A super-energized crowd of 250 Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce members and guests filled a banquet hall Thursday (January 26) to honor 2012 Chamber Chair John Currier and say thank you to Jeff Arseneau, 2011 chair.

            Executive Vice President Patrice Brooks garnered a huge round of applause for her endless work in the Chamber executive office, and she thanked event sponsor AT&T from the podium at DoubleTree by Hilton in Alsip. The official welcome was followed by a look back at 2011 video by Geoff Slawson.

            Then, ready to turn the huge gavel over to Currier, Arseneau bounded to the stage.

            “Your Chamber got down to business this past year and finished in the black,” Arseneau said. In fact, the Southland’s regional business organization exceeded growth expectations set for the year.

            “We had one of the most successful membership drives in our history, he continued, crediting Renee Hill, Vice Chair, Membership.

            “We said we were going to win and we did.

            “Orison Swett Marsden (historic motivational businessman) said, ‘It is those who have this imperative demand for the best in their natures, and who accept nothing short of it, that hold the banners of progress that set the standards … for others.’

            “That’s why I’m extremely excited to turn the gavel over to John,” he said.

            As Currier took the podium, he quipped, “I told Jeff he can’t leave” nodding to Arseneau.

            “I’m a CPA and usually work better with numbers than words, but I’ll try to make this short and sweet,” Currier continued.

            Representing 85 communities, the Chamber strives to make the Southland a better place to live and work, he said.

            “We have committed leaders in business, government and the community, and we have that shared purpose.

             I met with many past chairs and they all share a vision and passion for the Southland.

            “The theme for this year, ‘It’s All about Business,’ has the same priorities as last year but in a different order.

            “This year, the top goal is to continue to advocate (locally, in Springfield and in Washington, D.C.) and speak up on behalf of business in the Southland.

            “Again we want to increase membership and continue to provide extreme value to our members” with prominent speakers, stimulating programs and scholarships for top college-bound children of members.

            “The increase in members is one of our greatest assets as without them, there’s no Chamber. We’ve improved each year and we have a renewed sense of business.

            “We showed that tonight. We want the Chamber to continue to make our community a better place to live and work.

            “It is all about business.”

            After his installation address, Currier introduced 2013 Chair-elect Kenneth Jenero, the entire Executive Committee and Board of Directors.

            Prior to Currier’s official installation, three outstanding members were honored for Chamber service. Renee Hill garnered the coveted President’s Award; Brandon Raimondi received the Top Membership Recruiter honor; and Geoff Slawson was named Ambassador of the Year.

            Brooks introduced the executive staff and credited them with commitment to their jobs: director of business activities Annemarie Gutchewsky, comptroller Vicki Mullarkey and administrative assistant Khalilah Willis.