(Photo courtesy Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce Facebook page)
In Valparaiso, the Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce announces the retirement of longtime President Rex Richards. A news release said Richards will move into the private sector following 20 years of leadership in Valparaiso, his longest tenure with any chamber, and a total 54 years leading chambers of commerce in the Region and elsewhere. Born in downstate Anderson, Richards began his career as a chamber president in Jasper, Indiana, right after college then went on to serve as president of chambers in Logansport, Michigan City, Kansas City, East Chicago and Sarasota before coming to Valparaiso. The Valpo Chamber also says it will host a farewell celebration for Richards November 19, 2026, at Journeyman Distillery in Valparaiso. Vanessa Lynch will succeed Richards effective January 1st, 2027. Here is a link to the full announcement for more details.
