Get to Know Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry

We would like to welcome Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry to the Patch community!

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Today, Patch features Mike Paone, Director of Member Services at the Joliet Chamber of Commerce.

What does the chamber offer?

The Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry serves as the collective voice for initiating action for the betterment of the entire community. We carry this out through advocacy efforts on the local, county, state and federal level.  We also work to enhance the business environment and the local quality of life.  We offer opportunities in the areas of networking, advertising and professional development. Such examples would be Business after Hours meetings, monthly luncheons, consumer expo, business to business expo, email blasts, sponsorships, resident greeter program, technology seminars, training seminars, referral groups, etc.

When was the chamber founded?

The Chamber was founded in 1914, so we will be celebrating 100 years in 2014

What do people not know about the chamber?

A couple of things that people may not know about the Joliet Chamber of Commerce

1. We are not a government agency, not a city office. The Chamber is a 501(c) 6 organization

2. We are more than just ribbon cuttings and luncheons. A tremendous amount of behind the scenes work goes on in the area of advocacy that affects all local businesses and organizations, whether they are Chamber members or not

3. We are very active in the area of education. In addition to honoring top teachers and high school seniors, we have started a Partners in Education program and an Entrepreneur program as well. Both match local businesses with students in elementary/junior high. Recently, the Partners in Education received an award from the Illinois State Board of Education and the Entrepreneurship Club has received an award from the Illinois Council on Continuing Higher Education.

4.   In 2012, the Chamber introduced the New Orleans North outdoor festival. It will be held for the second year in downtown Joliet on Friday, June 7. The first year drew 3,500 individuals into downtown Joliet for an evening of music, food, and refreshments. 2013 is gearing up to be an even better, must-attend event!

Is there anything you would like to tell Patch readers?

We would like Patch readers to know that the Chamber is open to both small and large businesses. 80-85% of our members have less than 10 employees.  We have very affordable membership investment levels and are willing to work individually with companies to make sure they take full advantage of membership opportunities. We have a wonderful board of directors, engaged volunteers, and a wide variety of businesses and organizations that make up our membership.  Please utilize our membership directory to find a product or service you are looking for and support our Chamber members as they support our community efforts.