The Valparaiso Economic Development Corporation (VEDC) works as the driving force behind the city's transformation, partnering with businesses and organizations to create what they call "The Perfect Place."
Founded in 1984, the VEDC operates through strategic partnerships that focus on long-term community development while attracting businesses to the city.
"We internally use the word advocacy a lot, but we do it through education and promoting particular projects or concepts that we know are going to promote economic development," VEDC Chair Elect Jon Schmaltz said.
Unlike traditional economic development approaches, the VEDC believes creating an attractive community comes first, with business growth following. This philosophy has guided their partnerships since inception.
"It's not just economic development, it's also about community development," said George Douglas, VEDC board member. "It's that quality of place that we talk about — it’s about all that Valpo is."
Their collaboration portfolio includes Central Park Plaza, Pratt Industries' $260 million recycling plant, the Grand Gardner Hotel, The Linc apartments, the Bluejay commercial developments and more.
The VEDC maintains strategic relationships with organizations at state and regional levels to maximize impact.
"Economic Development Organizations such as the Indiana Economic Development Council (IEDC) and the NWI Forum help magnify our presence here in NWI and market this area to potential new businesses," VEDC Secretary Vanessa Lynch said. "We are part of the site selectors' trips here in NWI with the goal of familiarizing outside businesses about our area and creating a true connection to NWI and our business climate."
These connections yield tangible results when new businesses consider Valparaiso
"The relationships between the VEDC and the site selectors at IEDC come in handy when there are state leads for projects," Lynch said. "Our relationship with the NWI Forum is impactful since we are so close and are able to work together more often. The Forum helps market our area and connects us with even more influential decision makers."
Educational institutions form another crucial pillar of partnership.
"Our relationship with higher education is simple – promote our future and current workforce by career path guidance and attracting business industries that will provide long-term career opportunities for our graduates," Lynch said.
While not membership-based like some organizations, the VEDC serves a diverse group of stakeholders through its mission.
"We serve not only Valparaiso business organizations but other institutions that want there to be a clear, consistent, and productive economic development environment in the community," Schmaltz said.
The VEDC's 20-member board bridges public and private sectors, drawing expertise from diverse industries to guide initiatives that balance immediate needs with generational impact. Their scope extends beyond current businesses.
"We also serve the people and organizations that aren't here yet,” Schmaltz said. “There are businesses eyeing Valparaiso — they're curious about it."
The collective impact of these partnerships strengthens the city's economic foundation.
"These partnerships help build our footprint to become the best place to live, work, and play," Lynch said. "This adds to our workforce opportunities, keeps our graduates local and employed, builds a solid tax base, and enhances our quality of life here in NWI."
The organization's "Perfect Place" campaign, featured prominently on ChicaGo Dash buses traveling between Valparaiso and Chicago, represents this collective vision for the city.
"This concept is not just executives in the ivory tower," Schmaltz said. "It's not just preserving what we have, but making more of it and making it better, finding ways to improve it."
To learn more about the VEDC, please visit valpoedc.com.
