W. Chicago, Warrenville chambers merge
Last week, representatives of the West Chicago and Warrenville business communities celebrated the successful merger between their respective Chambers of Commerce at an inaugural dinner which introduced the new organization's board of directors, and outlined its plans for the future.
The strategic partnership that resulted in the formation of the Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce will provide members with more contacts, a greater depth of service, additional programs and access to a dedicated staff with over 25 years of combined experience in the business of helping business.
Plus, according to David Sabathne, President and CEO, it provides added benefit for each city. “The merger creates more opportunities for businesses to contribute in meaningful ways to their communities. Cross promotion of these two extraordinary cities has already begun, and will bring a competitive marketing advantage that did not previously exist.”
From a staff perspective, the emphasis is definitely on the team approach. Sabathne is joined by Patricia Haskins of the former Warrenville Chamber and Wayne Lofton Jr., who has worked with him at the West Chicago Chamber for the past several years. “We try not to use staff titles unless absolutely necessary. ‘Team' is not simply a tag-line here; we are, and will remain, a unified group with a single mission of serving our members,” he said.
The new chamber is in full-swing, having recently hosted the State of the City Address for Warrenville Mayor David Brummel; and with an economic forecast breakfast scheduled for the near future. Networking, business expos, multi-chamber events and Women in Business programs will continue to be part of an exciting schedule of events for 2011.
A major golf outing has already been announced for June 7, 2011 at St. Andrew's Golf and Country Club in West Chicago. “Both chambers have a loyal constituency of golfers, and we expect to have nearly 200 participants playing on both courses at St. Andrews this year,” said Lofton.
One of the enrichment programs currently being presented by the Chamber is an educational series to assist members, as well as non-member businesses, in building strong, confident supervisors among the ranks of their staff.
Partnering with member businesses Training Plus, Inc. and Professional Development Services, the series offers six 3-hour sessions, each providing new leadership skills. Although each session is a stand-alone, participants are encouraged to attend the entire series for maximum benefit.
Topics remaining in the series, which began February 24, 2011 include: How to Set and Maintain Performance Expectations, Dealing with the Difficult Employee, How to Confront Conflict in a Positive Way, Get Your Employees Involved – A Guide for Success, and Make Meetings Valuable – The Power to Get Things Done.
The cost per each 3-hour session is $59 for chamber members and $69 for non-members; however, a training grant of up to 50 percent through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity may apply for eligible businesses.
Like any new venture, enthusiasm is running high among the ranks of the combined member-base of the Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce. However, Haskins, is quick to explain that it wasn't about building a bigger organization. That was simply an outcome. “Bigger isn't necessarily better,” she stated. “Our mission was to become better, and as a result of thoughtful and innovative planning to meet our core objective, we believe we have achieved that.”
For more information about membership in the Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce, or regarding the schedule of upcoming programs, visit www.westerndupagechamber.com or call (630) 231-3003.