BizWord July 2009
We heard from our
membership! You want more marketing!
The
Chamber has recently welcomed a new Account Manager to the team, John Collier.
John’s role will be promoting Interactive advertising as well as Chamber
sponsorship opportunities. We are excited about John’s new position because it
allows the Chamber to have a dedicated professional to assist members’ marketing
needs. Our members wanted more marketing exposure and John is here help.
To help
John get off on the right foot, I want to remind you about the many
opportunities the Chamber offers. It is important to take full advantage of the
plethora of marketing venues accessible through your Membership.
Your
Chamber is a valuable venue for online advertising. People are aware of the
quality of business chamber members provide. Therefore advertising with the
Chamber positions your business at an advantage because it provides you with
brand name quality and accessibility. The typical industry wide advertisement
click-through rates are 0.1% to 0.2%. Yet on chamber sites, ad- open rates are
more productive as they produce 10 to 30 times more traffic to your ad.
Don’t
forget about Black and White Ball sponsorships too. This year’s event will be
held on Friday, September 18. You’ll hear more details on this event in the
upcoming weeks. Just remember, this is a great opportunity to showcase your
business at one of our largest events of the year.
Lastly, your Chamber has recently added a new and exciting
marketing venue called the Talking Business Card. In partnership with Stone
Cliff Productions, you can record a 90 second talking business card to post on
the Chamber website for under $200! With and upgraded package you are
even able to purchase the rights to your video for your personal website,
trade-show, or TV commercial!
Click here to
watch an example of the Talking Business Card featuring your President & CEO,
Laura Crawford.
If you are not familiar
with all of the Chamber’s marketing opportunities
click here to read more.
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Downers Grove
Area Chamber Announces New Account Manager
The Downers Grove Area Chamber of
Commerce & Industry is pleased to announce that John Collier will join the
Chamber staff as Account Manager.
“We are very
excited to welcome John 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
fifteen years of business experience, John has brought much experience in the
areas of business development and management to his career.
As Director of Business Development for Biggers Chevrolet, he was responsible
for customer acquisition and retention efforts. His success stemmed from his
leadership and development and implementation of creative sales and marketing
techniques. His background also includes working for Harbor Resorts & Vacation
Resort Management Group as Vice President of Administration, Epic Resorts LLC &
Shell Vacations Club as Manager of Sales and Verification, and for Motorola as a
Product Planning Analyst.
“I am excited to be a part of a “customer-first” organization, where I have the
best opportunity for growth, both personally and professionally. I am excited to
be surrounded by a team that has uncompromising integrity, supportive
leadership, and a family friendly environment,” said John Collier on his new
position at the Chamber.
Contact John Collier at
jcollier@downersgrove.org or call 630.968.4050. ext.16
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Federal and State
Minimum Wage Increases in July
This July,
minimum wage in Illinois and across the nation rises again. As of July 1, 2009,
Illinois’ minimum wage increases to $8.00 from $7.75. For tipped employees,
minimum wage increases to $4.80 from $4.65. Illinois’ minimum wage will increase
one more time on July 1, 2010, to $8.25 as a result of state legislation signed
in December 2006 which ensured five increases for the next five years. As of
July 24, 2009, minimum wage under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act will
increase to $7.25 from $6.55. Federal minimum wage increased to $5.85 on July
24, 2007, after remaining at $5.15 for almost ten years from September 1, 1997 –
July 23, 2007. It increased again the following year in July to $6.55. Illinois
employers must post both the current Illinois minimum wage and federal minimum
wage regardless of whether Illinois minimum wage is greater than federal minimum
wage. Posters should be posted where employees have access to them.
Employers may order both the Illinois Department of Labor required poster and
U.S. Department of Labor required poster in an all-in-one format through The
Association’s website at www.hrsource.org
or may order state and federal posters separately.
Sally Weldin, Senior HR Specialist
swelden@hrsource.org
Just in from Illinois Chamber! The Chamber has confirmed
with sources that it is likely the Governor will sign the capital plan on
Monday. Source have stated that Quinn is currently seeking out a location to
sign the bill, which would provide $26 billion in new infrastructure dollars for
transportation and other state construction needs. The plan is supported by new
revenues generated from the increases in motor vehicle user fees and taxes on
alcohol, candy, and soft drinks, as well as the legalization of video poker.
The four bills comprising the capital plan that the
Governor is expected to sign are the capital revenue bill (HB
255), the capital spending bill (HB
312), the capital bonding bill (HB
2400), and the
capital budget implementation bill.
All four bills were released by the House at the beginning of the month after
Representative Lang removed his motion to reconsider the vote. Lang, however,
has not yet removed his hold on
HB 313,
which includes an additional $3 billion of specific line-item capital projects
along with the governor’s coveted $400 million for high speed rail.
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Just in from Representative
Pihos' Office
After long and arduous discussions, a majority of
Illinois legislators agreed on a spending plan that will take the state through
the end of the year and avoid draconian cuts to human service providers and
other state agencies.
The $26 billion spending plan was approved by the House and Senate and signed
into law by Governor Pat Quinn on July 15. The budget plan does the following:
-
Authorizes $3.5 billion in pension borrowing to pay service providers and
other needs.
-
Includes $6.6 billion to go toward Elementary and Secondary Education as
part of General State Aid and Mandated Categorical Funding; Also
appropriates $1.7 billion for Higher Education
-
Appropriates $4.7 billion to go toward Medicaid bills
-
Includes $3.8 billion in appropriations for union, non-union employee
salaries and operations at the Governor’s FY10 level; Lump Sum Agency grants
$5.5 billion (Human Services); $2.23 billion in pension borrowing money for
community-based human service programs; $1.23 lump sum for other state
expenses.
-
Provides $8.5 million for Line of Duty awards for active military.
-
Provides $6.5 million for 90 new IDOT engineers to implement the capital
spending plan that was recently signed into law.
The
approved budget gives Governor Quinn considerable flexibility to prioritize
spending to areas of the government that are in need and he will ultimately
decide what programs should be funded. It also directs him to make at least $1
billion in spending cuts in state government, which will most likely include
layoffs and proposals to implement furlough days for state workers. This same
bill directs him to hold more than $1 billion in reserve.
As part
of the budget deal, lawmakers will take 12 unpaid furlough days over the next
year. In the spring, I voted to refuse a pay raise and to take four unpaid
furlough days. During budget negotiations many of us fought to have the number
of furlough days for lawmakers increased to 12 days which is about a 5 percent
pay cut for lawmakers.
While
this budget certainly doesn’t provide everyone with everything they might have
wanted on their wish list, given the fiscal realities facing our state, some
think it is the best solution at this point in time. The budget plan
essentially provides state agencies and human service providers with about 86 to
90 percent of the money they received in last year’s budget as opposed to the
plan approved in May (I voted NO) that would have cut human service grants by 50
percent. I strongly feel that what was done on July 15th is just another
band-aid and although this budget might get us to the end of this year, the
legislature has created an even bigger hole for the next fiscal year. This very
temporary budget fix DOES NOT discount the need for a more permanent solution
moving forward.
This
budget provides stability for human service providers and ensures the
continuation of critical state programs and services for the entire fiscal year.
The budget passed on July 15th, combined with legislation already
sent to the Governor, prevents threatened deep cuts to human service providers;
meets the state’s pension obligation for fiscal year 2010; keeps correctional
facilities operating: keeps state troopers on the roads; and allows schools and
universities to open on time.
Taxpayers won’t be forced to pay 50 percent more in income taxes in a terrible
economy because that proposal never came back to the General Assembly for
consideration after having failed in late spring. Instead, I continue to
propose that we make additional efforts to tighten our belts, just as companies
in the private sector have done by implementing salary freezes and unpaid days.
However, it is of huge concern to me that this budget relies heavily on massive
borrowing, one time revenue sources and fund sweeps, just as we have done in the
last few years, which ultimately has led to our current financial instability.
The budget that was passed will continue to keep the state in a precarious
financial position. There are predictions that an income tax increase we be
proposed again when we return for session in January because our Illinois
economy will be in even greater peril by then and fewer votes will be needed to
enact the increase.
As we
move forward, reforming and reinventing Illinois will top the House Republican
agenda. We must change the culture of spending and corruption in Springfield –
the taxpayers are demanding it. I encourage you
to take a moment to visit a newly created website
www.reinventillinois.com.
This website is a useful tool that allows taxpayers to submit ideas on how
lawmakers should cut the state budget and what reforms are needed to reinvent
state government. Ideas collected from the website are intended to be shared
with members of the General Assembly as well as the Governor.
In the
meantime, House Republicans have initiated four working groups to study pension
reform, Medicaid reform, job creation and fiscal efficiencies in state
government and are meeting regularly. They will have recommendations for us
this fall which will allow us to re-evaluate the budget in January when the new
session begins.
As
always, you are welcome to contact me anytime by calling my district office at
630-858-8855 or by emailing
community@sandrapihos.com.
I welcome your input and value your opinion.
Sincerely,
Sandra Pihos
Multi-million
Dollar Ad and Grassroots Campaign Highlights Perils of Government-Run Health
Care
WASHINGTON, DC—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today announced the Campaign for
Responsible Health Reform (www.responsiblehealthreform.com/),
a multi-million dollar advertising, media and grassroots campaign to promote
health care reform that protects employer-sponsored health care, the bedrock of
the nation’s health care system for over 160 million Americans.
“We need to
reform our health care system to bring down soaring costs and ensure more
Americans have access to quality care,” said Bruce Josten, executive vice
president for government affairs at the U.S. Chamber. “But a government-run plan
will cause businesses to cut jobs and could seriously harm our economic
recovery.”
A recent CNN
survey found that 8 out of 10 American workers are satisfied with their
employer-sponsored health plan, yet Congressional proposals would erect a
government-run plan that would have an unfair advantage over private plans,
eventually crowding them out of the market. Even if employer-sponsored plans
survive, consumers are likely to face higher costs as health care providers
shift costs to private payers due to artificially low government-run plan
reimbursements.
“Preserving employer-sponsored health plans is critical for ensuring quality
health care,” added Josten. “Government-run plans in other countries have been
found to make people wait long periods for consultations and treatments—and deny
cutting edge treatments that can make the difference between life and death.
That’s not responsible reform.”
The Campaign for
Responsible Health Reform is running print
and online ads, organizing events, placing opinion pieces in local media
outlets, and generating letters and calls to members of Congress in Arkansas,
Colorado, Louisiana, Maine, and North Carolina. Chamber members have already
sent more than 78,000 letters to their legislators opposing a government-run
plan. The overarching message of the Campaign: a government-run plan will shut
down employer-sponsored plans and hurt job creation and economic growth.
Additional information about the Campaign is available at:
www.responsiblehealthreform.com/. The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest
business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and
organizations of every size, sector, and region.
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Keeping You Informed
In today's economy it
is important to keep your business a step a head of the rest. Learn some great
tips and tricks to "spring into survival mode," by making business personal
again, taking advantage of social media, and collaborating with local businesses.
The U.S. Chamber issued a series of articles titled, "When the Going Gets Tough,
Small Businesses Spring into Survival Mode." Review the articles at the links
below and learn personal accounts of small businesses making themselves stand
out!
When the Going
Gets Tough, Small Businesses Spring Into Survival Mode - Making Business
Personal Again
When the Going
Gets Tough, Small Businesses Spring Into Survival Mode - Embracing Social Media
When the Going
Gets Tough, Small Businesses Spring Into Survival Mode - Finding Success in
Numbers
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Members in the News
Crowne Plaza Glen Ellyn's Glen Prairie restaurant voted a Best
New Restaurant
Crowne Plaza Glen Ellyn's Glen Prairie restaurant
voted one of the Best New Restaurants in 2009 by Chicago Magazine.
Several Members listed as Best Places to Work in
Illinois 2009 by The Business Ledger
Congratulations to Sundance
Vacations, Redbox Automated Retail, LLC, Edward Jones, Advocate Health and
Hospital Corporation & Comcast.
You and Me, Inc. receive
award from BBB
The Better Business Bureau awarded
You and Me Inc. with the highest rating possible, an A+!
Barb Wysocki new president
of the Rotary Club of Downers Grove
Starting July 1, Barb Wysocki is President and her installation dinner is
Thursday, July 16.
Gary King sets up shop in Downers Grove
Author of, "Getting Business Fit,"
set up his new consulting firm in Downers Grove.
He is ready to serve the businesses of his community in efforts to reduce costs,
increase productivity and enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty...Read
more
The Centre for Chiropractic Health hosts Annual Clothing for Kids drive July 6th
-17th
The Centre
for Chiropractic Health and patients team up to distribute new and gently used
clothing, as well as other items for at risk children in need. New patients will
receive first-day services in exchange for a donation of five articles of new or
gently used clothing. All donations will be given to the Family Shelter Services
of Downers Grove.
7-11 Celebrates 1 Year Anniversary!
Congratulations to Ram Saini on
his one year anniversary! 7-Eleven is located on 4240 Main Street, Downers
Grove. Stop in and congratulate him and his staff on their success!
Luisa Buehler of The Hire
Solution writes novel
Linda Buehler of The Hire
Solution wrote her newest mystery novel. It is called The Innkeeper: An
Unregistered Death.
Benedictine University and Elmhurst College receive
Award
21
Illinois Colleges Receive the 2008 President's Higher Education Community
Service Honor Roll Award. This year Benedictine University and Elmhurst College
received this outstanding award. This is the highest federal award that a
university or college may receive.
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 Buffalo Wild Wings for
hosting the YPN Social this month.
Thank
you to
Crowne Plaza Glen Ellyn for hosting the July Business After Hours.
Thank you to
Seven Bridges Golf Club for hosting the July Women's Business Council
Networking Night.
Thank you to
The Olive Tap for sponsoring the July Women's Business Council Networking
Night.
Thank you to
Don Shewmake for leading Business Roundtable, "Your One Minute Elevator
Speech."
Thank
you to Maclyn Group for use of their
conference room during the taping of the Chamber's talking business card.
Thank you to Charlie Vineyard for his leadership of Chamber FIRST. Best of luck
on the move to California.
Thank you to all Members who walked with the Chamber in the 4th of July parade!
Thank you to You and Me, Inc.
for donating the Chamber shirts for the 4th of July parade.
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