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Table of Contents
From the Desk of
Laura Crawford
From the Chairman of the Board
Chamber Choice
Awards Finalists Announced!
Members in the News
Thank You!
From the
Desk of Laura Crawford...
"The budget should be balanced, the Treasury should be
refilled, public debt should be reduced, the arrogance
of officialdom should be tempered and controlled, and
the assistance to foreign lands should be curtailed
lest Rome become bankrupt. People must again learn to
work, instead of living on public assistance." Cicero -
55 BC
Interesting statement - so what have we learned in the
second millennia? The obvious answer is nothing.
Others would cite that the more things change, the more
they stay the same – certainly in Illinois. With
impeachment proceedings underway, my hope is that
business owners and operators recognize the silver
lining of the recent governmental debacle and appreciate
it as an opportunity. Our Governor’s first four years
were debilitating enough for business (millions in added
fees); being elected to a second term was just adding
insult to injury. Now more than ever, business needs
their message to be heard, understood and most
importantly, acted on by our elected officials.
Your Chamber’s Legislative Impact Network (LINC) works
hard on this effort while you are busy working on your
business. If you haven’t already heard the
LINC podcast
posted on our homepage, take a few moments to expand
your knowledge of how the recent election may affect
your business. March will be a busy month for LINC as
we host a trip to Springfield to visit not only our
locally elected officials, but those that we ordinarily
do not have access. Every legislator needs to hear your
concerns. They need to understand what is going on in
your business! Please consider setting aside the dates
of March 10th and 11th for either
a one or two-day personal visit with those voting on
issues that affect your bottom line. Once a full agenda
is in place, you’ll be equipped with talking points and
plenty of opportunities to share your priorities.
Later in the month LINC, along with the League of Women
Voters will host a Village Council Candidate Forum.
Please join us on March 18th at the Municipal
Center. We’ll hear about the candidate’s priorities and
positions and how they fit into the Village of Downers
Grove’s mission to serve you to improve quality of life
while implementing fiscal conservatism.
If there ever was a time to let your voice be heard,
it’s NOW. Please consider joining us at regularly
scheduled LINC meetings, in Springfield and at the March
18th Council Candidate forum. Feel free to
contact me for more information or sponsorship
opportunities for these events.
lcrawford@downersgrove.org
630-968-4050 x14
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From the
Chairman of the Board
 The
Chamber’s strategic plan is divided into four areas:
Promote Business, Protect Business, Enhance Business and
Business Excellence. Today’s column will focus on
“Protect Business.” As you may have heard at our
general membership luncheon or at the recent Legislative
Impact Network meeting, the Chamber is gearing up for
our annual visit to Springfield in March. Join us on
March 10 and 11 as we trek to the State Capital to visit
with our legislators.
This annual trip
provides a unique opportunity for our Members to
experience the process of the legislature, meet the
decision makers that impact your company, and make a
difference. In 2008, the Chamber united with other
regional entities to push for the Belmont Road
Underpass. Today, this project is a reality. You
can make a difference! Consider taking the time to
participate in this eye-opening opportunity.
We are participating in the greatest dimension of our
political process, the ability to discuss openly with
our elected officials governmental issues important to
you! This year we will focus our efforts on a
much-needed capitol bill.
If you would like to be a part of the Springfield trip,
contact Laura Crawford today!
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Chamber Choice Awards Finalists Announced!
The
judges’ votes are in! The Downers Grove Area Chamber of
Commerce & Industry is proud to announce the following
finalists for the second annual Chamber Choice Awards,
Wednesday, February 11 at the DoubleTree Guest Suites &
Conference Center in Downers Grove.
In the
business excellence area several finalists have been
chosen. In the Professional category, D3 Financial
Counselors, Del Carlo Family Dentistry, and Dr. Patrick
O'Flaherty, D.D.S. & Dr. Jeffrey Wascher. D.D.S. are
finalists. The Retail category recognizes Consider it
Done and American Chartered Bank as finalists. In the
Service category, MG Computers, Robert Bair Services and
Visiting Angels are finalists. In the area of Community
Contribution, Not-for-Profit, Diveheart Foundation,
DuPage PADS, and Indian Boundary YMCA have been chosen
as finalists. Also in the Community Contribution,
Philanthropic category, Midwestern University, Rotary
Club of Downers Grove, and Sundance Vacations have been
named finalists. A Young Business Professional Award and
a Lifetime Achievement Award will also be awarded to two
individuals that have excelled in their fields.
“Now in its second year, the Chamber
Choice Awards again resulted in a wealth of high quality
submissions. We consider all Chamber Members winners;
and it’s such a delight to celebrate so many outstanding
businesses and nonprofit organizations in the Downers
Grove area,” stated Laura Crawford, President & CEO.
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Members in the News
Lisa Rasin has accepted a new position as fund
development coordinator with SEASPAR.
Congressman Peter Roskam has been selected to
serve on the Ways and Means Committee.
Linda Smith has been named the new general
manager of the Tivoli Theatre.
The Village of Downers Grove has received an
award from the Government Finance Officers Association
for its 2007 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
Tai San Chef has been named a Top 100 Chinese
Restaurant in the categories of Overall Excellence and
Chinese/Asian Fusion.
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Thank You!
Dave Fieldman, Paul Zaander and Dr. Mark
McDonald for their enlightening panel discussion at
the general membership luncheon and Good Samaritan
Health & Wellness Center for their generous
sponsorship.
Emmett's Ale House for hosting the January
Business After Hours.
Alison Clemens, Clemens Mailing Servce, Jennifer
Murray, J. Murray & Associates, and Chris Turley,
Chicago Tribune Media Group for presenting on
marketing for the January Business Roundtable.
Jeff O'Brien, Village of Downers Grove and
Linda Kunze, Downtown Manager for presenting at the
Legislative Impact Network. Nicor Gas for
producing the new legislative platform.
North Beach for hosting the Women's Business
Council Networking Night.
Sam's Wines & Spirits for hosting the Young
Professionals Network and Lucky Strike Lanes for
donating the drawing prize.
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