Mayor Jon Costas has appointed Rick Urschel to the Valparaiso Redevelopment Commission. “We’re so pleased to have Rick’s expertise on the Redevelopment Commission. Certainly he and his family have a longstanding reputation for leadership in Valparaiso,” said Mayor Jon Costas. “As a lifelong Valpo resident, the leader of a successful business, and an active community volunteer, Rick brings valuable insight to the commission.”
Urschel is President and CEO of Urschel Laboratories, Inc. He has served on the boards of directors for a number of community organizations, including the Valparaiso Family YMCA, the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce, and the Valparaiso Rotary Club, where he currently serves as secretary. He has been active in successful community projects, such as the effort to pass the referendum to support Valparaiso Community Schools, and the community-led ValPlayso The Next generation project where he served as a team captain and camped out on-site for the entire build week.
“My family and I have been very interested in what happens in Valparaiso for many years. When the opportunity to serve on the Redevelopment Commission came up, I thought about it for about three seconds. Serving on the RDC is an excellent way for me to support Valpo,” said Urschel. Urschel and wife Erin live in Valparaiso, along with their two daughters, Elliot, 5; and Calista, 2.
Urschel replaces Laura Schrage on the RDC. Schrage served for five years and was instrumental in the success of many projects, particularly the RDC’s support for the arts, such as the city’s popular Art Walk, and the beloved statue of Orville Redenbacher. “Laura was an excellent member of the commission and will be missed. We thank her for her time and dedication,” said Costas.
The Valparaiso Redevelopment Commission is a six-member board, including one non-voting member representing local schools. The mayor appoints three voting members and one nonvoting member, and the Valparaiso City Council appoints two additional voting members. For more information, visit www.Valpo.us.