Board President’s Welcome

Hello and welcome to the Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce. The PACC exists to assist all of our local businesses, and our entire business community, to grow and prosper through a variety of educational programs, events and other initiatives.

Over the last couple of years, the PACC has supported and promoted the Think Local campaign, which encourages residents to support our community by keeping our hard-earned dollars right here in Palatine. A recent Explore Palatine event was held in early September, where residents were reminded to explore all that the Palatine business community has to offer by shopping and dining in town. Another upcoming event is our Chamber Business Expo and Community Showcase on Nov. 10, 2018, at Falcon Park Recreational Center. This event provides an opportunity for local businesses and organizations to promote themselves to hundreds of attendees who can enjoy entertainment, demonstrations, kid-friendly activities and more.

The PACC also hosts Networking at Nite events throughout the year, to help our members (and even prospective and other community members) come together and connect. We invite you to visit our website for more information at PalatineChamber.com or call (847) 359-7200.

Thank you and here’s to another year of growth for the Palatine business community.

Shawn Jackson
Board President
Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Director’s Welcome

Welcome to the Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce Community Guide & Business Directory. This is your resource to all that is Palatine, from our businesses, to the village and schools, park districts and area events. The Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce’s over 300 members are the heart of the local economy and the backbone of the area’s business community. The Chamber focuses on a broad range of activities, events, partnerships and education to support its businesses and the local community. When you are looking for information or a way to be connected in the Palatine area, look no further, because the Palatine Chamber has something for everyone!

This year the Chamber has developed more ways to connect our businesses to the local community. Our ongoing “Think Local” program and events throughout the year help to educate; vocalizing the importance of patronizing local businesses. By growing our local businesses, we support our community, increase employment, and maintain and grow the character of Palatine. We encourage you to support your local businesses!

The Palatine Area Chamber will also connect businesses and community with our third annual Business Expo and Community Showcase. This exciting event in November will bring families and local businesses together for an entertaining and fun event that will link our members to the community. Networking groups, local events
and Networking @ Nite festivities help our members connect to
each other and create a vibrant, active business community. Our signature Young Entrepreneur’s Academy and partnership with Community Consolidated School District 15, helps to educate and grow the next generation of local business owners while partnering with Chamber businesses.

Keep this Community Guide & Business Directory accessible and use it often. Please visit our website, www.palatinechamber.com, for up-to-date listings of all upcoming events and programs.

Support your local Chamber members in Palatine!

Steven Gaus
Director
Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce

President
Shawn Jackson
Vicarious Productions
(847) 654-1269

Vice President
Dwight Hoffman
Porte Brown, LLC
(847) 956-1040

Treasurer
Jim Hader
Quality Computer Partners, Inc.
(847) 705-1521

Immediate Past Chair
Jan Wood
J.P. Wood Martial Arts
(847) 705-8714

DIRECTORS

Renee Cabrera
Pan American Bank & Trust
(847) 991-4300

Lorrene Conino
Salon Lorrene
(847) 202-7078

Rhonda Dehn
Morkes Chocolates
(847) 359-3454

Eric Marzinke
ProMark Planners
(847) 359-7388

Jim Meier
MeritCorp Group, LLC
(847) 496-4170

Edgar Murans
Left Hand Marketing
(847) 287-3438

LIAISONS

Dr. Matt Barbini
Community Consolidated School District 15
(847) 963-3000

Melissa Gardner
Palatine Public Library
(847) 358-5881

Michael Jacobs
Village of Palatine
(847) 358-7500

Ken Lopez
Palatine Township
(847) 358-6700

Tom Petersen
Township High School District 211
(847) 755-6600

Kimberly Pohl
Harper College
(847) 925-6159

Joan Scovic
Palatine Park District
(847) 496-6287

Kelly Sisco
Salt Creek Park District
(847) 259-6890

Ben Vyverberg
Village of Palatine
(847) 358-7500

Things to Do in Palatine IL

Salt Creek Park District

The Salt Creek Park District was established in 1956 and serves approximately 6,500 residents from Palatine, Arlington Heights and Rolling Meadows. Its mission is to provide for the community a quality park and recreation system that is committed to excellence in service and facilities, as well as being sensitive to individuals and economics.

The Salt Creek Park District is a small park district that has a family-friendly atmosphere and staff that truly care about its residents. Popular special events include Harvest Hayride, Wine Tasting, Patio Entertainment nights and the annual Twin Lakes Triathlon. Learn more by visiting facilities at Rose Park, Salt Creek Sports Center, Twin Lakes or at www.saltcreekpd.com.

Palatine Park District

Palatine Park District was established in 1945 with a population of just 3,000 residents. In 1947, the district acquired its first park, Community Park, and offered five recreation programs and classes. Today, the district offers thousands of programs each year, is 21 square miles in area and encompasses around 83,000 residents from Palatine and surrounding towns.

Park district facilities include three recreation centers, Palatine Hills Golf Course, Palatine Stables, and Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center. The district also maintains the building and grounds of Clayson House Museum and is a partner with Harper College in the Health and Recreation Center offering aquatics, fitness, dance and sports programming on campus.

The park district is the steward of over 730 acres of open land including 50 parks with 28 playgrounds and offers miles of paved trails. For more information on any of the district’s programs, services, or facilities, visit www.palatineparks.org.

SALT CREEK PARK DISTRICT FACILITIES & PROGRAMS

Rose Park Administrative Office
530 S. Williams Ave., Palatine
(847) 259-6890
www.saltcreekpd.com
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
Camps, preschool, youth programs

Twin Lake Recreation Area
1200 E. Twin Lakes Dr., Palatine
(847) 934-6050
Golf, boating, fishing, picnic rentals

Salt Creek Sports Center
Home of Hat Trick Hockey
647 Consumers Ave., Palatine
(847) 394-8806
www.saltcreeksportscenter.com
Hockey leagues and youth sports

PALATINE PARK DISTRICT FACILITIES

Community Center
250 E. Wood St., Palatine
(847) 991-0333
www.palatineparks.org
Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday; 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday; and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday
Administrative offices, registration, open gym, walking track, fitness center, rentals, birthday parties

Birchwood Recreation Center
435 W. Illinois Ave., Palatine
(847) 991-1960
Hours: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday (weekday registration not available until 8:30 a.m.); 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday
Registration, open gym, group exercise studio, rentals, birthday parties

Falcon Park Recreation Center
2195 N. Hicks Rd., Palatine
(847) 202-5111
October 1 until mid-April hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week
Mid-April until Oct. 1 hours: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
Registration, open gym, open turf, walking track, banquet facility, rentals, birthday parties

Palatine Hills Golf Course
512 W. Northwest Hwy., Palatine
(847) 359-4020
www.palatinehills.org
18-hole golf course open to the public, driving range, The Hills Short Game Practice Area, FootGolf, clubhouse, restaurant, rentals, birthday parties

Palatine Stables
1510 W. Northwest Hwy., Palatine
(847) 359-0009
Lessons, boarding, summer camps, birthday parties, show team, pony rides, Fall Festival

Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center
150 E. Wood St., Palatine
Box Office: (847) 202-5222
Rentals: (847) 991-5318
www.cuttinghall.org
431-seat theater originally built in 1928, featuring park district and community theater productions, available for rentals

Fred P. Hall Amphitheater
256 E. Palatine Rd., Palatine
Outdoor stage featuring free community concerts throughout the summer, available for rentals

George H. Clayson House
224 E. Palatine Rd., Palatine
(847) 991-6460
Home of Palatine Historical Society, featuring museum and historical library

Disc Golf Course
At Margreth Riemer Reservoir,
Corner of Wood Street and Quentin Road, Palatine
Hours: Mid April to early November, dawn to dusk, seven days per week
5,667-foot, 18-hole, par 55 disc golf course. Free, open to public, no reservations needed, bring your own discs

Dog Park
At the Plum Grove Reservoir,
on Algonquin Road, south of Harper College, Palatine
www.palatineparks.org
1.2 acre fenced-in dog park

OUTDOOR POOLS

Family Aquatic Center
340 E. Palatine Rd., Palatine
(847) 991-1700
Large slides, tot slides, waterfall, sand play area, six-lane lap pool, zero-depth entry, water play bubblers, lawn area, rentable picnic areas, concession stand

Birchwood Pool
435 W. Illinois Ave., Palatine
(847) 991-1960
Eight-lane 50 meter competitive pool, 25 yard lap pool, tot pool with zero-depth entry, splash pad spray pool, separate diving well with drop slide, 3-meter diving platform, 1-meter diving board

Eagle Pool
1425 N. Oak St., Palatine
(847) 359-9664
Zero-depth tot pool, three-meter diving board, two one-meter diving boards, slides

INDOOR POOL

Health & Recreation Center at Harper College, Building M
1200 W. Algonquin Rd., Palatine
(847) 925-6825
Swim lessons, lap swim, open swim, water aerobics, annual memberships, birthday parties, rentals

PALATINE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

579 First Bank Dr. | Ste. 205 | Palatine, IL 60067
Phone: (847) 359-7200 | Fax: (847) 359-7246
Website: www.palatinechamber.com
Email: info@palatinechamber.com

MISSION STATEMENT

“The Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to foster the advancement of commercial, industrial and civic interests that contribute to the growth and development of our members, the business environment and a stronger community in the Palatine area.”

MEMBER BENEFITS

Networking
The Chamber offers many opportunities to create business connections and referrals while developing meaningful business relationships. Our Networking @ Nite and Networking Before Hours social events are held at least once a month. Our networking groups meet weekly and monthly and offer our members a regular opportunity to build relationships and gain business leads. In addition, we also have regular multi-chamber events, lunches, seminars and forums with neighboring chambers. All of these opportunities are structured to get you connected with other members and their businesses.

Business Advocacy
The Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce develops relationships with key government officials on the national, state and local levels in order to keep our members informed on key issues facing businesses. We also provide opportunities for our members to take action and get involved with issues affecting business. Annually, the Chamber hosts a State of the Village report and provides members-only legislative forum events with our local, state and federal government officials.

Publicity & Exposure
Inclusion on the Chamber’s website and membership directory is a valuable membership feature. Our members are listed by category and alphabetical order for ease of searching. In addition, membership includes a listing in this annual community guide that is delivered to over 16,000 residents and businesses. Advertising opportunities are also available in this sought-after publication. Chamber members can also gain additional exposure by participating in our monthly e-newsletter, member e-communications, Coupon Craze bags, job postings and community events calendar. The Chamber works to support new businesses by offering guidance and mentorship from our PACC Ambassadors as well as offering a complimentary ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate an opening or a new product/service.

Discounts/Special Rates
Through our Member-to-Member Discounts, our members are able to take advantage of special discounts offered by fellow Chamber members. Our members also have the opportunity to feature a Hot Deal Discount on our website, which is also promoted to a consumer email list on a quarterly basis. Remember to shop local Palatine Chamber members first!

Local Recognition
Membership door decals and Member-to-Member discount cards identify you as a Palatine Chamber member, add credibility and establish you as a member of the Palatine business community.

Leadership Opportunities
The Chamber offers opportunities for business professionals to become leaders in the Palatine community by serving on boards and committees that are striving to enhance and improve the business climate in Palatine.

Community Involvement
The Chamber sponsors a number of community events throughout the year. Our State of the Village provides an update on what is going on in Palatine and what’s to come. The Palatine Community Forum offers members and Palatine residents the opportunity to talk to and hear about the latest updates from the village, Palatine Public Library, area school districts and colleges, Salt Creek Park District and Palatine Park District. Our Legislative Breakfast provides the opportunity to
meet and talk with our local, county and state legislators. The golf outing brings together area business professionals for a fun day of networking on the links, held in early summer. Young Entrepreneurs Academy offers middle school students in grades 7 and 8 from District 15 an opportunity to participate in a groundbreaking year-long program that transforms middle school students into real, confident entrepreneurs. Additional business classes are offered to further
educate business owners.

GET INVOLVED | GET CONNECTED!

Our most successful members are those who are most active! For more information or to join the Chamber, visit www.palatinechamber.com.

Dear Palatine Residents & Businesses,

Since the village’s incorporation in 1866, Palatine continues to grow while at the same time maintaining its hometown feel. Palatine’s dining, shopping, business, educational and recreational resources blend together creating an ideal community to live
and work. Through the efforts of the Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce, the Village of Palatine is welcoming for businesses of all kinds and sizes.

I encourage everyone to take advantage of what the Village of Palatine and the Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce have to offer. By living, working and shopping local, Palatine will continue to keep its small town charm while soaring to greater heights.

Sincerely,

Jim Schwantz
Mayor
Village of Palatine

Last fall, the Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce launched a “Come In – We’re Local” campaign in order to support Palatine’s businesses and residents. Window stickers advertising the program are displayed all over the village.

“The purpose of the campaign is to make sure that Palatine residents understand that when they spend $100 in a local community store, $48 of those dollars stay in Palatine. When they shop at an in-town chain outlet, however, only $14 of those dollars stay in Palatine and when they buy from a remote online store, less than $1 comes to Palatine,” Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Steven Gaus, Chamber President Shawn Jackson and former Chamber President Jan Wood said.

Chamber leadership is using the campaign to educate the public about the importance of shifting their thought processes and buying from local storefronts and patronizing local services and institutions instead of buying online or in other communities.

“This is a community engagement program for both businesses and consumers,” Gaus said. “We are working to convey the importance of supporting local businesses, to increase local tax revenue without increasing local property taxes. Palatine realizes 48 times more tax revenue when residents buy within Palatine than when they purchase needed items online.”

Consequently, when residents purchase their products and supplies from Amazon or another online retailer, they are shortchanging their local community.

“We are trying to raise awareness among residents about the importance of patronizing local businesses as much as possible,” Gaus said. “It is vital to remember that local Palatine area businesses employ your neighbors, and support your schools and local village government services. The sales tax and property taxes provided by these businesses also help keep the residential property taxes at the lowest levels possible. Twenty-three percent of Palatine’s general fund income is derived from sales taxes that residents and non-residents pay when they purchase items at businesses in the village,” Gaus said.

In fact, according to Mike Jacobs, assistant village manager, for 2018, sales taxes will account to 21.5 percent of the village’s general fund revenues, which equates to $12.25 million of the $57 million in general fund revenues.

“So, if you want to see Palatine thrive, you need to think local when you are purchasing needed items,” Wood added. “Likewise, you need to patronize our local hardware and grocery stores, nail salons, accountants, restaurants and pet groomers to ensure Palatine stays vibrant.”

“Even buying from big chain stores and franchisees within Palatine is better for the community than buying online,” Gaus said.

“Come In – We’re Local” is a village-wide initiative that is open to local stores, service businesses, contractors and others based in and doing business in Palatine.

“We are actively reaching out to local businesses and organizations to convey to them the importance of this Shop Local initiative to the quality of life for everyone in Palatine because tax income provides money for the local services and capital improvements that everyone wants and many depend upon,” Jackson noted.

Last summer, the Chamber’s Think Local Committee actively sought support from businesses all over Palatine for the program and most were reportedly very receptive to the program that aims to help local brick and mortar businesses compete with online merchants.

Participating businesses now sport red window decals that say “Come In, We’re Local” on the way in the door and “Thank You for Shopping Local” on the way out the door. Digital message boards around the village are also promoting the idea of Shopping Local.

“We are also reaching out to the library, park district, community organizations and schools to ask them to help us promote this effort,” Wood said.

“We are trying to partner with everyone to communicate the importance of this initiative and the many benefits it will provide,” Gaus added. “We are working to educate residents about who the local merchants are, what they do/sell and where they are located. We want to let people know about our hidden gems who may not have the advertising budgets to let everyone continuously know where they are and what they can do for them.”

To accomplish those goals, “we just need to shift people’s thinking and educate them on the businesses located in Palatine and how they are shortchanging the community if they are spending all of their money online,” he said. “Remember that every sales tax dollar that we bring into Palatine means that one fewer property tax dollar needs to be levied.”

On September 8, the Chamber will hold “Explore Palatine,” an event encouraging residents to walk around Palatine to visit stores, restaurants and even the library instead of logging onto the internet to accomplish tasks. Think/Shop Local Palatine!