July
Ribbon
Cuttings
 Come
and join the
Chamber
throughout July
as our Members
celebrate their
grand openings,
anniversaries
and location
moves with a
ribbon cutting
ceremony.
The cost for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
is $195, which includes a silver picture frame with
the Chamber logo and your ribbon cutting picture, a $100
credit towards any advertising venue the
Chamber offers, and your photo on our
online gallery.
For more information and to book your
own ceremony, contact
Kara Carpenter (630) 355-4141 ext.
1337
Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings
include:
Whole
Foods
- July 14, 5:00 pm
2607 W. 75th
Street, Naperville
(Located
just east of
75th Street
and Rt. 59.)
Latest
Ribbon
Cuttings:
[BACK TO TOP]
South TEAM Speed
to Bed Race
Victory
On their fifth
attempt the
Chamber's South
TEAM took the
winner's flag
for the first
time this year,
at the 5th
annual Naper Days Bed
Race.
The event, which
took place on
June 14th, is
one of the
highlights of
Naper Days, with
teams of five
(four pushers
and one rider)
racing their
beds-on-wheels
through town.
The South TEAM
have competed in
all five events,
and claimed
their first
victory this
year with a
Survivor themed
bed - designed
by Bob Parida of
Sparks Complete
Car Care.
Not only did Bob
help to design
the bed, his
garage
facilities and
staff were
instrumental in
the actual
build.
The South TEAM
survivors were
led by
chairperson
Kathy Wright of
Paint Right
Painting,
who rode in the
bed during the
races.
Additionally,
the South TEAM's
Social
Committee, led
by State Farm
Agent, Camille
Logothetis, and
Kathy Linden of
Magnolia's
Boutique,
were the event
organizers. Ron
Rodriquez of
Direct Data
Concepts
provided the
print materials
for the bed's
decoration and
overall TEAM
efforts were
coordinated by
Chamber staff
liaison Margie
Ploense.
The YPN also
competed in the
bed races,
achieving third place and
winning the
Brian R. Schultz
Spirit Award
with their
'Talladega
Nights' themed
bed.
[BACK TO TOP]
Say Hello To Our Newest Members
Each month the Chamber welcomes a number of new Members. In June 26 more businesses became proud
Members of the Naperville Area Chamber of
Commerce. Join us in welcoming our newest
members to the Chamber family:
Thank you to these businesses for their
investment in the Chamber and community.
[BACK TO TOP]
From the Desk
of
Ann Marie Siwik
'Two Most
Important Words'
 There
are variations
you read in
books or hear at
leadership
seminars
regarding “Most
Important
Words.” They
never fail to
say the two most
important words
are thank you.
Between adopting
a 2020 Strategic
Plan and hiring
a new President
& CEO, your
Board Of
Directors has
worked many
hours on the
continuous
improvement of
the Chamber,
specifically,
Immediate Past
Chair, Debra
Lellbach. Debra
has led with
unlimited energy
and commitment.
We appreciate
her leadership
and are grateful
to have her
continue in the
role of past
chair. Debra,
thank you!
It’s evident
that without all
the leadership
including Past
Chairs,
Directors and
Staff, we would
not be a 5-Star Accredited
Chamber. Because
of this
leadership, we
have a
foundation
capable to
withstand change
and transition
during good
times and bad.
To all our past
and current
leaders, thank
you!
You, our
Members, are
most important.
Members make
this
organization
what it is. You
financially
support it. The
programs are
your ideas. The
committees are
made up of you.
It’s you who
take the time to
attend functions
and build those
relationships
that are the
core of this
Chamber. Members
who are willing
to give are the
ones who receive
the most. To all
of you, thank
you!
I know you’ve
had Chairs with
better
attributes. I
can only say I
am passionate
about this
Chamber and
committed to
you. Please
e-mail or call
me anytime at
asiwik@dhjj.com
or (630) 548-5225.
I hope you will
share your
ideas, your
knowledge and
your successes
(and challenges).
If you have not
been active, now
is the time to
step up. If you
have been
active, please
stay involved.
We are only as
successful as
the value we
bring to each
other. For the
opportunity and
honor to serve
you, thank you!
Yes, I can see
why the two most
important words
are “thank you.”
Can’t you?
Ann Marie
Siwik
[BACK TO TOP]
Cavalcade of
Homes
Network with
Chamber Members
from across Chicagoland at
Illinois'
largest and most
elaborate single
site home tour -
the
Illinois
Cavalcade of
Homes.
Since 1959, The
Northern
Illinois Home
Builders
Association (NIHBA)
has presented a
showcase of
homes built by
custom builders
representing
state-of-the-art
construction,
interior design
and landscaping.
This year the
annual
Cavalcade
of Homes is
taking place on
June 28, 2008 -
July 20, 2008,
and as part of
the event a
special Chamber
Networking night
is being held on
July 8, 2008
from 5-7pm.
The Cavalcade
is being held in
partnership with
Fry Properties
at the Stewart
Ridge
subdivision in
Plainfield -
located 1 mile
west of Route 30
and 1/4 mile
south of 119th
Street.
Naperville
Chamber Members
will receive
discounted
admission of
only $5 (regular
price $12) and
refreshments
will be served!
For more
information or
for tickets
contact
Donna Renzi
at (630)
978-9000 ext. 24
[BACK TO TOP]
Making the Connection
 Chamber Connection, the business focused television show produced in partnership with the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce and Naperville Community Television, Channel 17 now features three new programs: John Gallagher of Exterior Design Inc,; Sandi Pufahl of Fancy Free Holidays, Inc.; and Justin Carrol of Perfect Air Heating & Air Conditioning.
The show is hosted by Chamber Member and community leader John Pettinger, and features seven minute interviews with Premier and Executive Premier Members of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Chamber Connection can be viewed on Channel 17 throughout the week, or through live simultaneous video streaming at www.nctv17.com. This program can also be viewed on-demand by clicking here.
For more information on upgrading your membership to Premier and Executive Premier Membership please contact Laura Hallen at (630) 355-4141 ext. 3367.
[BACK TO TOP]
Get Swinging
at the So/Ho
Mini-golf Outing
As a small
business owner
you know that
bigger isn't
always better. So the
Small
Office/Home
Office
committee at the
Naperville Area
Chamber of
Commerce has
created a golf
outing just for
you! The Second
Annual SO/HO
Mini Golf outing
is a smaller
commitment of
time and budget,
but a big
opportunity for
networking and
publicity.
SO/HO will hold
its annual
Miniature Golf
Outing on
Thursday, July
17, at
Wilderness Falls
in Bolingbrook
from 11:00
a.m. - 2:00 pm.
“Greens Fees”
are $15 per
person and
include a pizza
or hot dog
lunch, soft
drinks and ice
cream. At that
price you can
treat
colleagues,
clients, and
prospective
clients to a
friendly round.
You are also
welcome to bring
your spouse and
children.
Sponsorship
opportunities
are also a great
value, featuring
excellent
marketing
exposure.
Sponsor a hole,
provide other
prizes, supply
“tee” bag items,
or be a sponsor
for the entire
event. Think
creatively! Like
radio-controlled
cars instead of
real ones, or a
trip to the
Comedy Shrine
instead of a
trip to the
Caribbean. For
more information
on sponsorship,
contact
Lisa Livingston
at 630 355-4141,
ext. 3365.
[BACK TO TOP]
Happy Anniversary to Nine Members
Membership is the lifeblood of the
Chamber, without your continued support
we would not be able to continue to
fulfill our mission and serve the regional
business community. Each month
the Chamber is privileged to have the
honor to recognize our longstanding
members of the Chamber. At the July
General Membership Luncheon, the following
Members will be thanked for their continued
support:
Celebrating 15 years of Membership:
Braconi's Restaurant
Celebrating 10 years of Membership:
AMLI at Oakhurst North
Naperville Dental Center
Peter Pan Early Learning
Center
Sunrise Assisted Living of Naperville
Celebrating 5 years of Membership:
Cray, Kaiser Ltd
Millennium Pediatrics
Olive Garden Restaurant
Powers Construction Group
Inc
Please join us in congratulating
these Members for their accomplishments
in business, and thanking them for their
dedication to the Chamber.
[BACK TO TOP]
YPN-Kane
County Cougars
Outing
 Enjoy
a day out at the ballgame
without the hefty price tag of a
trip to Wrigley or The Cell, by
joining the
Young Professionals of the Naperville
Chamber (YPN) on Thursday,
July 17th for a night out at
the home of the Kane County
Cougars.
The Oakland A's affiliated
Cougars will be taking on the
division leaders and Texas
Rangers affiliated, Clinton
Lumberkings, at Elfstrom
Stadium in Geneva.
Tickets costs $30, which includes
food, drinks and admission.
 The
pre-game picnic on the centerfield
deck starts at 5:00 p.m. and 6:30
p.m. is the first pitch. YPN is
chartering a bus to the event for
an additional $5 per person.
Those choosing to take the bus should
meet at the Chamber office at 4:00
p.m., the bus leaves promptly
at 4:30 p.m.
Click here to
register for the event, or contact
Courtney Brown for more information.
YPN furthers the Chamber's mission
by promoting the growth and development
of the next generation of business
and civic leaders. YPN provides
professional and personal growth,
develops leadership skills, and
encourages business alliances through
participation, education, programming,
recruitment and mutual support within
the Chamber and community.
YPN Corporate
Sponsor:
To find out more information
on YPN, or for sponsorship opportunities
contact
Courtney Brown at (630) 355-4141
ext. 3364.
[BACK TO TOP]
No Vacation
For the
Chamber's
Advocacy Agenda
The Chamber's
Legislative
Committee will
meet Monday,
July 14 at
11:30 a.m.
in the Holiday
Inn Select's
Grand Ballroom.
If you can't
make the meeting
or would like to
review the
meeting packet
in advance, you
can
download it
by
clicking here.
The
meeting will feature Randy Blakenhorn, Executive
Director of the
Chicago Metropolitan Agency
for Planning (CMAP), discussing the
Go to 2040 regional strategic
planning initiative. The Go to 2040
campaign will help guide investment and development
decisions in the seven counties in the northeastern
region of Illinois.
The meeting will also feature
updates from three of the Committee's taskforces
that have been working on issues important to the business
community over the past several months:
Natural Gas Use Tax Taskforce:
The taskforce and
Chamber have developed a compromise
tax relief proposal that
will provide the City with over $3 million in
new revenues through a natural gas use tax and $ 1.3 million in relief
for organizations over a four year period. The
proposal eases the burden of the sizeable tax
increase. You
can
download the Chamber's
letter and tax relief
proposal to the City Council by
clicking here.
Additionally
the Chamber is requesting that the City's tax,
exempt entities that are not required to pay the
State of Illinois' gas use tax.
The Chamber will formally present the
tax relief
proposal to the City Council for
their consideration at July 15,
2008 meeting.
Naperville Park
District Outdoor Space and Master Recreation
Plan Taskforce:
On Thursday, July 10 the
Naperville Park District Board of Commissioners
adopted the Outdoor Space and Recreation Master
Plan. With the help of our membership, the
Chamber analyzed the plan the Chamber encouraged
the adoption of the plan and suggested a few
ideas to assist in the implementation of the
plan.
You can read
the
Chamber's letter to the
Naperville Park District Board of Commissioners,
by
clicking here. Naperville Sign Ordinance Taskforce:
The Naperville City Council
will review the update to the sign ordinance at
their August 4th meeting. Over the summer,
the Chamber reviewed the proposed ordinance and
the Chamber's
Taskforce Memo
to Legislative Committee
can be
downloaded here. You can view the latest
proposed update to the ordinance by
clicking here.
If you have any
comments or
questions
regarding any of
the Chamber
taskforce's
work, or to get
involved in one,
contact
Patrick Skarr,
Vice President
of Advocacy,
Economic Growth
& Quality of
Life at (630)
355-4141 ext.
3368.
The Legislative
Committee is
offered as a
complimentary
benefit to the
membership thanks
to the
generosity of
the Holiday Inn
Select
Naperville, Esser Hayes
Insurance,
and Sebold
Capital
Management, Inc., who
have stepped up
to provide
resources.
For $300 your
organization can
sponsor a
meeting of the
Legislative
Committee.
Sponsorship
includes listing
in the meeting
packet which is
downloaded on
average over
1,000 times and
recognition at
the meeting.
Contact
Patrick Skarr
for more
information on
sponsoring the
Chamber's
advocacy
programming.
[BACK TO TOP]
Get Connected!
The
Membership
Connection
Committee is
seeking new
Members to
join the
group! This
vibrant and
fun
committee
meets the
second
Wednesday of
every month
from
11:00 a.m.
to Noon
in
Conference
Room A at
the Chamber.
If you are
looking for
an
opportunity
to get to
know some of
the
Chamber's
newest
members,
learn about
the Chamber
and help
other
Members
receive a
higher
return on
their
investment
in the
Chamber, the
Membership
Connection
Committee is
the place
for you.
If you would
like more
information
about
joining the
Membership
Connection
Committee,
contact
Laura Hallen
at
630-355-4141
ext. 3367.
The
number one
goal of the
committee is
to connect
with new
Members and
help them
navigate
through the
Chamber during
their first
year of
membership.
Many
committee
members have
found this
to be an
opportunity
to develop
long-lasting
relationships
with other
Chamber
Members.
The time
commitment
to joining
the
committee is
low
If you have
a few spare
minutes each
month to
make a
few calls
to new
Members and
invite them
to
participate
in upcoming
events,
you're a
perfect
candidate
for this
committee.
The Chamber
will provide
you with all
the
resources
you need.
For more
information
on the
Membership
Connection
Committee
contact
committee
leaders
Bob Jung and
Kathy WrightLaura Hallenn.
[BACK TO TOP]
After Hours at Rich Harvest Farms
On Thursday, August
7th, beginning at
5:00 p.m., join the
2009 Solheim Cup
at the beautiful Rich
Harvest Farms in Sugar
Grove, for a great
opportunity tot network
with Members from the Greater Aurora
and Naperville Area
Chamber of Commerce
Members.
Enjoy
complimentary hors d'
oeuvres and beverages in
the 52,000 square foot
pavilion which houses
the exclusive Rich
Family car collection
and the only private
indoor
Tilt-A-Whirl.
While networking, signup
for a chance to win a
grand prize giveaway
valued at over $1,500
that includes (4) PING
Pavilion tickets, an
autographed official
poster and Solheim Cup
merchandise.
Opened in 1989, Rich
Harvest Farms made Golf
Digest's Top 100 Courses
in 2007-2008 (#51), and
will be the same course
where the
2009 U.S. Solheim Cup
team will
compete against the
Europeans in the most
prestigious event in
women's golf.
Share the excitement of
the
2009 Solheim Cup
and enjoy a visit to one
of America's best
private resorts. A
limited number of golf
course tours will be
made available by Rich
Harvest Farms staff on a
first-come first-served
basis. Car museum
tours will also be
available throughout the
evening.
The schedule for the August 7 After Hours is:
5:00-7:30 p.m.
Networking in Pavilion
5:30 p.m. Course Tour
6:30 p.m. Course Tour
7:00 p.m. Grand Prize
Giveaway
For more information on
After Hours at Rich
Harvest Farms contact
Lisa Livingston
at (630) 355-4141 ext.
3365. This event
is free of charge, and
you do not have to
register to attend.
[BACK TO TOP]
Jim Ryan to Speak at Member Luncheon
The former head
of Illinois law,
Jim Ryan, will
be speaking on
his time as
Illinois
Attorney General
at the General
Membership
Luncheon on
Monday, July
28th from 11:30
a.m. to 1:30
p.m.
Ryan, who now
lectures on law
and government
at Benedictine
University in
Lisle, served
two terms as
Attorney General
of the State of
Illinois
(1995-2003),
during which
time he was
praised for
taking a
leadership role
in the war on
crime and for
standing out as
a strong
advocate for
battered women,
abused children
and crime
victims.
In addition, his
office was
instrumental in
establishing the
Illinois
Children’s
Healthcare
Foundation, a
not-for-profit
organization
that provides
millions of
dollars in funds
to improve
children’s
health across
the state.
Ryan is the
latest key
figure to speak
at the monthly
Chamber
luncheon, with
previous
speakers
including former
Illinois
Governor Jim
Edgar, U.S.
Chamber of
Commerce
President & CEO
Thomas Donohue
and author
Daniel Pink.
The General
Membership
Luncheon costs
$35 for
non-Members and
$25 for
Members. For
more information
on sponsorship
opportunities or registration
contact
Lisa
Livingston at
630-355-4141 ext
3365 or
click here to
register.
|
|
|
| | 
Gain
new sales leads
and contacts by
joining one of
the seven
Chamber TEAMs
(Together
Everyone
Achieves More).
Each TEAM is
made up of a
group of
non-competing
businesses, who
share business
leads and
referrals to
help everyone
succeed. 
There
is something in the air right
now…and it’s all around us. That
something is change.
