



The Jefferson Park Chamber of Commerce will become a small business development center that helps local businesses increase their client base and answers questions about obtaining permits and licenses, according to new chamber president Lionel Rabb.

“It’s about filling seats in your business,” Rabb said at the chamber’s Nov. 13 membership meeting. Rabb, who is owner of Catalyst Group Global, also serves as president of the Jefferson Park Memorial Advisory Council and is one of the founders of the Ed Paschke Art Center, 5415 W. Higgins Ave.

At the meeting, Rabb introduced new chamber executive director Amie Zander, who has 10 years experience at the same post with the West Ridge Chamber. Former Jefferson Park Chamber executive director Anne Kamykowski recently resigned to take a position with another non-profit agency.

At West Ridge, Zander increased the number of members from six to about 200 and started a Special Service Area, Rabb said. An SSA is a local taxing body that funds improvements in the commercial area.

“We’re here to help your business grow,” said Zander, a lifelong Jefferson Park resident who attended Saint Pascal School and Resurrection High School.

The chamber’s monthly general meetings are open to the public and usually are held at 8:15 a.m. the second Thursday of the month at the Gale Street Inn, 4914 N. Milwaukee Ave.

The chamber can be reached at 773-736-6697 and execdirector@jeffersonpark.net. The chamber plans to launch a new Web site early next year.

2014-15 Jefferson Park Chamber Board of Directors and Officers:

Lionel Rabb, President

Brian Nadig, Co-Vice President

George Karzas, Co-Vice President

Juan Aramburu, Secretary

Dr. Cesar Lau, Treasurer

Gregg Kobelinski, Chairman

Amie Zander, Executive Director

Dave Myer, Director

Susan Jablonski, Director

Mary Beth Gerlach, Director

Shanna Karamaniolas, Director

Jeff Merritt, Director

Frank Suerth, Director

Jeff Morris, Director

Nick Black, Director

Larry Fisher, Director

John Garrido, Director

Bruce Barnes, Director

Judy Skotzko, Director

Alex Perry, Director

Dobra Bielinski, Director

Honorary Board Members:

Alderman John Arena (45th)

Dr. Cory Chen

Ralph Carstensen

Alderman Timothy Cullerton (38th)



