Dear Members:

We’re entering my favorite season at the Chamber, and it’s the months leading up to our Small Business of the Year Awards! Friday, May 18 at the Marriott Chicago Naperville we will name the 15th winner of this prestigious award. Nominating an organization for the award is a great way to show your appreciation for their business acumen and professionalism.

I always take some time and nominate several Members for the award and let them know why I nominated them. That simple exchange is a great opportunity to cement a relationship and let a fellow business owner know you think they are doing a great job.

This year’s ceremony marks an important milestone for the program. Doing anything for several years in a row can be a difficult task and this year marks our 15th year! Through the booms and busts small business has persevered and reached new heights. Some of our smallest companies have grown exponentially!

I remember the very first ceremony, when Rick Hitcock and Hitcock Design were named the 1998 Small Business of the Year. Leading up to the event, we weren’t sure how it would go; if it would be a hit or a flop. The excitement in the room that year was unbelievable and we knew we were on the right track.

Instantly we collectively realized that honoring our small businesses wasn’t just a good thing to do for the Chamber, it was the right thing to do for the entrepreneurs that are the lifeblood of our local, state and national economy.

Since then, the program has evolved from a luncheon, to a gala celebration worthy of the outstanding small businesses we are proud to have as Members. Every small business is a winner and we strive to make the evening a salute to all of the worthy organizations in our community.

But before that can begin, we need your help. We need you to begin encouraging your fellow businesses to apply for the Small Business of the Year Award or nominate an outstanding business yourself.

We’re accepting nominations from now until close of business Friday, Mar. 16, so please begin to think of who you will encourage to apply to the 2012 Small Business of the Year!

Sincerely,


John Schmitt
President & CEO
p: 630-355-3370