Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Tensley Garris to Retire after 20 Years at Northbrook Chamber; Sample a Modern Slice of a Tasty Glenview Tradition!; BACC Hosts Women's Wellness Expo & Mixer on March 31 at The South Barrington Club; ‘I have given my heart and soul’: Executive director of Wilmette-Kenilworth chamber resigns; Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce: Introducing "SMALL TALK" Podcast- Subscribe today; Will County Workforce Services Division and Workforce Investment Board Named Top Social Service Agencies by Joliet Chamber of Commerce; Industrial Round Table: Career Path Development; Jefferson County Chamber: New Membership Referral Program; Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce to host 2022 State of the Cities event on March 31; Marion Chamber: Meet and Mentor the Future of Marion; McLean County Chamber of Commerce ‘rolling out the red carpet’ for those new in the county; Bloomingdale Chamber Collaboration: Senior Fair;

 


Tensley Garris to Retire after 20 Years at Northbrook Chamber


When initially invited to interview for the presidency of the Northbrook Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Tensley Garris declined.

She was happy where she was: running Chicago's North Shore Convention & Visitors Bureau.



Shortly, though, Garris' hesitancy passed.

And soon, after an eventful 20 years as the Northbrook Chamber president, so too will Garris' tenure there come to an end. She will retire from the chamber in June.

"It's been 20 amazing years, but now I'd like to be spending more time with the family and just kind of relaxing, perfecting my golf game," Garris said.

A native of Greenville, North Carolina, she's been in the Chicago area more than 30 years, and in Northbrook for more than a decade. She lives there with her husband, Harley Korman, owner of the Northbrook commercial real estate firm, Korman Lederer & Associates.

"I'd love to stay involved with the community; I really enjoyed that aspect of my job," Garris says. "It's really been fascinating, getting to know all the different businesses in town, and working with all of those people in Village Hall to make Northbrook a better place to live and work."

Her last day as chamber president will be June 30. She told the chamber board of her retirement plans in January, and the board has started a search for the chamber's sixth president. Garris anticipates that happening before her departure, to aid a smooth transition.

Tensley, who succeeded Barbara Hayskar as chamber president, has guided chamber members through two calamities.

There are the ongoing repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, the stay-at-home orders, shut downs, virus mitigations, and companies' difficulty in retaining staff.

Garris said the pandemic is the biggest thing she's had to face as president. Even with the 2008 Great Recession and its attendant unemployment, there had been precedent.

In that case, the Northbrook Chamber paired with partners, including the NorthShore YMCA and the Deerfield-Bannockburn-Riverwoods Chamber of Commerce to establish a career center to help people find jobs.

Read more: Daily Herald

 

Sample a Modern Slice of a Tasty Glenview Tradition!

Clear your calendar for the most anticipated Food Fest event in Glenview!  Now in its ninth season, Bites & Brews sets the table for 350 friends and neighbors for a delectable evening of conversation, craft beers & fine wine --- and a feast of flavors for every taste bud! 

On this year’s menu: a huge variety of beers (provided by Joseph Mullarkey Distributors,  Macushla Brewing Company), heart-warming wines (from Heinen’s, Chicago Wine Consulting), and a savory selection of the best food in the region, served by a fantastic variety of distinct Glenview restaurants, including Johnny’s Kitchen & Tap, Glenview Grind,  The Glen Club,  Gail’s Brownies, Yardhouse, Culinary Gangster, and more.  
The secret recipe? It’s Bites & Brews, a nine-year tradition in Glenview. This year’s fest is scheduled for Thursday, April 27, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Glen Club, 2901 W Lake Ave in Glenview.  Tickets are $30 and $35 for at the door.   

As a community event organized by the Chamber, Bites & Brews is supported by sponsors, Wintrust (Glenview and Northview Bank and Trust).  Food provided by amazing Glenview Chamber member restaurants, caterers, wine merchants and craft beer purveyors. Purchase tickets online: square.link/u/06j5pKcV


Bloomingdale Chamber Collaboration: Senior Fair

Friday May 13, 2022; 9-00-12 noon

Medinah Banquets 550 N. Shriners Dr. Addison, IL

(north of the intersection of Swift Road and Army Trail Rd)

Sponsors:

Representatives from Government Agencies, Village Offices, Police Departments, Fire Protection Districts, Park Districts, Library, Health Care Facilities & Agencies, Financial Institutions and other available to provide:

• Safety & Health information, including Blood Pressure Checks, Chiropractic needs, COVID vaccinations and boosters

• Community Groups & Support Services opportunities

• Bloomingdale Lion’s Club will perform vision and hearing screening services & collecting used / unwanted eyeglasses

• Illinois Secretary of State will be available to renew Drivers licenses (those under 75), Issue State Identification cards and receive Rules of the Road information

Free refreshments will be served

Door Prizes given out every half hour

For information contact: Bloomingdale Chamber of Commerce, 630-980-9082 www.BloomingdaleChamber.com 


BACC Hosts Women's Wellness Expo & Mixer on March 31 at The South Barrington Club

 

(Barrington, IL--3/21/22) The Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) Women’s Biz Net (WBN) will host a Women’s Wellness Expo & Mixer on Thursday, March 31 from 5:00-7:00 pm at The South Barrington Club, 3 Tennis Club Ln. in South Barrington. All women 21 years and older are invited to register for the event at: www.BarringtonChamber.com.

 

“This event offers a great opportunity for women to connect, relax and enjoy mini-pampering services and cocktails, while gathering helpful information from a variety of unique health and wellness vendors from the Barrington area,” said BACC President/CEO Suzanne Corr.

 

Cost to attend the event is $25, which includes a complimentary wine tasting, raffles, mini-pampering services, refreshments, appetizers and samples from Nothing Bundt Cakes, and a cash bar. Select health and wellness vendors include: 180 Pure, Barrington Back & Body, Brauch Family Chiropractic, Club Pilates Barrington, Gaye F Mack, Inc., Good Shepherd Hospital Health & Fitness Center, Illinois Pain and Spine Institute, Kamala's Own Perfumery, Mindful Medispa & Mediclinic, Natural Serenity, Retreat Care Group, PLLC, and Skin Wellness by Renee.

For details or to register visit: www.BarringtonChamber.com or call (847) 381-2525.

 

 

‘I have given my heart and soul’: Executive director of Wilmette-Kenilworth chamber resigns

 

The Wilmette-Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce is searching for a new leader following the resignation of longtime Executive Director Julie Yusim. 

Yusim, whose final day is Feb. 23, said that she is re-entering the world of marketing.

“This incredible opportunity jumped up 100 percent unexpectedly,” she said. “ … I love this chamber and am so passionate about it. I have given my heart and soul to it.”

Yusim was hired as the chamber’s executive director in 2015. It was her second stint in the leadership position after holding it from 2000 through 2009.

Since returning, Yusim has been the only employee at the Wilmette-Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce, which partners with more than 300 local businesses and organizations, according to the chamber’s tax filings. 

She said the burden was challenging, and the COVID-19 pandemic magnified it further. She said it was the right time for her to move on.

“I have the opportunity to go to something a little more guaranteed,” she said. “ … The pandemic was a trying time. As you know it took a little bite out of everyone. With his new opportunity, I will have a lot of support. … At this point in my life, I feel like I need to do something potentially a little less stressful.” Read more: The Record

Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce: Introducing "SMALL TALK" Podcast- Subscribe today

We are excited to introduce you to "SMALL TALK" Podcast, presented by the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce & Ian Ryan Interactive. This podcast series brings business & community together talking about exciting topics with guests from our local Chamber businesses, the Mayor of Des Plaines and more.

 

"Small Talk" full episodes are now available on Apple and Spotify. Please click below to subscribe.

 

Episode 1 features Mayor Andrew Goczkowski! Get the inside scoop on what's happening in Des Plaines!

 

Click your favorite Podcast site below to subscribe:

Apple

Spotify

 

 

Will County Workforce Services Division and Workforce Investment Board Named Top Social Service Agencies by Joliet Chamber of Commerce

Recognition received at Annual Awards & Celebration of Success

The Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry has recognized both the Will County Workforce Services Division and the Workforce Investment Board as the Top Social Service Agencies of 2022. The award was announced at their February 22nd Annual Awards and Celebration of Success.

“I’m proud our county’s workforce agencies are being recognized for their important role in our business service community,” said Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino Tarrant. “These agencies provide support and resources across the county, empowering both businesses and people."

The Workforce Services Division offers many services to job seekers and employers in Will County, including a variety of office skills and job search workshops, recruitment events, and important workforce information and statistics.

“Having a strong, qualified workforce is an important asset for any community wishing to attract and sustain new businesses or industries,” said Michelle Stiff, Director of the Workforce Services Division. “I am grateful for the Joliet Chamber for recognizing the hard work of our staff to connect businesses with future employees.”

The Workforce Investment Board leads the creation and implementation of dynamic systems to meet the area’s local workforce needs while monitoring future workforce trends.

“Our purpose is to make it easy for businesses to connect with qualified applicants and access other workforce resources through agency and community partners,” said Caroline Portlock, Director of the Workforce Investment Board. “Through our strong partnerships, our workforce system delivers a seamless, customer-focused service network that enhances access to all program services and improves long-term employment outcomes.”

These agencies were honored for their contributions to ensuring a strong economic base in Joliet and Will County, which is a key component of a robust local business community.

Residents can learn more about Will County’s workforce services at:
www.will.works.

 


Industrial Round Table: Career Path Development

Industrial Round Table: Workforce Development

Business leaders in the Carol Stream Industrial sector connecting and collaborating to support each other and create solutions to ensure a workforce that is effective and productive.

We at the Chamber are taking the lead to explore with our business leaders how we can be the Connector, Catalyst and Champion of this important economic sector of the Carol Stream Business Community.

Date and Time

Thursday Mar 24, 2022
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM CDT

Fees/Admission

There is no fee.
Registration is required so we can ensure seating for all participants.

Website

http://www.carolstreamchamber.com

 

Jefferson County Chamber: New Membership Referral Program

 

On our New Membership Applications, there is be a place to indicate if the new member has been referred by anyone. Whe a new member is referred by an exiting member, that member’s name is placed into a quarterly drawing. Know an individual or business that should join our Chamber?  Send their name and contact info to chambermarketing@southernillinois.com or invite them to contact us directly! We'd love to chat with them about the amazing benefits of Chamber membership!

 

Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce to host 2022 State of the Cities event on March 31

After a two-year hiatus the Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce will be relaunching the annual State of the Cities program.

The event has been one of the most attended programs the chamber has hosted with more than 175 community members coming out to ask questions and hear from local mayors and village presidents.

This year’s State of the Cities will feature Peru Mayor Ken Kolowski, Ottawa Mayor Dan Aussem, Spring Valley Mayor Melanie Thompson, Oglesby Mayor Dominic Rivara and Utica Village President David Stewart.

The event will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, March 31, in the Grand BallRoom at the Grand Bear Lodge and is open to all interested community members.

Tickets are $30 and include a plated lunch. For more information or to register visit www.ivaced.org/events/details/state-of-the-cities-2022-13653 or call the chamber at 815-223-0227 prior to Friday, March 11. Read more: NewsTribune

 

 

Marion Chamber: Meet and Mentor the Future of Marion

Marion Chamber / FBLA Career Day will be on March 25th 8 - 11:30 am during a Marion High School half day. 

 

During the Career Fair, students will visit the Health Education Center during their PE period. Participants will have the opportunity to interact will around 700 students over the course of the event. 

 

Join us to share information about our local business community, career resources, and tips about joining the workforce. 

 

If possible, please register by March 18th!!

 

McLean County Chamber of Commerce ‘rolling out the red carpet’ for those new in the county

 

The McLean County Chamber of Commerce is ‘rolling out the red carpet’ for new employees joining expanding businesses in the twin cities.

As businesses like Rivian Automotive, McLean County’s third-largest employer, continue to expand, more people are relocating to McLean County.

Charlie Moore, CEO of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce, said the organization is putting together ‘welcome kits’ for those new to the area.

 

 



 

“We really want to try and make that introduction between business and our new residents,” he told WJBC’s Todd Wineburner. “(We want to) roll out the red carpet not with not only this welcoming kit but create quarterly events where we will put out invitations to those new in the community.”

According to Moore, the new kits provide information on businesses across the county and directions on where they are located.

“The first thing we want to do when someone comes here is to make sure that they know that they’re welcome… We’ve got great new welcome kits resident kits here at the Chamber offices that we’re distributing. That’s a great way to connect new folks to Bloomington-Normal with our businesses and where they can find services.” Read more: WJCB  -

 

 


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