Marketing opportunities

During challenging economic times, businesses are typically more interested in investigating new means of moving their marketing and sales to a higher level, especially if it means beating the competition. The Greater Valparaiso Chamber has some really interesting opportunities that can distinguish your firm from the competition.

One specific advertising opportunity that mails four times a year to over 17,000 Valparaiso addresses – both homes and businesses -- is our Valparaiso Magazine. This slick four-color publication has been hailed by many readers as a great way to market their brand as well as establish their product in the Valparaiso community. Did you know that Porter County has the fourth highest per capita income of all 92 counties in Indiana? Valparaiso Magazine reaches a good portion of those people – people with money to spend on your products. Ads in the magazine are discounted to chamber members.

Another really popular chamber publication is the Valparaiso Membership Directory and Community Resource Guide. The publication is recognized as a top notch business and service directory, listing every single chamber member by business category and alphabetically by business name. In fact, many businesses use the directory in place of a phone book, when making a decision about a potential supplier of products and services. Over 700 various businesses are listed in this publication. Not only do all Chamber members receive this publication, but it is distributed to new residents, new hires and prospective relocates who contact the chamber and desire newcomer packets. The opportunity to advertise in the directory is exclusive to chamber members.

A unique third opportunity this year is for advertising space on the only official four-color Chamber-sponsored community map, complete with street guide, advertisers’ index and enlarged downtown inset. The map, which only publishes every three years, will be published in the late fall of 2009. This publication is used by individuals who want a detailed overview of Valparaiso, by vendors of major industries visiting the community as well as by parents of local university students getting familiar with the community. Despite internet options and navigational systems, visitors and residents alike request chamber maps more than any other single publication. Advertising space goes fast for this high-demand publication, especially in light of our city’s rapid growth in the last several years. Ad space is always offered first to members, and is a sell-out.

Last, but not least, is the ongoing opportunity to help you market your business brand with Web advertising on the www.valparaisochamber.org website. The site is available 24/7 and is viewed by members and non-members; businesses and residents.

Don’t lose sight of this valuable resource -- your Valpo Chamber can assist you in your 2009 marketing plan. The person to contact at the chamber for any and all of these is Danielle Oeding, at 219.462.1105, or Oeding@valparaisochamber.org.

Rex G. Richards, President

Valparaiso University Confucius Institute

One outstanding program available in Northwest Indiana is the newly established Confucius Institute at Valparaiso University. Confucius Institutes are non-profit public institutes with the goal of promoting a friendly relationship with other countries and enhancing the understanding of the Chinese language and culture among world Chinese learners as well as providing good learning conditions for them. All Confucius Institutes have a Chinese university partner to assist with Institute organization and oversight. Valparaiso University’s partner is Zheijang University of Technology, a public institution of approximately 35,000 students.

Recently, the Valparaiso Economic Development Corporation hosted a breakfast seminar for businesses who are interested in trading with and doing business in China. Guests included Deputy Consul Maoming Chu from the Peoples Republic of China Consulate in Chicago. At the presentation, guests were also entertained by members of the Jiangsu Silk and Bamboo Troupe from Nanjing, China.

There are several companies in and around the greater Valparaiso area that have extensive business ties with China. Our community benefits from international sales in the Far East and we are excited to have access to an even better understanding and knowledge through the Confucius Institute.

For more information on Valparaiso University’s Confucius Institute, visit www.valpo.edu/confuciusinstitute.

Rex G. Richards, President

Area Tourism Study

The Porter County Convention Recreation and Vistor Commission (PCCRV) is to be commended for underwriting a study by Destination Development which reviewed how Porter County measures up in various aspects of tourism. While some of the results were positive, the study also indicated that our area of the county has room for improvement. The Valpo Chamber was, in fact, one of the locations that was mystery-shopped and we are using this opportunity to grow and improve.

Destination Development reported on a variety of critical elements throughout the entire county, from signage to customer service. Being more receptive and inviting to the traveling public was at the top of the list and gave us much to consider.

The PCCRV needs the support of everyone to help institute these ideas. The Valpo Chamber is ready to help lead the way and provide a great first impression of our community, particularly to visitors of our area. We invite all of our members to join us in making our county one that welcomes all visitors and residents alike.

Member businesses already know how important it is to continually review how to raise customer service to a higher level. The Valpo Chamber is no different. We thank the PCCRV for their initiative in helping all of us think again about how we do our jobs.

After all, you only get one chance to make a good first impression.

Rex G. Richards, President