November 13, 2023

Last week I had the privilege of attending the annual conference of the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (my peeps). Lisa Weitzel, executive director of IACCE, and the IACCE board put on an amazing three-day conference, ending with a zinger keynote by Beth Z, Your Nerdy Best Friend, on the impact of artificial intelligence on our world. Let's just say, Get ready.

One highlight from the conference: We're on the right track by growing our Young Professionals Network (YPN). Led by TJ Luby of Merrill Lynch with Nisha Gupta, M.D., of Gupta Eye Center as his chair, this group of Chamber members are the future of our Chamber. Please send any young professionals in your organization our way so TJ, Nisha and the YPN can welcome them into the group.

To leaders of the past, present and future~

Photo: The YPN meeting last week at the Chamber included, L to R: Maddie Dominick of TrustBank; Noel Williams of Doerly Works; Reece Rothers of Eco Guard Pest Control; Mark Long of FlintRock; TJ Luby of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management; Michael Giron of American Community Bank & Trust; Michael Haywood of the Chicago White Sox; Robb Davidson of Axiom Media Group; and Mark Sullivan of Save Your Back Moving, LLC. Photo credit: Maddie Crabtree, Wheaton Chamber

Wheaton Chamber Welcomes New Member

We're pleased to welcome Amy Grant and her team at Turning Wheels Pediatric Therapy to the Wheaton Chamber as a new member. Turning Wheels is located at 225 West Roosevelt Rd. in Wheaton.

Amy is the founder and CEO of Turning Wheels Pediatric Therapy. She holds a bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders from Purdue University and a master's in speech language pathology from Marquette University. Turning Wheels offers a variety of services from pediatric speech therapy to myofunctional therapy for children of all ages. To learn more about Turning Wheels, click here. Please help us welcome Amy and her team.

Beth Marchetti Talks Tourism at November Member Luncheon

Join us this Thursday, November 16, for our monthly member luncheon when Beth Marchetti, executive director of the DuPage Convention and Visitors Bureau (DCVB), will present "Driving Wins for DuPage through 2026 and Beyond." Beth will give us an update on the state of tourism and destination marketing in DuPage County. She will also be speaking on the latest tourism grants offered by Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. For more information and to register, please click here.

Ignite University Presents "Surprise: Press Releases (Still) Work"

The traditional press release is alive and well—and worth your time, according to our Ignite University guest faculty Jeff Reiter. His presentation "Surprise: Press Releases (Still) Work" will take place Wednesday, Dec. 6, at 12:00 p.m. at the Wheaton Public Library, 225 N Cross St, Wheaton.

In his role as senior manager of communications at both Cantigny Park and Cantigny Golf, Jeff uses press releases and media relations to elevate the visibility of Cantigny. Learn about what to say and how to say it in a way traditional media outlets want to hear. Ignite University is offered in partnership with the Wheaton Public Library and sponsored by Wheaton Bank & Trust. Please register here.

Share the Spirit with People's Resource Center

People's Resource Center (PRC) will be collecting donations for their 2023 Share the Spirit event now through Monday, Nov. 27. PRC is not accepting toys this year--for the list of recommended items, please click here. Donations will be accepted at both PRC locations in Westmont, 104 Chestnut Ave, and in Wheaton at 201 S Naperville Rd. For more information about this event and PRC's other holiday events, please click here.

Get Informed on Strokes with Covenant Living at Windsor Park

Covenant Living at Windsor Park is offering a presentation that will teach you how to recognize the signs of a stroke on Thursday, Nov. 15, at 1:30 p.m. at Covenant Living at Windsor Park, 124 Windsor Park Dr. in Carol Stream. Northwestern Medicine's Stroke Program Manager, Keely Buffo, RN, BSN, CCRN, PHRN, will host the presentation. If the Mobile Stroke Unit is not out on a call, tours will be available of their vehicle and crew members will be available for questions. Please reach out to Bunny Mirrilees with questions and RSVP at (630) 510-4777.

Explore DuPage Forest Preserve's Conservation Efforts

Discover the conservation work of the DuPage Forest Preserve during exclusive behind-the-scenes tours at the Urban Stream Research Center in Blackwell Forest Preserve, Warrenville. Taking place on Saturday, Nov. 18 and Sunday, Nov. 19, these tours offer a unique opportunity to explore the normally-closed center. Tours leave every 30 minutes from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Sunday. Tours are $5 per person and are for all ages (under 18 with an adult). Register here or call (630) 933-7248.

Share the Warmth with Mr. Handyman of Wheaton-Hinsdale

Mr. Handyman of Wheaton-Hinsdale is hosting a One Warm Coat Drive now through December 15. Donate new or gently-used children or adult coats and receive a coupon for services with Mr. Handyman. Drop off locations include Mr. Handyman of Wheaton-Hinsdale office, 245 W. Roosevelt Rd, Building 6 Suite 39, West Chicago, or in the front lobby of the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce, 301 W Roosevelt Rd., Wheaton. For more information, please click here.

Cosley Zoo's Festival of Lights and Christmas Tree Sale Brightens Wheaton Nights

Cosley Zoo in Wheaton is set to light up the night with seasonal displays during the Festival of Lights and Christmas Tree Sale from November 24 to December 31. The zoo will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and there's no admission fee, but donations are encouraged. The zoo will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day with limited hours on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. For more information, click here.

Take a Stroll Down Broadway at The MAC

The McAninch Arts Center will host operatic and Broadway star Nathan Gunn at the Belushi Performance Hall, 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn, on Sunday, Nov. 19., at 3:00 p.m. The night will be filled with classical musical theater works from Rodgers and Hammerstein, Jerome Kern and more. Tickets are still available and can be purchased here.

Cantigny Park and League of Women Voters Partner for Civic Awareness Series

Cantigny Park and the League of Women Voters have partnered to present the Civic Awareness Series, available both in-person and online. DuPage County State's Attorney Bob Berlin will deliver a presentation covering crime trends, restorative justice initiatives and modifications to the Safe-T-Act in the county. Pre-registered attendees are exempt from parking fees. This presentation will take place Thursday, Nov. 16, at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom or at Le Jardin at Cantigny, 1 S, 151 Winfield Rd, Wheaton. For more information and to register, click here.

Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale and Anima-Glen Ellyn Children's Chorus Join Forces for "Wintersong 2023"

The Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale and Anima-Glen Ellyn Children's Chorus are teaming up for "Wintersong 2023," a performance featuring selected movements from Karl Jenkins' "Stella Natalis." The performances will take place Friday, Nov. 17, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 18, at 3:30 p.m. at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 West Brush Hill Road, Elmhurst. This collaboration between the two choirs aims to enrich the musical culture in the western suburbs. To purchase tickets, click here.

College Church Invites Submissions for "WinterTales" Art Show

College Church and ArtSpace Gallery are currently accepting submissions for their upcoming show, "WinterTales." The gallery welcomes art in all media that align with the themes of Advent, Christmas and Winter. The deadline for entries is Tuesday, November 14, and submissions should be made via this link. The show is scheduled to run from Sunday, November 19, through Saturday, January 13. For additional information, please click here.

"From Whiskey Categories to Municipalities: How Milton Township Thrives" Features John Monino

Don't miss this recent episode of "The Local," a podcast hosted by Marc Horner of Fairhaven Wealth Management in partnership with the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce and co-host Vickie Austin. Catch up with John Monino, supervisor of Milton Township, as he explains the relationship between Milton Township and the surrounding municipalities, including Glen Ellyn and Wheaton. John also tells about his personal experience getting involved in local government and the challenges that come with politics. Click here to listen to John's story.

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 Shines a Light on Candy Canes

The Wheaton Park District is hosting a Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt on Sunday, Dec. 10, and Friday, Dec. 15, between 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Bring your flashlight and get ready to search for candy canes scattered throughout Lincoln Marsh at the intersection of Harrison Ave. and Pierce Ave. in Wheaton. The cost is $14 for Wheaton residents and $18 for non-residents. Spots are limited, so please register early by clicking here.

Help The Wheaton Police Department Stuff the Squad

The Wheaton Police Department is set to host a Stuff the Squad event on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Wheaton Police Department, located at 900 W. Liberty Drive. This event will benefit the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans, encouraging the community to participate by donating household, cleaning, and personal care items. Those who would like to drop off items but are unable to do so during the Stuff the Squad event time may drop off items in the Wheaton Police Department lobby. For more information and a list of all accepted items, please click here.

Downtown Wheaton Association Sends Your Letters to the North Pole

Eager wish-makers can send their Christmas requests to Santa Claus from November 25 to December 23. Whether crafting a personalized letter or using a provided template, participants should remember to include their email addresses to receive a video response from Santa. Drop your letters in Santa's mailbox located at the "W" Tent on Front Street by December 23 for a timely delivery in anticipation of Christmas. For more information, click here.

Wheaton Public Library Hosts Gingerbread House Contest

The Wheaton Public Library is hosting a Gingerbread House Contest on Saturday, Dec. 16. Participate in the contest at the Arts & Culture Center's main floor. Bring your gingerbread creation from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm or come to cast your vote for the best house between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Additionally, at 1:00 pm, there will be a screening of the movie "Elf." Click here for more information.

If you have a job opening, please inform us by entering 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:

• Arts, Business & Culture Committee will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 14, at 4:00 p.m., at the Wheaton Chamber office located at 301 W. Roosevelt Road, Wheaton. Allison Orr of the Downtown Wheaton Association is chair. Please register here.
• Beth Marchetti of the DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau will present "Driving Wins for DuPage County Through 2026 and Beyond" for Wheaton Chamber members and guests on Thursday, Nov. 16, at 11:30 a.m. at Illinois Institute of Technology located at 201 E. Loop Rd. in Wheaton. Please register here.

Coming Up:

• Board of Directors Monthly Meeting will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 21, at 8:30 a.m. via Zoom. [Note changes due to Thanksgiving Holiday.] Lulú Hertenstein of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is chair.
• Members Matter will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 22, at 9:00 a.m. via Zoom. This orientation is an overview of member benefits and is great for new members, current members and anyone thinking about joining the Chamber. Please register here.

Camerata Chicago Brings Royalty to Wheaton

Camerata Chicago's October concert was held at the Armerding Center for Music and Arts on the campus of Wheaton College. Photo, L to R: Ariane Hall, Maestro Drostan Hall, Tatjana Nenadovich, Crown Prince Alexander of Serbia, Crown Princess Katherine of Serbia and Dr. Nicola Nenadovich. The Nenadoviches were the principal sponsors of the event and all proceeds went to the Lifeline Humanitarian Organization in Serbia.

Ladies Night Out at Belmont Village:

Artisan Delights & Alzheimer's Awareness

Families, professional partners, and residents came together last Thursday at Belmont Village Senior Living in Carol Stream for a special event featuring 16 artisan vendors and a gift basket raffle. All funds raised were dedicated to the Alzheimer’s Association.