In the Loop is a video series designed ​to keep DeKalb Chamber members and surrounding business community informed on the on-goings of our city and Chamber. If you have a topic you would like us to address, fill out the form below.

New Video!

2020 DeKalb Farmers' Market
Speakers: Anna Coates and Virginia Filicetti, DeKalb Chamber of Commerce
Summary: Anna Coates and Virginia Filicetti discuss the 2020 DeKalb Farmers' Market vendors and new COVID-19 regulations. To learn more about the DeKalb Farmers' Market visit dekalb.org/farmersmarket.

Consumer Sentiment Survey Results - 5/29/20
Speakers: Jock Sommese, SBDC, and Matt Duffy, DeKalb Chamber of Commerce
Summary: Jock Sommese, SBDC, and Matt Duffy, DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, discuss the results of DeKalb County UNITES' COVID-19 Consumer Sentiment Survey. For more information about DeKalb County UNITES and small business resources, visit dekalbcountyunites.com.

DeKalb Loves Local - 5/19/2020
Speakers: Virginia Filicetti and Liz McKee, DeKalb Leadership Academy
Summary: Virginia Filicetti and Liz McKee from the DeKalb Leadership Academy discuss the academy's DeKalb Loves Local gift card promotion to support local businesses.​

DeKalb County UNITES - 3/25/2020
Speaker: Cohen Barnes, DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation
Summary: Watch our video to listen to Cohen Barnes, President of the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation, discuss DeKalb County UNITES- a new task force focused on small businesses during the COVID-19 crisis.

2020 Census - 2/20/2020
Speaker: Adam Grubbs
Summary: The 2020 census is upon us, and participation is more important than ever. Watch Adam Grubbs explain why participating is important, and how it affects our city and county. 

New Bus Route 19 - 10/25/2019
Speaker: Marcus Cox, Transit Manager for City of DeKalb
Summary: The South region of DeKalb is now getting it's own additional Huskie Bus route. Watch to see where it goes, when it's in service, and other important information about the bus route's arrival.

Expanded Elburn Shuttles - 10/4/2019
Speaker: Marcus Cox, Transit Manager for City of DeKalb
Summary: Starting October 7th, there will be more daily routes between the Elburn Train Station and DeKalb. Watch to understand when and how you can find these expanded routes.
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DeKalb's Community Race: Corn Classic - 9/20/2019
Speaker: Cohen Barnes, Committee President
Summary: Watch our new video to learn all the different ways you can get involved, as well as all the cool events happening around and after the DeKalb Corn Classic. And for further information, you can go to DeKalbCornClassic.org.

Downtown Parking - 7/24/2019
Speaker: Bill Nicklas, DeKalb City Manager
Summary: Not sure where you can park in Downtown DeKalb? Watch as Bill explains when and where you can park, as well as any potential cost or tow risk times. For further information on downtown parking, you can always go to www.CityOfDeKalb.com.

City Meetings 101 - 7/12/2019
Speaker: Bill Nicklas, DeKalb City Manager
Summary: Want to get more involved in our city government? Watch as Bill explains when and where DeKalb city meetings take place, as well as all the different ways you can make your voice heard! For further information on city meetings, you can always go to www.CityOfDeKalb.com.

DeKalb's New Signage Changes - 3/19/2020
Speaker: Dan Olson, City of DeKalb
Summary: Watch our video to listen to Dan Olson, Principal Planner for the City of DeKalb, discuss the new signage changes that are coming to a vote Monday, March 23rd and how they will effect businesses
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Egyptian Theatre: Expansion Project - 3/9/2020
Speaker: Alex Nerad
Summary: Watch our video to listen to Alex Nerad, Executive Director for the Egyptian Theatre, discuss how the nearly complete expansion impacts the community. 
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​IHSA Playoffs Impact - 11/6/2019
Speaker: Brad Hoey, IHSA Destination DeKalb
Summary: High School playoff season is here, and the exciting finals will be right here at Huskie Stadium! Watch as Brad Hoey explains how the IHSA playoffs will impact the DeKalb community.

Secure Choice Program - 10/11/2019
Speaker: Dr. Jock Sommese, Waubonsee SBDC
Summary: The deadline to enroll your employees into a retirement program is quickly approaching. Watch as Dr. Jock Sommese explains exactly what is required of your business and deadlines associated with each task.

Recreational Marijuana Laws: What That Means For Businesses - 9/27/2019
Speaker: Jeff Keicher, State Representative
Summary: Illinois has passed recreational marijuana laws that will take act on January 1st, 2020. Watch to understand how these laws will affect your local business.

Corn Fest Impact - 8/19/2019
Speaker: Lisa Angel, Chair Person of DeKalb Corn Fest
Summary: Are you ready for DeKalb's 42nd annual Corn Fest music festival? Watch as Lisa explains every detail you'll need to know to enjoy one of Illinois' last remaining free festivals, full of fun events and great music! For further information, go to cornfest.com

​Introduction - 6/28/2019
Speaker: Matt Duffy, Executive Director of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce
Summary: Introducing In the Loop! The newest video series to keep our members and community informed on the on-goings of our city and Chamber. This series is meant to answer your questions, so please reach out to us through the form below, through email, in person, or call us about topics and inquiries that may affect your business. We look forward to hearing your questions, and even more forward to keeping you in the loop!

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In the Loop Guidelines
 
The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce provides members with valuable information and connections to help you be more informed. The Public Policy Committee of the DeKalb Chamber has created an avenue to better educate our members that do not have the time or resources to stay up with or learn about everything that might affect the area and/or their business or organization and help keep you in the loop. The “In the Loop” videos are 2 to 3-minute videos that will provide information to allow our members to be better informed through getting answers directly from the sources to avoid confusion or misinformation.
Topics will consist of tips, answers to important questions and any knowledge that would be helpful to fellow members. Some of the topics will tap into the depth of knowledge that our members possess and will provide valuable information to you, as a member.  Ideas for topics for “In the Loop” videos are requested from our members and should be submitted for consideration within the following guidelines:

• Topics must be relevant to local businesses
• Topics should help answer frequently asked questions concerning businesses and organizations
• Videos should help answer questions on new laws or ordinances affecting businesses
• Videos can help clarify something often misunderstood by business owners or operators
• This is not an advertisement or promotion for any product, service, brand or business
• The focus of these videos is on information involving the topic and not an endorsement supporting or against an issue
• Topics should not reference any business name
• No political comments or statements allowed

Topic Ideas Submission

• Topic ideas can be sent via email to matt.duffy@dekalb.org.
• Ideas may be submitted through our web site at www.dekalb.org/intheloop
• Topic ideas should include the topic, proposed presenter/speaker, and any relevant supporting links or information
• Speakers should be from a 3rd Party Group or Government Official that is an industry expert or knowledgeable source.
• The Chamber reserves the right to not use any submitted ideas or presenters
• Questions regarding the "In the Loop" videos should be forwarded to -
  • matt.duffy@dekalb.org or contact the DeKalb Chamber office.