The Evergreen Park Chamber of Commerce and Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce took a trip down memory lane Aug. 11, bringing five former chamber presidents together for an afternoon of stories, advice and conversation about doing business in the local community.
The joint luncheon and Past Presidents Panel was held at the Hilton Chicago/Oak Lawn, giving chamber members a chance to hear directly from people who once held the top volunteer leadership positions in the two organizations.
The panelists talked about their years as chamber presidents, the changes they have seen in the business community and some of the lessons they picked up along the way.
Taking part in the discussion were Laura Shallow of World Data Systems and Saint Xavier University, who served as president of the Evergreen Park Chamber in 1987 and the Oak Lawn Chamber in 1998; Eileen Kerlin Walsh of Kerlin Walsh Law, Oak Lawn Chamber president in 2021; Jack Baker of Republic Bank, Oak Lawn Chamber president in 2005; Adam Woodworth of the Children’s Museum of Oak Lawn, Oak Lawn Chamber president in 2017; and Nicki Seidl of the Evergreen Park Public Library, who served as Evergreen Park Chamber president in 2018-19.
One message came through loud and clear during the discussion: Joining a chamber is only the beginning.
The former presidents encouraged members to get involved by attending events, joining committees and getting to know other business owners. They talked about how much more members can get out of their chamber when they are willing to put time and energy into it.
They also shared their thoughts on the importance of neighboring businesses and communities supporting one another. Strong local business communities, they said, don’t happen without people willing to show up and help each other.
The conversation also turned to some of the more difficult moments business owners have faced, including the impact COVID-19 had on small businesses.
The panelists discussed how businesses adapted during the pandemic and how important it is to maintain relationships, even when things don’t always go as planned.
They also stressed the importance of not burning bridges. In a local business community, today’s competitor, customer or business contact can easily become tomorrow’s partner or friend.
Seidl summed up the spirit of the discussion with a few simple words: “We’re better together.”
The Oak Lawn Chamber also welcomed new member Katisha Farrell, owner of InkySPA Tattoo. Farrell’s business specializes in tattoo cover-ups, traditional tattoos, vibrant color work and custom designs, with a focus on tattooing and self-care for all skin tones.
The luncheon was sponsored by Kerlin Walsh Law.