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Hello GMACC Members:
BIG NEWS! We've arrived.
Our office is now located inside the Montgomery Village Hall located at: 200 N. River Street, Montgomery, IL 60538.
Our phone number is still the same, 630-897-8137.
NEW Office hours are Mon/Wed 9 am - 2 pm and Fri 9 am - 12 pm.
Just stop by the main desk and ask for the Chamber.
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DON'T MISS...
- Orchard Road Construction Update
- 2012 GMACC Event Calendar
- Everything Events
- IRS Info
- Look Who's In the News
- Member Memos
- Chamber Ambassadors
- Partner Perks
- Chamber Quick Links
Get the most from your Chamber eBlast communication by "clicking" on all underlined words. They provide related links and reference documents. Or, Visit the Chamber website to access this and previous messages from the GMACC. |
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Say "Hello" to NEW MEMBER, Chris Hamilton, Executive Director of the
Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
You can reach Chris at 630-256-3190 or chris@enjoyaurora.com
FYI., the Aurora Area Convention & Visitor's Bureau (AACVB) is a private non-profit destination and marketing organization.
Its mission involves:
a) Promoting our area to the traveling public
b) Facilitating and encouraging the development of "new' and the enhancement of existing tourism related products and services
c) Educating our various publics about the value and impact of tourism as a revenue generator and job creator for our local community and the state of Illinois
Let him know you heard about him through the Montgomery Chamber! |
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Orchard Road Construction Update... |
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Here's the latest...
For weekly updates and project photos visit: www.orchardroadrecon.com
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2012 GMACC Event Calendar
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CHAMBER HOSTED EVENTS:
SAVE THESE DATES in 2012!
- Every Tuesday: Leads Group / 12-1 pm at Village Hall (Exception: 4th Tuesdays Leads Group is at Member Luncheon - location moves from month to month)
- January 24: Chamber Luncheon
- May 3: Annual Member Recognition Dinner
- July 12: Alice Sutcliff Memorial Golf Outing
- August 11 & 12: Montgomery Fest
- Autumn: New Event TBD
- December 2: Village Tree Lighting
- December 6: GMACC/MEDC Holiday Party
Visit the Chamber website for updates on these and other Chamber events
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JANUARY 20127:
COFFEE WITH THE MAYOR
9 - 11 am/ Gray's Mill -- 211 N. River Street, Montgomery
Village President Marilyn Michelini will hold a Coffee with the Mayor.
Gray's Mill is a historic grist mill that was built in 1853. The refurbished building recently reopened as a restaurant and bar and the new manager will be hosting this event.
This Coffee will provide an opportunity for residents to meet the Village President on an informal basis and discuss items of concern with her. Residents are encouraged to bring their comments, questions and ideas to the session.
Coffee and light refreshments will be provided by Gray's Mill.
10:
I&M CANAL PRESENTATION 
10-11 am/
Montgomery Village Hall
- 200 N. River Street
Have you ever wondered about the history of the I&M Canal and why it was built? Here is an opportunity to learn more about the canal and how it affects where you live today. On Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the Montgomery Village Hall, Jim Carr will offer a free presentation on the Illinois & Michigan Canal. Jim is a member of Canallers in the Corridor, a volunteer group that promotes the story of the I&M Canal era. The Canallers portray real and composite characters of the 1800s. They share stories that reflect the daily lives and extraordinary adventures of a pivotal chapter in the story of the westward expansion.
During this presentation you will meet Timothy James Carr, a muleboy, tillersman, captain and locktender on the I&M Canal during the 1830s. Through stories and authentic portrayals of real characters from the I&M Canal's history, you can learn more about this interesting time in the history of this area.
This free presentation is being offered by the Village of Montgomery. There is no charge and the event is handicapped accessible. The monthly Senior Lunch and activity will begin at 11:00 a.m. after the presentation. There is a $4 suggested donation for the lunch and pre-registration is requested.
For additional information on this event, please call the Montgomery Village Hall at (630) 896-8080 ext. 1227.
10, 17, 24, 31: (No meeting Jan 3)
LEADS GROUP MEETING 
12-1 pm / Village Hall - 200 N. River Street, Montgomery
(Please note: 4th Tuesdays, Leads Group meets at the Member Luncheon. Scroll down for details.)
Interested in joining the Leads Group?
Contact: Jennifer Jones Sinnott at 630-606-3967.
18:
AMBASSADOR MEETING
8:30-9:30 am /
Location: NetComm Business Solutions - 1217 S. Bridge Street,
in Yorkville
Note:
Ambassador meetings will change locations each month, so be sure to check the GMACC calendar for the latest info.
21 & 28 :
Change a Life: Tutor!
Get trained: Jan 21 & 28 (both day's required)
9 am - 3:30 pm New Aurora Campus
Pre-registration required.
- Work with individual students learning English or basic literacy skills OR assist teac hers in classes (English as a Second Language or Adult Basic Education/GED)
- Choose your wone Schedule
- Free training, ongoing support & professional development
- (Next training opportunity: March 3 & 10)
Contact Elsie Mills, Volunteer Tutor Coordinator, Waubonsee Community College 630-801-7900 ext. 4221
or emills@waubonsee.edu
24:
MONTHLY CHAMBER LUNCHEON
11:30 am Networking/ 12 pm Lunch/
12:30 pm Guest Speaker
Elmer's Dog House - 1250 S. Broadway
(Route 25), in Montgomery.
This month's guest speaker is State Representative Kay Hatcher.
Come meet and mingle with members and guests at this casual gathering.
FYI., there is no fee for this event. Just the price of your lunch.
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Payroll Tax Cut Temporarily Extended
into 2012
WASHINGTON - Nearly 160 million workers will benefit from the extension of the reduced payroll tax rate that has been in effect for 2011. The Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011 temporarily extends the two percentage point payroll tax cut for employees, continuing the reduction of their Social Security tax withholding rate from 6.2 percent to 4.2 percent of wages paid through Feb. 29, 2012. This reduced Social Security withholding will have no effect on employees' future Social Security benefits.
Employers should implement the new payroll tax rate as soon as possible in 2012 but not later than Jan. 31, 2012. For any Social Security tax over-withheld during January, employers should make an offsetting adjustment in workers' pay as soon as possible but not later than March 31, 2012.
Employers and payroll companies will handle the withholding changes, so workers should not need to take any additional action.
Under the terms negotiated by Congress, the law also includes a new "recapture" provision, which applies only to those employees who receive more than $18,350 in wages during the two-month period (the Social Security wage base for 2012 is $110,100, and $18,350 represents two months of the full-year amount). This provision imposes an additional income tax on these higher-income employees in an amount equal to 2 percent of the amount of wages they receive during the two-month period in excess of $18,350 (and not greater than $110,100).
This additional recapture tax is an add-on to income tax liability that the employee would otherwise pay for 2012 and is not subject to reduction by credits or deductions. The recapture tax would be payable in 2013 when the employee files his or her income tax return for the 2012 tax year. With the possibility of a full-year extension of the payroll tax cut being discussed for 2012, the IRS will closely monitor the situation in case future legislation changes the recapture provision.
The IRS will issue additional guidance as needed to implement the provisions of this new two-month extension, including revised employment tax forms and instructions and information for employees who may be subject to the new "recapture" provision. For most employers, the quarterly employment tax return for the quarter ending March 31, 2012 is due April 30, 2012. |
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And the winner is...
Holiday spirit filled the halls of the Montgomery Village Hall during the first annual Festival of Trees. For two weeks, hundreds of residents came to gaze in awe at the amazing Christmas trees provided by area businesses and vote for their favorites. Businesses got in the spirit by decorating their trees with plenty of traditional ornaments, lights and bows, while others took advantage of the opportunity to showcase their business specialties with personalized license plate holders, stuffed animals, jewelry and flowers.
The idea behind this event was to provide a fun way for businesses to participate in a community event and get a little exposure for themselves in the process. The businesses did just that. Each one of the trees was so different and spectacular. The Montgomery & Countryside Fire Protection District's tree was decorated in a traditional style and took first place in the voting. A toy train circled beneath, and holiday fire safety tip sheets were available for all. Second place went to a beautiful not-so-traditional purple-lit tree with beautiful flowers from Water Lily Floral. Orchard Road Animal Hospital decorated their tree with an added spark of whimsy making it look like a friendly, oversized, dog - with giant candy cane ears, eyes, red nose, floppy fabric tongue and a collar with a bell - and took third place. A Balloon Creation, Inc., made their tree entirely out of green, red, white and yellow balloons, including the angel on top, and finished fourth. However, every tree had many votes and was somebody's favorite, with almost 300 people casting votes.
Participants this year included: A Balloon Creation, Inc., BMO Harris Bank, Brian and Sons, Inc., Blockbuster, Coffman Truck Sales Inc., Community Christian Church, Kids Heaven Party/Novelty Shop, Montgomery & Countryside Fire Protection District, Orchard Road Animal Hospital, Premier Design High Fashion Jewelry, Schaefer Greenhouses and Water Lily Floral.
According to Deputy Village Clerk Ruth Maloy, "The Festival of Trees has been so well received, I'm sure we'll have even more business participation next year." Another Village staffer was heard to comment, "It's just wonderful to see so many members of the community enjoying the holiday decorations throughout the Village Hall." Based on the number of cups of hot cocoa served at the Tree Lighting/Festival of Trees kick-off event on December 4th, at least 600 residents and visitors came out that first evening to enjoy both the Tree Lighting with Santa and Mrs. Claus as well as the Festival of Trees.
The Montgomery & Countryside Fire Protection District will be recognized for their winning tree at the January 23rd Village Board meeting by the Village of Montgomery and the Greater Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, which co-sponsored the event.
Montgomery Launches New Website www.ci.montgomery.il.us
The Village of Montgomery has a new website. It reflects a clean design with a user-friendly layout, bold colors, new images and completely new navigational tools. The website was designed by the government website experts at CivicPlus to caprue the personality of Montgomery and incorporate a host of new and improved features. The website is designed to help residents, visitors and businesses quickly locate information and access services.
The website offers expanded content, electronic payment for water bills and a request tracker module that allows you to report a concern ask questions or request a Village service. The website will serve as the center of comunications for the Village of Montgomery and will allow people to do business online and find the information they need at their convenience.
"It's wonderful," Village President, Marilyn Michelini said. "It's an excellent way to build good relationshiops with our citizens as well as a great opportunity to continue our business friendly environment."
The new website will have an alert Center and News Flash feature that allows the Village to provide critical information to residents instantly. In addition to emergency information, a new "Notify Me" option allows residents and businesses to sign up to receive alerts from specific departments about specific events, bids, public meetings, job opportunities and a variety of other Village activities. "We're really excited about it.," Michelini said. |
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A 'HESED" JOURNAL
Several Harpo Productions (Oprah's company) employees offered this fall to make a video about families at Hesed House.
You'll recognize a few faces in the video (Maureen, Dale and Trey-who were on the Rosie O'Donnell Show), as well as many new faces.
Please take a few minutes today to watch this video (by clicking on the link below) and learn more about homeless families in your community. THE FACE OF HESED HOUSE
 Waubonsee Community College Illinois Small Business Development Center (ISBDC)
The ISBDC at Waubonsee Community College is here to serve your small business needs. We offer free business counseling to entrepreneurs and business owners, as well a a variety of small business workshops.
JANUARY ISSUE: SMALL BUSINESS CONNECTIONS
| Get Smart: Small Business Workshops at Waubonsee | |
Starting Your Business in Illinois
Wednesday, Jan. 18, 6 - 9 p.m., $30 (Aurora)
Tuesday, Feb. 21, 6 - 9 p.m., $30 (Plano)
Thursday, Mar. 22, 6- 9 p.m., $30 (Aurora)
Marketing for Small Business
Thursday, Jan. 26, 6 - 9 p.m., $30 (Aurora)
Tuesday, Mar. 27, 6 - 9 p.m., $30 (Sugar Grove)
Social Media Marketing for Business
Thursday, Feb. 9, 6 - 9 p.m., $30 (Aurora)
Step Into Retail
Tuesday, Mar. 6, 6 - 9 p.m., $30 (Aurora)
Is Franchising Right for You?
Wednesday, Mar. 7, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. (Aurora)
Facebook for Business: Secrets to Success
Thursday, Feb. 16, 7 - 8 p.m., $30 (Online Webinar)
Google for Business
Thursday, Apr. 5, 6 - 9 p.m., $30 (Aurora)
Check seminar details for the full list, class descriptions, locations, ticket numbers, and pricing. To sign up, complete and submit the registration form. For additional information call the Illinois SBDC office at (630) 906-4143. | |
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Member, Janie Ioannou, Wants You to Stay Healthy This Season. Get a Flu Shot for $20
9 am - 7 pm daily, 10 am - 7 pm Saturdays / Kendall Immediate Medical Care - 1851 Douglas Road, Montgomery.
No Appointment Necessary.
And... Kendall Immediate Medical Care now offers Occupational Medicine.
- Work Related Injuries
- DOT Exams & Recertification
- Drug & alcohol Screenings
- 'Collection Only
- On-Site Lab
- Digial Radiology
Questions? Contact Janie: janieikendall@gmail.com
1851 Douglas Road in Montgomery
Ring in the New Year with a Premier Designs Jewelry Show & GMACC Member, Meta Mueller!
Book and hold your show in January and win any one of our rings for the cost of the day you booked. For example, if you book on January 8th, you may pick any one ring for $8! Plus, earn all the additional host benefits.
Contact: Meta.Mueller@gmail.com
or call her at: 630-854-3473
Have something to share with fellow Chamber Members?
Send an email to the Chamber Office, or, call: 630-897-8137
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Your GMACC Ambassadors...
- Board President: Jennifer Jones Sinnott of Brian Feltes & Associates
- Board Director: Mike Pfeiffer of NetComm Business Solutions
- Ambassador: Vori Dhabolt of Alarm Detection Systems
- Ambassador: Cathy Anne Classen of Castle Bank
- Ambassador: Julie Domres of DSM Enterprises
- Ambassador: Tom Kozlowicz of Holiday Inn Express
- Ambassador: Sharon Pendergast of Prevena Mercy Medical Center
- Ambassador: Paul Straits of Vesco Reprographic
What are Ambassadors?
The Chamber's Ambassadors are members who volunteer their time in order to provide an invaluable link between the Chamber and the Community. They will ensure that all GMACC Members receive the maximum benefits from their investment.
The primary Ambassadors responsibilities are to help in the retention of members, recruitment of new members and to make sure all members feel that their business is truly benefiting from being involved in the Montgomery community.
Ambassador Duties Include...
- Mentor new members by inviting them toChamber events and introducing them to other members.
- Promote the Greater Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce and invite businesses to join.
- Attend and/or assist in Chamber activities and events.
- Provide feedback from discussions with new members to the Chamber so that we can continually strive to meet and exceed their expectations.
- Attend monthly Member Luncheon and Ambassador meeting.
- Make every effort to attend ribbon cuttings and other publicity events on behalf of the Chamber.
If you would like to be part of this inaugural Ambassador Group call the Chamber office at 630.897.8137 or send an email to GMACC@Montgomery-Illinois.org. |
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Take Advantage of these Partner Perks...
- CHILD ID SERVICE FOR FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
If you serve young children, you are aware of the concerns parents face over child safety. Sam is offering a complimentary Child I.D. service for your event or business. Call Sam at 815-263-6336 or send him an email: swpaisley@ft.newyorklife.com
- DISCOUNT ON CONSTANT CONTACT FOR GMACC MEMBERS
- $50 OFF AN MEDC MEMBERSHIP FOR GMACC MEMBERS
MEDC MEMBERSHIP INFO
Become a Partner and Promote Your Business
What's a Partner Perk...? A Members Only Privilege.
Members offer exclusive opportunities for other members.
Examples: Specials/Discount on Products/Services, Consultation in your Business Area of Expertise, Barter Services with each other. Partner Perks are limited only by your imagination and ingenuity! Your Chamber is dedicated to building partnerships among our members, so think about what you have to offer and what you are looking for in partnerships with fellow members.
Questions?
Call Pam Nagel, GMACC Executive Administrator: 630-897-8137. |
GMACC: Promoting Partnerships
for Business Success |
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