Ambassador/ Membership Committee
Chair: Chrissy Janusaitis
Committee Members: John Peterson, Ran Taylor, Jan Zurek, Robert Head, Karen Klaus, Brandon Johnson, Sara Maravic, and Giana White.
This committee helps promote the Chamber as well as identifies/recruits’ new members and helps maintain retention through enhanced programs and services. Committee meets the second Monday at 8:00am at various restaurants, time subject to change.
Awards Celebration Committee
Chair: Danielle Roytan
Committee Members: Lisa Franko, Jamie Lewis, Melinda Metz, Carol Podolak, Robin Bender, Shannon Buck, and Mary Harkins.
This committee reviews all nominations presented by Chamber members for several community awards that are presented at the Community Awards and Recognition Banquet. This committee also organizes the November Community Awards and Recognition Banquet including securing sponsorships and raffle items. This committee meets about 4-5 times between August and November at the Chamber office.
Budget/Finance Committee
Chair: Mike Sarver
Committee Members: Kevin Kosek, Alan Whipps, and Greg Lach.
This committee analyzes and recommends ideas/policies concerning the financial affairs of the Organization. The committee meets monthly one Wednesday a month at 8:00am in the Chamber office.
Magazine Committee
Chair: Nancy Simpson
Committee Members: Alan Whipps, Melinda Metz, Greg Lach, Bob Franko, and Melissa Deavers.
This committee develops a magazine which is distributed quarterly. It will be delivered to 17,000 households. This committee will decide on the theme and content of the magazine and will meet monthly.
PCBN Committee (Portage Community and Business Night)
Chair: Open - Contact Chamber Office to Inquire
Committee Members: Melinda Metz, Carol Podolak, Nancy Simpson, Robin Bender, Toni Modglin, Giana White, and Erin Robles.
This committee will meet from February till the event which is the 3rd weekend in April. This is a vendor show open to the public. The committee will come up with a theme and facilitate the event.
Golf Committee
Chair: Brooke Leonard
Committee Members: Melinda Metz, Carol Podolak, Dwight Stowers, Mike Sarver, Tim Isenberg, Tom Cherry, Sara Maravic, Brian Weichert, and Giana White.
The committee organizes this annual one-day golf outing featuring one flight, continental breakfast, sack lunch, dinner buffet, awards, sponsorships and contests.
Committee meets 4-5 times from February thru June.
Progressive Dinner Committee
Chair: Brent Wright
Committee Members: Carol Podolak, Melinda Metz, Robin Bender, Jean Lahm, Taylor Jones, Shelby Holden, Giana White, and Kristin Marlow.
Once a date is decided on for this event, which travels to different locations for food, beverages and networking, the committee will plan the theme and the logistics of the event. The committee will meet for 3 months before the event.
Social Outreach Committee
Chair: Nancy Simpson
Committee Members: Melissa Deavers and David Ondrovich.
This committee will work with Portage Chamber members to plan ribbon cuttings, Mid-week Mingles, and Perk-Up Portage speakers. This committee will help ensure that our membership is engaged with our key networking events each month.
Chamber Network Night (CNN) Committee
Committee Members: Erin Robles, Rachel Campbell (Duneland), Stephanie Edwards (Valpo).
This committee will help plan the vendor show put on by the Valparaiso, Duneland and Portage Chamber of Commerce at the Porter County Expo Center. The committee will help facilitate them and logistics of the event held in October. The committee will begin to meet 3 to 4 months before the event.
AD HOC COMMITTEES (AS NEEDED)
Personnel Committee
Chair: Alan Whipps
Committee Members: Greg Lach, Kevin Kosek, and Lindsey Mindel.
The personnel committee handles any human resource issues that may arise.
Marketing and Communications Committee
Chair: Kevin Kosek
Committee Members: Melinda Metz, Greg Lach, Erin Robles, and Melissa Deavers.
This committee works to raise needed revenue for continued operations and to raise donations for a particular cause. The marketing committee develops strategies on how to communicate messages to potential members and to generate interest in the benefits of becoming a Chamber Member.
This committee meets ongoing as needed.
Public Policy
Chair: Kevin Kosek
Committee Members: Greg Lach, David Ondrovich, Denise Little, Shannon Burhans, Brent Wright, Melinda Metz, Phil Goodrich, Robin Bender, Mike Sarver, Dayna Bennett, Rebecca Allen, and Alan Whipps.
Advocating for our Chamber members on governmental policies that may not support our business community. This committee meets monthly to discuss Portage business issues.
Governance
Chair: Kevin Kosek
Committee Members: Alan Whipps, Greg Lach, Lindsey Mindel, Mike Sarver, and Brent Wright.
This committee helps with providing legal oversight for the organization
Scholarship Committee
Chair: Ton Cherry
Committee Members: Greg Lach, Lisa Franko, Dwight Stowers, Jessica Trunk, Shannon Buck, Rosemary Weeks, and Amanda McKenzie.
This committee created scholarship criteria to offer 3, $1,000 scholarships for incoming college freshmen. This committee will meet to review and select applicant winners. If available, committee members should be present at the scholarship ceremony hosted at Portage High School at the beginning of May.
Search Committee
Chair: Alan Whipps
Committee Members: Kevin Kosek, Chrissy Janusaitis, Lindsey Mindel, Andy Maletta, Shannon Burhans, and Mary Harkins.
Should there be an employment vacancy at the Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce. The Search Committee will provide guidance and decisions for filling the position.