Happy February, ECCI Members:
I hope this message finds you warm and well, despite the chilly weather.
‘State of Our City’ Recap
A huge thank you to everyone who attended our Annual “State of Our City” Mayoral Address event on January 27. It was an honor to give my first public address at this important gathering. Elmhurst Mayor Scott Levin delivered an inspiring vision for Elmhurst’s future, and I was thrilled to introduce our new board chair, Angela Villegas, Vice President and Retail Branch Liaison at Lakeside Bank. Thank you again to Community Bank of Elmhurst for hosting a packed house of community leaders.
Click on the following links to access: Elmhurst TV’s coverage, photo page and my address.
2025 Elmhurst Community Directory
I am pleased to say our 2025 Elmhurst Community Directory was distributed to some 19,800 residents, businesses and P.O. Boxes. The cover features a nighttime photo of the newly dedicated First Responders Memorial, which was created to memorialize the fateful day of 9/11 in our community. Our directory will also be housed at local businesses and Elmhurst City Hall, and distributed throughout the year in our New Resident Greeter Tote.
If your business would like an additional copy to keep in your lobby or waiting area, please contact our office.
February Is Packed With Exciting Events!
- Love is in the air… and at our Multi-Chamber Progressive Networking Breakfast: Elmhurst is among the 17 West Suburban Chamber of Commerce Executives (WSCCE) members participating in this exciting event at the Bloomingdale Golf Club in Bloomingdale on Friday, February 14, from 7:45 to 9:30 a.m.
- Calling all women-owned businesses with a sweet tooth! ECCI member Jessica Roubitchek of MBA Confidante is hosting a fun networking event, Cookie Decorating, Charcuterie & Connections, at fellow ECCI member RoughEdges Confectionery.
- Join us for a special reception honoring our retired President/CEO John R. Quigley: The ECCI Board of Directors cordially invites you to a retirement reception for former President and CEO John R. Quigley at Elmhurst American Legion THB Post 187 on Friday, February 28, from 5 to 7:30 p.m., with a program starting at 6:15 p.m.
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!
State of American Business
In this year’s State of American Business keynote address, United States Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Suzanne P. Clark said the foundation of America’s enviable economic growth is the thriving businesses in your own town, city and neighborhood.
Job Market Historically Tight
The December 2024 jobs report, the last before President-elect Donald J. Trump took office, reveals a labor market that is much tighter than it was eight years ago before President Trump first took office, but depending on the data point, not quite as tight as it was just before the pandemic, the United States Chamber of Commerce reported.
Opinion Poll Confirms Chamber Value
Results from a landmark nationwide public opinion poll conducted by The Harris Poll in partnership with the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) confirmed United States adults’ overwhelming-positive perceptions of their local chamber, the role chambers play in their communities and the value of chamber member to businesses.
Memorial To The Fallen
The ECCI Centennial Celebration NFP’s Second Century Fund is accepting tax-deductible in support of York Community High School’s Memorial To The Fallen to honor more than 100 alumni who gave their lives in service to our country.
Happy Anniversary
Five members are celebrating their Chamber anniversaries in February as follows: 25 years—Elmhurst University Blue and White Club and SpringHill Suites by Marriott Chicago Elmhurst; 20 years—Leonard Family Dental; 15 years—York & Vallette Business Association; and 5 year—S.B.C. Waste Solutions.
New Member
The following two businesses joined our Chamber in January: bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Lombard and SKIN ATELIER (dba NICKS FACE AND BODY).
Reactivated Member
Weiss-Kunz & Oliver reactivated as a member after a six-month hiatus.
Dropped Members
The Chamber dropped six members in January as follows: Cameo Dental Specialists, Edible Arrangements, Law Offices of Gerstner & Gerstner, NBD Accounting, New City Moving and The Gardenworks Project.
Gone, But Not Forgotten
Our Chamber family lost an icon with the recent death of Virginia “Ginny” Harmon, 88, of Elmhurst, Founder of Unique Travel Service in downtown Elmhurst, an A.J. “Toche” Terrones Business of Year honoree (2000), a Civic Hall of Fame inductee (1998), the first female Chair of the ECCI Board of Directors (1982) and long-time Chamber Ambassador.