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​2015 Fall Conference

 Celebrating the Past ~ Focusing on the Future

100th Anniversary Celebration 

2015 Fall Conference • Hilton Indian Lakes Resort
  
250 W Schick Road • Bloomingdale, IL 60108 • ​(630) 529-0200
 ​
​
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
7:30 a.m.​  Registration opens

8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Special Pre-Conference Sessions
  • 8:00 - 11:00 am ChamberMaster - ​(Cyperus IV)​
    • Events Module:  New Features
    • Membership Information Center:  How to Best use It
    • Questions & Answers:  Come Prepared with Your Questions
  • 9:00 - 11:00 am Quick Books - Tips & Tricks for Making it Work for You presented by Tina Davies, CPA (Cyperus III)​
  • 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Introduction Into Leading Your Chamber presented by Joseph Henning, IOM, ACE, CAE, President & CEO, Aurora Regional Chamber and Monica Bristow, IOM, ACE, President & CEO, Riverbend Growth Association (Cyperus II)
  • 9:30-11:00 a.m. Constant Contact - The Power of the Inbox – Email Marketing for Chambers presented by Betsy Armstrong & Steve Robinson (Cyperus I)​​
    • What is the first impression you  (or your members) give when they see you in their email inbox?  And when they see you there, what do they do?
    • This powerful seminar takes you step-by-step through the keys to effective email marketing:
      • What it really is (and isn’t)What it can do for your chamber membersAnd the five  steps to take to harness the power of the inbox!
      • Grow a healthy listCreate great contentCustomize a beautiful, mobile-friendly template that matches your brandHow to get your emails openedTracking your results 
      • From revealing why regular email doesn't work, to insider tips and techniques like automated list building tools and the design elements that work (and those that don't!), this seminar will give you the keys to the most effective marketing you can do: email marketing. Join us!
11:30 a.m.​  Opening remarks
Silent Auction Opens
11:40 a.m.​  Speed Networking
 
12:00 p.m.​  Lunch & Keynote Presentation - Delivering Customer Delight
presented by Steve Zipkoff, President & CEO, Zipkoff Solutions
​(Trillium I & II)​
Delivering Customer Delight™ is a program your attendees will use because of its simplistic approach. Why Delivering Customer Delight is for you:
•Your business is strong and you would like it to be even better.
•Your company is in a growth mode but finding it harder to maintain a strong customer base.
•You would like continuous profit improvement.
•Holding on to existing customers and employees is a prime company objective.
•You are finding it more difficult to retain employees and customers.
•It is becoming harder to capture new customers.
•Few employees realize that by delivering enhanced customer delight profits will increase.
•Today’s harsh economic environment is placing added pressure on achieving a positive company performance.
​ ​Introduction by John Beintema, Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Programs
1:30 - 2:00 p.m.  Break

2:00 - 3:00 p.m.  Concurrent Sessions
  • Beginning Advocacy: The importance on having a legislative advocacy program in your chamber and the benefits it creates for your members presented by Elliott Richardson, CEO, Small Business Advocacy Council (Cyperus I)
  • Economic Development Panel facilitated by Ann Tennes, Director of Marketing and Communications, Village of Skokie with panelists Boyd Palmer, Executive Director, Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Carol Gieske, President - Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce and Vic Narusis, Deputy Director, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (Cyperus II)
  • ​Train Your Brain For Success presented by Robb Zbierski, Trainer, Freedom Personal Development - Learn to harness the incredible creative capacity of your mind and achieve your personal best - professionally, financially and personally. (Cyperus III)
  • Essential Financial Policies presented by Scott Heape, CPA, McLean County Chamber of Commerce (Cyperus IV)
    • ​Poorly written or non-existent financial policies and procedures can lead to employee fraud, legal issues, IRS scrutiny, or cash flow shortages, and that is just the tip of the iceberg. Any of these occurring will lead to a loss of members and community confidence. A properly crafted set of financial policies can help mitigate these risks. Join Scott P. Heape, CPA for a presentation and discussion on what financial policies and procedures your Chamber needs for organizational success. We will discuss financial policies and procedures, budgeting, and financial forecasting.

      Scott P. Heape has been a licensed CPA in both Ohio and Illinois since 2007. Before joining the McLean County Chamber of Commerce in 2012, he audited and advised a diverse mix of non-profit entities, and has seen it all from well-oiled machines to organizations struggling to survive. His experience provides a unique perspective on the proper financial policies and procedures needed to ensure the smooth operation of any nonprofit organization.
3:00-3:30 p.m.  Break

3:30 - 4:30 p.m.  Concurrent Sessions
  • Social Media - What's the Point? presented by Scott Holtz, Project Leader and Designer, The Holtz Group  Learn how media posts relate to goals and the ability to make connections via a website, email blasts and newsletters. Scott will cover Downtown Skokie's merchant group strategy and analytics. He will also review the the tools on the Skokie Chamber site. See these real time, nuts and bolts actions to learn how to measure your chamber's efforts. (Cyperus I)
  • Building Coalition Partnerships presented by Elliott Richardson, CEO, Small Business Advocacy Council (Cyperus II)
  • Cities as Platforms - Chamber Relevance for Businesses in Your Community presented by Richard Scully, CEO, Premium Membership Plan (Cyperus III)
    • ​​ ​Learn how Cities as Platforms builds an experience map for prospective members to determine who is an active member, or a passive member. When members are passive (as many are now), learn how to use this mapping to deliver real value so members clearly see relevance in their membership.  
    • Experience mapping will include diagrams and discussion on the experience potential members need to choose to join your chamber. Also learn how new members immediately can use their membership to grow their business.
    • This program is useful for those who want to begin discussions on how to help grow members' businesses.
  • Roundtable Discussion on Chamber Accounting and Other Financial Issues presented by Scott Heape, CPA, McLean County Chamber of Commerce (Cyperus IV)
    • ​​​Scott will hold a roundtable discussion and answer all of those questions that you always wanted to ask your accountant but never remember to do so.

      Scott P. Heape has been a licensed CPA in both Ohio and Illinois since 2007. Before joining the McLean County Chamber of Commerce in 2012, he audited and advised a diverse mix of non-profit entities, and has seen it all from well-oiled machines to organizations struggling to survive. His experience provides a unique perspective on the proper financial policies and procedures needed to ensure the smooth operation of any nonprofit organization.
5:00 p.m.​ IACCE Board Meeting (Maher)

5:30 p.m.​  Networking Event - Izzy & Moe's 

featuring Chris Mead, Senior Vice President, ACCE, sharing stories, especially how a chamber helped rid Chicago of Al Capone!  All stories are from his book The Magicians of Main Street 
Thursday, November 5, 2015
7:30 a.m.  Breakfast ​(Trillium I & II)​​

8:00 - 8:30 a.m.​ Illinois Chamber & U.S. Chamber Update ​(Trillium I & II)​
presented by Maggie Sheely, Manager, Great Lakes Region, Kevin Courtois, Manager, Great Lakes Region, U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Todd Maisch, President & CEO, Illinois Chamber of Commerce
8:30 - 10:00 a.m. Keynote Presentation - Present Like A Pro ​(Trillium I & II)​
presented by Michael Angelo Caruso, President, Edison House
Introduction by Peter Ells, Microsoft
This upbeat, speaker training session will help you make your presentations fun and effective.
Michael breaks a presentation down to a series of signals, including non-verbal cues, the words you use, and even the space between the words. This fast-paced program will definitely hold the attention of your sales professionals.  It’s an interactive session that allows everyone to get involved.​
10:00 - 10:30 a.m.​ Break

10:30 - 11:30 a.m.  Developing Your Leadership Presence ​(Trillium I & II)​
presented by Catherine Johns, author of Show up and Shine and former Chicago radio personality


Business owners and professionals turn to Catherine Johns when they want to get more clients, have more impact and make more money. 
 
A one-time wallflower, Catherine developed her powerful presence – and her way with words – as a radio news anchor, talk show host and savvy and sassy morning show side-chick.
 
Since she broke out of the broadcasting boys' club, Catherine's been guiding entrepreneurs and executives to speak up … stand out … and make their message more magnetic.  Because when they speak with power and presence, they influence their audience to take action.​
11:30 a.m.  Lunch ​(Trillium I & II)​

11:45 - 12:00 p.m. Illinois Comptroller Leslie Munger ​(Trillium I & II)​


 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.  DOL Proposed Changes: Don’t Be Caught Unaware ​(Trillium I & II)​​
presented by Julie Proscia, Partner, SmithAmundsen
The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced proposed regulations that will substantially change exempt and non-exempt employee classifications.  The proposed changes include raising the minimum salary threshold from $23,000 to approximately $50,000.  These changes will impact not only who is exempt, but how your organization is structured.  With the budgeting process for 2016 already starting, it is important to analyze the impact now.  This presentation will discuss:
 
•             What the proposed regulations are and their impact
•             How to and which positions to evaluate
•             Why you should be evaluating your email practices now
•             The impact on performance evaluations and budgeting
•             The need for varied email and electronic communication policies
 
This presentation is critical if you have evening events, employees that work on the weekends or employees who ever send or receive email after 5:00 p.m. Just because you are small does not mean you are exempt.

Julie provides labor and employment counsel that is outcome based. Before giving advice, she asks her clients what they want or need as the outcome to their matter; then skillfully crafts pragmatic, business-centric solution to the issue.​ In addition to, and in concert with, her labor and employment practice, Julie assists a substantial number of not-for-profits with both their traditional employment issues, as well as the issues that arise before 501(c)(3) and 501 (c)(6) organizations. Julie’s not-for-profit practice includes training in board policies, procedures, and development, as well as counseling a defense.  In 2012, Julie was honored as one of the 40 Attorneys Under 40 in the State of Illinois to Watch by Chicago Lawyer magazine. 
​
1:00 - 1:15 p.m.  Break

1:15 - 2:15 p.m.  Concurrent Sessions 
  • Discovering Your Memory Power & Reading Smart presented by Robb Zbierski, Trainer, Freedom Personal Development - Learn how to remember names and faces, presentations (without notes!), to-do lists, key client information. Also learn your current reading speed, tips to immediatley imporve your reading speed without loosing comprehension (Cyperus I)
  • Email Marketing Panel - Best Practices presented by Mindy Phillips, Chamber Director
    Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce, Desiree Bennyhoff, President & CEO, Edwardsville|Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce and Kathy Hays, Authorized Local Expert - Constant Contact
    .  The session will be facilitated by Betsy Armstrong, Regional Development Director  (Cyperus II)
  • Strategic Planning Revolution presented by Lynn Seinfeld - Educator, Trainer, Workforce Strategist.  Lynn is an innovative educator, charismatic trainer, and dynamic workforce development professional skilled in designing and delivering workforce development and professional education training programs for the public and private sectors. Her background in the professional theater, coupled with her education and training expertise, have made her an exceptional communicator and presenter able to energize and educate a variety of audiences (Cyperus III)
  • ​Advocacy For Local Chambers presented by Maggie Sheely, Manager, Great Lakes Region, U.S. Chamber of Commerce & Ben Brockschmidt, Executive Director/Vice President of Policy, Illinois Chamber of Commerce (Cyperus IV)
​2:15-2:30 p.m. Break

2:30 - 3:30 p.m.  Concurrent Sessions ​
  • Workforce Development Panel with David Sabathne, IOM, President, Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce, Einar Forsman, President, Rockford Area Chamber,  Jeff Griffen, IOM, President, Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce and moderated by Joseph B. Henning, IOM, ACE, CAE, President & CEO, Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce.  Learn what these chambers are doing to partner with businesses, school districts and professional resources to positively impact local students' career readiness for their communities.   (Cyperus I)
  • Legal 101 for New Chamber Executives presented by Julie Proscia, Partner, SmithAmundsen (Cyperus II)
  • Strategic Planning Revolution - Process Examples presented by Lynn Seinfeld - Educator, Trainer, Workforce Strategist.  Lynn is an innovative educator, charismatic trainer, and dynamic workforce development professional skilled in designing and delivering workforce development and professional education training programs for the public and private sectors. Her background in the professional theater, coupled with her education and training expertise, have made her an exceptional communicator and presenter able to energize and educate a variety of audiences (Cyperus III)
  • Case Study: Edwardsville|Glen Carbon Local Advocacy Success presented by Desiree Bennyhoff, President & CEO, Edwardsville|Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce & Kyle Anderson, Government Affairs Director, Illinois Association of REALTORS (Cyperus IV)
3:30 - 4:00 p.m.  Break sponsored by Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Programs

4:00 - 5:00 p.m.  Keynote Presentation - How to Engage Someone in 15 Seconds
​​(Trillium I & II)​
presented by Michael Angelo Caruso, President, Edison House
You never get to make a second first impression. This program is perfect for salespeople, customer service representatives, and leaders of all stripes.Take something as simple as a compliment. Did you know there are two types? "Inside” and “outside” compliments make the world go ’round. 


6:00 p.m.  Cocktail Hour sponsored by Constant Contact (Falling Waters Lounge)

7:00 p.m.  Celebration Dinner ​(Trillium IV)​
Annual Meeting
Awards Presenatations
Silent Auction Closes


Friday November 6, 2015
7:30 - 9:00 a.m. Breakfast ​(Trillium I & II)​
  • 60 Ideas in 60 Minutes
7:30-8:45 a.m.​  Past Chairs Breakfast​ ​(Master's Clubhouse - Hotel Dining Room)​

9:00 - 10:30 a.m. Closing Keynote - Change…It’s The Way of Life ​(Trillium I & II)​
presented by Steve Zipkoff, President & CEO, Zipkoff Solutions

Confucius said it best…”only the wisest and the very stupidest never change.” Yet for some reason when change is proposed, people seem to go nuts. They resent change and in many cases, fight it, even though change might be for the best.

Most people find change devastating. However, it isn’t. In some cases, it can be the best thing that happens to you. Most corporate environments are constantly in a state of change yet most employees resist it.

What this program will provide the participant.
        • Introduce and discuss what change really is
        • Why is change considered a negative and how it can be turned into a positive
        • Identify the necessary mechanics relating to change
        • Introduce the mechanics of change and present examples for each so they can be utilized for positive results by the audience
10:30 a.m.​ Until next time...
  • 2016 Fall Conference announcement
  • Passport drawing
  • Closing remarks

Hotel Information
​Conference hotel: 
Hilton Indian Lakes Resort in Bloomingdale, IL.  

Phone number: 
(630) 529-0200

Discounted rate: $80 per night 
IACCE Group Code: CCE 

Registration Rates
Early bird registration ends October 15 (extended date!) - register now!

New this year!  Attend Wednesday's kick off luncheon "Delivering Customer Delight" only for $40 or attend a pre-conference session and the luncheon for $50!
(ALL FULL REGISTRATIONS INCLUDE WEDNESDAY'S LUNCH &
​THURSDAY'S CELEBRATION DINNER)

Early Bird ~ Member $ 249.00 
Regular Registration $299.00

Early Bird ~ Non-Member $ 349.00 
Regular Registration ~ Non-Member $399.00

Early Bird ~ Member ~ One Day Registration $ 199.00
Regular Registration ~ Member $229.00

Early Bird ~ Non-Member ~ One Day Registration $ 299.00
Regular Registration ~ Non-Member $329.00

Early Bird ~ Additional Attendee from the same chamber $ 209.00
Regular Registration ~ Additional Attendee from the same chamber $239.00

Spouse/Significant Other Attending (Meals) $ 100.00

Celebration Dinner ~ $50.00

NEED A PROFESSIONAL PORTRAIT TAKEN? HEADSHOTS WILL BE TAKEN WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY BY JEFFREY KASH PHOTOGRAPHY - $25 FOR A DIGITAL IMAGE! SIGN UP WITH YOUR REGISTRATION.


Please consider applying for a scholarship.  Applications are due September 18, 2015 by close of business.  Email completed applications and supporting documentation to Lisa.
  • Register here!
  • Register here!

Plenary Speakers

Michael Angelo Caruso

Catherine Johns
Comptroller Leslie Munger
Julie Proscia, Esq

Steve Zipkoff
Thank You
to our Conference Sponsors
Celebration Dinner Sponsor
Cocktail Sponsor

Special Event Sponsor
Breakfast Sponsor
Break Sponsor

Sustaining Sponsor

Affiliate Sponsor

Exhibiting Sponsors





​Interested in an opportunity to be a sponsor?  
2015 Sponsorship Form
click to download
Need a Professional Portrait?
​Professional headshots will be offered for $25 for a digital image by Jeffery Kash Photography.  Sign up for it with your registration or email Lisa to add it to your registration.  You will also be able to sign up and pay onsite.
A huge thank you to the 2015 Fall Conference Committee:  
Conference Chair:
Luanne Newman, Executive Director
Carol Stream Chamber of Commerce

Jane Abe, Director of Membership
Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce

Jan Anderson, President & CEO
Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce

Desirée Bennyhoff, President & CEO
Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce

Clare Bongiovanni, President & CEO 
Darien Chamber of Commerce

Holly Deitchman, Executive Director 
Batavia Chamber of Commerce 

Jane Hove, President & CEO
Bloomingdale Chamber of Commerce 

Yvonne Invergo, Executive Director
Lombard Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry 

Howard Meyer, Executive Director
Skokie Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Kerry O’Brien, Executive Director
Wheaton Chamber of Commerce

Dale Perrin, Executive Director
Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce

Jon Ridler, Executive Director
Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce

David Sabathné, President & CEO
Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce

Lynne Schneider, Retired
Buffalo Grove Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce

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Apple Discounts? 


We have a business account with Apple - email (is best) or call Greg Hurtado at 512-674-2260, mention IACCE and get a discount on all products you purchase.

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