Romeoville - Winter 2021 Newsletter

To creatively connect business, education and our community.

WINTER 2021 Chamber Newsletter

WHAT’S INSIDE

DURING HOLIDAY SHOPPING SEASON, IT’S WORTH IT TO

SEASON OF GIVING

Nonprofits offer programs to help community members in need

NEW MEMBERS

Check out who joined the chamber in 2021

PLUS:

n Welcome from the Chamber n Calendar of events n How to become a member CONTACT US

Romeoville Area Chamber of Commerce 1 University Parkway COB 435 Romeoville, IL 60446 Phone: (815) 886-2076

Web: www.romeovillechamber.org

Email: info@romeovillechamber.org

Social Media: Facebook | Instagram

KEEP DOLLARS LOCAL

By Kelley White

A

merican Express created Small Business Saturday in 2010 to officially observe the triumph of small and independent businesses countrywide. This year, November 27 brought about another annual celebration for the hard work and community impact our small businesses shape into our towns.

While Small Business Saturday is observed one day each year, the philosophy of shopping small and buying local can apply to the entire holiday shopping season and beyond.

Despite not having an official downtown corridor, Romeoville utilizes the strength of its independent businesses throughout the community and makes it easy to keep commerce local. The importance of supporting these businesses, especially in these times, is essential.

Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kris Kuchler does not deny it may be difficult to visualize Romeoville’s small business community due to the lack of a downtown area.

“Even though we don’t have a specific downtown street scape feel,” she notes, “It’s more like shopping district areas, with a very tight-knit, engaging community and village.”

Rather than one specific street with gift shops and storefronts, Romeoville offers local options for life’s essentials, making it easy to keep your business local. Kuchler references more traditional routes to what people are used to when thinking of small businesses, citing various restaurants, a hairdresser, dentist, bank, and even Euro Homeland Deli – a European type grocer.

Kuchler refers to Small Business Saturday as “Stay Local Small Business Saturday” to remind the community of these sustainable options.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Shopping at small, locally owned businesses can have an important economic impact. According to the Small Business Administration, every $100 spent at a small local business recirculates $48 in the local economy. Every $100 spent at national retailers puts $14 back in the local economy.

This custom newsletter was created and produced by Shaw Media for the: ROMEOVILLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 1 University Parkway COB 435

Romeoville, IL 60446 (815) 886-2076 www.romeovillechamber.org

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 It’s important to remember they’re available year-round, not just on Small Business Saturday.

Staying local with your business is more important than ever, as many of these independent owners are still recovering from pandemic hardships.

“As far as recovery, some are still feeling the impact,” Kuchler says.

“The restaurant industry continues to struggle to find workers.”

Tim Weems, general manager of Fat Ricky’s, talks about the struggle to find and keep workers, amongst the other challenges the restaurant faces right now.

“We’ve been lucky,” says Weems.

“The people who work with us keep bringing others in to help keep our staffing where it needs to be.” Weems credits Fat Ricky’s owner Rick DiPego’s absolute loyalty and immersion in the Romeoville community as a major component of their recovery and longevity. “To any group you can think of, Rick just gives back so much.

Support community restaurants and they support the community back.”

2 Winter 2021 Newsletter

Maggie Schutz, co-owner of Iron Glass Taproom, underscores the reality of independent commerce in the average American town.

“Until I was a small business owner, I never realized how important it was to support the small local places. Now I understand that with every purchase someone makes, they are not sending money to these large corporations.

They’re helping send kids to school, swim lessons, and band camp. Helping pay the mechanic down the road, or the handyman. With every transaction, you’re not only helping the business owner. You’re helping the entire local economy, because you know that money is going to families who live where you live, and who support local businesses just like you do.”

Romeoville shoppers have an amazing opportunity this holiday season to recognize the small, independent businesses that keep its community thriving and unique. Look to support small businesses around your town, and don’t forget to continue championing them in any way possible throughout the year.

Romeoville Area Chamber of Commerce

SHAW MEDIA 2175 Oneida Street Joliet, IL 60435 (815) 280-4101 www.shawmedia.com

Content Contributors: Diane Krieger Spivak Kelley White Photos Provided By: Shaw Media

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication. The Chamber and Shaw Media assume no responsibility for misinformation. Contact the Romeoville Area Chamber of Commerce with any additions or corrections. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of the Chamber and Shaw Media is prohibited.

The journey begins when you enter Fat Ricky’s.

Our authentic Italian cuisine and European decor will transport you to Old World Italia.

Plan your Holiday Party today!

Let us CATER your next event!

BANQUETS PRIVATE EVENTS: At our Banquet Hall in Romeoville, are you looking for a unique private dining space to host your next special occasion?

EVENT SPACES: Alta Villa Room | Franconi’s

A great BANQUET HALL for the southwest suburbs!

ROMEOVILLE

646 N Independence Blvd, Romeoville, IL 60446

(815) 293-2900 PLAINFIELD

13717 US-30, Plainfield, IL 60544

(815) 230-2300 TINLEY PARK

16703 Harlem Ave, Tinley Park, IL 60477

(708) 802-6900

fatrickys.com Romeoville Area Chamber of Commerce

Winter 2021 Newsletter 3

Welcome

W

ith the holiday season upon us, it’s important now, more than ever, to support our local businesses.

Since March 2020, the challenges have been difficult for so many, like retailers, restaurants, service-oriented businesses, and non-for-profits. Let’s rally around our Romeoville business community and help them enter the new year with positive reinforcement. It’s time for us to “Shop Local, Support Local, and Stay Local.”

The Village of Romeoville’s motto, “Where Community Matters,” demonstrates its commitment to providing support and quality services to our residents, businesses, and partners. The Romeoville Area Chamber of Commerce is grateful and proud to have Village support in everything we do. We value their partnership.

While you are probably familiar with many of our local businesses, please take the time to view our Chamber’s new website at RomeovilleChamber.org. It’s a great place for you to explore and find Chamber businesses and the many types of events we offer. There is so much to see! It’s not only meant for business connections but it’s the perfect place for the community to connect as well.

Our “Chamber News” section on the website is where the community can find press releases from Chamber members with exciting company news. Visit our website often as you’ll find a wide variety of up-todate topics, such as events and advocacy.

There’s also a place for you to sign-up to receive our newsletters/e-blasts to stay in tune and keep up to date on such things as business sales and special deals offered to the community.

As we think back about 2020, we were so happy to finally bring back some in-person events this year. We introduced our Business PM’s meetings from 5-7:00 p.m. at different

members’ locations. It was a great way to meet and connect in a casual fun setting.

We also held monthly luncheons with dynamic speakers and topics. It was a muchneeded change of pace.

With enjoying a taste of getting together in-person this year for networking and camaraderie, the Chamber is looking ahead and has planned a few new events.

The first event of the year will be held on Friday, January 21, 2022. We look forward to our first-ever indoor golf outing! It’s open to everyone and will kick-off the Chamber’s fundraising goals for 2022. It doesn’t matter if you can golf, or not. It will be a fun time for all levels of play with course games, prizes, and more.

Another new event next year will be Chamber Family Day. As always, we want to reinforce the importance of family and spending time together. For this event, mom, dad, aunts, uncles, and cousins, whoever makes up the family dynamic, will be invited to attend. It will be a time for you to say to them, “you’re invited to my work event.”

We will also introduce in February 2022, a gathering called “coffee and compan.”It will be a perfect time for business members who can’t attend our Business PM’s or luncheons, to network in the morning.

As always, check out our website at RomeovilleChamber.org and Facebook to stay connected and find out more.

Kris Kuchler KRIS KUCHLER President & CEO Romeoville Area Chamber of Commerce

Dear Friend, One of the most rewarding aspects of being your State Senator is the ability to provide constituent services to the businesses and residents of the 43rd District.

SM-CL1927789

District Office 20660 Caton Farm Rd., Unit D Crest Hill, IL 60403 Phone (815) 207-4445

John Connor

State Senator, District 43

4 Winter 2021 Newsletter

Romeoville Area Chamber of Commerce

Email: SenatorConnor@gmail.com Website: www.SenatorConnor.com

EVERYDAY LOW PRICES: Casamigos Blanco Tequila 750ml

3899

$

Absolut Vodka (all types) 1.75L

$

(Was: $40.99)

Grey Goose Vodka 750ml

2399

$

2599

Smirnoff Vodka 1.75L

1599

$

RumChata Pe Peppermint Bark 750ml

Buchanan’s 12yr Scotch 750ml

3299

$

Gran Centenario TequilaReposado 750ml

($17.99 when you mix and match any 6 bottles of liquor/wine)

2199

2499

1999

$

$

Ketel One Vodka 1.75L

$

Hennessy VS Cognac

Lagunitas Lil Sumpin’

Modelo Especial

750ml

12pk btl

12pk can

4199

$

1399

$

5899

$

Herradura Tequila Ultra Anejo 750ml

5399

$

Blue Moon

12pk btl or 15pk can

1399

$

Johnnie Walker Black Label 1.75L

1399

$

The Largest Selection of Tequila, Mezcal and Mexican Spirits in Will County!

JOLIET:

3001 W Jefferson St. Phone: 815-730-7541 joesbev.com

10% OFF PURCHASE of six bottles or more

(excludes sale price items and domestic beer)

valid thru 12/31/21

ROMEOVILLE:

460 N Independence Blvd.

Phone: 815-524-4209 joesbev.com

$2 OFF Any Premium Cigar valid thru 12/31/21

$2 OFF Any Draft Beer in our Taproom valid thru 12/31/21

Romeoville Area Chamber of Commerce

Winter 2021 Newsletter 5

ROMEOVILLE CHARITIES

WARM HEARTS AT HOLIDAY TIME

By Diane Krieger Spivak

W

hile charitable acts are appreciated yearround, it’s at the holidays that the need is often most apparent.

From supplying underserved children with a much-loved toy for Christmas, to a holiday meal for a family in need, local charities answer the call.

Angelic Kindness comes through in many ways, serving children, special needs, seniors, those with mental illness, veterans, and more, says President and Co-Founder Debbie Watson. One of the organization’s biggest projects was the Buddy Bench, providing 12 playground benches for any child who needs a buddy at recess in Valley View District and surrounding areas.

Angelic Kindness also “adopted” two male residential homes in the area.

Every Student Needs a Skill

www.wilco.k12.il.us 6 Winter 2021 Newsletter

Romeoville Area Chamber of Commerce

“That demographic is often left out,” Watson says.

Thielmann, who also serves on the FOP Board of Trustees.

Angelic Kindness volunteers fulfilled wish lists containing wants and needs and provided a Christmas meal last year. Watson said the organization has continued assisting the residents throughout the entire year, such as helping them celebrate more holidays, arrange picnics, a Chicago Cubs outing and assisting in a resident’s move to independence.

The FOP’s Cops & Kids program has been immensely popular, providing gifts for children who would not receive Christmas presents due to financial hardship or other extenuating circumstances, or who have experienced a traumatic event over the past year. The program offers the children an opportunity to shop for gifts with Romeoville police officers and members of the lodge at no expense to the children or their families.

“They’ve become close to our hearts,” Watson says.

Angelic Kindness also has baked thousands of cookies for first responders and presented a grant to the Cornerstone Foundation.

“So many things fall through the cracks even with government and charitable support that don’t meet qualifications or criteria,” says Watson. One example was the purchase of hearing aids for a woman who had spent most of her life with a severe hearing impairment.

The Romeoville Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #15 provides Thanksgiving meals for those in need. “We call each family and put together a box, and they come and pick it up at the Romeoville Police Department,” says Det. Dominic

One call.

Big savings.

Your local State Farm* agent makes it easy to save money and time.

“Last year due to COVID we purchased items off their lists,” says Thielmann. “This year, we’re doing it in person. An officer will walk with the child, and they can purchase gifts for themselves and/or their families. It’s one of my favorite events. It’s a little joy in a stressful time.”

The FOP also sets up a Giving Tree in the lobby of the police department for those in need.

“Anyone in the village who wants to come in and help can take an ornament with a wish list inside,” Thielmann says. “They can go out and purchase that item and bring it back to the police department.

Hopefully, that will help out a little as well.”

Call your local agent today for a free quote!

Rigo Valle 815-676-5430 Hablamos Español

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®

statefarm.com® state farm, Bloomington, IL

2551 Division St Ste 106 Joliet Romeoville Area Chamber of Commerce

Winter 2021 Newsletter 7

ROMEOVILLE AREA CHAMBER

ANNUAL EVENTS

Romeoville Chamber events can be found at: RomeovilleChamber.org.

Keep a look out for new and upcoming events as we continue to plan and connect community and businesses.

LUNCHEONS Luncheons are scheduled monthly January through December in 2022.

A sample of the year’s luncheon programming includes: n January 11: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Compliance Presented by Joliet Junior College n February 8: Next Level Customer Service Presented by Lewis University n March 8: Generational Differences/Generational Gap in Today’s Workplace | Presented by Lewis University n April 12: Transitions at Work/ Change Management Strategies | Presented by Lewis University n May 10: Taking Your Career to the Next Level Presented by Lewis University n June 14: Effective Communication in Today’s Organizations Presented by Lewis University

INAUGURAL INDOOR GOLF OUTING The Romeoville Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce a new event in 2022: The first Inaugural Indoor Golf outing!

Whether you are an avid golfer or have never swung a club in your life, you are invited to join this fundraiser and community event. The outing will take place at Mistwood golf dome the evening of January 21, 2022. The indoor outing is sure to be a hit with many businesses and the community.

Just like an outdoor event, the outing will be a scramble with course games, prizes and more. The event will be played on the Toptracer Range on one of the world’s most iconic golf courses.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Sponsorship opportunities for Chamber members and future Chamber members will be posted soon.

Foursomes and Individual tickets will be available, just in time to celebrate 2022 with friends!

The Romeoville Area Chamber of Commerce will offer a 12-month luncheon discount until Jan. 7, 2022. The prepaid lunch offer is $250 for luncheons instead of $275. The RACC also offers a non-member luncheon price of $35 per program.

To register visit: RomeovilleAreaChamber.org

Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202 is a creative, proactive school system in the southwest Chicago suburbs, dedicated to ensuring that all students learn, achieve and grow to their maximum potential.

W W W . P S D 2 0 2 . O R G

PLAINFIELD COMMUNITY CONSOLIDATED

We prepare learners

for the future.

8 Winter 2021 Newsletter

SCHOOL DISTRICT 202

15732 Howard St. Plainfield, IL 60544 • Phone: 815.577.4000

Romeoville Area Chamber of Commerce

Limited Time Offer

FREE 16" Cheese Pizza

with any 20 person or more Catering Order!

Free Small Cheese Pizza with any 16” or 18” pizza order Limited Time Offer!

At’s a Nice Pizza - Always Made Fresh....Since 1988!

Call Today - 815-886-5200

334 N Independence Blvd A Romeoville, IL 60446

SM-CL1930577

Romeoville Area Chamber of Commerce

Winter 2021 Newsletter 9

Member Benefits

ALL MEMBERS • Listing on Chamber website • Promoted in Annual Membership Directory • Hard copy of Annual Membership Directory • One VOR TV infomercial (for Romeoville businesses) • Marketing, networking and referral opportunities • Posting for job openings on Chamber website • Member-to-Member Deals on Chamber website NEW MEMBERS ONLY • Ribbon cutting and ceremony recording for VOR TV (for Romeoville businesses) • Welcome E-Blast • Social Media Shout Out MONTHLY EVENTS • General Membership Luncheon • Business PM’s

Membership Dues

BECOMING A MEMBER

OF THE ROMEOVILLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

O

ur membership represents a diverse group of community leaders and business professionals. Our rapidly growing business community has one common goal: to make our community a better place to live, work and conduct business.

The Chamber also can customize memberships with a variety of sponsorships and events included within one fee. These custom membership are built to fit the need of every business and can include things like a presence on our website, tickets to events, luncheons, exclusive sponsorships opportunities and more.

Custom member levels include Bronze, Silver, Gold, Ruby, Platinum and Diamond.

WHY SHOULD YOU BECOME A MEMBER OF YOUR CHAMBER? In addition to the membership benefits listed at left, Chamber members become part of an organization with a strong credible voice that speaks out on behalf of business and industry. A Chamber membership allows you to shape your community by participating in projects and special task groups that apply business-oriented solutions to community concerns.

1 to 5 ...................................................... $175

As a Chamber member, you have access to an efficient, effective networking system to promote your business and expand your customer base. Your local Chamber of Commerce strives to promote members, and can provide you with resources and referrals to grow your business.

11 to 25................................................... $315

Membership also can boost your community image and increase sales. A national survey found that consumers are 63% more likely to buy from Chamber members.

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES*

DUES

6 to 10 .................................................... $225 26 to 45 .................................................. $525 46 or more .............................................. $700 Non-Profit .............................................. $100 Retired and Rising Business .................. $100 †

The membership dues above are designed to ensure that your business receives the greatest possible value based on the size of the business. All of our active and participating members receive benefits far beyond the value of the annual membership dues, and we look forward to showing you the benefits of our chamber! * When calculating number of employees, two part-time employees equal one full-time employee.

BECOME A MEMBER OF THE CHAMBER! Becoming a member of the Romeoville Area Chamber of Commerce is easy and affordable!

To access an application, scan the QR code.

THANK YOU TO OUR PRESIDENT’S CLUB MEMBERS

Call the chamber at (815) 886-2076 for information about this newest level of membership. †

Financial support of the Chamber may be a deductible from Federal Income Tax as an ordinary and necessary business expense.

10 Winter 2021 Newsletter

Romeoville Area Chamber of Commerce

NEW MEMBERS

The Chamber welcomed 31 new members who joined from December 2020 through early November 2021.

Angelic Kindness

Greater Joliet Area YMCA

PeopleShare

The Seasons at Romeoville

Arby’s- AM Romeoville Meats LLC

HQ Signs

Rainbow Magic

Time To Eat Chicago

Julie Quigley

Robert Gray Real People Realty

Triton Logistics

angelickindness.org

arbys.com

BrightStar Events

www.brightstar-event.com

Comfortmax Heating and Cooling www.comfortmax.org

Crate & Barrel

www.crateandbarrel.com

Fairfield Inn and Suites

by Marriott

www.marriott.com/hotels/factsheet/ travel/chibo-fairfield-inn-and-suiteschicago-bolingbrook

Fursona Pins, Inc. fursonapins.com

www.jolietymca.org

www.peopleshareworks.com www.rainbowmagicdeco.com

myhqsigns.com www.juliequigley.com

robertgray.realpeoplerealty.com

Kenneth Harris CPA

Rosati’s Pizza

harrisaccounting.com

www.rosatispizza.com/location/ romeoville-il

MoatzArt - Graphic Design & Website Development

Sarah Ruzick Realtor Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Chicago

www.moatzart.com

Mom & Pop Pest Control Services, LLC

momandpoppestcontrolservices.com

Mondi

www.simplyrelocating.com

Northwestern Mutual

www.tritonlogistic.com

Ultimate Rental Services, Inc. www.UltimateRentalServices.com

United Cerebral Palsy Center for Disability Services ucp-cds.org

United Heating and Air Conditioning Incorporated

www.facebook.com/unitedhvac17

SVN Chicago Industrial

vinyl-geeks.com

TDI Networks

www.zenbusiness.com/illinois-llc

www.svnchicago.com

www.northwesternmutual.com

timetoeatchicago.com

Shaw Media

shawmediamarketing.com

www.mondigroup.com

www.seasonsatromeoville.com

Vinyl Geeks

ZenBusiness

www.tdinetworks.com

Don’t suffer in the bitter cold, get your

FURNACE CHECKED

SARAH RUZICK 630.908.0896

Move Confidently.

before it’s too late!

Serving the Romeoville and surrounding areas.

Selling or buying a home isn’t an everyday thing, it’s a change your life thing.

(815) 641-2888 comfortmax.org

Choose your real estate agent accordingly.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago www.SimplyRelocating.com SM-CL1929297

SM-CL1928926

Romeoville Area Chamber of Commerce

Winter 2021 Newsletter 11

EURO HOMELAND DELI r Caterinegnfto! any ev

Local European Deli specializing in all your favorite European meats, deli, bakery, fresh produce and so much more!

Bakery

Fresh pastries, cakes & other desserts.

Hours: Mon., Tues., Wed. 9am-5pm | Thur. & Fri. 9am-6pm | Sat. 8am-5pm, Sun. 10am-3pm

456 N. Weber Rd., Suite A | Romeoville, IL 60446 Like us on facebook 12 Winter 2021 Newsletter

815-524-5712

Romeoville Area Chamber of Commerce

SM-CL1927803