Important Tax Information During the spring legislative session in 2025, the Illinois General Assembly passed a tax increase to help fund mass transit. Effective August 1, 2026, the NITA (formerly the Regional Transportation Authority) occupation and use tax rate will increase by 0.25% in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties. This tax applies to: NITA ratesContinue reading
As we celebrate the 250th birthday of our great country, I believe it is important to reflect on the wisdom of our Founding Fathers. Benjamin Franklin said, “Democracy is the best form of government, as it allows for the power to be in the hands of the people”. James Madison remarked, “Democracy requires constant vigilance to ensure that power does not become concentrated in theContinue reading
Local Many thanks to everyone who attended the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce 2026 State of the City Address last month! Mayor Scott Wehrli highlighted the people, products, and stories that make our area such a great place to live, work, and play. For anyone who is interested in Government Affairs and in learning moreContinue reading
Local The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce will host the 2026 State of the City Address at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 7th at the Embassy Suites Chicago-Naperville. Join us as Mayor Scott Wehrli highlights the city’s success to date as a vibrant community where excellent jobs create popular everyday products and transform innovative, future-oriented ideas into reality, as well as how so much moreContinue reading
Wednesday Elliot Richardson and I taught a ½ day seminar on Advocacy for approximately 15-20 Chamber leaders from throughout the state. The event was organized and sponsored by IACCE. Mike Murphy hosted the meeting at the offices of the Greater Springfield Chamber and provided a unique perspective as a former legislator. We were invited by theContinue reading
Through unanimous consent, governments at all levels have solved all issues with potential impacts on your business in a perfect and non-controversial way… APRIL FOOLS! As is more typical, we head into spring with significant challenges at all levels of government. On the bright side, April brings a fantastic opportunity to advocate for the business community in Illinois. On April 16, 2026, theContinue reading
Primary Election A quick reminder that the Primary Election is coming up on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Early voting has already begun, or you can vote in person on Election Day. Local Issues The Naperville City Council is expected to soon take up a discussion of proposed “stretch codes” at the urging of some ofContinue reading
Local The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce has been watching two local issues with great interest. The Illinois Municipal Electric Agency (IMEA) is a not-for-profit organization of 32 municipal electric systems throughout the state to which Naperville belongs. To better plan future demand and to incorporate more alternative energy into their portfolio, the IMEA is asking member cities toContinue reading
Welcome to 2026! There is an old saying in politics that says, “If you don’t have a seat at the table, you might end up on the menu”. With that in mind, I hope you will take this opportunity to resolve to be involved in the new year. Here are some ways to deepen your involvement in 2026: At NACC IfContinue reading
As we begin the final month of 2025, it is a good time to look ahead to 2026 and prepare for changes that are coming as a result of legislation passed this year. As always, I do not give specific legal, accounting, human resources, or tax advice. Chamber Members should consult their own professionals forContinue reading
