Chamber Executive Illinois Digest February, 2016

Happy Monday, Chamber world! Today is going to be a GREAT day!

#Bestchamber practices: Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Academy 2016

The Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Academy is offered to representatives of member businesses and organizations and is designed to prepare a select group of qualified candidates for future leadership roles in the Aurora area.

Established in 1979, the Aurora Chamber’s Leadership Academy has a rich history of providing confidence, knowledge, professionalism, and strong leadership skills that not only benefit the attendee but also their employers. The goal is simple: To create a development opportunity for graduates to serve and enhance themselves, their employers, and the community.

Over the past 35 years, more than 800 community leaders have participated in the program. Many have gone on to lead local businesses and organizations. Some have gone on to public office. All have left their mark on the community.

This year, we are partnering with the Quad County African American Chamber of Commerce to provide the opportunity to a wider audience.

Our community needs you! Realize your potential to make a difference in the Aurora region. The program begins Friday, February 19.

Class size is limited. Applications and tuition will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Applicants must possess a sincere interest in serving the community.

Informational Flier

Application

Syllabus & Program Guide

Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce - Relocated to Saint Xavier University - Orland Park Campus

Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce's new location in Orland Park to facilitate in-house training as well as events. 

Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce

Now Located in:

Saint Xavier University - Orland Park Campus

18230 Orland Parkway

Orland Park, IL 60467

Happy New Year from your friends at the Chamber.

2016 promises to be an exciting year, one filled with expectations of an improving economy and continued job growth in America. It also can signal change and for us that is the case.

As of Monday, January 4, the chamber has relocated to the campus of Saint Xavier University, Orland Park. We are now operating out of the administrative center on the campus located at 18230 Orland Parkway, Orland Park, Il. We will share space with the administration and faculty on the South campus that includes the Graham School of Management.

This strategic decision evolved out of months of discussions and evaluation by both organizations. Ultimately we both feel that our individual missions will be enhanced through this unique partnership.

The Chamber will continue to serve the entire five county region as we have in the past while hoping to enhance our capacity for offering more in house training and events.

Thanks to everyone that has helped us make this transition. As with any move, there are bound to be a few unexpected bumps but so far we are doing well. A special thanks goes out to Lorenz Appliances for their assistance in the move. They were great as were the many other volunteers that helped.

We are looking forward to another great year. Please consider joining us at our Annual Dinner on January 28th.

As always, I appreciate your thoughts and opinions. Please feel free to contact me at any time, david@chicagosouthlandchamber.com. 

#BestChamber practices: Free Speakers service proves 'good free stuff' is real

Andy Richardson of Naperville admits the emails he sends about the service he runs at FreeSpeakers.org can look "a little spammy."

Recipients sometimes skip over his messages about the pro bono speakers' bureau, thinking they're some marketing scam or a bait-and-switch ploy.

But they're not. The 150 Chicago-area speakers with profiles onFreeSpeakers.org really offer their expertise without a fee in a community service project that has been growing for the past 20 years.

"This service is a win-win," Richardson said. "The speakers have a lot to share and are giving back to their community and they're also doing networking and marketing and being known as an expert. And the groups have a tremendous need for speakers and to bring new knowledge into their organizations."

Richardson said his mother and business partner, Ginny Richardson of Ginny Richardson Public Relations, created the free speakers' bureau out of a small list of personal contacts, people she suggested when she heard someone was in need of a speech.

The service recently redesigned its website and launched a second bureau in Milwaukee as part of an expansion that Richardson says will bring the wealth of free speeches to Indianapolis, St. Louis, Des Moines, Columbus, Cleveland, Detroit and Minneapolis.

Community groups such as Rotary, Exchange and Kiwanis clubs often struggle to find presenters to enlighten and enliven their lunches, Richardson said.

Some of them face requirements to bring in a new speaker every week and others are working to book presenters with nearly nonexistent budgets.

When club leaders find FreeSpeakers.org, Richardson said they can search for speakers presenting on 220 topics in categories of business, educational, entertainment, financial, health and fitness, miscellaneous, motivational and self-improvement.

Clicking the "request this free speech" button begins the process of scheduling the presentation. Read more: Daily Herald

FreeSpeakers.org offers 150 Chicago-area experts willing to give talks without a fee on more than 220 topics. Categories include:

• Business

• Educational

• Entertainment

• Financial

• Health and fitness

• Miscellaneous

• Motivational

• Self improvement

Users can search by topic, click the "request this free speech" button and fill out a contact form to book the speaker.

Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce Registration Form Community Business Expo 2015 

Saturday, March 19th 2016 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

***Early Registration Deadline – February 26th, 2016

Final Registration Deadline March 11th, 2016***

Plainfield High School Field House – 24120 W. Fort Beggs Dr.

(One Block West of Rt. 59, Behind Plainfield Plaza)

Early registration prices must be postmarked by February 26th, 2016

Single Booth________ Member $175_______ Non-Member $325______

Double Booth_______ Member $325_______ Non-Member $625______

Non-Profit Business $150 _____

Please check appropriate booth size and price.

Registration prices after February 26th, 2016

Single Booth_________Member $225_______Non-Member $425_______

Double Booth________ Member $425_______Non-Member $825_______

Non-Profit Business $175______

YES! Count me in as a sponsor.

“Your Potential business is our Passion”

(Check the appropriate level and return to the Chamber office)

__________PLATINUM - $1000 SPONSOR

· Company/Organization included in all radio advertising

promoting the Community Business Expo

· Booth space at EXPO (booth space may be donated to a

Plainfield Service Organization)

· Banner (Provided by Sponsoring Company) displayed in field house

· Company name included in all advertising materials

· Company logo/booth number on punch card

__________GOLD - $500 SPONSOR

· Company/Organization included in ½ of all radio advertising

promoting the Community Business Expo

· Company/Organization included in all newspaper advertising

· Company name on signage at entrance to EXPO

__________SILVER - $250 SPONSOR

· Company/Organization included in ¼ of all radio advertising

promoting the Community Business Expo

· Company name on signage at entrance to EXPO

__________BRONZE - $100 SPONSOR

· Company name on signage at entrance to EXPO

More information: Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce

Logan County Alliance President & CEO Andi Hake to resign

Logan County Alliance President & CEO Andi Hake announced her resignation during a board of directors meeting held on Wednesday, Dec. 16.

Hake’s last official day is Jan. 29, however she will hold a contract with the Alliance Board to complete and maintain certain projects until her replacement has transitioned or until her services are no longer needed.

When asked for a comment, Hake said she was not open to answering questions regarding the matter. However, a press release cited that her decision to leave the organization is due to personal reasons and that she planned to move on once her son graduated from high school.

“In May of 2016, this major milestone will happen. The Alliance festival season, however, begins in June and I realized this would not be the best time of the year for the Alliance to be searching for a new president. It seemed wise to resign at the beginning of the year and allow the Board ample time to find a new president and CEO," said Hake.

Hake held the position of executive director of the Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce since June 6, 2008 and the position of President and CEO of the Logan County Alliance since Jan. 1, 2015. Hake and the LCA have been funded by the City of Lincoln to support festivals that are held in the area.

Tracy Welch, a newly appointed Alderman Ward 1 City Council member said, “I was shocked by the announcement of Ms. Hake's resignation but understand that she must do what is best for her and her family. Andi has had a tremendous impact on the community and won't soon be forgotten. I wish her the best of luck in all of her future endeavors.” Read more: Lincoln Courier

Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce: Small Business Reception: Celebrating Chicago’s Entrepreneurial Community

Tuesday, January 19th 2016

4:30 - 6:30 PM

Quinlan School of Business, 16 East Pearson Street Schreiber Center, 9th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60611

Join us for this networking reception at the Loyola University Chicago Quinlan School of Business as we reveal the results of the 2016 Chicagoland Small Business Outlook Survey, which the Chicagoland Chamber and our community partners will use to provide a stronger support system for small business owners and entrepreneurs in the Chicago area.

At this 2016 Small Business Outlook Survey networking reception, you can:

• • Be the first to see these insightful survey results
• • Celebrate the positive impact startups and small businesses have had on Chicagoland’s business ecosystem
• • Connect with local entrepreneurs and small business owners
• • Get an update on the 2016 James Tyree Emerging Business Leadership Award and pick up your early-bird application information (application process begins in February)

Enjoy appetizers and craft beer courtesy of Horse Thief Hollow, the Beverly brewpub that won the 2015 James Tyree Award. Register Here: Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: Get Out of Your Own Way  by Robert Cooper

A Powerful Road Map for Surpassing Everyone’s Expectations

Break through your self-imposed limitations by learning how your own brain can be your biggest obstacle—or your greatest ally.

You’d expect your brain to be an always-reliable ally in your quest for a successful, satisfying life, but surprisingly the opposite is usually true. That’s because your brain is pretty much the same model your ancestors were using thousands of years ago when mere survival was everyone’s primary goal. It tells you now what it told them then: Play it safe. Avoid risk. Evade confrontation. Don’t venture outside the territory you already know. And never break the habits that have gotten you this far.

Coming at just the right time to help you deal with the growing demands of our pressure-packed, fast-changing world, Robert Cooper’s Get Out of Your Own Way helps you understand what’s going on in that head of yours. Once you know what really drives you, you can switch off the counterproductive parts of your brain, engage the helpful parts, and set out on the path to accomplishing what everyone else thinks you can’t. Based on more than two decades of worldwide research, Get Out of Your Own Way shows you the five keys for making the choices that let you engage and triumph over the realities of today’s world:

• Direction, not motion

• Focus, not time

• Capacity, not conformity

• Energy, not effort

• Impact, not intentions

Filled with wonderful stories—about everything from the note written by one of the author’s ancestors upon leaving Dublin for America in 1829 (“On the horizon is where hope lives . . . I am going there”) to the unlikely exploits of the world record–setting Jamaican bobsled team—this groundbreaking book confirms that the next frontier is not only ahead of you, it’s inside of you . . . and what everyone else thinks is impossible isn’t. Read more: Barnes & Noble

GLMV Chamber sets LinkedIn seminar

The GLMV Chamber of Commerce will host a marketing seminar "Jumpstart Your LinkedIn" from 8-11:30 a.m. Feb. 17 at Community High School District 128, 50 Lakeview Parkway, #104, Vernon Hills.

The speaker will be Bruce Bixler, master practitioner and LinkedIn specialist. Bixler is well recognized for his LinkedIn expertise! You'll learn how to use, improve and optimize the world's largest professional network, for more traffic, referrals, connections, and success. Roth Sales Enhancers is sponsor of the event.

Cost is $15 for members in advance, $20 for nonmembers and at the door. For more information and to register, call (847) 680-0750 or email info@glmvchamber.org. Source: Daily Herald

Marion Chamber of Commerce holds 95th annual Auction & Awards Banquet

The 95th annual Marion Chamber of Commerce Auction & Awards Banquet was held on Friday, January 15, 2016, at The Pavilion. 

The evening began with the Social Hour, sponsored by Mayer Networks, at 5:30 p.m. Social Hour featured hors d'oeuvres, beverages and entertainment by Brock Bertling.

The program began with a welcome by the emcee, Jon Wofford. Dalus Ben Avi, executive director of the Marion Chamber, gave the Chamber Year-in-Review and introduced the slideshow that featured the highlights from 2015 at the Marion Chamber.

Rev. Scott Kallem with Third Baptist Church gave the invocation and Wofford led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Miss Illinois Crystal Davis performed the National Anthem, and then dinner was served.

The 2015 Marion Chamber of Commerce Chairman Ashley Gott reflected on his year leading the Chamber. The 2016 Chairman, Doug Kimmel, then spoke about his thoughts about taking the helm.

Finally, the Awards Ceremony began. The following awards were given:

• Award of Excellence in Philanthropy: the late Steve McNeill
• Mayor's Service Award: John Goss
• Business of the Year: Ike Family Dealerships
• Young Professional Leadership Award: Matt Monchino
• Distinguished Chamber Member Award: Tracey Glenn
• Citizen of the Year Award: Mike Absher
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. John O'Keefe 

Read more: Marion Chamber

Chamber Note from Rex Richards, President, Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce:
December 18, 2015
John, I want to thank you for an outstanding map which you produced for our Valpo Chamber.
In my 43 years as a CEO in the chamber field, it was the smoothest project I have ever seen done. You made all the deadlines, your print quality and cartography were second to none. And of course you paid us in exactly the time frame you said you would so we could count the Royalty Check towards our current year revenues.
Life is very good when dealing with Town Square Publications.
You have the right of first refusal on our next map. You are a great partner for our chamber, We are living proof that a printed map is still very much in demand by both advertisers and consumers.
It would be my pleasure to recommend Town Square Publications as a firm Chambers and Tourism Bureaus should use when considering a printed map or other print publication.
Sincerely,

Rex G. Richards CCE

President, Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce

Lake Zurich chamber to host candidate forum

The Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce will host a candidate forum from 7 to 9 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, at Concorde Banquets, 20922 N. Rand Road, Kildeer. Candidates running for the 6th Congressional District, state Senate District 26 and Lake County state's attorney seats will be in attendance. Light breakfast included. A $5 donation at the door is encouraged to help offset the cost of the food. RSVP required by Jan. 25. Call (847) 438-5572 or visitlakezurichchamber.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/6957 to register.

Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce: Commercial Real Estate Professionals (CREP)

The Commercial Real Estate Professionals (CREP) Network strives to be the preeminent business networking organization dedicated to advancing the education and achievements of Naperville Area Chamber professionals in commercial real estate. Through organized speaker presentations, industry discussions, and intragroup networking, CREP Network aims to enhance the success of its diverse members, whom represent nearly every discipline in the real estate industry.

Key Initiatives:

1.  Business Development

2.  Leadership Development

3.  Industry Education

4.  Market Intelligence

5.  Career Outreach

More: Napervile Area Chamber of Commerce

Lake County Chamber of Commerce - Forecast Lake County Luncheon

Find out what the economy has in store for 2016. This is the MUST attend business event of the year!

Forecast Lake County 2016, presented by the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, provides Lake County’s business and government leaders a chance to examine the issues, challenges and opportunities in 2016.

We are pleased to welcome back Mr. William Strauss, Senior Economist at the Federal Reserve, to present his forecast for the coming year, with an economic assessment of the US and Midwest economy for 2016. He will be joined by Aaron Lawlor, Chairman of the Lake County Board; Michael Stevens, CEO of Lake County Foundation and Dr. Jerry Weber, President of the College of Lake County.

Date:		January 13, 2016
Time:		11:30 AM - 01:30 PM CST
Location:		Lake Forest Club 554 N., Westmoreland Road Lake Forest, IL
Date/Time Details:		Wednesday, January 13 11:30 a.m. - Networking 12:00 p.m. - Program begins 1:15 p.m. - Event concludes 1:15-1:30 p.m. - Opportunity to ask questions with William Strauss
Fees/Admission:		Ticket Prices - Members - $50 - Non-Members - $75

Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce: Go International: Business 2 Business Matchmaking

Date: February 16, 2016

Time: 4:00 pm-6:30 pm

Location: Illinois CPA Society | 550 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 900

Tickets:

Member Ticket: $25

Non-Member Ticket: $50

Resource Sponsor Table: $300

Join us on February 16 to connect with trade specialists and resource partners to gain the tools, information and guidance you need to successfully do business internationally.

Attend this event to:

Connect with resources per your specific international business needs and interests

Gain a fresh perspective involving international expansion

Network with business owners and service providers

Register Now

Gain resources and support in the following areas:

Export Services and Assistance

How to Avoid Being Lost in Translations

Commercial Real Estate

Export and International Market Intelligence

International Logistics

Legal Considerations

International Tax and Transfer Pricing

Export Documentation Service

Interested in serving as a resource partner? Please contact Shufen Zhao at szhao@chicagolandchamber.org.

REGISTER NOW

Geneva Chamber has plenty ahead in 2016

Personally, it takes me some time to get used to a new date. For a few weeks in January, I will continue to write the year 2015 on everything. After all, for 12 months, I have written 2015. Habits are hard to break.

However, at the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, even if I still am writing 2015, we have been thinking about 2016 for quite some time. Dates are already set for our four festivals and a few other events. Thinking about ways that we can enhance these events, while complementing favorites already in place, is a never-ending topic in our office. Producing high-quality festivals is always top of mind, and – in order to do that – there are many balls to juggle.

So, what will 2016 bring to the Swedish Days Festival (June 21 to 26), Geneva Arts Fair (July 23 to 24), Festival of the Vine (Sept. 9 to 11), Christmas Walk (Dec. 2) and House Tour (Dec. 2 to3)? Mark the dates on your calendar so you don’t miss any of the surprises this year.

But first up is the second Geneva Restaurant Week. This year, your taste buds will thank you Jan. 25-31. No coupon or ticket is necessary. Just visit the participating restaurants (found at www.genevachamber.com/restaurant_week_in_geneva.php) and tell your server that you desire the Restaurant Week menu. Some of the items will be available only during that week. What a yummy way to end January! Read more: Kane County Chronicle

West Suburban Chamber of Commerce & Industry State of the Chamber and a Chance to Win!
Don't forget to register for the State of the Chamber, this Wednesday February 3rd at the Theatre of Western Springs. Join us to take a look at where we've been and find out where we are heading. For more information or to register, head over to wscci.org.

Didn't get your Monday Night Football Game Card in the fall? It's not too late to get in on the big game payout! Tickets will be available to purchase at the State of the Chamber on 2/3 for $20 (cash or check) or contact us at 708-387-7550. The payout for the Super Bowl is $100. There is one winner for every 100 game cards sold. DON'T miss out, get your number today!

Schaumburg Business Association Names Lisa Gilbert as Vice President

Business Association Expands Leadership Team

SCHAUMBURG, IL - January 5, 2016 – The Schaumburg Business Association announced the promotion of Lisa Gilbert to Vice President of Membership. She will have the primary responsibility of retaining and increasing membership as well as being second in command of the 8 person staff.

“Lisa has truly earned the trust of the staff, and I think the addition of a Vice President for the Association is coming at the right time for the organization. She’s shown tremendous leadership which has shown this past year, which the SBA had tremendous growth.” said Kaili Harding, President of the Schaumburg Business Association.  During 2015 the record for new member acquisition was smashed, and business membership is at an all time high.

During 2015 the record for new member acquisition was surpassed, and membership is at an all-time high. Lisa joined the Schaumburg Business Association in 2013 from her previous role as Membership Director at the University Club of Chicago.  Lisa has a Master’s degree in Arts, Entertainment and Media Management from Columbia College Chicago and obtained her undergraduate degree from Indiana University in Bloomington.  Lisa and her husband, Colin Gilbert, also own Tuscan Market and Wine Shop in Arlington Heights.

Chamber issue: Flooded Out Bridge Divides Chester, Ill., From Missouri

Some people spent New Year's Eve watching water levels. It's essential if you live near the Mississippi River in the Midwest, a region that has suffered severe and sudden floods. Linda Sympson sees the river from her window at the chamber of commerce in Chester, Ill.

LINDA SYMPSON: Chester is a beautiful town of 8,300 people. We're located on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. When we look out my office, the Chester Chamber of Commerce office, I can take advantage of the beautiful view of the river, of Missouri bottomlands, the Chester Bridge that is now closed.

INSKEEP: And why is the Chester Bridge closed, the bridge across the Mississippi River?

SYMPSON: The bridge is closed because after you cross the bridge there is a small bridge, and that bridge is the bridge that is covered with water.

INSKEEP: Lucky that Chester's up on a bluff then.

SYMPSON: We are very, very fortunate, yes. But at one time, there was a whole downtown district under the bluff, a lot of businesses that were flooded out. And little by little, they were bought up by the railroad and the railroad then came in, raised their tracks and built a levee.

INSKEEP: So how isolated is Chester right now?

SYMPSON: We are isolated from being able to get into Missouri, which a lot of our people from Chester work in Missouri. There are several large plants about 12 miles from Chester, and employees - I don't know, several hundred people. And not only can we not cross the bridge to go into Missouri, Missouri people cannot cross the bridge to come here. Read more: NPR Illinois

Top Five Daily Postings in the last month at Midwest Chamber of Commerce blog – click to go there or Google search “Midwest Chamber of Commerce blog”

Virginia Peninsula Chamber Blockbuster Hire Penins... Jan 20, 2016	121
Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce: Businesses... Jan 6, 2016	103
Midwestern Chamber interest: Charles L. Evans, Pre... Jan 12, 2016	98
Post Falls ID Chamber of Commerce initiative: Does... Jan 5, 2016	89
Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce - Relocated ... Jan 14, 2016	82

Last Month’s Stories

Naperville Area Chamber: Marketplace Fairness Act NCTV 17

Southern Illinois chambers deliver value: Electric consortium schedules meeting Benton Evening News

Innovate Springfield incubator a long time coming State Journal-Register

Batavia Chamber of Commerce 2016 Community Guide & Membership Directory

Town SquarePublications  (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.

#BestChamber Practices: Villa Park (Illinois) Chamber of Commerce - Do you have a parade in your town on 4th of July? Villa Park does, and the chamber WOWS their chamber membership by including the name of every chamber member on its float! The response has been overwhelmingly positive. What a great way to showcase your membership in front of their best customers!

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea:

The Answer - Grow Any Business, Achieve Financial Freedom, and Live an Extraordinary Life By John Assaraf and Murray Smith Simon & Schuster

Best Chamber Practices: Geneva, IL Chamber:  The 12 Days of Chamber Benefits (On the 9th Day of Benefits the chamber gave to me...)

Chamber, Decatur business groups: Think small during holidays WAND TV 17

Gala for Naperville Chamber of Commerce Jan. 29 Naperville Patch

157 Rules for Executive Success in Organization Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey

RULE #122    Think of inactive members as Patriots.

Best,

John

John Dussman | Chamber Manager
jdussman@tspubs.com | 847-427-4633 | Town Square Publications
Daily Herald Media Group
155 E. Algonquin Road | Arlington Heights, IL 60005

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