Immediate Past President Steve Goranson presided over the meeting in the absence of President Brad Weiss. Harold Bauer shared the Thought for the Day, reading from David McCulloch’s biography of John Adams in reflection on the election taking place today:

 

“There is nothing I dread so much as a division of the Republic into two great parties, each arranged under its leader and converting measures in opposition to each other. The turbulent maneuvers of factions could tie the hands and destroy the influence of every honest man with a desire to serve the public good. How few aim at the good of the whole, without aiming too much at the prosperity of parts.”

“O posterity, you will never know how much it cost us to preserve your freedom. I hope that you will make a good use of it. If you do not, I shall repent in heaven that I took half the pains to preserve it.”

 

Steve Goranson also shared a quote from Suzy Kassem concerning the traits one should look for in a leader.

 

 

The Holiday Sale report was given by Kristin Brown, including reminders about key dates.  Thursday, Nov. 11, is the deadline for Thanksgiving orders; pick up will be on Nov. 19.  Steve Goranson urged members to buy hams for other non-profit organizations’ food drives.  Marisa Najoukas had sign-up sheets on the tables for people to indicate that they would purchase a ham to be donated to Streetwise.  The committee would take care of the entire process of getting the donated hams to Streetwise.  A list of former members’ names was also on each table; these individuals could also be approached for the purchase of Holiday Sale items.

 

Kristin Brown announced that the Rotary Club of Evanston (noon) is conducting a coat drive at Rotary International.  New or gently used coats and jackets can be dropped off any time.

 

Steve Goranson announced that the club is on track to complete all of the requirements for the Presidential Citation except for the goal of contributing $2,650 to End Polio.  We are currently at $1,800.

 

Helen Oloroso reminded the club that the annual Holiday party will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 11 at the home of Brad and Tiffany Weiss.  Carol Bild, party chair, is looking for additional volunteers for the party arrangements.

 

Gary Peterson reported that 15 people worked on Golf Road Clean-up on Saturday, Nov. 5.  It was the last clean-up of the year.

 

Joan Borg reminded club members that if they are unable to help out with the duty roster when it is their turn, she is counting on people to find their own substitutes and let her know who that person is.  It is nearly impossible for her to make all of the adjustments on her own.

 

Elaine Clemens is looking for members for the Vocational Service Committee.  Please let Elaine know if you are able to participate.

 

Steve Goranson reported that the Nominating Committee has begun its work of selecting candidates for the 2017-18 slate.  Contact Steve if you wish to be a member of the committee or serve on next year’s board.

 

Kristin Brown reminded new members of the many opportunities to fulfill the blue badge requirement of attending two committee meetings.

 

 

There was unanimous affirmation of a boast for the Chicago Cubs for winning the 2016 World Series.

 

Steve Carlson boasted Dale Bradley for his unwavering support of the Cubs.

 

Gary Peterson roasted Dale for his having shaved off his beard after the victory.

 

Bob Teska boasted the Northwestern University football team for having given the University of Nebraska a win on Nov. 5.

 

Neil Gambow boasted the bar in Ottawa, Canada, for changing the TV channel to Game 6 of the World Series when he was the only Cubs fan in the bar that night.

 

 

 

 

Paul Brown introduced Jim Pepa with a little bit of background about his work at Paul’s firm in the past.  Jim also acknowledged several people in the club who have been involved in the Chamber, including Paul Brown, Dale Bradley, Chip Uchtman, Bob Teska and Kristin Brown.

 

Pepa gave some historical background on the Evanston Chamber of Commerce, going back to its­­ founding in 1921.  Its purpose of promoting economic vitality through business to business activity continues to this day.  The chamber is a membership-based organization of businesses in Evanston whose members participate in networking events, educational programs, and community awards. 

 

Some current examples of these events are the recent “Mash-up” at Northwestern University in September, the annual golf outing, Evanston Women in Business, and sponsorship of the mayor’s “State of the City” luncheon.

 

The biggest challenge for the Chamber comes from the competition it receives from smaller merchants’ associations that have formed along the individual commercial corridors throughout the city, as well as from the Evanston Department of Economic Development and the special service areas. 

 

The Chamber is working to help merchants see that there is benefit to belonging to both the Chamber and other associations, as opposed to seeing it as an “either/or” decision.  The value proposition the Chamber has to offer is that it provides a vehicle for networking beyond one’s own street, advocacy for larger issues affecting the entire business community, and access to data that the smaller associations don’t have. 

 

By being part of a worldwide network of American Chambers of Commerce, member organizations benefit from the best practices and educational programs that other local groups don’t have.

 

Due to the recent departure of the previous Executive Director, the Chamber is reorganizing and examining its strengths.  With an annual budget of $400,000, 475 members, and a 20-member volunteer board, the organization believes it is well positioned to continue well into the future.

 

Steve Goranson displayed the book that will be donated to the Evanston Public Library in the name of Jim Pepa and the Evanston Chamber of Commerce, Destination Branding for Small Cities.

 

 

 

Paul Weber, husband of MaLu Simon and prospective member

Chris Joyce, prospective member and friend of Bruce Baumberger

James Pepa, Porte Brown, LLC, and Evanston Chamber of Commerce

 

 

Lesley Peters, 2 years

Elaine Clemens, 7 years

Eric Schmelling, 7 years