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NETWORKING NEEDS FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS
NETWORKING
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT GROUPS
In response to the growing diversity among our Chamber members, and in an attempt to meet the needs of the various demographics within the Chamber, several special interest groups were formed. With the exception of BANG, membership in these groups is included with the basic membership investment. Each groups holds its meetings and keeps their own mailing list.
THE SMALL BUSINESS COALITION (SBC) is a collaborative group whose goal is to share best practices, gain knowledge from each other’s experiences, help each other solve issues, and explore business development opportunities.
Each month the meeting discussion revolves around a specific topic, and topics are determined in advance by the group. The SBC meets on the third Friday of every month (except December) at 7:30 a.m. at the Chamber office or virtual.

THE WOMEN IN BUSINESS (WIB) organization is designed to foster professional development, personal growth, community involvement, and strategic relationships for female leaders in our community. We meet every other month; the locations and programs may vary.
The Bolingbrook Area Chamber of Commerce and the Romeoville Area Chamber of Commerce continue to partnering to offer monthly events either in person or virtual. From a panel discussion featuring Ulta senior management to a health topic addressed by AMITA doctors to golf lessons at Mistwood Golf Dome, WIB offers women a variety of developmental programs and networking events. THE NONPROFIT COALITION was established to bring together nonprofit organizations serving a variety of needs and causes in the community; the Board members who serve these organizations; and charitably-inclined business leaders who support them.

Initially designed to host quarterly meetings that will revolve around professional development. The format will be a blend of the knowledge needed to enhance the skills and abilities of those who work in the nonprofit sector; the information needed to be a good volunteer or Board member; and the power of networking by which people with a common interest or goal can build relationships and learn from the wisdom and experience of others.
Strengthening the local nonprofit sector in ways that enhance inefficiencies and effectiveness has benefit for the quality of life in the entire community. Staff, Board members, volunteers, donors and other interested community members will find opportunities through selected meeting topics to gain personal knowledge in a variety of areas that will personally benefit them and those they wish to serve.
NPC is sponsored by AMITA Health and Great Lakes Credit Union.

THE YOUNG AND NEW PROFESSIONALS ASSOCIATION (YNPA) is group geared toward those new to networking and the professional arena. The group sponsors networking and business development events at a variety of times each month and is quickly becoming one of the most popular developmental trends in our area. YNPA is dedicated to the support of our area’s up and coming professionals and encourages a fun mentoring atmosphere.
Learn what other professionals are up to and build your business relationships by connecting with likeminded professionals growing in our area. We are certain that once you engage in this group you will see the tremendous value. There is no fee to be part of the YNPA, though some events do charge a small cover.
YNPA is sponsored by Odelson & Sterk

BOLINGBROOK AREA NETWORKING GROUP is the Chamber’s industry exclusive LEADS group. Grow your prospect base, build strategic partners, and generate more referrals; expand your sales team by providing and following up on referral sources. Guests (including Non-Members) are always welcome to determine if your industry is available. Official BANG membership is available to members of the Bolingbrook Area Chamber of Commerce. BANG also has a philanthropic arm BANG Cares. Comprised of BANG members BANG CARES networks with Chamber nonprofits to maximize member’s reach while providing resources to the nonprofits.


