What people are saying about the Wilmette/Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce.
We will be happy to arrange for you to speak with someone in your field who is currently reaping the benefits of the WK Chamber’s services.
Guiseppe Stanfa, Salon Fusion
“You guys have been unbelievable during this crisis. I have never seen a chamber be so active and informative! My colleagues in the beauty industry around the country can’t believe what our Chamber has been doing. I cannot praise your efforts more highly. Thank you, thank you so much.”
Della Burns, Regina Dominican High School
“The Wilmette/Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce is one of our most valuable resources and during the current Stay-at-Home order continues to be a solid and supportive partner. Executive Director Julie Yusim focuses on forging bonds amongst members that result in meaningful networking opportunities. She takes the time to understand each member’s goals and immediate challenges, then connects us to one another and facilitates opportunities to collaborate and support shared objectives. During the pandemic the Chamber has recognized the growing role of social media and has offered a number of webinars and online presentations that share insights and tips for building a strong digital presence that speaks to the interests of the local community. We are very proud and appreciative of our affiliation with the Wilmette/Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce, it has opened doors for our school and offered us avenues to support the local community and our fellow Chamber members.”
Debora Morris, President, Personal Fitness Training, Ltd
“My personal training studio had to close on March 20 along with many other service businesses. Through emails from the Wilmette/Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce, I was alerted to the existence of small business loans that might be available from the SBA and the Village of Wilmette. The Chamber also gave excellent instruction on how to best apply for these loans. As a result, I was able to secure some financial assistance from the PPP, SBA, and the Village of Wilmette.
I rely on emails from the Chamber to keep me informed about the services still available during the lockdown. This changes frequently and it would be impossible to get this information any other way. I value our membership and will continue to support the Chamber.”
Chef Vahé Mekhitarian CPC
MENU FOR YOU ℠ Personal Chef & Culinary Services
“As a Wilmette Business Owner and Wilmette resident for 17 years, I wanted to give you a whole hearted thanks on behalf of myself and my family. As you are the Wilmette-Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce Executive Director your tireless dedication to the Village as well as the business community is unmatched. As we entered the Covid-19 era in 2020 your strength, unstoppable commitment and dedication reached an even higher level. With the amount of uncertainty, anxiety, and ever-changing scenarios that affected the world and our little world, your guiding hand and communication to local businesses and the community, were a much needed welcoming comfort and sign of strength. Your availability via phone and email in explaining the PPP and SBAC process was amazing! The consistent updates of businesses that were open, their hours of operation and altered service schedule came through for some much-needed items as well as handling a family optical emergency. Thank you for consistent support to the business community and community at large. Keep up your amazing work, dedication, generosity and leadership with a smile. Wilmette Strong!”
Jen Marino, Owner, Nick’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill
“I’m not sure I truly appreciated the full benefit of being a member of the Wilmette/Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce until COVID-19, and the various “stay-at-home” restrictions that accompanied the virus, hit Illinois and specifically, our town. From the very beginning, Julie Yusim, executive director of the Wilmette/Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce, and her partners jumped into immediate action to engage local businesses and discuss what could be done to support them. While the core foundation of the Chamber is to be a partner with and advocate for local businesses, the Wilmette/Kenilworth Chamber kicked everything into overdrive and became a “go to” resource. Whether providing marketing counsel and collateral support, sharing economic resource information, liaising with local Village of Wilmette officials, or developing creative programs to encourage local residents to support their local businesses, Julie and the Chamber have been relentless in their pursuit of helping keep Wilmette and Kenilworth’s businesses viable during an unbelievably challenging time. In addition, their accessibility, responsiveness and consistent communication with their members has been especially appreciated during a time when information is critical. As a local restaurant owner, I am beyond grateful to the role the Wilmette/Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce has and continues to play during these uncertain times.”
Deb Guy, Executive Director, Women’s Exchange
“Thank you Julie for being so available to help answer questions. Thank you too for sharing great resources with up-to-the minute options available for even non-profits. Also, loving your encouragement to support local businesses. Thank you again for being there every day!
Matt Miller, The Wild Child Toy Shop
“You all inspire us every day.”
Pon Angara, New Trier Education Foundation
“I want to thank you for keeping all chamber members informed and equipped in these trying times through your prompt and comprehensive emails. You’ve been an absolute ROCK STAR.”
Carleigh, Thalmann, Chalet
“Thank you for looking out for us and the rest of Wilmette. That means a lot. ”
Suzanne Rossi, Yoga Six Wilmette
“I opened a yoga studio in Wilmette in late December 2019, and then had to close it due to the CoVid situation in Mid-March. The Wilmette/Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce had been very helpful during our launch, and they jumped in, helping us manage our closure, switching gears quickly and effectively.
The Chamber has very been proactive and engaged. They have been on top of information we need, from small business loans to marketing opportunities. The information they share is really useful and appreciated. I greatly value the Chamber’s support.”