Letter From The President & CEO

For many, welcoming the New Year includes resolutions. This has never worked for me; I usually forget about those resolutions before the start of February. Instead I use the holiday for reflection and goal setting; a look back to determine what can be done better, then I map out my near future. This rationale keeps my goals (not resolutions) reasonable and hopefully achievable. I put this to practice both personally and professionally.

Reflections on the chamber we now call Chamber630 are crowded with both tremendous accomplishments and areas for improvement. The merge of the Downers Grove and Woodridge Chambers is at the top of both lists, providing many goals for 2015. With one of the best Board of Directors for which I’ve ever worked and a top notch, dedicated staff, we are ready for 2015 and we’re ready to celebrate!

I hope you will join us February 21 at the Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center for The Red Carpet Masquerade Ball. We will officially install the new Board, dust off former Chairman of the Board, Marc Hausmann and recognize an Enterprise Award winner, to be announced in upcoming weeks. We are prepped for fun and hope you’ll join us.  Visit chamber630.com for more information.

Equipped with all new bylaws, strategic plan and committee structure, the rest of the year will be a combination of improved traditional programming and some all-new opportunities. February is the month we kick off the fourth Attainable Futures program with more students than ever. These kids will have their heads spinning after the four great half day sessions. The Scholarship Program already has a good start, this group will provide scholarship dollars to a student of a Chamber Member to further their education. The spring will take us to Springfield to visit the haunches of the new Governor; we’ll get a work out at the Up and Down and all Around (stair climb and/or 5K) and taste treats at the Taste of 630. The referral groups and Owners’ Group will continue to grow and build business. The workforce development we’re offering is also better than ever: the New630 Professionals are geared up for social, community and workforce programming and the Chamber630 webinars offer a variety of 6,000 different educational components.  

I hope in some way you will be a part of our journey, whether it’s joining us in Springfield, contributing to the scholarship, getting a workout at the Up and Down and All Around or taking a webinar in the comfort of your home or office – I know there’s a way Chamber630 can engage you. Please visit us at Chamber630.com and jump right in.