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
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:
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 -
