2008 September Newsletter - Skokie Chamber of Commerce

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Welcome New Members! AA-ANTHONYS INC. 9621 Tripp Skokie, IL 60076 773-230-1062 (t) Cindy Best Tony@aa-anthonys.com www.aa-anthonys.com Construction/Home Remodeling ALPHAGRAPHICS 1848 Waukegan Road Glenview, IL 60025 847-729-7768 (t) 847-729-7793 (f) Steve Barreca us223@alphagraphics.com www.glenview223.alphagraphics.com Signs, Lettering, Decals & Graphics GPG & ASSOCIATES, LLP 8430 Gross Point Road, Suite 202 Skokie, IL 60077 847-965-9707 (t) 847-965-9720 (f) Gerard P. Gangloff gpg@gpg-associates.com www.gpg-associates.com Accountants, CPA & Tax Preparation GULLIVERS 2727 W. Howard Street Chicago, IL 60645 773-338-2166 (t) Dino Karageorgis Restaurant H2O PLUS AT OLD ORCHARD 4999 Old Orchard Center, Space E3 Skokie, IL 60077 847-673-5809 (t) 847-673-1547 (f) Renate Galazka renata@h2oplus.com www.h2oplus.com Cosmetics/Skincare NATURE’S HOME 4999 Old Orchard Center #F6 Skokie, IL 60077 847-674-2500 (t) Jim Heard yournatureshome@att.net www.yournatureshome.com Retail STRATEGIC PRODUCTS & SERVICES 10400 W. Higgins Road, Suite 300 Rosemont, IL 60018 630-827-5402 (t) 630-827-5402 (f) Chris Chepy cchepy@spscom.com www.spscom.com Telecommunication Services WEINGARTEN & ADLER 8170 N. McCormick Blvd., Suite 118 Skokie, IL 60076 847-677-3300 (t) 847-677-3304 (f) Ben Schneider shavoo1@northsidelegal.com www.northsidelegal.com Attorneys & Legal Services Membership Renewals Airflow Heating & Air Conditioning, 2007 BankFinancial, 1993 Coldwell Banker Leader Realty, 2001 Dot’s Hallmark Shop (DSD Corp.), 1990 Edwardo’s Natural Pizza, 1997 Elizer & Meyerson, 2003 Harris Bank, 2001 Kenny the Kleener, 1992 Main & Crawford Auto Repair, 2005 ManorCare Health Services, 1982 Marge’s Flowers & Gifts, Inc., 1989 Marketplace on Oakton, 1994 Niles Township Regular Republican Organization, 2004 North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 1995 Oil & Vinegar, 2007 Park’s Plumbing & Sewer Inc., 1992 Pauline & Company, 1992 R.B. Plumbing and Sewer, Inc., 1999 Sally Chapralis & Associates, 1990 Sign A Rama, 2003 Skokie School District 69, 1987 SLSF, 2007 Solomon Schechter Day School, 2003 State Farm Insurance, 2004 Sweet Home Improvements, 2003 Tolziens’ Auto Service Inc., 1993 UPS Store, 2007 West of Eden’s Restaurant, 2003 Westfield Old Orchard, 1977 Skokie Chamber Seeking New Board Members The Skokie Chamber of Commerce nominating committee, headed by Deb Mattes of Westfield Old Orchard, will be convening in September and October to select candidates to serve on the Chamber’s 2009 Board of Directors. It is anticipated that there will be three seats available. Qualifications for serving on the Board of Directors include, but are not limited to, the type of industry represented, special expertise, service to the business community and other organizations, past involvement with the Skokie Chamber of Commerce and membership standing. Should you be interested in serving on the Board of Directors, please submit your candidacy in writing, explaining your qualifications and experience, and why you would like to serve the Skokie Chamber of Commerce in a directorial capacity. Submit your application to Executive Director, Howard Meyer, via email at hmeyer@skokiechamber.org. If you have any questions, please call 847-673-0240. 2 In This Issue New Members/Renewals ........ pg. 2 Executive Director Letter ..........pg. 3 Upcoming Events .................... pg. 4 Business Spotlights .............. pg. 5-6 In the Community......................pg. 7 Your Chamber in Action .......... pg. 8 News You Can Use...................pg. 9 Advertisers, Rate Sheet.... pg. 10-11 Event Registration...................pg. 12 Mailing services for The Chamber Connection are provided by Chamber member Direct Mail Source, 6653 W. Howard, Niles 847-676-3744.
A Word From the Executive Director Relationships Make a Difference in this Economy As I write this article, I am preparing for my eldest daughter to go away to college for the first time. There are a lot of emotions involved with this event, not only on the part of my daughter, but for Daddy as well. She is so intent on needing to know exactly what her major is going to be and where her degree will take her after college. This has caused me to reflect on where I was 18 years ago and how far my career path has drifted from its beginnings 25 years ago. At a recent Women in Business Program, we asked people to include with their 30-second elevator speeches where they began their careers. There were many interesting paths that people followed: Rebecca Bloomfield, an insurance agent, began her career as an actress; our Mary Kay representative, Janis Onstott, began her career as a Junior High School band teacher; and Catherine Johns and Karen Hand, owners of Positive Changes Hypnosis Center began their careers as local radio personalities. My own Chamber of Commerce career began as a Camp Director. It was because of the relationship that I have with a colleague, Terry Kane, Executive Director of Temple Judea Mizpah, that led to my referral to the Chamber leadership, which eventually led to my hiring in 2006. Who would have thought? Being successful in business, or having a successful career path, is as much about “who you know” as it is about “what you know.” Here at the Skokie Chamber of Commerce, I am very proud of the relationships that exist within the Chamber membership. The relationships that we foster are the measure of our success as an organization. Taking the first step to come to a program is a big move for some people. We understand this. That is why you will see me, my staff and our Board members networking through the room at all of our functions, and working the room on your behalf. WE are successful when YOU make a successful connection. Never fear that you will be left alone standing in a corner like a bad cocktail party nightmare! To me, a successful program or event is not only the number of contacts we help facilitate, but the number of people who are still left in the room after the program has concluded. If I were to try to attach a catch phrase to what we are about it would probably be “WE are in the business of YOU.” Your Chamber membership has so many advantages. We are the ones that can “hold your hands” through the storm, especially during these tough economic times. The relationships that you forge with your fellow members is irreplaceable. I was in attendance at a Sales Vantage Referral meeting several months ago and walked away with a little piece of paper from a fish bowl drawing. I’ve been carrying this piece of lime green paper in my wallet for months and I pull it out to show to members all the time. It reads: “Don’t Expect Leads To Be Handed To You. Always Be Prospecting!” Unfortunately, I usually have to pull out this little gem after someone complains that their “membership isn’t working.” I sometimes think that I should author a “how to” brochure on the benefits of a Chamber or any other networking organization. Frankly, I’m sold on the benefits of Chamber membership. Not because I direct a terrific Chamber of Commerce, but because I see the benefits businesses get, not everyday, but every hour of the day. It is very empowering to hear members thank their fellow members when we give testimonials at networking events. The basic premise and success of our Chamber is that people do business with those they know, like and trust. If you are not active in the Chamber, I hope you will give us a try and start taking advantage of the power that being a part of a large organization can bring your business. Howard S. Meyer Executive Director Skokie Chamber 2008 Board of Directors Deborah Mattes, President Westfield Old Orchard Glen Roter, Executive Vice President Edward Jones Investments Carolyn Anthony, Vice President Skokie Public Library (Public Sector) Art Gately, Treasurer Albany Bank & Trust Company N.A. Bob Pielet, Secretary Your PC Help Desk Cynthia Barron Chiro One Wellness Center Nanciann Gatta Niles Township Dist. 219 (Public Sector) Mark Collins Sign A Rama Skokie Minal Desai Diamond Bank Susan Doroshow, D.D.S. General Dentist David Ehrlich Attorney J.R. Graves CMS Consolidated, Inc. Raman Grover Zubisma Distributors Sheila Lakhani-Gilani Holiday Inn North Shore Brian Moak Duxler Tire & Car Care Center Jerry Mytych AT&T Robert Orenstein New York Life Insurance Co. Al Rigoni Village of Skokie (Public Sector) Mark Schneiderman Skokie Park District (Public Sector) Lynn Seinfeld Oakton Community College 3
Page 1: 5002 Oakton Street • P.O. Box 106
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Page 7 and 8: Bears of Hope at KidOOdles Free Kid
Page 9 and 10: Monthly blog by Mike Buhmann, Busin

2008 September Newsletter - Skokie Chamber of Commerce

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