Dear Members:
The state of American business is “competitive,” United States Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Suzanne Clark reported in her 2022 State of American Business Address on January 11 to businesses, business organizations and chamber of commerce across America and the world.
“Businesses are not simply competing to win today, but to build a better tomorrow…to propel our country and world toward a brighter future of growth, solutions, and opportunity,” stated Clark, citing the innovation, resilience and dynamism of our economy.
Decrying the “heavy hand” of governmental leaders, Clark stated, “If bureaucrats and elected officials don’t stop getting in the way, we will stop them. We will challenge overreach and defend the rule of law at every turn, in every agency, and with every tool at our disposal … in Washington, in statehouses, and in the courts.”
Centered around the theme, “Competition for the Future,” Clark addressed three key challenges, as follows:
Worker Shortage
With 3.7 million more job openings than unemployed workers, Clark called for doubling the number of people legally immigrating to the U.S.; a permanent solution for the “dreamers;” and the removal of barriers to work facing parents, those without broadband access, and formerly incarcerated individuals.
“Let’s ensure everyone in this country has the skills, the education, and the opportunity to go as high and as far as their hard work and talent will take them—for the 11 million jobs that sit vacant today,” Clark said. “And for the jobs of tomorrow that haven’t even been invented yet.”
Trade
“While other economies race to ink new deals,” stated Clark warningly, “the U.S. hasn’t entered an agreement with a new trade partner in a decade.”
Supporting Pro-Business Leaders
The U.S. needs more politicians focused on winning over voters to their ideas, and then building broad coalitions to turn those ideas into good policy.
City Seeks Strategic Planning Input
The City of Elmhurst, in partnership with the Center for Governmental Studies at Northern Illinois University, is undertaking strategic planning to identify the long-term vision, including but not limited to goals and resource needs during the next five to 10 years. To aid this effort, the City will host a series of focus groups to gain specific feedback and insights from residents, businesses owners and other stakeholders about the City’s strengths, opportunities, limitations and threats, as well as key priorities that the Elmhurst City Council should consider.
While our Chamber was among the February 1 “Intergovernmental and Civic Agency” participants, the public is invited to attend and provide input during a virtual focus group held on Wednesday, February 2, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. You do not need to prepare in advance, simply be ready to share your candid impressions and opinions. If you plan to attend, please RSVP via e-mail to Breanne White and a Zoom link will be provided after you RSVP.
State of the County
Some 180 businesspeople and 25 exhibitors representing 10 chambers of commerce—including more than 30 ECCI members and five exhibitors—participated in the Multi-Chamber Annual State of the County Luncheon and Expo on January 19 at the Westin Chicago Lombard in Yorktown Center, where Dan Cronin of Elmhurst delivered his final Address as DuPage County Board of Commissions Chair. Click HERE to view photo page.
“State of Our City” Mayoral Address (Rescheduled)
Elmhurst Mayor Scott Levin will deliver the Annual “State of Our City” Mayoral Address at a Membership Breakfast hosted in the second-floor Hammersmith Community Room at Community Bank of Elmhurst on Thursday, March 17, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Seating is limited to 100. Click HERE to register.
2022 Elmhurst Community Directory
Newly-printed copies of the 2022 Elmhurst Community Directory are being Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM)-delivered to some 19,800 residential, business and Post Office Box addresses across Elmhurst. Click HERE to page through the annual publication online.
Multi-Chamber Danube River Cruise
Our Chamber is among a dozen West Suburban Chamber of Commerce Executives (WSCCE) members partnering to host an Amazing Danube River Cruise aboard the 5-star MS Amadeus from October 12-21, 2022, along with an optional pre-cruise, three-night stay in Prague.
New Members
Our Chamber welcomed one new member in January as follows: Hogan Design & Construction.
Happy Anniversary
Eight members are celebrating Chamber anniversaries in February as follows: 55 years—Stolper State Farm Insurance; 30 years—Messiah Lutheran Church; 25 years—Castco Communications, IRS Trouble Solvers and West Automotive Service; 20 years—St. Peter’s United Church of Christ; 15 years—Raceway Electric; and 5 years—My Mechanic.
Dropped Members
The Chamber said goodbye to the following 10 members in January: Care & Comfort at Home for Seniors and Veterans, Curves, CyberKnife Center of Chicago, Green St. Grille, Law Offices of Hoy & Sahlas, Mentor Capital Management, Sweetberry Bowls, The Sandlot Sports Cards & Collectibles, Turner Acceptance Corp. and West Suburban Community Church.
Death in the Chamber Family
Art Ahlgrim, former Ahlgrim Funeral Home Owner, passed away on January 6 at the age of 93. An Elmhurst resident since 1956, he was a Elmhurst Memorial Hospital Emeritus Governor and Community Bank of Elmhurst Founding and Emeritus Director, served on the both Elmhurst Senior Citizens Commission and Elmhurst Heritage Foundation, and was a leading member of both the Elmhurst Lions Club and Epiphany Lutheran Church.