News Release
Contact:
Katie Jablecki, Marketing & Communications Director
815.727.5371
kjablecki@jolietchamber.com
For Immediate Release
Joliet Chamber’s Leadership to Expand
Joliet, IL. – February 13, 2020 – As one of the largest chambers and advocates for business in the State of Illinois, the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry is happy to announce expansion in the leadership team as current Chamber President, Mary Jaworksi’s retirement closes in.
After careful consideration, Mike Paone has decided to forgo the position of President to instead focus on his passion for advocacy with local, state and national government affairs. Mike will remain at the chamber and further devote his time and efforts in the area of government affairs in addition to his continued involvement in membership and Chamber Subgroups.
The Chamber’s Board of Directors is happy to announce the appointment of Jen Howard to Interim President of the Joliet Chamber effective April 1, 2020. Ms. Howard is not a stranger to the Chamber or the Joliet Business community as the owner of the TCBY in Shorewood, IL and a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors for the past 4 years. In her career, Ms. Howard has proven herself to be a successful entrepreneur and executive with consistent abilities to lead organizations and achieve growth in sales, marketing, community relations and operations. She has a proven record of building strong relationships with client companies, community partners and teams of employees. Jen Howard is also involved in several Joliet Area Nonprofits serving as President for the Rotary Club of Joliet and the Board President for the Joliet Junior College Foundation. Jen Howard also is a board member for the Illinois Partners for Human Services, Rialto Square Theatre Foundation, Greater Area Joliet’s YMCA and a member of the Joliet City Center Partnership of Downtown Marketing Committee. The Board of Director is thrilled to welcome Jen Howard to the Chamber Staff.
Mary Jaworski’s retirement is scheduled for April 8th but she has also agreed to stay on as a consultant part time. As previously reported, Kelly Baltas will take over the role of Executive Vice President and Lisa Jones will take on the role of Vice President of Finance and Operations.
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The Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry is the largest Chamber in Will County and one of the largest and most active Chambers of Commerce in Illinois representing 1,100 plus member businesses and organizations from a wide variety of categories. The Chamber carries out its mission by advocating in the interest of business and providing opportunities for committee work, networking, promotion, and continuing professional development. The Chamber also strongly believes in a solid educational system base and has been awarded multiple times on the local and state level for the work of their Education Committee.