Message from the 2021/2022 President – Karen Arenson

Two years after the start of the pandemic, we are still wearing masks, still wondering when this will end and still looking for a time when we don’t have to gauge our every move based upon the pandemic. The good news is that since our lockdown in March of 2020, our communities have come together, and people have taken up the mantle of shopping and supporting local businesses and restaurants. Sometimes it takes the threat of losing all that we have known and taken for granted to remind us of how much we value our wonderful small villages, shops and eateries. Due to the tireless efforts of our dedicated staff, we have been able to consolidate the Winnetka Northfield Chamber and the Glencoe Chamber, forming the new Winnetka Northfield Glencoe Chamber of Commerce. It is exciting to expand our Chamber and its membership while working together to carry on the mission of promoting small, local businesses and organizing the many events in all three communities.

We want to assure the business owners in those communities that we are there to support them and promote them, and we encourage the communities at large to support them as well. It is a heroic effort to merge chambers, and this is our first year together. I want to thank everyone who worked so hard in all three communities to make this happen. The board of directors, now a blend of representatives from businesses in each town, is determined to work together to build an even stronger Chamber on behalf of all our beloved businesses. While several of our longtime and much-loved business establishments were lost during the first year of the pandemic, there has been a wonderful resurgence in our communities with over 25 new businesses opening their doors and more applications coming. So, while it’s been tumultuous, our villages have welcomed many fabulous new businesses and restaurants, which is very exciting.

Equally exciting is the return of so many of our long-term Chamber events. From the annual multi-chamber golf outing, holiday tree lighting in Winnetka, to the sidewalk sale in each community, we were able to continue many traditions. Unfortunately, the last two years we had to cancel our Recognition Lunch, so this year we are thrilled to be able to offer that event on April 27.

And this summer, the Glencoe Farmers Market will continue on Thursday late afternoons and the Winnetka Farmer’s Market will be relocating to a wonderful new location at Station Park across Green Bay Road from where it has been at the village hall. This is an exciting improvement and as long as we all attend, promote and enjoy these farmers’ markets they will thrive and sustain our communities. 

The North Shore is a special place. Winnetka, Northfield, and Glencoe are at the heart of the North Shore (geographically). We are incredibly fortunate to have such great Village governments, robust sets of park districts, local events and amazing businesses. Let’s embrace how fortunate we are and promote our lifestyle. Our communities offer us so much and they need our support. Please think local for all your shopping, dining and service needs!