Oswego Area Chamber Newsletter - Summer 2023

Business & Industry United For A Better Community

WHAT’S INSIDE:

VIRTUAL RECRUITING

Businesses can create videos to assist with staffing

INSPIRING WOMEN LEADERSHIP SERIES

Educational networking program launches

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

SAVE THE DATE

Ribbon cutting for new Chamber office is July 13

CRUISIN’ OSWEGO

Three Chamber-sponsored Cruise Nights are coming

When it comes to success, it’s not a secret. It’s meant to be shared so others can learn.

That’s the message with the launch of the Inspiring Women Leadership Series, hosted by the Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce. This spring it hosted its first event in the series, and there’s a buzz in the area as it gears up for the next event, said Angie Hibben, CEO of the Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Inspiring Women of Oswego started out as Professional Oswego Women

and was changed to Inspiring Women of Oswego years ago. The change to this new format is an opportunity to focus on leadership with an educational component to each quarter’s lunch and speaker series.

The events utilize a breakfast theme, with a chance for refreshments and networking at 8:30 a.m. followed by the guest speaker at 9 a.m.

The series featured Jeanie Martin, a speaker, trainer, motivator and mentor for its inaugural event in April.

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Jennifer Jones Sinnott, a member of the Oswego Area Chamber and the committee producing the events, said the programs are an opportunity to gain valuable information for everyone’s personal and professional lives.

“The purpose is to provide members of the Chamber with leaders who will give members access to top leaders’ insight to equip and inspire the members to meet their current and future needs of their businesses by growing their leadership and helping them to use their strength, passion and influence for good,” Jones Sinnott said.

Jones Sinnott, who also serves as an Oswego Village Trustee, is an insurance broker with Brian Feltes & Associates. She added that while the events are designed for the Chamber members, everyone in

the community is welcome to attend.

The next event is slated for Tuesday, June 27 at Oswego Village Hall with the guest speaker will be Sandra Harrison, founder and CEO of DVA Leadership & Development Training, discussing the importance of selfcare and mental well-being. And the guest speaker for the September event is Nicole La Ha Zwiercan a Homer Glen Trustee and former Mrs. America who is a proponent of playground accessibility.

“Our focus will be energizing people,” Hibben said.

The event for December will be an opportunity to give back to the community, with early plans to support a local senior community center in a Give Back Luncheon program, Hibben said.

The Inspiring Women Leadership programs are open to everyone. To register for the event, call the Chamber office at 630-554-3505. The registration fee is $30 for Chamber members and $40 for

members.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chamber CEO Letter

Hello, my name is Angie Hibben and I am the President/CEO of the Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce. Our chamber has been around since 1984, and we are very proud of how we have grown and how we have supported the business community and Oswego! We are just over 500 members strong and growing. Our members range from nonprofits to the some of the largest corporations in the area, and the industries/business types they represent are just as diverse.

Fax: (630) 554-0050

Email: info@oswegochamber.org

Check us out online at www.OswegoChamber.org

What is a chamber? A chamber is many things to many people. We are a resource for the community when looking for products and services; we are a marketing tool for our members to help them spread the word to the community and other businesses about their business; we are an advocate for our members to the village and the state elected officials; we are a partner to many groups and help to promote events and activities in the community; and we are here to mentor and counsel new members, to name a few things that we do.

We are not part of the government and we receive no funds from the state or village from taxes. The village and the state elected officials who are members who pay dues just like the business members. We are not a lobbying group, but we do advocate for our members. We

ANGIE HIBBEN President/CEO Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce

are not just for networking – we offer seminars, networking, marketing for your business and more. We are for all levels of businesses from the smallest non-profit to the largest corporation. We are not costly – our non-profit rates start at $75 a year and our business rates go from $185 to $850 and have three Elite levels at $1,000, $1,500 and $2,500. You don’t have to be physically located in Oswego. We are an area chamber and have many members from the surrounding communities.

As always, I would encourage you, as a business owner, to join the Oswego Area Chamber. It is a great way to get involved in your community and learn more about other like-minded business owners/managers. Check out our calendar at www.oswegochamber.org and attend a networking event, or stop by the office at 25 E. Jackson St. to learn more about the Oswego Chamber. You can also chat with us via our website or Facebook pages. Come visit the new office, sit down and have coffee and conversation with Konni and I and get to know how the chamber can help your business.

However, just joining a chamber does not mean you’ll reach ROI magically. Chambers of commerce require cooperation, engagement and active members giving feedback and participating to make it work. It only works if you work it.

Message from Chairman of the Board

HAPPY SUMMER!

The change of season brings a change of roles. I am honored to take on the role of Chairman of the Board for the upcoming 2023-2024 term. I am excited for all that the Chamber has in store for the upcoming year, and even more excited that we have an incredibly passionate team of board members ready to work for you. This group truly cares about the businesses in our community and works hard to help them grow and keep them informed.

upcoming employment laws going into effect in 2024. Thanks, Rick, for looking out for us!

KELLEY RICE Chairman of the Board

We just celebrated many members at the Chamber Annual Dinner a few weeks ago. It was such a great night to celebrate and mingle with the businesses in our community. One of our board members got up and spoke about changes to the

This summer the Chamber, along with Byline Bank, are excited to be hosting several Car Shows at Byline Bank! That is a fun new addition to the already packed Chamber event line-up every year. The Chamber is also a sponsor of PrairieFest again this year and generously is sharing table space with members. If you want to learn more about getting a free table at PrairieFest for a few hours, reach out to Chamber President/ CEO Angie Hibben. And of course, we’re all looking forward to the Annual Golf Outing this July!

Overall, I’m excited for the nice weather and big events we have planned. I’m sure I’ll see you around.

EMPLOYEE RECRUITING TO GO VIRAL

Social media videos are latest tool to help businesses boost staffing

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

We’ve all shared a video that made us laugh or smile – now, business managers are hoping short videos will help them fill staffing positions in their businesses.

The Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Oswego Economic Development Office in the village to help recruit staffing for local businesses.

Angie Hibben, CEO of the Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce said she will be among those filming short videos to help promote local businesses with job openings.

“It’s another avenue to help reach job applicants,” Hibben said.

The videos will be uploaded to social media pages as well as the Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce website, Hibben said.

“We know everybody is working so hard to get employees,” Hibben said, adding that she saw the idea used by Chamber in another community.

Kevin Leighty, director of Economic Development for the Village of Oswego, said he is excited to partner with the Chamber on this innovative project.

“I think it was a really cool opportunity,” Leighty said.

To learn how to connect your business to the project, call the Chamber offices at 630-5543505.

Ed and Matt invite you to stop by and see how over 50 years combined experience can make your purchase truly pleasant.

We specialize in vehicles under $10,000 - many in the $5000 - $9000 range. If you don’t see what you are looking for in our inventory regardless of the year, we will find that special vehicle for you. We truly appreciate the many loyal customers and referrals we have had over the last 18 years. Make your next vehicle purchase from us and we will exceed your expectations.

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

Rev up the engines as more Cruise Nights come to downtown Oswego this summer. The Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce along with local businesses will sponsor three Cruise Nights this summer, inviting the community to come out for a stroll, check out the classic vehicles and visit businesses in Oswego’s downtown.

“It’s a chance to do something fun and remember the days of Cruise Nights in the community,” said Angie Hibben, CEO of the Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Cruise Nights will be Wednesday, June 21; Wednesday, July 19 and Wednesday, Aug. 23 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the downtown.

Cars will be parked in the Byline Bank parking lot. Cruise Night sponsors include AutoSmart, Byline Bank, Hometowne Insurance Services and the Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce.

For the last four summers Brian Caldwell of AutoSmart has had small cruise-in events at his Oswego business on Route 34 and he’s excited to see the event move into the larger space with access to the restaurants and shopping in the downtown business district.

“The Oswego area has a rich history of classic cars,” Caldwell said, referring to the

former Oswego Dragstrip.

Caldwell’s family business works with vehicles of all makes, models and ages but he has a special fondness for their business sector that includes the consignment of classic vehicles. AutoSmart helps owners sell their vintage vehicles and Caldwell and his staff help car enthusiasts from across the country as they seek out a specific vehicle.

“I’m proud of what we built,” Caldwell said. “We’re a small, family business. We’re a great team.”

A Cruise Night is less formal than a Car Show, in that there’s no registration required, and everyone is invited to participate.

“Bring your new Corvette or bring your 60-year-old Corvette. Events like this are designed to bring a community together,” Caldwell said.

Cruise Nights will take place on three Wednesdays this summer, 5 to 8 p.m. in downtown Oswego.

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Thankyou

OUR

ELITE MEMBERS OF THE CHAMBER!

Elite Membership in the Oswego Chamber of Commerce offers premium benefits that correspond to higher levels of commitment to the Oswego business community. Greater investments in the Chamber lead to greater success and opportunities for all members!

As rewards for their devotion, Elite Members receive enhanced marketing exposure, complimentary access to select special events, and prolific awareness of the member`s role and presence in Oswego.

PLATINUM ELITE MEMBERS

Apsyre Wellness www.aspyrewellness.com

Aquaduct Plumbing Services www.aquaductplumbingservices.com

First National Bank www.fnbo.com

M & M Outdoor Design and Hardscaping mandmoutdoordesign.com

MetroNet www.metronet.com

Old National Bank www.oldnational.com

Old Second Bank www.oldsecond.com

Rush Copley Medical Center www.rush.edu/locations/ rush-copley-medical-center

Tier1Solutions www.tier1solutions.net

Voyagernetz www.voyagernetz.com

WalMart www.walmart.com

Hometowne