February 5, 2024

This month we celebrate Black History Month. Read all about the City of Wheaton's activities here, beginning with a virtual program, "Artists of the Harlem Renaissance," presented by the Wheaton Public Library. Our friends at the College of DuPage offer a full month of activities open to the public, including art ("Hiplet Ballerinas" at the McAninch Arts Center) and cuisine ("Justice of the Pies" with guest speaker Maya-Camille Broussard). Visit COD's Black History Month calendar of events here.

We are blessed to have Glennette Tilley Turner in our midst, an author, historian, teacher and community activist who was recently recognized in 2023 by the Illinois State Historical Society with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Ms. Tilley has researched and written about the Underground Railroad, defined by the National Park Service as "the resistance to enslavement through escape and flight through the end of the Civil War." You also may remember her as one of the four icons representing Wheaton in the "Andy Warhol" exhibit held at the MAC last summer.

We honor the many Black Americans in Wheaton who have contributed to our community and celebrate the Black business leaders who have helped Wheaton thrive. Hear Ms. Tilley share more about the history of the Underground Railroad in this interview with Bill Nieman of Wheaton's Bicycle Advisory commission.

To the history-makers~

Photo credit: DuPage County Historical Society

Wheaton Chamber Welcomes Newest Members

Please help us welcome member representative Kerry Garringer and his colleagues at JAK Premiums LLC, a certified 100% woman-owned business that offers an array of promotional products based in Downers Grove.

JAK Premiums is the brainchild of the team behind Jak Creative Design. After more than 20 years in the branding and design world, Founder and CEO Jill Kerrigan, along with the JAK Creative Design crew, set out to start this sister company as a way to serve clients even better. Please help us welcome the JAK Premiums team to the Wheaton Chamber.

"AI is Coming: Are You Ready?" February Luncheon Features Dr. Felix Davis of COD

Our February luncheon, "AI is Coming: Are You Ready?" features Dr. Felix Davis, professor and department chair of the Computer & Information Technology (CIT) Department at the College of DuPage. Learn as Dr. Davis shares his insights about Artificial Intelligence (AI), and how your business can benefit or protect itself from the inevitable impact of AI in the workplace. Join us on Thursday, Feb. 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E. Wesley St. in Wheaton. For more information and to register, click here.

The Museum has an accessible entrance located on Main Street and elevators that provide full access to the three levels of the building.

Accomplished Organist Performs at Armerding

Robert McCormick, heralded as one of the finest concert and church musicians of this era, will perform an organ recital this Tuesday, February 6, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Armerding Hall on the campus of Wheaton College. Described as "indominable and immensely gifted," Mr. McCormick has been featured in recitals and workshops for organists and musicians throughout the country. To learn more about this free concert, please click here. Get a sneak preview of him performing J.S. Bach via this short YouTube clip.

B.R. Ryall YMCA Summer Camp Registration Opens This Week

B.R. Ryall YMCA opens registration for their summer camps on Wednesday, Feb. 7, at 6:30 a.m. All campsites will provide access to indoor and outdoor spaces, a full playground, basketball hoops, a gaga pit, and a large open field, offering endless possibilities for play. For more information on the opportunities and camps, please click here.

Northern Illinois Food Bank Hosts Estate Attorney Ted Kuczek for "Wills vs. Trusts" Seminar

Northern Illinois Food Bank is hosting estate attorney Ted Kuczek for a seminar about wills and trusts on Thursday, Feb. 22, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at its West Suburban Center, 273 Dearborn Court in Geneva. The event, tailored for those revising or starting estate plans, features a comprehensive overview. For more information and to register, please click here.

AlphaGraphics Honors Frank & Barbara Kohout After 35 Years

AlphaGraphics is hosting an Open House on February 8 to bid farewell and to honor Frank & Barbara Kohout as they retire after 35 years as franchisees here in Wheaton. Frank and Barb have contributed countless hours and in-kind donations to the Wheaton Chamber throughout these many years, and both are past winners of the Chamber's prestigious Brinkman Community Leadership Award.

The Open House also will be an opportunity to meet and welcome the new franchisees, Ron & Doug Stanley. Please join AlphaGraphics on Thursday, Feb. 8, from 4:00 to 6:00 at their Wheaton storefront, 128 N. Main St., as we wish Frank and Barb well in their next chapter. You can RSVP by emailing Christine Fenne.

DuPage Symphony Orchestra Presents ''Reflections of the Rus''

The DuPage Symphony Orchestra (DSO) presents "Reflections of the Rus" on Sunday, Feb. 11, at 3:00 p.m. at Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave. in Naperville. The performance features flutist Adam Sadberry, a nominee for the Wall Street Journal's coveted "23 for ‘23 Artists to Watch" list and a rising star of the classical music world. For more information and to purchase tickets, please click here.

Join the Friends of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County for "An Evening With Geoffrey Baer"

The Friends of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County will host popular WTTW host, producer, and writer Geoffrey Baer to explore historic architecture, namesake families, and local characters through stories about the DuPage Forest Preserves. "An Evening With Geoffrey Baer" will take place on Thursday, April 4, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 31st Street in Oak Brook. For more information and to register, please click here.

Wheaton Park District Seeks Applicants to Fill Board Vacancy

The Wheaton Park District Board of Park Commissioners is looking for applicants to fill a Board vacancy after the passing of long-time Commissioner Ray Morrill. Applicants must be registered voters who have lived within Wheaton Park District boundaries for at least one year. Those who are interested can submit a statement of interest, a resume, and a summary of relevant qualifications by February 29 to Executive Assistant, Donna Siciliano. For more information, please click here.

The Local Features Wheaton Fire Chief Robert Brill

Don't miss the latest episode of "The Local," a podcast hosted by Marc Horner of Fairhaven Wealth Management in partnership with the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce and featuring Chamber President Vickie Austin as co-host.

Hear the conversation as Marc and Vickie sit down with Wheaton Fire Chief, Robert Brill. Ever wonder what the life of a firefighter is like? Learn about the world of firefighting and hear some of the adrenaline-pumping moments Chief Brill has faced on the latest episode of The Local here.

Please Tell Us Your News

Our Wheaton Chamber members have a lot going on and you have a lot to say! Read press releases from our members, learn about job openings and see our Chamber members' "Hot Deals." Got a job posting or a special you'd like to share? Contact us.

Wheaton Park District's Spring Program Guide Now Available

The Wheaton Park District's Spring Program Guide is available now. Preview upcoming events, classes, and summer camps. Resident registration starts February 13 and nonresident registration starts February 27. For more information and to view the program, click here.

Openings Available for City Boards and Commissions

The City of Wheaton has openings for the following Boards or Commissions:

• Band Commission
• Bicyclist & Pedestrian Commission
• Commission on Aging
• Downtown Design Review Board
• Environmental Improvement Commission
• Fine & Cultural Arts Commission
• Historic Commission
• Local Liquor Control Commission & Tobacco Control Commission

Those who are interested can apply using the City's online Boards & Commissions Application Form. You can also find out more about the Boards and Commissions by visiting the City's website.

Feel the Love with Deals from Members of The Downtown Wheaton Association

The members of the Downtown Wheaton Association are spreading the love this Valentine's Day with deals and offers from shops and restaurants throughout downtown Wheaton. From your favorite eateries to retailers with special heart-shaped offers, shop and dine from Feb. 9 through Feb. 14. For a full list of participating businesses please click here.

Wheaton Public Library Hosts Rick DeVries of Alpha for Ignite

The Wheaton Public Library's Ignite Program is hosting Rick DeVries of Alpha as he presents "Bottoms Up: Navigating Change with Servant Leadership." Rick is director of strategic partnerships at Alpha which provides solutions for those in the restaurant industry to succeed. He's also a faculty member of Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership. Join Rick on Monday, Feb. 26, at 7:00 p.m. at the Wheaton Public Library. For more information and to register, please click here.

Check out the latest job postings from Two Bostons, TrustBank and Wheaton Public Library here.

If you have a job opening, please enter your information into your member profile under "Jobs." Your listing will be included on the Chamber website and featured in our Monday Matters newsletter. If you need help posting your job openings, please contact Brenda MacDonald.

This week:

• Chamber Champions will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 6, at 2:00 p.m. at the Wheaton Chamber office. Andrew Boston of New York Life is chair. Please click here to register if you plan to attend, and you'll receive a reminder. Note: If you'd like to attend and "try out" Chamber Champions or any other committee, you are more than welcome.
• Young Professionals Network will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 7, at 8:00 a.m., at the Wheaton Chamber office located at 301 W. Roosevelt Road, Wheaton. This group is for the 40-and-under crowd, and Mark Long of Flint Rock LLC is the new chair. Please click here to register so you will receive a reminder notice.
• Ignite University, our monthly lunch-and-learn offered in partnership with the Wheaton Public Library, will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 6, at 12:00 p.m. noon at the library, located at 225 N. Cross Street. New Chamber member Jonathan Szewczyk of Neur Digital will present "SEO Strategies for Local Business: How to Maximize Your Online Visibility," offering tips on search engine optimization. Please click here to register.
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee Meeting will take place on Thursday, Feb. 8, at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom. Courtney Tedrick of the Wheaton Public Library is chair and Pastor Jared Olson of St. Paul Lutheran Church is co-chair. As with our other committees, please register here if you plan to attend so that we may send you meeting notices, the Zoom link and reminders.
• The Economic Development Consortium will take place on Thursday, Feb. 8, at 1:00 p.m. at the City of Wheaton's Gamon Meeting Room. Any constituent of the City of Wheaton, the DWA, or the Wheaton Chamber interested in economic development is invited to attend. If interested in participating, please contact Vickie Austin of the Wheaton Chamber.
• Finance Committee Meeting will take place on Thursday, Feb. 8, at 3:30 p.m. via Zoom. Helen Demsher, CPA, of Mathieson, Moyski, Austin & Co., LLP is chair.

Coming Up:

• Members Matter will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 14, at 9:00 a.m. via Zoom. This virtual orientation, now held twice a month, is an overview of member benefits and is ideal for new members, current members, and anyone thinking about joining the Chamber. Please register here.
• Our February Membership Luncheon will take place on Thursday, Feb. 15, at 11:30 a.m. at the DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E. Wesley Street in Wheaton. Please register here.

Last week was a recording day for "The Local" podcast, a project of Fairhaven Wealth Management and the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce. You'll have to wait for these podcasts to drop with the folks below; until then, you can listen to any number of our VIP interviews at The Local.

Mark Long of Flint Rock is the man at the wheel

Marc Horner of Fairhaven Wealth Management poses in front of Louis Rukeyser with Melinda Smith of Belmont Village

Paul Callaway of Cantigny Golf and The Living Legend talks Napoleon Hill and the power of intention