BizWord March 2010
 

  Table of Contents
  From the desk of Laura Crawford

  Just In from Jane

  2010 Chamber Choice Awards a Deserving Celebration
  BUY CHAMBER cards are Here!

  Members in the News!
  Thank you Members!

From the desk of Laura Crawford

Remember gym class when the teacher picked two captains and then they picked their friends to be on their teams?  That’s exactly what the Illinois legislators have been doing for the last three decades!  Legislators have created their own districts, ensuring re-election after drawing a name out of a hat! ONLY in Illinois – literally.  The result is that 98% of elections for the Illinois legislature are won by incumbents.  It’s time to stop the nonsense and the Downers Grove Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry Board of Directors agreed, as they voted to support the Illinois Fair Map Amendment.

A fair map is the first step in giving Illinois back to the voters, allowing us to choose our legislator, not the other way around.  The proposed Amendment asks for establishment of a Temporary Redistricting Advisory Commission (TRAC).  Each legislative leader would appoint two people, taking into consideration: no current or former lobbyists or state employees (within last four years); no partisan political officeholder or family member of a legislator and TRAC members may not run for the General Assembly for ten years (the duration of the map).  A ninth member would serve as chairperson, chosen by the original eight.   

This entire initiative is a citizen’s process.  Petitions must be circulated with the question being proposed for the November ballot.  300,000 signatures of registered voters are required to qualify for the ballot and must be filed by May 1, 2010 to have the Amendment included on the November 2010 ballot.  Once on the ballot, the question must receive the support of either a majority of those voting in the election or 3/5ths of those voting on the question. 

It’s up to us.  If you could do just ONE thing to help end the corruption in Illinois, this is it!  Stop by the Chamber table at the Chamber Choice Awards luncheon on March 10^th and sign the petition.  If you are interested in circulating your own petition, I’ll be happy to send you the form.  Let’s stop this nonsense!

Laura Crawford
President & CEO

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 Just In from Jane

Refer & Receive The Chamber Way!

The best contribution you can make to YOUR Chamber is by referring a business who is not currently a Chamber Member.  It’s cheap, it’s smart, it’s painless and it shows your dedication, especially to your fellow Chamber Members. By increasing the Chamber Membership, you are increasing the number of business contacts for your fellow Chamber Members – what a great gift to give, especially during these economic times.  As you know, the Downers Grove Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry is no different than how you run your business – referrals build clientele, plain and simple.

If you are asking yourself, “Who should I refer?  I can’t seem to think of a business.” here are some questions to ask, and then make a list: 

Who are my vendors?
Who is my Chiropractor?
Who is my dry cleaner?
Is my place of worship a member?
Where did I buy my last pair of gym shoes?
Is my hair stylist/barber a Member?
Where did I buy my last car?

While you’re considering prospects, please ask yourself if you think of Chamber Members first when you’re making your purchases – whether personal or business!  Once your have a list, put your referrals in writing (all pertinent information is appreciated) via email or fax to me at jabe@downersgrove.org or (630) 968-8368. 

Remember when your referral business joins, you receive ChamberBucks to use for marketing your business.  Promote the Chamber, promote your business - it’s a win-win!

In my dozen years of Chamber work, I have seen successful chambers grow and progress by solid referrals, given by dedicated Chamber Members.  So spread the good word, increase your exposure and contribute to the growth and success of the Downers Grove Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry.  Refer a successful business

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2010 Chamber Choice Awards a Deserving Celebration

The Downers Grove Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry is proud to announce the following the winners of the third annual Chamber Choice Awards presented by Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital. With a giant smile, Mattine Gallentine of MG Computer accepted the award for overall Business Excellence on Wednesday, March 10th at the DoubleTree Guest Suites & Conference Center in Downers Grove.  She thanked her staff, Chamber and community for all their continual support.

Willis and Shirley Johnson of Tivoli Enterprises Inc were recognized for Lifetime Achievement and Melna Langham of ScotPress Printing was honored for Young Business Professional. Spectrum Vocational Services took home the award for Community Contribution by a Not for Profit and Rotary Club of Downers Grove accepted the award for Philanthropic Community Contribution. In the Business Excellence, Retail category, The Olive Tap took the honor and MG Computer won for Business Excellence in the Service category.

“Now in its third year, the Chamber Choice Awards again resulted in a wealth of high quality applicants. 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.

The Chamber thanks the following sponsors: Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, Sara Lee Corporation, The Maclyn Group, Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation, Midwestern University, and Community Bank of Downers Grove.

"We were very honored to be recognized by our peers," Willis Johnson, Tivoli Enterprises, Inc.

"Thank you Downer's Grove for welcoming us into your lives," Mario Olivi, The Olive Tap

"I wouldn’t be where I am today with the the support of our Chamber Members. What a wonderful day to be honored and recognized by my peers," Melna Langham, ScotPress

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BUY CHAMBER cards are Here!

You've heard about our program...now can you can finally use it! BUY CHAMBER key chain cards are now available at the Chamber office as well as the other following locations:

• Downers Grove Area Chamber Office
• Advocate Health & Wellness Center
• Community Bank of Downers Grove
• Downers Grove Downtown Management Corp.
• Downers Grove Economic Development Corp.
• Downers Grove National Bank
• Downers Grove Park District-Lincoln Center
• Downers Grove Park District-Recreation Center
• Downers Grove Public Library
• Village of Downers Grove

                                                                         Look for these displays...

How it works: A Chamber business selects a special discount/offer for the BUY CHAMBER program, they register that offer on the BUY CHAMBER webpage-it is free to join! All offers and participants will be listed on the downersgrove.org! All offers are available to the entire community not just Chamber Members only. This program is an effort to drive the community to BUY CHAMBER!

Go to BUY CHAMBER page.

If your business is interested in being a BUY CHAMBER card location, please call (630) 968-4050.

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Members in the News!

Congratulations to the following Members:

DuPage Convention and Visitor's Bureau wins 2010 Business Ledger Award for Excellence in Economic Development.

Benedictine University Recognized for Community Service by The Corporation for National and Community Service, which administers the annual Honor Roll award, recognized more than 700 colleges and universities for their impact on issues from poverty and homelessness to environmental justice.

Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation won the Business Ledger’s Annual Award for Excellence in the Hospitality category.

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 Quizno's Subs for sponsoring the YPN SpeedNetworking.

Thank you to LODGE for sponsoring New Members Welcome Breakfast.

Thank you to Events by Tommy R’s for catering New Members Welcome Breakfast.

Thank you to those Ambassadors who assisted with New Members Welcome Breakfast

Thank you to American Cancer Society for presenting at the Health & Wellness Network .

Thank you to all who sponsored and supported the IMPACT OUTCOME: Springfield Trip.

Thank you to all the 2010 Chamber Choice Awards Sponors: Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, Sara Lee Corporation, The Maclyn Group, Community Bank of Downers Grove, Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation and Midwestern University.

Thank you to all the 2010 Chamber Choice Awards Donors: Phillips Flowers, Heritage House Florist, Chris John Photography and Jeffrey Ross Photography.

Thank you to all the 2010 Chamber Choice Awards Judges:

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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