Welcome Neighbor Program 2025 - Registration Now Open

Looking to connect with new residents? As a Member of BACC you have the opportunity to increase brand awareness through our Welcome Neighbor Program, targeting newcomers to the 60010 area. This program distributes free Welcome Neighbor Bags, filled with local business resources and incentives at key locations like the Barrington Area Library. Choose from three participation options:

1. Receive a new residents list each month via email 2. Include promotional materials in the Welcome bags. 3. Both list and bag participation. Fees range from $150 to $275. To participate call the Chamber at (847) 381-2525 or email accounting@barringtonchamber.com

BACC Announces Board Slate for 2025

BACC is pleased to announce the proposed slate of candidates for the 2025 Board of Directors and Executive Committee.

Renewing Member for 3-Year Term (Ending December 2027)

Linda Gump, JOVIE Nannies and Sitters & College Tutors

Armen Kholamian, Junk King N Chicago

Kyle Kick, BStrong Together

Brett Koenig, Acrisure

New Board Members for 3-Year Terms (Ending December 2027)

Paul Maloney, KRH Restaurant & Garden

Rob Jones, Huntington National Bank

2025 Executive Committee (Term Runs from Jan 1 to Dec 31, 2024)

Dr. Reinhold Llerena, Ascension Medical Group

Chair Robert Finley, Virtue Asset Management

First Vice Chair Linda Gump, JOVIE Nannies+ Sitters & College Tutors

Second Vice Chair Jon Stickney, Barrington Bank & Trust

Treasurer Ellaine Sambo-Reyther, BMO Wealth Management

Past Chair Suzanne Corr, BACC President/CEO, Secretary

2025 Returning Board Members:

Linda Fine, Buckley Fine Law

Jennifer Hissa, Greater Chicago Kitchen & Bath

Julie Mayer, Advocate Aurora Health

Zach Witt, Ilumen Solar

Retiring Board Members: Jen Frey, Buehler YMCA

Advisory Board Members: Scott Anderson of the Village of Barrington, Dr. Craig Winkelman of Barrington 220; Robert Palmer of Village of South Barrington, and Darice Trout, Harper College; John Christian, Chief, Barrington Fire Department

Individuals nominated to serve on the board and will be presented for approval on November 14.

Be on the Lookout for BACC Holiday Marketing Opportunities

The holidays are just around the corner—are you ready to capture the festive spirit and drive customers to your business? We’re here to help make it happen! We’ve crafted several exciting initiatives that aim to bring more attention to your business and drive foot traffic and sales throughout the holiday season. And the best news is, participation is FREE and included with your membership. In the coming weeks we may be reaching out and asking you to share some information and images with us to include in our holiday campaigns. Stay tuned for further details and deadlines.

Seeking Sponsors and Silent Auction Donations for the Annual Dinner

BACC will host the Annual Dinner & Scholarship Fundraiser on January 30, 2025 at Avante Banquets & Conference Center. As part of the event, BACC is seeking sponsors and donations for the silent auction. Sponsorship opportunities are available at various levels, including Wine Sponsor or Dessert Sponsor for $500, Entertainment Sponsor for $1,000, and Premier Sponsor for $1,500. Support from sponsors will help fund scholarships for students. If you are interested contributing or have questions, please reach out via email to Suzanne at suzanne@barringtonchamber.com.

WBN Offers 2025 Event Sponsorship Opportunity for $150 - 2 Remaining

BACC invites businesses to sponsor one of four Women’s Biz Net (WBN) events in 2025 for just $150. Sponsorship includes logo advertising on event materials, social media recognition, two event seats, and a 5-minute business spotlight during the program. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your business and connect with a network of professionals at WBN events, which cover topics such as AI in business, integrative medicine, and community nonprofits. Only 2 event sponsor opportunities remain - to register email Suzanne at suzanne@barringtonchamber.com.

Grand Re-Opening Ribbon Cutting for RE/Max Properties Northwest

RE/MAX Properties Northwest is celebrating its Grand Re-opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, November 14, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. The new office, located at 5043 Shoreline Rd. in Lake Barrington, will officially re-open with the ribbon cutting at 4:00 PM, followed by an evening of wine and cheese. Guests will have the opportunity to connect with local professionals in a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere. This is a perfect chance to explore the newly updated space and meet the RE/MAX team.

To RSVP CLICK HERE.

Connect and Mingle: YPs & Mentors Networking Event Open to All

All BACC Members are invited to the Young Professionals and Mentors networking event on Wednesday, November 13, from 4:30 to 6:30 PM at Moretti's Restaurant, located at 128 S. Wool St. in Barrington. This casual gathering offers a chance for young professionals, mentors, and anyone else interested to connect, network, and share ideas. To RSVP CLICK HERE.

Say Bonjour to French N. 75 Maison—Ribbon-Cutting Celebration

Be a part of the celebration as we host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for French N. 75 Maison, a charming boutique located at 104 W. Main St., Barrington. The event will take place on Tuesday, November 12, from 4:00 to 5:00 PM. All BACC members are invited to welcome this business to the heart of downtown Barrington. To RSVP CLICK HERE.

Ribbon Cutting & Open House for Elite Clothes for Men November 15

Join BACC as we host a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house to celebrate the grand opening of Elite Clothes for Men in downtown Barrington. The event will take place at 202 S. Cook St. on Friday, November 15, starting at 3:30 PM. All are welcome to attend and discover the latest in men's fashion. To RSVP CLICK HERE.

Ancho & Agave Set for Ribbon Cutting in Deer Park

Join us for the ribbon cutting ceremony at Ancho & Agave to celebrate the grand opening of this exciting new restaurant at 20506 N. Rand Rd., Deer Park, on November 20, from 4:00 - 5:00 PM. Discover this vibrant Mexican eatery, known for its delicious tacos, signature cocktails, and warm, inviting atmosphere. Enjoy a stylish interior with spacious seating, perfect for gathering with friends.

To register for this event CLICK HERE.

WBN Holiday Boutique & Luncheon November 21

Get into the Holiday spirit at the Women's Biz Net Bliss Holiday Boutique & Luncheon on Thursday November 21 from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Gather your friends to enjoy shopping with unique vendors, live holiday entertainment, a free shopping bag, and a delicious buffet lunch. Tickets are $45 per person and include lunch, continuous shopping and live entertainment. To register for the luncheon CLICK HERE.

Caffeine & Connections December 3 at Countryside Flower Shop

Join us for a morning of coffee, pastries, and meaningful conversations as you explore the unique finds at Countryside Flower Shop on Wednesday December 3 from 9:00 - 10:30 AM. This free, members-only networking event will feature a special presentation on "Sprinkling Some Holiday Cheer." Space is limited, so be sure to secure your spot by registering HERE. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with fellow Chamber members while gaining valuable business insights.

BACC Membership Boot Camp Friday, December 13

Join us for a FREE Boot Camp at the Chamber office on Friday, December 13 from 12:00 - 1:15 PM. Learn how to maximize your BACC benefits, network with fellow Chamber members, and enjoy a complimentary lunch. 

Limited to 15 members - First-time attendees have priority. Registration required, to register CLICK HERE.

Annual Dinner & Scholarship Fundraiser: Cheers to a FANtastic 2025

BACC will host its Annual Dinner and Scholarship Fundraiser on January 30, at Avante Banquets & Conference Center in Fox River Grove. The evening, themed "Cheers to a FANtastic 2025," will feature networking, live music, an online auction, and a dinner buffet, with proceeds benefiting the BACC High School Scholarship Fund. The event will also include awards and recognitions, and attendees are encouraged to dress as their favorite sports, music, or celebrity fan, or in business casual attire. Tickets are $70 per person, with a cash bar available starting at 5:30 PM. Purchase tickets HERE.

Unlock the Power of AI: Women's Biz Net Event to Help Grow Your Business

Looking to unlock the potential of AI for your business? Join us for the WBN program, Unlocking Potential: Using AI to Grow Your Business, on January 23, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at The Club at Wynstone in North Barrington. This event includes a lunch buffet, networking, and a program featuring speakers Kate Himes of Kateify and Thomas Schabow of See It Media, who will share insights on how AI can enhance your business productivity. Registration is $40 for members and $50 for nonmembers. To reserve your spot CLICK HERE.

Enjoy Hot Cocoa and Shopping at the Lake Barrington Cocoa Crawl

Get ready for the annual Lake Barrington Cocoa Crawl on Saturday, February 8, from 1:00 - 5:00 PM. Warm up with hot cocoa, delicious treats, and giveaways as you explore the unique boutiques and shops in the Pepper Park area. Tickets are just $20 and include a souvenir mug, free treats, a Cocoa Crawl tour map, raffle prizes, and more! Don’t miss out—check-in starts at Greater Chicago Kitchen & Bath, 22000 N. Pepper Rd., Lake Barrington.

To purchase tickets CLICK HERE.

Expand Your Network at Scramble & Spirits: February 20 at Pinstripes

Broaden your network at our Scramble & Spirits event on Thursday, February 20, from 3:30-7:00 PM at Pinstripes in the Arboretum of South Barrington. Connect on a higher level as you're assigned to a new group of guests for three rounds of networking with focused discussion questions. Then enjoy the chance to mingle with everyone over drinks and appetizers. Registration is $40 per guest and includes refreshments, appetizers, and a cash bar. Pre-registration is required, and table sponsorships are available for $50. To register CLICK HERE.

Member Benefit, Eblast Advertising: Send Your Tailored Message to the Chamber

Did you know that one of your many Chamber benefits is the opportunity to send your sales message to nearly 1,400 fellow Chamber members?

Simply review the REQUIREMENTS, provide your ad in a jpeg or pdf format and BACC can accommodate your promotional schedule. Everyone for whom we have a valid email address receives BACC Eblasts. These Eblasts have high open rates from 25 to 30%. Sponsorships of our weekly Chamber and Member newsletters are also available. For details and pricing call the Chamber at (847) 381-2525 or email: marketing@barringtonchamber.com.

FREE Member Benefits: Post Your Events, Job Openings & Hot Deals on our Website

Did you know that all BACC members can post events, job openings and hot deals for FREE on our Chamber website? Members can also submit these announcements for inclusion in our weekly Member News which is emailed to the entire membership (nearly 1,400 contacts) and shared on our social media pages and website: www.BarringtonChamber.com.

For instructions on how to submit a Job Posting CLICK HERE

For instructions on how to submit a Hot Deal CLICK HERE.

For instructions on how to submit an Event CLICK HERE.

For a copy of the Member News Submission Guidelines CLICK HERE.

DCEO and IMEC Launch "Made in Illinois" Grant Program to Boost Manufacturing

Gov. JB Pritzker, the Illinois Dept. of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center have launched $1 million in funding for the "Made in Illinois" Grant Program. According to the Illinois SBDC at College of Lake County, the program provides up to $50,000 in matching grant funding to small- and mid-sized Illinois manufacturers to support innovation and strategic advancements in manufacturing. For details CLICK HERE.

IL Dept. of Commerce Help for Businesses

SBA Resources for Women-Owned Businesses

Illinois Small Business Assistance

Tory Burch Foundation for Women Entrepreneurs

211 Social Services Phone Line