September 17th, 2025

Welcome to our monthly Member News! Take a moment and scroll through to check out participating Chamber Members' events, deals, and announcements. This email blast is sent out on the third Wednesday of each month. Have something you would like to share? Contact us to include it in next month's edition!

TNJ Retirement Partners LLC

Why a Qualified Retirement Plan Beats Illinois Secure Choice


If you’re a business owner in Illinois, you’ve probably heard about the state-mandated Secure Choice program. What many don’t realize is that participation in Secure Choice is mandatory for companies with 5 or more employees, unless the company sponsors its own qualified retirement plan. In other words, you either adopt the state’s one-size-fits-all program or you take control with a plan that truly works for you and your employees.


Secure Choice is designed to be simple, but that simplicity comes with limits. Contributions are capped, employers can’t make matching contributions, and the investment menu is very basic. A qualified retirement plan, on the other hand, gives you choices and meaningful tax deductions. You decide the plan design, the contribution levels, and the benefit structure. That means you can reward key employees, maximize your own retirement savings, and even offer matching contributions to make your company more attractive to top talent.


All things considered, Secure Choice is the minimum required by the state. A qualified plan is a tool to grow your business, keep great employees, and secure your future.


For more information, visit www.TNJ401k.com or call TNJ Retirement Partners at (708) 813-9672 to schedule a complimentary consultation.



Camp Manitoqua

Join Us for Fall Work Day at Camp Manitoqua!


Saturday, October 18, 2025 | 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM


Looking for a meaningful way to serve with others? Camp Manitoqua’s Fall Work Day is a perfect opportunity for individuals, families, students, churches, small groups, youth groups, schools, and businesses to come together and make a difference.


Volunteers will help with:

  • Clearing leaves, sticks, branches, and weeds
  • Sprucing up shelters, buildings, and grounds
  • Preparing the camp for the winter season and ongoing retreats and Outdoor Ed programs


Students can earn 3 community service hours during the morning.

Interested in helping out?


Please RSVP at: Our Website


We’d love to serve alongside you!

Joliet Junior College

✂️ REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!


Reserve Your Spot Today—Classes Fill Fast!

Have you ever dreamed of sewing your own clothes, drafting custom patterns, or designing fashion that’s truly your own? This fall, make that dream a reality! Starting September 29, 2025, Master Bespoke Tailor and Designer Eric W. Stiles Sr. is bringing his highly sought-after fashion courses to Joliet Junior College.

Whether you're a complete beginner or an advanced student, these engaging, hands-on 2½-hour classes are designed to build your skills, confidence, and creativity. No experience is required—just bring a working sewing machine with foot pedal and your enthusiasm to learn!


🧵 CLASS OPTIONS


-Evening Classes – Start September 29, 2025-


📍 JJC Main Campus, Building U – Room 2009

🕕 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.


-Morning Classes – Start October 27, 2025-


📍 The Renaissance Center, 214 N. Ottawa Street, Joliet

🕙 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.


👗 3-Week Course Highlights:

  • Open to ages 14 and up
  • Focus on Sewing/Tailoring + Pattern Making
  • Learn professional garment construction step-by-step
  • Minimal supply costs
  • Optional: Accelerate your learning by attending both morning and evening sessions!

Mr. Stiles, a Master Tailor with decades of experience, is excited to partner with Joliet Junior College and expand this one-of-a-kind program. Students rave about the supportive, no-pressure environment where creativity thrives.


📞 Have Questions or Ready to Register?


Call Mr. Stiles directly at 708-424-4397 for any Questions.


Spots are limited—don’t wait to secure yours by clicking HERE!


Classes are open to all skill levels—from non-sewers to advanced fashion students.



The Frankfort Public Library District

  • Native Woody Plants & How to Include Them in Your Landscape on Tuesday, September 23 at 6:30p. Join Kelsay Shaw, botanist and Possibility Place owner, to learn more about native woody plants that grow in our neighborhoods and in the places we like to hike. Find out which species would be great additions to your landscape, how they support each other and other species, and the common do’s and don’ts.
  • Fall Volunteer Fair 2025 on Wednesday, October 15 at 7p. Our Fall Volunteer Fair features 18 local and regional organizations looking for volunteers of all ages to join their team. This is a great opportunity for to discover how you can lend your skills and passion to support our communities. Whether you like indoor projects or working in nature, caring for animals or providing meals to families in need – there is a volunteer opportunity for you!
  • Film Screening: Cosmic Dawn: A James Webb Space Telescope Documentary on Monday, October 20 at 7p. Ready to join the cosmic adventure? Cosmic Dawn is the incredible true story of the James Webb Space Telescope – humanity’s largest and most powerful space telescope – on a mission to unveil the early universe, against all odds. The 97-minute documentary brings viewers on an unprecedented journey through Webb’s delicate assembly, rigorous testing, and triumphant launch, showcasing the sheer complexity and breathtaking risks involved in creating a telescope capable of peering billions of years into the past. Frankfort Public Library District is delighted to be an official James Webb Space Telescope Community Engagement Site & NASA Cosmic Dawn Community Event Host.



Frankfort Park District

🎉 Cheers to Parks! 🍷


Join us for the 9th Annual Pours for Parks — a night of craft beer, wine, margaritas, seltzers, spirits, music, food, raffles, and community fun — all in support of our local parks!


Saturday, October 18th

4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Founders Community Center, 140 Oak Street, Frankfort


Hosted by the Operation Playground Foundation (OPF) — a passionate group of Frankfort residents who’ve teamed up to build, improve, and maintain our awesome community parks and recreation spaces.


 How You Can Help:

  • Grab Your Tickets! Just $50 for tasting tickets — available Here, at the Founders Community Center, or from any OPF board member you know and trust.
  • Donate a Raffle Basket or Item: Drop it off at the Founders Community Center before the event!
  • Sponsor the Event: Great for businesses or individuals who want to show extra love for our parks!

Whether you come for the wine or the cause (or both!), your support makes a difference.


👉 Questions or want to get involved?

Reach out to Julie Sullivan at jsullivan@frankfortparks.org or call 815-469-9400.


Let’s raise a glass — and raise some funds — for Frankfort’s parks! 🌳🍷✨


Goldy Locks

Seasonal Security Tips


With shorter days and busy holidays ahead, now is the time to fine-tune your security. A few simple updates can make all the difference:


·       Adjust automated lighting schedules indoors and outdoors to match earlier sunsets

·       Test motion sensor lights and replace bulbs before the darker months

·       Keep pathways and entry points well-lit for trick-or-treaters and guests

·       Set alarms before heading out for holiday shopping or events

·       Stay alert when unloading purchases in driveways and parking lots


Stay one step ahead this season. Visit Goldy Locks for a free home estimate and ensure your home or business is as secure as it can be.


Frankfort Restaurant Association

🍻 Prost! Oktoberfest 2025 is coming to Downtown Frankfort, IL at Breidert Green on October 10 & 11 — and it’s free to enter!


📍 Location: Downtown Frankfort

📅 Dates: Friday, October 10 & Saturday, October 11

🕒 Hours:

  • Friday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
  • Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

🎶 Event Highlights

  • A full weekend of live music
  • Traditional Oktoberfest contests like Hammerschlagen, Stein Holding, and the Hotdog Eating Contest
  • Family-friendly atmosphere until 5:00 PM on Saturday (21+ after 5:00 PM)
  • Expanded setup with food and beer service on Kansas Street to welcome even more guests
  • Authentic German food, beer, and themed activities all weekend long


✨ We’re looking for volunteers to help make Oktoberfest a success! Your time and support are greatly appreciated. Sign up here: Volunteer Application

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