The Wilmette-Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce appears to be regaining some momentum with Julie Yusim returning to the helm as the director of the organization after spending the last seven years in the business sector. On Feb. 5, the Chamber held its first Women in Business Luncheon at Gusto of Wilmette, rekindling a series that was popular in the past.
When Yusim was director of the Chamber from 2000-2009, the luncheon was held at the Wilmette Public Library and nearly 50 women from all types of businesses attended regularly. But the Chamber stopped holding the luncheons after Yusim left to become marketing director for Duxler Complete Auto Care. By starting up the luncheons again, Yusim hopes that they will regain their popularity and continue to grow in size. “It’s a really great venue to network,” she said.
At the luncheon on Feb. 5, roughly 30 women attended — from bankers and small business owners, to employees of nonprofits likes Regina Dominican. Women gathered in small groups in Gusto’s large dining room, chatting amiably about their businesses and greeting old friends. Merry Juell, who is a realtor with @properties and also a member of the Chamber’s board, was pleased that the Chamber is organizing the luncheons again.
“We are really glad to have Julie back,” she said.
Yusim enthusiastically ushered women into the luncheon, introducing herself to new attendees and welcoming back women who had attended the luncheon in previous years. Nancy Sublette, an interior designer who owns her own business, was excited that Yusim had returned to the Chamber.
“She made it a really great networking experience and she brought a lot of businesses together,” Sublette said. “She made it very energized.”
Many women were also pleased to have an opportunity to network with other women in business. “There are some unique issues that women in businesses have. It’s nice to network together,” Sublette said.
Stefanie Rupp of North Shore Community Bank was excited to meet other women who are involved in the business community. “I’ve been really impressed by the business owners in Wilmette,” Rupp said, who has lived in Wilmette for 15 years but only in the past year started working in town.
Yusim showed off some of her charisma when she welcomed all of the attendees to the luncheon. “I am clapping for you,” she said. “Now clap for yourselves.”
Attendees were given the opportunity to speak for 30 seconds, introducing themselves and their business. Each woman put in a quick pitch for her own business and her interest in learning from others. “We are passionate about lending to woman-owned businesses,” said Julie Horn of North Shore Community Bank.
Yusim plans to hold the lunches on the first Friday of each month, which will evolve over time with the group. “This is really your event,” she told the attendees. “We want to cater it to your interests.”
For more information about the chamber go to www.wilmettechamber.org.