Last month, I had the honor of joining chamber leaders from across the country in Louisville, Kentucky, at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100 (CCC100) Fall Meeting — my first as a new member of this prestigious group. This experience wasn’t just about making contacts; it was about solidifying our Chamber’s role asContinue reading
This summer I spent time with other chamber leaders across the country — at the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) convention, through the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Organization Management program (IOM), and with the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (IACCE). The best part of those gatherings is the conversations: what’s changingContinue reading
When’s the last time you turned off your email, silenced your phone, and gave yourself the space to really brainstorm? Not just to make a to-do list, but to step back and think big—about your business, your team, your industry, or even yourself. I recently had the opportunity to attend the Association of Chamber ofContinue reading
At the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, we often say that people do business with people they know, like, and trust. One of our TEAMs, Team B2B, says it best: they’re “friends that do business together.” That kind of connection doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built through time, trust, and genuine relationships. While those intangibles areContinue reading
Your voice matters—but so do the voices around you. So, who’s in your circle? Leadership, growth, and impact don’t happen in isolation. We all need a circle—trusted people who challenge us, lift us up, ask the tough questions, and remind us who we are when the noise gets loud. Maybe it’s a mentor, a colleague,Continue reading
Last week, I walked into our First Friday Open House and saw a group from our Young Professionals Network (YPN) gathered in the hallway—laughing, connecting, and just being. It was one of those simple, unscripted moments that stuck with me. Being a young professional isn’t always easy. It can be tough to find your people,Continue reading
At our Spring General Membership Luncheon, we tackled a topic every business owner needs to think about: AI in the workplace. The panel shared valuable insights across industries—from HR to legal, tech, and leadership. Here are the top things I want to make sure YOU know: 1. You Need Policies AI is already being usedContinue reading
Naperville is a thriving community because people show up and get involved—and voting is one of the most impactful ways to make a difference. On April 1, 2025, Naperville voters will head to the polls for the Illinois Consolidated Election, deciding key leadership roles that will shape our city’s future. This year, Election Day fallsContinue reading
Each year, I choose a word to set my intention—a guiding anchor as we navigate the year ahead. For 2025, that word is HAPPEN. HAPPEN is at the heart of everything we do at NACC. It’s not just a word; it’s our foundation for the year ahead. It represents what we commit to—ourselves, each otherContinue reading
We’re thrilled to introduce our New Member Cohort Program, launching this Friday at our monthly First Friday event! This initiative is designed to strengthen our community, support professional growth, and foster meaningful connections. First Friday: A Tradition of Connection Our First Friday events have long been a cornerstone of NACC’s community engagement. Held on theContinue reading
