2017-01
- 1. Message from the President I am very proud to provide my first “Message from the President” correspondence for the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce in 2017, it has been a while. I hope you all enjoyed the Holidays. As you know, the Chamber is an integral part of our com- munity. Many of us live within Brookfield, have businesses, bank, shop and support our local restaurants and estab- lishments. This is an ever changing and growing commu- nity. Without you volunteering your time, resources and sweat equity, we would not be as successful and we have all of you to thank for this accomplishment. We have a strong and dedicated team once again heading into 2017 (check out the new lineup, in this newsletter). I wish to take this time to thank Tom Milani for his years of service as President of the Brookfield Chamber, you cer- tainly have left your mark. As for our Directors, you all have served us well. Your dedication and community sup- port showed no boundaries. I would also like to thank all of the hard working volun- teers who assisted with events such as the Valentine’s Day for Seniors, Easter Egg Hunt, Farmer’s Market, Fourth of July, Street Dance, 60 to Win, Car and Bike Show, Monsters on Main Street, Holiday Walk. These events are such an integral part of serving our community. I welcome your support, ideas and involvement from any current chamber members, potential new members and community groups who would like to partner with the chamber in some way. Fellow members, our job has just begun…we are still look- ing at ways to reach out to our residents and businesses to promote a common goal- to make Brookfield not just a good community but a great community. I’d like to en- courage members to spread the word and consider at- tending and/or sponsoring our annual Valentine’s Senior Social that will be held in the Village hall on Sunday Febru- ary 12th at 1:00pm. Your participation changes lives! On behalf of the Chamber officers and board members, I wish you a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. I look forward to working with you. Todd N. Hitzeman, President Brookfield Chamber of Commerce January 2017 Brookfield Chamber of Commerce 2017 Officers & Directors President Todd Hitzeman Hitzeman Funeral Home, LTD. 373-5441 First Vice President Second Vice President Steven Langworthy Open Edward Jones 485-8291 Secretary Treasurer Amanda Robert-Curry Amy Weinert Cool! Giraffe Design First National Bank of 334-1320 Brookfield 485-2770 Directors Term Ending 2017 Betty LeClere (Betty’s Flowers) 372-1005 Todd Hitzeman (Hitzeman Funeral Home) 485-2000 Director– Open Term Ending 2018 Phillip Richard (First National Bank of Brookfield) 485-2770 Allen Goodcase (Future Technology Systems) 485-8940 Director– Open Term Ending 2019 Doug Fiala (Douglas Auto Body) 485-7774 Brian Sharenow (FMG Events) 485-9320 Clara D’Onofrio (Ms. Clara’s Mini Musicians) 704-1716 www.brookfieldchamber.net
- 2. Thursday, January 12th, 2017 Business Luncheon, Noon Irish Times, 8869 Burlington Ave, Brookfield Thursday January 19th, 2017 Board Meeting, Noon Brookfield Public Library Thursday, January 26th, 2017 Business After-Hours, 5:30pm TBD Dates to Remember
- 3. Brookfield Public Library’s New Community Arts Initiative Calling all local artists! The Brookfield Public Library is pleased to launch its new Community Arts Initiative, providing local artists with the opportunity to exhibit their works at the Library for free. Beginning in 2017, the Library will dedicate some of its limited wall space to exhibit space. The initiative was inspired by the local artists’ community who approached the Library with the idea of exhibiting local artwork, as is commonplace in public libraries everywhere. The Community Arts Initiative kicks off in January with an exhibit by Brookfield native Georgia Velisaris. Throughout January & February highlights of Georgia’s works in mixed media and photography will be on display in the library. The community is invited to a grand opening reception on Friday, January 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the Library. Velisaris will return to the Library on Friday, February 3 at 6:30 p.m. to talk about her work. Exhibit at the Library Artists interested in exhibiting at the Brookfield Public Library are invited to submit an application to Community Arts Initiative Liaison Jason Michael West at musicandunity@gmail.com or to Library Director Kimberly Coughran at kcoughran@brookfieldlibrary.info. The Display and Exhibit Application form is available on the Library’s website at www.brookfieldlibrary.info/policies. Applications should include 3 to 5 high quality jpeg images, an artist bio, and a link to the artist’s website (if applicable). Applications will be accepted throughout the year and will be evaluated on a first come, first served basis. Due to the Library’s limited space, only 2-dimensional art works may be exhibited. Accepted entries will be exhibited for a period of 8 weeks.
- 4. IS IT TIME TO RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP?? Most chamber memberships over the years have been renewing in January, and while there may be a few ex- ceptions out there, it likely is time to renew your membership in the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce. For those of you who have already renewed, THANK YOU for your support and continued participation. Your renewal is important to accomplish the many important services provided through the Chamber to its members and the local community. Your membership has helped the Chamber promote its local business members while actively contributing to the Brookfield community. Some of the highlight events of 2016 included the Farmer’s Market, Holiday Cel- ebration, Art Fest, Car Show, and Street Dance with many more to list that draw hundreds of attendees and participants. Outside of giving back and supporting the local community. Your Chamber membership also provides many other benefits to foster the growth of your business such as: connecting and networking with like-minded business owners at many monthly events; promoting your business through its online member directory and other direct marketing opportunities; staying informed of any legislative changes affecting small businesses; access to resources and education through our workshop events. Please continue to partner with us in our effort to make Brookfield a better place to live and work! You can easily renew your membership online at: www.BrookfieldChamber.net or via mail by sending back a printed applica- tion with your check to: Brookfield Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 38 Brookfield, IL 60513 Remember that dues payments are deductible as on ordinary and necessary business expense. Thank you for your dedicated support and continued involvement with the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce. Renew your membership today! Tom Milani & Monika Fogarty