Why Join the Joliet Chamber

“I had the opportunity to attend Chamber Leadership School this past fall. It was an amazing experience.

This program was much more than networking sessions. We heard from speakers who are leaders in the community, enhanced our networking skills and worked on projects for local not for profit organizations. This is one of the many ways The Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce helps to bring business, and community members together to make Joliet a better place to “Live, Work and Play.” Other staff members of Joliet Area Community Hospice are graduates of CLS as well.

Members of our staff also attend the Chamber Business Builders weekly, and have had a long participation with the Council for Working Women. I highly recommend being a Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce member and taking advantage of all they have to offer.”

Laureen Crotteau

Events and Media Specialist, Joliet Area Community Hospice

“I had been working out of town for the past couple of years and recently came back to work in the area; I was looking to make new contacts and circle back with old contacts. I immediately thought of the Joliet Chamber and the network of businesses they touch on a daily basis. I started attending the Alianza de Negocios Business After Hours events, which evolved into me joining their Board.

My involvement with the Chamber has allowed to me become reacquainted with community leaders and business acquaintances and well as opening doors that allowed me to meet several new associates.

I became heavily involved with the Chamber with the formation of a new Fiesta en la Calle event which was created for the Joliet community. The Chamber and D’Arcy Motors were the brainstorm for the idea and it blossomed into a huge and successful event. Working on this project allowed me to see all the work that the Chamber does, not only for this event but all Chamber events, to ensure all are successful.

In addition to the networking aspect of what the Chamber does, as a member I have access to legislative seminars that provide information that keeps me well-informed with issues affecting the Joliet area.

I was born and raised in Joliet; being a part of the Chamber allows me to contribute back to the community in a small constructive way. And luckily along the way, I made several great friends!”

Rosie Verdin

Community Development Officer/CRA Officer, Midland States Bank

“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.

“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

“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

“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

Will County Executive, Joliet

“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

“The stars were shining brightly in downtown Joliet for “New Orleans North,” a fun, unique event that transformed Chicago Street into a neighborhood bistro, as diners enjoyed great food from downtown Joliet’s finest restaurants.

I wish to extend my personal congratulations to everyone involved in this flawless event, including Mary Jaworski and the staff of the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce, the City Center Partnership, the owners and staff of the participating restaurants and the many people who supported the event with their participation.

From the quality of food and conversation to the full participation of Mother Nature, everyone truly had a wonderful time. I am personally looking forward to next year’s edition of “New Orleans North” when we can once again, “Let the good times roll.”

Rose Giarrante

Wife of, Retired Joliet Mayor Tom Giarrante

“I have developed countless partnerships and connections as a result of my active participation in Chamber events. Active membership has and continues to pay dividends for those who are engaged and involved.”

R. Dale Evans

Program Coordinator, Housing Authority of Joliet Family Self-Sufficiency

“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

Au.D., Prairieland Audiology LLC

“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

State Senator, District 43

“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

“The quality of leadership, services and events have been outstanding. Joliet is fortunate to have this exceptional organization working on behalf of all of us.”

James D. Watts

President & CEO, Greater Joliet Area YMCA – C.W. Avery, Central City, Galowich, Morris, Smith

“The Chamber and the relationships it helps us foster are extremely valuable to First Community Bank. We’re proud to have grown with Joliet and the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce for the past 10 years and we look forward to working together for many more years to come.”

Steve Randich

President, First Community Financial Bank in Joliet

“The Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry has set the gold standard in its support of education in our area. It’s award-winning Education Committee has established a model of school –business partnerships that should be replicated in every community in the country!”

Larry Wiers

Retired Superintendent, Troy School District 30-C Director of School Partnerships, Lewis University

“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

“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.

“As Joliet’s university, 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. Higher education supports and is supported by a vibrant chamber of commerce.”

Arvid Johnson

President, University of St. Francis

“Our largest clients in catering have developed from our involvement with the chamber. The staff at the Joliet Chamber consistently provides superior service with genuine passion for not only the businesses but to the community through their numerous programs benefiting our local children. We as a community are fortunate to have such a special team of Chamber Executives that look out for our businesses best interests and make sincere efforts to help our community to be the best!”

Jen Howard

Owner, TCBY “The Country’s Best Yogurt”

“As KODO Pharmacy celebrates it’s 45th Anniversary, we are thankful for The Chamber of Commerce in helping us grow and thrive for the next 45 years. The video produced for our pharmacy helps us reach a new audience. And the Business Builders Group not only helps us grow our business, but let’s us help other Joliet businesses succeed.”

Chad Kodiak

RPh, PharmD, KODO Pharmacy

“The Joliet Chamber has provided Schneider’s Elwood team a firsthand opportunity to understand community priorities and engage with elected officials and businesses, The Joliet Chamber’s activities provide a platform for Schneider to build upon our tradition of having strong alliances focused on community involvement.”

Rick Erwin

Human Resources/Business Partner, Schneider Port Logistics, Transloading & Distribution -IDC 7078

“The Joliet Region Chamber is a business networking Bonanza. Its over 1100 businesses exchanging services, contacts, success stories and customers. We would all prefer to do business with a Chamber member if possible.”

Jeff Thompson

Chairman (2014), Joliet Chamber Board of Directors

“I have never regretted my membership in the Joliet Chamber. My business has grown steadily as have my friendships within the Chamber’s boundaries. I am honored to be a part (very small) of this wonderful organization!”

Dianna Lynn

Instinctive Touch Therapeutic Massage

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

Lisa Morel Las

Will County Children’s Advocacy Center

“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 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