BizWord August 2009
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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As his term comes to a close, Bill Murphy,
Chairman of the Board, leaves the Chamber with a his outgoing message. Typically
his messages are seen in letter form, but this time you can see what he has to
say by watching his video version.
Watch Now!
Hello,
I am Bill Murphy, with the Maclyn
Group, and I am the outgoing Chairman of the Board for the Chamber. For my final
Chairman’s message, we thought we would try something different by utilizing a
video message rather than my standard letter.
Here goes.
Wow, What a Year. I don’t think we
could have predicted this roller coaster ride we’ve been on. Last August, your
Chamber board worked very hard to complete the first strategic plan the
organization has had in recent memory. That plan was designed to take this
Chamber into the future. Then, in October, the bottom fell out on the economy.
Not unlike many of your businesses, we had to adjust. We, as an organization had
to balance following this strategic plan while fighting making sure we sustain a
healthy Chamber. And, you know what, I think we did. Here is a brief list of
what I feel are important accomplishments this year.
We launched a new
website that it a great resource for members and the community. Over the next
several months, it will improve even more.
We reorganized the staff to better fits the needs of the membership and talents
of the staff members. And we have a couple new faces this year.
We had almost 30 people attend our annual Springfield trip. Last year we had 4.
We were in integral part
in fighting key legislative issues that affect your business’ bottom-line.
o
Prevailing wage failed
o
Service tax failed
o
Streamline sales tax
failed
Our attendance at programs and events increased 30%!! over last year.
September 1, 2008 we had 682 members
September 1, 2009 we had
680 members. A net loss of 2. Amazing. What a testament to the dedication of
this membership.
There are more, but these give you
an idea of our successes.
Thank you, to you, our members. Your
dedication is truly what keeps this Chamber successful. It’s been a pleasure
serving as chairman. I look forward to many more great successes to the upcoming
fiscal year.
Bill Murphy
Maclyn Group
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Chamber Talk with Lauren
Are you on The List?
On
Friday, September 18th the Esplande by DoubleTree will transform into a
star-studded evening of Rock n' Roll! The Rock n' Roll Review promises to be an
unforgettable evening of music memories, rock star honorees, and
show-stopping Chamber Members!
Being that it is the Chamber's premiere event, it is important to make sure you
are "on the list." In the Downers Grove area community, every Chamber member is
truly a V.I.P., so treat yourself like one and attend the 2009 Black & White
Ball presented by D3 Financial Counselors.
Get your name "on
the list" and register yourself and your fellow rockstars at downersgrove.org.
For easy access to registration, simply click on the "Are you on the list?"
banner on the downersgrove.org homepage. On the event webpage you will find the
link to
register!
The Chamber looks
forward to seeing all of you at this memorable event. Remember black tie is
optional, but an unforgettable night is guaranteed! If you need more information
about becoming an instant celebrity,
email me or call 630.968.4050 ext. 13!
2009 Black & White Sponsorship brochure
Amp up your business!!!
Lauren Tarasewicz
Manager of Marketing & Programs
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Just in from Jane
Back to Basics!
Are you taking full advantage
of your Chamber Membership?
Have you placed your business cards in the Chamber office display rack?
Have you posted a money savings coupon on your listing?
Have you posted the “Proud Member” logo on your website?
Do you display your Membership decal on your door or car window?
Have you attended a Business Roundtable Network or Business After Hours lately?
If you answered “no” to any
one of these questions, then you need to “get back to the basics”! These
benefits, opportunities and services are all available to YOU as part of your
annual Membership. Getting back to basics can be as easy as posting a money
savings coupon on
www.downersgrove.org to attending one event a month. These are the building
blocks to growing your business and gaining more exposure!
Bill Timmins from College
Planners of America and an active Chamber Ambassador found “As a member of the
Downers Grove Area Chamber of Commerce I attend as many chamber sponsored
functions that I can. In doing so, I have been able to network with many other
business owners that I would not have otherwise been able to reach. … I have
been able to engage many people who have also become clients. You would be
surprised by how often you meet someone who just happens to be the person you
are looking for to refer or engage with in business.” So, mark your calendar
and attend our Business BEFORE Hours on Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 7:30 AM.
I know you can spare one hour to invest in your business.
www.downersgrove.org is a great
resource to view all your benefits, opportunities and services. Click on “About
the Chamber” then click on “Member Benefits” to see the plethora of options. I
challenge you to try one benefit, opportunity or service you have never tried
before. Try it within the next 30 days and see where it takes your business.
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact me or any one of the
Chamber staff. We are here to help!
Make a commitment! Utilize
your Membership! See your business grow!
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Ambassadors – Key to the Chamber
If you are interested in becoming an Ambassador,
this is the PERFECT meeting to attend. Meet our current Ambassadors, Q & A time
as well as enjoy some refreshments. It only takes a few hours a month to be
part of this outgoing and "make a difference" group . . . great way to meet
members and have the "in" on programs and services.
The Chamber Ambassadors are the mentors, greeters
and recruiters of 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.
Please RSVP to Jane Abe, VP Business Development
at (630) 968-4050 x11 or email jabe@downersgrove.org.
DATE: Monday, September 14
TIME: 4:30 - 6
PM
LOCATION: Downers Grove Area Chamber of Commerce
& Industry office, 2001 Butterfield Rd, Ste. 105, Downers Grove.
CHAIRMAN: John Page, Vistage
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States Race to the Top
for Education Dollars
By Tom Donohue, President and CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
September 1, 2009
As the nation debates proposals that would dramatically
reshape health care and energy policy, let's not forget that more than 55
million American students are returning to the classroom. Many of these
students are attending subpar schools, leaving them well behind their
international peers.
We've all heard the alarming statistics: Nearly a third of
all high school students--and half of minority students--do not graduate in
four years. Those who do go to college are often in need of remedial
courses. American students ranked 22nd out of 26 in math, 19th out of 26 in
science, and 15th out of 29 in reading literacy in recent international
assessments. This is a prescription for national decline.
However, the administration is applying some tried-and-true
business practices and free enterprise principles to education that are so
obviously lacking in most of their other proposals. And they are backing it
up with some real money from the stimulus bill.
Specifically, Education Secretary Arne Duncan is using a
$4.35 billion Race to the Top (RTTT) fund to bring greater accountability,
higher standards, and innovation to American schools. RTTT grants will be
awarded competitively to states based on progress in four areas: (1)
adopting internationally recognized K–12 standards that will prepare
students for higher education or the workforce, (2) measuring student
achievement through better data collection, (3) developing and retaining
first-class teachers and principals, and (4) enacting sweeping reforms in
our lowest-performing schools.
The challenge for the Department of Education is to enforce
compliance with these reforms in the face of likely political and interest
group pressure. In the contest between student achievement and special
interests, special interests have too often won.
The U.S. Chamber has long advocated that innovation,
transparency, accountability, and higher standards can help restore
excellence to our troubled schools. President Obama's and Secretary Duncan's
approach to education reform is promising and worthy of our support. But it
also bears close scrutiny. Resistance will be intense. Special interest
pressure will mount. That's why the business community must be willing to
provide political support to school reform efforts that we think can work.
That's the case with Race to the Top, and we'll do everything we can to help
it succeed.
The one thing that our school systems can't
tolerate is the
status quo. It's time to shake things up and make sure that our children
have the skills necessary to seize the future.
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Black & White Ball a rockin'
success
The Downers Grove Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry is pleased to announce
that the 2009
Black & White Ball was a rockin' success! The Chamber would like
to
thank all who attended and contributed to the Chamber's 2009 Black & White Ball:
Rock n' Roll Review. The Chamber truly appreciated the support of its Chamber
Members and the Downers Grove community.
The energy in the
room could be felt by all. From the décor to the nostalgic music and
performances, the evening was packed with old Rock ‘n Roll favorites, new and
old Chamber memories.
The evening’s
main event, the installment of Steve Wilkey of Downers Grove National Bank as
the 2009 Enterprise Award Winner, was really touching and well deserved. The
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
all.
Along with the Enterprise Award was the installment of the 2009-2010 Board of
Directors. Keith Hoffman, Arlene Kowalczyk, Melna Langham, Rick Mytnik, Bill
Nienberg, and John Page were presented as the newest additions to the Chamber’s
2009-2010 Board of Directors.
A plentiful silent auction was featured at the
Black & White Ball as well as premium drawings for a pink sapphire and diamond
pendant along with a 50” Panasonic HDTV. The lucky winners were Marta Cullen
from Dream Interiors for the necklace and Ann Russ of Downers Grove for the 50”
HDTV. The Chamber is thrilled to kick-start its new fiscal year with such a
well-received and memorable occasion. If you would like to watch the 2009 Black
& White Ball: Rock n’ Roll Review, stay tuned to DGTV to watch the event in its
entirety!
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Closing the Cash gap
Businesses today are being faced with the changing lending criteria of banks,
but do have a lot of lending alternatives based upon their company’s situation.
Some alternatives include:
·
SBA Lending Programs --- especially with regards to the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARC loans)
·
SBA 504 Lending Program
·
SBA 7A Lending Program
·
Angel Investors
·
Shareholder investments
·
A/R Factoring
The following article on accounts receivable financing is another option your
business may want to consider. Closing the Cash Gap was written by Brian Albach,
Bibby Financial Services (Midwest), Inc.
The Recession has pulled small and mid-sized business owners through the ringer.
Many still must overcome challenges before heading into recovery. Banks have
changed their lending criteria making it harder for small businesses to get or
grow their lines of credit. The rising cost of healthcare continues to take its
toll on the balance sheet of the average entrepreneur, and it’s unclear whether
new healthcare policies will help or hurt the situation.
These problems exacerbate the fundamental cash gap facing commercial businesses
that invoice clients. You create a product or service, send the bill, and then
wait for payment. Small businesses’ operating funds are often stretched by
larger corporations who wait to pay beyond 30-day terms.
One solution more companies are turning to is accounts receivables financing.
It gives business owners the ability to close those gaps in cash so you can meet
payroll, pay vendors on time, build inventory, finance start-up businesses or
build a financial track record to apply for a bank line of credit. In addition,
it is very flexible, and the line can be increased at any time if you have the
invoices to support it.
This form of finance is often used as a short-term solution for firms that can’t
get bank funding or need cash fast to operate their company. With accounts
receivables funding, you have immediate access to the cash generated from your
sales.
When selecting an accounts receivable partner:
-
Look for one that is financially secure and reputable. The firm should be
able to provide large sums of immediate working capital for your invoices.
-
Seek out a streamlined underwriting process. Look for a firm that can secure
first funding in two to four business days for companies with facilities
under $250,000, and has the ability to fund up to at least $5 million.
-
Ask about the fees associated with the funding and collection of it. Seek
out a company that has straight-forward pricing.
-
Ask about their experience in export financing and managing the opportunity
costs of doing business so that as the economy starts to grow again, you
will grow with it.
If your firm, or a company with which you work, is in a cash-flow rut or has
declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy, it’s not too late to turn to an
account receivable financing firm.
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Members in the News
Don Duncan of
D3 Financial Counselors was awarded the Regional Spirit Award by the
Business Ledger.
Money Magazine announced Downers Grove, IL as one of the Best places for a
healthy retirement!
Expense Reductions Yield Savings For
Village of Downers Grove. Village Officials announced today the steps taken
to reduce expenses throughout the Village organization in light of declining
revenues and rising costs. Through a series of actions including salary
freezes, furlough days and the implementation of operational efficiencies, the
Village has reduced expenses by $2.4 million in 2009. Click
Here for Press Release
D3 Financial Counselors, a Downers Grove financial advisory firm and long
time member of NAPFA, recently achieved MD Preferred status. Since 1983, The
National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) has provided
Fee-Only financial planners across the country with some of the strictest
guidelines possible for professional competency, comprehensive financial
planning, and Fee-Only compensation.
Click here for Press Release.
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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 the following members for
participating in the Business Roundtable Network panel on “Marketing: Getting
Ready for the Upswing:
Melna
Langham –
ScotPress, Laura Hroma -
Proforma Innovative Marketing Products, Lorene Kennard -
Walnut Avenue Research.
Thank you to
Events By Tommy R’s for providing the delicious food for the September
Business Before Hours.
Thank you to
Panera Bread Catering for providing food for the Ambassadors Open
House/Meeting.
Thank you to all those individuals and organizations who
contributed to making the 2009 Black & White Ball a success!
Thank
you to Mary Lou Savino from BE
FIT PHYSICAL THERAPY & PILATES, LTD. For a great presentation on Tips on
de-stressing during the day at the Health & Wellness Network.
Thank you to Andy Kindler, of
Corporate Strategies, A Sandler Training Center, for conducting the YPN
discussion on effective communication.
Thank you to
Carlucci for hosting the YPN professional development discussion.
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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