Dear Members:
I hope you had a wonderful holiday season, spent in the company of your friends and family. Downtown Naperville was bustling with activity all the way to the end of the holiday season.
I’ve heard from several retailers that their sales were up, some as many as 20 percent this holiday season. That is great news! Let us all take that as a sign that good things are ahead, and that we can continue to march forward on the path of economic progress and prosperity.
So with that optimism, I want to remind you that the Chamber is your business partner. We’re entering the busy season. And if you blink, you’ll miss the opportunity to network and build relationships with thousands of Members and guests.
I encourage you to block time in your schedule to take part in some of our largest and most valued events of the year. Here’s a look at the next several weeks of events:
January General Membership Luncheon: Against the Herd - Featuring CNBC Contributor Steve Cortes
Monday, Jan. 23, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Sponsored by Protection One
Inaugural Gala & Silent Auction
Friday, Jan. 27, 6 – 11 p.m.
Sponsored by BP America Inc. and BMO Harris Bank N.A.
Special Membership Luncheon: Tom Ricketts, Chairman of the Chicago Cubs
Wednesday, Feb. 8, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
State of the City Address With Mayor A. George Pradel
Monday, Feb. 27, 7:30 – 9 a.m.
Sponsored by BMO Harris Bank N.A.
Also, time is running out for you to enroll in the Chamber’s premier professional development program, Leadership Institute. Leadership Institute is one of the most impactful programs the Chamber offers, and I strongly encourage you to use this membership benefit to improve your organization.
The program begins Jan. 12, and you can register by letting me know of your interest or by calling the Chamber at 630-355-4141.
By the way, fasten your seat belt—seriously! More than 200 laws went into effect Jan. 1, including the requirement that passengers in the backseat buckle up. Other notable changes include a ban on throwing away electronics and important changes to the taxes imposed on businesses for unemployment insurance.
I hope to see you at an upcoming event soon and thank you for your membership. Without your support, none of these programs would be possible.
Sincerely,
John Schmitt
President & CEO
Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce