BizWord February 2010
 

  Table of Contents
  From the desk of Laura Crawford
  Message from the Chairman of the Board
  Impact Outcome: Springfield Trip on March 3, 2010

  Chamber Launches Ask the Expert Program

  BUY CHAMBER Program: Get Your Business on Board
  Just in from the US Chamber: What's your personal brand?
  2010 Chamber Choice Awards Semi-Finalists Chosen
  Women's Business Council honors first Women that WOW Award

  See What You Missed from the Economic Outlook Luncheon
  Members in the News!
  Thank you Members!

From the desk of Laura Crawford

…and five makes change…

Legislators have told us over and over that hearing from as few as five constituents, an issue is considered a potential crisis. The Downers Grove Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry Members will once again have the opportunity to let their business issues and concerns be known to our legislators in Springfield on March 3^rd.  Always striving to improve, Impact Outcome: 2010 DG Chamber Springfield Trip will provide an action packed day combining business and fun. 

The event will kick off on February 16^th at 4:00 p.m. as we welcome Illinois Chamber president, Doug Whitley who will provide a legislative briefing, preparing us for what to expect in Springfield.  Valerie Bruggeman, Director of External Affairs for AT&T and a registered lobbyist will provide tips on approaching elected officials in a manner that assures your message is conveyed.  Whether you join us in Springfield or not, please consider joining us for what promises to be an eye opening educational opportunity.

The morning of March 3^rd, we’ll fill up with coffee, drive to the Capitol City in car pools and at 10:30 a.m. meet House Republican Leader, Representative Cross.  Immediately following, we’ll meet with Senate Minority Leader, Christine Radogno.  A cruise through the Capitol tunnels will bring us to the Stratton Building where our ‘teams’ will visit specific legislative offices and then we’ll take a breather for lunch.  Representative Patti Bellock is working to arrange a dynamic speaker for our lunch being held in the Senate Committee Room.  Other meetings will follow in the afternoon; or you may choose to tour the Capitol or Lincoln Library.

The evening events include a cocktail reception (last year we welcomed ~40 legislators) and a private dinner with our local elected officials. 

Through the generosity of our sponsors, we are able to offer this event at no additional cost to you other than transportation and hotel ($90).  Thank you Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation, AT&T and NICOR Gas.  And of course, we’re always looking for more sponsors.  Please let me know if you’re interested, it’s money well spent.

The focus of our trip will be job creation, taxes (the budget) and pension reform – and of course, any concern you may have.  Last year, I said, “…we have to stop whining and get to work on a plan that will put us to work and work for us.”  Not much has changed.  Those who make the laws under which we must run our businesses, tell us ‘it only takes the voices of five constituents to get their focused attention.’  Can you imagine what a few dozen can accomplish?  Impact Outcome and take advantage of the greatest rights granted American citizens – the right to speak directly to elected officials and the right to vote. 

VOTE FEBRUARY 2^nd!

Laura Crawford
President & CEO

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Message from the Chairman of the Board

Click the link to below to watch Chairman of the Board, Don Duncan's monthly message to the Chamber Membership!

Watch the Chairman's Message

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Impact Outcome: Springfield Trip on March 3, 2010

On March 3, 2010 Downers Grove Chamber Members will travel to Springfield to represent the voice of business in Downers Grove. Those attending are committed to putting Springfield on a pro-business agenda.  “We’re very excited to have so many Members taking time away from their businesses to make sure their voice is heard,” said Chamber President & CEO, Laura Crawford.

For the drive down, members will be equipped with the Chamber’s Legislative Platform and talking points; the group has several appointments set up and is prepared to visit as many elected official offices as possible. Their priorities include job creation, taxes and pension reform. 

“We are participating in the greatest dimension of our political process, the ability to discuss openly with our elected officials governmental issues important to the very people that contribute so greatly to the general revenue fund-business owners,” said Crawford. 

The Impact Outcome trip will not only include exclusive access to the area’s top legislative and government leaders, but a reception and private dinner with key decision makers.  This trip would not be possible without the generosity of our sponsors. Thank you to the following member businesses for their support: Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation, AT&T, Village of Downers Grove, Elmhurst College, Highland Oaks, and Nicor.

For more information, please contact the Downers Grove Chamber at (630) 968-4050, or visit the website at www.downersgrove.org.

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Just in from the US Chamber: What's your personal brand?

Personal branding is not unlike corporate branding. It is about presenting yourself in the best possible light to your customers, employer, and even friends. It’s about determining what you want to represent to others and then living that brand in everything you do and say. Technology is making it easier than ever to market yourself and your small business in the same way large companies have been marketing themselves for years.

Following are some tips for creating your own personal brand:

Start by creating your brand statement. Don’t think about a job title, but consider what differentiates you from others. What are you known for? Remember in high school when people were labeled “Most Likely to Succeed” or “Class Clown”? How would you be classified today? What value do you bring to your work and to relationships? Put it in writing. This is the most important step in creating your brand.

Be consistent. Once you have defined your brand, carry it out in everything you do, whether it’s the way you dress, your online presence, or your e-mail signature.

Utilize every opportunity to express your brand. Tools and templates are available to create your own materials, such as business cards and stationery, to reflect your brand. Thanks to advances in printing and online tools, anyone can have a polished and professional look with their printed materials, whether it’s a business presentation or a thank-you note.

Use technology wisely. Your Facebook page, Twitter feed, LinkedIn profile, and other forms of electronic communication make up your online identity. Think of your online identity as an extension of you, not as a separate identity. These tools aren’t just about what you post but also what others are saying. Take inventory of your online presence, then set up an aggregator to pool feeds about you or your company from common search engines and social networking tools.

Finally, be true to yourself and your values. Be creative and uniquely you!

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Chamber Launches Ask the Expert Program

The Downers Grove Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry introduces its new pilot program Ask the Expert.  Ask the Expert is a collection of Chamber Members who will provide their expertise on questions pertaining to their professional industry. It is free to “Ask the Expert” and the program was created to benefit the entire Downers Grove area community!

The Ask the Expert program can be found on the homepage of downersgrove.org. There are step by step instructions as well as a sample set of questions to help craft your inquiries. Current topics include Home Improvement, Human Resources/Employment, Business Research, Banking/Financial Counseling, Printing, Copy Machines and Insurance. The range of topics will increase overtime depending on the types of questions being submitted to the Experts.

Melna Langham, Chamber Expert and community member said, “I’m excited about the new Ask the Expert program being offered by the Chamber.  As a user, it will provide me quick answers on a wide range of topics.  As an expert it will connect me with people asking about printing and potentially generate leads for ScotPress Printing.”

Once you find the Ask the Expert icon on the homepage, click on the provided business category that best fits your question. Your questions will be submitted to the Experts the same day. You should receive an email response from an Expert within 24 hours. The Experts will answer your question to the best of their ability.   For more information, please call (630) 968-4050 or visit www.downersgrove.org.

Do you want to be a Chamber Expert?

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BUY CHAMBER Program: Get Your Business on Board

Would you like your business a part of our BUY CHAMBER program?

BUY CHAMBER connects your business to the community and area businesses, providing the support you need for success. What’s your unique business offer? 

Select a special discount, a memento or whatever you choose to ensure your BUY CHAMBER customers are appreciated. Register that special offer with the
Chamber and it will be listed on downersgrove.org! All BUY CHAMBER offers are available to the entire community not just Chamber Members only.

BUY CHAMBER cards will be available to the community at the Chamber office and businesses throughout the area.  Let us know if you would like to stock a supply!

The program is simple, when a customer presents the BUY CHAMBER card at a participating business, they receive your designated discount. 
This is your opportunity to say, ‘Thank you for your business!’

All participating businesses and their discounts will be displayed on downersgrove.org

Here are some examples: The BUY CHAMBER discount at XYZ store offers 10% off your purchase or present your BUY CHAMBER card at ABC store and
receive a free pack of gum with a purchase. 

Please click here to register your business for the BUY CHAMBER program NOW!

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2010 Chamber Choice Awards Semi-Finalists Chosen

The judges’ votes are in!  The Downers Grove Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry is proud to announce the following semi-finalists for the third annual Chamber Choice Awards, Wednesday, March 10th at the DoubleTree Guest Suites & Conference Center in Downers Grove.

In the business excellence area several semi-finalists have been chosen.  The Retail category recognizes The Olive Tap and Louis’ for Men as semi-finalists.  In the Service category, 1^st Advantage Mortgage, Lang’s Auto Service, Inc. and MG Computer are semi-finalists.  In the area of Community Contribution, Not-for-Profit, Fairview A Vibrant Living Community and Spectrum Vocational Services have been chosen as semi-finalists.  Also, in the Community Contribution - Philanthropic category, Dominick’s and Rotary Club of Downers Grove have been named semi-finalists. A Young Business Professional Award and a Lifetime Achievement Award will also be awarded to two individuals that have excelled in their fields.

“Now in its third year, the Chamber Choice Awards again resulted in a wealth of high quality nominations. We consider all Chamber Members winners; and it’s always a delight to celebrate success.  These businesses and not-for-profit organizations are what really make this Village so special.” stated Laura Crawford, President & CEO. 

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Women's Business Council honors first Women that WOW Award

When: February 10, 2010 @ 7:30 am to 9:00am
Where: Marriott Suites Downers Grove, 1500 Opus Pl., Downers Grove
Register Here!

The WBC will honor Lisa Rasin of S.E.A.S.P.A.R. as the first recipient of the Women that WOW award! Click here to read why the WBC chose Lisa! This award is sponsored by Clemen's Mailing Service.  You won't want to miss this event. Click here to Register now!

Please join the Women's Business Council for their first Professional Development event of 2010. This month's speaker is Todd Carroll of the FBI. He will discuss how to keep yourself and your information safe online. This is event is sponsored by KAREN SKALA WEALTH MANAGEMENT.

It is so easy! Nominate the next Women that WOW award winner!

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See what you missed from the Economic Forecast Luncheon

Reaching a new record in attendance, the Mutli-Chamber Economic Outlook Luncheon held on February 10th, was a great success.  For the second year in a row, the keynote speaker was William Strauss of the Federal Reserve Bank. If you were unable to attend the luncheon you can view his presentation below!

View PowerPoint Presentation from William Strauss of the Federal Reserve Bank

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Members in the News!

Congratulations to the following Members:

Chamber Members, LUISA BUEHLER, AUTHOR OF THE GRACE MARSDEN MYSTERY SERIES & URSULA SCHROEDER, PURSE AND ACCESSORY FASHIONISTA Collaborate! A wonderful afternoon for friends and fun! “BOOK TALK, BAG DEMO AND BLING!” Sunday March 14, 2010 3p.m. to 5p.m. at Lillians, 32 W. Chicago Avenue, Naperville, Illinois

Rotary Club's 2010-2011 Board of Directors.The board will begin their year of service to Rotary on July 1, 2010.

Illinois REALTOR Lisa Wenzel of Wenzel Select Properties was recently awarded the Graduate REALTOR Institute (GRI) designation.

Spectrum Vocational Services received the “Partners in Progress” award, a "green" partnership award, from MRC Polymers, Inc.

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Thank You Members!

The Downers Grove Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry would like to Thank the following members for their generosity and support: 

Thank you to Anthony Cassara, True Productions, for filming the BUY CHAMBER video.

Thank you to Jameson's Original Charhouse for hosting the YPN Professional Development on Feb. 24th.

Thank you to Las Palmas Restaurant and Bar for hosting the February Business After Hours.

Thank you to Chris John Photography for taking pictures of the February Business After Hours.

Thank you to all those who participated in the Health & Wellness Expo 2010 on Jan. 30th: Saratoga Grove , Be Fit Physical Therapy, Change for the Better-Hypnotherapy & Astrology, D3 Financial Counselors, Dentistry for the Health Conscious, Inc., Eye Care Associates, Fairview Dental Care, Good Samaritan Hospital Health & Wellness Center, Good Samaritan Physical Therapy, Home Helpers, Hyatt Lodge at McDonald’s Campus/Health Scape, Larson Eye Center LTD., Main Street Chiropractic and Wellness Center, MedHQ, North American Emergency Medical Center, Supreme Home Health, Inc., Resurrection Behavioral Health-Addiction Services, The Devonshire of Lisle & Westbury Care Center & Chiro One Wellness Centers.

Thank you to Saratoga Grove and Francine Myers for hosting the H & W Expo 2010 on Sat. Jan 30th.

Thank you to Parkers' Restaurant & Bar for hosting the YPN Networking Night.

Thank you to all who participated in the Business BEFORE Hours: Chiro One Wellness Centers, Woodridge Community Pantry, Be Fit Physical Therapy, Community Adult Day Care, Esplanade Fitness Center, Visiting Angels, Indian Boundary YMCA & Downers Grove Park District

Thank you to Piccolo by Tommy R's for providing food at Business BEFORE Hours.

Thank you to Buffalo Wild Wings for host the Meet the Candidates: Business After Hours.

Thank you to all the candidates who took the time to attend our event.

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