PLANNING A RIBBON CUTTING OR SPECIAL GRAND OPENING -- CONTACT US FOR ASSISTANCE! -- 847-785-1912.

2011 Community Guide

Message from the Chamber President

The Promise

Greetings and Happy New Year to you. What is the promise

of 2011? As everyone knows by now, the economy is

creeping along, straining and struggling to inch out of the

dark abyss of the recession. One might question whether

there is a promise or is such talk just fancy rhetoric. But the

proof is in the pudding or as business leaders say--in the

results. So I am led to ponder---is there a promise on which

I can hang my hat this year?

Of course! This is America isn't it? This is not our first rodeo. This is not our first encounter with the delays of destiny. Amid the chaos of devastating natural disasters and the fallout from our current economic woes, we can choose the promise. It's important to realize that our country, our state and our local community

have faced challenges in the past. But the ingenuity, the passion, the pioneering spirit and the promise have fueled our creativity and we live to inspire another generation. You see, trouble and challenge are endemic and necessary. They are necessary to continue to tell the dramatic story of triumph over tragedy. They are necessary to illustrate that we cannot live on the comfortable chair of yesterday's success. We fall, but we must and will rise again.

What is the promise? It really is simple: The promise is that together we can and we will.  If that seems vague, it is only ambiguous if we don't answer the question of what we believe is possible. Then we must be willing to roll up our sleeves and bring that possibility to fruition.

There exists within nature the law of synergy. Simply stated, this suggests that the product is greater than the sum of the individual parts. That means that 1 + 1 = something greater than 2. Consider what happens when multiple people start to brainstorm. Often there is an eruption of creative flow that amazes the participants. So what is possible when we exercise our leadership skills, and ponder the questions of possibility? Even greater, what is possible when we burn the ships of escape, roll up our sleeves and determine to work until we see the vision occur? Anyone can criticize, but what we need are those who see the power of the promise. What we need are those who will work hard regardless of who gets the credit and create a brighter tomorrow.

By now, you are asking what can I do? Right? Start with brightening the corner where you are. Ensure that your home, school and block are clean and safe. Be willing to sacrifice your time and talent to ensure those goals. Insist that elected officials lead and produce measurable results. Get involved in the community. Go to City Council and School Board meetings. Brainstorm with a group of neighbors and then develop action oriented solutions that will assist the elected officials. Patronize the businesses that are

part of the North Chicago Chamber of Commerce. Find the positives about this community and repeat them over and over so that others will hear and learn. Be a part of the solution. Finally, pay attention to the issues and vote!

Aren't we so fortunate to live in this country that allows and facilitates the promises implied above? Now it is time to seize the moment and change our future. If not you, then who? If not now, then when? May your 2011 be blessed as you strive to fulfill the promise.

Marvin Bembry

President

North Chicago Chamber of Commerce

Articles of Interest:        

Membership Discounts:

Office Depot Supplies Discount  --Click Here For Details     

Office Depot Printing Discounts --Click Here for Details

Auto Insurance/Carl Mellen & Co -- Click here for Details