Letter From The Chairman

As my second time around as Chamber Board Chairman, I wondered if I would experience a taste of déjà vu. I’m happy to report, I could not have been more wrong.  I am so honored to be working with a Board and staff that has taken the concept, 'let's do what's best for business' to a level I never imagined, especially in such a short time.

We were officially became Chamber630 on July 1. Six months into it, we've established a satellite office, added and enhanced several events, completely rewritten the bylaws and strategic plan, approved a new budget that calls for expansion of staff and their duties, reworked most committees and created task forces to insure and enhance Member Value.  

This last one, Member Value, is a bit tricky, however. And we need your help! The solution will involve you and it won’t take you away from your business…..it will help your business! Remember the concept, 'let’s do what’s best for business?' There are a lot of ways to participate in this process of change……… from working on a task force that is of interest to you, providing feedback on one of the 6,000 webinars available to you and your staff or stopping by a ribbon cutting or Business-Off-The-Clock.   Or you could post a BUY CHAMBER or Member Only special on your directory listing and provide feedback.  We want you to be a part of the change!  Please give us your ideas, feedback and questions!  Send them to any Board or staff member – we want to know how you’d like to use your Chamber, because we want to do what’s best for business.

I also would like to invite you to The Red Carpet Masquerade Ball on February 21^st at Oak Brook Hills.  It will be great to reconnect.  Let’s celebrate Chamber630 together!

Who are you?

Mystery Member: Powerforward DuPage

PowerForward DuPage is a group of individuals, businesses and organizations in DuPage County who are considered the benchmark by which electrical expertise, energy solutions and communications technologies are evaluated—and the touchstone for current information regarding the latest in emerging energy technologies. Our common purpose is to ensure that companies and individuals have access to skilled, highly trained electrical expertise as well as to information about the most current energy and communication technologies solutions.
Every day we help provide commercial, industrial and residential contractors with the right field talent possessing the necessary skills in order to deliver solutions to even the most complicated energy challenges.

Click here to learn more.

DuPage County Resliency Strategies For Flood Mitigation

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.

Coggno Course of the Day

Managers learn how to guide and coach employees in developing their career within the organization.

Take advantage of our partnership with Coggno - the internet's leading provider of corporate online training - and find the training your employees need directly from our website.

Click here to learn more!

Who are you?

Mystery Member: PS Signs and Apparel

PS Signs and Apparel specializes in full-color digital printing, screenprinting, embroidery and sign production. Our state-of-the-art equipment and expert staff with over 10 years of experience in the industry allows us to offer the quality products and service anywhere while still offering competitive prices.

We are a family owned and run company located in Downers Grove, IL. Believing in the success of its hometown, we are proud to show our support by combining a passion for business with the passion of community, people, and the environment. In the community we remain active by partnering with local businesses, organizations, schools and churches.

To learn more about PS Signs and Apparel click here.

Coggno Course of the Day

Avoiding Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens Course

This session discusses how you might be exposed to bloodborne pathogens and infectious diseases, how you can protect yourself from exposure, and how to clean up and properly dispose of blood or bodily fluids. Employees most likely to be exposed include first-aid responders, janitorial and maintenance personnel, and workers assigned to clean up after an industrial accident.

Click here to sign up today!