CHAMBER HISTORY
The Chamber of Commerce in Crystal Lake was chartered in 1940. For over 60 years,
the members of the Chamber of Commerce have worked to improve the vitality and quality
of life in the Crystal Lake area. The Chamber provides businesses, professionals,
and community organizations from throughout the area with opportunities to meet,
share interests, and develop business relationships.
The Chamber develops and provides information, education, and opportunities for
communication to its members.
Each project or activity is designed to function on its own. A chair and committee
members are recruited from the general membership. A staff member is assigned to
each project or activity. Individual committees meet only when their assigned activity
is functioning.
CHAMBER STRUCTURE
The Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce is comprised of five Divisions, and each
has a vice-chair. The Secretary/Treasurer of the Board of Directors also serves
as vice-chair of Finance. The Ambassadors are also represented on the Board.
Each Division has one or more chairpersons for the Division’s activities. Meetings
are held by each Division to track the progress of their activities. Reports are
made monthly to the Board of Directors.
The five Divisions and their purpose are as follows:
- Community Services Division – This Division conducts activities and events
designed as community outreach programs. The success of this Division will be
measured by the extent of member and community participation and overall benefit
to quality of life.
- Business Development Division – This Division conducts programs and activities
that directly enhance the local business climate, or are designed to attract
new business, or retain existing business in the community. This division will
also act as an advocate and ombudsman for business interests. The success of
this Division will be measured by the Chamber’s ability to provide a favorable
environment for local business, retain existing business, attract new business
compatible with the community, and mediate disputes involving the business section.
- Member Benefits Division – This Division conducts programs and services
that enhance the value of Chamber membership. The success of this Division will
be measured by membership growth, the variety and impact of programs and services,
and member participation
- Finance Division – This Division is responsible for the fiscal integrity
of the Chamber. This Division will monitor the Chamber’s finances; develop the
Chamber’s annual budget; review and approve budgets for each program and activity;
and advise the Board of Directors of the Chamber’s future financial needs and
develop proposals for meeting those needs.
- Ambassadors – This Division, the goodwill arm of the Chamber, serves as
the link between the Chamber membership and the community. Comprised of former
chairs of the Board of Directors of the Chamber and members who have long-standing
records of achievement in the Chamber and the community, they serve as representatives
of the business community.
CHAMBER INFORMATION
There are two meeting rooms available for use by Chamber members for training,
sales, or other meetings at no charge. Reservations are necessary for use of these
rooms.
When someone calls the Chamber asking for a particular type of business, we always
refer them to a Chamber member. The online Business Directory has a complete listing
of all members both alphabetically and by their business category.
The Chamber can help you plan a ribbon cutting, grand opening, or ground breaking
ceremony for your business! We will notify members and Chamber committees and help
promote and publicize your event.
Within the Chamber lobby, there is a rack display and informational tables business
cards and brochures for our members. Local residents seeking assistance utilize
this rack extensively, as well as other local businesses, organizations and visitors
to the area.
GIFT CERTIFICATES
A Chamber Gift Certificate makes a perfect gift for just about anyone on your
list. The recipient can use the gift certificate anywhere in Crystal Lake and in
particular, at our Chamber member's businesses, for all sorts of retail products
and services.
Gift Certificates are available in any denomination up to $200. (Another certificate
can be issued for additional amounts.) There is a 50 cent charge for each Gift Certificate.
We encourage and endorse I Shop Crystal Lake to keep local dollars local and support
our local businesses and economy.