BUSINESS NEWS & VIEWS NORTHBROOKCHAMBER.ORG BRINGING PEOPLE & BUSINESS TOGETHER JANUARY 2020 Support Local Children in Need Frum to Highlight Village Priorities at State of the Village through New Chamber Program State of the Village Address The Chamber is stepping up to support Wednesday, January 29, 11:45 a.m. Hunger Free Northbrook’s newest initiative, Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel providing supplemental meals to children Complimentary for Chamber members* in need here in the Village. The weekend meal-pack program, launched at one Chamber members are invited to hear a Northbrook elementary school last fall, is comprehensive overview of issues facing now expanding to multiple schools, and Northbrook at the upcoming State of the the Chamber has committed to providing Village Address on January 29. Village 15 packs each month at one location from President Sandy Frum will offer her insights January through May, 2020. on a wide range of Village priorities and challenges, with an emphasis on topics affecting the business community. In addition, Village staff will be on hand to share their expertise in casual conversation. In this year’s State of the Village speech, President Frum will discuss topics the Board’s Administration and Finance that the Trustees have set as top priorities, Committee for 16 years before her election including affordable housing, infrastructure as Village President. She is active in Almost 400 children in Northbrook improvements, communication, and Northbrook Rotary, and served as President schools qualify for free or reduced-cost sustainability efforts like the new plastic of the Northwest Municipal Conference in school lunches. Those subsidies only bag recycling and share-a-bag programs. 2014/15. cover lunches on school days, leaving She also will review the status of major Chamber members are strongly gaps on weekends and holiday breaks. development proposals, and address the encouraged to participate in this unique impact of the upcoming 2020 Census, the opportunity to hear from the top leadership new recreational cannabis legislation, and of our Village. There will be ample other changes. Village finances are also a opportunities for questions and answers perennial topic of interest. during the informative lunch. President Frum currently is serving her *As part of its ongoing advocacy efforts, third term as Village President, a position the Chamber offers one complimentary she has held since 2009. A resident of admission per member business with advance Hunger Free Northbrook was created Northbrook for over 40 years, she began registration by January 24. Additional advance to raise awareness of food insecurity that her career in public service when she was registrations are $30. Guests or members at affects many families in the Village, and elected to the Park District Board in 1981, the door are $35. To make a reservation, call to rally local involvement to address the followed by years of experience with the the Chamber at (847)513-6361 or return the problem. Almost 400 children in Northbrook Plan Commission. She was elected to enclosed sign up sheet. schools qualify under federal standards for the Village Board in 1987, and chaired free or reduced-cost school lunches. Those subsidies only cover lunches on school days, leaving gaps on weekends and PAGE 2 PAGE 3 Message from Board Chair Bob Policies, Proposals to Fill Plan holiday breaks. Caldwell Commission Agenda in 2020 Modeled after an established program IN THIS PAGE 3 PAGE 4 in Moraine Township, Hunger Free ISSUE Claim Company Reopens on Skokie Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner Northbrook makes supplemental weekend Blvd. Set for March 2 Support Local Children Cont. to pg. 4 CHAMBER DESK Message from Board Chair Bob Caldwell BOARD OF DIRECTORS I can hardly believe that helps keep events relevant and meaningful. Last it’s been a year since I year, we added a peer-to-peer networking group Robert Caldwell - Chair Hallmark Homecare became the chairman for lawyers at the suggestion of a member. Like Steve Schmit - Treasurer of the Chamber’s the Small Office/Home Office and Women in Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. Board of Directors. Business lunches, the lawyers’ group addresses DIRECTORS 2019 went by in a flash, the interests of a specific segment of our Holly Allgauer - Cir Hilton Chicago/Northbrook filled with engaging membership, complementing the events that Peter Balyeat programs, productive bring the full spectrum of the Chamber together. Korman Lederer & Associates meetings, and great In 2020, we hope to continue to plan new Stephen Barr Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel conversations.I opportunities to connect industry-specific peers. Thomas G. Fortman have welcomed the We welcome your suggestions and participation Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. opportunity to make new connections with in making that happen. Hania Fuschetto Glenbrook Hospital members, and take pride in the quality of events Collaboration with other organizations has Allison Gilley and services created by the hard work of our also enhanced our offerings, and will continue to The Book Bin leaders, volunteers, and staff. do so in the new year. The Chamber has enjoyed Ron Goldblatt NorthShore Loyalty I’ve learned a lot about what makes the a longstanding partnership with the Village to Jacqueline (J.J.) Hart Chamber thrive in the past year, and it makes promote local shopping. That teamwork led to Allstate Insurance Co. me enthusiastic about what’s to come in 2020. a highly successful new mobile text marketing Paul Kaufmann Shred Spot The foundation of the Chamber’s strength is the program last year, as well as growing support James King high level of participation among our members. for the Northbrook Shopping Elf Facebook page. Northbrook Bank & Trust Co. That participation takes many forms, as you This year, we are working with the Northbrook Robyn Kole would expect in a diverse organization of over Public Library to develop business-oriented Karlin, Kerschner, Sharpe & Co., LLP Arnie Krause 700 businesses. For some members, it means technology education programs. By facilitating The Claim Company attendance at networking events, becoming a connections between members and community Brian Lee familiar face to welcome newcomers and veterans resources, the Chamber delivers added benefits Northbrook Court Julie Lerman alike. Many of our “regulars” dedicate their time to meet the needs of local businesses. The Franklin Law Group and energy as volunteers on committees. Looking ahead, I can foresee a number of Michael Nortman Crossroads Partners For others, participation means sponsorship areas where your fresh ideas and enthusiasm Katie Roberts of the Chamber’s programs and initiatives, from will be essential. Some of our longstanding BHHS KoenigRubloff - Northbrook Chamber fundraisers like the Golf Outing and traditions will take a different direction this Tom Whalen UL the Auction & Taste to community outreach like year; in particular, there will be changes to the Jason Young the meal packing event. These events could annual Golf Outing while Sportsman’s Country Waterway Carwash not exist without the generous support of our Club is under renovation. In addition, we are member businesses. inviting members to become actively involved STAFF Whatever the nature of your participation, I with Hunger Free Northbrook’s new meal-pack Tensley Garris President want you to know that it is very much appreciated. initiative for local students in need (see pg. 1 for Carolyn Gessner The Chamber, at its heart, is a member-driven details). Communications Manager organization, and the ideas and efforts you bring When making your New Year’s Resolutions, I Susie Joyce to the Chamber fuel innovations that enhance our hope you’ll add increased Chamber participation Administrative Assistant Kathi Quinn services. I’d like to highlight some of the new to your goals. Whatever your interests and Membership Director initiatives that were launched in 2019 and how schedule, there’s a way to get involved that will Katie Walther members will shape their continued evolution in benefit both you and the organization! I welcome Programs & Events Manager the new year. you to contact me any time to share your ideas For example, the Chamber’s programming or ask questions. Let’s make 2020 a year to reflects the needs of members, and your input remember. New Board Members Cont. from pg. 1 Reminder: Renew Your Membership for 2020 Invoices for 2020 membership renewals were mailed in November. Thank you to all the members who have responded! If you have not received your invoice, have questions regarding it or 2002 Walters Avenue, Northbrook, IL 60062 would like a review of your membership benefits, please call Membership Director Kathi Quinn at 847.498.5555 | Tel (847)513-6004 or email [email protected]. As a convenience, the Chamber accepts 847.498.5510 | Fax VISA or MasterCard payments over the phone. You may also log onto the Chamber's website, [email protected] northbrookchamber.org, and make a payment. www. northbrookchamber.org 2 northbrookchamber.org COMMUNITY NEWS Claim Company Reopens on Skokie Blvd. Fans of the Motherlode Burger celebrated the reopening of The Claim Company at its new location at 760 Skokie Boulevard, near Mariano’s supermarket. The longtime Northbrook favorite opened on November 26, after leaving Northbrook Court at the end of the summer. The new restaurant offers substantially the same menu as its previous incarnation, in a more intimate space. “We are now 3500 square feet versus 9100 square feet, and have a maximum seating of 110,” notes owner Arnie Krause. “Downsizing has been tricky, but it has turned out great and we have a nice cozy place now compared to the enormous footprint we had.” The new restaurant retains some familiar design elements, including the friendly wooden cowboy greeting guests at the door. The menu is the same as well, with the main focus continuing to be the famous Motherlode burger and the enormous salad bar.