Archive for the ‘AuroraChamber.com’ Category

Downtown Aurora Putt Putt Progressive on July 8, 2010

Tuesday, June 29th, 2010

Our nine hosts are excited and pulling out all the stops for the inaugural Putt Putt Progressive through downtown Aurora, Ill., on Thursday, July 8. If you can’t participate in the progressive, plan to join us for the afterhours event at Ballydoyle Irish Pub. Prizes, appetizers and more will encourage networking and a celebration of the summer in our community.

4:30 PM: Putt Putt Begins at Aurora Chamber Offices

Register today online and join us for the Putt Putt portion of the event. Beginning at the Aurora Chamber offices, all players registered in advance will receive a score card and welcome bag. Players then progress through the downtown with eight additional stops to participate in the event. You will even help determine the “Most Creative” and “Most Challenging” holes of the event from our nine hole locations, including:

  • Aurora Regional Chamber
  • Old Second National Bank
  • Business Solutions International
  • Aurora Public Library & Foundation
  • Waubonsee Community College
  • Paramount Theatre
  • Aurora City Hall
  • Aurora Regional Fire Museum
  • Ballydoyle Irish Pub

Along the way, enjoy refreshments, site seeing, and networking.

Space is limited for the Putt-Putt portion of the Progressive party. When you register for the Putt Putt you will automatically be register for the afterhours at Ballydoyle Irish Pub where prizes will be awarded.

Cost for the Putt Putt and afterhours is $20 and includes the putting experience and one (1) beverage ticket (for beer, house wine or soda) and appetizers at Ballydoyle.

6:30 PM: Join Us for Afterhours at Ballydoyle

If you can’t join us for the Putt Putt Progressive, join us for Afterhours at Ballydoyle. With your $10 registration for the afterhours-only event, you receive one (1) beverage ticket (for beer, house wine or soda) and appetizers.

This is a great opportunity to network with fellow Chamber members and enjoy the scenery of our historic downtown. What a great way to spend a summer evening.

To register, visit AuroraChamber.com at http://www.chambermaster.com/directory/jsp/events/EventPage.jsp?ccid=20&eventid=1516

Congratulations! Dreyer Medical Clinic Receives AAAHC Accreditation

Monday, February 22nd, 2010

Dreyer Medical Clinic has achieved accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC/Accreditation Association).  Accreditation distinguishes Dreyer from many other outpatient facilities for providing a safe work environment and the highest quality of care to patients.

Outpatient health care organizations seeking accreditation by the AAAHC undergo an extensive self-assessment and on-site survey by the Accreditation Association’s expert surveyors – volunteer physicians, nurses, and administrators who are actively involved in outpatient health care.  The survey is consultative and educational, presenting best practices to help an organization improve its care and services.

Status as an accredited organization means Dreyer has met nationally recognized standards for the provision of quality health care.  More than 4,500 ambulatory health care organizations across the United States are accredited by AAAHC.  Not all ambulatory health care organizations seek accreditation, and not all undergoing the on-site survey are granted accreditation.

Additionally, Dreyer is the first organization in the country to be accredited as a AAAHC Medical Home for managed care patients.  A Medical Home is a place where a patient’s health care and overall wellness is proactively maintained.  Taking a wholistic approach and caring for a person’s medical and wellness needs gives them the best possible opportunity to live a healthy life.  A Medical Home provides accessible, comprehensive, proactive care, combined with a coordinated team of health care providers.

“Our patients deserve the best,” said Donna S. Cooper, CPA, MHA, president of Dreyer Medical Clinic.  “Accreditation demonstrates our long-standing commitment to providing the highest quality health care for the individuals, families, and communities we serve.  Dreyer has been accredited continuously since the process was first introduced in 1972.”

“Going through this process continually challenges us to find better ways to serve our patients.   Our first and most important responsibility is to our patients and the quality of care we provide,” said Cooper.

Established by physicians in 1922, Dreyer Medical Clinic is one of Illinois’ premier multispecialty medical groups.  The 150 physicians represent nearly 30 different medical specialties.  Dreyer offers a full range of ancillary services within its facilities and the support of over 40 allied health professionals.  The 800,000+ residents of the greater Fox Valley area are served by Dreyer at 11 convenient sites located in Aurora, Batavia, Hinckley, Oswego, Plainfield, and Yorkville.  Detailed information about Dreyer’s health care providers, service locations, and accepted insurances is available on the Clinic website, www.dreyermed.com.

Building a Referral Machine

Monday, February 15th, 2010

Join us Friday, March 5, 9-11 a.m. for the first of a three-part program to expand your referral generation and move beyond “networking.” Brian Marshall, Alliance for Strategic Advantage, will lead the way.

Referrals are the key to success in building any business. That’s why people invest so much time, energy, and resources in various forms of networking activities. However, meeting your immediate growth goals solely through networking activities is not easy. That’s why networking is called a “farming” activity, and not a “hunting” activity. You plant enough seeds over a long enough time, you can build a robust, totally referral based business, but how long will that take in your business? Five years? Ten years? Fifteen years?

You will learn how:

  • You can systematically revitalize your current connections and have them become active ambassadors for you in the marketplace
  • You can systematically break down the barriers to referrals and get others motivated to help you and how to get them to understand how best to help you
  • An understanding of network dynamics will help you to quickly build a far more powerful and productive network
  • How to get 10 times the referrals without even asking

The process will take you through five stages of development from understanding how to re-think your business and messages through the eyes of a “connector”, to, ultimately, becoming a “connector” that others want to be associated with, regardless of your profession. In addition to understanding key guiding principles of networks and the psychology of referring, you will receive the processes, methods, behaviors, tools, and templates that will ensure your success.

Three-part program (for one low price of $20) includes:

  • March 5 program from 9-11 a.m. at Chamber offices
  • March 16 Coffee & Connections at 8:30 a.m. at Painter’s District Council 30
  • March 19 webinar at 9:00 a.m. for follow-up and questions

Presented in partnership with Imprint Enterprises and Fox Valley Networking Professionals.

To register, click here.

ExpoPalooza 2010: Your Opportunity to Meet New Consumers

Monday, January 4th, 2010

The Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce will host ExpoPalooza 2010 at Westfield Fox Valley, Aurora, on Friday, March 12, and Saturday, March 13. If your 2010 business strategy includes meeting and engaging new customers to increase your success, then ExpoPalooza is for you. Visit the Aurora Chamber website at http://www.aurorachamber.com/expopalooza.asp for information and applications. Early bird discounts are available if you sign on before January 29. Don’t delay. Let’s make 2010 a profitable one for all of our members.

Comparison of Healthcare Reform Bills

Wednesday, December 9th, 2009

by Pam Bellm, director of legislative affairs

The U.S. Chamber has put together a very interesting comparison between the House and Senate Healthcare reform bills currently being debated. The Senate bill (SB 3590) would cover 94% of legal residents; the House bill (HR 3962) would cover 96% of legal residents. Both bills include government subsidies. The Senate bill mandates almost everyone have health insurance or face fines which begin at $95; the House bill makes it mandatory for everyone to have health insurance or face a penalty of 2.5% of income. Both plans allow waivers for economic hardships.

Follow this link to access the entire comparison. There is a lot of good information put together in an easy read format.

Membership Has Its Privileges

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

In today’s highly competitive business environment, business owners and managers are consistently faced with mounting pressures; two of which are increasing revenue and controlling costs. Current economic conditions have further heightened these two concerns. Consequently, businesses are constantly exploring new ways to address these often daunting tasks.

One way to accomplish both is by joining the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce. As a member of the Chamber, businesses realize there are numerous opportunities to meet new clients and to form strategic alliances and partnerships. Like-minded business professionals obtain a number of best practices and learn from one another.

In addition to business development opportunities, business owners and representatives are able to obtain countless cost-saving discounts. The number of these member-only programs continually grows. At this time, there are more than two dozen opportunities, including:

  • Discounts on office supplies and technology through a national retailer
  • 30-minute consultations on marketing, sales, social media and website reviews
  • Discounts on flyer design and printing
  • Insurance discounts on commercial policies, business-auto policies and more
  • Low-cost radio advertising opportunities
  • Free set-up on promotional products and more
  • Reduced payroll and human resources administrative costs
  • Health consultations and services
  • Low monthly legal counseling for your business
  • And much, much more.

Join the Aurora Regional Chamber today and see why membership has its privileges. We are your catalyst for business success.

Aurora Hotel Licensing Information Session

Monday, July 13th, 2009

Many of you have contacted the Greater Aurora Chamber with questions regarding the proposed hotel licensing in the City of Aurora, Illinois.  There are also building code changes proposed and an overall Master Hotel Plan being considered.  Throughout this process there have been some zoning changes.

The Chamber has asked Mike Turner, consultant for the City of Aurora;  Sue Vos, Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau president;  and city staff to share all of this with our members.  Mike & Sue have been involved in this work and are in a position to not only share this information, but to answer your questions as well.

This information session is scheduled for Monday, July 20, at the Chamber Offices from 4:00 – 5:00 pm.  The Chamber Offices are located at 43 W. Galena Blvd., Aurora 60506.  Parking is available in the Hollywood Casino parking facility on Galena Blvd.

We have limited seating available.  Given our limited space, reservations will be requried.  Please send RSVP to chamberinfo@aurora-il.org

Any questions, please call Pam Bellm, director of programs, at (630) 897-3717.

Getting Started in Social Media

Wednesday, July 8th, 2009

Guest Blogger: Chris Beebe, theVisionaryAgency

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIY-Z-XYt-c

Today, Facebook attracts a wopping 100,000-250,000 new users PER DAY… and it’s not a bunch of teenagers talking about the “hotties” of The O.C.

Facebook’s fastest growing segment is the over 35 crowd, with a whopping 100,000 users over the age of 64!! That’s a lot of potential new leads for your business.

As the Granddaddy of all social maketing tools, use Facebook to generate awareness, promote yourself as an expert and drive people to your website and landing pages. It will be a natural for them to opt-in to your free reports, give-a-ways, classes and more. Facebook is a great way to build your database, promote your niche expertise and expand your sphere of influence.

Join us at the Chamber’s July 14th luncheon to learn more about strategies to use social media to promote your business. To register: http://www.aurorachamber.com

Getting Started in Social Media
Tuesday, July 14, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Stonebridge Country Club

See you there.

Chris Beebe

Welcome to Our New Home on the Internet

Monday, July 6th, 2009

Thank you for visiting the new http://www.AuroraChamber.com website. During the past six months, we have reviewed our existing communications tools and identified opportunities to better serve our members. We think you’ll agree: The new site is more user-friendly and provides more resources for our visitors.

In addition, the new site contains a members-only section. Follow the steps and register for access. This area includes our benefits program and a forum for you to share information with fellow members. You can even ask questions of the Chamber staff.

Many of our businesses are becoming more engaged with social media. We have embraced this opportunity to increase our networking and communications opportunities with Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube. But rest assured, this does not mean we will be eliminating the traditional networking opportunities. In fact, this month we have a member lunch with Illinois COO Jack Lavin to discuss the impact of Federal stimulus dollars on our community. On July 14, we’ll have a member lunch to discuss strategies for effectively using social media for your business.

Our planning period has begun. As a staff, we are reaching out to our members, volunteers and other partners to better understand their needs. We plan to make our 2009-2010 fiscal year even better.

Finally, thank you for visiting our blog. We are excited about the opportunity to share information with our members — to be a catalyst for business development. Please visit us often.

Your feedback is always welcome. Let us know how we can serve you.

Joe