partners.
“We have so many great partnerships with community investors and organizations that allow this group to come together,” said Clapp. “Members of the VEDC genuinely care about what's happening throughout Valparaiso.”
VEDC board members noted that these partnerships and the ability to remain non-partisan allow its members to support projects and events throughout Valparaiso seamlessly.
“The Engage luncheon we had a couple of weeks ago is a prime example of us working closely with groups throughout the area to simply advocate for what the private sector is looking to advocate for,” said George Douglas, VEDC board member.
By focusing on results rather than politics, the VEDC ensures its work is inclusive and accessible, allowing the VEDC to unite stakeholders without becoming entangled in political discourse.
To learn more about the VEDC, please visit valpoedc.com.