Love is a four-letter verb. Care is a four-letter verb. Bley should also be a four-letter verb. Tiffany Bley loves and cares for her community and she is constantly showing that through her actions. She is A La Porte County Life in the Spotlight.
Bley has lived in Indiana since she was a wee one. She was born and raised in Chesterton, IN and attended school from kindergarten through high school there. Upon graduation, Bley headed to Purdue and majored in Communications. She also minored in Political Science and French. This is one busy girl.
While in college, Bley took a semester off and spent that time in the Indiana Senate where she wrote press releases for senators, announcements, surveys, and she tracking data. Bley also, interned at NWI Forum –a private nonprofit membership organization on economic development.
“I was looking for something to do that was local,” Bley said. “My dad served on environmental committee and he recommended me. I stayed there for about one and a half years.”
After graduation, Bley got a job as the Event Coordinator for the Chesterton/Duneland Chamber of Commerce. Her main tasks were directing the European Market, handling other events, memberships, sponsorships, and fundraising endeavors.
In February of 2012, Bley became the Downtown Director for La Porte and the Contract Executive Director for the Michigan City Main Street Association. Her job in La Porte is full-time, and there she helps to organize programs that help to revitalize the downtown area. Her other job in Michigan City is part-time, but she basically does the same thing there: bring life back to the downtown area.
“It helps the county residents, and the community itself. They lost that center mentality, so I help to create events that bring people to downtown La Porte and to promote the downtown as a great place to be,” Bley explained. “It’s fun! And really busy. I like to see the potential in both downtown areas. I enjoy working with small businesses and learning whole new perspective.”
Since Bley has been in her position in La Porte, she has seen three businesses open, the business owners get more involved with the community, and more people traversing the downtown area. This is definitely a sign of positive growth, and it makes Bley very happy to see the success unfold in the place that she calls home.
“I like Northwest Indiana,” Bley said. “This is my home I want all my areas to do well. It makes my home better and my job better. There is a lot of untapped potential here. The business owners are down-to-Earth, there are great people here, and I am met with open arms. The community members are very involved. It’s their home, too.”
Outside of work, Bley is still involved in the community through Kiwanis of La Porte and Rebuilding Together Duneland. As far as hobbies go, she loves kayaking with her fiancée, playing with her dogs, hiking, and spending time with her family.
So, does Bley have any nuggets of wisdom that she would like to relay to us? Yes!
“Work hard and be nice to people,” Bley said. “My philosophy is to work hard and make an attempt to enjoy everyone. We’re all working for the same goal to make a better tomorrow. So enjoy everyone around you . It’s made my job more fun!”
Very well-put, Miss Bley. See? It’s no wonder she is a La Porte County Life in the Spotlight!