Timeline

Local business leaders join together to start Carpentersville Chamber of Commerce

First organization meeting held at the Carpentersville Village Hall

Organizers of the new Carpentersville Chamber of Commerce host a mixer at Floyd’s Restaurant in Carpentersville to establish the needs and goals of the chamber. 70 interested business owners attended the event. James Brasel and Mike Nilles of Carpentersville Savings Bank were co-organizers; Janice Brasel served as the first executive secretary. Other members of the organization committee were: Joe Miller, George Shaw, Jim Bauer, Gholie Dareshori, Jim Reid, Betty Mahoney, James Klinkhamer, Stan Thompson, John Skillman, Richard Paul, Terry Brodie, James Kiss and Lil Perkins.

Election held for board of directors and James Brasel, president, Carpentersville Savings Bank, elected as first chamber president His wife, Janice Brasel, first executive secretary of chamber Chamber office is located at the Carpentersville Village Hall

Rotary Club of Dundee Township established; Charter president - Gene Rakow

Spring Hill Mall opens in West Dundee

Rebirth of Jamboree Days festival, which grew from a simple Carnival held at Meadowdale Shopping Center

In accordance to its growth, the chamber name was changed to the Carpentersville-Dundee Area Chamber of Commerce

Sweetheart Ball Dance was initiated; over 400 in attendance Held for many years at The Seville in Streamwood; live bands Lake in the Hills, Sleepy Hollow, and Gilberts are added to the Chamber’s service area.

The chamber name was changed again to the Cardunal Area Chamber of Commerce. The word “Cardunal” formerly used by the former Dundee High School sports teams, is a contraction of CAR-pentersville, DUN-dee, and AL-gonquin. Three additional villages were then added - Sleepy Hollow, Gilberts, and Lake in the Hills. The cardinal bird was chosen as its new symbol.

Margo Quick (White) is hired as the chamber’s First executive director, later named as President

Jerry Christopherson is the Chamber board president. The Chamber Women’s Council is launched by Chamber board members, Diana Miller (general manager Spring Hill Mall); Pat Smith (VP-Carpentersville Savings Bank); and Pat Szpekowski (advertising account representative of Shaw Newspapers).

Women’s Council holds its first “Christmas” luncheon for its members at The Anvil Club in East Dundee.

Chamber “Red Brigade” Ambassadors group is formed.

Women’s Council “Christmas Luncheon” is now open to all Chamber members and is sold out with close to 200 people.

Todd Harris is Chamber president. Office relocates to Huntley Square in Carpentersville. Chamber organizes first business to business expo; it is held at Spring Hill Mall. Chamber begins a residential “greeting service”. The Cardunal Area Chamber of Commerce and School District 300 begin to plan business, school partnership. Chamber acquires new IBM System/2 Model 30 computer.

Chamber launches residential greeting service.

First chamber golf outing is held to benefit Dundee Township United Way. It was held at Bonnie Dundee Golf Course. Founded by Dan Szpekowski, PmS advertising, inc.

Membership of chamber at its tenth anniversary - 380! Robert Barkhurst elected as board chair. Membership is listed as 380 members.

Chamber relocates to the new “Depot” in East Dundee.

Chamber Ambassadors host first Candlelight Bowl at Liberty Lanes.

First Greater Cardunal Area Paint-a-Thon is established. McWhorter, Inc./president Jeff Nodland.

Pat Szpekowski elected as the chamber’s first woman board chair.

Cardunal Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors endorse the efforts and goals of District 300 Referendum.

Cardunal Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors endorse West Dundee Riverboat Proposal.

Cardunal Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors endorse the Village of Carpentersville Home Rule Referendum.

Chamber relocates to new office at First and Main, West Dundee.

Chamber changes name to Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce, serving Carpentersville, East Dundee, West Dundee, Sleepy Hollow and Gilberts. Chamber office moves to new EFS building on Randall and Huntley Roads in Carpentersville.

Chamber office moves to new office on Grove Street in Carpentersville.