Yorkville Chamber: Show passion for your business

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Sherri Farley, director of the Yorkville chamber

Updated: April 7, 2012 1:56AM

The chamber’s Woman2Woman business luncheon falls on Valentine’s Day this month, which led to discussion on this topic among planning committee members. In keeping with the holiday theme, during this luncheon, we will invite all attendees to each take the floor for a few moments and share what makes them passionate about their businesses.

Passion is a vital ingredient for growing a successful business. It will drive you to put in the hours and sweat equity needed, yet leave you fulfilled instead of drained. You can spot it. When someone is passionate about what they do, they light up, become energized, and love, love, love, to talk about it! And because they’re speaking “from the heart” about their business, product or service, it’s believable, and as a consequence, naturally saleable.

I’m looking forward to being both inspired and freshly motivated by stories shared at this luncheon. As with many of our programs, it’s open to the public. Call our office or visit yorkvillechamber.org for details.

February is a big month for us at the chamber. We’ll host our premier event, an annual dinner, on Feb. 23. It’s a time when guests and members old and new come together for networking, awards and prizes, and is often described as the “can’t miss” event of the year. My observation during the past several years: The most difficult part of the evening is having to announce when dinner’s ready. An odd statement to make, but it is because the room is so lively with people mingling and conversing that it’s a disappointment to have to end that by asking everyone to be seated.

Our other programming continues as well, including the monthly Business Over Coffee at Panera on Feb. 24, and the PAY (Professionals Advancing in Yorkville) program Feb. 10. PAY is a relatively new group to the chamber, and I’m excited to see it growing and offering fresh and relevant topics.

Ever had someone show you a great app on their smart phone? This month PAY is hosting an interactive “app swap” program with those in attendance sharing their favorite smart phone business apps. (Now we just need to find a 14-year-old to lead it!)

A warm welcome to businesses that recently joined our chamber. We look forward to integrating them into the network: World Finance Corporation, Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Mid-Day Play, Rebounds Sports Bar & Grill, Gift Card Greeters LLC, and Shaklee/Better Life. Visit our website directory at yorkvillechamber.org to learn more about these businesses.

Also new, Janelle Helfrich recently joined our chamber staff. She’ll be at the office on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and as administrative assistant will have a key role in interacting with our members and the public. She joins Gina Conner, our financial administrator, also part time, who just celebrated her second year at the chamber.

I’m so appreciative of the wonderful co-workers I’ve had the privilege to work with, and know that our organization has benefited from the passion and dedication they have for their work and for the chamber membership.

Sherri Farley is the executive director of the Yorkville Area Chamber of Commerce. Contact her at 630-553-6853.