As part of its 20th anniversary celebration, VIA Marketing will create a logo package for the winning Northwest Indiana business in an essay contest.

"We choose to commemorate our longevity by assisting a company with a visual brand," said Julie Olthoff, president of VIA Marketing. To enter, write a short essay about why your company should win. The contest deadline is Feb. 29.

Interested applicants can visit www.viamarketing.net http://www.viamarketing.net for details.

Plan a getaway

Do you need a great getaway trip but have no time to plan an extended vacation n talk to Pampalone Travel at 6685 Broadway.

They have exciting and fun events to offer, from day trips to see shows, concerts or races from Chicago to Indianapolis, to longer trips to Ireland and Branson, Missouri. Package trips include transportation and most meals, taxes, etc.

Call Pam at (219) 769-8469 for more specifics.

Magazine makes a change

After 22 years of delivering Panorama Entertainment Monthly magazine to Northwest Indiana residents and businesses, Panorama is going full color and increasing its circulation. Advertisers have been enthusiastic and have helped make this "bright" move a reality.

The March, 2008 issue is the first color issue, will feature "Home & Garden" and includes a listing of garden shows for the entire year. Last year's list of upcoming garden show was a big hit and filled four pages of the magazine.

For more information, visit www.panoramanow.com and click on "About Us" or call Owner Sue Baxter at (800) 359-2845.

First anniversary

Sheffield's Restaurant is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its opening at 1515 E. 82nd Ave. in Merrillville.

They are offering food and drink specials all this week through Saturday. Four lucky people will win free food for a year and others can win tickets to the Chicago Cubs opening day game at Wrigley Field or one of many other prizes. Today, one of the prizes to be awarded is a trip to Las Vegas.

Stop in to sample the fine food and drink and help the owners celebrate a successful first year.

Call (219) 795-1005 for reservations or more information.

Renovation complete

Chicago Street Theatre will hold grand re-opening festivities Friday - complete with a ribbon cutting, theatre tours, and an evening production and opening night gala for guests.

The newly renovated theatre will be unveiled from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Friday and the new production, "Letters Home," will be presented at 8 p.m.

Audience are invited to meet with cast, crew and board members after the show for complimentary appetizers and a cash bar.

Visit www.ctgonline.org for more information. Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or phone (219) 464-1636 for tickets.

John J. Janik is president and CEO of the Merrillville Chamber of Commerce. Reach him at (219) 769-8180 or jjanik@merrillvillecoc.org. Opinions expressed are solely those of the writer.