Monday, June 29, 2015

Letter from Laura Crawford, President & CEO

The Chamber630 Board of Directors took an important vote at their meeting held on the afternoon of June 25th at the Woodridge Municipal Center when they endorsed The Illinois Turnaround agenda. 

As with most ‘transformation documents,’ the topic initiated great dialog and diverse opinions.  Pros and cons were recognized and discussed and the philosophy that adhered was ‘stop the dereliction.’

Some of the pros (aside from, ‘what if this plan works and our State changes to one of booming economic development and jobs, education reform, trust in government with a reason for business, workers and our children to stay in Illinois?’) included causation in workers’ compensation, (a business expense that is more than double the cost in Indiana), empowerment of local voters with choices regarding construction projects and their cost controls as well as employment choices.  It was duly noted that Indiana’s Right-to-Work law went into effect three years ago; since then they have welcomed 39,600 manufacturing jobs and in the same timeframe, Illinois has lost 3,500.  The State of Michigan adopted the law two years ago and they’ve added 39,500 manufacturing jobs, while Illinois has lost 4,600.

Some cons included the reduction in LGDF (Local Government Distributive Fund) or income tax and the property tax freeze which will greatly impact the manner in which our municipalities conduct business and their capacity of services.

In the end, the majority of the Chamber630 Board voted to support the agenda acknowledging the pain, recognizing that the pros outweigh the cons.  All present acknowledged that The Illinois Turnaround agenda is quite similar to Chamber630's Legislative Platform approved last March.  Further discussion included the possibilities of alternative methods of accomplishing familiar results  as well as other revenues that may aid in the replacement of funding (for me, the ¼% sales tax that will ‘go away’ in 2016 comes to mind......does a tax really ever go away?). 

Our new Governor was elected by the majority to change the path of Illinois and as he said, "It's make-or-break time for the Land of Lincoln."  And I say, “Hold onto your hats, it’s going to be a bumpy ride and our future is worth it.”  God bless America. 


If you are interested on serving on the Board of Directors, please complete the Nomination Form and return to Laura Crawford today.  The deadline is June 30, 2015.  

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Who Are You?




Mystery Member of the Week: 
Cherry Mortgage - Brian Sewell 




Brian Sewell works for Cherry Creek Mortgage Co, as a Branch Manager and Mortgage Advisor. He has thirteen  years experience in the field of banking and brokering, more specifically mortgage origination, new construction loans, specializing in purchase and first time buyer loans. A native of Chicago, Brian earned his BA in Management and Marketing from Saint Xavier University in Chicago, Illinois.  Mr. Sewell enjoys assisting borrowers realize their dream of home ownership, inherent in all new business development projects and has been praised by both co-workers and clients alike for his attentiveness, honesty, integrity and in-depth analyses.  

From 2006 to 2008 Brian was President and CEO of Morale Home Mortgage a small mortgage brokerage. Dedication, problem solving, commitment, creativity, passion, and eagerness to learn are Brian's clear strengths which have gained him a solid reputation in the banking world, amongst customers and colleagues alike. Brian was just selected for the fourth year in a row by Five Star Professional, whom performed and independent study of real estate transactions in the last twelve months and Brian was vote in the top 1% for overall customer satisfaction from start to finish by his customers and other real estate professionals.  His name was included in the October's 2011, 2012, 2013 and will be included in the 2014 edition of the Chicago Magazine. 

Brian lives in Illinois with his wife and partner Erika and with their two children David, and Isaiah.  When Brian is not working, he likes to play basketball, enjoys golfing, and just hanging out with his family.  Brian can be reached at bsewell@ccmclending.com or www.mytrustedprovider.com.

Friday, June 19, 2015

Who Are You?

Mystery Member of the Week: 
Byline Bank 




We’re not like the other guys. We don’t pretend to know Chicago; we’re a long-time resident who’s been part of the local scene for over 100 years. Our name has changed—most recently from North Community Bank to Byline Bank—but our commitment to you is as strong as ever: To be the bank Chicagoans deserve. Our corporate vision isn’t a case of “me too.” We mean it—and live it—daily. We continually innovate our products and seek new ways to improve our services to get you what you need, when you need it. As Byline Bank, we put our name behind everything we do. 

Just like you, we are proud to call Chicago home. And we are just as committed to making the best of this area’s amazing opportunities. In the neighborhoods where you live, work and hangout—in-person, online, or through your cell phone—experience banking that is about you. Together, we will write the next chapter in the story of your success.

Click here to learn more. 

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Who are you?

Mystery member: AM 560 Wind Radio

Why We Exist

We make a promise everyday when we go on the air. We must deliver on that promise. We never want our listeners -- you -- disappointed. We always want to be answering the question, "What’s going on, here, there or anywhere?" We’ll teach you something about the day's news and events with smart passionate hosts.

We know that in Chicago radio, you have many choices, and we appreciate the fact that you give us a chance. We created AM 560 The Answer so that you can have a radio station that cares about the city we serve. We decided there are three things that must be a part of what we do everyday. The first is News, and we have some of the best in the business with FOX News Radio and our local team of anchors and reporters. If news breaks, we'll tell you about it. Second is Opinion. Our hosts come from a wide and eclectic background, and they are never afraid to tell you what they think about the latest news. The third component that we think is important is Insight. At the end of the day, after you know what's happening and what we think about it, you want to know what it means and why it's important to you. We'll tell you all of that.

Click here to learn more. 

Monday, June 8, 2015

Check out our monthly calendars!

Chamber630 hosts tons of events throughout the year and you can find them all on our monthly calendar. Join us for a Ribbon Cutting or Business Off The Clock at a Members business or attend a monthly General Membership Luncheon. We hope to see you at our next event!

Click here to view the events calendar.

Friday, June 5, 2015

Who are you?

Mystery Member: DeVry Education Group

At DeVry University, we offer you the freedom to take classes on campus, online, or both—at every degree program level. Plus, with year-round classes, you can earn a four-year degree in just three years with full-time year-round enrollment and reach your career goals faster.


DeVry University's Online Bachelor's Degree program was ranked by U.S. News & World Report to be among the best online bachelor's degree programs in 2015.*
*As ranked and reported by U.S. News & World Report, 2015 Best Online Programs Rankings, Best Online Bachelor's Programs, ranked 111 out of 214 schools, 296 schools were considered in category, January 7, 2015.
Click here to learn more. 

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Coggno Course of the Day!

Other Harassment Course NOW $22.50!


Educate your managers on non-sexual harassment that's just as illegal, disruptive and damaging to any organization.
-How to determine if behavior or words constitute harassment -When to alert HR to harassing behavior -How to investigate a claim -Communicating with the harassment victim -Rules different for supervisors -Risks of allowing proselytizing -What you can restrict when it comes to expressing political views -Avoiding retaliation claims when an employee complains.

Click the link to learn more: http://bit.ly/1Fw82mx