SERVING AS AN ADVOCATE
Established in 1914, the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry was founded to act as the unified
voice initiating positive change for the entire community. Aligned with these founding principles, the
Chamber’s current mission is to advance the interests of businesses, professionals and service
organizations in the Joliet region, serving as their advocate in governmental and social affairs,
addressing their needs, and thereby enhancing both the business environment and the local quality of
life.
Guided by a board of directors elected by the membership, the Chamber formulates policies for its
programs and events. A dedicated professional staff manages the day-to-day administration, while member
businesses actively collaborate through volunteer committees to achieve the goals set by the board.
This collaborative partnership serves as a robust support structure for the broader Joliet business
community. The tangible impact of this partnership becomes evident through the efforts of business
volunteers involved in divisions, committees and special projects. All Chamber members are encouraged to
leverage this partnership and actively engage in the Chamber’s programs and activities.
MEMBERSHIP
Direct Benefits
1. Advertising Opportunities
■ Resident Connect Program: An affordable and effective means for businesses to
welcome new residents.
■ Vision: A monthly newsletter distributed to all Chamber members.
■ Profile/Membership Directory: Classified listing of products and services
distributed throughout the community.
■ City Map: Updated street map of Joliet with member advertising
opportunities.
■ Business Listings: Featured
on the Chamber website at
www.jolietchamber.com.
2. Business Opportunities
■ Membership Labels, Lists and Reports: Available for direct marketing.
■ Referral Service: Categorized member business information provided in response
to inquiries.
3. Committee Participation
■ Numerous opportunities for our members to engage in various Chamber and
community programs.
4. Chamber and Community Programs Through the
Chamber Foundation
■ Community Leadership School: An educational platform for employees to explore
key topics and issues in the Joliet region.
■ CLS 2.0 – Continuing Ed: An opportunity to embark on the next phase of
your personal journey to become a confident and effective leader.
5. Network Opportunities
■ Business-After-Hours: Monthly events held at member locations.
■ Member Luncheons: Monthly gatherings with timely subjects offering a
networking component as well.
■ New Member Orientation: Receptions offering new members networking
opportunities.
6. Special Events
■ Visionary Series: Elevates the Chamber’s long-standing tradition of
educational luncheons into a signature annual event, providing a platform for inspiration, knowledge
sharing and networking, while reinforcing the Chamber’s mission to support the growth and success
of businesses throughout the Joliet region.
■ Annual Golf Outing: Networking event for members and community
businesspeople.
7. Councils and Divisions:
■ Council for Working Women: Promoting opportunities for women in the
region.
■ Joliet Area Young Professionals: Providing networking, professional
development, and community service opportunities for those aged 21-40.
8. Legislative Opportunities
■ Springfield Drive-Down: Meetings with state legislative leaders each
spring.
■ Washington Fly-In: Meetings with congressional leaders on Capitol Hill each
fall.
■ Unified Voice: Opportunity to voice concerns on business matters with City
Council, State Legislature, and Congress.
9. Membership Recognition
■ Individual Awards: Annual recognition of outstanding leadership and service
includes the ATHENA award, Marx Gibson service award, Brother James Gaffney award of excellence, Young
Professional of the Year award, and the Ambassador of the Year award.
■ Business Awards: Annual honors in various categories such as large and small
business of the year, retail, financial and professional services.
10. Other Benefits
■ Relocation Inquiries: Packets mailed to new or prospective residents
introducing them to the community and member businesses.
■ Product/Service Inquiries: Members-only business referrals.
■ Membership Directory and Buyer’s Guide: Distributed annually to members
and non-members.
■ Tax Deduction: Chamber membership is 98% deductible as a business expense.
■ Website: Business listings, Chamber and community information at www.jolietchamber.com.
■ Employee Involvement: Participation in Chamber events and programs offers
exposure within the business community.
■ Credit Card Payments: Acceptance of Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American
Express for all services.
The Chamber office continues to be a primary information hub for members, visitors and residents,
consistently referring customers and clients to members providing the requested products and
services.