The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce believes it is important to take an active role in gauging the pulse of economic activity in our region. Last spring, you may recall that we surveyed our entire membership. That survey proved very effective, providing us with vital information that helps shape our programs and policies to best suit the needs of our members and Chicago’s business community.

This past fall, we began working with Loyola University Chicago’s Quinlan School of Business to conduct our first-ever small business survey. Given the vital role of small businesses in creating jobs and anchoring communities, we wanted to better understand their needs and expectations. The results are in, and after being completed by 777 respondents, the 2015 Chicagoland Small Business Economic Outlook Survey looks to be every bit as illuminating as last spring’s member survey.

Our small business survey focused on Chicago’s small businesses—their goals for success; the challenges they face; and the issues that matter most to them. The results of the survey will serve as a resource for business owners, entrepreneurs, elected officials, civic leaders, and educators in 2015 and for years to come.

To complement the information collected through the survey, we’ve also invited hundreds of local small business professionals to participate in focus groups in February to share their thoughts on opportunities and challenges for small businesses and discuss the types of programs and initiatives they believe would support their success.

I would like to recognize our other partners who helped with the Chicagoland Small Business Outlook survey.  Many thanks to the Better Business Bureau, Constant Contact and the Office of the City Treasurer, City of Chicago for distributing the survey to their constituents and to Blue Daring, the creative agency who designed the survey report infographic. 

The results of the 2015 Chicagoland Small Business Economic Outlook Survey will be revealed at our Member Orientation Breakfast at Loyola University's Regents Hall on February 11. We invite you to join us for this important event. You will gain valuable insight into Chicago’s small business community—a very important growth engine for our region.

Please click here for more details and registration.

Theresa E. Mintle
President & CEO
Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce

On Wednesday, December 14 the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce delivered testimony regarding the revision of the Affordable Requirements Ordinance to the Joint Committee: Housing and Real Estate; Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards.

The Chamber supports the need for affordable housing and feels that there has been progress on discussing compromise language in the revision of the Affordable Requirements Ordinance. However, more time and further discussion may allow for a better revision of the ordinance.

Elise Houren, Government Relations Manager for the Chamber, expressed concern that the revisions to this ordinance will dampen the resurgence in residential development at a time when our City is seeing improvement to the local economy.

“Development creates jobs, adds to the property tax rolls, and provides new housing for people looking to live in our city,” Houren said. “Conversely, if those new jobs and housing go, our city becomes a less desirable place to invest, work, and live.”

Houren closed by asking the joint committee to look towards compromise to revise the ordinance.

Click here to read the Chamber’s full testimony.

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Celebrate Jerry Roper as the first honoree of the Chicagoland Chamber PAC Advocacy Champion Award.

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Learn about membership benefits and see a presentation of our Small Business Economic Outlook Survey results.

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