Hello GMACC Members:
 
Just a quick reminder that annual membership dues payments are due at the end of March.  Your GMACC has some exciting new options for membership this year.  We'll be sending out information in the mail  so keep any eye out for your package from the GMACC. 
 
In the meantime, don't miss your opportunity to network with other members at our "Not-For-Members-Only" Luncheon on March 27th!  (Details and registration in the Everything Events section of this eBlast.)
In this issue...

DON'T MISS... 

  • Orchard Road Construction Update
  • 2012 GMACC Event Calendar
  • Everything Events
  • Member Memos
  • Look Who's In the News...
  • IRS Info
  • 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.

Orchard Road Construction Update...

Here's the latest...  

 

For weekly updates and project photos visit: www.orchardroadrecon.com  

2012 GMACC Event Calendar
 

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)  
  • March 27: Chamber Luncheon @ Riverstone Restaurant
  • April 1: Membership dues are due
  • May 3: Annual Member Recognition Dinner
  • July 12: Alice Sutcliff Memorial Golf Classic
  • 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
Everything Events 
 

Is there an After Hours in our future? 

Yes, if you are hosting one. Contact Pam at the Chamber office, 630-897-8137 to get on our schedule.  

 

AND... Please send your press releases to gmacc@montgomery-illinois.org so we can help share your news with our members. 

(No fee -- this is one of your membership benefits.)


MARCH 
3 & 10:
Change a Life -- Tutor!
Get trained: March 3 & 10 (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 teachers in classes (English as a Second Language or Adult Basic Education/GED)
  • Choose your own Schedule
  • Free training
  • Ongoing support & professional development

Contact Elsie Mills, Volunteer Tutor Coordinator, Waubonsee Community College 630-801-7900 ext. 4221

or emills@waubonsee.edu 

 

6/ 13/ 20/ 27:
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. 
 

8:

GROW A VEGETABLE GARDEN W/
SCHAEFER GREENHOUSES GARDEN CLUB

7 pm/ Schafer Greenhouses -

120 S. Lake St., in Montgomery

Join us each month for a special evening - learn, share & enjoy!  Our goal is your gardening success! Meetings are held the 2nd Thursday of each month, at 7 pm. 

 

March 8 Guest speaker, Jeff Rugg will share his expertise and information on Starting & Growing A Vegetable Garden.  Join us for some great tips.  Q&A, too!  Mark your calendar now and join us!

  

13:

HIX BROTHERS MUSIC

COMES TO MONTGOMERY

10 - 11 am/ Montgomery Village Hall - 200 N. River Street, Montgomery

Peter and Sam Hix will play their guitars and share old country and western favorites.  The Hix Brothers own a music store by that name at the Westfield Fox Valley Shopping Center.  This program is being offered as part of the Senior Citizen Program. There is no charge and the event is handicapped accessible.

 

The monthly Senior Lunch and activity will begin at 11 am after the presentation. There is a $4 suggested donation for the lunch.

For additional information on this event, please call the Montgomery Village Hall at 630-896-8080 ext. 1227.

   

17:

RECYCLING & SHREDDING EVENT

 9 AM - Noon/ Montgomery Police Department

The Village of Montgomery is pleased to announce it will host a recycling and shredding event in March. Collection of appliances, metal, car fluids, batteries and all types of electronics and electrical items will be offered in front of the Police Department. Document shredding will also be available at the event. There will be a limit of 20 banker boxes of paper to be shredded per person.  Papers may have staples in them, but no paper clips, rubber bands or other items will be allowed.

 

All items that plug in will be accepted for recycling -- including lamps, TVs, handheld mixers, computers, old phones, VCRs -- and all other types of electronics and electrical items.  This special collection effort will allow these items to be recycled instead of depositing them in a landfill where they can contaminate the ground.  There is no charge to drop off these items.

 

Please note that this recycling event will not accept paint, flourewcent lightbulbs or car tires.

 

Orchard Road Irish 20th Anniversary Design

18:

"WOOF!" 

IT'S A PARTY 

& YOU'RE INVITED...

12:30-4:30 PM /

Orchard Road Animal Hospital - 1175 Orchard Road, Montgomery, IL

Pet owners are invited to attend the Orchard Road Animal Hospital 20th Anniversary Celebration.  Enjoy games, live music, crafts, a photo booth with costumes, a children's scavenger hunt and several raffles.

(This event is for pet owners only but we encouratge you to bring pictures of your pets for our collage board!) 

Visit us at: www.orchardroadanimalhospital.com

 

21:

AMBASSADOR MEETING

 

8:30-9:30 am / 

Location: Montgomery Village Hall / 200 N. River Street in Montgomery

(Upstairs Community Room)

 

 

27:

"NOT-FOR-MEMBERS-ONLY" Riverstone Restaurant

MONTHLY CHAMBER LUNCHEON

11:30 am Networking/ 12 pm Lunch/

12:30 pm Guest Speaker (TBD)

Riverstone Restaurant  - 

702 Montgomery Rd in Montgomery

  

Come meet and mingle with members and guests at this newly remodeled gathering spot. 
FYI., there is no fee for this event. 
Just the price of your lunch. 

 

Member Memos

 

No, you're not seeing things.  Yes, that's a picture of a candy cane...  

Save the date: Saturday, July 28

Times: TBD

Location: Alden of Waterford Campus - 1955 Randi Drive, Aurora

Member Anna Johnson, wants you to know it's not too early to reserve a booth at the Alden of Waterford  2012 Christmas in July Gift and Vendor Show... 

Contact Pat Powers at 630-851-1466 for info and registration materials. Booths are already filling up!

Look Who's in the News...

 

FEBRUARY LUNCHEON FOLLOW-UP... 

 
MONTGOMERY, IL -On Tuesday, February 27th, the Montgomery Chamber traveled to the Select Restaurant for its monthly luncheon. In addition to a Meatloaf special, attendees found plenty of comfort food on the menu at this hidden Montgomery treasure.    

 

Laura Looney Feb Lunch Speaker
Laura Looney is passionate about Rush Copley Medical Center

Guest speaker, Laura Looney, and Director of Information Services at Rush Copley Medical Center, couldn't contain her passion for the exceptional services that Rush provides and beyond that the personal care and attention patients receive. She explained that Rush-Copley has the only designated Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in the Fox Valley. (According to its website, "Level III NICU is the most advanced with no restrictions on caring for babies of any gestation, weight or medical condition.")  

 

In addition, "Rush-Copley ranks in the top 10 percent of hospitals nationwide in treating heart attacks and heart failure. In fact, Rush-Copley is the most preferred hospital for heart care by area consumers." Looney also explained that Rush Presbyterian Hospital in Chicago has invested in robotics and video technology so that in the future, doctors at Rush Presbyterian can see, speak with and assist diagnoses of stroke patients at Rush Copley reducing the need for patient travel.  

 

Looney is equally passionate about the hospital's commitment to community and educational outreach programs. As a member of the GMACC Board and first proud member of the Montgomery Chamber FOUNDERS' Club, she encouraged other members to consider the benefits, not only for their businesses, but for the entire community. A portion of this membership is contributed to the newly created Alice Sutcliff Memorial Scholarship Fund.

 

 

Following Looney's presentation, Chamber President, Jennifer Jones Sinnott (Brian Feltes and Associates), prompted attendees to give 30 second, "elevator" speeches to highlight their individual businesses. Five first-time attendees were acknowledged including, Diane Teeling (ChiroOne Wellness Centers, Oakbrook), Jim Balaich (Farmers Insurance, Aurora), Christina Sanchez (Stonewall Business Services & Legal Shield, Bristol), Anna Johnson (Alden of Waterford, Aurora), and Mike Hatch (Edward Jones, Montgomery). As always, Montgomery Chamber luncheon attendees experienced the casual camaraderie, conversation and a chance to will the lovely floral arrangement provided by member, Mary Ann Kutnick of Schaefer Greenhouses. 

 

 

2012 February Winner
Carrie Herr is February lunch door prize winner!

February's winner was Carrie Herr (AmericInn and Suites, Oswego), who sent the following message to the Chamber office: "What a great luncheon, and what a great surprise to hold the winning raffle ticket that enabled me to receive the gorgeous flowers form Schafer Greenhouses. Thanks, Mary Ann, I am still enjoying the beautiful floral arrangement!"   

 

 

Feedback from other members after the event included, Mike Pfeiffer (NetComm Business Solutions, Yorkville), "So glad to have Laura and FOUNDERS' CLUB member, Rush Copley, play such an important role in our business community. Individually we make a difference. Together we all make a BIG DIFFERENCE!", and Anna Johnson (Alden of Waterford, Aurora), "What a fun luncheon and a great group of people!" 

 

SEE MORE PCS FROM FEB LUNCH 

 

Unique to the Montgomery Chamber is its practice of moving the member luncheon to different local restaurants each month. If your Montgomery business would like to be included on the Chamber's list of places to visit for lunch, please contact Mike Pfeiffer (NetComm Business Solutions, Yorkville) at 630-882-8200 or call the Chamber office directly: 630-897-8137.  Business and community leaders are welcome to join the next "Not-For-Members-Only" March Luncheon on Tuesday, March 27th at Riverstone, (formerly "Bill's") located at 702 Montgomery Road, in Montgomery.   There is no charge to attend, just the price of your lunch.  

 

For more information and to register for the next monthly luncheon and other upcoming events, visit the Greater Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce website (www.chamberofmontgomeryil.org,) or call the Chamber office at 630-897-8137.

IRS Info

Where's My Refund?   Two easy ways to check...

You don't need to wait in line or on the phone to check on the status of your federal tax refund. The quickest and best way to get information about your refund is through the IRS

WHERE'S MY REFUND? ONLINE TOOL 

& the IRS TO GO PHONE APP

Member Memos

 

 

Have something to share with fellow Chamber Members? 

 

Send an email to the Chamber Office, or, call: 630-897-8137

Chamber Ambassadors
Your GMACC Ambassadors...

 

 

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.

 Current 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

If you would like to be part of this Group call the Chamber office at 630.897.8137 or send an email to GMACC@Montgomery-Illinois.org.

Partner Perks
          
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 
 
DISCOUNT ON CONSTANT CONTACT FOR GMACC MEMBERS

As a GMACC member, you can get some of the biggest discounts on Constant Contact's Email Marketing to help you stay in touch with your customers.

- Get 20% off for six months when you pre-pay

- Get 25% off for a year when you pre-pay -it's like getting

   three months FREE

- Plus, you get our unlimited, award-winning FREE support

   and personal coaching to help you do it right every step of the way! 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO  

 

Become a Partner & 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 the Chamber Office: 630-897-8137.
Chamber Quick Links

GMACC WEBSITE:

   www.chamberofmontgomeryil.org 

 

LEADS GROUP INFO

 

Send an email to the Chamber Office:

   gmacc@montgomery-illinois.org  

 

Village of Montgomery website

 

Have a question for the US Department of Treasury?

   http://www.treasury.gov/connect/Pages/contact-us.aspx

 

Subscribe to IRS Newswire (It's FREE!):

   http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=154805,00.html

GMACC: Promoting Partnerships

 for Business Success

2012

FOUNDERS' CLUB

Rush Copley logo