Pawlowski returns to Elgin to work for chamber

A face familiar to many Elginites is back in town as the new director of marketing and special events for the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce.

Jason Pawlowski, former managing director of the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin, started his new job Monday. He left Elgin in July 2013 to work as marketing manager with the Greater St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau.

"Home is where my heart is and Elgin is where my heart is, so I'm home," he said. He left St. Charles in mid-October, he added.

As a former volunteer on the Elgin Area Chamber's Enhancing Elgin committee, Pawlowski is very familiar with its programs and services, and its economic development program, Chamber President Carol Gieske said.

"His expertise in marketing and creativity with special events will be beneficial to our members, organization and the community," she said.

Pawlowski, who lives in Streamwood just outside of Elgin, worked for the DNA for a little more than three years.

"I wouldn't say it's a step down (from the DNA)," he said. "If anything, it's a move toward the strength of my skills, which is marketing and special events."

Pawlowski said he's excited to learn about marketing for corporations, and plans to bring social media presence to the chamber while using his video production skills to tell the stories of its members.

DeAnn Wagner, associate director of the Greater St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau, said several candidates have been interviewed for the newly open position.