Julie Olthoff

About Julie Olthoff

R-Indiana State Representative: District 19, Served Five Terms 20••••16, 20••••18, 20••••22, 20••••24, 20••••26 Julie Olthoff was born the second oldest of seven children in Gary, Indiana.A graduate of IUN, she started out as a graphic designer. Julie joined an associate to launch VIA Marketing in Merrillville which she sold in 2025 after 38 years in business.Positions on the Merrillville Plan Commission, Board of Zoning, and multiple Chambers prepared her to run for state representative. Julie was acknowledged as \"Legislator of the Year\" from the Indiana School Counselor Association for sweeping suicide prevention legislation. She also received a \"Legislator of the Year\" award from the Arc of Indiana for her work on a new law addressing challenges facing Direct Support Professional (DSPs).Julie paid for college by working as a cake decorator at Glen Park Bakery. She has been married to Ron since 1986 and they attend CrossPoint Church. Pottery is her hobby.Community Involvement- Fair Haven Rape Crisis Center board member- Participated in the United Way\'s work group to find better child care options for ALICE families.(Asset - Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.)- Serves on the Crossroads Regional Chamber\'s Voice of Business Committee- Member of Rebuilding Together South Lake County- Athena International Leadership Award, 1994 Business Woman of the Year- 2014 SBDC E-Day Women in Business Champion Award- Lake County Economic Development Alliance, Founding Board Member 2013- Engaging Northwest Indiana Business Women, Founding Board Member 20••••••••13 Chairman of Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce- Employer of the Year Award 20••••04- Merrillville Redevelopment Authority, 2014 President- Merrillville Plan Commission over 10 years

Experience

1. Chair Emeritus

   Via Marketing

   Jan 2025 — Present

   As a founding partner of VIA Marketing, Julie has built an award-winning marketing agency while bringing great value to the clients she has worked with for more than 37 years. Professionalism, integrity, resolve and plain old-fashioned hard work are principles Julie practices every day and has engrained into the culture of VIA.In January 2025, Julie took on the role of Chair Emeritus when ownership of VIA Marketing changed to Aimee and Ryan Thiele. While her daily focus has shifted to activities away from VIA, her industry knowledge and wisdom will be utilized and deeply appreciated as a member of VIA Marketing’s Advisory Board.

Education

• Indiana University Northwest

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Fine and Studio Arts

  1975 — 1982

Skills

• Market Planning
• SEO
• Social Media
• Sem
• Event Planning
• Graphic Design
• Brochures
• Budgets
• Direct Mail
• Advertising
• Integrated Marketing
• Magazines
• Marketing Communications
• Facebook
• Blogging
• Lead Generation
• Graphics
• Nonprofits
• Online Advertising
• Online Marketing
• Direct Marketing
• Small Business
• Copywriting
• Web Design
• Newsletters
• Brand Development
• Public Speaking
• Editing
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Email Marketing
• Time Management
• Entrepreneurship
• Corporate Branding
• Creative Direction
• Logo Design
• Press Releases
• Corporate Identity
• Crm
• Strategic Planning
• Leadership