Thursday, July 1, 2010

Featured Member - Meet Kathleen Roberts


Potted Petals has been a Chamber Member since July of 2005. Owner Kathleen Roberts says that Potted Petals is a one-stop shop for all your gift giving and decorating needs. Not only do they carry unique and unusual home décor and garden accessories, they can also help you with landscape design or container gardening and planting.

Kathleen has always like plants and flowers and all things pretty, so began work as a floral designer. She then went on to school and earned a bachelors degree in Horticulture from Texas A&M. Not knowing which she preferred more – floral design or horticulture, she decided to open a business where she could do both. Her favorite part of the job is seeing the customer’s reaction when she has achieved or gone beyond their expectations. She does admit, though, that she does not like being the only one in charge of everything that is involved with running a small business, from promoting Potted Petals on down to minding the store.

Kathleen’s day begins with arriving at the store more than an hour before opening. Her time involves sweeping and vacuuming, watering the plants, checking email and returning phone calls. During shop hours she is tending to customers, setting up shop displays, advertisements, bookkeeping, product ordering and planning events or classes. Her shop has been compared to those found in Long Grove or Lake Geneva. Stop on by soon, and check out their large variety of gift and decorative items.

Friday, June 25, 2010

Featured Member - Meet Steve Flint



*This is the first in a series.

Flint Architects has been a Lombard Chamber Silver member since February, 2009. Owner, Steve Flint describes his Architecture business as leading people through the building process, whether it’s for commercial or personal use. This would include the design of the project, contractors, permit process and construction to the finished end product. The biggest factors, in his opinion, would be to stay on schedule and budget.

Steve became interested in architecture when he was in school and discovered he had a talent for drawing. His sister suggested that he look into it as a career. He initially obtained an Associates Degree, but realized that to actually get licensed in architecture, he would need to pursue the 5 year professional degree, which he finished in 3 ½ years. Steve noted that now a days, someone pursuing an architectural degree would need a Bachelors degree as well as a Masters Degree and 3 years of work experience in the field.

When Steve was asked what his favorite part of his job was, he didn’t hesitate to say that he loved to see a project come to fruition, and to see the client’s enjoyment of the end product. He also really loves the drawing aspect, which is now done by computer. He told us that the least favorite part of the job was meeting with prospective clients, and then never hearing from them again; not even to say that they have gone in another direction.

A day in the life of Steve Flint can vary, of course, but generally he begins his day at 8 AM by updating his Social Media accounts; LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. He’ll then return phone calls and follow up on prospective clients. When his assistant Kimberly arrives, he will update her on the projects of the day. There is some traveling involved, as he will meet with clients from all over the area. He attends Rotary meetings and Chamber Luncheons on a regular basis as well.

Personal Stats:


Married to Diana for 30 years this August
Father to Chad, 20 and Elizabeth, 13

Lombard Rotarian for the last 7+ years
Has served on the Village of Lombard Planning Commission and Board of Appeals
Volunteer at the Lombard/Villa Park Food Pantry
Avid hockey fan, both Wolves and Blackhawks
Enjoys watching his kids’ activities and sports
Lombard Man of the Year 2000


*If you would like you and your business to be featured here, please call the Lombard Chamber office at 630-627-5040 or email us at info@lombardchamber.com

Friday, June 11, 2010

Sweet Time at Sweet Street!

Sweet Street Candies and Goodies located at 17 West St. Charles Rd. in Lombard recently hosted a Business After Hours event. Guests were treated to a candy buffet bar which featured a delectible selection of chocolate covered fruits and nuts and other deliciousness. The candy buffet bar that we were treated to is just a sampling of what they can do for parties, weddings and showers. Customize the candy to your liking for only $5 per person!


The store features a wide array of candy, most of which will bring back fond memories of childhood trips to the corner candy store.
Mary Janes, Dots, Pop Rocks, Clark Bars, Bulls Eyes, Hot Dog Bubble Gum, and Rock Candy are just a few of the sweet treats you can find.




Don't see what you're looking for? Owner Belinda Mahon will do her very best to find it for you.



Sweet Street will also put together a gift basket for any occasion. For a nostalgic trip down Memory Lane and simpler times, visit Sweet Street.

Friday, June 4, 2010

New Business Tropical Smoothie Cafe

We recently welcomed new member, Tropical Smoothie Cafe to the Lombard Chamber with a ribbon cutting.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe features healthy wraps, sandwiches and salads made with fresh veggies, gourmet bread, premium meats and cheeses. Their smoothies are all made with real fruit and are full of energy.


Wear flip flops on June 18, be one of the first 500 customers and you will receive a free Jetty Punch Smoothie! While you're there, consider donating a dollar to the their national charity partner, Camp Sunshine

Join their new TSC Text Club! To receive exclusive offers and discounts through text message just text TSC2 to 89074. Recently Text Club members received an offer telling them that in honor of the Chicago Black Hawks Stanly Cup Win, all Smoothies were just $3.00 for that day. All they had to do was show the text message to receive the special offer.

Stop in and say hello to Franchise owners Patrick Bode and Kevin Bartlett soon!

Friday, May 14, 2010

How safe is your information?



Thank you to Patrick Temesvary of EMC Mortgage Financial for this information

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Change Fonts and Save Money!

By: DINESH RAMDE
Associated Press Writer – Tue Apr 6, 4:17 pm ET


MILWAUKEE – Here's a way you might save $20 this year: Change the font in the documents you print.

Because different fonts require different amounts of ink to print, you could be buying new printer cartridges less often if you wrote in, say, Century Gothic rather than Arial. Schools and businesses could save thousands of dollars with font changes. (read more)

Thursday, April 1, 2010

HIRE Act and what it can mean for your business

The Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act (HIRE), also known as the "jobs bill," is a plan to create jobs by providing a temporary tax break to companies that hire the unemployed.

For more information and also to use a HIRE Act savings calculator to determine the savings for an employer, check out www.paychex.com/hireact/.

Paul Engman
PAEP Employment Specialist II
Glenbard Transition Program
(630) 705-1050