MARKETING GURU TO KEYNOTE AT JOINT CHAMBER EXPO
ELMHURST, Ill., September 18, 2007 – The new leader of Dinner By Design will deliver the Keynote Address at “A Passport To Success” Business Expo, co-sponsored by the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Villa Park Chamber of Commerce, in the Presidential Room at the Diplomat West Banquet Halls, 681 West North Avenue, Elmhurst, on Wednesday, October 17, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Keynote Speaker John Matthews will share his ideas for generating “No Cost, Low Cost Marketing” during his 60-minute Keynote Address, starting at 11:00 a.m.
His appearance is sponsored in part by AT&T (225 West Wesley Street, Wheaton) and Suburban Bank and Trust Co. (150 Butterfield Road).
“John Matthews is the personification of E.F. Hutton’s commercial catchphrase,” said John R. Quigley, President and CEO of the Elmhurst Chamber. “When he talks, people listen.”
A marketing guru, Matthews was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dinner by Design, the meal assembly company, on September 7. Dinner by Design has a downtown Elmhurst franchise at 105 South York Street.
“John Matthews and his organization brings extensive retail, food and franchise experience which will help further position (Dinner By Design) for future growth and profitability,” stated Julie Duffy, Founder of Dinner by Design, in a press release.
Matthews also is the Founder and President of the Gray Cat Enterprises Inc.,
his North Barrington-based international consulting firm, which specializes in the areas of strategic planning, retail development, product marketing and sales development.
Gray Cat’s list of clients includes Chicago-based Vienna Beef (founded in 1893), Downers Grove-based Sara Lee Corporation and Lombard-based White Hen Pantry (recently purchased by Dallas, Texas-based 7-Eleven).
His impressive resume includes terms as President of Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches, Vice President of Marketing, Merchandising, Corporate Communications, Facilities and Real Estate for Clark Retail Enterprises/White Hen Pantry, and National Marketing Director at Little Caesar’s Pizza.
A sellout of more than 40 area exhibitors—representing a wide variety of businesses from Elmhurst, Villa Park and neighboring communities—will showcase their products and services at the Expo.
Admission to the Expo is free to Elmhurst and Villa Park Chamber members, their guests and other businesspeople only upon presentation of the complimentary ticket or a business card.
Established in 1918, the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry is a voluntary organization of business and professional men and women who have joined together to promote the civic and commercial progress of the community.
The Chamber also serves the needs of it members through services, programs and events that provide opportunities for networking and referral, business education, development and promotion, governmental representation and community involvement.