GLMV Chamber of Commerce stays in forefront during COVID-19 challenges

As the largest local business advocacy organization, the Green Oaks, Libertyville, Mundelein, Vernon Hills (GLMV ) Chamber of Commerce understands first hand the impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on businesses.

"GLMV Chamber continues to advocate for our members and the local business community during this unprecedented and challenging time," said GLMV President Scott Adams. "We are in the forefront in response to the pandemic to help ensure our members' business health."

Chamber members are on the front lines of what the future will mean for local business. As such, the GLMV encourages businesses to keep going, be proactive, and to keep working for what's most important. "We help them focus on what's most important as they tackle the impact at this time,” he said.

"In the face of these challenging circumstances, the chamber is finding new ways to keep members engaged,” said GLMV Chair Karen Kay Lavris. “As many programs were cancelled, postponed or rebooted, we are undertaking alternative approaches to help members connect, learn and grow.”

While much has changed, Chamber efforts to maintain community involvement, build relationships and increase exposure are more vital now than ever.

For example, at the start of the pandemic, GLMV launched a Helping Heroes Fundraiser to support medical professionals at Advocate Condell Hospital, local first responders and member restaurants.

Thanks to generous community donations, some 1,500 individually packaged meals were provided to our heroes, safely delivered by the restaurants to specific sites. The program has received much positive feedback from the recipients who are so grateful for the community's generosity. Donations are still being accepted! Visit https://gf.me/u/x3n8dw.

GLMV launched a Business Blitz campaign to enhance promotional opportunities for members, increasing visibility and reach via media, social media, a Facebook Group, e-blasts, and events. Members are responding with new and fresh creative and innovative promotions and announcements, of wide interest to all. Visit www.facebook.com/groups/GLMV1123/.An enhanced website features a member business directory with custom business profile pages, events, hot deals, news, and C-19 resources. Visit www.glmvchamber.org/list/.Members can also take advantage of numerous weekly opportunities to connect, learn and grow via combination of both virtual and in-person events, as appropriate. Events may include introductions, informational business share presentations, updates, online host promotional message, and chairman's toast, including, Town Hall Legislative Updates, Network Groups, Roundtables, Happy Hours, Leadership meetings. Grand Opening/Ribbon Cuttings may be held virtually or scheduled in person, when possible. For golfers, a GLMV Golf Networking League is held every other Tuesday at Vernon Hills Village Golf Course. In addition, the GLMV annual golf outing will be held Aug. 19 at White Deer Run #8211; Vernon Hills. Includes breakfast/lunch, exclusive hole sponsors, 19th hole cocktail network reception, raffles, prizes. All golfers (any skill level) welcome to participate. Visit www.glmvchamber.org/events/.Lake County Young Professionals is set to launch their first Power Hour on Aug. 18, from 5:30- 7:30 p.m. at Mickey Finns in Libertyville. Visit www.facebook.com/events/593885217994230/.The GLMV is viewed as a trusted source for accurate and helpful information, and keep members updated with plans, actions and resources via website and communication vehicles.In addition, the chamber participates on legislative task force and committees, and partners with villages, other business groups and organizations to help guide GLMV members, conducts periodic member surveys to gauge C-19 impact, and provides much needed support and assistance to members throughout the pandemic, and as businesses respond, reopen, recover and adapt."We always encourage new businesses to get more involved in the community, build relationships and increase exposure," said Adams. For more information, contact GLMV Chamber of Commerce; www.glmvchamber.org; 847-680-0750, info@glmvchamber.org.