HISTORY MISSION STATEMENT LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT AREA MAP (PDF)

HISTORY Downtown Glencoe, or Uptown as some call it, has never been a huge commercial center, but it has always bustled. From 1902 to 1993, the district's anchor was Henry C. Weinecke's (Win-eh-kee's) hardware store stood as the community watched other stores change. Wienecke's itself changed, after the family sold the hardware store. The building was restored, renamed, and reconfigured into a group of retail and residential spaces. Over the years, The Glencoe Movie Theater was razed, as was its neighbor, the Masonic Temple, in the mid-1970s. A five-and-dime store, two delicatessens, men's clothing and record stores, and even big name grocers like A&P, have come and gone. But new shops and restaurants have replaced them; A Bouquet to Remember, Vernon's on Vernon, Sweet Jenny's and Treats among the newest in town. The Writers' Theatre of Chicago, the award-winning Equity theater, developed in the space behind Books on Vernon, has expanded in the 2003/2004 season to a newly created space in the Women's Library Club. Keeping track of all the changes is the Glencoe Chamber of Commerce with close to 100 members who operate retail and service businesses today in both downtown Glencoe and the Hubbard Woods of Glencoe. The Chamber itself has evolved from the Glencoe Business and Professional Association, founded in 1965, and serves as an important link between the businesses, the Village and the larger suburban community.

MISSION STATEMENT The objectives of the Glencoe Chamber of Commerce are: To develop, encourage, promote and protect the professional, and general business interests of the community; to encourage the expansion of trade; to provide a forum for the expression of business persons on matters affecting their interests; to promote the general welfare and prosperity of the Village of Glencoe and to stimulate the public interests to these ends; to provide such activities as will promote these purposes. THE ORGANIZATION AND ITS ACTIVITIES SHALL BE NON-PARTISAN, NON-SECTIONAL, AND NON-SECTARIAN. VISION STATEMENT In order to achieve our mission, the Chamber will continue to offer programs and opportunities that support membership. We will strive to communicate clearly to our membership, and be the voice of the business community in the Glencoe area. The business values of the Chamber and its membership are trust, integrity, honesty, and respect.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Dear Friends and Neighbors, "Our Town, Glencoe", our Chamber epithet, depicts the pride our businesses have in serving our Glencoe Community. The Community Guide for 2008 provides a list of all Chamber members. It also includes information on the many and varied Village services, the history and culture of our town. The Chamber continues to play a key role in the ongoing growth and development of the Village through our representation on the Village's Economic Development committee, Parking Committee and Downtown Beautification Committee. Our participation in the life of the Village helps us to provide a pleasant shopping experience for our residents. We are always interested in suggestions from the Community. Please call our new executive director, Sally Kelly, or any of the board members with your thoughts. Don't forget to visit our Festival of the Arts, Farmers Market, Sidewalk Sale, Summer Carnival and other fun events the Chamber sponsors to thank you for shopping in Glencoe. Please enjoy our Glencoe shops, cafes and other services. We appreciate your ongoing support. You help our businesses thrive. Sincerely, Ana Juanez President, Glencoe Chamber of Commerce