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Northbrook Chamber Expo gives businesses chance to connect to community
Steven Lewis said the annual Northbrook Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Annual Expo is a chance tofr local businesses to showcase their variety. | Rob Dicker~Sun-Times Media
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Updated: August 20, 2012 6:31AM
Hundreds of North Shore residents and business people will flock to the Northbrook Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Annual Expo.
The after-hours event, to be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, July 23, at Wyndham Glenview Suites, 1400 Milwaukee Ave., will feature 50 exhibitors from Northbrook, Deerfield, Bannockburn, Riverwoods and nearby communities. Admission is free.
“It’s a great opportunity to see the variety in the business community. It runs the gamut from floors to financial planning,” Northbrook Chamber President Tensley Garris said. “Those who come can learn a lot and talk to business owners about what they have to offer.”
Steven Lewis, president of Lewis Floor and Home at 1840 Skokie Blvd. and Northbrook Chamber board chairman, said his focus is on keeping Northbrook dollars in the village, to add to its tax base.
The expo is an excellent way to show consumers and businessmen how to do that, he added.
“This is an opportunity for local business people to show what they have to offer in a way that is conducive to networking,” Lewis said. “It allows people to actively learn what others do in a very personal way.”
Lewis, the third generation in his family to run the business, originally planned to be an attorney, but didn’t like practicing law. He changed career paths and took over the business.
Now he is preparing samples of porcelain tile from Italy, stone from Turkey and window treatments from Hunter Douglas for the expo.
His company began selling carpet in 1954. It now offers an array of different flooring and features cabinetry, counter tops, window treatments and green products, he said.
Ashley Blankstein-Delaney is the director of community relations and marketing for the Whitehall of Deerfield, a senior health care and rehabilitation center sponsoring the event.
Spots at the expo are not only sold out, but there is a waiting list of business people who would like to take the booth of anyone who can’t attend at the last minute, she said.
“It’s a phenomenal event,” Delaney said. “It’s a trade show kind of a thing, and a chance to connect with the business community on a personal level, as well as to see new products.”
Whitehall of Deerfield, which opened in 1973, is known for health care in a luxurious setting. It features hand-crafted woodwork, museum-quality paintings, solariums, spacious rooms and suites, concierge service, valet parking, gourmet coffees and world-class amenities.
Its rehabilitation center is also recognized for restoring individuals’ independence quickly and comfortably, Delaney said.
Rick Glickman, owner of Dream Kitchens, Inc., at 799 Central Ave., Highland Park, will display some of his newer products, such as glass tile, recycled glass counter tops, and cabinet doors with new styles and finishes.
“We want to get people to recognize who we are and what we do,” Glickman said “Besides it being a difficult economy the last several years, we moved here right before the economy changed after spending 18 years in Skokie, so we are relatively new to the area.
“People only notice a business when they’re shopping for that particular item. Since we’re sort of starting fresh again, this gives us a chance to re-introduce ourselves to the community now that people are out there doing more work to their homes again.”
Attendees can also sample products, see live demonstrations and discover ways to become more efficient.
