A lot of business is conducted in the Region, and GreatNews.Life is there to capture the biggest moments. Whether that’s spotlighting some of the businesses making an impact on the day-to-day lives of those living in Northwest Indiana to helping find our readers a home in an ever expanding market, we’re proud to serve as a leader in business reporting in the Region.
2023 saw a lot of focus placed on the people who help production run in Valparaiso. New ventures were introduced to the Region, old ones were reacquainted, and a special spotlight shone on the employees that make every successful business work.
In no particular order, here are the Top 10 business articles on Valpo.Life to recap the good news in 2023!
Hartman Global IP Law Client Spotlight: Urschel Laboratories
For decades, Hartman Global Intellectual Property Law has protected the intellectual property of countless clients around the world, from multinational corporations to local innovators.
One of its long-time clients is Urschel Laboratories, Inc., a global leader in food-cutting technology founded in Valparaiso more than a century ago. To simplify their work, they make machines that process foods down into the size and shapes – and if you open your pantry, odds are high that an Urschel machine played a role in making multiple items inside.
Experience scenic landscapes while keeping close to the heart of Valpo with The Brooks at Vale Park
Attracting builders like Crusader Homes, Sublime Homes, O’Connor Builders, Inc., Steiner Homes, and Faganel Builders The Brooks at Vale Park is a development which will result in 245 new homes in Valparaiso with scenic landscapes.
“You get this great topography; you’ve got the rolling hills, you’ve got the creeks, you’ve got the two lakes,” said Andrew Knies, broker at Brokerworks Real Estate Group. “I think what makes it special is that it’s right here in the heart of town.”
An experienced realtor at Century 21 Alliance is often the secret ingredient behind the ultimate real estate deal
When it comes to buying or selling a home, the right ingredients need to be used at the right time to create the best possible outcome. Client satisfaction can be achieved for both the seller and the buyer through outstanding service provided by an experienced real estate agent, according to Jeanne Sommer, owner and managing broker at Century 21® Alliance Group.
A seller can get the data they need to determine how much to ask for their residential property and how to complete the sale, according to Sommer. Likewise, for a buyer, with the help of an experienced real estate agent, a buyer can begin searching for their dream home with the confidence that they will find a great neighborhood for their family and at a great price.
Every day is a vacation at the Lodge at Vale Park Animal Hospital
Pets are like children. You feed them, love them, and do whatever you can to make them happy. Unfortunately, it's impossible to spend all day, every day with your pet while handling a busy and unpredictable schedule. Every pet owner is presented with a decision of whether to leave their furry friend at home and hope they don’t make a mess or send them to a doggy daycare to be loved and looked after while their pet parent is away at work.
Deciding on a daycare can be stressful. With so many places to choose from, it can quickly become overwhelming trying to find the right fit for you and your pet. Your pet is your priority, but it’s also the priority of Supervisor and Dog Trainer Melissa Carmichael of the Lodge at Vale Park Animal Hospital.
Bartholomew Funeral Home: A second home for brothers Chris and Kyle Newhard
Brothers Chris and Kyle Newhard never imagined they’d follow in their dad’s footsteps and join the funeral industry. They’d spent most of their lives around Bartholomew Funeral Home helping out their dad and getting some work experience during their summers, but careers?
That was something else entirely.
However, it takes a special commitment and passion to work in the funeral industry, and you won’t find anyone more dedicated than the Newhards.
Team Chevrolet of Valparaiso builds people-first culture, putting family, service, and community at the forefront
Team Chevrolet of Valparaiso is part of a network of “Team” dealerships that spans the Region and that put a focus on culture. It is not just a dealer; it is a hometown dealership according to General Manager David Brubaker.
“Our culture is about growth, not just of the store, but as people,” he said. “It’s all about the people. It’s a family environment, and we try to keep it that way, helping people get better at their roles in the team and looking at how we can be better people, better husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, and members of the community.”
Devoted employees share overwhelming sense of pride during Strack & Van Til annual Years of Service Luncheon
When a company takes the time to show some love to its employees, it’s always a heartwarming affair. On Wednesday, April 26, Strack & Van Til celebrated its annual Years of Service Luncheon to honor some of its most committed and hardworking employees. A sense of pride and unity hung in the air as President and CEO Jeff Strack thanked his employees for their loyal years of service.
“It’s really humbling to see so many dedicated managers and associates here celebrating their years of service. It’s really the people that come to work every day at Strack & Van Til that help make our company successful and help establish the culture that has made us become Northwest Indiana’s number one grocer,” said Strack.
Valparaiso Economic Development Corporation creates the perfect place
Working tirelessly to promote and support Valparaiso, the Valparaiso Economic Development Corporation (VEDC), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, partners with local groups to improve the quality of life throughout the city.
“Partnership with the VEDC entails connecting with key stakeholders within the city, as well as other stakeholders involved in major projects within Valparaiso,” said Denise Conlon, manager of public affairs and economic development for NIPSCO.
Cheers to 30 Years of Oak Partners
On Friday, June 30, Oak Partners celebrated 30 years of providing clients with financial planning and wealth management based on building strong relationships, a focus on investor education, and a true understanding of customized planning and timely decision-making.
Oak Partners kicked off the 4th of July weekend by welcoming over 500 clients, advisors, employees and family members to Bulldog Park with some delicious American BBQ, excellent entertainment, and the company of friends. All gathered to say cheers to 30 years and the next 30 years to come.
A supportive culture and opportunity for growth make GIS the perfect place to jumpstart a career
Anyone looking for the perfect place to begin a successful career in insurance has to look no further than General Insurance Services (GIS). For more than 80 years, GIS has secured the future of the communities it serves, and now as it continues to expand throughout the Region, its team is looking to provide a bright future for several tenacious individuals.
Why exactly is GIS such a great place to work? One look at the company’s culture is all anyone needs to see to know the answer to that question. For decades, GIS has protected and served its communities with passion and diligence, and that has translated directly into the company culture.
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