BizWord January 2010
From the desk of Laura Crawford
Influence the Outcome
As we welcome a new decade, the last one is worthy of review and assessment for
items to be improved upon. From local to federal, philosophical changes have
occurred. In the Village of Downers Grove, our leaders have tightened up their
spending practices. Difficult decisions were made; some not very popular – but
duplicity was eliminated and opportunities were presented for the private
citizens of Downers Grove to become participating stakeholders.
If there ever was a time to take the time to participate - to truly be a
participating stakeholder - it’s now! In 2010, we face issues from healthcare
reform to tax reform and the one that most closely affects most of us is
economic reform. How many more jobs will be lost? How many more businesses
have to close before job creation and economic growth truly become a priority
for elected officials?
I find it disheartening that our State leaders have decided the best way to
create jobs in Illinois is to solicit their counterparts in DC to transfer
terrorists to an abandoned state-of-the-art prison, in order to create even more
public sector jobs. To the folks who may be employed at Thompson Prison,
congratulations on the new job – but is this the State’s best answer to long
term, stable job growth?
The US Chamber has challenged Congress with creating 20 million more jobs in the
next decade, a formidable task for sure. This goal can be accomplished,
however, if all of us - elected officials, civic leaders, private sector
business owners and operators - embrace an agenda that cultivates economic
growth and innovation. And it will take every single one of us,
hammering on this important message to create impact. Your Chamber will
continue to make this case to officials of the Village, County, State of
Illinois and in Washington, D.C. I invite you to be a participating
stakeholder. We have planned several events intended to keep you informed,
please consider joining us for one or all: The
State of the Village Address on January 13th; Meet
the Candidates Business After Hours on January 21st or the
Downers Grove
Business Trip to Springfield on March 3rd. Now more than ever,
take the time to participate, write to those representing you, influence the
outcome and make sure it’s your voice that is heard.
Laura Crawford
President & CEO
back to top
Letter from the Chairman of the
Board
Hello Fellow Chamber Members,
Happy New Year. Here’s to anticipating that the 2010 business environment will
be significantly better than 2009. As a reminder the Chamber’s goals for 2010
are as follows:
-
Increase the value of the Chamber membership
-
Increase membership in the Chamber
-
Improve the financial position of the Chamber
Part of the way to increase the value of your membership is to
take advantage of the Chamber events. I personally saved enough money at the
December YPN event, held at fellow Chamber Member business, Best Buy, to pay for
my membership for a year. I hope you too, were able to take advantage of that
great opportunity.
I encourage all Members to help promote the value of the Chamber
and the businesses that make up its membership. You will see the “BUY CHAMBER”
theme throughout 2010. The concept of “BUY CHAMBER” is to promote your
business. If we all were dedicated to conducting business with Chamber Members
whenever possible, we would not only grow your business, but our Chamber as
well. Hopefully every Chamber member will adopt this perspective and will
promote “BUY CHAMBER” with the community residents as well.
Lastly, if you haven’t done so, it is time to make your marketing
plans for 2010. Make sure to allocate some funds for marketing through the
Chamber. Remember, BUY CHAMBER!
Your Chamber Chairman,
Donald D. Duncan
Be Featured in our BUY CHAMBER Video on February 6th!
back to top
Just in from US
Chamber: Reposition your Business
Prepare for Sales Growth and Profitability
Written by W. Kenneth Yancey Jr., Score CEO
Day by day, optimism is overtaking the gloom of the recession. Now is the time
to seize opportunity and prepare for sales growth and profitability in the
coming year.
The Conference Board reported that its index of leading economic indicators rose
for a sixth-straight month in September to a two-year high. The mood among
entrepreneurs is decidedly upbeat. In a survey by Constant Contact, Inc., an
e-mail marketing provider for small businesses, 70% of small businesses expect
to finish 2009 with moderate or significant growth.
In the recovery economy, strengthening the value proposition between a company
and its customers will be more important than ever. “People will continue to buy
things; they’re just being more careful about who they buy from,” observes John
Jantsch, author of Duct Tape Marketing and a noted small business expert.
Create Growth Through Customer Focus
Staying close to your customers and continually asking what matters to them is
especially important. An increasingly powerful means for building and
strengthening customer connections is through social media tools such as blogs,
e-mail campaigns, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Blogs have proven their potency as a marketing tool, boosting Web site visits by
55%, according to a customer survey by small business software developer Hubspot.
In addition, 45% of respondents to a BlogHer/iVillage social media survey said
that they decided to purchase an item after reading about it on a blog.
Expand Your Reach Without Expanding Your Budget
Constant Contact President and CEO Gail Goodman says that small businesses
should find e-mail marketing well suited for an environment in which marketing
resources are limited. And don’t forget Twitter. “A small business that is
consumer-facing should think of Twitter as advertising in your local free
newspaper,” says Guy Kawasaki, managing director of Garage Technology Ventures,
an early-stage venture capital firm, and a columnist for Entrepreneur Magazine.
Think New, Not Old
While other, more “conventional” marketing strategies will still have a role in
the recovery economy, small businesses should look out for ways to put a new
spin on their offerings. Retailers should host special events such as
demonstrations and trunk shows and offer rebate programs that will repeatedly
bring customers back to their stores, according to retail and luxury marketing
behavior expert Pam Danziger. She also advises retailers to makemerchandise
appear fresh. “Simply rearranging your merchandise can make a difference because
it changes the customer experience.”
Finally, make the most of peer networks, professional groups, and advisors,
including SCORE mentors. Surround yourself with people and perspectives that
energize you.
More than 12,400 volunteer SCORE counselors in 364 offices nationwide provide
free and confidential small business mentoring and training.
back to top
Health & Wellness Expo 2010
Open to the Public
The
Downers Grove Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry presents its Health
& Wellness Expo 2010 to the public. By popular demand an invitation
to the expo has been extended to the entire community.
Join the Chamber on Saturday, January 30, 2010 from 10:00
am to 1:00 pm at 3460 Saratoga Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515. Peruse
fifteen or more exhibitors and learn about healthy opportunities offered
in the Dowers Grove area.
This expo is
co-sponsored by The Downers Grove Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry
and Saratoga Grove. No RSVP necessary.
For more information,
please call (630) 968-4050 or visit www.downersgrove.org.
back to top
The People with the Green Ribbons
Have you ever wondered . . . who are those members wearing the green ribbons?
Why do they do wear them? Why do you see them at events? No they are not the
green ribbon award winners (however they do deserve awards, kudos, a winning
lottery ticket, etc.). They are the Ambassadors Committee made of up dedicated
members who volunteer their time to enhance the success of the Downers Grove
Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
The Chamber Ambassadors are the mentors, greeters and recruiters for the
Chamber. By reaching out to assist new and existing members, our Ambassadors
become recognized by the membership as a great resource for chamber and general
business development issues. Ultimately, people turn to those they can trust
when looking for business partners. Being an Ambassador builds great public
relations that lead to positive business partnerships and even new friendships.
Ambassador Chairman John Page, Vistage International shares his experience:
"Getting involved with the Ambassadors has been phenomenal. It has allowed me to
meet so many members of the Chamber and get a feel for what is really happening
in our business community. . . . The goal of the Ambassadors is not only to
welcome new members (and prospects) and connect them with others in the Chamber,
but also to put together other members in the Chamber with those that could be
business partners - or customers/clients! Making those kinds of connections for
ourselves and our members is what makes being a Chamber Ambassador so rewarding.
It has made me more active and involved in the community and has allowed me to
more easily leverage the most I can out of my Chamber membership!"
The Committee has grown to over 25 members within the last year and that is due
to the enthusiasm and dedication the group and its leadership has created. Just
ask a newer Chamber Member and recent addition to the Ambassadors Committee,
David Segatti, Allover Media “The Downers Grove Area Chamber
has an incredible
group of people with wide ranging businesses and professions. There is a wealth
of knowledge and events available, all you have to do is ask and become part of
it.”
If you have a question about a program, an event, a networking group or how do
you become an Ambassadors – just ask one of those Members wearing the green
ribbon. They are wonderful and knowledgeable business professionals.
back to top
Chamber Choice Awards
Opportunities
-
Platinum Sponsor - $2500
–
Stand out with this valuable package that includes your business logo on
signage and website; recognition in all print and web materials prior and
during the event; positional page in the program book; banquet tickets
and premier seating for four; and a list of attendees.
-
Gold Sponsor- $1500- Be
featured with this exciting package that includes recognition in all print
and web materials prior and during the event; your business logo on the
event website; full page ad in the program book; and a list of attendees.
-
Silver Sponsor - $500 -
Have your business shine with this package that includes recognition in all
print and web materials prior and during the event and a half page ad in the
program book.
Program Ad Rates:
Ad
deadline is Friday, February 26th.
Full
page (8” x 5”) - $200
1/2
page (3.75” x 5”) - $100
Business card size (2” x 3.5”) - $50
A pdf
file is best. Contact Lauren Tarasewicz at
630-968-4050 x13 or
ltarasewicz@downersgrove.org if interested!
back to top
Members in the
News!
Congratulations to the following Members:
Harold Barry
III of Barry Aluminum & Windows Inc was recognized by Crane & Board Solid Core
Siding for completing the 2009 Solid Core Siding training challenge.
Woodridge
Community Panty is providing free car seats in February for families in need.
English Flyer.
Spanish Flyer.
Rotary is hosting a Wine tasting and silent auction to benefit
their International trips and support for Alliance for Smiles.
Please see attached flyer for more information.
back to top
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
Melna Langham,
ScotPress for presenting “The 4 Ps of Marketing” at the January Business
Roundtable Network.
Thank you to
the following Ambassadors who hosted a table at the Jan. General Membership
Luncheon
Steve Wilkey,
DG National Bank
Dale Meador, Exterior
Design Inc.
Bob Wilson, Wilson Rental
Keith Hoffman, 1st
Advantage Mortgage
Annette Larson, First
Data Independent Sales Wind City
Fran Myers, Saratoga
Grove
Chris John, Chris John
Photography
Thank you to the presenters at the January 5th Not for Profit
Breakout Sessions:
Cindy Klima, Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation
Lori Hornick, Avery Coonley
Karen Kuchar, Family Shelter Services
Bill Crawford, Rainmaker Internet Marketing
Thank you to all of our Members for all your efforts and
contributions in 2009!
back to top
| 
