February 2012 Newsletter
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President's Spotlight
My hat's off to our Legislative Committee for their foresight and initiative in planning and sponsoring the upcoming "State of the Village" address by Oswego Village President Brian LeClercq. The event is set for Friday, February 17 at Oswego East High School with check-in and breakfast at 7:00 am followed by President LeClercq's presentation.
Initial registration indicates a high level of interest by both Chamber Members and non-members alike. Preregistration is required with the cost for members set at $10.00 while the cost for non-members is $15.00. Please note that the deadline for registration is FEBRUARY 8 and may be made online by clicking here or by calling 630-554-3505.
Meetings of the Legislative committee are held monthly and are regularly attended by elected officials from the area. If you would like to serve on the committee, please call the Chamber office and we'll be happy to add you to the roster.
Steve Hatcher
Presdient
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Chamber Election Process Begins
Have you ever thought about serving on the Chamber's Board of Directors? The Nominating Committee consisting of Brenda Van Wyhe, Rush-Copley Medical Center; Kristen Sanders, Castle Bank; and Ken McLaughlin, Esp, Kreuzer, Cores & McLaughlin, LLP has been appointed and will be performing their duties over the next several weeks with an election announcement to be made at our Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 3. All current members willing to accept the responsibility of Directorship are eligible to serve except those seated directors not eligible for re-election. Please contact Steve Hatcher at the Chamber office and provide a brief bio by February 15th if you wish to be considered by the nominating committee.
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To Use Twitter Effectively, Think of Your Grocery Store's Checkout Stand
By: Andy Clements
There are roughly 144 million tweets sent out every day, many of them from celebrities, corporations with a social media marketing staff of dozens of young people, and major news organizations that have enormous followings. So how can you get yours to stand out in the crowd? And better yet, how can you use them to help your business?
There are really two answers to this question. The first is to set the right expectations. Unless you are enormously popular, the chances that you're going to sell anything directly from Twitter are pretty slim. With that in mind, your focus shouldn't necessarily be on making the cash register ring, but driving traffic to your site, your blog, or some landing page.
Once you have that goal firmly in mind, then take a time-honored tradition out of the marketer's playbook and think like your average grocery aisle magazine editor. That is, condense the headline of your message into something that's quick, easy to read, and attention-grabbing enough to make sure that it's hard to think about anything else for at least a few seconds.
If you're at a loss for inspiration, then take this advice literally. Go to your local super market and see what kinds of stories are being peddled. We guarantee you'll find promises of salacious celebrity breakups, lizard babies hatching from swamps, and maybe even a doomsday prediction or two. None of these might be particularly true, but they are great examples of pulling readers in.
It goes without saying that we aren't actually advising you to make up something crazy, irresponsible, or libelous; what we are telling you to do is think outside the box. No one cares that "Jane Expert predicts steady growth in the coming years," but it's hard for your customers and colleagues to ignore your advice for "record-breaking profit margins."
The challenge for anyone wanting to market themselves or their products on Twitter is rising above the noise. Focus on driving traffic to your site by grabbing quick bites of attention, and you'll be doing just that in no time.
For more information please contact Weblinx Inc. at 630-551-0334 or on the web at www.weblinxinc.com.
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Inspiring Women of Oswego 2012 Dates and Sponsorship Opportunities
2012 Dates
March 14th @ 11:30 am - Thank you Allied First Bank for being the Event Sponsor and Rasmussen & The Pooper Scoopers for stepping up to be Business Spotlight Sponsors. This event will be held at Blackstone Bar & Grill
April 11th @ 6:00 pm
May 9th @ 11:30 am
July 11th @ 11:30 am
September 12th @11:30 am
October 10th @ 6 pm
November 15th@ 6 pm
Sponsorship Opportunities available - In 2012 there will be 2 sponsorship options: Business Spotlight (maximum of 3 per month) $50 includes lunch, 1 minute commercial time and the ability to distribute marketing materials and an Event Sponsorship $150, 1 per event includes lunch, acknowledgement on all pre-event materials, logo recognition on power point, 3 minute commercial, business signage at event and ability to distribute marketing materials.
Basket Raffle donations needed - At every luncheon we raffle off baskets or items that have donated by Chamber member businesses. The money that is raised from these raffles goes to our philanthropic project each year. Last year we were able to give Mutual Ground through a matching donation $2000. If you are interested in donating a Raffle basket or gift certificate worth at least $25 contact the Chamber office at 630-554-3505 or info@oswegochamber.org
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2012 New Resident Program - Generating New Customers in the New Year - RSVP Soon!
Introduce Your Business to New Residents for $2.00 each
The Oswego Chamber of Commerce invites its members on a first come, first served, non-exclusive basis to introduce their business to the newest homeowners in Oswego, Boulder Hill and Montgomery. This program will be offered quarterly during 2012 beginning on February 1 or once a minimum of 20 members have elected to participate.
Here's how it works:
- Member businesses furnish the Chamber with a supply of thirty of their best high end promotional pieces to be presented as gifts to new residents along with a $60 participation fee payable to the Chamber. Please note: A new resident gift should have real value. A brochure and business card would not be acceptable.
- The Chamber office will notify new residents that Oswego Chamber member businesses have prepared a welcome gift for them which may be claimed by contacting the office.
- The Chamber will notify each participating business on a monthly basis of deliveries made. The business will receive the name and address of the gift recipient for potential follow up.
- Participating members will have the option to either continue or discontinue their involvement each time the promotional gifts are depleted.
To participate in this program, please fill out the form and return to chamber office by faxing to 630-554-0050, mailing to 63 W. Washington St or dropping off at the Chamber office.
Click here to download the form.
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Upcoming Committee Meetings
Inspiring Women of Oswego - Wednesday, February 1st , 9:30 am, Chamber office
Golf Committee - Friday, February 3rd, 8:30 am, Chamber office
Business & Consumer Expo - Thursday,February 16th, 8:30 am, Chamber office
Legislative - Monday, February 6th, 3:00 pm, Village of Oswego Community Room
Ambassador - Wednesday, March 28th, 8:30 am, Chamber office
If you are interested in any of the above committee, please call the chamber office at 630-554-3505 or plan to attend.
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More Around Town
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TGIFF – Thank Goodness It's First Friday hosted by Leads 3
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| Date: |
Friday, February 3rd |
| Location: |
Scoreboards, 1100 Douglas Rd, Oswego |
| Time: |
4:30-6:30 pm |
| Information: |
Chamber Office 630-554-3505 |
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February Coffee with B.O.B. (Leads IV)
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| Date: |
Wednesday, February 8th |
| Location: |
AmericInn, 1050 Douglas Rd |
| Program: |
8:00-10:00 am |
| Information: |
Chamber Office 630-554-3505 |
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All Members welcome for this Business before Business networking Event. |
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Ribbon Cutting/Open House – Arbonne International
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| Date: |
Thursday, February 9th |
| Location: |
Chamber office, 63 W. Washington St. |
| Time: |
4:00-6:00 pm with Ribbon Cutting at 4:30 pm |
| Information: |
Chamber Office 630-554-3505 |
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February Business after Business – Taste of Oswego
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| Date: |
Thursday, February 16th |
| Location: |
Allied First Bank, 3201 Orchard Rd., Oswego |
| Time: |
5:00 – 7:00 pm |
| Information: |
Chamber Office 630-554-3505 |
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State of the Village Breakfast
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| Date: |
Friday, February 17th |
| Location: |
Oswego East High School, 1525 Harvey Rd |
| Time: |
7:00 – 9:00 am |
| Information: |
Chamber Office 630-554-3505 |
| Cost: |
$10 Oswego Chamber Members/$15 Non-members |
| Register: |
Click here |
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Leap Year Membership Drive – Leap Your Business in Oswego Chamber Membership – all members invited
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| Date: |
Wednesday, February 29th |
| Location: |
BounceTown, 126 Kirkland Circle, Oswego |
| Time: |
7:00 – 9:00 am & 5:00 - 7:00 pm |
| Information: |
Chamber Office 630-554-3505 |
| Sponsors: |
Ambassador Committee, Bounce Town and Alarm Detection Systems |
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Inspiring Women of Oswego Luncheon – Real Professionals: Their Rise to Success
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| Date: |
Wednesday, March 14th |
| Location: |
Blackstone Bar & Grill, 600 E. Veterans Parkway, Yorkville |
| Program: |
11:30 am – 1:00 pm |
| Information: |
Chamber Office 630-554-3505 |
| Cost: |
$25 for chamber members; $30 for non-members |
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2012 Business & Consumer Expo – Registration is open online
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| Date: |
Saturday, April 14th |
| Location: |
Oswego High School Fieldhouse, Route 71, Oswego |
| Time: |
9:00 am – 2:00 pm |
| Information: |
Chamber Office 630-554-3505 |
| Register: |
www.oswegobusiness.org |
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Annual Dinner – SAVE THE DATE
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| Date: |
Thursday, May 3rd |
| Location: |
Whitetail Ridge Golf Course, Yorkville |
| Time: |
6:00 pm |
| Information: |
Chamber Office 630-554-3505 |
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Golf Outing – SAVE THE DATE
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| Date: |
Thursday, May 31st |
| Location: |
Fox Bend Golf Course, 3516 Route 34, Oswego |
| Time: |
11:00 am shotgun |
| Information: |
Chamber Office 630-554-3505 |
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Oswego Chamber is using Constant Contact for emails
The Oswego Chamber of Commerce is using Constant Contact for emails. If your business also uses Constant Contact you are eligible for a discount. Please call the chamber office to learn more about cost savings to you.
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The Oswego Chamber of Commerce is now on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn
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Coffee with B.O.B.
Business after Business - Message Envy
Inspiring Women of Oswego Luncheon
Leap Year Membership Drive
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Are you interested in a Leads Group? Contact or visit the groups to learn more
Leads I meets Thursdays from 7:30 – 8:30 am at the Family Restaurant on Main Street
President – Paul Rathman
Email – prathman@alliedfirst.com
Phone – 630-383-0169
Leads II meets Tuesdays from 7:30 – 8:30 am at the Family Restaurant on Main Street
President – Eric Madsen
Email – erik.madsen@transorldsystems.com
Phone – 847-969-7941
Leads III meets Thursdays from 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm at Tap House Grill
President – Dave Erickson
Email – david.erickson@edwardjones.com
Phone – 630-552-9576
Leads IV meets Wednesdays from 9:00 – 10:00 am at the AmericInn
President – Tim Leverich
Email – tim@hometowneinsurance.com
Phone – 630-554-4040
Leads V meets 2nd & 4th Fridays from 12:30 – 1:30 pm at Scoreboards
President – Nicole Tudisco
Email – nicoletudisco@gmail.com
Phone – 630-973-8932
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ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES: Reserve your eblast spot now!
Want to stand out from the crowd? Exclusive email blast ads are available for $50. You have the option of having your email ad go out on Monday or Wednesday. Your ad will go to all Chamber of Commerce members, and only one ad will be distributed on Monday and one on Wednesday. Ads need to be in a gif or jpeg format and no larger than 250 KB and 720 x 800 pixels.
You may now have the Membership Directory emailed to you in Excel format for $50.
Any questions? Please contact Angie at the Chamber office at 630-554-3505.
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New Members
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Nezpique-Illinois, LLC
Henry Southam
Oswego, IL
630.608.7437
630.636.0569
hsoutham@nezpique.com
www.nezpique.com
Land development consulting services for residential and commercial developers. Nezpique-Illinois is your colleague in land development from due diligence to construction on the last lot.
Referred by Steve Hatcher
Drive Home Safe Driving School, LLC
Dennis Harper
1168 Douglas Rd
Oswego, IL 60543
630.551.4300
630.466.5546
dennis@drivehomesafe.net
www.drivehomesafe.net
Driving school; Adult and teen instruction – driver's education, defensive driving and accident avoidance.
Molly Logan Anderson
Molly Anderson
Oswego, IL
630.841.7995
molly@writesmartinc.com
www.mollylogananderson.com
Getting the right words out about your business is top priority when it comes to attracting clients, growing sales and building your bottom line. I'm Molly Logan Anderson, a professional writer with years of experience assisting folks like you to use the written word to achieve a higher level of success for your business. It's my mission to fully understand the message you wish to convey to your valued clients and ensure that it's delivered in the most effective way. Your passions and my words will create a world of difference for your business.
Returning member
Caterpillar Inc – Elite Gold Member
Peter F. Wright
Aurora Supply Chain
Rt 31 South
Aurora, IL 60507
630.859.5550
wright_peter_f@cat.com
European Chef to the Rescue
Mark Low
1420 Orchid St
Yorkville, IL 60560
630.401.6951
europeancheftotherescue@live.com
Catering Company
Returning Member
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Jersey Mike's Subs – Elite Bronze Member
Raj Patel
2428 Route 34
Oswego, IL 60543
630-554-2993
raj@theharigroup.com
www.jerseymikes.com
Restaurant – sub sandwiches
Referred by: Jennifer Jones-Sinnott
Immeron IT
Steve Smith
123 W. Washington St. #333
Oswego, IL 60543
708.686.0330
Fax: 630.869.0267
ssmith@immeronit.com
www.immeronit.com
Comprehensive Desktop, Server and Network Support. Proactive 24 X 7 Monitoring all at a predictable, affordable Monthly cost.
Kendall County Forest Preserve District
Tina Villarreal
110 W. Madison
Yorkville, IL 60560
630.552.5253
Fax: 630.553.4023
tina@ellishec.com
www.co.kendall.il.us/forest_preserve/
Arborville Turf & Landscape
Kristin Bellows
680 Rance Rd
Oswego, IL 60543
630.554.3300
arborville@gmail.com
www.arborville.biz
Landscape Maintenance
Returning member
SparkDog Consulting Inc.
Matt Cyncar
215 Ashcroft Ln
Oswego, IL 60543
630.346.1733
Fax: 630.405.7419
lanman@sparkdog.net
www.sparkdogconsulting.com
Information Technology and Services; Cloud Hosting
3 Day Blinds
Patty Stephens
Aurora, IL 60503
630.487.1209
Fax: 800.323.0927
pstephens@3day.com
www.3dayblinds.com/patty-stephens
Custom blinds, shades and shutters
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2011 - 2012 Board of Directors
Tim Leverich
Chairman (term expires 2012)
Hometowne Insurance Services Inc.
155 Chicago Rd., (Route 34)
Oswego, IL 60543
630-554-3505 (direct)
630-554-4646 fax
tim@hometowneinsurance.com
Tony Sidio
Vice Chairman (term expires 2013)
Tony Sidio Consulting
3756 Bailey Road
Yorkville, IL 60560
630-202-6765
tony@sidio.com
Brenda Van Wyhe
Treasurer (term expires 2012)
Rush-Copley Medical Center
2000 Ogden Ave.
Aurora, IL. 60504
630.898.3565
630.978.6860 fax
Brenda.Vanwyhe@rushcopley.com
Nicole Tudisco
Secretary (term expires 2013)
Wheatland Realty
1753 Delta Drive
Aurora, IL 60503
630-973-8932
630-898-2619 fax
nicoletudisco@gmail.com
Gail Gauger
Director (term expires 2013)
Ken Bertrand
Director (term expires 2012)
Allied First Bank
3201 Orchard Rd
Oswego, IL 60543
630-554-8899
866-554-3311 fax
kbertrand@alliedfirst.com
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Dean Kleronomos
Director (term expires 2012)
Lorenzini & Associates
2683 Route 34
Oswego, IL 60543
630-554-1920
630-554-1682 fax
d.kleronomos@comcast.net
Matt Kewenig
Director (term expires 2013)
Aspen Financial Services
201 Constitution Drive, Suite D
Aurora, IL 60506
630-897-7575
630-897-5731 fax
matthew.kewenig@lpl.com
Sandy Benson
Director (term expires 2012)
Edward Hospital & Health Services
801 S. Washington
Naperville, IL 60540
630-527-3931
630-527-3963 fax
sbenson@edward.org
Jeannie LaMarre
Director (term expires 2013)
Tastefully Simple
Fox Valley Trophy
74 W. Washington
Oswego, IL 60543
630-554-2525
630-554-3850 fax
foxvalleytrophy@yahoo.com
Keith Wolff
Director (term expires 2013)
Keith's Car Care
78 Stonehill Rd
Oswego, IL 60543
630-554-8911
630-554-2371 fax
keith@keithscarcare.com
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Staff
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