President's Corner  - Tom Althoff 

The fall colors have reached their peak and leaf raking is in full swing. We hope you are harvesting many business opportunities. Based on the attendance at our October events it seems there is an upswing in business activity. We are excited about some new developments in the upcoming months. We look forward to an upgrade of our computer software courtesy of Rich Stompanato and ARDS, Services. We should be more efficient and better able to process our data. In addition we will be developing our website with a new look and new features. One of the most important is the ability for you to register and pay for events, dues, and fees online. This is something that is long overdue. DuPage Technology under the guidance of Christian Faure will be handling this for us.

We are moving to a new banking relationship with long time member Lisle Savings Bank. Under President Jim Renn's guidance we have received many sponsorships and other support over the years. They even stored old records and furniture of ours in one of their basements. We are very grateful for all they do for our Chamber and community. Jim is also chair of the Rotary Club of Lisle's Red, White, and Blue Ball which is held this year on November 4th at the Lisle Hilton. Please show your support by attending this worthwhile event.

Since this is the month of Thanksgiving I especially want to thank Navistar for all they have done for the Chamber and Lisle community. The two largest events we hold each year, our Dinner Dance and Golf Outing have Navistar as the Presenting Sponsors. The arrival of this company to our community has provided tremendous benefits to our other members as well as the employees are moving to Lisle and using business services and shopping in our stores and eating in our restaurants. You may have seen some of their sponsorships in other areas such as The Morton Arboretum Children's Garden and the North Central College Fine Arts Program, as well as support of Giant Steps and other not-for-profits. Under the leadership of Don Sharp Vice President of Communications they have truly become well integrated into the community.

As a look back to the events of October I want to thank Jenn Schinke, Branch Manager of BankFinancial in Downers Grove and a Lisle Chamber board member for the hospitality she and her staff provided at the end of the month. Although this was a Downers Grove Chamber Business After Hours Jenn invited us as well and those who attended felt very welcome. Marianne Bero of St.Joan of Arc Church was our hostess for the October Business After Hours at the church Parish Center. We enjoyed the food and beverages and there was a real buzz in the room with all the networking that was occurring. Congratulations to Sister Carolyn St. Joan principal on their designation as a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. This is truly a prestigious award and we are proud to have this school in Lisle.

Those of you who attended our October luncheon were treated not only to a free lunch but also learned about the cutting edge technology being used in international business. We are grateful to Dr. Sandra Gill, former Lisle Chamber board chair and Dean of the College of Business at Benedictine University for facilitating this program with the assistance of Dr. Marie DiVirgilio, President, Change Management Strategies. Jerry Mraz, President of SmalTec International added his perspective as a local manufacturer, experienced exporter, and entrepreneur. Jerry is truly someone you should know. He is a great example of someone who is making it through hard work and perseverance. Those in attendance also were introduced to the Coal Ben, Benedictine's cool restaurant/bar venue which is located in their converted heating plant. The remodeled Rice Athletic Center was opened at the end of October as well. You will enjoy seeing all the upgrades to that facility.

Moving into November you will note that we have two luncheons scheduled, one with the Downers Grove Chamber with the Executive Director of the Tollway Authority as guest speaker and the other at Hotel Arista with a speaker from the Illinois Retail Management Association. We hope you are able to attend one or both of these fabulous events.

The West Suburban Community Pantry is our host for the November Business After Hours which is a multichamber event with Downers Grove and Woodridge. It is always a well attended event with fantastic food and beverages.

During this month we gather with family and friends to give thanks. I want to say thank you to our board members and committee chairs for all of their service as well as our ambassadors and all of you who have served on committees or volunteered in some way. Our chamber is truly fortunate to have the active and dedicated membership that makes us one of the strongest Chambers in DuPage County, the Chicago area and the State of Illinois. I also have a special thank you to Jill Eidukas for running the office and coordinating the events in such a professional and enthusiastic manner. We have had very successful events in 2011 with increased participation. Much of that is due to Jill who many of you find to be a great listener, problem solver and friendly and empathetic voice for the Chamber. So thanks Jill and best wishes to you and yours for a blessed and happy Thanksgiving.

One last thing. Come to Spain with us in April! Check out our newest travel opportunity which we are partnering with the Bolingbrook Chamber. 

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 Chairman's Message    

October was a great month! The Chamber of Commerce received a check from Lisle Eyes to the Skies in the amount of $2,842. This is as a direct result of the volunteer hours many of us provided during this year's festival and will go directly to fund our scholarship program. This amount alone will provide five $500 scholarships for sons and daughters of chamber of commerce members. Thank you to all of you who volunteered your time over the 4th of July weekend!

I also want to officially welcome Lisle's Chill & Grill to the chamber. The ribbon cutting held on October 27th was a great event and I'll tell you what, if you want some great food made fresh to order, Chill & Grill is the place to go. St. Joan of Arc also hosted a Business After Hours on the 27th. Attendance was super and they really out-did themselves. Attended by over 40 people, this was yet another terrific opportunity to keep in touch with people and businesses we all see quite a bit, as well as to make new acquaintances in an informal, social setting. Thank you to both Chill & Grill and St. Joan of Arc for your hospitality!

 

November will provide more of these ongoing opportunities. On November 9th is a multi-chamber luncheon with the Downers Grove Chamber and will feature Christy LaFluer from the Illinois State Tollway. She'll be explaining their $12 billion capital plan for 2012 - 2026 and the toll rate increase for passenger vehicles planned to go into effect on January 1, 2012. On November 16th, the West Suburban Community Pantry will be hosting a Business After Hours. For those of you who have attended theirs in the past, you can attest that it's one of the best of the year (no pressure Schmiths!). More important than the terrific spread, seeing what West Suburban Community Pantry does for the community on a first hand basis is truly remarkable and worth seeing...oh, and the networking is great, too!

 

Finally, and no letter can end without a plug for the Dancing with the Chamber Stars event, this has really taken on a life of its own. I want to thank the committee, chaired by Paula Gleason, for putting together what is sure to be another incredible show! Where else can you have fun with 250-300 other people, many of whom you know, get top notch entertainment and a great meal, right here in Lisle for $75.00? Make it a Valentine's Day event for you and your significant other. Talk about killing two birds with one stone...if you haven't already you'll want to make it an annual affair.

 

Encouraging you to get the most out of your membership and wishing you a prosperous month.

Women in Business 

Rebecca Tananka, spoke to the Women in Business group at Villa St. Benedict in Lisle on October 11, 2011. Rebecca gave a presentation on discovering your memory power. She demonstrated  helpful and interesting techniques on training your memory.

The Lisle Area Chamber Women in Business committee has been hard at work preparing  for the 2012 monthly luncheons with speakers and progressive networking luncheons.  The committee is looking for a few more woman to fill a few vacancies. This committee meets once a month at  the Chamber office at 9:30 a.m. on the 4th Wednesday of the month.   

Don't miss Sarah Victory, "Double Your Business Fast!" on Tuesday, November 8, at 11:30 a.m. at the Marriott Hickory Ridge. Call the Chamber for your reservation. 

630-964-0052 or jill@lislechamber.com
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General Membership Luncheon

Going Global; Trends and Tactics for Small and Medium Businesses was the topic for the Lisle Area Chamber of Commerce October Membership luncheon at Coal Ben, Benedictine University. Dr. Sandra Gill, and Dr. Marie DiVirgillio gave an informative presentation on new technologies to help assist with the global markets.  Jerry Mraz from SmallTec International also presented a interesting presentation. Bob Kavalle from AMS/US Cellular brought some new technology phones and was available to answer any questions.

Dr. Sandra Gill, Benedictine University, Jerry Mraz SmalTec International, Tom Althoff, Lisle Area Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Marie DiVirgillio, Change Management Strategies

The Lunch was partially supported by U.S. Department of Education, Title VI Business and International Education CFDA #84.153 Award #P153A100017 to Benedictine University College of Business.

Lisle Area Chamber Mission Statement

"The mission of the Lisle Area Chamber of Commerce is to facilitate business relationships and opportunities, to advocate on behalf of our members to governmental bodies and the general public, to promote the best interests of our membership in a fiscally sound and professional manner, and to promote ethical business practices and contribute to the betterment of the community"