St Charles Chamber Newsletter - March 2024

Proudly serving the City of St. Charles, St. Charles Township, Village of Campton Hills and surrounding communities.

LET’S HONOR OUR MAIN

ATTRACTIONS “UNDER THE BIG TOP”

Mark your calendar for the 56th annual Charlemagne Awards

The St. Charles Area Chamber of Commerce is privileged to be a steadfast and supportive organization advocating for businesses and nonprofits in our community.

To keep the momentum energized all year long, we’ve wrapped the Chamber’s mantra in 2024 around the central theme of “Under the Big Top” to emphasize the high performance of all involved. Our success

is driven by many dedicated members who volunteer their time, talents, and sponsorships. They juggle their high accomplishments as leaders on our board, as active participants on our strategic committees and as generous donors for our many events. Their efforts springboard our chamber’s visibility and strength.

Our Chamber staff is an important part of our success. They engage

with our members in a creative and professional manner and work together as an energized acrobatic team. I’m proud to shine the spotlight on them, too. Our community members also provide a vast amount of inspiration for their continued service that touch all the spokes of our lives.

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DEBORAH GURLEY Executive Director St. Charles Area Chamber of Commerce

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

Photo Credit TWA Photography

Photo Credit — Matt Warren Photography

St. Charles Area Chamber of Commerce

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They balance their volunteerism, work and family like a high-wire circus act. And they always land with success.

Come one, come all as the St. Charles Area Chamber of Commerce celebrates these individuals in a big way with its highly anticipated 56th annual Charlemagne Awards dinner May 17, 2024, at the Q Center, Fox River Ballroom, in St. Charles.

With this year’s theme of “Under the Big Top,” we are continuing this unique community tradition of honoring, recognizing, and celebrating the many accomplishments of Chamber members and the St. Charles community. They represent the very best when it comes to building business relationships, supporting local events, and unrivaled community involvement.

Community members, Chamber members, and guests from the St. Charles area are all warmly invited to take part in the celebration. We’ll enjoy vintage carnival games and have a chance to win “over the top” prizes with a drawing of esteemed golden tickets.

The highlight of the evening is the

presentation of our annual awards, including the Charlemagne Award, L.E.A.P. Award, Community Development Awards, Community Image Awards, and Civic Image Awards.

The most anticipated spotlight of the evening recognitions is the coveted Charlemagne Award, which is bestowed on an individual with a long history of volunteerism and dedication to our community. This lifetime achievement award was created in 1968 based on the legend written by C.V. Amenoff, who served as mayor of St. Charles from 1969-1973.

Who will be this year’s 56th annual honoree of this very prestigious recognition? Who will join the long list of inspiring leaders who received the Charlemagne Award? Our recent past recipients have had a solid impact on our community. They are Jim Cooke (2022), Ray Rogina (2021), Dr. John Mason (2020), Bob Gorecki (2019), Jeff Hunt (2018), Clint Hull (2017), Darlene Riebe (2016), John Hoscheit (2015) and Steve Martin (2014).

Would you like to “throw someone in the ring”? Please nominate someone who epitomizes true commitment to our community and makes a

difference. Nominations for the Charlemagne Award are open to any individual of St. Charles whose epitomizes the legend of the four sons of Charlemagne in areas of business, civic, industrial, education, religious, cultural, or natural recreation improvements in the city.

The L.E.A.P. Award, recognizing leadership, excellence, achievement, and professionalism, is presented to any woman who goes above and beyond the call of duty in her business, the Chamber, the Women’s Business Council, and/or helping women in our community. Past honorees include: Former State Senator Karen McConnaughay (2023); Linda Strohschien (2021); Julie Purcell (2020); Leah Hoppes (2019); Diane Gibson (2018); Diana McClow (2017); Laurie Milbourn (2016); Kate Sullivan (2015), and Debbie Gurley (2014).

We welcome your Charlemagne and L.E.A.P. nominations! The award nomination forms with descriptive criteria for all are posted on the chamber website at www.stcharleschamber.com.

Step right up and join us at this year’s extravaganza – “Under the Big Top,” your golden ticket awaits!

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

NICK BROOKS Treasurer DHJJ, Certified Public Accountants and Business Advisors

JOSHUA FEAGANS Chair Feagans Law Group

PAULA PRICE Vice Chair Batir Architecture Ltd

DEBBIE GURLEY Executive Director

NIKKI NELSON Office Administrator

DEBORAH GIAMPAPA Boutique Baby

SHERI DESHAZO Advocate Sherman DAVE FROLICSTEIN Frolicstein Financial Wealth Management

DEE JOHNSON Supporting Strategies | Chicago

BRIAN MCNALLY McNally’s Heating & Cooling

ADAM HOGAN First Mid Bank & Trust

CONNOR MASSEY Marketing & Event Specialist

RACHEL SCHUCK Edward Jones TOYA WEBB Elgin Community College

CHARLES MURPHY Midwest Compost, LLC

St. Charles Area Chamber of Commerce 

Welcome NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS

n AG Pool Masters LLC

n Aire Serv of St. Charles

n Andy’s Frozen Custard

n Antares Health Products, Inc.

n BAC Restoration

n Both And Pictures

n CBD Kratom

n CCS Technology Group

n CIG Wealth Management

n Clean Image Janitorial Solutions

n Cleo Coaching & Consulting

n College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk & Moving

n Comparion Insurance

n Extract Juicery

n Forward. With Ann

n Freedom Foodscapes

n Global Brew Tap House

n John F Weitz CPA, Inc.

n Kendall’s Kindness

n KidStrong

n Liquor N Wine, Inc

n Madrigal Team Cleaning Services

n Main Street Marketing

n Maple Leaf Roasters Café

n MEK Consulting

n Miter Box Media

n New York Life Insurance Company

n Passionette Palate

n Paylocity

n Phil’s Friends

n Rebellion Kettlebell Gym

n River Glen of St. Charles

n Rosie’s Color Studio

n RSD Construction LLC

n Seeds of Early Learning Academy

n Springs at St. Charles

n Support Over Stigma

n Symphony Search Inc.

n The Cole Kubista Foundation Inc.

n Thompson Therapeutics and Mediation

n Transworld Business Advisors

n Rieke Interiors (September)

n St. Charles History Museum (October)

n First Mid Bank & Trust (February)

you to the hosts of the recent Business After Hours events. Interested in hosting a Business After Hours event?

the Chamber at 630-584-8384!

YOUR IT

WITH

CCS TECHNOLOGY!

The need for cost-effective and flexible IT solutions has never been more critical. At CCS Technology, we understand the unique challenges faced by small and mid-size businesses, and we’re excited to introduce you to a game-changing approach to IT Managed Services.

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Comprehensive Onboarding and Offboarding

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Virtual Workforce Considerations

Embrace the future of work with confidence. We help you navigate the complexities of managing a virtual workforce, ensuring seamless collaboration and security.

Exceptional Service

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Pricing Plan Flexibility

Your business, your terms. What truly makes CCS Technology stand out is our pricing plan flexibility.

LIMITED TIME OFFER – FREE GIFTS!

We invite you to a 30-minute introductory call where our experts will demonstrate how CCS Technology can provide superior value for your managed IT needs. As a token of our appreciation, you’ll receive a $25 Starbucks gift card.*

For those ready to dive deeper, opt for an in-person 30-minute meeting. Along with the $25 Starbucks gift card, you’ll receive 2 Yetis and 3 customized and branded virtual backgrounds for your company’s use.*

St. Charles Area Chamber of Commerce

Here at the St. Charles Area Chamber of Commerce, we understand that every Member is different, and it isn’t always feasible for them to come to us. Which is why we’re bringing the Chamber to them! We’re so incredibly excited to introduce our latest project, a podcast and video series we’re calling ‘Up Close & Memberable’ where each month, we sit down with one of our Members to learn more about what they do and who they are.

n Balmoral Restaurant

n Feagans Law Group

n Advocate Sherman Hospital

n Inluro

n The Graceful Ordinary

Services Offered:

ImmediateCare - Walk In Physician Services

Monday - Friday 7:00am

Saturday & Sunday 7:00am

Family Medicine/Internal Medicine

General Surgery

Women’s Services

• Obstetrics & Gynecology

• Urogynecology

• Gynecologic Oncology

Endocrinology

Physical/Occupational Therap

Imaging Services

St. Charles Area Chamber of Commerce

Join us for a Chamber-exclusive

*Book now, and enjoy a special offer of just $3,499 per person!

7-night Italian getaway!

Presented by CI Destinations & the St. Charles Area Chamber of Commerce

This Chamber-exclusive trip departs on Oct. 22, 2024 and is open to all Chamber Members! To qualify, just ONE traveler in your party needs to be a current Member – meaning, YOU can sign up for the trip and bring along your spouse, children, grandchildren or friends – even if they live out of state!

For more information, view the itinerary overview on the opposite page.

To view the full itinerary and reserve your spot today, scan the QR code to download the registration form.

Or, join us on April 9 for an informational meeting where you can meet our guide and get all your questions answered. To register for the informational meeting, visit www.stcharleschamber.com/event-landing/allevents/amalfi-coast-informational-meeting.

St. Charles Area Chamber of Commerce

DAY BY DAY:

C I Destinations

The St. Charles Area Chamber of Commerce presents Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast

Day 1: Board your transatlantic flight.

Day 2: Arrive Rome/Maiori: Check into your hotel in Maiori on the Amalfi Coast. A welcome dinner is included.

Day 3: Amalfi Coast tour: After breakfast, enjoy a morning tour of the Amalfi Coast. This afternoon you will see the sights of Positano.

Day 4: Naples: Following breakfast, enjoy an optional tour of the amazing city of Naples. This evening, dinner will be served at your hotel.

Day 5: Maiori: Spend today at leisure or join the optional tour to Capri Island. After breakfast, you will reach the small pier of Amalfi to take the jetfoil to Capri.

Day 6: Paestum and Salerno: After breakfast, enjoy a full day tour to Paestum and Salerno.

Day 7: Maiori: Enjoy a full day at leisure. Today is yours to enjoy and explore.

Day 8: Pompeii and Rome: After breakfast, depart to Pompeii. With a local guide you will visit the excavations which offer an intact vision of daily life. This afternoon you will transfer to Rome where you will have free time to explore the town with your tour manager. Enjoy an overnight stay in Rome.

Day 9: Rome /USA: Transfer to the airport for your flight home with wonderful memories of Italy.

HIGHLIGHTS:

 Amalfi Coast

 Ravello

 Naples (optional)

 Capri (optional)

 Salerno & Paestum

 Pompeii

 Rome

INCLUSIONS:

 Round Trip Airfare from Dulles

 Airline Fuel Surcharges, Taxes and Fees

 7 Nights First Class Hotel

 10 Meals (7B, 3D)

 Sightseeing Per Itinerary

Admissions Per Itinerary

Professional Tour Manager

Baggage Handling

Hotel Transfers

$599 - Optional 2 Night Rome Post Tour Extension Includes deluxe motor coach, 2 breakfasts, Rome city tour, and professional t our director.

2024 signature events

Mark your calendars for these upcoming attractions “Under the Big Top!”

n 56TH ANNUAL CHARLEMAGNE AWARDS DINNER

6 p.m. Friday, May 17 at the Q Center

n 49TH ANNUAL GOLF OUTING Friday, Aug. 16 at Prairie Landing Golf Club

n CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WEEK Week of Septmber 8-14

n CITY UPDATE

11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9 at Hilton Garden Inn

n MEMBERSHIP BREAKFAST

7:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 7 at St. Charles Country Club

n HOLIDAY PARTY

5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9 at The Graceful Ordinary

Also mark your calendars for these upcoming events

ST. CHARLES AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

GROUPS AND COMMITTEES

There are a variety of opportunities to participate in a group and/or committee with the St. Charles Area Chamber of Commerce. Participating in a group or committee has many benefits, including opportunities to network, increase brand exposure and more!

AMBASSADORS COUNCIL

Ambassadors are individuals who have records of achievement in the community and/or have given outstanding service to the St. Charles Area Chamber of Commerce and may include past chairmen, former Chamber leaders, and former Charlemagne and L.E.A.P. award winners. The Ambassadors serve as visible and active advocates for the St. Charles Area Chamber of Commerce and its mission.

COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT

The CCRD Roundtable gives its members the opportunity to build relationships, discuss current and/or potential local Commercial Real Estate projects, and present and discuss industry-related successes, challenges and opportunities.

INDUSTRIAL COMMITTEE

The Industrial Committee works to enhance connections among industrial enterprises, the educational sector, government entities, and the broader business community through educational events including its annual Manufacturing Month activities and an annual scholarship to local students entering into industrial trades.

LEAD$ GROUPS

The Chamber offers multiple LEAD$ Groups which are made up of noncompeting businesses who aim to build relationships within the business community. The LEAD$ Groups assist and help each other grow their businesses by acting as an extended sales force. Through personal interaction, members recommend and refer their expertise to other businesses with personal recommendations and introductions.

St. Charles Area Chamber of Commerce

LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

The mission of the Learning & Development Committee is to enhance the Chamber member’s experience by providing access to quality and relevant educational opportunities, and enhancing knowledge and skills necessary for their businesses, through events, seminars and initiatives.

LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE

The Legislative Committee provides meaningful information and selected advocacy topics to Chamber members relative to local, state, and federal legislative topics. They educate members and advocate on behalf of the St. Charles Chamber’s business community following the committee’s advocacy policy and procedures through events, seminars and programming.

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

The Membership Committee’s main focus is growing and retaining membership, promoting events and chamber programs and informing members of the various tools, services and benefits of the Chamber. As the main welcoming body of the Chamber, they act as mentors for newer members on how to most effectively utilize their Chamber membership.

NOT-FOR-PROFIT ROUNDTABLE

The Not-for-Profit Roundtable’s mission is to provide resources, support and guidance to nonprofits in order to enhance their community impact. The group strives to help each other reach their full potential through collaboration and work to make positive change in the community.

WOMEN’S BUSINESS COUNCIL

The Women’s Business Council is dedicated to empowering and supporting women in business by creating an inclusive environment for all professionals that fosters networking, professional growth, and mentorship at all career stages. The WBC also contributes to charitable causes and provides educational opportunities through their various programs and events.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS COUNCIL

The Young Professionals Council encourages members under the age of 40 to join together and foster relationship-building, career development, entrepreneurial endeavors and civic involvement among professionals of all ages.

RIBBON

St. Charles Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes and congratulates these new and existing members in our community!

DIAMOND

RUBY SPONSORS

SAPPHIRE SPONSORS

EMERALD SPONSORS