March 25, 2024

This week our little town takes on a relaxed vibe as the public schools close for spring break. You may be taking some time off yourself--at least, I hope you can. Here's a great article about the need to take some R&R in order to reach optimal health and productivity, with some jabs at those of us in the U.S. who are notoriously bad at taking time off.

I'm writing you from Tempe, AZ, where I am working remotely while enjoying some family time. The joys of remote work cannot be over-stated. While walking this morning, I took this photo of some public art on the walking path. All in the name of research for our Arts, Business & Culture Committee which is working on a Public Arts Initiative. The lengths I'll travel for our beloved committees!

Thanks to Debbie Venezia of Arts DuPage and Bari Ericson of the Wheaton Public Library, chair and co-chair respectively, of the ABC Committee for their leadership. And special thanks to Marc Horner and the folks at Fairhaven Wealth Management for hosting last week's Business After Hours. I got to play "docent" and share about the backstories behind the art in Marc's amazing office.

To your spring traditions, whatever they are~

Jump on the Cream of Wheaton Bandwagon

Interested in being part of the Cream of Wheaton, our largest signature event? Don't miss the fun! We offer all kinds of ways for your organization to get involved.

Volunteering is an excellent opportunity for nonprofit organizations to increase their visibility and even earn some extra money in tips! For inquiries, reach out to this year's Volunteer Chair, Mike Tenerelli of Exit Real Estate Partners. Click here to sign up.

Considering a Business Expo Booth or Main Sponsorship? These options elevate your organization's exposure, provide networking opportunities and allow you to engage with the community in a vibrant atmosphere of music, food, and entertainment. Showcase your business to 10,000 visitors throughout the four-day event. Click here for more information and to register now.

Registration for Multi-Chamber Economic Outlook Luncheon Closes Today

Austan D. Goolsbee, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and prominent economist, is slated to deliver the keynote address at the 22nd Annual Multi-Chamber Economic Outlook Luncheon and Business Expo. The Wheaton Chamber is proud to be one of the participating chambers and you're invited to join us. Sponsorships and expo tables are also available.

The event is scheduled for Thursday, April 4, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center in Oak Brook. For more information please view this flyer and to register or sign up for a sponsorship or expo table, please click here. Registration for the event closes tonight.

Wheaton Chamber's New "Trades Connect Group" Meets Next Tuesday

All tradespeople are invited to join our newest group at the Wheaton Chamber, "Trades Connect Group," which aims to unite tradespeople from various sectors.

Erina Wittrock of Mr. Handyman of Wheaton-Hinsdale attended the last meeting and said "It really makes a difference for us to see who we are referring our customers to. It only makes the importance of the connections through the Chamber that much stronger!"

The next meeting will be on Tuesday, April 2, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Warren's Ale House. There is a $20 fee to attend; please click here to register. If you're interested in sponsoring the Trades Connect Group, please contact Vickie Austin. This is a great sponsorship for someone who wants to reach and support people in the trades.

"Internet Saftey and Avoiding Online Scams" Topic of April Ignite University

Tony LaPalio from Senior Tech Support will be the guest faculty for our April Ignite University, focusing on internet safety and avoiding online scams. Tony is a Wheaton Chamber member and longtime tech expert. This session will take place at Wheaton Public Library on Wednesday, April 3, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.  This is a lunch-and-learn, so please feel free to bring your lunch. We'll bring the chips and drinks.

For more information and to register, please click here. Ignite University is offered in partnership with the Wheaton Public Library.

Promote Your Organization in Member Directory and Community Resource Guide

The Wheaton Chamber of Commerce and Town Square Publications are collaborating to produce the 2024-2025 Member Directory and Community Resource Guide. This publication, with 20,000 copies printed and 18,000 distributed to Wheaton households, serves as a valuable marketing tool for businesses to reach local residents, business owners, and visitors. Chamber members are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to promote themselves by contacting Deb Brown, the representative from Town Square Publications, via email, phone, or fax.

Alto Wheaton Hosts First Self-Care Fair

Alto Wheaton will host its first Self-Care Fair on Thursday, April 4, from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for National Self-Care Day. The event offers an opportunity for attendees to indulge in self-care with local vendors, complimentary smoothies, light appetizers, music, and networking. For more information about this event and to register, please click here.

Pianist Wael Farouk Joins New Philharmonic for Brahms Concerto Duo at the MAC

The McAninch Arts Center presents "Brahms Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2" performed by soloist Wael Farouk and the New Philharmonic. Two performances will take place at the Belushi Performance Hall in Glen Ellyn on Saturday, April 13, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 14, at 3:00 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, please click here.

College of DuPage Hosts Wisdom, Wonder, and Wellness Senior Expo

The College of DuPage is hosting its Wisdom, Wonder, and Wellness Senior Expo, a day of learning and community engagement for all ages, on Sunday, April 14. This free event will feature seminars and classes focused on financial literacy, health, and wellness. The event begins at noon and lasts until 4:00 p.m. at the Robert J. Miller Homeland Security Education Center (HEC) on the campus of College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd. in Glen Ellyn. Click here for more information and to register.

Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals Set for June 1 at Memorial Park

Celebrate Cosley Zoo's 50th anniversary by signing up for the Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals on June 1 at Memorial Park. Choose from 5K/10K races starting at 7:30 AM and a Kids' 1/2 Mile at 8:45 AM. Registration is $35 for adults and $20 for kids until April 30. Participants get a long-sleeve t-shirt, refreshments, and a finisher medal. Stick around for post-race entertainment and Cream of Wheaton festivities. For more information, please click here.

The Local Features Dr. Paul Callaway of Cantigny Golf Academy

Don't miss the latest episode of "The Local," a podcast hosted by Marc Horner of Fairhaven Wealth Management in partnership with the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce and featuring Chamber President Vickie Austin as Marc's co-host.

Marc and Vickie sit down with Dr. Paul Callaway, Director of Golf Fitness at Cantigny Golf Academy. Learn how inspiration drove Paul from being a team physical therapist to being a pioneer at the forefront of sports mind and body therapy. Listen to the latest episode of The Local here.

Please Tell Us Your News

Our Wheaton Chamber members have a lot going on and you have a lot to say! Read press releases from our members, learn about job openings and see our Chamber members' "Hot Deals." Got a job posting or a special you'd like to share? Contact us.

The City of Wheaton to Implement Parking Fee Changes on April 1

Effective April 1, the City of Wheaton will introduce changes to leased and daily fee parking, impacting commuters, downtown employees, and garage permit holders. Parking rates, unchanged for over 15 years, will be adjusted to maintain City parking facilities. Changes include premium daily fee zones near train stations, a $0.50 increase for many daily fee spaces, and modifications to leased permit fees. Notably, Lot 7 shifts from permit to daily fee parking, situated near the College Avenue train station. More information is available here.

Downtown Wheaton Association Hosts First Ever Spring Restaurant Week

The Downtown Wheaton Association presents its first spring restaurant week, "Spring into Dining," running from Thursday, March 21, to Saturday, March 30. This event, centered around lunch, offers a blend of delicious dining options, enticing deals, and a cheerful ambiance, marking the community's anticipation of the forthcoming warmer season. To learn more and view all participating restaurants, click here.

Wheaton Public Library Hosts Local Author Fest

Wheaton Public Library is hosting a Local Author Fest on Saturday, April 6. Explore author tables on the main floor and enjoy open mic readings in the café area. Additionally, a memoir writing workshop will be held at 11 am on the day of the event. Registration is required for the workshop, click here to register. For more information about Local Author Fest, click here. [Note: Wheaton Chamber President Vickie Austin will be there with her book, Circles of Gold: How to Network for Business and Career Success. Come say hello!]

Wheaton Park District Seeks Summer Aquatics Staff

The Wheaton Park District is seeking Summer Aquatics Staff, including Water Park Staff (ages 15+), Lifeguards (ages 15+), and Swim Instructors (ages 14+), for positions at Rice Pool & Water Park and Northside Family Aquatic Center. More information can be found by reading this flyer or clicking here to view all job openings with the Wheaton Park District.

Check out the latest job postings from the DuPage Foundation, Gary United Methodist Church, the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce, and the Wheaton Park District here.

If you have a job opening, please enter your information into your member profile under "Jobs." Your listing will be included on the Chamber website and featured in our Monday Matters newsletter. If you need help posting your job openings, please contact Maddie Crabtree.

This week:

• Women in Business Committee meets on Tuesday, March 26, at 8:30 a.m. at the Wheaton Chamber office. Please note there's plenty of parking on the west side of the building. Giana Ferrari Ayers of Edward Jones and Tracy Bennett of Wheaton Living are co-chairs. Please click here to register.
• The Young Professionals Network will host an Open House on Wednesday, March 27 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 302 Wheaton. Grab a bite to eat and learn more about YPN. Mark Long of Flint Rock LLC is chair. For more information and to register, please click here.

Coming Up:

• Chamber Champions will meet on Tuesday, April 2, at 2:00 p.m. at the Wheaton Chamber office. Andrew Boston of New York Life is chair.
• Trades Connect Group will meet on Tuesday, April 2, at 5:00 p.m. at Warren's Ale House. This is a networking event tailored specifically for tradespeople and contractors. For more information and to register, please click here. Note: there is a $20 fee to attend.
• Young Professionals Network will take place on Wednesday, April 3, at 8:00 a.m., at the Wheaton Chamber office. This group is for the 40-and-under crowd, and Mark Long of Flint Rock LLC is the chair. Please click here to register so you will receive a reminder notice.
• Ignite University, our monthly lunch-and-learn offered in partnership with the Wheaton Public Library, will take place on Wednesday, April 3, at noon at the library, located at 225 N. Cross Street. Tony LaPalio of Senior Tech Support will present "Internet Safety and Avoiding Online Scams." Click here to register.
• Ambassadors Committee will meet on Thursday, April 4, at 8:00 a.m. at the Wheaton Chamber office. Deb Brown of Town Square Publishing and Marty Keller of Milton Township/C.E.R.T. are co-chairs.
• The Board of Directors will meet a week later due to spring break on Thursday, April 4, at 8:30 a.m. at Wheaton Bank & Trust. Jill Mason of Glen Ellyn Bank & Trust is chair.
• The 22nd Annual Multi-Chamber Economic Outlook Luncheon and Expo will take place on Thursday, April 4, at 10:00 a.m. at Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center. Registration closes tonight at 11:59 p.m.

March Progressive Networking Luncheon

Dorel Marchis of Northwestern Mutual, Sherry Manschot of Western DuPage Special Recreation Association, Lisa Horne of Metropolitan Family Services DuPage, Christine Fenne of Alphagraphics, and Debbie Rinella of Neurofibromatosis (NF) Network connect at our March Progressive Networking Luncheon

Raul Delgado of Berkshire Hathaway, Jill McWilliams of College of DuPage, Erina Wittrock of Mr. Handyman of Wheaton-Hinsdale, Jeannine Putrim of Elderwerks, Jill Mason of Wheaton Bank & Trust, (standing) and Dr. Michael Quintana of Mind Body Balance Clinic and Andy Pupius of Southwestern Real Estate (seated) gather together

Mike Tenerelli of Exit Real Estate joins the Lions Club of Wheaton with sponsor Vickie Austin proudly standing by

Dr. Maureen Dunn shares about her upcoming book, The Neurodiversity Edge, with Dan Facchini of Innovation DuPage

Joanna Jacobs of The Babe Bodega gets ready for her interview with Vickie Austin for "Now Open in Wheaton," produced by the City of Wheaton