The Greater La Porte Chamber of Commerce has started off its 2017 with a flurry of events, changes to staff, and a number of committee meetings. To begin the year, Rita Mrozinski, a five-year employee of the Chamber, became President and CEO of the organization. Mrozinski stated, “It’s been an exciting new year, and I am truly enthusiastic to continue working with the La Porte community and businesses and determine where Chamber can help them grow and thrive. I believe that as a Chamber, we must not just accept the status quo and must reach for higher opportunities and expectations.”
That was not the only change with the staff, however. The Chamber also recently welcomed Michelle Dickman as the new Membership Director. “I’m excited to become even more involved with this community,” stated Dickman. “I truly believe this is the position I have always been looking to do.” Dickman came to the Chamber with experience in marketing and sales, working for La Porte County Realty and the Edward Jones office of Cheryl Reinhart.
Many of the Chamber’s committees began to meet in January. The Retention and Expansion Committee met and has decided to work more closely with the Greater La Porte Economic Development Corporation to help retain and expand businesses in the greater La Porte area. The Education Committee had a near record turn-out for its meeting with members discussing various workforce development and education initiatives at La Porte Community Schools, Ivy Tech Community College, Purdue University Northwest, the La Porte County Public Library, WorkKeys and other organizations. Finally, the Governmental Affairs Committee heard from local elected officials, particularly about the current state legislative session and changes within the county level of government.
The La Porte Chamber also helped to celebrate two businesses in Downtown La Porte in the month of January. On January 23, Go Aerial Fitness held a ribbon cutting to celebrate its grand opening in its new location. This fitness studio, located at 507 Lincolnway, has variety of activities including yoga, aerial yoga, Jazzercise, and more. Visit www.goaerialfitness.com for more information. As Time Goes By also held a ribbon cutting in January to celebrate new ownership. This antique dealer is located 614 Lincolnway and offers the unique service of clock repair. Call 219.324.4868 for more details. Finally, the Chamber also hosted an Elected Officials Reception in January where business members could meet and network with the area’s newly elected officials. This event, hosted at the Chamber, saw over 70 attendees who made new connections and re-established old ones.
The Chamber is proud to play an active role in the development of La Porte and our area businesses, and we invite you to come join us! For more information about the Greater La Porte Chamber of Commerce, call 219.362.3178, email info@lpchamber.com, or visit www.lpchamber.com.