Chamber Launches Small Business Support Programs Amid Coronavirus

ST. CHARLES, IL — The St. Charles Chamber of Commerce recently kick-started two programs to help local businesses survive the coronavirus shutdown. Chamber president and CEO Jim Di Ciaula announced the launch of the Stronger Together Business and Economic Revival Council and the Stronger Together Community Program, which will support chamber members as well as the wider community.

The council will be made up of more than a dozen local business leaders and experts in strategy, sales, finance, social media, marketing and other backgrounds, Di Ciaula said in a video on the Chamber’s Facebook page.

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“They’re committed to helping us as a chamber, and you as our members, and working through this journey together,” Di Ciaula said. He encouraged any business owner who wants to share insights to contact the council at strongertogether@stcharleschamber.com.

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Through its Stronger Together Community Program, the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce is working to support its members and the services they need to operate. The chamber is soliciting donations of $500 or $1,000, with 20 percent of all donations to the program set to be given to the Northern Illinois Food Bank, based in Geneva. The Northern Illinois Food Bank operates within a network of 800 food pantries, including those in the Tri-Cities region.

The chamber is reaching out to members this week to determine how to prioritize its efforts over the coming weeks and months to best support local businesses, Di Ciaula said.

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