Arlington Hts. chamber inducts new leader, celebrates 2014

Arlington Heights had a positive year for business in 2014, according to the chamber of commerce, but officials are expecting and even better year in 2015.

More than 200 members of the Arlington Heights chamber celebrated the past year's accomplishments and inducted the next board president at the annual installation dinner at the Doubletree by Hilton Chicago-Arlington Heights on Thursday night.

In 2014, 114 new businesses opened in Arlington Heights, bringing in 896 new employees, said Mayor Tom Hayes. The new retail sales from those businesses are expected to bring in $55 million during 2015, he said.

“The theme for last year was ‘Carpe Diem,'” said outgoing board President Jim Bertucci. “Not only did you guys seize the day, but you seized the year. It's going to be a great year in 2015.”

Incoming board President Amy Philpott wanted the cold night to have a warm theme, so business leaders from Arlington Heights celebrated while surrounded by beach balls, surf boards and a summer theme.

Philpott, owner of Tuscan Market and Wine Shop, said her goal for 2015 is to bring in new chamber members and help current members engage the community more.

Several businesses and leaders were recognized for their work over the past year as well.

Clementi's Italian-American Bistro, 602. W. Northwest Highway, was named 2014 Business of the Year.

“What makes it all worthwhile is the people you meet,” said owner Mike Clementi.

Soprano Accounting and Tax Services was recognized as 2014 Emerging Business of the Year. The Noon Rotary Club of Arlington Heights was named Not for Profit of the Year.

Past chamber President Dianna Ehrenfried, of Visualedge Creative Services, Inc. was named 2014 Business Leader of the Year.

Neil Scheufler, who stepped up as interim director of Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in May, was named 2014 Business Volunteer of the Year. He was met with a standing ovation from the group as he went to receive his award. Scheufler successfully represented Metropolis in front of the village board late in 2014 when the struggling theater was facing closure without more funding.

“I've been a part of many great teams, starting with my wife,” Scheufler said while thanking his wife, Linda for her support. “This is unbelievable.”