On Tuesday the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce announced four issues that it has adopted to bring before the new, 2013 General Assembly Session. Jon Schmaltz, Chairman of the Chamber's board says those issues are to continue State Funding for the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, extend the proposed Illiana Expressway east beyond it's current I-65 terminus point, Repair and upgrade US-30 from Fort Wayne to Valparaiso, and eliminate business personal property tax in Indiana because it discourages economic development in the state.

In a media release, Chair Schmaltz indicated that, "our Chamber will be submitting letters to various Committee Chairs of the Legislature and Administrative Agencies informing them of our interest and commitment to these issues so that they know our position and willingness to support these issues.  We will of course be communicating our support for these issues to the entire Northwest Indiana Legislative Delegation and our local Valparaiso State Representative, Ed Soliday and State Senator, Ed Charbonneau are two leaders in that delegation," stated the Chamber Chair.

"These issues were reviewed and approved by our legislative task force, executive committee, and finally our Borad of Directors," said Chair Jon Schmaltz.

The Valparaiso Chamber is a not for profit membership organization with over 720 members firms and is the largest Chamber and business organization in Northwest Indiana, located at 162 Lincolnway, Valparaiso.  Web site:  www.valparaisochamber.org

Valpo Chamber President, Rex Richards (L) and Chamber Board Chairman, Jon Schmaltz at the Chamber's special media conference on Wednesday.

                          (photo provided by jstevens)

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