Which Way Will The Wind Blow In Cook County?

The West Suburban Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WSCCI) is asked a myriad of questions during the month.  We work hard to answer each inquiry.

Questions come from such groups as local residents, sales-men and women, business owners, inquisitive potential new members, and possible visitors to our area.  In addition, local governmental officials call, as do legislative representatives, newspaper reporters, company personnel that state that they are interested in relocation or establishing a retail presence within the area, and paid appointment setters. 

A few of the folks on the line are genuinely lost and need driving directions.  Tom-Tom is not perfect. 

The questions range from asking WSCCI to support a cause, to information on local non-profit organizations that would benefit from the caller’s potential monetary donation.  Occasionally there are callers that want the Chamber to help them with purchasing flowers for a loved one. 

One time, the person calling had a business full of furniture to give away but it had to be off the premises in less than a day.  The notice proved to be just too short.

Many callers ask the Chamber for recommendations for a restaurant, a specific type of attorney, an accountant, or a real estate agent (we do our best to recommend at least two or three at the same time.  We don’t want our personal tastes to cloud up the referral).

There are requests for the best this, the cheapest that, or the closest something or other.  In all cases we try to recommend our Chamber members but, if all else fails, we use the Internet to find a local merchant that might meet the needs of the caller.

It is routine to have someone ask about a local festival, the annual Pet Parade, some music or picnic in a community park, fundraiser for a local cause or even a reunion of Vietnam veterans.  There have been inquiries about a deceased physician (they were seeking some medical records), the time and location where they caller was to speak to a civic organization (we finally found the right person that knew the answer), questions on funeral services, and complaints about such occurrences as power outages, trees in the roadways and dead animals.  Each question has merit.

From time to time, the Chamber receives letters from prisoners that want to correspond with someone and learn more about our communities – and us.  We don’t respond.

What we don’t get enough of are questions from you.  We truly look forward to assisting you in any way possible.  Often, we can provide you with your information in seconds or a few minutes.  If not, we will take down your name and phone number and get back to you in an hour or as long as it takes.  No matter what – we take your questions seriously.

We are open from 9 AM until 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.  Our recorder is always awake.  Please call your Chamber at 708-387-7550.  It is possible that your information already exists on the Chamber’s website, so we also encourage you to go to www.wscci.org.

Oh, and by the way, the answer to the question “Is Shopping Locally Important?” is yes.  It is vital for the economic health for our local economy and survival of our local businesses. 

Next question?