Someone You Should Know: Michael Carpanzano

When I arrived at my meeting with Michael Carpanzano, he had the following on the table: a laptop, an iPad and a cellular phone. And Carpanzano was not just bringing them to show off. He was using them. Carpanzano and technology go hand in hand.

Capanzano was selected as the CEO of the Bolingbrook Chamber of Commerce and took over on March 4.

"I think I bring that positive spirit to advocate for business," Carpanzano said.

His good relationship with technology might have played a role in his selection.

Prior to being the chamber CEO, Carpanzano worked at MB Financial Bank. In that role, he spent a lot of time at chamber events. But he took an extra step and voluntarily started the chamber's Facebook Page and Twitter.

Capanzano has a couple goals in his new role - some on the business side of things and some in his personal life.

"I want to try to bring everything back locally," he said.

He added that he would like to make sure the chamber communicates to the best of its ability and that the members are actively engaged.

Personally, though, Capanzano wants to move - from Joliet, where he currently lives, to Bolingbrook - before the end of 2013.

He has more than one reason for wanting to do so. Certainly, he would like to live in the town he serves. He works long hours and being closer to work would be helpful. But, perhaps more than that, he has in his care a being close to his heart: Turbo the dog.

Five years ago, Carpanzano volunteered to foster a lab/pit-mix puppy. Two days later, he had something to say to the rescue that placed the puppy in his care.

"I said, 'I'm keeping him,'" he said.

All in all, Capanzano is enthusiastic and thrilled to be in his new role.

"I think Mike Evans built this chamber phenomenally," he said. "I live for the challenge."