• Do you want a better image on the Net?
• Do you ever lose a sale because a customer couldn't reach you in time?
• Are you taking advantage of technlogy that will increase productivity?
• Are you concerned about cyber-crime and how it may affect your business?
• Now that you have a website, do you know how to promote it?

Picture six chambers holding a networking event. Visualize a speaker telling you how you can grow your business. Think about learning more about a very popular Business Expo. And now find out it's all FREE!

You can't go wrong! Come to the 5 Star Business Expo Kick-off Event on Thursday, January 12th at the Bloomingdale Golf Club, 181 Glen Ellyn Rd, Bloomingdale from 5:30-7:30pm.

Meet other chamber members and exhibitors, get tips on a great Expo experience, and hear best-selling author and marketing guru, Al Lautenslager speak on marketing to grow your business.

Don't forget to bring a LOT of business cards. RSVP to (630) 665-3325. Help us kick off the 10th annual Five Star Expo!

Our After Hours for January will be the Grand Opening of American Chartered Bank, 485 Army Trail Rd, Bloomingdale. Join us on Thursday, January 19th from 5:00-8:00pm as Lynn Tumminaro and crew invite us to their beautiful new facility. Be greeted by a butler and treated to music, hors d'oeuvres and complimentary cocktails. RSVP by January 9th to Lynn Tumminaro at 630-510-4310. Thank you, Lynn!

Advertising opportunities for the 2006 Chamber Map will end February 1st. New this year is the online access to the map with each advertiser's location pinpointed on the map and opportunity to link to your company website. Contact Barry Kenis @ Village Profile if interested: 630.479.1526. This publication will be a very attractive product and a valuable marketing tool.

Celebrating ten years, the Five Star Business Expo will be held once again at Indian Lakes Resort on FRIDAY, February 17th. Come and see 120 exhibitors from six chambers - Addison, Bartlett, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Glendale Heights and Wheaton -- and hear SEMINAR speakers throughout the day. Beginning at 9:00am with Keynote Speaker, Al Lautenslager on marketing your business, this expo will have booths open from 10:00am until 3:00pm.

There are still openings for exhibitors for the fee of $225 For a registration form, schedule and a listing of participating businesses, see the link below. Your business card is your admission to this FREE and fabulous business expo. See you there!

Have you had the chance to experience the new Carol Stream Chamber Women In Business yet? Make a New Year's Resolution to do so and you can start on January 27th.

Open to all chamber members, this group features events catering to women's issues. Those who have attended have witnessed the unique and wonderful energy of this group.

With its ever-changing venue, the January luncheon will be held at Chamber member Hilton Garden Inn in St. Charles from 11:30-1:30pm.

Nicki Anderson/Reality Fitness will speak on “Getting Past Diets & On With Your Life” also Craig Ochoa will present "FOOTBALL 101" just in time for the Super Bowl!

The philanthropy for this month will be Western DuPage Special Recreation Association who is in need of art supplies. If you bring the following to the luncheon, you will receive a raffle ticket for each item brought: Glue, tempera paints, nice paint brushes, nice regular scissors as well as decorative scissors, water color paper or paper of any kind, beads/sequins or other embellishments, quality art stores supplies, chalks, oil pastels, colored pencils.

We thank Novatoo Audio Visual for sponsoring the audio equipment and Donna Schroeder/2nd Opinion Nutrition, a raffle sponsor for the WIB meeting. Cost is $20/Chamber members and $25/visitors. There is a Special VIP Raffle - Sign up and pre-pay by January 15th and qualify for our VIP Raffle. RSVP: (630) 665-3325

The following is an unsolicited testimonial from a Carol Stream Chamber member:

It was a cold December 7th (single digit temps) and I was on my way to a meeting at The Holiday Inn with a fellow WIB committee member when my tire burst and I was stranded on North Avenue and Kuhn. No problem, I thought I have a motor club who will help me out - after 20 minutes on hold and then being hung up on, I started to panic. I finally got through to my motor club and they said it could be a 2-1/2 hour wait! Would I run out of gas by then and be freezing? But then I looked down at the material I was bringing with me to the meeting and right on top was The Official 2005-2006 CSC Business and Community Directory. I flipped to Auto Repair and found Bartel's. They arrived within 10 minutes and took care of my needs.

Don't underestimate the power of that little book and keep one handy at all times! Don't forget to pass them on too to your friends and neighbors!

Jacki Skolnik "Before you go to the mall, give ME a call" Reflections - Weekenders Fashions and More 847 275 0000

.. .. POSTAGE will increase on January 8th to 39 cents (first class letter). Did you upgrade your postal meter? www.usps.com for more info.. .. Join STAPLES for a special V.I.P. event on Tues., January 17th from 9am-2pm. Food and giveaways. Staples is located at 525 W. Army Trail at Kuhn Road.. .. .. You are also invited to the Grand Opening of Dinner by Design, 366 W Amy Trail Rd Suite 360, Bloomingdale on Fri., Jan. 20th beginning at 9am.. .. ..