Founding SBA president retiring in May 2010

Laurie Stone helped build the Schaumburg Business Association from 24 members at its inception to 700, and now the group's founding president will retire in May.

The SBA has had three presidents since it started in 2001, and Stone has been two of them. She was the first president and left in May 2003, but returned a year later to replace the departing Lynn Hutton.

On Friday, Stone said she needs more time with family, and she's happy to be leaving while on top.

"Growing this association from the ground up really gave me a taste for what entrepreneurs experience every single day of their business lives," she said.

Stone said her departure from the SBA won't affect her position as chairwoman and trustee on the Harper College school board. That term will expire in November 2013. She's also a member of the Schaumburg Business Development Commission, the Citizens Advisory Board of Roosevelt University and is a director of the Woodfield Chicago Northwest Convention Bureau.

Stone is credited with helping approve the rapport between Schaumburg and its business leaders. She's represented local businesses on a variety of issues, like the proposed property tax Schaumburg officials may impose for the first time.

Before that, businesses were represented by the now-defunct Northwest Suburban Association of Commerce and Industry, where Stone spent five years as marketing director. The SBA was formed to focus more on Schaumburg.

Stone also spent a decade as president and CEO of the Greater O'Hare Association of Industry and Commerce,

Brian Burke helped found the SBA and hired Stone in 2001. He praised Stone's work ethic and desire for perfection.

The president recruits new members, ensures dues are paid and organizes events.

But Stone will remain a member of the SBA after she leaves the president's post.

"Thank goodness she's still going to be around," Burke said.

The current economic times have been trying for the SBA, as some businesses haven't renewed their membership. Burke hopes the new president, whoever he or she is, will continue to build the association and have an eye on sales.

Stone also has her thoughts on a successor.

"It should be someone who is very strategic in decision making with the warmth and the ability to welcome," she said.