WHY SHOULD YOU JOIN A CHAMBER COMMITTEE?
The Niles Chamber of Commerce & Industry is a non-profit organization created to support the economy through support of local businesses. Chambers typically house many types of opportunities to help businesses grow and change, whether through participation in events and committees or simply by being a member. Joining a chamber committee provides businesses with an avenue to build relationships and network to grow their consumer base. Here are a few great examples of what happens in our committees and why you should join one today! (Psst! By the way, they are FREE to join for any Chamber member or employee!)
The Niles Chamber of Commerce & Industry has many committees to choose from that are tailored towards your needs. If you are interested, please contact Kim Biederman at kim@nileschamber.com. We would love for you to join us!!
Legislative Committee
Meet: Fourth Wednesday of Every Other Month at 9-9:30 via zoom– March 22, May 24, July 26, September 27 and November 22
About: Keeps Chamber Members informed about legislative issues that affect businesses and helps connect them to their local legislators.
Committee Chair: Janet Spector Bishop (East Maine School District 63)
Christine Pusateri (Christine Pusateri Hair Solutions)
Joe Campagna (Grant Merchant Services)
Skip Lawson (Notre Dame College Prep)
Muhammad Paracha M.D. (AHS Family Health Center)
Joe LaMargo (Village of Niles)
Arbel Hidoo (Inland Bank)
Rob Biederman (Google Chicago)
Member Retention & Recruitment Committee
Meet: Third Tuesday of Every Other Month from 2-3pm. Meeting Dates are: February 21, April 18th, June 20th, September 15th and November 21st
About: Helps ensure that Chamber Members are being served in the best way possible by focusing on member benefits, connecting with new members, recruiting new members, and checking in on existing members.
Committee Chair: Kimberly Smith (Athletico Physical Therapy Niles-Chicago)
Joanne Cwynar (Director Emeritus)
Skip Lawson (Notre Dame College Prep)
Irving Loundy (Devon Bank)
Women in Business Committee
Meet: Second Friday of Every Other Month from 9-9:30 via Zoom. Meeting Dates: February 10, April 14, June 9, August 11, October 13 and December Holiday Party(always the second Wednesday in December)
About: Creates an inclusive environment for ALL women in the Chamber (not just business owners) to inspire leadership, air concerns, and share ideas that aid personal wellbeing and business growth.
Committee Chair: Christine Pusateri (Christine Pusateri Hair Solutions)
Debi Gajewski (Niles Artisan Guild)
Dr. Kimberly Smith (Athletico Physical Therapy Niles-Chicago)
Irene Aguilar (First Financial Credit Union)
Debbie Manno (First American Bank)
Valina Patton (Beauty by Valina)
Scholarship Committee
Meet: First Tuesday of Each Month
About: Manages the scholarships that are disbursed each year to deserving high school seniors – involves helping with the essay prompt, grading essays, & fundraising.
Committee Chair: Michelle Michonski (Sylvan Learning)
Janet Spector Bishop (East Maine School District 63)
Jeff Curry (State Farm Insurance Agent)
Samina Hussain (Niles Township High School District 219)
Todd Kolpak (C&R Mortgage Corporation)
Skip Lawson (Notre Dame College Prep)
Fred Braun (Niles Public Works)
Wesley Studzinski (Devon Bank)
Will Clarke (CityLine Bible Church)
Alyse Cohen Burman (The Wildbird Shack)
Golf Committee
Meet: Seasonal (Starts in April-August)
About: Plans the Annual Golf Outing in July.
Committee Chair: James Medina (First Financial Credit Union)
Dean Strzelecki (Village of Niles)
Joanne Cwynar (Director Emeritus)
Scott O’Brien (Niles Park District)
Joseph Hedrick (American Legion Morton Grove Post 134)
John Giannetti (Niles Public Works)
Niles Design District
Meet: Third Wednesday of Each Month
Committee Chair: Alan W. Zielinski, CKD (Better Kitchens, Inc.)
Andre Skula (Global Granite & Marble)
Joseph Dhamer (Kitchen & Bath Mart)
Brian LaPelusa (LaPelusa Home Improvement, Inc.)
Zeno Popa (Panel Brick)
Alan Zucker (Niles Color Center)
Kathleen Gallegos (Art Station Studio)
Doreen Cecchini (The Home Depot – Civic Center Plaza)
Michelle Brown (Niles Animal Hospital & Bird Mdical Center)
Laura Shallow (Royal Bank)
Erika Navarro (Advantage Gallery)
Emilie Schimmel (Home Comfort Services, Inc.)
Edin Tamraz (Green Home Renovation Inc)
Dan Roach (Global Granite & Marble)