December 2011 Newsletter
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President’s Spotlight
Chamber Christmas Wish List
Two items have found their way to the top of the Chamber’s wish list and we’re hopeful that a member or members might find some “excess inventory” in storage that they’d be willing to share.
First, our member showcase area at the office has been so successful that we’re unable to accommodate any additional promotional items from our members. Either self-standing or small wall mounted literature racks are a priority.
Second, we desperately need 6-10 stack type or commercial grade folding chairs for the conference room. Until recently, we’d been using borrowed chairs for committee meetings but those are no longer available to us.
Thanks for thinking of us and Merry Christmas!
Steve Hatcher
Presdient
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If You Want More Online Buyers, Make Buying an Easy Choice
By: Andy Clements
It can be easy, when we’re looking over sparkling new layouts or an ambitious web marketing plan, to forget that things aren’t always as easy and natural for our buyers as they are for us. That's because, no matter how great we know our company is, and how many reasons we give them to buy, we can't take away all the fears in their mind. Most online shoppers have heard too many horror stories about stolen credit cards and other scams to feel completely confident if they haven't bought from you before. And that's to say nothing of the risk that they're paying too much, or that your business won't do what it promised.
How can you help them to make the right choice? By giving them some clues that you are a reputable company and making it easy. Here are six simple ways to tweak your business website and turn more visitors into buyers:
Promise a money-back, 100% satisfaction guarantee. One study after another has shown that few people have the ambition to return a product even if they are dissatisfied, but everyone feels better knowing the option is available. Put it in writing that you'll fix any customer problem, even if you don't expect you'll have to do it very often.
Include a free gift at checkout. Few things tip buyers over the edge like the prospect of receiving an instant free gift with their purchase. Surprisingly, it doesn't take anything all that large to convince them to go ahead and complete their purchase, so consider adding a little gift or premium with each order.
Try free shipping. Likewise, having shipping be free or included in the purchase price makes it easier for people to buy, since they don't have to mentally add those costs in (which can make the decision seem bigger than it was before). You might not be able to throw in overnight premium shipping, but why not try including standard ground with every completed order?
Reduce the number of steps to finish a sale. It’s amazing how many online retailers require customers to click through page after page of forms, registrations, and sometimes e-mail confirmations just to set up an account and complete an order. All those steps might seem necessary to you, but to the buyer they might just seem like extra hoops to jump through until they decide the purchase just isn’t worth it anymore. Try to streamline the ordering process so that it can be completed in just a couple of minutes or less – it gives the customer one less reason to give up and shop elsewhere.
Offer fewer choices. One of the great mysteries of life, or at least psychology, is the way having too many choices can actually make it harder to find what we’re looking for. Why? Because all those extra options make us stop and wonder if we’re really doing the right thing… and sometimes convince us to put the decision off until later, or not make it at all. Any experienced online business owner can tell you that the odds of recovering a sale that was abandoned aren’t very good; people just don’t decide to come back a second time and finish their purchase very often. With that in mind, try to set up your site in a way that it’s easy for shoppers to find what they’re looking for without an overwhelming number of choices or distractions. It might seem like you’re taking away potential sales, but you’re probably making it easier for them to end up with what they want.
Put quotes from happy customers all over your site. This is a marketing trick that’s as old as time, and for good reason: We are all a lot more comfortable trading away our money when we see that it has worked out for someone else in the past. Do whatever you can to encourage people to write in with their kudos, because you can’t beat them for marketing effect. Having nice quotes from happy buyers all over your site is a great way to turn one sale into dozens.
Remember, just because it’s easy for you to sell something online doesn’t mean that it’s easy for others to make the decision to buy it. Take some of the guesswork out of the process for them by following these tips – it will seem like the natural choice to them, and a great bottom-line move for you.
For more information please contact Weblinx Inc. at 630-551-0334 or on the web at www.weblinxinc.com.
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Illinois Chamber of Commerce Holiday Survey Results for 2012
Springfield, IL - Each year, the Illinois Chamber of Commerce conducts a survey that indicates how Illinois employers and their employees will be handling paid holidays. The Illinois Chamber has compiled the results from its annual paid Holiday Survey for 2012.
Many Illinois businesses use the Chamber's Annual Holiday Survey as a useful tool in helping them to determine holiday benefits for employees. A tradition for decades at the Chamber, the survey has long been regarded as the standard to follow. With nearly 700 responses from a cross-section of Illinois businesses, the results provide a good indicator of what employers have planned for 2012.
Holidays included in this survey are Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Lincoln's Birthday, President's Day, Washington's Birthday, Casimir Pulaski's Birthday, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Election Day, Jewish Holidays, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day, and Employee's Birthday.
Compiled from hundreds of responses from Illinois businesses of all size and industries, the survey indicated that the average number of paid holidays for Illinois workers is 8.2 days, slightly lower than in 2011. The average number of paid personal days is 2.8 days.
2011 Illinois Chamber Paid Holiday Survey Results
Holidays and Percentage of Firms Observing as a Paid Holiday
New Year's Day 2012:
Friday, December 30 - 9.3%
Monday, January 2 - 79.6%
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (observed):
Monday, January 16, 20.9%
Lincoln's Birthday:
Sunday, February 12 - 1.8 %
President's Day (Washington/Lincoln Day):
Monday, February 20 - 20.3%
Washington's Birthday:
Wednesday, February 22 - <1%
Casimir Pulaski's Birthday (observed):
Monday, March 5 - <1%
Good Friday:
Friday, April 6 - 33.9%
Memorial Day:
Monday, May 28 - 97.2%
Independence Day:
Wednesday, July 4 - 97.4%
Labor Day:
Monday, September 3 - 97.5%
Columbus Day:
Monday, October 8 - 10.6%
Election Day:
Tuesday, November 8 - Half day or full day off - <1%
Veterans Day:
Sunday, November 11 (observed on Monday) - 14.8%
Thanksgiving:
Wednesday, November 21 - 2.5%
Thursday, November 22 - 97.5%
Friday, November 23 - 68.7%
Christmas:
Monday, December 24 - 53.7%
Tuesday, December 25 - 97.5%
New Year's Eve
Monday, December 31 - 35.1%
Employees Birthday: 2%
Floating Holiday (1 or more days): 4%
Jewish Holidays (1 or more days): .4%
Average number of paid holidays - 8.2; Average number of paid personal days - 2.8
Number of firms responding - 660
Percentage of firms from each industry classification responding
Manufacturing: 24.6%
Services: 11.8%
Finance/Banking: 4.3%
Retail Trade: 2.7%
Wholesale Trade: 4.8%
Insurance/Real Estate: 7.4%
Utility/Transport/Communications: 2.5%
Construction: 3.4%
Non-Profit/Association/Chamber of Commerce: 22.1%
Other: 15.6%
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Inspiring Women of Oswego 2012 Dates and Sponsorship Opportunities
2012 Dates
January 11th @ 11:30 am
March 14th @ 11:30 am
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, attend all 8 events for only $175 if you prepay by December 31st. 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 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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Upcoming Committee Meetings
Business & Consumer Expo – Thursday, December 15th, 8:30 am, Chamber office
Inspiring Women of Oswego – Wednesday, December 7th , 9:30 am, Chamber office
Ambassador – Wednesday, December 7th, 8:30 am, Chamber office
Legislative – Monday, February 6th, 3:00 pm, Village of Oswego Community Room
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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Chamber Christmas Party
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| Date: |
Thursday, December 8th |
| Location: |
Knights of Columbus Hall, 197 E. Washington St., Oswego |
| Time: |
5:00-9:00 pm |
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Networking, Food and Beverages |
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December Coffee with Building Oswego Business (B.O.B. Leads IV)
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| Date: |
Wednesday, December 14th |
| Location: |
AmericInn, 1050 Douglas Rd |
| Program: |
8:00 am – 10:00 am |
| Information: |
Chamber Office 630-554-3505 |
| All Members welcome for this Business before Business networking Event. |
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Ribbon Cutting - Cupcakes 2 Remember
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| Date: |
Thursday, December 15th |
| Location: |
1236 Douglas Rd, Oswego (in Mason Square) |
| Time: |
3:00 pm |
| Information: |
Chamber Office 630-554-3505 |
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TGIFF - Thank Goodness It's First Friday hosted by Leads 3
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| Date: |
Friday, January 6th |
| Location: |
Scoreboards, 1100 Douglas Rd, Oswego |
| Time: |
4:00-6:00 pm |
| Information: |
Chamber Office 630-554-3505 |
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January Coffee with B.O.B. (Leads IV)
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| Date: |
Wednesday, January 11th |
| 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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Inspiring Women of Oswego Luncheon
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| Date: |
Wednesday, January 11th |
| Location: |
Whitetail Ridge Golf Course, 7671 Clubhouse Dr., 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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January Business after Business
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| Date: |
Thursday, January 19th |
| Location: |
Massage Envy, 1770 Douglas Rd., Oswego |
| Time: |
5:00-7:00 pm |
| 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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September Inspiring Women of Oswego
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Coffee with B.O.B.
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Business after Business – Hometowne Insurance
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Business after Business - Oswego Vision
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Business after Business - The Garden Faire co-hosted with Jacobsen Lawn service and BLC Yardworks
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Ribbon Cutting - Dove Chocolate Discoveries
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Ribbon Cutting - Mahoney, Silverman & Cross
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Ribbon Cutting - Speckman Therapeutics
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Ribbon Cutting - Rondi's S.E.L.F. Fitness
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Ribbon Cutting - SERVPRO of Kendall County
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Ribbon Cutting - Show Your Logo
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November Inspiring Women of Oswego
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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 8:00 – 9:00 am at the AmericInn
President – Tim Leverich
Email – tim@hometowneinsurance.com
Phone – 630-554-4040
Leads V meets Wednesdays from 12:30 – 1:30 pm at Tap House Grill
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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Dove Chocolate Discoveries
Elaine Kurtz
630.400.7003
evkbuddy@aol.com
www.DoveChocolateDiscoveries.com/elainekurtz
Provides an exclusive line of the finest-quality, gourmet chocolate products. For a Girls’ (or Guys’) Night Out, corporate gift giving, holiday gifts, or any occasion, Dove Chocolate Discoveries can create small moments of joy that truly make people smile!
Artistic PhotoGraphics LLC
Nataliya Ford
630.849.3067
info@artisticphotographics.com
www.artisticphotographics.com
Location photography (family, events, weddings…); Graphic design services
Employ Source Staffing Solutions
Jim Pyfer and Brad Martin
123 W. Washington St, Suite 332
Oswego, IL 60543
630.869.0275 or 630.869.0271
Fax: 630.869.0262
jpyfer@esstaff.net
bmartin@employsource.net
Staffing solutions for businesses, including Temporary Placements and Permanent Placements, both regionally and nationally.
Referred by Employ Source
Nerds On Site
Darrell Patt
10 Westleigh Court
Montgomery, IL 60538
630.204.5824
darrell.patt@nerdsonsite.com
www.nerdsonsite.com
Information technology business partner
Referred by Carson Chiropractic
Hartman Auto Repair
Kerry R. Hartman
105 G. Theodore Dr
Oswego, IL 60543
630.554.0855
Fax: 630.554.0815
h-repair@sbcglobal.net
www.hartmanautorepair.com
Complete automotive services, foreign and domestic, computer diagnostics, all repairs. Member of the BBB.
Referred by Dennis Marty
Philip Stout & Associates
Philip Stout
Montgomery, IL
630.636.8302
eagle25c@gmail.com
Send Out Cards – Independent Distributor of Send Out Cards
Referred by Tim Leverich
Allstate Insurance
Sebestin-Dean Agency Inc.
Scott Sebestin
313 Cascade Ln
Oswego, IL 60543
630.833.8100
Fax: 708.452.2221
scotts@allstate.com
Insurance and financial services
Arbonne International
Kim Bockay
223 Ashcroft Ln
Oswego, IL 60543
630.551.1321
kbockay@hotmail.com
www.livewellpodcast.com
I sell skincare, makeup, health and wellness products that are botanically based.
Referred by Steve Hatcher and Barb Marty
PCS Experts of Oswego
Aaron Rosa
1530 Douglas Rd
Oswego, IL 60543
630.551.7100
Fax: 630.551.7105
aaronwrosa@gmail.com
www.mypcsexperts.com
Sprint phone retailer. Offer phones, hot spots & accessories. Provide best value in wireless phone training & repair center.
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Show Your Logo, Inc.
Casey Silseth
420 Treasure Dr
Oswego, IL 60543
888.253.5800 x 1024
888.253.5895
casey@showyourlogo.com
www.showyourlogo.com
Custom printed promotional products and apparel distributor
Referred by Paul Rathman
Rondi’s S.E.L.F. Fitness
Rondi Stickney
1224 & 1220 Douglas
Oswego, IL 60543
630.554.7353
rondi@rondis-self-fitness.com
www.rondis-self-fitness.com
“Ditch the Diet”, training facility, private club, classes on obesity & weight loss, pilates, massage, obesity & diabetes in children program (Take Charge)
Referred by Dawn Aagesen
john greene Realtor
Terry Anderson
2677 Route 34
Oswego, IL 60543
630.554.4400
Fax: 630.554.6300
terryanderson@johngreenerealtor.com
www.johngreenerealtor.com
Real estate brokerage
Kingdom Quest Limousines, Inc.
Joseph Williams
466 Raintree Dr
Oswego, IL 60543
630.777.0728
Fax: 630.551.2122
kingdomquestlimos@comcast.net
www.kingdomquestlimos.com
A limousine service providing transportation to passengers
Sports and Ortho Physical Therapy
Beth Beaumont
2050 Mitchell Dr
(Inside Elite Sports Performance)
Oswego, IL 60543
312.225.3119
Fax: 312.225.3219
bbeaumont@sportsandortho.net
www.sportsandortho.net
Specialists in orthopedic physical therapy
Anchor Designs
Jenna Stinson
611 Roosevelt Dr
Oswego, IL 60543
630.346.4168
Fax: 630.551.0561
anchor.designs@yahoo.com
Creative designs and marketing ideas for commercial and private
Referred by Brad Martin and PJ Elizondo
FireTree Financial
Jeffrey Malas
2323 Naperville Rd, Ste 210
Naperville, IL 60563
630.577.1500
877.562.4944
jcmalas@firetreefinancial.com
www.firetreefinancial.com
Financial services
Lane Bryant
Jennifer Ross
Gerry Centennial Plaza
1686 Douglas Rd
Oswego, IL 60543
630.551.0690/630.544.8921
www.lanebryant.com
Women’s specialty retailer; shoes; accessories
Weichert Realtors/Kingsland Properties
Ron Elvin
905 N. Main Street
Naperville, IL 60563
630.416.4340
Cell: 630.664.4520
Fax: 630.416.4341
relvin@weichertkingsland.com
www.weichertkingsland.com
Real Estate Sales Broker
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2011 - 2012 Board of Directors
Tim Leverich
Chairman (term expires 2013)
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)
Alden of Waterford
1955 Randi Drive
Aurora, IL 60504
630-851-1880
630-898-8307 fax
ggauger@aldengroup.org
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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