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Thursday, March 28, 2024

NACC bets on new beginnings and ‘business forward’

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Above / Decked out in Roaring 1920s style, Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Kaylin Risvold and NACC Board of Directors Chairman Ian Holzhauer welcomed more than 375 members and guests to bet on the Chamber’s new beginnings and “business forward” on Jan. 10, 2020. The annual benefit, the nonprofit business organization’s major fundraiser, was timed to celebrate 20Twenties. In addition, the new 25-member Board of Directors began leadership with a program that recognizes a century of growth and progress, embracing the future with new initiatives and opportunities for its members.


Since 1913, the aim of the nonprofit business organization now known as the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce has been to grow, continually adapting to offer opportunities and business advocacy as diverse as its membership throughout the community.

Whether a small business, home-based business, medium-sized business, large corporation or nonprofit agency, the business of the NACC has been committed toward helping member-businesses prosper and then some. The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce exhibits that commitment through many resources including professional development, advocacy, marketing and visibility, promotion and networking opportunities as well as new programs designed to embrace another new decade with relevance for its members.  

New members always are welcome. The NACC Membership Team aims to create opportunities with purposes and advocacy that fit the needs, investment and schedules for its members. Just as any organization supported by membership, members have a wide range of individual expectations. Communication is key. Since assuming her position in late October 2019, NACC President and CEO Kaylin Risvold has encouraged input and questions. Contact her at krisvold@naperville.net.Above / The recent Roaring 20Twenties Gala was set up by Chicago Casino Suppliers and the hush of the evening was a resounding mummer that the space in ballroom had never been so well organized and dazzling, complete with Spanesi Speakeasy and a keepsake program featuring a centerfold of Chamber milestones from 1920 through 2020. Cheers!

New Initiatives for 2020

For instance, kicking off 2020 began with the announcement of new initiatives and opportunities for Chamber Members. Three new committees have been established —the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Corporate Social Responsibility Committee, and the Small Business Owners Committee —as well as the creation of two additional highly sought TEAMs lead groups.  “This year’s Gala was, no doubt, the first introduction to the community,” said NACC President and CEO Kaylin Risvold. “It was our first chance to show how we intend to freshen the face of programs, events and opportunities for members.” 

Risvold continued, “Now is the time to find a way to connect with businesses in more meaningful ways – and we have no shortage of opportunities to do it.”Above / The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce is located at 55 S. Main Street in Main Street Promenade, Third Level. Find entrances to the building with an elevator at Main, Van Buren and Webster streets.

Diversity and Inclusion Committee

Kim White, Executive Director at the Career & Networking Center will take the lead of the new Diversity and Inclusion Committee. This committee will bring individuals together to continue the conversation on how to work together to improve diversity and inclusion in the business community.  Advisory Committee meetings will be held at the Chamber offices once a month and this committee will put on two events a calendar year. The Diversity and Inclusion Committee aims to work collaboratively with the business community, recognizing its importance as a valuable benefit for employees, clients and customers, while creating an ideal environment for the entire workforce. White added, “It’s my hope that diversity and inclusion, if not already, is seen as the norms of doing business, not an afterthought.”  

Corporate Social Responsibility Committee 

Megan Lynch, Director of Corporate Relations at North Central College, will chair the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee. “I’m looking forward to partnering with for-purpose business and community leaders in the Naperville area to elevate the importance of corporate citizenship and highlight stories of how local companies are making a positive impact,” Lynch notes, mindful that in today’s world, being a good corporate citizen not only makes a positive impact on the community and the environment; it’s also good for business.This new committee will create a space for dialogue on corporate responsibility best practices, including employee volunteerism, sustainability, philanthropy, and social impact. The Advisory Committee will meet once a quarter at the Chamber offices to plan round-table discussions and other programming. 

Small Business Owners Committee

Franklin Rivera CEO at V2M2 Group, Inc. will head the Small Business Owners Committee, intending to connect small business owners together so they can talk openly about the unique challenges they face.  “My hope is to create a synergistic collaborative through the use of our collective intellectual capital to greatly accelerate the small business community of the Chamber,” explained Rivera.Advisory Committee meetings will be held at the Chamber offices once a month with one signature event expected every quarter.

More ‘Together Everyone Achieves More’ (TEAM) Referral Groups

In addition to the committees, the NACC found a need to expand its TEAM offerings due to the success and popularity of the format.  TEAM is an acronym for Together Everyone Achieves More. The focused format offers its members a central meeting place to exchange leads and help grow their businesses through referralsProposed meeting times for two new TEAM groups will be 7:30AM to 9AM on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month as well as 7:30AM to 9AM on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month.

NACC Members sought for Advisory Boards

The NACC is seeking applications from members to be considered for an Advisory Board position on the various committees as well as for inclusion in the existing and new TEAMs. The deadline to apply is through Friday, January 24, 2020.  Applications are located on www.naperville.net/committees and www.naperville.net/teams. Send questions and completed applications to NACC President and CEO Kaylin Risvold at krisvold@naperville.net.

Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce since 1913

The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce is the largest suburban Chamber in Illinois with an active membership of 1,200 organizations of every size and from every sector. The NACC promotes economic growth and advocacy in and around the Naperville area.  For its efforts in promoting free enterprise and the business community, the Chamber has been recognized with 5-Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, an honor bestowed on only 1 percent of Chambers, out of the nearly 7,000 in the nation. For more information, visit www.naperville.net or call (630) 635-4141.

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An editor is someone who prepares content for publishing. It entered English, the American Language, via French. Its modern sense for newspapers has been around since about 1800.

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