Dear ECCI Members,
I hope everyone is enjoying every last minute of summer!
On July 30, community leaders, residents, and members of the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry, including several ECCI Board Members, gathered to celebrate City Manager Jim Grabowski’s retirement. After more than 15 years of dedicated service to the Elmhurst community and a career spanning three decades in local government, Jim leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of leadership.
As we celebrate Jim’s remarkable career, it is especially fitting that we also recognize him during one of the Chamber’s signature events.
We are teeing up for our “Networking on the 9s,” ECCI’s 78th Annual Golf Outing, on Friday, September 18, at Sugar Creek Golf Course in Villa Park. We invite you to join fellow Chamber members, business leaders, and community partners for one of our most popular networking events of the year.
Whether you register a foursome, attend lunch, or become a sponsor, there’s a place for everyone to participate.
The day features lunch, networking, nine holes of scramble golf, contests, raffles, prizes, and the presentation of the Good Works Award.
We’re currently seeking sponsors, silent auction items and raffle prize donations. Sponsorship is a great way to promote your business while supporting the Chamber and connecting with our vibrant business community.
We Are Proud to Announce Jim Grabowski as This Year’s Good Works Award Recipient.
Presented annually since 2000 at the Chamber’s signature golf outing, the Good Works Award recognizes individuals and organizations whose leadership, service and lasting contributions have strengthened the Elmhurst community. The award honors the memory of former Chamber President A.J. “Toche” Terrones, who led the Chamber for nearly a decade before his death.
Grabowski joined the City of Elmhurst in July 2011, becoming only the third City Manager in the City’s history since 1953. Throughout his career, Grabowski has played a pivotal role in shaping Elmhurst’s continued success. Since becoming city manager he has guided the city through a period of strategic growth, financial stability and major community investments while building strong partnerships among residents, businesses, elected officials and community organizations across DuPage County.
Grabowski has served as an Ex-Officio member of the ECCI Board of Directors. Throughout his tenure, he has been a trusted advocate for the Chamber and a strong supporter of its mission, regularly participating in Chamber programs and events.
U.S Chamber of Commerce News
Nationally, small business confidence remains positive, but many businesses continue to cite concerns about inflation, hiring, operating costs, and economic uncertainty. This reinforces the importance of the Chamber’s role in providing networking, advocacy, education, and practical resources that help local businesses navigate changing conditions. Small Businesses Show Resilience Despite Inflation Concerns | U.S. Chamber of Commerce
ComEd Small & Medium Business Customer Relief Fund
Please find information on the small & medium business customer relief fund to assist businesses struggling to pay their bills. The program provides eligible businesses with a one-time matching credit of up to $500 on their electric bill. To qualify, a business must have an active commercial account, use less than 500 kilowatts of energy, have a past-due balance, and apply at the NHS Website at ComEd Small and Medium Business Relief Fund | NHS Chicago.
ComEd.com landing page: Small-Medium Business Customer Relief Fund | ComEd – An Exelon Company
Membership Benefit “Quick Tip Reminders”
Did You Know? Your Chamber membership includes a complimentary website listing. During the past 12 months, over 19.6K engaged users visited elmhurstchamber.org. These are actual viewers spending time on our site (not international, spam, bot, or bounced traffic) searching for member businesses, events, and Chamber resources!
Be sure your business description, logo, hours, and contact information are up to date. Check out your listing HERE.
Member Milestones & Celebrations
Congratulations to the Chicago House Men’s Team on earning the third-place trophy in the 102nd edition of the United States National Amateur Cup Tournament. As a semi-professional men’s and women’s soccer club that calls Langhorst Field at Elmhurst University home, Chicago House has brought well-deserved national recognition to our community.
Happy Anniversary
One member is celebrating their Chamber anniversaries in August: 10 years Encore Centre for Performing Arts
New Members
Please give a warm welcome to our newest Chamber members: Carrera House and Office Cleaning, Kiddie Academy, ManualShift, Naansense Restaurant and Tail Gate
Ribbon Cuttings
Ambassadors, Board members, elected officials, and staff came together to support and celebrate growing local businesses: D’Amico Medicine
Warm regards,
Jennifer Veremis
President & CEO
Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry
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