Committees
Planning and Advocacy Committee
The Planning and Advocacy Committee advocates to elected officials and government agencies to ensure the Association's perspective on governmental issues is fully understood. The goal is to move RNBA toward a position of increasingly effective influence regarding government issues by monitoring issues of the City, County, State and Federal governments. Subcommittees deal with Developmental Review and Public Way issues.
Art Bryan, The Redhead Piano Bar
Mayo Walcott, North Bank
Rob Grusin, Point B Communications
Gary Ainge, Hammond, Beeby, Rupert, Ainge Architects Inc.
Dick Turner, Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown
Sub-Committees:
Development Review – Chair:
Gary Ainge
Recently reviewed new development for National City Bank on corner of
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee discusses the financial statements in more detail than the whole board, participates in budget planning, and recommends policies on financial matters. The committee considers the organization's future plans and challenges from a financial standpoint. We meet on a monthly basis and advise the Executive Committee and Board of Directors on the financial position of the River North Business Association.
Tara Shelegeda, Harris Bank
Mark Kelly, Kellygreen, LLC
Barry Rubin, National GraphX Imaging
David Kover, David M. Kover and Associates
Mayo Walcott, North Bank
Jill Bernal, Bookkeeper, RNBA
Sub-Committees:
Budget Subcommittee
Meets in fall of each year to set budget for the following year.
Marketing and Branding Committee
The Marketing and Branding Committee works to develop a comprehensive communications program to market and promote the River North Business Association's accomplishments; its achievements to the membership and the community; and increase recognition and support for the community and the organization.
The Marketing and Branding committee provides feedback and approval for any major marketing-related decisions (such as a new logo design, collateral materials, marketing plan, or an overall theme or strategy for an upcoming event). Not all our committee members have a professional background in marketing or communications but we are able to capitalize on the power of creative collaboration.
Rob Grusin, Point B Communications
Hazel Espinar, Law Offices of Hazel Espinar
Bob Gottfred, Erie LaSalle Body Shop and Car Care Center
Patrick Hatton, The James Hotel
Cindy Kurman, Kurman Communications
Sub-Committees:
Website Update Task Force:
Scott Zatt
Street Banners Sub-committee:
Barry Rubin, National Graphix
Program Committee
The Program Committee provides outstanding educational and professional development programs for RNBA members. The Committee also plans and coordinates major events, such as fundraising events, team-building or planning, and events of celebration.
These programs include:
- Key resources to build your business
- Tools to help you increase efficiency & profitability
- Opportunities for you to meet potential new customers
- Great venues to build relationships
Linda Zager, Expense Reduction Analysts
Bryan Drake, Prime Staffing
Lisa Duryea, The Chopping Block
Adam Havrila, KaBloom of the Merchandise Mart
Jaclyn Kim, Tiffini Kim Institute Medical Spa
Stuart Plusker, Square One Productions
Claudia Ruiz, The Lucky Monk
Membership Committee
The Membership Committee works to recruit and retain membership in the River North Business Association. This is done through several programs:
- Reviews and recommends changes in dues structure to reflect value of membership. 2010 will see the first increase in dues in 3 years although the benefits have increased immeasurably.
- Promotes membership and its benefits at all RNBA events and other community events where appropriate
- Holds New Member Orientations on a regular basis to provide general information to new members as well as allow them to talk one-on-one with Board and Committee members
- Provides mentors to new members to help them feel comfortable attending events.
- Reviews and updates membership sales packet and materials
- Contacts non-renewing members to discus why they are leaving the organization
Bob Zimmerman, Friedman Properties
LauraJane Hyde, Gilda's Club Chicago
David Kover, David M Kover and Associates
France Langan, Holiday Inn Mart Plaza
John McDermott, Park National Bank
Lynette Panjan, Panjan and Associates, Ltd.
Greg Stobbe, Greg Stobbe, J.D.,SPHR
Mark Sulski, National City Bank
Brian Tyrrell, Miserow Financial
Skip Weiss, The Chicago Collection
Linda Zagar, Expense Reduction Analysts