BizWord August 2009
Serving on the Board of
Directors allows Members to use leadership skills while contributing a positive
impact on the business community. The success of the Chamber greatly depends on
its Board of Directors and the support they offer. Board Members stay connected
to the Chamber through meeting attendance, participating on committees and
networks, membership luncheons, special events, and Chamber communications.
I was proud to announce the following new candidates to the Board of Directors
at their meeting on Thursday, July 23, 2009: Keith Hoffman, 1st Advantage
Mortgage; Arlene Kowalczyk, Downers Grove National Bank; Melna Langham,
ScotPress Printing; Rick Mytnik, Illinois Business Systems; Bill Nienberg,
Integrated Business Planning Associates, LLC; and John Page, Vistage
International.
Additional nominations may
be made by any Active Member in good standing upon presentation of a petition
for nomination signed by at least fifty Active Members in good standing. Such
petitions must be delivered to the Nominating Committee at the principal office
of the Chamber within ten calendar days after the date of announcement of the
Nominees by the Board or its representatives.
It is my pleasure to work with such great leaders in the Downers Grove
community!
Bill Murphy
Maclyn Group
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From the desk of Laura Crawford
Health Care
Reform – What’s the Right Prescription?
This of course is one of the hottest topics
around; that’s because it affects every single person in the United States
whether they are an employer, employee, unemployed, under-employed or deployed.
And because of its personal nature, everyone has an opinion. Unfortunately, a
lot of those opinions are being formed on misinformation, hype and fright of the
unknown. I would hate to see propaganda and fear-mongering dominate this
important debate.
At your Chamber’s September
general Membership luncheon, a much diversified health care panel will be
presented. Howard Peters, of the Illinois Hospital Association, Courtney
Hedderman, from AARP and Dr. Douglas Norman a former Canadian citizen who now
practices in the United States, will be questioned on their positions, concerns
and ideas as they relate to health care reform. Each representative may be
uniquely focused; the common denominator is that we all recognize the need for
reform. This is a don’t-miss event!
Collectively, we are all
dedicated to improving our nation's health care system, especially in terms of
lowering health care costs, improving the quality of care, and making sure every
American has access to affordable coverage. As a business representative, your
Chamber has signed onto a letter with 2200 other business organizations, that
opines the legislation currently being considered would not improve the system,
but jeopardize the parts of the system that currently work. The letter asks
Congress for initiatives to improve quality while lowering costs, to introduce
fair regulation of the insurance market, and to build a robust marketplace for
consumers.
Right now the business
community voluntarily provides benefits for nearly 180 million Americans. It
makes good sense to do so, even though premiums have doubled in the last
decade. As a business organization however, the Downers Grove Area Chamber of
Commerce & Industry cannot support a mandate for employers to provide ‘qualified
health benefits’ for all their employees and their dependents and if they don’t,
pay a tax of up to 8% of their payroll. Nor can we support the further mandate
to pay 72.5% of premiums for employees and 65% of their dependents’ premiums. We
need to keep people in their jobs, not give employers a reason to reduce their
workforce.
The business community is eager
to work with Congress to reform the health care system - and quite honestly, we
need your help. Please join us at the September 9th luncheon and
equip yourself with knowledge on the issues, ask the experts your questions and
challenge Congress to provide a construction and responsible solution that we
can all support.
Laura Crawford
President & CEO
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Chamber Talk with Lauren
The Spotlight's on Sponsorship
Are
you looking to steal the spotlight? The easiest way to highlight your business
is to take advantage of sponsorship opportunities. The Chamber has a variety of
opportunities for every budget, target market, committee and event. Sponsorship
adds recognition and credibility to your business. Especially when sponsoring
the Chamber, you are adding value to your brand.
Remember last
month's newsletter? People are aware of the quality of business that Chamber
members provide. When a customer learns a business is a chamber member
they are 44% more likely to think favorably of that business and 63% more
likely to use that business. Imagine how they will react when they see your
business as a Chamber sponsor?
Keep in mind that
the Chamber can work with you to create and customize sponsorship opportunities
as well. Below are links to current sponsorships available at the Chamber. You
can print them out, pass them out, frame them, cherish them, but most
importantly read them! Find out what valuable advantages are available to
you though Chamber sponsorship!
Chamber Sponsorship brochure
2009 Black & White Sponsorship brochure
Email me anytime to discuss these great opportunities!
Lauren Tarasewicz
Manager of Marketing & Programs
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Just in from Jane
R & R 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,
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. When the business joins by
September 30, you will receive recognition as well as a Downtown Downers Grove
Gift Certificate and treat yourself, support downtown businesses and give back
to YOUR Chamber. 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 work,
increase your exposure and contribute to the growth and success of the Downers
Grove Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Refer a successful business today!
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John knows...Marketing Matters
Some Banner Ad-vice!
Did you know...that last month the Downers Grove Area Chamber of Commerce &
Industry web site had just shy of 14,000 unique visitors to
www.downersgrove.org?How
many of those visitors do you think viewed your primary category listing?Now
take another guess…how many of those 14,000 visitors viewed a banner ad on our
home page? If you said all 14,000 – you are correct!
When you are looking for new business, how many prospects need to see your
current ad to generate a solid lead or a new sale? If the answer is less than
14,000, then why wouldn’t you want to take advantage of our web presence and the
drawing power of your chamber?
One of the easiest ways to promote your business online is by using banner ads.
These are the advertisements that appear at the top of the web pages that you
view. Every time your banner ad is displayed, it is called an impression. You
can use these impressions to advertise your business, a special offer, or an
upcoming event.
There are many different ways to create an effective banner ad and I am happy to
offer suggestions if you would like to start or expand your online marketing
campaign using our banner ads.
Here are a few tips that will help create an effective banner ad:
Brand Your Business
Make sure that your brand or logo is prominently displayed
Advertising Message
Each ad should attempt to communicate 3 things:
-Brand awareness
-Product message, benefits, or differentiation
-A call to action – make them contact you!
Ad Effectiveness
Think carefully about your message! Viewers don’t take time to stop and smell
the roses. 3 seconds is typically all you have. This is an ad, not a
brochure…Keep It Simple.
-Be creative to get attention.
-Contrasting colors get noticed.
-Don’t over elaborate…7 to 10 words should be the maximum for your message.
Include your web site address in the ad!
I
am happy to meet with you regarding banner ads, or any of the other marketing
opportunities that we offer our members. Let me help make your marketing plan
return results!
John
Collier
Account Manager
Ask Ann
Have you ever wondered what the
number 1 question received by the Chamber was? We decided to ask Ann!
What is the
number 1 question you receive?
Is ABC company a Member of the Chamber?
An individual or company will call to find out if a business is a member of the
Chamber before they use their services. If they find out that the company is
not a Member, they are disappointed and hesitant to use them. If the company is
not a member, I offer them the names of businesses that are members and they
feel more confident in using the company.
Did you know that a study shows
that consumers are 63% more likely to buy goods and services from a company that
they believe is a member of the local chamber of commerce? When consumers know
that a business is a member of the local chamber, they are 44% more likely to
think favorably about it. Consumers who are told that a business is a chamber
member are 51% more likely to be highly aware of it and 57% more likely to think
positively of its local reputation.
The study also has good news
for businesses that sell to other businesses. When business decision-makers
believe that a business is a chamber member, they are 37% more likely to think
favorably of the business, 51% more likely to be highly aware of it, 58% more
likely to think positively of its reputation, and 59% more likely to buy goods
and services from it.
Have any Chamber
questions? Ask Ann! Maybe your question will be featured in Ann’s
next column!
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Steve Wilkey
announced as 2009 Enterprise Award Winner
The Downers
Grove Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry is very pleased to announce that
Steve Wilkey of Downers Grove National Bank, will be honored as the 2009
Enterprise Award at the Chamber’s Black & White Ball presented by D3 Financial
Counselors. Join us for the presentation at the Black & White Ball on Friday,
September 18 at the Esplanade Lakes by DoubleTree in Downers Grove.
The Chamber’s
Enterprise Award honors and celebrates an individual who is employed by or owns
a Member business and has significantly impacted the community through personal
involvement, while actively providing and protecting economic opportunity for
the benefit of all. Lisa Rasin of S.E.A.S.P.A.R., a fellow Chamber Member,
nominated Steve for the award.
“When I think of Steve, I think of a person that never says no to anything.
Steve has been involved not only in the Downers Grove Chamber for the last ten
years, but has also been on the Board of Directors as well as the Executive
Board. He has spent countless hours volunteering with the Chamber and the
Downers Grove Rotary Club. Steve understands what community is all about. He is
truly deserving of this award for all he has contributed through the years,”
said Lisa Rasin of Steve Wilkey.
Downers Grove
National Bank is a locally owned community bank that has always believed its
main responsibility is to support the community. DGNB employees have always
served on local boards, committees and service organizations. Steve has been
employed at DGNB for 38 years. He has been a member of the Rotary Club of
Downers Grove since 1977 and its President twice. He’s assisted the Village by
serving as Chairman for Rotary’s operation of the Heritage Festival Beer Garden
since 2001. DGNB has always been a prominent supporter of the Chamber. Steve
originally served as a Chamber Board member in the 80’s. In his current term as
Director, he served on the Board’s Executive Committee, as well as the Member
Retention and Director Nominating Committees.
“Steve has been a valuable
asset to the Chamber. He is so generous with his time and commitment to the
Downers Grove community. He is always willing to go that extra mile. The
Chamber is very, very proud to honor him with this award,” stated Laura
Crawford, President & CEO of the Chamber.
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Just in from the U.S. Chamber: Defending Free Enterprise
U.S. Chamber to Launch Major Campaign
Rapid government expansion and increased taxes,
regulations, entitlements, debt, and attacks by anti-business activists--all are
evidence that the American free enterprise system is faced with unprecedented
challenges.
A new U.S. Chamber initiative, the Campaign for Free Enterprise, will rally
small businesses, local chambers, policymakers, and the general public to stand
up for free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunity.
"It's time to remind all Americans that it was a
free enterprise system based on individual initiative, hard work, risk,
innovation, and profit that built our great country," says Chamber President and
CEO Tom Donohue. "We must reaffirm the spirit of enterprise in America."
The campaign, which will formally launch this
fall, will include:
- Grassroots outreach to the Chamber
membership.
- A vigorous media, new media, and public
education program with a special focus on the economic literacy of younger
Americans.
- A highly visible national paid media
advertising effort.
- Education of governors and mayors on the
avalanche of new rules, restrictions, mandates, and taxes that could
seriously undermine the wealth and job-creating capacity of small businesses
in their areas.
- An aggressive issue advocacy program,
leading up to the 2010 elections, to educate citizens on the critical
economic issues facing our country.
- Ongoing public opinion research.
- Gatherings of academics and thought leaders
to build the intellectual argument for free enterprise, open capital
markets, and global engagement.
- Lobbying to defend free enterprise values
and to advance pro-growth legislation, and, where necessary, taking legal
action to challenge unconstitutional and unlawful government regulations.
The Chamber is urging its
members to sign up online to become a supporter of the campaign.
Supporters will receive ongoing updates on ways to participate,
including contacting lawmakers, attending events at state and local
chambers nationwide, and taking part in surveys and polls on policy,
regulations, and the state of the economy.
Join the campaign at
http://www.uschamber.com/freeenterprise.
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Just
updated from the Kaiser Family Foundation on Healthcare
Achieving comprehensive health reform
has emerged as a leading priority of the
President and Congress. President Obama
has outlined eight principles for health
reform, seeking to address not only the
45 million people who lack health
insurance, but also rising health care
costs and lack of quality. In Congress,
a number of comprehensive reform
proposals have been announced as the
debate proceeds over how to overhaul the
health care system.
This interactive side-by-side compares
the leading comprehensive reform
proposals across a number of key
characteristics and plan components.
Included in this side-by-side are
proposals for moving toward universal
coverage that have been put forward by
the President and Members of Congress.
In an effort to capture the most
important proposals, we have included
those that have been formally introduced
as legislation as well as those that
have been offered as draft proposals or
as policy options. This side-by-side
offers a summary of the major components
of these proposals; detailed
descriptions of provisions relating to
the Medicare and
Medicaid programs
can be found online. It will be
regularly updated to reflect changes in
the proposals and to incorporate major
new proposals as they are announced.
Instructions:
1. Select one or more proposals.
2. Select one or more topics. The
Generate Comparison button will appear
on the right, just above the proposals.
Click for results.
3. Your results will appear with the
options to Print the Comparison, or
Create a Different Comparison.
Information updated 8/05/09
Download a printable version of the two
Congressional authorizing committee
proposals
Download a printable side-by-side
comparison of all proposals and topics
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Downers Grove Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry is Recognized for Top
Membership Performance
The Downers Grove Area Chamber
of Commerce & Industry is proud to announce that they are the recipient of two
national American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Membership Achievement
Awards. Celebrating excellence in the chamber profession, ACCE recognized the
chambers that have demonstrated best practices in 2008-09. The Downers Grove
Chamber was recognized for top membership performance in their revenue category.
Only ten chambers from throughout the U.S. were cited in the category.
The Chamber received the
“Number of New Members” award; the only Chamber in the Midwest to acquire such
an honor. The Chamber also received the “New Member Dollars” award.
“I am so pleased to be able to
work with our diligent and devoted staff. We’re always proud to represent our
Membership at the national level and even prouder of our Board’s commitment to
excellence. Chamber work is a great team effort,“ said President and CEO Laura
Crawford.
For more information, please
contact the Downers Grove Area Chamber at 630.968.4050, or visit the website at
downersgrove.org.
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Member Appreciation Business After Hours:
Family Fun Night
The Downers Grove Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry is proud to
present Member Appreciation:Family Fun Night on Friday, August 21 at the
Marriott Suites Downers Grove. The event will take place poolside from
4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Please bring your entire
family to the event for an evening of pool, pop, pizza, and entertainment.
Don’t forget your swimsuits!
The Marriott Suites Downers Grove will provide the food and soft drinks for
those in attendance. Rock Academy Inc. will perform throughout the event!
Alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase. Remember, you can always take
the elevator home! A special rate of $69 is available
if you call Julie Pacini at 630.442.6662 to reserve your room! For more
information call the Chamber at 630.968.4050 or visit downersgrove.org!
REGISTER NOW
Printable Flyer
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Members in the News
Midwestern University announced that Dr. Karen J. Nichols, Dean of Chicago
College of Medicine and Professor of Internal Medicine, has been elected
President-Elect of the American Osteopathic Association during their annual
business meeting in July. She is the first female president of the
association, which represents the nation's more than 67,000 osteopathic
physicians.
Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital welcomes five new doctors: Jay Levin of
Northbrook, Mircea Lacob of Lisle, Bharati Chittineni of Westmont, Sadaf
Elahi of Elmhurst, and Aparna Pai of Willow Springs.
The Naper Settlement's marketing
communications department was honored by The Publicity Club of Chicago. The
department received the Golden Trumpet Award for their achievements in
public relations and communications for the 2009 issue of Treasures Magazine,
a publication which chronicled the 40th Anniversary of the Naperville
Heritage Society.
Gary
King,
of
business fit associates
has received a tremendous response from his first book Getting Business Fit.
As a result of the initial "high volume sales" his book is now available via
Amazon.com (just type in Getting Business Fit into the search option under the
category "books")
Parkers’ Voted Best of the West.
Parkers'
Restaurant and Grill has been voted Best of the West in the category of Best
Place for Seafood. They also got a nod for Best Romantic Restaurant and Best
Place for Jazz or Live Music. Parker's also received certification and is
authentic VPN Certified. They are proud to announce that they will be one of
three restaurants in Illinois to complete this certification.
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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
Marriott Suites of Downers Grove for hosting our Member Appreciation Family
Night
Thank you to
Rock Academy for performing at our Member Appreciation Family Night
Thank you to
Worknet, Inc. for sponsoring the Multi-Chamber Luncheon.
Thank you to
LODGE for
sponsoring the New Members Luncheon.
Thank you to
Events by Tommy R's for providing the food at the New Members Luncheon.
Thank you to the Ambassadors Committee for assisting with the luncheon.
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