Why Join the Joliet Chamber

Our Chamber partnership is designed to serve as a support structure for the region’s business community. The effects of this partnership are realized and made visible in our community through the volunteer efforts of businesspersons who serve the Chamber in various divisions, committees and special projects.

All Chamber members are encouraged to take advantage of this partnership and participate in our Chamber’s many programs and activities.

 

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

Chamber members are invited to explore the many resources available through our Chamber of Commerce to build better business relationships and increase business. The following benefits are available to all Chamber members.

Referral Service:
Our Chamber office receives thousands of telephone and mail inquiries each year. Requests for information are always passed along to appropriate Chamber businesses. We welcome all referral calls as we enjoy referring your business to the growing Joliet community!

Membership Listing:
Many Chamber members elect to use our expanding directory of member businesses to conduct personalized direct mail or telephone campaigns. By calling the Chamber Office, member businesses may request a copy of our membership directory in the form of an excel document. 

Committee Service:
Major functions hosted by our Chamber of Commerce are successful due to the volunteerism of Chamber members. We invite you to get involved on a planning committee to help us in our efforts. To name just a few, our Chamber enlists committee support in staging our annual golf outing, legislative affairs, as well as many special recognition dinners and award ceremonies. Share your talents, expertise and ideas by joining one of our many planning committees!

CONNECT Guide:
Our Chamber of Commerce assists prospective homeowners as well as numerous corporations in their efforts to relocate new employees to our community. In addition, we direct mail to over 1,000 new homeowners each year this yearly updated guide. Included in CONNECT is information reflecting the business and residential community: member lists of restaurants/lounges, hotels/motels, realtors/appraisers, medical facilities and practitioners, recreation/entertainment and communication/media outlets in addition to a host of other pertinent information. We always promote member businesses in these packets.

Community Leadership School:
Our Chamber enjoys the benefits of strong voluntary leadership. Due to the immense growth of our community, there is a continued need to develop an expanding foundation of leadership. Excellence in leadership development is fostered through this program by increasing community awareness and involvement, discussing a “shared vision” for a better future and unveiling opportunities to develop valuable networks of resources. Enrollment in Community Leadership School is open to individuals from all organizations and professions. This program develops more effective, better-informed leaders for the Joliet Region.

Other Benefits:
Chamber membership is 98% tax deductible as an ordinary and necessary business expense. Through our Chamber, we are able to offer reduced-rate, long-distance phone service to our members. We accept VISA/AMEX/MasterCard and Discover for any/all payments.

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BUSINESS GROWTH & NETWORKING

Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry members find they can grow their business significantly by becoming actively involved in the special events hosted by our Chamber. If you are looking to make great business contacts and establish lasting friendships, our Chamber is the place for you to invest your time and energy.

Following are key opportunities for members to expand their business network:

Business-After-Hours:
Each month the Chamber hosts a social gathering of our membership at a Chamber member’s business. At these functions you have an opportunity to interact with Chamber Staff, Board of Directors, Ambassadors and fellow Chamber members. These events are usually held the last Thursday of each month from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Bring your business cards!

Member Breakfasts/Luncheons:
Our Chamber schedules a member breakfast or luncheon 10 out of the 12 months of the year. The Chamber’s goal is to recruit a noted speaker who will update us on business and community issues. Watch your Chamber newsletter for details regarding any upcoming member breakfasts or luncheons.

Golf Outing:
Our Chamber golf outing provides an excellent setting for you to “entertain” your business friends and clients. Our outing is a relaxing day of golf on an award-winning course followed by a happy “hour” and conversation with Chamber friends/golfing legends in the clubhouse. Sponsorship opportunities are abundant for our Chamber golf outing. You may sponsor golf carts, holes, beverages, dinner, prizes and much, much more! Specific details regarding our golf outing are always published in the newsletter.

Business Showcase:
A business showcase is an opportunity for new, newly renovated, new CEO or expanded businesses to host an open-house gathering of Chamber members. All business showcases will be promoted in our VISION newsletter and by special mailing in advance of their scheduled date.

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PROMOTIONS & ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES

Our Chamber of Commerce includes nearly 1,000 business members. We strongly encourage Chamber members to conduct business with each other before reaching outside our membership to satisfy their business needs. This creates a business “web” that works to keep business strong in the community, especially among our own Chamber members.

You may elect to advertise your business through the following sources:

Newsletter:
Published monthly, our Chamber newsletter is an excellent way to get your marketing materials in the hands of a dedicated audience. More than 2,500 copies of VISION are distributed throughout the community to member businesses and civic leaders. Each issue provides a complete activities calendar as well as information bringing you up to date on Chamber initiatives. 

Web Presence:
www.JolietChamber.com is an active website designed to promote our member businesses as well as inform the public of the many benefits and activities our Chamber of Commerce offers. Under the heading “Member Directory,” Chamber members will find their organization listed according to business category with a map icon that will take viewers to directions leading to each business. Please visit our site and find your business friends on-line with us!

Community Profile/City Map:
Each of these publications provides an opportunity for Chamber members to advertise their business to the Joliet community and beyond. Space is limited in these publications and ad spots fill quickly. A number of high-traffic locations receive community profile books within the community. We also encourage our members to request and share them with their employees and clients — a great tool showcasing the outstanding business and residential climate of our community! Maps are distributed to community members and area newcomers and provide an excellent resource for travel throughout the Joliet Region.

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ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS

In addition to the opportunities and benefits already listed, the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry strives to provide more to our members. Here are more programs that you as a Chamber member can take advantage of.

Ambassador Club:
On the first Wednesday of each month, the Chamber ambassadors meet for an update on what’s been going on in the Chamber in order to help spread the word about the organization. Ambassadors assist the Chamber by delivering new member packets, calling on existing members and by greeting guests at various Chamber functions.

Council for Working Women:
An affiliate organization of the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the Council for Working Women works to advance the interests of women engaged in business, professions and service organizations. An additional membership fee of $45 is required for admission to the Council for Working Women. All working women are welcome to participate in Council activities, including lunches held the first Thursday of each month.

Joliet Area Young Professionals:
An affiliate organization of the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the Joliet Area Young Professionals (JAYP) work to establish social and professional opportunities as well as identifying and satisfying the needs of professionals ages 21-40 in the greater Joliet area. An additional fee of $50 is required for admission to the Joliet Area Young Professionals. All professionals age 21-40 are welcome to participate in JAYP activities, including networking, educational programs, and community service.

Food & Beverage Association:
The Joliet Region Food and Beverage Association (JRFBA) has been established after interest surfaced about forming a strong and unified voice from the food and beverage industry in the Joliet region due to the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The mission of the JRFBA is to bring leaders from the food and beverage industry together to collaborate, share best practices, advocate for industry needs and priorities, and drive economic growth. The JRFBA believes that a growing and innovative food and beverage industry is vital to a prosperous Joliet region.

New Member Orientations:
Held a couple of times a year, new member orientations are designed for new member representatives to become familiar with Chamber staff, programs, events, committees, and all other aspects of the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Annual Awards Dinner and Celebration of Success
Washington Fly-In
Springfield Drive-Down
New Educators Welcome
Referral/Leads Group
Seminars
Downtown Street Banners

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BECOME A MEMBER

To become a Joliet Chamber
of Commerce member please contact us at:
815.727.5371
info@jolietchamber.com

Member Application
Fill out an online membership application or download the Membership Form Here fill it out and fax to 815.727.5374

Business Category List
View a list of Business Category Codes to fill out on your membership application.

Thank You,
The Joliet Chamber of Commerce

Diane DeVries

“The Joliet Chamber was one of the first groups I joined 24 years ago when I started my sales job with the local radio stations. I knew no one, and the chamber staff and members were welcoming and helpful from day one. Since then, the chamber has been absolutely essential in building my business, building my relationships, and building friendships. From networking events, to golf outings, dinners, festivals and galas, the Joliet Chamber brings successful people together to support not only the business community, but the everyday life of the area residents. Thank you for everything you do!”

Diane DeVries

Alpha Media

Shark Shredding & Document Management Services, Inc.

“I wanted to pass along a “Thank You” to the staff at the chamber of commerce for a call we received at our office today.

An elderly gentleman from the Joliet area reached out to the Joliet chamber office needing to find help with some shredding services. The staff was kind enough to provide him with our company name and telephone number. As is our normal practice, when finishing up with his phone call, I asked him how he had learned of our company and he explained that he was given our name and number by the folks at the Joliet Chamber of Commerce.

As we all know, in today’s tight economy, there is never a customer too small that cannot be helped. I was truly pleased to learn that a simple phone call to the Joliet Chamber of Commerce will result in business for Shark Shredding, Inc.

Please pass along to your staff at the chamber a Thank You from me and our team here at Shark Shredding, Inc. that it wasn’t Google, Yellowbook, Dex, Bing or any other modern tech devise that led this client to our doorstep, just good old fashioned chamber members helping chamber members.

Thank you for the support of your membership!”

Brian Ciapinski

President/Co-Owner, Shark Shredding & Document Management Services, Inc.

Great American Bagel

“I have been a member of the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce for many years. The Joliet Region Chamber has a tremendous staff who works hard to promote business, increase awareness of new and existing businesses in the community and help to create very important and useful relationships amongst business owners, social service organizations and community leaders. Being a member of the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce has been an asset to our existence because the community relies on their recognition of local businesses. Being listed as member, people feel secure that we have an upstanding reputation and commitment to providing a quality community in which to live and work.”
Tom Grotovsky

Owner, Great American Bagel

Dale Carnegie Training

“I appreciate the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce for many reasons. After 20 years of working with various chambers, Joliet has become my favorite because of the consistent focus on meaningfully supporting the business and general community without favoritism and leadership that results in efficient teamwork of the staff and volunteers. In an analysis I did last year of my business in Will County, approximately 50% of my business had a direct connection to my relationship with your Chamber.

Thank you and all the team for your great attitude in this challenging economy, the Joliet Chamber is my pick for my most valuable chamber relationship.”

Mark Wilson

Leadership Trainer, Dale Carnegie Training

Larry Walsh

“The Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce exemplifies its mission to advance the interests of business, professional and service organizations in the area. As Will County Executive, former Illinois State Senator and as a lifetime resident of the area, I have seen and experienced first-hand the fantastic success this organization has experienced – and brings to others.

Through a team of top notch professionals, the Joliet Region Chamber goes above and beyond the call to bring the community interesting and informative programs, wonderful networking opportunities and excellent tools to advance business and communication. From its Community Leadership School, to its business luncheons and dinners, to its Business after Hours, to its renowned recognition events, the Joliet Region Chamber is a model of excellence. I can honestly say that as a chamber member and participant, I am very proud to be a part of this impressive team and organization.”

Larry Walsh

Former Will County Executive, Joliet

A.J. Wilhelmi

“Over the past 15 years, I have thoroughly enjoyed participating in Chamber functions, events, committees, and opportunities. In return, I have been fortunate to establish excellent personal and professional relationships. The Chamber has opened many doors that have helped me grow as a person and a professional.”

A.J. Wilhelmi

Former State Senator, 43rd District

Prairieland Audiology LLC

“I didn’t know anyone in Joliet when I opened my audiology practice so one of the first things I did was join the Chamber. The networking opportunities and the people I met were extremely helpful in growing my business and getting established in the community.”
Karen Pastell

Retired - Au.D., Prairieland Audiology LLC

State Senator, District 43

“The Joliet Chamber provides a variety of ways for established and up-and-coming leaders to come together. The Chamber’s many forums unite men and women from all professions in the common cause of improving the Joliet area. I can’t imagine our community without it.”
Pat McGuire

Former State Senator, District 43

Joliet Catholic Academy

“The Joliet Chamber of Commerce has been a key supporter of Joliet Catholic Academy. The Chamber is the lifeline for the city.”

Jeff Budz

CEO/Principal, Joliet Catholic Academy

Window World

“We are thrilled to be a part of this remarkable group dedicated to making Joliet better for the last 100 plus years. The tireless staff move mountains everyday to ensure businesses and work opportunities develop within our region. It’s an honor to support and be supported by the Joliet Chamber.”

Brian Hopkins

Owner, Window World

Cornerstone Services Inc.

“We are very fortunate at Cornerstone to have had such unwavering support from the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce over the years. The Chambers team are true professionals and truly love this community. We look forward to partnering with them on many more activities in the future that benefit all the proud citizens of the Joliet area.”

Ben Stortz

President/CEO, Cornerstone Services Inc.

University of St. Francis

Serving Joliet, Will County, and beyond for over 100 years, the University of St. Francis is proud to partner with the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry to promote education and support business in the region. We believe that a strong business community is essential to a high quality of life in our community – and that higher education supports and is supported by a vibrant chamber of commerce. Additionally, we find it a great source of pride that so many of our alumni use the education and experiences that they gained from USF to make a positive impact right here in our local communities – further demonstrating that “Joliet is our town, and USF is Joliet’s university”!

Arvid Johnson

President, University of St. Francis

KODO Pharmacy

“The Joliet Chamber of Commerce has been an invaluable resource to KODOCARE Pharmacy and the entire community, especially throughout the pandemic. The Chamber provided crucial information in daily emails and also did a great job connecting resources, like when the COVID Vaccine and Tests were in short supply, the Chamber emailed members to let them know that we had both. KODOCARE Pharmacy will be lifelong member.”

Chad Kodiak

RPh, PharmD, KODO Pharmacy

Will County Children’s Advocacy Center

“When people say to me, “you know everybody.” I always credit my involvement with the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce. The Joliet Chamber connected me to the community!”

Lisa Morel Las

Will County Children’s Advocacy Center

Trinity Services, Inc.

“Trinity Services is proud to be a member of the Joliet Chamber of Commerce. By participating in chamber events, we have increased awareness of the services we provide. And, the support businesses Trinity operates, which provide financial support and employment options for individuals with disabilities, have also benefitted.”

Sherry Ladislas

Director of Development, Trinity Services, Inc.

The Timbers Of Shorewood

“The Joliet Chamber has been a vital organization to The Timbers of Shorewood. Not only have we built loyal business partnerships through the Chamber but we have also had the opportunity to build even more business partnerships and friendships through the Joliet Business Builders referral group.”

Sheila Reyes

Leasing Coordinator, The Timbers Of Shorewood