VEDC board member Randy Zromkoski advocates for continued growth paired with preservation

Randall “Randy” Zromkoski is passionate about preservation and its impact on Valparaiso. As a member of Valparaiso Economic Development Corporation’s (VEDC) board, Zromkoski has the opportunity to cultivate Valparaiso’s continued development and preserve its history.

“It is a community that’s growing. It’s a community that understands the value of preserving the small town atmosphere as best you can. At the same time, it’s encouraging growth that is well thought out and consistent with maintaining that quality of life,” Zromkoski said.

Formally established in 1978, VEDC’s mission is to encourage economic growth in the Greater Valparaiso area by promoting the business opportunities and advantages that are offered in the city. This includes identifying the needs of the business community, facilitating strategic partnerships to address the needs, and encouraging investments that create jobs. As a result, this can generate economic opportunities and improve the quality of life in the Greater Valparaiso area.

Zromkoski helps to promote this with his strategy that strikes a gentle balance between contemporary development with smart preservation, leaning on various industry experts and others members of the board with their expertise as well.

“My business is a law firm business,” Zromkoski said. “I don’t have the expertise in terms of the absence of certain manufacturing or other industries. I just know that Valparaiso is right for continued development, as long as it’s a development that’s very well thought out and continues to preserve those things that have made this community so valuable for so long.”

One of the latest projects that is merging preservation with development is the local Grand Gardner Hotel, a 58-room hotel that was formerly The Gardner School when it was originally built in 1899. Just a few years ago, the building also housed a local Boys and Girls Club of Greater Northwest Indiana facility. The project is on schedule for 2026 completion.

“We are taking a building that has been in our community since 1899 with numerous children who have come through it, both from an educational perspective and through the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Northwest Indiana. Architecturally, it’s a beautiful building and the great marriage of economic development with historic preservation,” Zromkoski said. “It’s a project that everybody should understand the significance of and support it. That project is a good combination of development, preservation of history, and quality of life.”

Zromkoski’s family also resides in Valparaiso. The community is very much a part of his life, even outside of his work with VEDC’s board.

“Valparaiso is a huge part of my life,” Zromkoski said. “It’s where my children were born. It’s where my grandchildren live.”

There’s no doubt Zromkoski believes Valparaiso is slated for rewarding growth and development. He also believes it should be done right and is working to ensure that.

“I listen, learn, and advocate when necessary to support good, well-planned development within the community,” he said.

With Zromkoski and the VEDC’s leadership, Valparaiso will continue to be a place for business, economic growth, and a city that remembers the value of its history.

To learn more about Valparaiso Economic Development Corporation, visit valpoedc.com.