The 53-year-old Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce has announced its new board leaders, which includes a mix of professional men and women from a diverse array of local businesses.
The newly elected 19-member board will aid in supporting community growing network of businesses and provide resources in order for those establishments to thrive and be accessible to local residents, according to a news release from BACC announcing the new leaders.
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The new leaders were selected by other board leaders and BACC members based on their level of involvement and service to the business community and community at large. Board leaders reached out to BACC membership for nominations in November, and after approval by the board, the new leadership was voted in, the release states.
BACC President and CEO Suzanne Corr said that the BACC theme and overall mission for 2022 is to enhance connection and community among Barrington area residents and business owners.
“We will continue to provide programming and event opportunities, both in person and virtually, that bring people together to make connections that lead to prosperous partnerships,” she said in an email to Pioneer Press. “We will also continue to focus on community events that lead to dollars spent here in our region, building up local business.”
Robert P. Finley, principal at Virtue Asset Management and a new member of the BACC board of directors, also stressed the importance of events and networking. He stated that events such as car shows and family expos are an incredibly useful way for fellow business owners to network, not only enabling them to make connections with one another, but to exchange advice and learn how to better their business in order for it to be more accessible for the community at large.
“The chamber provides a great support group and sounding board for owners to discuss problems they are having with their business,” Finley told Pioneer Press in an email. “Having members who can share their experience is invaluable. The easier we can make networking for members, the easier it is for them to receive answers and guidance.”
Zack Witt, owner of Barrington-based solar energy company Ilumen Solar and newly announced member of the BACC board of directors, noted the importance of making “intangible connections” with area residents to improve the community and further local business.
“I’m very tied to the community,” he told Pioneer Press. “I not only want to help others, but also want to provide awareness for solar energy within the community.”
According to information from BACC officials, other board members include: Executive committee: Doug McAllister, Douglas Automotive – chairman; Jen Frey, Good Shepherd Hospital Health & Fitness Center – first vice chair; Ellaine Sambo-Reyther, BMO Harris Bank Barrington – second vice chair Jon Stickney, Barrington Bank & Trust – BACC Treasurer; Andrea Herran, Focus HR Consulting – past chairman; and Suzanne Corr, president/CEO and secretary.
Board of directors: Robert Finley, Virtue Asset Management; Armen Kholamian, Junk King N Chicago; Kyle Kick, BStrong Together; Brett Koenig, Crissie Insurance Group; Dr. Reinhold Llerena, AMITA; Amber Luczak, Edward Jones; Keith Hanson, Hanson Law Group LLP – past BACC chairman; Bryan McGonigal, McGonigal’s Pub; and Zach Witt, Ilumen Solar.
Advisory board members: Scott Anderson, village of Barrington; Dr. Robert Hunt, Barrington School District 220; Robert Palmer, village of South Barrington; and Michele’ Smith, Harper College.
Joey Arnone is a freelancer.