Our members often say that some of their favorite Chamber events are the Progressive or networking luncheons. You will have the opportunity to participate in one on Wednesday, February 8th at the Holiday Inn in the ballroom. Beginning with 1/2 hour of mingling and visiting mini-exhibitors at 11:30, this luncheon will have a 'dicey' theme. You will be at three different tables, before the lunch has ended, rolling dice to determine where your next seat is. Cost is $20/members and $25/visitors. The Winfield Chamber will also be joining us. This is an event you will want to be absolutely sure you have business cards with you (and a lot of them)!

As with all our events and especially luncheons, RSVP in advance to the Chamber office by email or by calling (630) 665-3325. Those in attendance have the chance to be chosen as "Featured Business of the Month".

Menu:Ceasar Salad, Italian Rolls,Chicken Parmesan w/tricolor pasta & mixed vegetables, Chocolate Cake for Dessert.

A brand-new member, Jubilee Furniture Company, is inviting all members to their Ribbon Cutting on Friday, February 3rd at 2:00pm. A division of the Outreach Community Ministries, you will have the chance Friday to look around and see all the fabulous furniture they have available, have some light refreshments and meet other community leaders and Chamber members.

RSVP to Kathy Christiansen at (630) 337-1467 and let her know you will be there to welcome a new business to town! I'll be there -- I hope you will be there, too.

Advertising opportunities for the 2006 Chamber Map are wrapping up. In order to stay on target with the publication date, we ask that you finalize all ads with Village Profile in the next few days. Having an ad in this map will be a wonderful opportunity to get the word out to the community, to other businesses and to visitors to our area. 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. FREE is the key word here at this Expo.

FREE parking, FREE seminars, FREE marketing advice, FREE food, FREE prizes! How can you go wrong?? 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 "Low or No-Cost Marketing For Your Business", this expo will have booths open from 10:00am until 3:00pm.

For a seminar 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!

The luck of the Irish will be with many Chamber members as the St. Patrick's Day Reverse Raffle is held on Thursday, March 16th at the Holiday Inn.

Beginning with a cash bar at 5:30 and butler-served sandwiches at 6:00, the raffle itself will comence at 6:30.

How does it work, you ask? Tickets are $100 and only 200 are sold. First prize will be a cool $5,000! But new this year -- it will be the "Night of 100 Prizes" meaning every other number pulled (declared a loser) will win a prize. Also new this year is a big screen TV which will be a door prize. How do you win it? If you own one of the 200 raffle tickets and are in attendance, you could take home the big-screen!

Special room rates are available to stay at the Holiday Inn after the event. Tickets are NOW on sale so pick your favorite number and gear up for the annual St. Patrick's Day Reverse Raffle! Stop by the Chamber office or see a director for tickets! Good luck!

.. .. .. The Chamber is now taking applications for Scholarships.. .. Visit the website for more info and for application and criteria.. .. Join us at the next Women In Business Luncheon on March 22nd at St. Andrew's Golf Club in West Chicago at 11:30. RSVP and pay by 3/15 and get into a VIP raffle for a free lunch!.. .. ..Once again, March will bring a "March Madness Membership Drive".. .. watch for more info soon on how you can build the chamber and win prizes!! .. .. Good luck to all Chamber nominees and ALL nominees for this weekend's Citizen of the Year Awards.. .. .. Thank you for your membership. We value you!