A LaPorte County Life In The Spotlight: Brett Binversie

A LaPorte County Life In The Spotlight: Brett Binversie

You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who loves La Porte more than Brett Binversie, a lifelong resident of La Porte. Director of La Porte Civic Auditorium and La Porte Events Coordinator for the Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), Binversie speaks of his hometown and career with great affection and dedication.

“I would love to see the Civic have a larger influence in the community and become the hub of our neighborhood as well as the City of La Porte,” Binversie said. “The potential for La Porte and our community to grow and prosper in the next several years is there and I just hope to be part of it.”

Binversie, after attending IU Bloomington and IUSB to receive his Bachelor’s in Management, couldn’t resist the draw of his childhood town. He returned to La Porte, home of his high school alma mater, and commuted to several jobs in the food and beverage industry.

“The hybrid position I currently have was created by both Jack Arnett and Mayor Milo in 2014 when the position was available at the Civic,” Binversie said. “The arrangement has helped increase the CVB’s presence in the City of La Porte. It’s also helped better our communication between the community and the CVB.”

Combining two of his favorite pastimes, sharing his pride for the City of La Porte and helping others, has led Binversie to his natural calling. His and his friends’ active involvement with volunteer organizations is just one indication of the sheer dedication they have to make La Porte a better place.

“I have been blessed to have a close-knit group of friends, and to be surrounded by wonderful people, many of whom have been active in the community in a number of different ways,” Binversie said. “Volunteering and being active in committees and service organizations not only helps us feel better about ourselves, but also helps many others to have pride in both their community and their neighborhoods.”

Binversie has devoted his time to causes such as the Play for Jake Foundation, Band of Brothers/Clarke Park Renovation Project, and he also currently serves as the President of the Rotary Club of La Porte. He also notes that with teamwork, amazing projects including the Community Garden, Plaza 618, and Joyful Noise can be accomplished.

“I am always motivated by my fellow friends and coworkers: the effort put forth by people such as Mike Riehle, Darrin Brooks, March Schreiber and the Band of Brothers, the countless hours put in by Julie Schroeder and the Play for Jake Foundation, the giving nature of many of my fellow Rotarians (especially Mitch Feikes and Fran Milo),” Binversie said.

Bouncing from volunteer project to project, Binversie notes that there is indeed one person who held the greatest role in shaping his attitude and altruistic spirit.

“My single greatest influence would have to be my mother, Violet,” Binversie said. “She raised me as a single mom, without any assistance. She worked over 60 hours a week into her 60s to help put me through college. She was a woman ahead of her time. I believe my work ethic and desire to make others happy comes directly from her influence.”

Modesty is yet another quality that Violet taught her son, as he attributes his success to a combination of hard work, luck, and a phenomenal support system.

“The synergy currently existing between the City, the Chamber, GLEDC, and the CVB has all of us excited. The team that has been put together here is incredible,” Binversie said. “I am incredibly lucky to be working for the City of La Porte.”