Good morning #ChamberWorld! It's going to be a great day!
Naperville Area Chamber Of Commerce
Is Asking the Community To Give Back During Their Annual Volunteer Week April
18th - 24th
– The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce (NACC) Corporate
Social Responsibility and Not-For-Profit committees and in partnership with
Giving DuPage, are poised and ready for the 2nd annual NACC
Volunteer Week April 18th – 24th, 2022 to commence and are asking
the community to get involved. Volunteer Week is designed to activate the
community into using their talents and giving of their time through
volunteerism to make a lasting impact on the not-for-profit organizations that
keep our community strong.
“Our goal is to have businesses and the community not only
get active this year, but to mark Volunteer Week on their calendars annually to
participate in,” said Kaylin Risvold, President & CEO of the NACC.
“We know, when we make a commitment and join efforts – people, organizations,
and business – the good that can come serving the needs of our not-for-profit
community is immeasurable.”
Volunteer Week was created with a lofty goal in mind that
the NACC continues to work towards. They hope to motivate 2,000
volunteers inside Naperville to donate 14,000 volunteer hours which equates to
just 7 hours per person – or – 1 hour per day in a week. To achieve this
goal and make the act of giving easier, they have worked with over 100 Chamber
Member not-for-profits to organize their needs into an easy online system - the
Giving DuPage Volunteer Portal. This system allows employers, employees,
and community members to find, sign-up and participate in volunteer week projects quickly and easily. Area
not-for-profits have created group and in-person volunteer projects, virtual
chances to learn about how to best serve as a volunteer, ongoing volunteer
needs that last beyond Volunteer Week, as well as in-kind donation
opportunities.
Beth Lopez, Chair of the NACC’s Corporate Social
Responsibility Committee notes, “We encourage businesses to assemble their
staff or teams and sign-up to participate in Volunteer Week. This is a
valuable opportunity to bolster employee satisfaction while also engaging with
a not-for-profit you believe in - or - serving an organization you never knew
but has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to support the community your
business resides.”
The NACC’s commitment to this annual outlet for
volunteerism supports their mission of being a community advocate and
resource. Not only does the weeklong drive to volunteer highlight the
not-for-profit community, but it also allows the community to unite in a cause
they can believe in – making Naperville an even better place to live.
“As the County’s Volunteer Center, we love sharing ways people can volunteer their time, ideas and experience with our local nonprofit community,” said Diana Orjuela, Giving DuPage Board President. “That’s why we are thrilled to be a partner in this awesome effort with the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce to host Volunteer Week and engage businesses around service,” added Orjuela.
For more information and to sign up for a NACC Volunteer Week volunteer opportunity, visit www.naperville.net/your-region/nacc-volunteer-week/.
As one of the largest Chambers in Illinois, the NACC prides itself on bold-thinking and pushing past outdated agendas to uncover the tools and know-how needed for business growth and development. The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce has one goal: to move Business Forward towards an engaged, thriving community by being Your Advocate and Your Resource for Our Community. The NACC is 5-Star Accredited from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, an honor bestowed on only 3% of Chambers nationwide. Learn more at: www.naperville.net.
Casper notified the chamber board of his decision on March 25.
"Over the past 34 years, I have had the distinct privilege to have worked for an outstanding organization and with some of the finest people I know," Casper said in a news release. "I have been able to lead one of the most talented staffs assembled in the State. I appreciate the confidence and the support of the Chamber’s Board of Directors and the business community during my time with the organization. I am very proud of the many accomplishments of the organization and the positive direction that our community has taken."
Casper started with the chamber in 1987 as director of commercial development. He became its president and CEO in 1990.
During his tenure, the chamber grew by 50% to 1,157 members. It has been accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce since 1993.
Casper plans to step down by the end of 2022. The chamber's board of directors has set up a transition committee to find the next president and CEO.
The Board of Directors is pleased to announce Jennifer Fair Margraf has been named the new Executive Director of the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce. With Margraf’s extensive knowledge in non-profits and expertise in fundraising, the Board of Directors believes she will provide great leadership for the Chamber, its members, and the community.
Jennifer Fair Margraf has been in leadership positions for over 20 years. She has worked in physician practice administration for a rural hospital in southwest Michigan; taught K-8 general music; Regional Distribution Center Manager for Senco Products, Inc.; two Girl Scout Councils in Illinois in development position; Executive Director and a cellist of DuPage (IL) Symphony Orchestra; CEO of Camp Fire Illinois Prairie Council; and COO and VP of Development with Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings/ Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival.
Jennifer studied Music Education at Ohio State University where she was a teaching assistant in the Pre-College Strings program in collaboration with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Spring Arbor College and a Master of Arts in Organizational Management from Spring Arbor University. On April 28 she will earn her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Oakland University. She is a Certified Fundraising Executive, CFRE.
Jennifer lives in Rochester Hills with her husband, two teenage sons, and three cats. An avid reader, she enjoys mysteries, biographies, and historical fiction. She looks forward to working in the Clarkston area and getting to know the community.
Exclusive to chamber members, the WELCOME HOME program is a remarkable advertising tool, highly visible, targeted and delivered direct to new resident's mailboxes, catching them as they establish new buying habits.
In addition, WELCOME HOME is distributed to local libraries, park districts, municipalities and your local chamber office.
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Mailed monthly to new movers from the previous 30 days!
They are new to the neighborhood. They have money to spend. They need your member's businesses and services.
Prepare My Business: Via The Champaign County Chamber
The SBA's Prepare My Business website is full of resources to help you prepare for a disaster. 40% of businesses that experience a disaster never re-open their doors. Don't be one of them.
CLICK HERE to view this resource.
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
The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce was pleased to award local businesses for their successes, entrepreneurial spirit, and community commitment at the 31st Annual Awards & Gala held Friday, April 8th at the Fredericksburg Expo Center.
Community Impact Award
Mary Washington Healthcare This award recognizes an organization whose mission makes a significant impact in our community. This nonprofit corporation has played an integral role in our community for 123 years. Their employees work tirelessly to improve the health of the people in the communities they serve which was evident throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. MWHC created a Field Hospital unit in anticipation of the crisis. MWHC treated more than 6,000 COVID patients and administered more than 100,000 COVID tests. Once the vaccine became available, MWHC, for a period of time, administered 2,000 vaccines per day, with more than 212,000 doses given. 794 MWHC staff supported the vaccine clinic and 437 community volunteers supported their efforts.
Mary Washington Healthcare received the Community Impact Award for their incredible commitment to the Fredericksburg regional community’s well-being as we’ve dealt with two of the most difficult years in modern history.
Entrepreneur of the Year
Debby Girvan won the Entrepreneur of the Year award, which celebrates an innovative business owner who recognizes and meets a market need by successfully launching and developing a new business. Debby Girvan a leader that founded her company in 2010 with the original concept of a marketing consulting firm, has since evolved her company into an award winning website design, development, and maintenance digital marketing enterprise. Debby’s company now has 9 employees and over 175 clients spanning 19 states and 3 countries.
Debby Girvan had the foresight to develop a highly diversified client base early on and therefore ensure there was no singular reliance on any one industry or client. Also, this small business’s structure provides for high paying jobs with significant benefits packages, making it possible for employees to live where they work - right here in our region.
Of special note is the commitment Debby has made to provide full time employment and professional development opportunities with benefits to many young professionals. Nearly 20 college students from the local area have begun solid careers in technology due to Debby’s commitment to their success.
During the early days of the pandemic, when everything was shut down, Debby created the Fred Gift cards website which was the design, development, hosting, maintaining and promotion of a website to help local small businesses sell gift cards online through the website. This free service, paid for solely by our honoree, provided an opportunity for struggling businesses to maintain cash flow under dire circumstances. Over 80 local businesses participated. Feedback suggested that the service was instrumental in keeping numerous business open.
Small Businesses of the Year Award
Stafford Printing This award is presented to a company that balances business success with a dedication to improving the community’s quality of life. This business was founded 35 years ago and over the years has expanded its equipment and services to meet the ever-evolving changes in printing services. Stafford Printing tells their customers that they stand by simplicity, responsiveness, honesty, principled service, and helpful, friendly attitudes at all times. Stafford Printing’s owner, Howard Owen has always believed in giving back to the community that he serves, and he has done so in a big way. He is a member of the Rappahannock Rotary Club, the Stafford County Economic Development Authority; and serves on the board of the Stafford Hospital Foundation, Loisann’s Hope House, and the Fredericksburg Symphony. Howard encourages his team to give to the community, both through the company and personally.
Large Businesses of the Year Award
Flatter, Inc. received the Large Business of the Year award. This family-owned company has been serving the community for 20 years, and has been awarded150 distinct contracts with the federal government. Flatter, Inc employees more than 200 individuals, both locally at their Spotsylvania headquarters and throughout the world. Flatter, Inc. is a federal services provider, the company excels in the areas of training & development, acquisition support, and complex government program management offices.
During the height of the pandemic, the company expanded its Leadership Development arm, Two Roads Leadership, and offered coaching and leadership development services to a worldwide community of leaders.
The company has grown over 300% in the last 5 years; today, they continue to exceed 10% growth year over year. They recently won their largest contract to-date, which was $30 million in support of Army training in Fort Lee, VA.
This corporation gives back to the community in several ways, including fulfill Christmas lists of local families through the Fredericksburg Department of Social Services; serving at the United Way, and having top leadership provide executive services free-of-charge to Leadership Fredericksburg. The company motto is “excellence is our baseline,” and Flatter, Inc. exemplify this in all they do.
Prince B. Woodard Leadership Award
Joel Griffin won the Prince B. Woodard Leadership Award, which honors an individual who has provided a lifetime of service and commitment to the Fredericksburg region. It’s named for the former Mary Washington College president whose, vision, integrity and dedication to serving others made her a pillar for the community. Joel calls himself a “serial entrepreneur,” and he has founded several for-profit entities and a non-profit organization.
The businesses have ranged from investments, venture capital, real estate, restaurants, and include 25 years in private industry consulting and 20 years in government contracting. Throughout all of this business success, Joel has called Stafford his home. Even when dealing with a daily commute to Northern VA he made time to give back to our community.
Joel was a Leadership Fredericksburg “early adopter,” participating in the Chamber’s second class 14 years ago. He learned about the program through Stafford County’s Economic Development Authority, which he still serves on today (as chairman).
Joel also serves on several boards: the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance, the Chamber, Germanna’s Educational Foundation, the Cyber Security Advisory Board for the Virginia Community College System, GO Virginia – to name a few.
Joel and his wife co-founded Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and education of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in honor of their oldest daughter, Gwyneth. His extraordinary commitment to this cause has literally SAVED LIVES – and inspired our entire community.
He has previously been awarded the Patriotic Civilian Service Award by the U.S. Army for actions taken immediately and following 9/11, and in 2015, he received the Joe Dangler Leadership Award for his community leadership support.
John Smoltz, a Waverly High School graduate and former baseball pitcher who played 22 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1988 to 2009, will be the featured speaker. Smoltz will discuss his time in Lansing, career path, and the importance of getting out of your comfort zone and overcoming the fear of failure. Smoltz will also discuss a new and first-of-its-kind project in the heart of downtown Lansing, a Strikeout Baseball Stadium.
Tuesday, April 12 from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.
Lansing Regional Chamber Economic Club - At the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center | 219 S. Harrison Road, East Lansing, 48823
More information: contact Ashley Sandborn at asandborn@lansingchamber.org or (517) 342-4549.
The Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce is looking for a Director of Business Services to join their team! Under the direction of the President of the LPCC, the Director of Business Services oversees all membership attraction, engagement, retention and sales activities while serving as a resource for Lincoln Park businesses. This is a full-time position with occasional evening and weekend hours. To apply, please send cover letter and resume to jobs@lincolnparkchamber.com.
More information: LincolnPark Chamber of Commerce – Director of Business Services
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