BizWord December 2009
Letter from the Chairman of the Board
Hello Fellow Chamber Members,
My monthly letter will always
start off with a reminder of the personal goals I have while serving as your
Chamber Chairman. This helps me focus my efforts. As a reminder, they are as
follows:
- Increase the value of
the Chamber membership
- Increase membership in
the Chamber
- Improve the financial
position of the Chamber
To increase the value of your
membership, the Chamber has implemented a new discount affinity program for
members and their employees.
To increase membership we are
developing a marketing campaign to encourage more businesses in the area to join
the Chamber.
To improve the financial
position of the Chamber we continue to focus on “BUY CHAMBER.”
As a reminder, “BUY CHAMBER”
is the perspective that anytime, we as business owners need a good or service
for our businesses or our personal lives; we go to the Chamber website and look
for a Chamber member to satisfy that need. Hopefully every chamber member will
adopt this perspective. Hopefully we also share this perspective with our
community and our residents will also adopt BUY CHAMBER.
The holiday season is upon
us. The economy will be better than last year. Please adopt the perspective of
BUY CHAMBER as you spend your hard earned dollars
Have a joyous holiday season
and take advantage of all that your Chamber has to offer.
Your Chamber Chairman,
Donald D. Duncan
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Buy Chamber this Season!
The Downers Grove Area Chamber
is pleased to offer Members opportunities for discounted services. For
additional information, please contact the Chamber at (630) 968-4050 or
info@downersgrove.org
First Data Independent Sales
FDIS has created a program specifically for Downers Grove Area Chamber
Members to offer credit card, PIN-secured and signature debit card,
electronic check processing, and check warranty services at preferred
rates. Sign up today to receive the special program offerings designed
especially for Chamber Members. Call 630-541-2380 or visit
www.fdischitown.com today!
Good Samaritan Health & Wellness Center
Every Chamber Member eligible for a
special corporate membership at Advocate Good Samaritan Health & Wellness
Center call (630) 275-2700 for details!
Office Depot
By registering with Office Depot Members
receive group
purchasing discounts up to 45% off of
retail pricing plus exclusive discounts on a select list of top items. Take
advantage of Office Depot's online ordering today! Visit
HERE to sign up or contact Jeremey Manion
at 312-208-7469 or
jeremy.manion@officedepot.com.
1st Advantage Mortgage
Member businesses and employees can experience discounted rates on title
closings, 1/4 point towards closing costs, full financial assessments
including identity theft, home market analysis, and blended rate debt
analysis. Also included are monthly seminars, and discounts on many major
retailers. Call Keith Hoffman at 630-376-2100 for details and to enroll.
Downers Grove Park District Fitness Center
Employees of any business located in Downers Grove are eligible for resident
rates at the Fitness Center! Call 630-960-7250 for details.
Partners Plus Auto Care Savings Plan
Introducing the Partners Plus Auto Care Savings Plan - a new program offered
to the members of the Downers Grove Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry and
designed to help save you money on Maintenance, Repairs and Tires for your
vehicle. The Partners Plus Auto Care Savings Plan is a free program that
offers great savings on nearly everything your vehicle needs - from tires
and tire service, to routine maintenance, such as oil changes and check-ups
to vehicle repairs, like brakes.
Visit HERE for details.
The Management Association of Illinois
The Management Association of Illinois provides reliable, practical and
cost-effective HR solutions to employers. Whether you have an entire HR
department, a sole HR professional or just another duties-as-assigned staff
member, you can be confident your HR practices are efficient, effective, and
economical with our support. Downers Grove Chamber members can now attend
any of their training offerings at the reduced association-member rate.
Visit the training calendar at
www.hrsource.org and please call
630-963-7600 to register for the reduced rate.
The Downers Grove Area Chamber
is pleased to offer Members opportunities for discounted services. For
additional information, please contact the Chamber at (630) 968-4050 or
info@downersgrove.org.
Click the icon for
Perks Plus Benefits!
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Just in from
the US Chamber-Health Care by the Numbers
Health Care By The Numbers
$500 BILLION
The amount employers spend each year providing health benefits to more than 130
million Americans, according to analysis by the U.S. Chamber and the Employee
Benefit Research Institute.
95.6%
The percentage of workers with health insurance at companies with more than 50
employees, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.
46 MILLION
The number of people in the United States who are uninsured, according to the
Census Bureau.
34 MILLION
The number of uninsured who are either non-citizens, can afford to purchase
health insurance but choose not to, or are eligible but not signed up to
participate in existing federal or state health care programs, according to
analysis by the U.S. Chamber and others, including Keith Hennessey, former
director of the National Economic Council.
$2.4 TRILLION
The amount Americans spend annually on health care, representing one-sixth of
the U.S. economy, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
1,961
The number of state-mandated benefits that insurance companies are required to
offer in their health plans, further adding to the cost of small group health
insurance, according to the Council on Affordable Health Insurance.
$500 BILLION
The estimated amount of savings produced over a decade from medical liability
reform and the elimination of defensive medicine, according to the Department of
Health and Human Services.
83%
The percentage of voters who want Congress to include medial liability reform as
part of any health care reform plan, according to the nonpartisan public
interest group Common Good.
12 MILLION
The number of uninsured people who potentially would be insured if they were
allowed to purchase health insurance across state lines, according to a
University of Minnesota study.
$1.042 TRILLION
The estimated cost of the House health care bill over 10 years, paid for by an
employer payroll tax and a surtax on the most successful individuals, small
business owners, operators, and investors, according to the Congressional Budget
Office.
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Downers Grove Top Ten Stories of
2009
By
Janice Hoppe,
Downers Grove Reporter
No. 10 New police station batted about
WHAT HAPPENED The Downers Grove Police station has
been deemed outdated and cramped for the police
department’s operations. In April, the village
council voted 6-1 to accept staff’s recommendation
to build a new $33.5 million station in three to
five years.
WHAT NOW The police station was addressed in the
Total Community Development report compiled by the
village. It was noted the police station was one of
the most pressing infrastructure needs but could
hold off until 2012. Discussion with residents and
the village still needs to take place, and the
village needs to make it clear a significant
investment is needed in the facility. The village
may plan a bond issue in 2012 for a substantial
amount to undertake projects.
No. 9 Moving Vietnam Wall comes to village
WHAT HAPPENED The Moving Vietnam Wall is a half
replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington,
D.C., containing all the names of the fallen
soldiers during the war. The wall was up for the
first weekend in October in the Alexander Bradley
Burns American Legion Post 80. Of the thousands of
names, 14 are from Downers Grove. About 33 percent
of the post served during the Vietnam War.
WHAT NOW After spending five days in the post, the
moving wall continued its journey around the country
and is in Michigan for the winter. Post officials
said it was pretty expensive, costing about $10,000.
Currently it is unknown if the post will bring the
Moving Vietnam Wall back in 2010.
No. 8 Belmont Road construction begins
WHAT HAPPENED The Belmont Road underpass is a $53
million project being paid for by Metra, Illinois
Department of Transportation, Burlington Northern
Santa Fe Railway Co. and the Illinois Commerce
Commission. The village is aiming for a 2011
completion on the project. Phase one of the project
began in July and was the installation of commuter
parking lots. Phase two is the actual construction
of the underpass
WHAT NOW Since work has begun on the underpass,
Public Work officials said Belmont Road at the train
tracks has reduced to a two-lane road going east
around the construction site with one lane going
north and one south. The detour is expected to
remain until next fall.
No. 7 Pool in the plans
WHAT HAPPENED The Park Board discussed creating a
new pool committee and was determined to choose a
site before further discussion was had on building.
Former board member Art Jaros, who lost his bid for
reelection in April, did not want potential sites
discussed publicly. The other members of the board
felt the site should be chosen publicly. The board
voted in March to choose a committee after the site
was determined.
WHAT NOW For now, pool plans are on hold, and there
has been some turnover on the board. In late
November and early December, two park board
commissioners resigned abruptly due to opportunities
taking them outside the village. Kathryn
Engel-Accetura was replaced by Fred Gusel.
No. 6 Binny’s buys out Sam’s
WHAT HAPPENED Binny’s was considering opening in the
vacant Circuit City building, on the southwest
corner of Butterfield Road and Highland Avenue. The
32,000-square-foot store closed last winter, along
with the entire nationwide chain, after Circuit City
filed for bankruptcy. After learning of a village
sign ordinance, Binny’s backed out. The ordinance,
approved in 2005, was supposed was to rid the
village of the tall, oversized signs atop poles.
Instead, “monument style” signs were deemed the more
attractive version.
WHAT NOW Binny’s Beverage Depot acquired the space
formally owned by Sam’s Wine and Spirits, 2010
Butterfield Road, and is now open. Issues with the
sign ordinance are not completely resolved, with
several village businesses asking for exemptions or
changes.
No. 5 District 58 postpones Life Safety bonds
WHAT HAPPENED Downers Grove Grade School District 58
has continued to postpone issuing $10 million in
life-safety bonds to repair several roofs and other
repairs because of a board member threatening
lawsuits. Board member Scott O’Connell accused the
district of over-borrowing and claims project
estimates need to be more thoroughly examined by
higher agencies.
WHAT NOW District 58 Parent Teacher Associations
gathered for a candlelight demonstration to show
their support for the Life Safety bonds in December.
Parents and community members are concerned about
the leaky roofs and the safety of the students. Roof
replacements for 2010 include Belle Aire, El Sierra
and Kinglsey schools.
No. 4 Boyle elected, then under fire
WHAT HAPPENED By a mere 18 votes, Deborah Boyle was
elected to the Community High School District 99
Board of Education. But board members barred Boyle
from voting on the district’s employee benefit
program at her first meeting. Boyle has two
relatives employed by the district. Prior to her
election, Boyle sued the district in 2006 over a
residency issue on behalf of her son.
WHAT NOW The board passed a nepotism policy that
restricts Boyle from being present during some
closed session discussions. The Downers Grove
reporter has filed a complaint with the Illinois
Attorney General’s Office and the State’s Attorney’s
Office, alleging some closed sessions violated the
Open Meetings Act.
No. 3 Board makes significant budget cuts; raises
taxes
WHAT HAPPENED The village was faced with a $4.5
million deficit going into 2010 and made many budget
cuts, dipped into reserves and proposed raising
taxes. The biggest cuts the board decided to make
was to suspend Heritage Fest, eliminate 25 full-time
equivalent positions and terminate Counseling and
Social Services. The village will also be borrowing
nearly $1 million from the reserves.
WHAT NOW Village officials have compensated for the
loss of positions and have made sure core services
will not be affected. The counseling services will
remain on a referral-basis only through the end of
December. The budget includes a $500,000 increase in
real estate tax which will add about $20 to the
annual property tax bill on a home valued at
$300,000.
No. 2 David Hernandez Ponzi scheme
WHAT HAPPENED When a civil action complaint was
filed in June against Downers Grove resident David
Hernandez alleging his involvement in a $11 million
Ponzi scheme, Hernandez went missing. Hernandez
reportedly solicited investors to buy “guaranteed
investment contracts” through his defunct business,
NextStep Financial Services. Hernandez then siphoned
the funds through NextStep Financial into his
personal financial accounts.
WHAT NOW Hernandez was located by police about a
week later in a hotel room in Normal with
self-inflicted wounds. He was indicted on four
counts of mail fraud in July. The FBI said along
with mail fraud charges, they are seeking the
forfeiture of $3.5 million and two luxury cars.
No. 1 Heritage Festival cut from budget
WHAT HAPPENED The annual Heritage Festival was cut
from the 2010 budget for a savings of $494,000. The
decision to cut the festival came as village
officials struggled to close a budget gap of more
than $4 million. Many commissioners did not feel
right about “throwing a party” when they were
eliminating core services such as two police
officers. The decision to cut Heritage Fest came a
week before the final vote on the 2010 budget.
WHAT NOW The village has left the decision up to
volunteers, local businesses or community groups to
determine if they are willing to take on throwing
the festival or something similar. Currently, there
is no definite answer as to whether or not Heritage
Fest will return in 2011.
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What's your Unique Business Idea?
Just In from the U.S. Chamber
The first test of any business, small or large, is its uniqueness when compared
to its competitors.
Now, that doesn't mean you
can't borrow a good idea from some other company and build a successful business
around it. Some of these business owners undoubtedly borrowed their ideas from
other companies they've dealt with, or promotions they many have noticed when
traveling in other cities. The point is, successful businesses find ways to make
their products or services stand out from the crowd, or at least the crowd in
their immediate geographic area.
If your
business provides a product, sources of uniqueness can range from:
For example, granulated
white sugar is difficult to differentiate from one supplier to another except in
pricing, packaging, or amount of advertising. But white sugar substitutes like
aspartame (e.g., "Nutrasweet brand") or saccharine (e.g., Sweet 'n Low brand)
have important product feature and benefit differences that help determine
consumer purchase decisions.
Here is an important tip:
-
Features
are "descriptions"
of a product or service (e.g., green color, pear-shaped, inexpensive, fast,
slow, etc.)
-
Benefits
are the "advantages"
you receive from using the product or service (e.g., feel better, look
beautiful, more endurance, etc.)
There
are two main issues to consider here:
-
How is your business different? Can you express it in terms of a concise
statement, known as a "unique selling proposition" or USP, that will form
the basis for all your advertising, promotions, sales communications, and
other marketing activities?
-
Is this a difference that customers appreciate, so that they'll prefer
or even seek out your business's offerings rather than your competitors?
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Chamber Talk with Lauren
Calling all Young Professionals or
Calling all Employers with Young Professionals...
 The
Chamber's Young Professionals Network (YPN) is looking to grow in 2010. YPN has
created a dynamite event schedule that includes: professional development,
networking opportunities, volunteer activities, and social/networking outings!
Fit for professionals of any age really, these events are full of passion,
energy and opportunity!
Chairman of the Board, Don Duncan, said, "If
employees are ever going to add more value to their firms they need to know how
to network. I send my employees to YPN for this purpose. In fact their programs
are so good, even though I am too old to be a YPN member, I have recently
attended three of their programs."
The mission of YPN is to
cultivate the next generation of business and community leaders. YPN promotes
personal and professional development, through active involvement in the
Chamber, business and local communities. How can you say No to that?
Come see what it's all about! Please join YPN for
their 2nd Annual Gizmos and Gadgets event at Best Buy on Wednesday, December
16th from 7:00 am to 9:00 am. This is an exclusive event open only to Downers
Grove Area Chamber Members. Best Buy opens the store 2 hours early just to
host the YPN. Make a purchase of any regular priced item and receive 10%
off!
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Just
in from Jane
The 12 events of 2010
On the first month of the
year
The staff did give to you
A new calendar of opportunities
On the second month of the
year
The staff did give to you
The Economic Forecast presentation
On the third month of the
year
The staff did give to you
The 3rd Annual Chamber Choice Awards
On the forth month of the
year
The staff did give to you
A not-to miss “Long Term Business Planning” Business Roundtable Network
On the fifth month of the
year
The staff did give to you
The First Swing! Annual Golf Outing
On the six the month of
the year
The staff did give to you
Business Before Hours Networking event
On the seventh month of
the year
The staff did give to you
A special WBC Multi Chamber Networking Event
On the eight month of the
year
The staff did give to you
Progressive Networking/Multi-Chamber Lunch
On the ninth month of the
year
The staff did give to you
The fun-filled “Black & White Ball”
On the tenth month of the
year
The Staff did give to you
The Last Swing! Board of Directors Invitational Golf Event
On the eleventh month of
the year
The staff did give to you
The Holiday Showcase/Business Expo
On the twelfth month of
the year
The Staff did give to you
The Holiday Toy Drive and A Very Happy New Years!
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Chamber's Holiday Office Hours
Please beware of our office hours during the Holiday Season:
Closed
Thursday, December 24th & Friday, December 25
Closed Thursday, December 31 & Friday, January 1
If you
have any questions please call (630) 968-4050.
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The Downers Grove Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry is
pleased to announce that Jim Wenskus has joined the Chamber
staff as Account Manager.
“We are very excited to welcome Jim as a member of the
team. His energy and enthusiasm will be a great asset to
our Members,” said President & CEO Laura Crawford.
With over 14 years of experience, Jim is a proven sales and
marketing professional. He has consulted for Government,
Commercial, and Industrial companies in planning
state-of-the-art Filing Systems, Storage and Office
Furniture Systems. Working on key accounts for Cox
Communications/Valpak he designed and developed advertising
strategies and campaigns for regional and national accounts.
As project manager for the Village Profile, a company
producing maps and membership directories, he provided
Chamber of Commerce members and municipalities advertising
through printed publications and the
internet.
“I am excited to work for the Downers Grove Area Chamber and
really looking forward to building relationships, growing
the Membership, and advising Members on all the different
cost effective marketing opportunities offered by the
Chamber,” said Jim Wenskus of this new position.
For more information, please contact the Downers Grove Area
Chamber at
(630) 968-4050, or visit the website at
www.downersgrove.org.
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Chamber Choice Awards Opportunities
Show your support!
- 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
Space fills quickly!
Full page (8” x 5”) - $200
1/2 page (3.75” x 5”) - $100
Business card size (2” x 3.5”) - $50
Ad
deadline is Friday, February 26th. A pdf file is best.
Contact Lauren Tarasewicz at 630-968-4050 x13 or
ltarasewicz@downersgrove.org if interested!
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Members in the
News!
Congratulations to the following Members:
Naper Settlement received 2 MarCom Awards and a grant rom the DuPage
Community Foundation.
Robert Bair for won the $50 Shell Gas Card drawing for taking the Chamber's
survey!
American Family Insurance announced the winner of the Step It Up Business of the
Year was awarded to Michelle Binks of
HR Consulting Solutions.
Scot Press - Melna Langham for winning a Free 3 hour rental at the Golf
Course Clubhouse meeting room and to
Diveheart-Jim Elliott for winning 25% off room rental at the Lincoln Center
or Recreation Center from the Downers Grove Park District at the November
Business After Hours-Holiday Showcase.
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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
Dream Interiors for hosting the December Holiday After Hours.
Thank you to
Ballydoyle Restaurant & Pub for providing refreshments at the Holiday After
Hours.
Thank you to
Best Buy for hosting Gizmos & Gadgets and offering their employee discount!
Thank you to
Panera Bread Catering for donating the refreshments to Gizmos & Gadgets.
Thank you to
Good Samaritan Health & Wellness Center for sponsoring the December
Luncheon.
Thank you to
Photography by Chris John for taking the Chamber's Holiday photo.
Thank you to
Charles Place Office Condos for hosting the November Business After Hours.
Thank you to
Wilson Rental,
Barbara's Elegant Touch Staffing and
Events by Tommy R's for donating to the November Business After
Hours-Holiday Showcase!
Thank you
to
all those who hosted a table top at the November Business After Hours at
Charles Place Office Condos on November 19th!
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Celebrate our Members!
As 2009 comes to an end, the Chamber Celebrates
its Members! Click on the following links to learn about the accomplishments,
the generosity and the special opportunities given to Downers Grove Area Chamber
Members!
Member
Press Page- Learn what your fellow Membership is up to. Remember you can
post your Press Releases for free on the Member Press Page. Just email your
Press Releases to
ltarasewicz@downersgrove.org
Members in the News- Read about Memebers' accomplishments and newsworthy
information.
Click here to access the Members in the News sections for 2009.
Thank you Members- Programming and Events would not be the same without
the generosity of our Chamber Members.
Look back on the
2009 "Thank you Members" sections in BizWord by clicking here.
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