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Thursday , March 11th , 2010

Celebrate Illinois Chamber of Commerce Week 2010: September 13- 17!

Week of celebration honoring Chambers throughout Illinois !

What is your chamber doing for Chamber of Commerce week 2010?

Let us know what you plan on doing for Chamber of Commerce week... we will post your activities onto the web site as we receive them. Visit the Past Ideas section from our members below! Email Amy at communications@iacce.org.

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How to Celebrate?! IDEAS!

This year, IACCE would like to recommend a few possible activities and programs your chamber of commerce can complete to bring attention to the Illinois Chamber of Commerce week. We've had a lot of recommendations this year... so see if any could work at your chamber!!! Have another idea... e-mail IACCE today!!!

Recruitment Contest to see how many members your members can sign up that week!

Invite other Chambers in your area or county to a dual breakfast, lunch or dinner to celebrate with your fellow chambers.

Ask your Mayor for a local proclamation similar to that of the Gov's.

Ask your state representatives and senators to a meet and greet with your members.

Host a regional local chamber executives and staff breakfast or lunch allowing everyone to network.

Invite a member of the State Chamber or US Chamber to speak to your membership during this week.

Host a golf outing this week... it's still nice out in September!!

Host a dinning with the chamber exec! Invite members to meet you at member restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner (eat somewhere different each time!) to talk to you about their chamber experiences. You'll not only promote your member restaurants but also have an intimate meal with a handful of members! (idea came from a local chamber from 2006!)

Open House at Chamber offices to show the community what the Chamber does.

Special section or Feature in newspaper.

Radio/TV interviews with chamber leaders.

Honor past and present chamber leaders.

Contest for school kids.

Have your Ambassadors' and Board members visit potential members with a surprise. Invite them to one of your business after hours next month with the personal invitation from a board member. Ask them what they want and what would encourage them to join the chamber? Maybe offer a special rate for people who sign up during chamber of commerce week... $50 off membership if you sign up during this one week if you're a first time member!

Economic education programs.

Chamber members speak at the schools.

Recognition at " Business After Hours" or other special events.

Ambassadors' visits to all chamber member firms.

Advertisement in newspaper recognizing chamber members.

Governor's 2010 Proclamation

Whereas, chambers of commerce work with Illinois businesses, merchants, and industry to advance the civic, economic, industrial, professional, and cultural life of our state; and

Whereas, chambers of commerce have contributed to the civic and economic life of Illinois for 172 years, since the Galena Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1838; and

Whereas, this year marks the 91st anniversary of the founding of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, the state"s leading broad-based business organization which serves as the unified voice for business; and

Whereas, chambers of commerce encourage the growth of existing industries, services, and commercial firms and encourage new businesses and individuals to locate in Illinois, acting as a liaison with the State of Illinois, local governments, schools and the business community; and

Whereas, this year marks the 95th anniversary of the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (IACCE), a career development organization for chamber of commerce professionals; and

Whereas, Illinois is the home to international chambers of commerce, the Great Lakes Regional Office of the United States Chamber of Commerce, the Illinois Chamber of Commerce and more than 456 local chambers of commerce:

Therefore, I, Governor Quinn of the State of Illinois, proclaim September 13 -17, 2010 as Chamber of Commerce Week in Illinois.

Look at what chambers did in 2009...

Monday, September 14

Huntley Area Chamber of Commerce: Chamber hits the streets to invite non Chamber Members Businesses to the Chamber Membership drive at the "Chamber in the Park" event.
Edwardsville/ Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce: 6th Annual Meet Your Elected Officials
Batavia Chamber of Commerce: Legislative Affairs Committee Meeting
Waterloo Chamber of Commerce: Is preparing a long list of just coupons to be emailed to every Chamber member. The coupons are to be in by 10 a.m. Friday the 11th and to be sent out early Monday the 14th. "This is a good way to encourage members to shop the membership."
Mount Prospect Chamber of Commerce: "We have the Constant Contact session 7 keys to Email Marketing at 12 noon at the MP Public Library. There are 2 spots open as we just received cancellations this morning but we were sold out. If you would like to come, call us today to join the 26 others who have preregistered."

Tuesday, September 15

Washington Chamber of Commerce: Business After Hours, Lori's Kitchen Store 5 p.m.
DeKalb Chamber of Commerce: Chamber After Hours Creative Therapeutics, Acupuncture Health Center, & Dr. Patricia Kirkemo
St. Charles Chamber of Commerce: Arcada Theatre Tour 1 p.m. or 3 p.m.
Huntley Area Chamber of Commerce: Executive Directors & President/ CEO's from Multiple Chambers conduct their quarterly Round Table Discussion at the Huntley Chamber Office @ 11:30 a.m.
Batavia Chamber of Commerce: Networking Group @ Panera
Washington Chamber of Commerce: Business After Hours, Lori's Kitchen Store 5 p.m.
O'Fallon Illinois Chamber of Commerce: Golf Tournament and Luncheon @ 11
New Lenox Chamber of Commerce: 4th Annual Business to Business Expo @ the Tinley Park Convention Center.
Mount Prospect Chamber of Commerce: "Please join us for an After Hours Networking Get-Together, with Mount Prospect, Arlington Heights, and Des Plaines Chamber members and also the Mount Prospect Downtown Merchants Association. We will have cocktails and appetizers in beautiful Moehling Park next to our shop. Stop by to mingle about the butterfly park and network with friends and colleagues.
Zion Area Chamber of Commerce: Mixer @ New Tech High School
Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce: “Successful Sales Strategies” Small Business Forum. This is part of our educational component for members and features “member experts” on various issues while focusing heavily on Q+A http://lincolnparkchamber.chambermaster.com/directory/jsp/events/EventPage.jsp?ccid=371&eventid=269&qs=ccid=371|visibility=2|context=month
Mount Prospect Chamber of Commerce: "Join us at Capannari Ice Cream for a fantastic after hours blast sponsored by Katie & Jim and Richard Sassan of B & E Accounting. The time is 5:00-7:00pm. At 7:00pm at the Village Board meeting, the Chamber will receive a Proclamation from the Mayor regarding Chamber Week in Mount Prospect."

Wednesday, September 16

Deerfield Bannockburn Riverwoods Chamber of Commerce: Go Green at the 46th Annual DBR Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing @ the Deerfield Golf Club
Willowbrook/ Burr Ridge Chamber of Commerce: Golf Outing, Carriage Greens Country Club
St. Charles Chamber of Commerce: DuPage Airport Tour 10:30 a.m.
Huntley Area Chamber of Commerce: Chamber in the Park from 4-6 p.m. -- Chamber Membership Drive, Only time when non Chamber businesses are invited t learn what the Huntley Area Chamber of Commerce, Meet with Board of Directors, Ambassadors, and Members, Members can shop the Networking Groups, Grafton Township Food Pantry (food drive).
Willowbrook/ Burr Ridge Chamber of Commerce and Industry: Annual Golf Outing Carriage Greens
Evanston Chamber of Commerce: Business After Hours
Lombard Area Chamber of Commerce: Will celebrate with an Open House for both business and the community
Savanna Chamber of Commerce & Lanark Chamber of Commerce: Will be hosting a customer service training seminar. Ross Ament will be the keynote speaker for both days of the seminar (Sept 16-17).
Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry: 2009 Steak Fry Business After Hours--Chamber members will have free use of the Hub's amenities, including an 18-hole miniature golf course, batting cages. spray ground (weather permitting) and the Lee A. Daniels Pavilion.
Bartlett Chamber of Commerce: Annual Steak Fry-- "Would you like to promote at this event? Table Mini-Expo $25 each (Limited to 3 only-- first come first served). Flyers, Flyers, Flyers-- $10 plus 100 flyers. Businesses may insert a flyer, coupon, promo item into a bag to be given to all attendees of the Steak Fry."
Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce: Membership Luncheon with speaker Jonathan Proulx from Conservation Plainfield
Lombard Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry: Memorial Luncheon-- "Discovery Your Memory Power" ...Our topic will be presented by Ken Budka of Freedom Personal Development.
Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce & Downtown Development Corporation: Business After Hours

Thursday, September 17

Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce and Industry: Golf Outing at Old Orchard Country Club
Rockford Chamber of Commerce: Ambassador's Club Lunch @ Restoration Cafe 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Washington Chamber of Commerce: Board of Directors, Chamber Office, 7:30 a.m.
Gladstone Park Chamber of Commerce: 5th Annual Ultimate Business Networking Event, 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
North-Pulaski-Armitage Chamber of Commerce: 5th Annual Ultimate Business Networking Event @ the Irish American Heritage Center
DeKalb Chamber of Commerce: Women In Management After Hours Event
St. Charles Chamber of Commerce: Open House 9 a.m...- 2 p.m.- Meet the Staff, Tour the Office, Network and Enjoy Samples from Member Restaurants. Also, an After Hours gathering from 4:30 p.m.- 6:00 p.m.
Huntley Area Chamber of Commerce: Chamber hits the street to visit and thank members; from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Carol Stream Chamber of Commerce: After Hours @ Klein Creek/Winfield 5:30-7:30 pm "Join us for TEE-RIFIC Networking!"
Dixon Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry: Business After Business 5- 6:30 p.m.
Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce: "Lunch is on Us" - "In conjunction with Illinois Chamber of Commerce Week we want to thank you for your membership & invite you to lunch!"
Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce: Relax at Chamber Luncheon with Spotlight Speaker Spa Nirvana
Lombard Area Chamber of Commerce: The Lombard Village President will be reading a Proclamation @ Board Meeting
Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce: Brown Bag Luncheon that will feature a workshop, "Twitter: What is all the Tweet About?" focusing on the uses of Twitter, a social networking tool for your business or organization as well as professional development. Christmas Holiday Jackpot 50/50 Raffle during Chamber of Commerce Week. As an incentive to Shop In Clinton, the raffle will begin on Thursday, September 17th and end on November 30th. The winner of the Christmas Holiday Jackpot 50/50 Raffle will be announced at the Light Up The Night Christmas Parade. Everyone can use extra cash... Everyone can afford to buy a $1.00 ticket. Raffle tickets will be available at the Clinton Chamber office with other point of purchase locations to be revealed at the September 17th Brown Bag Luncheon.
Freeport Area Chamber of Commerce: Business After Hours-- "Perfect opportunity to network with Chamber members, while enjoying food and drinks @ Uinta, LLC."
Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry: Ottawa Chambers Ninth Annual Golf Outing
Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce: Crème de la Crème Ribbon Cutting. Along with our Alderman, we are welcoming this widely-respected educational facility to our neighborhood. Should be a great event. http://lincolnparkchamber.chambermaster.com/directory/jsp/events/EventPage.jsp?ccid=371&eventid=273&qs=ccid=371|visibility=2|context=month
Mount Prospect Chamber of Commerce: "We start our fall Jump Start Series with The Stimulus Plan, COBRA and the Changing Tax Code presented by Brett Koenig, Paychex . The program is done in partnership with the Mount Prospect Public Library and begins at 8:30am and goes to 10:00am."
Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce: After Hours Mixer-- Stop by for food, beverages, & fun! Hosted by the Chamber in celebration of Chamber of Commerce Week
Dixon Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry: "Business After Business" Your Hosts: Greensfield Investment Group & Cloud 9

Friday, September 18

Huntley Area Chamber of Commerce: Open House from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.-- "Stop by the Chamber and see all we have to offer!"
Carol Stream Chamber of Commerce: New Member/Prospective Orientation @ COD/CS 7:30-8:30 am--- Carol Stream Chamber distributed blue "Chamber Bucks" for members to affix their business cards to and give to member businesses. Each "Buck" says "Visit a chamber member this week and give them this to remind them that you SHOP THE CHAMBER." On back: "Attach your business card her and take to a member when you use their services or their products. While this has no $$ value, there is a definite VALUE in Shopping the Chamber!" and "Business Owner: Your fellow chamber member made the choice to use YOUR business today."
Greater Salem Chamber of Commerce: Chamber Day Golf Outing
Batavia Chamber of Commerce: American Family Insurance Ribbon Cutting
Washington Chamber of Commerce: Chamber Open House 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m
Paris Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry: 14th Annual Honeybee Golf Outing @ Sycamore Hills Golf Club
Niles Chamber of Commerce: Arlington Park Race Track Event - "As the Niles Chamber continues to build membership and offer valuable resources to our business members we want to celebrate with a day at the races."
Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce: Free Members Cookout-- "In Recognition of all Our Great Members"
Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce: Christmas Holiday Jackpot 50/50 Raffle during Chamber of Commerce Week. As an incentive to Shop In Clinton, the raffle will begin on Thursday, September 17th and end on November 30th. The winner of the Christmas Holiday Jackpot 50/50 Raffle will be announced at the Light Up The Night Christmas Parade. Everyone can use extra cash... Everyone can afford to buy a $1.00 ticket. Raffle tickets will be available at the Clinton Chamber office with other point of purchase locations to be revealed at the September 17th Brown Bag Luncheon.
Warrenvile Chamber of Commerce: "We will pass out marketing material bags at the 2 nd Annual “Road to Success…Businesses Helping Businesses Seminar” on September 18th . If you would like to have your items placed in the bags for a cost of $10.00, please drop off your materials, along with payment, at the Warrenville Chamber of Commerce no later than Noon of Friday, September 11th . We will need 50 items."
Mount Prospect Chamber of Commerce: " We will have a Chamber Orientation meeting at 8:30am at the Chamber Office. You are welcome to join us and learn how you can use the many benefits we provide. Call for reservation, 847-398-6616."
Freeport Area Chamber of Commerce: And Then There Were None Chamber Night at Winneshiek Playhouse

Weeklong Activities

Jasper County Chamber of Commerce: Jasper County Fall Festival, September 18-19 2009
Rock Falls Chamber: Local radio station sponsors a radio broadcast consisting of two morning shows (in the past five were broadcast), where they interview Chamber Members, Non-Profit Executives, and local leaders. "Our members love it and it is a great promo opportunity for our chamber." - Bethany
Mount Prospect Chamber of Commerce: Will be displaying an exhibit at their public Library. Contents will include: Governor's Proclamation plus photos of events that they hold within their community.
Carol Stream Chamber of Commerce: In your signature line, put "Happy Chamber of Commerce Week!"
Paris Area Chamber of Commerce& Industry: Chamber Membership Drive-- "We have two teams with team captains that are very competitive. Can't wait to see which team wins with recruiting the most new members".
Ottawa Chamber of Commerce: "Our Mayor is making a proclamation at the City council meeting. Our ED wrote an article for our local paper and I am putting in ad in the local paper thanking all our volunteers for their hard work over the year. We are always looking for an expensive way to thank our volunteers without using the money they work so hard to raise!"
Wood Dale Chamber of Commerce: "Is fortunate to be hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony for one of our members during Chamber of Commerce Week. Our Board of Directors, along with representatives of the City of Wood Dale, will all gather together to celebrate:
Artistic Smiles Dental"

Weekend/ Week Before Activities

Bunker Hill Area Chamber of Commerce: Bunker Hill Fall Festival--On September 12th, 09 at 10:00 AM the Bunker Hill Area Chamber of Commerce will kick off our annual Fall Festival. It is a one day event with a lot of food, such as; rib eyes, brats, hot dogs, hamburgers, pulled pork sandwiches and on and on. We'll be hosting a car and motorcycle show, paying tribute to the birth date of our 16th. President, Abraham Lincoln. We will be showing the, "Highly Decorated Lincoln Motorcycle" throughout the day also give out material from the Lincoln Museum and "Book Marks" that came from the Secretary of State's Office through our Bunker Hill Public Library District. We will have a washer's tournament. Registration begins at 12:00 noon and tournament starts at 1:00 PM. We will have a pie eating contest at 11:00 AM, a little Miss and Master contest and a talent show made up from our local people. We will have a 50/50 raffle with 40% going to the Local Food Pantry.
Last but not least the Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the year will be announced at 3:00 PM. and honored with a Plaque.
The Car and motorcycle show will begin at 4:00 PM and will end at 8 PM.
We have Joe Powell performing from 3:15 until 5:15 with a variety of Country & Western mixed with several oldies. Then from 6:00 to 9:00 a local band called, "Hicktown" will be entertaining the crowd with Country and Western as well as a few later titles.

Month Long Activities

Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry: The Chamber's new member campaign, which runs through September, features a 16-month membership (good through 2011) at the annual cost. Chamber membership starts at $225 per year for businesses with five employees or less, plus a $25 registration fee. New members can pay their Chamber dues via a monthly direct debit program.

Please keep visiting www.iacce.org for updated information about the week of celebration honoring Chambers of Commerce. If you have more ideas to share with other chamber executives about possible activities chambers can conduct during this week, please contact Elizabeth Kerns at 217-522-5512 or liz@iacce.org . All ideas will be posted on the web site.

Past ideas - 2007 Events

Saturday, September 8, 2007 activities:

Olney & The Greater Richland County Chamber of Commerce: We are kicking the week off on Saturday, September 8th with our Annual Bicycle Classic. We have over 300 participants for this event that promotes good health, family activities, and time to socialize in the community.
Benton-West City Area Chamber of Commerce proudly presents our 17th Annual Rend Lake Car Show in partnership with The Benton George Harrison Beatle Festival. The 1st Annual Benton George Harrison Beatle Festival will be held Saturday Sept. 8, 2007 with the Rend Lake Car Show. The events are from 4-9p.m. and music, food, and live entertainment will be held through out the day and night.

Sunday, September 9, 2007 activities:

Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce: Annual Chamber Old Fashioned Family Picnic. (This will be our 14th year!)

Monday, September 10, 2007 activities:

Olney & The Greater Richland County Chamber of Commerce: Placing balloons outside members businesses.
Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce: Membership Drive kicks off

Tuesday, September 11, 2007 activities:

Olney & The Greater Richland County Chamber of Commerce: Chamber Reception - Appetizers, Door Prizes (purchased local items that support our community), Chamber Promotional Give-away, Comments from past Presidents, etc.
Lincolnwood Chamber of Commerce: Annual golf outing during CCW to celebrate. With over 144 golfers and over 200 joining us for dinner it will be a wonderful celebration. It is particularly nice because we have such wonderful participation from Village staff and elected officials who attend and play. Also State Representative Lou Lang participates.
Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce: We will hold an open house all day at the Macomb Chamber of Commerce inviting the membership & community into our office.
Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce: Good Morning Springfield at Pease's Candy, 4753 Jeffory Street, 7:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
Carlinville, Hillsboro and Litchfield Chambers will be hosting a breakfast for the community on Tuesday, September 11, 2007 from 8:00-9:30 a.m. at Lincoln Land Community College in Litchfield, Illinois.

Wednesday, September 12, 2007 activities:

US Chamber Government Affairs Forum (Chicago, IL)
Addison Chamber of Commerce: Breakfast Seminar and will recognize Chamber of Commerce Week.
Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce: Let’s Talk Greater Springfield Radio Show on WMAY – 7:40 a.m., guest: Gary Plummer Job and Career Fair ; 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield.

Thursday, September 13, 2007 activities:

US Chamber Government Affairs Forum (Chicago, IL)
Addison, Lisle, Woodridge, and Bolingbrook Chambers of Commerce: A progressive joint meeting with other chambers and will recognize Chamber of Commerce Week. (Multi Chamber Event)
Addison Chamber of Commerce: Business after hours and will recognize Chamber of Commerce Week.
Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce: Business After Hours at the Cromwell Radio Group. Chamber members from surrounding area chambers will also be invited to join in the celebration, so plan now to put your networking skills to use and make lots of new business contacts.

Friday, September 14, 2007 activities:

US Chamber Government Affairs Forum (Chicago, IL)
Illinois Chamber - Illinois Drug Free Workplace Program 2007 Update (Springfield, IL)
Crystal Lake Chamber: McHenry County’s three Illinois State Legislators have been invited to share information at a box luncheon. Each will have time to talk and there will be time for Q & A.
Olney & The Greater Richland County Chamber of Commerce: Visiting Members
Benton-West City Area Chamber of Commerce: 13th Annual Golf Scramble held at the Benton Country Club located at 14783 State Highway 14 East in Benton, Illinois. Willis Motor Company will be giving away a CAR to any lucky player who makes a hole in one on Hole #4.

Thursday, September 20, 2007 activities:

21 organizations (Albany Park Chamber of Commerce, Albany Park Community Center, Belmont-Central Chamber of Commerce, EDC of Greater Logan Square, Edgebrook Chamber of Commerce, Edison Park Chamber of Commerce, Gladstone Park Chamber of Commerce, Greater Avondale Chamber of Commerce, Jefferson Park Chamber of Commerce, Kedzie-Elston Business & Industrial Council, Lincoln Bend Chamber of Commerce, North-Pulaski-Armitage Chamber of Commerce, Norwood Park Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Polish American Chamber of Commerce, Portage Park Chamber of Commerce, Pulaski Elston Business Association, Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce, Sauganash Chamber of Commerce, West Ridge Chamber of Commerce
West Town Chamber of Commerce, Wicker Park/Bucktown Chamber of Commerce) Celebrate Chamber of Commerce Week! (Multi Chamber Event)!

Entire Week Long activities or original ideas:

Carol Stream Chamber:

Carol Stream will again hold “Dine With the Director” during Chamber week. Due to excess poundage, we will not have breakfast as a meeting time, just lunch and dinner.

Chamber members will receive a ‘schedule’ of where I will be in the community and will be encouraged to come by for a meal, to show support for other chamber members and to ‘bond’. Wednesday that week is our usual chamber luncheon and it will be held at the Fire Station (Sept 12th).

Lincolnwood Chamber:

We also will be doing a press release and will be announcing our 3 Corporate Citizens of 2007 who we feel best exemplifies what we hope our Chamber stands for and this Business – Service – Community which is the triangle that is our logo. It is like the three-legged stool, you need all three to be successful.

Addison Chamber of Commerce:

Of course we're recognizing it in our newsletter (Sept/Oct issue) and a press release.

Wonder Lake Chamber of Commerce:

Possibly hosting a cake and coffee open house!

Waterloo Chamber of Commerce:

Kick off of "Shop Local Program/Discount Card" to celebrate Chamber of Commerce Week, September 10-14th. The board gave me permission to advertise you, our members, all over town -- absolutely FREE! This is how the plan works: Each Chamber Member will be given a laminated discount card, free. Non Chamber Members will pay $10.00 for the card. The name of your business and discount or coupon offer will be posted on the Chamber's web site at www.enjoywaterloo.com and on bulletin boards all over town. Only Chamber Members can advertise in the program. Your ad will not be on the card, nor will the card be dated. Therefore renewals will not be necessary. It's a one-time card. Wear it out until it's ragged then come get another. Anyone visiting our web site can quickly see where to go for a free soda with their pizza. You decide the discount you would like to offer. Send it to me via email by August the 31st to be included in the program.

Chambers with Mayor/Village or County Board local proclamations:

Carol Stream Chamber of Commerce
Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce
Lincolnwood Chamber of Commerce