Dear Members:

Even before July 1—when the State of Illinois doubled its motor fuel tax from 19 cents to 38 cents per gallon to help fund $45 billion in transportation infrastructure projects—Elmhurst residents and business were already curb deep in road construction projects.

The two largest projects are the resurfacing of North Avenue (Route 64) from Interstate 290 to Villa Avenue and rehabilitation of the St. Charles Road bridge over Salt Creek into Villa Park–both under the auspices of the Illinois Department of Transportation.

The summer-long North Avenue project, which started on May 20, includes spot curb and gutter replacement, American with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant sidewalk upgrades at intersections, and pavement grinding and resurfacing.

The St. Charles Road bridge project includes expansion joint replacement of neoprene with silicone, installation of new retainer plates, keyway cleaning and grouting, and removal/replacement of bituminous surface course and waterproofing membrane.

St. Charles Road was resurfaced in 2010, but the deteriorating bridge had IDOT-imposed weight restrictions put on in 2014 and then received emergency repairs in 2017.

Next up is the IDOT-managed Spring Road project that will include spot curb and gutter replacement, ADA sidewalk intersection upgrades, and surfacing milling and repaving.

Tiered Dues At A Glance
At our Chamber’s Board of Directors Annual Mid-Year Advance on July 23, Directors reviewed the first six-plus months of new member recruitment under the new tiered dues annual investment structure adopted during Chamber of Commerce Month in Elmhurst last September and test implemented during the Fourth Quarter of 2018.

Since then, a total of 57 businesses and not-for-profit organizations have joined or reactivated as a tiered dues member.  Of that total, 38 chose in the $480 Member Tier (Networking), 15 picked the $960 Investor Tier (Marketing), two opted for the $1,440 Advocate Tier (Engagement) and two came in as not-for-profits ($240).

In addition, nine current members renewed at a tier over their old employee-based dues. Edward-Elmhurst Health and BMO Harris Bank both moved up to the Advocate Tier, Edward Jones Investments (Kevin Kost), Elmhurst College, Elmhurst Dental Care, Inland Bank, Prairie Path Foot & Ankle Clinic and SMB Advantage Group all upgraded to the Investor Tier, and Ken Bartels Consulting came back at the Member Tier.

To date, nearly 12 percent of our Chamber’s membership is now part of the tiered dues structure, with 27 of them (or 41 percent) opting for the convenient monthly payments.

Want to know more about the benefits of tiered dues?  For more information, contact Director of Member Services Mariella Mastromauro by phone at 630-834-6060 or e-mail.

United State Census 2020
The City of Elmhurst, under the leadership of Business Development Coordinator Erin Jason, is partnering with the United States Census Bureau to support the 2020 Census to ensure that our community (not to mention DuPage County and the State of Illinois) is accurately represented when it comes both federal representation and funding.

As a member of the City’s Census Committee, I had the opportunity to talk with U.S. Census Bureau representatives while attending the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Convention 2019 in Long Beach, California, from July 14-17.

Chamber of Commerce Month
As part of next month’s Chamber of Commerce Month activities, Fitness Formula Club will host our monthly Business After Hours on Thursday, September 5, from 5 to 7 p.m., and Elmhurst American Legion THB Post 187 will host our monthly Membership Breakfast on Wednesday, September 11, from 8 to 9 a.m.

FFC will be showcasing member amenities such as its rooftop lounge and outdoor pool, while Post 187 will be celebrating its 100th Anniversary of service to our community.

“Networking on the 9s,” our Chamber’s 71st Annual Golf Outing, will be played at Sugar Creek Golf Course in Villa Park on Wednesday, September 18, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with members of the Villa Park Chamber of Commerce invited to join us.

The Golf Outing Subcommittee, again chaired by Julie Miller of IRS Trouble Solvers, will be reaching out to members for sponsorships, golfers and volunteers, along with donations for the Wine and Dine Raffle and Silent Auction.

Happy Anniversaries
Eight members are celebrating milestone Chamber anniversaries in August as follows: 20 yearsFrancesca’s Amici; 15 yearsGeneration Law and The Uptown Shop; 10 years—Elmhurst Premiere Childcare (formerly Kids Drop In); and 5 yearsTerra Vista of Oakbrook Terrace.

New Members
The Chamber welcomed 10 new members in July as follows:  CBD Shop, Chicago Speciality Bakers, Edward Jones Financial Advisor – Miceli, GGI – Great Guys, Inc., Oak Brook Medical Group, Pan American Bank & Trust, Paychex (Erik Dauksavage), spavia day spa elmhurstSweetberry Bowls and Xpert Trade Show Carpet, LLC.

Last month marks our Chamber’s best July recruiting class since 2009 (14) and the third best July (behind 12 in 2004) recorded our 101-year-old history.

Reactivated Member
The E-Town Low Down reactivated its Chamber membership in July.

No Longer Members
The Chamber said goodbye to the following 11 members in July:  Betty’s Blow Dry & Beauty Bar, Body & Soul Spa Retreat, Darwin Realty & Development Corporation, Dollars and Sense, Holy Family Catholic School, LPL Financial, Men in Brotherhood #1178 AF & AM, Neighborhood Restorations, Nyhan, Bambrick, Kinzie & Lowry, P.C., The Design Group and York Community High School Alumni Association (YCHSAA).