New Arlington Hts. chamber leader outlines plans
Expanding the Mane Event to two days and starting a Taste of Arlington Heights next summer are high on the agenda of the new president of the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce.
Dr. Joseph Favia was honored as 2010 president Thursday night at the chamber's annual celebration.
The big issue for both events would be finding funding, Favia said after his installation speech, during which he said chamber membership is down in this recession. He also said the village of Arlington Heights would have to be involved in the events.
Adding a second day to the Mane Event, which is currently a downtown street party on the Friday before the Arlington Million race in August at Arlington Park, would involve more bands and more children's activities. Favia said the downtown restaurants would like to see Saturday added to the celebration.
Other chamber projects will be educational workshops at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library on topics such as stress management, time management and computer skills. And the chamber will soon have a Facebook page where members and consumers can interact.
The Arlington Heights dentist also expressed support for the My Town program that gives discounts to businesses for consumers who purchase memberships.
David Becker, outgoing president, said free movies in the park were well received, and he hopes the Baggo tournament will be repeated.
The chamber also helped members work toward economic recovery by selling $23,000 worth of gift certificates, of which $16,000 were redeemed. Turning to government issues, the chamber hosted candidate forums for the village election and took a stand against the increase in the Cook County sales tax.
Thursday's dinner at the Doubletree Hotel attracted 235 people.
<p class="factboxheadblack">2009 award winners</p> <p class="News">• Business of the Year: Northwest Community Hospital</p> <p class="News">• Emerging Business: Tuscan Market & Wine Shop</p> <p class="News">• Business Leader: Laurie Mitchell, Metropolis Performing Arts Centre (currently with St. Viator High School)</p> <p class="News">• Business Volunteer: Mark Stevens, Innovative Healthcare Concepts</p> <p class="News">President's Awards: Tim Corrigan, Corrigan Consulting; Jack Macholl, Wisdom Bridge Marketing, LLC</p> <p class="News">Chamber 2010 board/officers</p> <p class="News">• President: Dr. Joseph Favia, Favia Dental</p> <p class="News">• Immediate Past President: David Becker, Fastsigns of Arlington Heights</p> <p class="News">• President Elect: Cindee Manaves, Arlington Heights Ford</p> <p class="News">• Treasurer: Todd Birch, Village Bank & Trust</p> <p class="News">• Vice Presidents: Jim Platt, Sylvia's Flowers; David Ungurean, Northwest Community Healthcare Foundation; Jackie Lewis, Forbici Salon and Spa; Frank Soprano Jr., BIK & Co., LLP CPA's.</p> <p class="News">• Executive Director: Jon S. Ridler</p> <p class="News">• Board of directors: Greg Geissenberger, Express Employment Professionals; Laurie Mitchell, St. Viator High School; Bob Hubberts, Motorola, Inc.; Ken Kiehn, Arlington Park Racecourse; Dianna Ehrenfried, Visualedge Creative Services Inc.; Michael Mulder, Harris; Jessica Gardner, independent beauty consultant, Mary Kay Cosmetics; Tony Gurgiolo, Gurgiolo Associates Ltd.; Jason Hegna, Daily Herald/Paddock Publications; Cliff Higley Jr., U Keep Us In Stitches, Inc.; Michael Nadolski, Visual Enterprise Systems Inc.; Patrick McMahon, Drost Kivlahan McMahon & O'Connor LLC.</p>