Table of Contents

To Market, To Market
From the Desk of Mike Skarr
The Doctor is In
Ready to Step Up?
No Question, Your Answers Help
Promote Yourself
From the Desk of Steve Frost
Back to BAH
Value Judgment
Take the Lead
The Immigration Situation
You Consider Me the Young Apprentice...
Get Technical
Statistically Speaking
COMMERCE: Closer Than You Think
The Bottom Line is....The Bottom Line
We're Speaking Up!
Safety First
Risky Business
A New Face in Our Space
Get Your Nominations In
Nick of Time
Spread the News to the New
Park it Right Here
The World Is Yours
Notables
GRattitudes
 

The Chamber offers a myriad of marketing opportunities, and you may not even be aware of all of them. New Members are especially invited to attend this Wednesday's "Marketing Connect" seminar from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. at the Chamber office. Though it's geared toward new Members, anyone can attend this session, which offers information on marketing and advertising venues that are available through Chamber Membership. You'll learn how to get the most out of the marketing mix that we offer, get to network with other businesses, give your "30 second commercial," distribute your business cards and meet the Chamber staff who will share useful information and tips. There is no charge to attend, but you must RSVP. A continental breakfast will be served. Contact Laura Crawford for more information.

[BACK TO TOP]
 

From the Desk of Mike Skarr

A "Living Wage" Only Promotes Economic Death

I write this column as the news just came in that the Chicago city council approved a “living wage” wage and benefit requirement for “big box” retailers in Chicago. I think this is a very, very sad day for Chicago and Illinois. As I have written before, Illinois is not known as the most business-friendly state in the union. And Chicago isn’t known as the easiest place to do business. So this double whammy will take its toll on the Illinois and Chicago “brand.”

Many of you might quickly argue that this is good news for the collar counties around Chicago. We have, in fact, enjoyed some migration of Chicago-based business to our region. This will probably make some of those decisions even easier. But having an international business center like the Chicago region get this sort of national anti-business press and notoriety is just plain tragic. It will eventually rub off on all of us. The very sad reality is that customers will pay the price of this needless intrusion of local government into the marketplace. They will pay with higher prices to support the higher-than-marketplace-imposed wages. They will pay with lost employment opportunities. This will make it very easy for a smart business to know when they are not welcome and to take their business where it is wanted. The customer will lose shopping choices, experience higher prices and lost employment opportunities. Paying more than market-based wages will also force those employers operating in that environment to minimize, not maximize, employment.

I have encouraged all of you as businesspeople to be actively engaged politically. This is a classic case of why that is even more important than ever. What comes after “big boxes?” Will your industry or profession be the next targeted for artificially-set wage demands? Will the next target be “little box businesses” instead? Service businesses have been in Springfield’s tax sights for years.

Bad government normally does not occur instantaneously – it builds up over time. This is the start of a trend or movement that can only do harm, not good. Just as you cannot mandate quality, you cannot mandate competitive working environments. It is the marketplace and ultimately the customer who will determine what constitutes a good deal. There is a gigantic difference between politicians and legislators in my opinion. Legislators try to do the right thing for those they serve. Politicians try to do the right thing for themselves. This sad display of local government gone bad is all about politics. Our only saving grace is that other judicial public officials will overturn this action as unconstitutional. The Mayor of Chicago can start this process with a veto of this legislation. This “living wage” will turn into a “death wage” if left unchecked.

[BACK TO TOP]
 

Area young professionals will get advice from the head of one of the oldest Members of the Chamber when North Central College president Dr. Hal Wilde speaks at the next meeting of the Young Professionals on Friday, August 11.

Now in his sixteenth year as president of NCC, Dr. Wilde describes his position as "the best job in the world ... to be the number one fan of an extraordinary community of students, faculty and staff...and live on a historic campus in the heart of one of America's finest cities." His years of experience as a community leader will make this presentation one that future leaders won't want to miss.

Sponsored by First National Bank of Naperville, the Young Professionals of the Naperville Chamber (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.

The session runs from 7:15 to 9:00 a.m. at the Chamber office, and it is free, but you must RSVP. Contact Lisa Livingston for more information.

[BACK TO TOP]
 

Ready to Step Up?

The Chamber is now accepting applications to fill ten positions on the Board of Directors that will become vacant at the end of 2006 - could you be one of the ten to lead our Chamber for the next three years? You may nominate yourself, or any Member in good standing by filling out a nomination form (available here or at the Chamber office). Return the form to President & CEO Mike Skarr or Board Chairman Steve Frost by fax at (630) 544-3371 or mail at 55 South Main Street, Suite 351, Naperville, IL 60540 by Friday, September 1. All information submitted will be held in the strictest confidence.

The Nominating Committee will review the credentials of each nominee and will conduct interviews with the top candidates from September 11-29 with an eye on determining a final slate by Tuesday, October 10. Mr. Frost will then formally submit the slate of nominees in writing to the Membership by Wednesday, October 25 and the formal election will take place at the General Membership Luncheon on Monday, December 18. The new Directors will begin serving their three-year terms on January 1, 2007 and will be introduced officially at the Inaugural Ball later that month. Contact us if you have any questions about the process.

[BACK TO TOP]
 

Got a few minutes? We're running out of time to gather your feedback, so please take a few minutes to click on this link and take a short survey that will help us serve you better. We recognize you are busy so this may be on the back burner, but these survey results will undoubtedly lead to great things. The questionnaire takes about three to five minutes to complete. This small investment of your time can prove invaluable to you, your chamber and the rest of our Membership. We thank you for contributing to this effort and look forward to confirming our strengths and pinpointing opportunities for improvement!

[BACK TO TOP]
 

How can someone do business with you if they don't know who you are? Getting the word out about your business is essential, and the next installment of the Chamber's Success Series will help you "Do it the Professional Way!" Noted networking expert Lillian D. Bjorseth and marketing expert Pat Price will show you how to get out, reach out, and knock 'em out with powerful self-promotion techniques. Whether you're a wallflower or dynamo, you'll benefit from their lively and engaging session that will, of course, allow you to promote yourself. You'll learn practical person/business branding tips, as well as the most effective ways to market yourself, six promotional principles for building business, how to create leverage and more.

Your success depends on it, so make plans to attend "Promote Yourself! How to do it the Professional Way" on Friday, August 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Naperville Country Club, 25W570 Chicago Avenue. The cost is just $25 for Members and $35 for non-members and you can register online. For more information, contact Jean Fee.

[BACK TO TOP]
 

It's All Up to You

Who benefits the most from the Chamber? The Members who invest themselves in it. The old adage is true. The more you give, the more you get back. Just ask any Member who just invested a busy year in Chamber activities.

By giving generously of yourself, the Chamber provides you with a platform to develop relationships with, and potentially referrals from, large numbers of influential business owners. By participating in Chamber activities, you can showcase your leadership skills, your expertise in a niche market, your sterling personality and your strong business acumen. You gain as much information, knowledge and wisdom as you give when interacting with other Members. Acquaintances develop into friendships and friendships develop into business referrals.

Think about the most successful local businesses that you know. Many have used the Chamber to help brand themselves in the Naperville area. Many others have used the Chamber to develop referrals, educate themselves and to advocate their legislative positions. Yet, the most successful Members always act in the best interests of the Chamber and the community when participating in Chamber activities. Why? Because true leadership means that you are also willing to give something back to this great community. Leaders that serve are more respected than leaders that simply take. You have seen plenty of each. Which kind do you want to serve with?

The Chamber constantly works for all of its members regardless of whether such members are actively involved in Chamber activities. However, if you are ready to take an active role, the Chamber offers a multitude of volunteer opportunities. Whether you have a lot of time or a little, we have opportunity for you. Regardless of whether you want to be a queen, a drone or a worker bee, we have a committee or team or program or board which would love to have you on it. The door is open. This is your personal invitation to participate. The only question is how much time do you have to spend? We will find an opportunity to match your schedule and your interests. Do it because you love it and want to do a great job for the benefit of all of our Members. You will also find it personally fulfilling to be a part of something bigger than you can be by yourself, a Member of a winning team, and an active player in a community that makes things happen. Show us what you got.

[BACK TO TOP]
 

Have you been to a Business After Hours? Tomorrow might be a great time to start! If you have attended our monthly networking events, you know how valuable they are in terms of making connections, so make plans to join us at Beidelman-Kunsch Funeral Home at 24021 W. Royal Worlington Drive in Naperville from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, August 8. Remember, Business After Hours is completely free and it's a great way to wind up your day. We look forward to seeing you there! Contact Jean Fee for more information.

[BACK TO TOP]
 

This month's Small Office/Home Office meeting has a value proposition for you: Joe McCaul of Joseph Associates International presents "Small Business Valuation and How to Increase It," where he will outline the methods used to determine value and the steps a small business owner can take to manage wealth creation. If you've got a small and growing business, you won't want to miss this enlightening look at how to make your company more valuable.

SO/HO meets next on Thursday, August 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Chamber office. This meeting is sponsored by Sharon & Eric Ginn of Verlo Mattress Factory and so there is no charge to attend, but please RSVP online. Contact Lisa Livingston for more information.

[BACK TO TOP]
 

The next generation of leaders for our community is being cultivated today in the Chamber's Community Leadership Program. The program celebrates its 24th year this fall and you can learn about and understand the different elements that make Naperville the dynamic community that it is.

The Community Leadership Program is presented by the Chamber in partnership with North Central College and is sponsored by Edward Hospital & Health Services and Financial Strategies & Solutions Group.

"Know Your Community" means more than remembering how to get to the grocery store or where to pay your utility bills. When people learn about the economics, government, services and structure of their community, they are better prepared to pursue leadership roles in business and in volunteer organizations. The 24th annual Community Leadership Program was designed to help business people to do just that - learn about various aspects of the community in which they live and/or work.

The ten-week program consists of morning sessions held on consecutive Tuesdays beginning September 12 from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. (some session times may vary slightly). During the sessions, the day's topic is presented via interactive projects, small group discussions or panels of experts. Meet and learn from community leaders and elected officials as they share their expertise and experiences. Active participation is encouraged.

Enrollment in the Community Leadership Program is open to all individuals from all firms. It is especially beneficial to those who are seeking to further their business and profession by learning about their community. Participants will come from diverse backgrounds to achieve a variety of viewpoints in the program dialogue.

A limited number of scholarships are available, made possible through Edward Hospital and Health Services and Financial Strategies & Solutions Group.

During the 10-week program, you will work on a service project with a team of fellow class members. To help you decide which community service organization you would like to work with during this experience, visit their individual websites below:

• Naper Settlement
• Ecumenical Adult Care of Naperville
• Naperville Area Humane Society
• Loaves and Fishes Community Pantry

Immigration is one of the political hot potatoes in our country at the moment, and State Senator Steve Rauschenberger (R-Elgin) will serve up his take on this important issue at this month's General Membership Luncheon, sponsored by Washington Mututal.  

There are an estimated 7 million illegal alien workers already inside the United States, with more than 700,000 more expected with each passing year, and immigration reform legislation has been a hot topic in Congress and in demonstrations nationwide. Senator Rauschenberger will draw on his legislative experience to sort through the rhetoric and tell you what this issue means to your business.

Rauschenberger has served the 22nd District as State Senator since 1993. He was selected as an Assistant Senate Republican Leader in 2003, and has been chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee for eight years.

This luncheon takes place at the Holiday Inn Select, 1801 North Naper Boulevard in Naperville and runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The cost is just $25 for Members and $35 for non-members and you may register online. Contact Jean Fee for more information. 

[BACK TO TOP]
 

He was fired by one of the richest and most powerful men in America, in front of millions of people on national television. So why should you be interested in anything Andy Litinsky has to say ?

Well, within three months of his being fired by Donald Trump on the hit television show The Apprentice, the 23-year-old Litinsky found himself re-hired by Trump as a Project Manager on his business development team. He now heads up the day-to-day business operations of Trump Productions in Los Angeles, but he'll be coming to our area on Thursday, September 28 for a special evening presented by the Young Professionals of the Naperville Chamber and sponsored by Corporate Strategies & Solutions, Sir Speedy of Naperville, the Hilton Lisle/Naperville, Phunctional Design and Harris Bank.

 

Are you technically savvy? Would you like to help Chamber Membership enjoy the benefits of technology? Then consider getting involved with TechAlliance, a Chamber committee whose purpose is to provide "dynamic support and an array of information resources in response to the general Membership in meeting their technological needs."

TechAlliance is helping the Community Career Center upgrade their technology, and has forged a groundbreaking new partnership with Naperville Community Unit School District 203 to educate their students about technology and career opportunities.

TechAlliance meets on the fourth Tuesday morning of each month. Contact Gregg Eisel, John O'Connell or Lisa Livingston for more information. 

[BACK TO TOP]
 

You've often heard us say that the Chamber works for you even when you're not working, but did you know you can check out just how hard we're working for you? It's simple to find out how many referrals you're receiving from www.naperville.net and from other sources! Just visit our online Business Directory and enter your business name - but precede it with two question marks (like so: ??ABC Company). Your listing will appear, and you can click on the graph icon to see how many referrals your business is receiving, how many times potential customers have clicked on your website link, and more.

With the help of new software we're about to add, we'll be able to display even more information, including the number of times our Member Services Coordinators refer your business to anyone who calls our office!

[BACK TO TOP]
 

Where has the summer gone? And when is the next issue of COMMERCE coming out? Our quarterly business magazine celebrates fall with a look at the political process and how the Chamber's legislative efforts are some of Membership's most overlooked benefits to business.

You still have a chance to advertise in this four-color, top-quality publication that is distributed to more than 10,000 business people in our area, but you must act quickly! Contact Margie Ploense by the end of this month to reserve your space in the third issue of this rapidly-growing magazine.

As always, we welcome your input, not just on how much you like the magazine, but let us know what's happening - if something exciting is going on with your business, send a few paragraphs and a photograph to us and we may include it in our Business Capsules section. New Members can send us a description of your business and a photo and we may use it in New Member Focus. Keep sending us news of new hires, promotions or moves, just as you always have, and we may include them in our Movers & Shakers section. And "Know Way. Know How" is the section where we let the experts - our Members - show off their expertise on various topics of interest to business people. Contact us to find out the guidelines for article submission for COMMERCE.

[BACK TO TOP]
 

When the Chamber's Not For Profit Network meets next this Friday, August 25, the bottom line will be on the top of everyone's minds. "Managing the Bottom Line," A presentation by Klein, Hall & Associates (the 2006 Small Business of the Year in the Professional category) will give not-for-profit staffers and volunteers important information about managing increasing revenues adn protecting their organization's assets.

By attending this free program, you'll learn:

• How to read your financial statements;
• Monitoring program profitability;
• Financial structure and internal controls;
• Unrelated Business Income tax;
• Why you may need an audit; and
• Much more.

The Chamber's Speakers Bureau wants to show you what they've got! The area's best resource for high-quality professional speakers, the Bureau is hosting a Showcase on Thursday, September 7 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Benedictine University's Krasa Building, 5700 College Road in Lisle.

This event will highlight the quality, variety and diversity of speakers we have available. Their priceless expertise can be a great resource for staff development or professional conferences.

The cost is just $35 per person (you may register one additional associate at no charge) and you may register online. Click here to find out more about this event, here to learn more about the Speakers Bureau, or here to contact Lisa Livingston for more information. 

[BACK TO TOP]
 

Phishing, hacking, viruses, spyware, adware, malware, misuse - where does it end? Where do you, as a small business owner, begin? Why not ask the experts at Get Net Safe - Protect Your PC, Yourself and Your Family, a special presentation by the Chamber in partnership with Microsoft Corporation, the US Chamber of Commerce and the Get Net Safe Tour Partners, on Wednesday, September 13.

This informative breakfast meeting (from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m.) on the issue of computing security will teach you measures to protect your business, your customers, your employees and yourself from online risks. Experts from Microsoft, the Federal Trade Commission and law enforcement will be on hand to give advice and to answer your questions.

Computing security affects nearly every company and every individual in the United States. In 2004 alone 56% of small businesses experienced at least one security incident, and as networked information systems and the Internet become more pervasive in business and personal activity, it is imperative that we protect ourselves and our information assets. System outages cost businesses millions of dollars in lost data, manufacturing downtime, and PR damage. Furthermore, risks to information systems from hackers, disgruntled insiders, cyber terrorists, viruses and worms have never been greater.

You don't need to be a computer expert to attend this session; you just need to want to get the straight answers to the challenging questions about business computer usage in the 21st century.

This program takes place at the Naperville Country Club, 25 W570 Chicago Avenue, and the cost to attend is just $20. All those present will be entered into a drawing for a desktop PC and home installation package courtesy of Microsoft and Best Buy/Geek Squad. The winners will be announced at the end of the breakfast (must be present to win).

Register online or contact Lisa Livingston for more information.

[BACK TO TOP]
 

Risk-taking is an essential ingredient for successful and sustainable businesses, as well as a key ingredient of successful personal lives. September's FOCUS: Women in Business program is all about risk, as Pamela Davis, President & CEO of Edward Hospital & Health Services, highlights the results of risks taken at Edward, and will help you feel more comfortable taking risks in your personal and professional lives.

Ms. Davis has been President and CEO at Edward since 1988 after 11 years in senior administrative positions with Christ Hospital and Medical Center in Oak Lawn. She is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, serves on the Harris Bank Board and is Chairperson the Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network Board. She was named “2005 Person of the Year” for Naperville by the Daily Herald.

The breakfast, sponsored by InfoUSA, takes place on Wednesday, September 6 from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. at the Naperville Country Club, 25 W570 Chicago Avenue, and the cost to attend is just $25 for Members and $35 for non-members. You may register online. Contact Jean Fee for more information.

[BACK TO TOP]
 

That new smile that greets you when you first come into our office belongs to Erin Lytle, our new Member Services Coordinator. A native of Geneva, Erin is a recent graduate of Bradley University with a degree in Psychology.

Erin has experience working in her family's manufacturing business in Geneva and comes to us after completing her studies and an internship with the Mental Health Association of Illinois Valley.

Erin says she's "excited to be working at the Chamber and being involved in the community," and we're excited to have her! Welcome, Erin!

[BACK TO TOP]
 

A reminder - your deadline to submit nominations for one of the ten Board of Directors positions that will become vacant at the end of 2006 is this Friday, September 1. You may nominate yourself, or any Member in good standing, by filling out a nomination form (available here or at the Chamber office). Return the form to President & CEO Mike Skarr or Board Chairman Steve Frost by fax at (630) 544-3371 or mail at 55 South Main Street, Suite 351, Naperville, IL 60540. All information submitted will be held in the strictest confidence.

The Nominating Committee will review the credentials of each nominee and will conduct interviews with the top candidates from September 11-29 with an eye on determining a final slate by Tuesday, October 10. Mr. Frost will then formally submit the slate of nominees in writing to the Membership by Wednesday, October 25 and the formal election will take place at the General Membership Luncheon on Monday, December 18. The new Directors will begin serving their three-year terms on January 1, 2007 and will be introduced officially at the Inaugural Ball later that month. Contact us if you have any questions about the process.

[BACK TO TOP]

We would like to welcome another new member of our Chamber family as Nick Duda has recently joined us as Member Services Representative. The Glen Ellyn native and Glenbard West High School graduate was assistant director at an adventure travel company before joining us last week. A recent graduate of the University of Idaho, Nick will be working with Manager, Business Development/Membership Margie Ploense, helping old and new Members to better take advantage of all the benefits of Membership. Welcome, Nick!

[BACK TO TOP]

Get 'em while it's still hot! The Chamber's New Resident Mailer will make sure you don't "fall" behind when it comes to getting new customers. You can get your message out to the last 1,000 new residents who've been greeted by our smiling team of Residential Greeters - all you need is 1,000 flyers and $275 and we'll do the rest! The deadline is this Thursday, August 31. Deliver your one or two-sided flyers (no larger than 8.5" x 11") to the Chamber office. Reserve your space today by contacting Rachel Mummery.

[BACK TO TOP]
 

Downtown parking is always an issue for Napervillians and local businesses, and the City of Naperville will host a public meeting to introduce potential layouts of the new Nichols Library parking deck, the possible library expansion and potential funding options to pay for the new proposed parking deck tomorrow, Tuesday, August 29 from 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. in meeting rooms A, B and C in the lower level of the Naperville Municipal Center. The meeting will be an open house format with two presentations on the potential funding options at 3:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

The new proposed parking deck is estimated to increase the number of parking spaces to roughly 350 versus the 120 spaces that currently exist. The new parking facility will provide additional parking for employees and visitors of downtown Naperville. In conjunction with the new parking deck, an expansion of the library is proposed to provide increased customer service to library patrons.

This informational meeting is open to the public and all residents and business owners are encouraged to attend. Representatives from the City of Naperville will be available at the public meeting to discuss the project and answer questions on an individual basis. If you have questions or comments regarding this project, please contact Project Engineer Kim Grabow at (630) 548-1199 or by e-mail.

For more information on the new Nichols Library parking deck and proposed library expansion, visit the City's website.

[BACK TO TOP]
 

The latest benefit of Chamber Membership has an international flavor. The World Trade Center Chicago, a leader in facilitating international trade in the Midwest, has partnered with the Chamber to expand and directly provide international trade services to our Members.

As an NACC Member, you've received a complimentary membership in the World Trade Center Chicago, which entitles you to receive the WTCC newsletter and calendar and have access to their trade research services and the trade facilities in any one of the more than 300 World Trade Centers throughout the world.

We believe this partnership will greatly enhance our Members' ability to expand their markets and will make Chamber Membership even more valuable. Contact Laura Crawford for more information.

[BACK TO TOP]
 

The Current is published weekly by the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce

Michael W. Skarr, Editor • Laura Crawford, Managing Editor • Kenn Tomasch, Writer • Jeffrey Ross, Neil Gates, Patrick Skarr, Contributing Photographers

EDITORIAL POLICY: Articles written by outside authors do not necessarily reflect the view or position of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce. Reproduction of articles is authorized by permission only and with credit given to the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber reserves the right to reject advertising based on content and does not accept advertising that is in conflict with a position of the Chamber. The advertising of products and services in COMMERCE does not necessarily represent endorsement by the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce.