The first lunch of 2007 is almost upon us, to be held on Wednesday, January 10th at the Holiday Inn from 11:30-1:00pm.

You will meet well-known speaker, Barbara Dywer/Benedictine College who is a "human potential expert" and popular keynote speaker. She will address "Becoming More Influential" as we gather for the first event of the new year.

RSVP today to reserve a seat at this monthly meeting.

It IS a new year and there is something new at the Chamber for member businesses.

Do you need to get the word out about an upcoming event or special promotion? Now you can do so through the chamber with an Email Blast!

For a fee of $40, you can email us a copy of what you would like to go out and we will send it to the most current email addresses we have for all our members. Do you have a new menu item? Perhaps a new service you now offer....let us help you let others know about it. Contact the chamber office today and before you know it, "You've got mail" -- and so do your fellow chamber members!

Celebrating its 11th, the Five Star Business Expo will be held at Indian Lakes Resort on Friday, February 16th, 2007. 120 companies will be exhibiting their businesses between 10:00 and 3:00pm, including 14 ever-popular Food Sponsors sampling their finest. It's a FREE event you won't want to miss attending.

If you would like to be an exhibitor, you must be a member of the Carol Stream Chamber, or one of the other four participating chambers - Bartlett, Bloomingdale, Addison or Glendale Heights.

The cost is $225 per booth and the forms can be accessed at the link below.

Business After Hours. What is it? Why should I attend one?

Once a month (usually), one of our businesses hosts a gathering at their facility, at which chamber members can meet and casually network. Many members find this type of informal event to be valuable in their networking.

In January, we are fortunate to have two such After Hours.

Gather with us on Thursday, January 18th at Staples, 525 W. Army Trail, Bloomingdale, as Ernie Lozano, Dennis Gaggini and crew host us at their office supply super-store! Meeting from 5:30- 7:30pm, there is no admission fee for this event.

Also in January, is the kick-off for the Five Star Business Expo, held on Thursday, January 25th at the Bloomingdale Golf Club (note that this is not where the Expo will be held) 181 Glen Ellyn Road, Bloomingdale from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Chamber members from five chambers will gather and hear about the upcoming February Expo.

We prefer that you RSVP for these events, and you may do so by contacting our chamber office at (630) 665-325.

The invigorating atmosphere of the Carol Stream Chamber Women In Business (WIB) continues on at the next event - "YOUR Networking Best" held on January 31st at the Hampton Inn, 205 W. North Avenue, CS from 11:30-1:00PM.

RoccoVino's will serve the meal as we put our heads together and learn from each other. Also, to be introduced at this first meeting of the year will be the "Popcorn Testimonials." At the end of the luncheon, members can share (only those who are willing to share) their latest success in using a fellow chamber member. We mention this now so you who want to can plan ahead. Let's get the word out about our fellow businesses!

RSVP to the Chamber office in advance for this event -- cost is $20 for members who RSVP by 1/26 or $25 for visitors or walk-ins. Men are welcome, too.

The Carol Stream Chamber Women In Business Committee is a group that meets regularly to plan upcoming WIB events. If that appeals to you, join us on the committee by attending the next WIB Committee Meeting on January 17th at noon at the Hampton Inn, 205 W. North Avenue, CS.

If you are interested in becoming more involved in the chamber and joining other committees, call the chamber office for more info. Other committees are:

• Community Relations
• Business-Community Directory
• Golf
• Holiday Social
• Member Promotion
• Membership Drive
• Programs
• Reverse Raffle
• Scholarship
• Technology

Every other year, the chamber, in conjunction with an outside source, produces a Business-Community Directory which lists all our members and information about the community. This directory is delivered to all the homes in Carol Stream and many businesses. Each week, it is distributed through the Chamber office, the library and the Village Hall.

Beginning in January, we will be planning the 2007- 2008 directory and information will arrive in your mailbox about this valuable publication. Opportunities will be explained about ads and enhanced listings. There are many options -- take a look at what is offered and decide what will work for your business.

The Directory Committee will be working with Vaughan, Thain and Spencer. We look forward to this project!

Happy New Year! And Happy 15th Anniversary, Carol Stream Chamber of Commerce!

Yes, 15 years ago, Jack Brust, Darrel Malcom, Jerry Lawrence, Pam Fenner and Ray Gryska signed a document incorporating a business organization, then called CSABI - Carol Stream Association of Business & Industry. That was a necessary step in becoming a certified Chamber of Commerce.

We celebrate 15 years! At the Annual Meeting in April, we will have a celebration, as well as yearlong. Thank you for being a part of our Chamber!

A huge THANK YOU to the Hampton Inn and Carol Mitchell and Lori McElwee for hosting the WIB committee meetings. We very much appreciate you sharing your space with us!!! ... ... Get the word out about your company, in a visual way - Be a Mini- Exhibitor at a chamber luncheon. Contact us for more info on this free opportunity... ... ... Do you have an open position you would like to advertise? Submit it for FREE to the Chamber website JOB POSTINGS page. Going through www.chambermaster.com with your login and password, you can post your employment needs 24/7... ... ... Who Dunnit? Cody's Food and Fun and Get Away with Murder invite you to their Western Murder Mystery on January 20th. For prices and more info, contact (630) 540- 1848. Great way to PARD'NER, Chamber members!... ...The Carol Stream Chamber of Commerce currently has 355 members from 45 towns representing 11,163 employees... ... Happy 2007!