BizWord November 2008

Table of Contents

From the Desk of Laura Crawford

From the Chairman of the Board

The Do-Nothing Congress: Nation's Biggest Challenges Left Unaddressed

Members in the News

From the Desk of Laura Crawford...

More than two-hundred years ago our nation was divided over the proposed new Constitution that had been created during the Constitutional Convention of 1787.  The Constitutional Debate was argued across the nation as Americans read and discussed the Federalist’s and Anti-Federalist’s arguments for and against a strong centralized government.  One of the greatest concerns for our nation’s citizens and leaders during this time was making sure that the new government would consist of a system that was fair, just, and accountable.

During the Federalist and Anti-Federalist debates James Madison wrote under the pseudonym of Publis. He wrote, in what became known as Federalist Paper Number 51, for the need of checks and balances on government.  Published in January of 1788 Mr. Madison wrote, “A dependence on the people is, no doubt, the primary control on the government; but experience has taught mankind the necessity of auxiliary precautions.”

Our nation listened to Mr. Madison and created a federal system, and subsequent state and local governments, with the precautions of checks and balances he advocated.  However, we the people have been given the duty of primary control of our government.  The check and balance apparatus doesn’t work if we don’t take advantage of our fundamental responsibility and take ten minutes to vote. 

On November 4th, we are once again given the opportunity to engage in one of the greatest gifts ever bequeathed to humanity by the founding fathers - the ability to have your voice heard in government. 

Mr. Madison had previously ceded in No. 51 that “If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary.”  The State of Illinois is facing a turning point.  Do we vote for a Constitution Conference or do we live with the one we have and work through the legislature to amend it?  The decisions made by DuPage County elected officials and those that will be made in the near future, will most closely affect you and your pocket book.  I don’t foresee Gabriel descending to the dais any time soon to offer wisdom to our area governments, so it would most likely behoove all of us to take part and vote. 

This election in particular will see a record number of voters, many of whom have no opinion other than the winner of the presidential race.  In an effort to provide non-partisan information, our Chamber’s Legislative Impact Network recently addressed ‘ConCon’ and held a County Board forum which may be viewed on DGTV. Come ballot time, I hope the meeting and the forum helped those present to make the decision that is best for them and our community.  The Downers Grove Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry has taken many positions on government action on behalf of our Members, but just like your business, the ‘Chamber’ won’t be voting. It’s up to you.

Our government has been ‘enabled to control the governed,’ November 4th it’s our turn to control our government. 

lcrawford@downersgrove.org   630-968-4050 x14

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From the Chairman of the Board

The first section of the Chamber’s Strategic Plan discusses the Promote Business section.  In these interesting economic times, promoting your business has become even more important.  The Chamber is striving to promote your businesses through a variety of outlets as well as creating new marketing venues.  As we examine the effectiveness of the various marketing venues we utilize, we've also launched presences on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

You may have noticed a new feature of this weekly email newsletter – Member Connect.  You will find each week a new face and testimonial.  Our Members are finding Chamber membership a key part of their success and they are sharing their stories.  Do you find value in Membership?  Have you seen a positive impact?  Tell us your story and look for your face in the next BizWord email

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The Do-Nothing Congress: Nation's Biggest Challenges Left Unaddressed

By Thomas J. Donohue, President and CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

As Election Day draws near, ask yourself, "What has this Congress done to help me and my business?" The answer, no doubt, is little to nothing.
Sometimes it's better for business when Congress fails to act. In fact, the U.S. Chamber often finds itself working very hard to block bills that would impose impossible, new burdens on the backs of business. During this Congress, the Chamber and other organizations effectively stopped lawmakers from raising taxes, enacting draconian climate change regulations, loosening union organizing rules, and expanding employee lawsuits.

However, all Americans need positive action from Congress on a host of priorities to revitalize our economy and make our country more competitive. These include modernizing our roads, bridges, and other infrastructure, renewing the landmark school reform bill, expanding free and fair trade, creating greater access to affordable health care, and increasing domestic energy supplies.
On all these core issues that underpin our economy and quality of life, this Congress has failed. All told, the 110th Congress has passed fewer laws than any Congress in two decades of record keeping.

While there are many pro-business lawmakers serving in Washington, collectively this Congress gets a failing grade when it comes to addressing fundamental challenges to American competitiveness and prosperity. Check to see whether your lawmakers deserve to return next year. Go to the Chamber's How They Voted scorecard at www.uschamber.com/howtheyvoted.
Originally published October 2008. Reprinted by permission, uschamber.com, October 2008. Copyright© 2008, U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

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Members in the News

Elmhurst College received DuPage Convention and Visitors Bureau's Green Initiative Award.

Michael Baker has been promoted to Deputy Village Manager for the Village of Downers Grove.

Perma-Seal Basement Systems received the #1 Basement Waterproofing and the CrawlSpace Repair awards at the annual Basement Systems' Convention. They also received the "Top Gun" award, recognizing the company as the top waterproofing expert worldwide!

Naper Settlement has been honored with the American Cultural Resources Association 2008 ACRA quality project award, large project, for the Joseph Naper Homestead Site archeological digs.

Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital's Behavioral Health Department was recently honored with local and state awards from the National Alliance on Mental Illness for the hospital's recovery connections program.

Wolf & Company celebrated 30 years in September!  Congratulations!

Downers Grove Auto Rebuilders was featured in Chicago magazine.

Chamber Members make the grade!  The following businesses were honored by Suburban Focus magazine's 2009 Best of the Chicago Western Suburbs: