Dear ECCI Members:
Make March memorable! Join us for our 106th Annual ECCI Awards Gala on Friday, March 21, from 5 to 9 p.m. in Endeavor Health Elmhurst Hospital’s Oak Room, 155 East Brush Hill Road. This year’s gala will celebrate the Chamber’s accomplishments and recognize outstanding businesses and individuals. It is a special opportunity to celebrate the strength and vibrancy of the Elmhurst business community.
Stolper State Farm Insurance will be recognized as the A.J. “Toche” Terrones Business of the Year for 2024. Ken Bartels of Community Bank of Elmhurst and Ken Bartels Consulting will become the 35th inductee into the ECCI Civic Hall of Fame. John Quigley, former ECCI President and CEO, will receive the Chairman’s Award. Ralph Pechanio, longtime ECCI volunteer, is Ambassador of the Year.
We’re thrilled to honor the remarkable achievements of our award recipients and to acknowledge their invaluable contributions to our community. I truly hope to see you all there and event details are below.
Thank you to our members who joined me and 17 fellow West Suburban Chamber of Commerce Executives (WSCCE) chambers on Valentine’s Day for a Multi-Chamber Progressive Networking Breakfast at Bloomingdale Golf Club. Multi-Chamber events are a wonderful opportunity to network with peers throughout the region.
As you experience the value of ECCI, consider sharing that with your colleagues and business partners. Referring a new member strengthens our community and expands the opportunities for everyone. Let them know about the benefits of joining, and how ECCI can help their business thrive.
Upcoming events:
- March 19 Illinois Chamber Day in Springfield: ATTENTION ENHANCED MEMBERS, if you are interested in attending please contact Jennifer at JenniferV@elmhurstchamber.org
- Multi-Chamber Talent & Opportunity Expo: Together for Tomorrow 2025: ECCI will participate in a partnership with the College of DuPage on Friday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event provides an excellent opportunity for businesses to engage with students, community members and recent graduates seeking internships, part-time, and full-time employment. Registration deadline is March 7.
- Save the Date: Thursday, April 3, for the 23rd Annual Multi-Chamber Economic Outlook Luncheon and Business Expo. Noted economist Anna Paulson, Executive Vice President and Director of Research at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, will be the Keynote Speaker at the Hilton Chicago-Oak Brook Hills Resort in Oak Brook.
- Memorial Day Parade: Planning is underway for the 107th Annual Elmhurst Memorial Day Parade, happening Monday, May 26, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. Interested parties can apply by emailing parade@elmhurst.org.
Lastly, I invite you to visit our website and explore the community calendar and Hot Deals page. You’ll find member-exclusive discounts, events, and more. Don’t miss out!
Kind regards,
Jennifer Veremis
President and CEO
Happy Anniversary
Four members are celebrating their Chamber anniversaries in March as follows: 20 years—Dawson’s Tree Service and State Farm Insurance (Curry Agency); 15 years—Daniel Law Office; and 10 years—Kilwins Elmhurst.
New Members
The following three businesses joined our Chamber in February: ALL FOR Agency, Joe C. Filmmaking and MDA Rugs.
Dropped Members
The Chamber dropped four members in February as follows: ARC Physical Therapy, Dipsy Deserts, Solstice Beauty and York and Vallette Business Association.
Gone, But Not Forgotten
Our Chamber family said an unexpected goodbye Doug Peterson, 66, of Elmhurst, on February 14. Peterson and his wife (Cindy) own and operate Chicago Records Management, a Chamber member since 2002, and he served on the management team of Tail Gate for Dogs, a Chamber member since 2011. Active in many charitable causes, he served on the Board of Directors of the Elmhurst Centre for Performing Arts, a Chamber member since 2016.