Valpo Chamber
Chamber Roles Prompt Community Growth, Business Development Across the Country
For five decades, Rex Richards has been creating and cultivating connections and collaborations through his roles as a chamber leader to spark synergy and momentum in communities across the U.S.
“I started right out of college, hired in Jasper, Ind., and have been in the Chamber business as CEO/president for 54 years,” Rex said. “I have had the opportunity to lead small chambers, medium-sized and two large chambers: Kansas City, Kan., and Sarasota, Fla., that had large staff.
“I have managed and led almost every size chamber that exists.”
Rex been at the helm of Michigan City, Logansport and East Chicago chambers in Indiana before landing at the Valpo Chamber in 2006. He is wrapping up this portion of his career when he retires at the end of 2026.
“I am very proud of the impact I have made managing and leading chambers to be successful organizations that have made an impact on their communities,” he said. “Every chamber I have led has become a major economic development entity and been part of the growing community, bringing in businesses and having great economic growth and success.”
During Rex’s tenure in Valparaiso, the chamber was selected as the best chamber in Indiana 3 times, a number that has not been reached by any other Indiana chamber. This award is presented by the Indiana Chamber Executives Association. He has also been named Outstanding Chamber President by the ICEA.
“The best chamber award is a real compliment to the organization as it shows there is a maintenance of high-quality execution of our program and efforts in members engagement, what we do for our members and the work we do to attract new business to our community.”
Other honors given to Rex include: 2024 Indiana Business Hall of Fame, 2nd best chamber in America during his tenure here in Valparaiso, former E-Day Small Business Advocate and Certified Chamber Executive professional designation by the American Chamber Commerce Executives Association.
His impact has involved legislative and legal successes, fund-raising and business recruitment. While at the Valpo Chamber, a partnership program generated $1.7 million over ordinary dues and two gifts that eliminated the mortgage.
He says his success is rooted in strengthening ties with people and the community.
“I’m a people person. When you run an association with lots of members, you need to interact with people, and I really love being around our members and people in the community,” he said. “My success goes back to being with people. Listen. When you listen, you learn about the community and businesses.
“The more I learn, the more it helps me be a better salesperson for the community. Valparaiso has a lot of great companies. When you are speaking, you don’t listen and the key is listening and trying to learn from what you hear.”
As Rex heads toward the end of his time in the Chamber world, he is looking forward to taking on different challenges.
“I am interested in starting my own business and becoming involved in real estate from a personal standpoint,” he said. “I have served the community as a chamber president but now I will be in the private sector, helping to grow business and sales. A lot of the skills I have honed can be helpful and I want to continue to be involved and do it in a different way.”
Over the years, Rex has had conversations with many potential business owners who are considering the initial steps.
“People talk about it but never get to the point of actually executing starting a business,” he said. “I suggest to entrepreneurs I meet that if you have a great idea and feel comfortable, you should roll the dice and get started. Microsoft was a couple of partners interested in the computer field. Henry Ford started as a mechanic.
“Some of the most successful businesses in America started as small businesses.”
Valpo Chamber