Our Story: 75th Chamber Anniversary
“A Chamber of Commerce is in prospect for Arlington Heights,” wrote the Palatine Enterprise newspaper on August 1, 1924. “A number of the business and professional men of the City of Good Neighbors realize that there is a place for such an organization in this city.”
98 years ago, a small group of businessmen came together with the intent of creating greater representation in the business community of Arlington Heights. A vision that was spurred on and survived after WWII, the Cold War, two major wars in Asia, 17 different U.S. presidents, the Gulf War, 9/11, the Arlington Racetrack fire, two financial meltdowns and a now viciously divided country.
75 years after the incorporation of the Chamber, the group continues to represent businesses, develop events, and support the people in the Village of Arlington Heights.
The seeds of the Chamber of Commerce sprouted in a small town which provided a nourishing environment for the group to grow into what it is today. In 1951, the Cook County Herald reported on a cemetery vandalism, which the newly incorporated Chamber gave $100 towards the catching of the perpetrator. In 1965, the Chamber helped Ms. Pink, a local schoolteacher, find an apartment in the area which allowed her to teach in Arlington Heights. In 1979, the Chamber sponsored 15 football lunches with the Chicago Bears.
Each event had the main goal of bringing together the people of Arlington Heights, and helping the community grow. The Chamber also provided recognition to people in the town who deserved it. In January of 1948, the Chamber provided an outing to the hard-working patrol boys of Arlington Heights. In 1965, the AHCC recognized the first responders of Arlington Heights by providing police officers with a sterling silver star, and firemen a silver tie clasp.
As the AHCC moves into its 75th official year, it is as relevant as ever to acknowledge and recognize the role of a group that spends ample amounts of time, money, and energy in the thriving metropolis of Arlington Heights.
Through their efforts, Arlington Heights has developed into a warm town with lifelong traditions, a well-recognized workforce, and a thriving business community made up of both small and big successful businesses.
“It’s always been a very collaborative and cooperative effort within the Village and the business community to promote the quality of life for the residents and the business owners, and they work hand in hand together, if they don’t, you’re going to have issues. Doesn’t mean that everything was always peachy keen, obviously there would be times when one group would say ‘well we ought to do it this way’ and somebody else would say ‘do it that way’ and in the end came a well-intended and well-meaning compromise. That certainly has served the community all these years,” said former Chamber president Rob Lincoln.
Through valleys and hills, bright moments, and dark times, this is the story of the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce.
In May of 1947, the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce officially became a non-profit organization, being incorporated, and recognized by the state of Illinois on May 9, 1947.
At the time of the incorporation, the son of former president William Howard Taft, Sen. Robert Taft was running for president; baptisms were announced in the newspapers; and a 2 lb. bag of coffee cost .75 cents at the local grocery store.
Just three months after the incorporation of the Chamber, the Arlington Heights Herald ran a story which questioned whether the cost of goods would increase or decrease following World War II. This would also be the decade in which the Chamber of Commerce would hire their first secretary. A story so significant, it was run in the Arlington Heights Herald.
“Arlington Heights businessmen Monday night authorized the board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce to hire a full-time secretary,” wrote the Arlington Heights Herald. “Two hours were spent in discussing the pros and cons of the jobs and the duties that a secretary will find to do.”
The cost of goods and services was miniscule compared to what it is now, and life was much simpler for the good people of Arlington Heights. Things would eventually change for life of residents in Arlington Heights, with goods now increased by dollars, and the hiring of a new secretary being an average affair, the Chamber of Commerce would remain a driving force pushing into the next decades.
The 1950’s was the first full decade of the Chamber of Commerce. WWII had just ended, the United Nations had been developed just 5 years prior, the Arlington Heights Woman’s Club was the social club many local women engaged with, and a quart of mayonnaise cost 60 cents with a coupon at the local grocery store.
In 1951, the Chamber of Commerce hosted a speaker who gave an impassioned speech on the freedoms celebrated in America, and the world war that had ended just six years prior.
“‘Democracy is never safe. We must fight for it every day,” the Wheeling Herald quoted the speaker. “Freedom is never free. We must work for it if we are to preserve it. The month of February is an important patriotic month in American history.”
In 1952, the Daily Herald was reporting on the new telephone industry being pushed in Arlington Heights. Ads were run for businesses that said, “our telephone is new–but our television service is still the finest in town.” Phone numbers at the time were simple five-digit numbers, not 10.
Food for Christmas meals in 1951 were less than a dollar in price. Pork loin cost 39 cents a pound, picnic ham cost .42 cents a pound, and a pound of lettuce cost .15 cents. All this for Christmas mealtime preparation.
To spread Christmas cheer in Arlington Heights, the Chamber of Commerce sponsored a Christmas light contest in 1951.
“Residents who entered the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce Christmas lighting contest are reminded to have their displays lighted from 6:30 to 11 p.m. Friday, December 21,” wrote the Arlington Heights Herald.
For perspective on just how long the AHCC has lasted, in 1964 a request was made for a mimeograph machine. Should somebody look up a mimeograph machine in the year 2021, numerous videos will appear that include stock footage from the 60’s of such a device.
In 1964, the AHCC celebrated 40 years since the first group formed to develop what is now known as the AHCC. The Arlington Heights Herald wrote “forty years ago this summer-on July 31, 1924-a group of Arlington Heights businessmen formally organized as association, dedicated to the improvement of the village”.
The times were much different during the decade of the 60’s, life for many was much simpler. The Chamber did their bookwork by hand and the Welcome Neighbor Program was used to introduce new citizens to the village.
Respect for Law and Order
During the late 1960’s, the AHCC was concerned with the state order, not just Arlington Heights, but the rest of the country.
The group was so invested in the issue of order that they formed a committee dedicated to the preservation of law and order.
“Committee on Respect for Law and Order reported that membership cards and applications had been printed, were being numbered, and that a kick-off meeting was being arranged. Samples of the cards and applications were passed around and several applications were signed–the first of many,” meeting minutes, 1968.
The Law-and-Order Committee was focused on studying and lobbying for the protection of people and businesses. This goal became prevalent during the late 1960’s when protests around the country were becoming increasingly violent.
“With disorder, burning, looting, and rioting all summer long, and with induction center and University riots at many places from Coast to Coast, it is obvious that as a nation we have law and order problems of the first magnitude,” from the meeting minutes in 1967.
The AHCC was heavily invested in the preservation of individual lives, homes and businesses which people held dear. Often, members would work with the local police department in achieving goals which preserved the livelihoods of local business owners.
“Lt. English responded with excellent comments pointing out first that a law was recently passed which in effect made looting once a store had been broken into a misdemeanor rather than a felony. He pointed out maximum force could be used to protect a person’s life, or a home, but not to protect a business,” from the meeting minutes of 1968.
The AHCC responded to the infamous Chicago Riots of 1968 at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) by sending a telegram to former Chicago Mayor Richard Daley. The statement commended the Chicago police for their “firm action in preventing a chaotic situation from developing in Chicago.” The telegram also said they “regret the fact that some innocent people may have been hurt in the difficult and dangerous task of maintaining law and order.” The statement was sent out in the Triangle News on Sept. 1, 1968.
The Chamber was not done, however. They felt strongly that the news coverage of the Chicago Riots was unfair towards the police officers working the crowds. So, they sent a set of telegrams to the Chicago offices of NBC and CBS news.
The Chamber said that they felt “your [CBS & NBC] coverage of Chicago police action in keeping law and order is slanted unfairly.” The AHCC emphasized a desire for fair coverage of an issue with which they felt had a major slant.
“We urge that you give instructions to your people to show the entire picture in a terribly difficult situation. Consider the alternative to the firm action of the police and national guard in confining these planned disturbances,” said the Chamber.
When this committee was not focused on the national issues, the AHCC’s committee on law and order was bringing attention to issues that were relevant to Arlington Heights specifically.
“The Committee [Law and Order Committee] Chairman proposed that the Chamber and his committee sponsor a program which might be called Crime Stop or Chec-Mate which would register interested citizens who would report suspicious or actual criminal acts to the police by simply giving their ‘Crime Stop’ or ‘Chec-Mate’ number,” meeting minutes of July 30, 1968.
Welcome Neighbor Program
In the 1960’s, the AHCC was the provider of the “Welcome Neighbor Program” for new residents of Arlington Heights.
The program was started in 1960 by the AHCC, used to welcome new residents into the Arlington Heights community. By the mid-1970’s, the program was highly successful. The Chamber bragged in the Triangle News in 1973 about the 1,500 calls the welcome neighbor hostess made.
Paid greeters would visit new residents of Arlington Heights, providing the newcomers with a welcome packet that included information about the town, coupons, and knick-knacks for the new residents to enjoy.
“What they [Welcome Neighbor Greeters] would do is they would go out into the community, let’s say you and your family had just moved to Arlington Heights, they would get a list from the village because they have their water meter turned on, whatever else…” said former Chamber President Rob Lincoln.
“These people that ran the Welcome Neighbor/Welcome Wagon Program…they would welcome the family to the community and provide a packet of information about Arlington Heights, the parks, the schools, and the business community, and usually then within the packet there would’ve been a free haircut from Mike’s Barber or $20 off at the Jewel,” said Lincoln
The Daily Herald reported in 1965 that the Welcome Neighbor Program hostess, Ruby Morton, had made 1,163 home visits in her first year of the job. The Herald dealt a great amass of praise towards the work of Morton; she was constantly working to welcome new neighbors into the town.
“‘My peak periods so far have been after the first of July and the first of August. I made 80 calls during the first two weeks of August,’” said Morton in the Daily Herald.
The Daily Herald reported in April of 1961 that the AHCC used the Welcome Neighbor Program to provide tours to newcomers in Arlington Heights.
“After parking their young children with the chamber babysitting service at Our Savior Lutheran church, newcomers gathered at the Bank of Arlington Heights and boarded the bus along with chamber officers,” wrote the Daily Herald in 1961.
Despite the program’s massive success, the village’s transition into a large metropolis made the program much less practical to hold on to. While the idea of welcoming in every new household in town was simply not practical when the town is one of the largest around Chicago, there was also a growing number of fresh ideas to take the role of the Welcome Neighbor Program.
“I think it was very well received, then after a while the village became so big, and it was just very difficult to coordinate…but once you become part of a huge metropolis it’s difficult to do that because there are so many other competing ideas of ‘ok, how do I get my coupon into your hands?’” said Lincoln.
The age of the program is visible through the Daily Herald’s coverage of the work Ruby Morton did in the year 1964. Needless to say, such a program was heavily maintained by the simplicity of life in the 1960’s.
“Her [Ruby Morton] calls are in the morning hours, ‘when the housewife is most likely to be home,’” wrote the Daily Herald in 1965.
The program thrived off the simplicity of life in the mid-20th century. The Chamber used the small village to connect with each of the people that were there. Despite the disbanding of the Welcome Neighbor Program, the Chamber still thrives as a welcomer in Arlington Heights.
Vietnam
In the wake of the Vietnam War, over 58,000 American lives were lost, Arlington Heights Chamber members knew people who surrendered everything in Southeast Asia. Oftentimes the Chamber would be vocal with their support of these individuals fighting for the preservation of a free South Vietnam.
The Chamber wrote in their Triangle News issue that Americans sleep well knowing they have men and women ready to protect them, writing on May 1, 1968 that they are “concerned and thankful that they are fighting our battles in Vietnam.”
“Let’s give visible expression to our feelings by attendance at this function whose sole purpose is to recognize and salute these fellow citizens in uniform on the part of our Village, on the part of you and of me.”
O.L. Craig, former owner of the Arlington Inn and Chamber member, lost his son Harry Craig to the controversial war. The Chamber sent a letter of condolence to Craig, demonstrating a relationship that was not only professional, but personal.
A response of condolence and support of the people fighting and dying in Southeast Asia was a typical response to the war effort. Amidst the protests reported by the Daily Herald and the Arlington Heights Herald, the Chamber chose to give love to families who were losing sons in the war effort.
Letter from Kennedy’s Office
In the early 1960’s the Chamber of Commerce sent a letter to the office of former President John F. Kennedy (JFK). The letter laid out a proposal to have a sister city in South America. The Chamber received a reply:
“Thank you and those who joined with you for your letter of June 29 to the President,” said special assistant to the president, Ralph Dungan. “He appreciates the imaginative response of Arlington Heights to the challenges of our day as outlined by you and has asked me to call your plan for total community involvement and provides a way for private citizens to assist their government in the vital task of making and keeping friends abroad.”
The 1970’s was a decade of struggle for the country. From the Iranian Hostage Crisis to the energy shortages that took place through the ten years, the country needed a morale boost. For Arlington Heights, the boost came from the local business organization which had worked efficiently for 56 years to bring life to the village.
The Chamber sponsored a free bus that went to and from the Arlington Heights business district. Such a move helped residents take care of their Christmas shopping and spurred the local economy. (Arlington Heights Herald 1973).
In 1971, the Arlington Heights Herald ran an ad for “Santa Calls,” where Santa calls directly from the north pole to kids throughout Arlington Heights. The Arlington Heights Chamber teamed up with the Arlington Heights Jaycees in order to get the phone calls operational.
Women of the Chamber
The 1970’s started off with a progressive move for the 1970’s: the first woman to hold the presidency in Chamber history. Marge LeMeilleur was nominated on Jan. 6, 1970, as president of the Chamber. This was a spot of pride for the Arlington Heights group, as she was one of 200 women who were at the helm of a Chamber throughout America.
“We have researched that matter of how many women presidents there are in the United States and come up with the information from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce that ‘about 200 women serve as presidents of local Chambers. And, of course, that includes our own Marge Le Meilleur. There is only one in the State of Maine, but several in Illinois,” from the Triangle News, the Chamber’s personal newsletter, issue of April 1, 1970. The move was, at the time, a forward thinking move considering 20 years prior, an Arlington Heights newspaper ran the headline “Women learn how state laws are made.”
Arlington Heights also held, in April of 1950, a “style show” according to a clipping from an Arlington Heights newspaper.
Drug Resistance
The 1970’s had a large emphasis on the AHCC’s work in assisting the village with drug resistance in Arlington Heights.
“Jerry Milligan was appointed to attend the meeting, talk to interested police officers, and report back with recommendations for the Board on Chamber participation, if any, in working on this problem [drug problem] in the community,” from the meeting minutes of March 31, 1970.
The Chamber dedicated ample amounts of time and money to the resistance of drugs in the community. The entire community was dedicated to the resistance of drugs. In August of 1978, the Daily Herald published a list of “drug abuse resources.” In 1970, a meeting was held at the American Legion Hall by two Arlington Heights detectives about drug resistance; the meeting was attended by 75 people, according to the Chamber’s meeting minutes. “The Chamber gave a token check for $50 to start a fund to purchase recommended [drug education] films…’Bud’ Mills recommended that we should ‘back this effort all possible,’” from the meeting minutes of April 28, 1970.
Former Arlington Heights Mayor Walsh frequently held meetings about the “prevalence of drugs” in Arlington Heights which Chamber representatives often attended.
“Many interesting things were brought out in discussion with teachers and students…A teacher says 20 out of 80 of her high school pupils had smoked pot,” from the meetings minutes of Nov. 24, 1970.
On May 26, 1970, the Chamber was shown a video by Detective Richard W. Robinson of the Arlington Heights Police Department about the prevalence of drugs in the community.
Other
In the 1970’s, there was some concern over phony Welcome Neighbor Program calls, claiming to be from the Chamber’s Welcome Neighbor Program. A warning was issued in the Triangle News.
“The Chamber office has received a good many complaints from people who are called on the telephone and told they are talking to ‘Your Welcoming Committee’ or to ‘Greeters of Arlington Heights’ or some such representation or misrepresentation as to their identity.
The stories coming to us differ somewhat. Some develop into a straight magazine selling scheme. Others seem to ask very personal questions and in one instance came to a resident of some three or four years not to a newcomer.
All are misrepresentations. They have nothing whatsoever to do with our Welcome Neighbor Program or with the Chamber of Commerce. You should tell your friends, particularly if they are newcomers to the Village, to completely ignore this type of approach and simply hang up the telephone receiver.
If the call gets too personal, or ends up in bad language, etc., or is repeated, it should be reported to the police and to the telephone company,” November 1, 1970.
The Triangle News reported on the fraud calls saying that people were calling from the “Your Welcome Committee” or the “Greeters of Arlington Heights.”
The 1980’s were a booming decade for the country. The Iranian Hostage crisis ending in 1981, and grocery costs on the low side, with the price of a box of Cheerios being only .99 cents, the 80’s were a thriving decade for many.
The Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce, the name of an upbeat business organization, and the name of a race at the racetrack’s gala celebrating the 100th anniversary of the village.
“To coincide with the centennial spirit of the day, the nine horse races have been named in honor of important village organizations and individuals,” wrote the Daily Herald on June 19, 1987.
The Chamber of Commerce was included in the list of important villages and organizations which received recognition at the 100th anniversary of the village. The list also mentioned the Arlington Heights City of Good Neighbors and the Arlington Founding Fathers.
Nativity Scene
In Dec. 1981, the Daily Herald reported that the Chamber would pay the expenses for the refurbishing of a nativity scene that the Village of Arlington Heights owned.
Other
In 1982, the AHCC held an essay contest for young people. “Computers and me in 2003.” This being a look ahead to the usage of technology in 21 years.
Joe Kane advised the Board that Walter Payton would be happy to host a monthly luncheon,” May 17, 1983.
The 90’s saw the AHCC adapting to a changing political, social, and technological environment. The changes that occurred during the 90’s took the group from the 20th century into the vast and foreign 21st century.
On Feb. 26, 1998, Rita Bonnici and others began constructing the AHCC’s first website, a move that upgraded the group into a modern force in the village.
“Mr. Quaglia’s presentation showed visual examples of the Chamber’s proposed website on the Internet including member alphabetical and categorical indexes…Time was provided for questions and answers, and it was agreed that this is a good vehicle to be used as the Chamber moves toward the 21st Century,” stated in the meeting minutes of May 22, 1997.
Rita Bonnici, the woman in charge of creating the website, announced the genesis of the website project on February 26, 1998, to the AHCC board. This project would be unveiled at the Millennium Membership Party in Sept. of 1999.
“The Chamber took the Arlington Heights business community to a ‘global’ level when it unveiled its new web site at a Millennium Membership Madness party held in September at Trackside Restaurant,” according to the Chamber publication of Oct. 27, 1999.
“We wanted to create a business site that visitors can come to for all the information they need. The site’s goal is to publicize the Chamber, Arlington Heights and member businesses, plus offer members another opportunity to promote their businesses,’” said Bonnici in the Chamber’s publication.
The dawn of the Chamber website expanded the group’s networking abilities, provided better access to businesses, and the modernization of the Chamber. The new website also gave businesses an internet presence, something that took much more effort and training in the early 21st century.
“As part of membership benefits, the site provides businesses with an affordable vehicle for acquiring a presence on the Internet,” said the Chamber publication of Oct. 27, 1999.
The 90’s also brought to the light a health alert that would land on the Chamber’s desk: Smoking. The acceptance of smoking in public locations such as restaurants and bars were being threatened by the proposal of a smoking ban in such areas.
In their March 1997 newsletter Chamber Lines, the AHCC announced: “The chamber recently voiced its opposition to the proposed smoking ban in Arlington Heights restaurants and bars.”
Carol Blackwood, the 1997 Chamber President, stated at a meeting with the Village Trustees the Chamber’s stance on the issue: “Although the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce strongly supports and encourages healthy lifestyles and healthy environments, the proposed smoking ban potentially has a major negative economic impact on our chamber members in the hospitality and entertainment business.”
During the 90’s, the AHCC would propose alternatives to a smoking ban that would prevent the government from stepping in.
According to the Daily Herald, the Chamber handed out red and green stickers to the various businesses in Arlington Heights. The red and green stickers were used to designate separate areas for smoking and non-smoking areas. The intention was businesses would use these stickers instead of having more government intervention.
“We just wanted to do something to strengthen the existing ordinance, we feel very strongly that people want choice,” said Former Executive Director of the Chamber, Dee Bigham in the Daily Herald.
The 90’s also saw an increase in crime prevention activities by the Chamber with the Chamberlines publication having a list of tips to prevent crimes against business. But the main crime prevention emphasis came from the formation of the Crimestoppers in 1995 (Chamberlines, Nov. 1996), with inaugural chairman James Riley of Harris Bank taking the helm of the group.
“Improve the lighting in and around your store/ Talk with customers while they are in your store/ Identify visitors who are making deliveries and/or pick-ups at your store/ Engrave property with a driver’s license number.”
The Chamber decided to introduce the “Crimestoppers” at the 1995 Fourth of July Parade. The Crimestoppers group was brought in to incentivize the reporting of crimes in the area.
50th Anniversary
In 1997, the AHCC turned the golden 50 years old.
“In the 50th year, for me, going into that role [presidential role] I felt extremely honored and, I felt really responsible to make sure women had a voice, that the village had a voice, we were working on building bridges to the Village of Arlington Heights cause,” said former Chamber President Carol Blackwood.
Blackwood believes that during the 50th year, massive strides were being made towards building bridges between the Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Arlington Heights. Blackwood served on numerous planning commissions for 17 years, and she knew of the significance of a cooperative Chamber and Village. Things got done in a positive manner when they needed to be done. The cooperation was celebrated in year 50.
“Kris Stabler apprised the board of the exciting plans for this 50th anniversary celebration. Over 24 businesses are participating…sponsoring games, pizza, a caricaturist, individual photographs; even Mickey Mouse and Goofy!” was written in the meeting minutes of Aug. 28, 1997.
The group also took the 50-year anniversary to give back to the villagers of Arlington Heights through the delivering of 12, $1,000 scholarships to students (meeting minutes Aug. 28, 1997).
The group was acknowledged by the Village of Arlington Heights when the village decided to put a recognition of the Chamber’s 50th anniversary on the ‘97 vehicle sticker.
New President
Kris Stabler, who was the Vice President of Community Affairs for the Arlington International Racecourse, took the reigns as the president of the Chamber in 1997. She was quoted in the Chamberlines as saying “‘I look forward to working with the community at large, as well as developing new relationships with the retail community.’”
The modern day AHCC began to take form in the first decade of the 21st century. A brand-new event, Mane Event, created in 2000 remains one of the Chamber’s greatest successes in its 75 year history.
Up until the 21st century, the AHCC had professed itself as a major player in the village happenings, both politically and recreationally. The 21st century gave them their opportunity to ensnare that role as a major figure into grander things for the Village of Arlington Heights.
Mane Event
The streets were packed with families walking the streets of Arlington Heights, the Metra train was held up by all the pedestrians crossing the tracks, and the shouts of an active auction all took place the weekend of August 3, 2000, the weekend of the first Mane Event (at the time simply known as Ponies on Parade).
“The event was created in 2000 to engage village residents in the excitement surrounding the Arlington Million and to solidify the village’s partnership with Arlington Park,” wrote Daily Herald Staff Reporter Sheila Ahern in the Daily Herald.
The first Mane Event was known as “Ponies on Parade.” Ponies on Parade was a three-day scavenger hunt for fiberglass ponies, decorated by the 53 businesses who participated. On the final day of Ponies on Parade, the fiberglass ponies were put up for auction. Each business picked a charity, and the amount of money that business’ pony raised went to that charity.
“So at the end of the summer, right before the Arlington Million, the Ponies all went up for auction, and we had a big huge event, under a tent, right next to the train tracks,” said former AHCC Executive Director Sharon Romack. “And we thought maybe, you know, a handful of people would show up, or the people who decorated the ponies would come, and purchase them, and we squeezed 500 people under that tent in August of 2000, and we were blown away by the support of the community.”
“I remember at one point they had to hold up a train from coming through, to clear the tracks off because there were people all over the tracks. So that indicated to us that Arlington Heights was ready for some big event like that.”
The business community was thrilled to engage in Ponies on Parade, concocting designs that would live on in Arlington Heights history. “Not to be out done by CHICAGO…” said Carol Adams in an email to Kristine Stabler on June 23, 2000. “Arlington Heights has initiated a ‘PONIES ON PARADE’ promotion– Arlington International has a pony and we’re looking for ideas regarding the design!!! The ponies will be judged for creativity and then auctioned with the proceeds for the ‘ARLINGTON PONY’ benefiting the Arlington Heights Historical Society.”
Ponies on Parade netted 53 participants, each a business in Arlington Heights, who splashed rainbows of color, multitudes of design and personalized flare to porcelain white, fiberglass ponies.
The Chamber received numerous positive responses from community members and the Daily Herald. The event also raised $75,000 for charity.
Mane Event became an instant tradition for Arlington Heights residents who were thirsting for the next opportunity to walk the landscape and see the art from their local businesses. “Arlington Heights residents must wait until January to learn whether they’ll sit or cycle next summer,” wrote Daily Herald Staff Reporter, Jon Davis. “The debate on how to follow up this summer’s successful ‘Ponies on Parade’ will continue through December…”
In 2001, the AHCC followed up Ponies on Parade with “Hats Off to Arlington,” however the auctioning of hats only raised $30,000, leading to the elimination of the public art aspect of Mane Event.
“We had one food booth, and again, we named it the Mane Event as a nod to the Arlington Park Racetrack, and they paid for a lot of that first one,” said Romack. “So, the Chamber worked with the village’s special events committee, and pulled that off, and then that started the annual event, the Mane Event. The public art piece with an auction and all that, that was pulled out because the hats didn’t work, so that wasn’t tried again.”
After two successful “Mane Events,” the Chamber’s footprint in the history of Arlington Heights became a little bigger. To the year 2021, the Mane Event has remained an Arlington Heights classic.
9/11
When 9/11 struck, and the whole country was put on pause, the Chamber was no exception. Business froze in the Chamber office on that late summer day.
“The Chamber…we shut down as soon as we heard what was going on,” said Romack. “We were closed for a couple of days, as much because we didn’t know what was going on, and for respect for what had happened.”
Before closing the office for the time, Romack and her assistant paused to consider how quiet the space around them was.
“There was a memorial service…in North School Park, and we participated in that. Although we didn’t do anything formally to acknowledge it, I know it had a lot of impact on our members and certainly my assistant and I who, at the time, were the only staff members.”
The Racetrack
The Arlington International Racecourse has remained a close friend with the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce since the 1980’s. A friendship that has assisted in the creation of Mane Event, the 2002 hosting of the Breeder’s Cup and the Arlington Million.
“At the time when the Racetrack was actually owned by the Madison Square Garden people,” said former Chamber President Robert Lincoln. “Whoever the number one guy was at the Racetrack, he was on the board and he said, ‘We would really like to have the support of the Arlington Heights Chamber because we’re going to create a race, and Budweiser is going to be the number one sponsor, and it’s going to be the Arlington Million.’…That was the beginning of a strong relationship between the Chamber and the Racetrack.”
That relationship was maintained by former Chamber president Kris Stabler, who ensured that the Chamber and the Racetrack maintained a close relationship. From the 1980’s on, there was always a representative from the Arlington Heights Racetrack on the board of the Chamber.
When the Racetrack was provided the opportunity to host the 2002 Breeder’s Cup, the AHCC supported the Racetrack in the international affair.
“2002 Sue Duchek was the president, and we served as ambassadors, so we helped at the Racetrack itself, taking people to their suites, showing them [where] they could hang out,” said Romack. “…we did a little bit with a reception for the trainers and the owners, because of course the Breeders Cup brought horses from all over so there were a lot of people who were visiting Arlington Heights.”
Smoking Ban Pt. 2
In 2006-07, the hottest issue around Arlington Heights was a second attempt at a smoking ban. Both sides of the debate discussed frequently about whether to instill such a ban.
“The village board talked about the ban for three hours but did not vote on the idea Monday. If the board approves the smoking ban, smoking would be prohibited in all enclosed public places and within 15 feet of those places. Penalties would range from $100 to $500,” from the Daily Herald of Sept. 12, 2006.
“When 76 percent of chamber members who responded to the smoking ban survey were in favor of a ban and 59 percent were in favor of an exemption for Arlington Park, the board of directors made the following statement to the Arlington Heights village board. ‘The chamber of commerce supports a complete smoking ban consistent with the neighboring communities. The chamber of commerce further supports an exemption amendment for Arlington Park Racecourse,’” from the Daily Herald Feb. 16, 2007.
The Chamber hosted a debate at the Trackside Restaurant in Arlington Heights, attempting to further the discussion of whether this ban should be implemented. Most of the business community, including the AHCC, were against an Arlington Heights smoking ban, but supported a statewide ban as it would be less likely to impact the business life in Arlington Heights.
“Throughout the early 2000’s and into the 2010’s, the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce maintained a steady presence in life of the village, ” stated Jon Ridler, current Executive Director of the Chamber since 2004.
“The Arlington Heights Chamber, which is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year,” wrote Ridler in the Daily Herald in 2012. “Represents 500 businesses of all types, not for profits, and churches.”
The Herald reported on the 2014 installation dinner for the Chamber of Commerce. “…thanked many members of the Chamber for their help over the past year and listed several things the group has to look forward to in 2014,” wrote the Herald.
Past members have spoken highly of their time at the AHCC, remembering the connections which they made, and the memories they have for life.
“About 30 years of being involved in the Chamber, that’s morphed into some very strong friendships. That’s part of the whole package,” said 2014 AHCC president Jim Bertucci.
“I loved being with the Chamber, that was one of the best jobs that I’ve ever had, I’ve worked in non-profits almost all my life, so that was definitely a highlight,” said Sharon Romack. “A couple things stand out, I know we’ll talk more about Ponies on Parade, and the Mane Event, but that truly was a highlight, but there were other good things too. I made lifelong friends there, very important.
“When I go back and I think about my time in the community, especially the Chamber, the friendships,” said Carol Blackwood. “If we didn’t agree we found a way to come to an understanding of each other. There was not a lot of board dissension, I mean we had a strong vision of what we wanted to do.”
As the years go on, the AHCC will continue to do its work, serving the Village of Arlington Heights, linking communities, providing resources, and making connections and building relationships. Each member who was dedicated to helping this narrative come together spoke highly of their time at the Chamber of Commerce and were beyond helpful. To 75 years, and to a cheerful continuation on into the future.
Jared Boekenhauer
Multimedia Journalism Major-Elmhurst University
News Editor-The Leader
He/Him/His