WSCCI Blog

Well, I finally got back, fully recovered from my relaxing trip to Springfield...you know, that "foreign country" to the south of us that currently has the weight of the world on it's shoulders. While the overall experience was everything I imagined it to be - exhausting, informative (but still feeling like I was missing something when I left) and simply "loud" - I drove away feeling just a little bit more empowered to effect and create change...and challenging all of you to join me. Thanks to the coordination of Chamber 630 and other chambers of commerce who were a collective part of the experience, it was gratifying to know that we weren't down there alone; joining the rally with important partners like the Small Business Advocacy Council, AT&T, West Central Municipal Conference, Lyons Township and the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. Read more

I'm sure all of you would agree that enough is enough and the time to act is NOW! We are at a time in our history where all partners, large and small, regional and local, non profit and for profit alike will have to come together to help address issues no longer facing our immediate needs as businesses, but rather the future of our employees, our neighbors, friends, family and our region. On April 6th, the WSCCI will be joining many of our State partners to meet with legislators (and the Governor himself) to convey concerns and views expressed by all of you, our members. Read more

"...these are extraodirnary times. We must all get involved because leaving the economy in the hands of Illinois' political leaders threatens the future of our state." Writes our partner and colleague Elliot Richardson, CEO of the Small Business Advocacy Council, as a guest writer in Crain's this week. Elliot urges the small business community to come together and make their voices heard to disrupt the status quo in Springfield. "For many small businesses," Elliot writes, "the prolonged budget crisis threatens their ability to grow, thrive or even just survive." Read Elliot's full piece here. Read more

It was a pleasure to see so many members at the first State of the Chamber this morning! In case you missed it, a recap is below.. Thanks to our outgoing board of directors – and hello to our new ones! We thank our Past Chair, Beth McCormack with Express Employment Professionals and former Leadership Brian Doruff of Merrill Lynch, Catherine Dugan LaBelle of Baird & Warner and Allison Muzal of business services. Read more

I can’t tell you how excited we all are here at the office to start putting our pens to paper…or rather typing our characters to email! For us (and hopefully for all of you), 2016 promises to be the year to celebrate incredible success. To ensure that we achieve this extraordinary goal, we are extremely excited to bring to the table strong and focused board leadership, a dynamic and engaging team, resourceful and committed partners and, most importantly, all of you…our members. Two years ago you took a leap of faith to see what could become of - what would become of – a rather challenged chamber. I hope you find that the results of those efforts have been valuable and promising to you and your business. Read more