Hoffman Estates chamber director to retire

Since the inception of the Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce more than 17 years ago, Jill Blodgett has been at the helm.

Soon that will all change. Blodgett announced Tuesday she'll retire in May.

"I think it is the right time for me and the right time for the chamber to get someone new in here," Blodgett said.

A Hoffman Estates resident for nearly 40 years, Blodgett said she has seen the village grow by leaps and bounds.

Being able to help in that process through her work at the chamber has been rewarding, she said.

"It has been a tremendous opportunity for me to be a part of Hoffman Estates' growth and development," Blodgett said.

Chamber President Dave Strahl said the group was established after Blodgett and then-Mayor Mike O'Malley decided the village needed its own viable business organization.

"It was partly her idea to create the chamber," Strahl said.

Former President Jeff Butzen said she'll be missed.

"She has defined the Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce," Butzen said.

And finding someone to replace Blodgett will be no small task, Strahl said.

"Jill has been an amazing resource for the board and chamber," he said.

Throughout her years with the chamber, Blodgett helped to create various annual events like the fishing derby, the consumer expo Business Under The Big Top and the scholarship program for children of chamber members.

"She has really brought the chamber from its humble beginnings to a whole new era," said Tony LaFrenere, another past president.

While not sure exactly how she will spend her retirement, Blodgett said she does know what she will do first.

"I am going to sleep in late for a few days," she joked.

She also has plans to spend the winter with her husband at a new home they purchased in Dallas.

"I just can't handle too many more of these winters," Blodgett said. She will officially retire on May 31.

Strahl said the chamber will conduct an open search for Blodgett's replacement.