Dear ECCI Members:
Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of our 106th Annual ECCI Awards Gala. A special thank you to the Elmhurst Lions Club for their 85 acts of volunteering, including their help at our Gala, in celebration of their 85th anniversary. The night was made special by the contributions of so many. Congratulations again to all our awardees!
Days before the Gala, I traveled to Springfield to join fellow chamber leaders at Illinois Chamber Day, co-hosted by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce and Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (IACCE). During my visit, Board of Directors Past Chair Colin Dalough of Endeavor Health joined me in meeting with our new State Representative Marti Deuter (D-45th District).
Earlier in the month, I also had the opportunity to attend the Illinois Legislative Panel Event, including House Minority Leader Tony McCombie (R-89th District). It’s vital for businesses to have a strong voice in Springfield and, by working together, we can advocate for policies that make Illinois a great place to do business.
In true Elmhurst tradition, the 55th Annual Elmhurst University President’s Community Breakfast, followed by the 28th Annual Elmhurst St. Patrick’s Day Parade, was a highlight! Next year, ECCI will participate in the parade, and we look forward to many of you joining us in the lineup.
Our ECCI Ambassadors, Board members, elected officials and staff also came together to celebrate the Grand Opening of Yorky’s Fast Food’s second Elmhurst location. Congratulations to Yorky’s, a respected Elmhurst business established in 1975, on this exciting expansion!
Also, I would like to congratulate Immaculate Conception Grade School on celebrating its 125th Anniversary! It was an honor to be included in their celebration with several civic leaders.
We’re excited for our upcoming Business After Hours networking event on Thursday, April 8, co-hosted by Chicago House AC Soccer Team and Jordan’s Athletic Center. This will be a fantastic opportunity to meet the AC players and coaching staff, and trainers from Jordan’s.
We look forward to seeing you there and other upcoming events below!
Upcoming events:
- Coaching Skills For People Leader: In partnership with the City of Elmhurst’s Economic Development Commission and Explore Elmhurst, ECCI will participate in a free Coaching Skills For People Leaders presentation at Stage 119 in downtown Elmhurst on Thursday, April 24, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
- Memorial Day Parade: Planning is underway for the 107th Annual Elmhurst Memorial Day Parade, happening May 26, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. Interested parties can apply by emailing parade@elmhurst.org.
- Chamber Business After Hours: Hosted by Lakeside Bank in downtown Elmhurst on Thursday, May 8, from 5 to 7 p.m.
- Multi-Connections After Hours: Connect, collaborate and create new business opportunities at Delta Hotels in Willowbrook on Thursday, May 22, from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
April is the season of growth, so give your business a spring boost! ECCI members, take advantage of your benefits by adding events to our community calendar, Hot Deals and posting job listings (subject to approval). And don’t forget, a “Shop Members First” Member Message is the perfect way to highlight new products, services, and promotions!
Kind regards,
Jennifer Veremis
President and CEO
Happy Anniversary
Seven members are celebrating their Chamber anniversaries in April as follows: 40 years—Classic Cinemas York Theatre and Russell F. Caforio & Assoc.; 35 years—Courtyard by Marriott Elmhurst, Kiwanis Club of Elmhurst and Unlimited Heating & Cooling; 30 years—Elmhurst City Centre; and 10 years—Judith B. Salon.
New Members
The following two businesses joined our Chamber in March: Fresh Start Cafe and Niche Beauty.
Dropped Members
The Chamber dropped one member in March as follows: Martin Cleans and Village Eyecare.
Gone, But Not Forgotten
Our Chamber family said goodbye to a longtime Elmhurst realtor Ted Soltys Sr., 95, who passed away in January. He also was a longtime member of the Kiwanis Club of Elmhurst.