Tech Credit Union attends Annual Portage Community and Business Night 2026

On Thursday, April 16, Tech Credit Union attended the 23rd Annual Portage Community and Business Night 2026.

More than 60 vendors gathered inside the Portage High School fieldhouse as community members moved through the event—stopping at booths, collecting giveaways, and learning about local organizations. Hosted by the Portage Chamber of Commerce, the annual event continues to grow, drawing between 500 and 600 attendees and creating a space for businesses and residents to connect face-to-face.

“We do this to try to connect the community to businesses,” said Nancy Simpson, interim executive director of the Portage Chamber of Commerce. “That’s why it’s called the Portage Community and Business Night.”

As a proud gold sponsor, Tech Credit Union used the event to engage directly with the community it serves. Representatives spent the evening introducing attendees to their services while reinforcing the organization’s commitment to relationship-based banking.

“At Tech Credit Union, we believe banking should be more than just transactions,” said Michael Evanich, assistant vice president and manager of membership growth and SEG development. “It’s about building relationships, trust, and supporting the community.”

That philosophy is rooted in the credit union’s history. Founded in 1936, Tech Credit Union has long focused on serving working communities—particularly union members—and continues to build on that foundation through programs like “Unioncentives.”  The organization focuses on moving the community forward through labor-centered banking.

Participation in the Portage Chamber of Commerce has played a key role in strengthening those community ties. Tech Credit Union joined the chamber three years ago, further connecting its services to local residents and businesses while supporting nearby branches, including its multiple Valparaiso locations.

The event encouraged both business-to-business networking and community engagement, beginning with a networking session for vendors before opening to the public.  For Tech Credit Union, that dual focus reflects the importance of building relationships at every level.

“By being part of the chamber, you get to meet a lot of businesses and people from the community and really get to know them,” Evanich said. “It helps people understand we have a branch right over the border—it’s about getting out and being seen.”

That visibility reinforces the credit union’s identity as a community-centered institution, something Evanich said sets it apart from other financial organizations.

“Being community chartered, going to a local branch is like seeing family—but for financial support,” Evanich said. “We make our members feel comfortable.”

Beyond visibility, events like Community and Business Night highlight the collaborative nature of local businesses. While organizations may compete in the marketplace, the event fosters an environment centered on shared growth and mutual support.

“When it comes to the chamber, we’re in this together,” Evanich said. “On this day, we’re not competition—we’re here for the chamber.”

That spirit of collaboration extended across the event floor, where vendors ranging from the YMCA to Power Health and McColly Real Estate showcased their services. With a “Game On” theme this year, many participants incorporated sports attire and interactive activities into their booths, creating an engaging atmosphere.

“You have to participate to be part of something,” said Tim Isenberg, a loan officer at CU Mortgage Service and a member of the chamber’s board of directors. “It takes a village. It’s about helping out.”

For Tech Credit Union, being present at events like this is not just about promoting services—it’s about reinforcing its role within the community. By connecting with residents, supporting local organizations, and collaborating with fellow businesses, Tech Credit Union continues to build relationships that extend beyond traditional banking.