Tom Kamykowski moves from JASC to Ravenswood Chamber
By Mary Corrado
Editor
After about seven years as executive director of the Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce, Frank Crescenzi has retired from the job of executive director, effective early this year. "We were very, very fortunate we had Frank as a great leader...He's been very involved with the community," said Ald. Gene Schulter (47th).
The Board of the Chamber has selected Tom Kamykowski to fill the spot and he started Jan. 18. "Tom comes from Jane Addams Resource Corporation, so he's been working with businesses in the Ravenswood to begin with, so the Board felt he'd be a natural replacement," Schulter said. Kamykowski was director of economic development at JARC for five years, dealing with industrial retention, computer training and school-to-work programs.
Kamykowski told Inside that there is a lot of potential to increase membership above the current level of 90 as there are many small businesses in Ravenswood. He described the boundaries of Ravenswood as Montrose Ave. on the south, Foster Ave. on the north, Clark St. on the east, and Leavitt St. on the west. Kamykowski plans to have activities at least once a month beginning in April, ranging from after-hours events and membership luncheons to business seminars on topics such as business planning or accessing capital.
The current Board of the Ravenswood Chamber includes President Byron Kouris of the Zephyr; Vice President Vince Savarino of Community Bank of Ravenswood; Treasurer Jim McHale, an independent tax accountant; and Al Aspengren, an attorney. Additional Board members will be elected in March.
The Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce is located at 1760 W. Wilson Ave.; the telephone number is (773) 561-5225. The email address is RavenswoodChamber@msn.com.
Flynn promoted to executive director of Lincoln Square Chamber
By Mary Corrado
Editor
After four years as executive director of the Lincoln Square Chamber of Commerce (LSCC), Brad Leibov is resigning to pursue on a full-time basis his own planning and development firm. He notified the LSCC Board some six months ago of his plans, and on Feb. 2 he gave the LSCC Board a 30-day notice. On the same day, the Board promoted Melissa Flynn, currently the LSCC Membership Services and Events Director, to replace Leibov as executive director.
"It's a happy change," said Flynn. "I'm very excited. I'm thrilled to continue to make this a great place to live, shop and work." Flynn, who has over 10 years of corporate and private event planning experience, assumed her current position with the Chamber in April 2004. She is working with Leibov to ensure a smooth transition. "I want to increase awareness of retail and restaurant establishments in Lincoln Square," she said.
Leibov enjoyed his years with the Chamber. "Working on behalf of Lincoln Square business owners has truly been an honor and a wonderful experience. I value my time here tremendously," he said.
"Brad has done a great job as executive director," said Ald. Gene Schulter (47th). "He's really increased the membership and done some really creative things. He has put Lincoln Square 'on the map.'"
Leibov's company, New Chicago Fund, Inc., specializes in neighborhood commercial revitalization strategies. "I'm an urban planner by trade," said Leibov. "There's a great need for revitalization of commercial districts in the city. The long-term objective of the company is to develop an investment fund to invest in underfunded and underserved communities." Leibov will serve as a consultant to Special Service Areas (SSAs) as well. The company, based in North Center, can be reached at (773) 275-1384.
The LSCC Board is headed by President Jack Gibbs of Fortress Financial and Vice President Shelley Young of The Chopping Block. The Lincoln Square Chamber is located at 4732 N. Lincoln Ave.; its telephone number is (773) 728-3890.
Northcenter Chamber seeks new executive director
By Mary Corrado
Editor
A new executive director is needed for the Northcenter Chamber of Commerce as Tom Lambros Bornstein has moved on after two years. As Inside went to press Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 8, the Board of the Northcenter Chamber of Commerce was meeting to discuss the current situation and to determine how to proceed.
Chamber members received an email that stated: "Effective Jan. 24, 2005, Tom Lambros Bornstein has left his position as executive director of the Northcenter Chamber. We thank Tom for his service and wish him well in his future endeavors."
"We're working with the situation, and hopefully all parties will benefit," said Bob Hoellen, president of the Chamber. "We will seek to interview new candidates."
The Northcenter Chamber of Commerce is located at 1940 W. Irving Park Rd.; its telephone number is (773) 525-3609. |
