Dear Members:
I am honored to be the new President and CEO of the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce and Industry. As a dedicated long-time Chamber member, small business owner and Elmhurst resident for more than 25 years, I’m humbled to begin this new chapter as the first female to assume this title in our Chamber’s 106-year history. I’ve always felt a deep connection to this community and am excited to bring my experience and passion to this position.
You may already know me from my previous role as Director of Member Services, where I had the pleasure of connecting with many of you and hearing your stories and aspirations. As the new President and CEO, I’ll continue building on the strong foundation, ensuring we remain true to our mission of promoting an environment that creates success for local businesses and our community.
Specifically, we foster connections and growth through diverse programs and events. From our comprehensive business directory to networking gatherings and cost-effective marketing options.
Here are a few ways we bring businesses together:
- Multi-chamber breakfast, luncheons and expos
- “State of Our City” Mayoral Address Membership Breakfast (on January 23)
- Annual ECCI Awards Gala
- Networking on the 9s Golf Outing
Explore our annual Community Directory and discover the fantastic companies and organizations that make our community thrive.
Our Chamber’s strength comes from the incredible dedication of our members, board, and staff. Your active involvement has been essential to our continued success, and we’re deeply grateful for your contributions and unwavering support.
As we move forward, I want to express my sincere gratitude to John Quigley for his exceptional leadership over the past 25 years. His dedication and vision have been instrumental in shaping our Chamber into the thriving organization it is today. John’s devotion is evident in our successful 2024 events, including a friendly roast in his honor that raised more than $5,000 for Elmhurst American Legion THB Post 187. Since 2000, he has served as Co-Chair with Ralph Peranio for the Elmhurst Memorial Day Parade Committee and Veterans Day Ceremony. On behalf of the entire Chamber, I extend our appreciation to John for his years of outstanding service and leadership.
I’m honored to lead this organization into the future and work together to achieve even greater heights. Together, we share a vision that is even more prosperous, connected and vibrant. I’m eager to work towards this vision with all of you.
A Chat with John Quigley
Click HERE to view Ken Bartels’ Elmhurst: Our Community – Episode 25, titled “A Chat with John Quigley,” in advance of the featured guest’s retirement after 25 years as the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s President and CEO, and 34 years of service to ECCI.
Federal Reserve Cuts Rates
At its December 17-18, the Federal Reserve Bank’s Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted with only one dissent to cut interest rates for a third consecutive time in 2024 by 25 basis points to a range of 4.25 to 4.5 percent in its mission to maximize employment and stabilize pricing. The Fed is projecting an additional two interest rate cuts in 2025.
FOMC member Austan D. Goolsbee, President and CEO of the Chicago Fed, will return as the Keynote Speaker at the 23rd Annual Multi-Chamber Economic Outlook Luncheon and Business Expo in early 2025, with the date and location still to be determined.
NFP Giving Tuesday
More than $7K in tax-deductible Giving Tuesday donations have been made to the ECCI Centennial Celebration NFP to support the Civic Hall of Fame Public Memorial Fund, Second Century Fund and/or Ralph P. Pechanio Student Internship Endowment Fund at Elmhurst University, with the online portal open through January.
The Second Century Fund also will serve as a funding portal for those wishing to make tax-deductible donations in support of York Community High School’s Memorial To The Fallen to honor alumni who gave their lives in service to our country. More to come.
Happy Anniversary
Seven members are celebrating their Chamber anniversaries in January as follows: 25 years—American Cancer Society and The Head Designer; 10 years—Alpine Creek Dental and Beyond Shades; and 5 years—DeCicco & Associates, First Course Productions and Kelly Stetler Real Estate (Broker with Compass).
New Member
The following 11 businesses joined our Chamber in December: California Closets, College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving, CookingUpSomeFun.com, Gabriel Exiner Agency – Farmers Insurance, Kings Landscape Design, Promo Merch Sales, Schooley Mitchell, Sign Artist, StepOne Health Services, Yorky’s and Zap Taco House.
Reactivated Members
Paylocity and C.S.B. reactivated their Chamber memberships after hiatuses of one month and 16 years.
Dropped Members
The Chamber dropped 11 members in December as follows: All Chicagoland Moving & Storage, America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago, Boland Orthodontics, Elmhurst Crossing – Brixmor Property Group, Fashioned Health, House of Glass, La Jolie MLN Boutique, Thryv and Woodworx Lumber Supply.