The Sycamore Chamber of Commerce is all about serving its more than 500 members with a variety programs and events as explained this week at Rotary by Marketing and Events Director Shelby Crackel.  Crackel was joined by Member Services Administrator Ashlee Weaver and went through specific ways that the Chamber helps businesses grow and how the Chamber collaborates to promote community events that enhance local quality of life.

 

Crackel noted the many ways the Chamber provides support for businesses.  They have a Business Advocacy Committee engaged in promoting business-friendly government policies.  They also offer legislative leader information sessions, a Leadership Academy, business to business networking, a special women’s networking group, educational programs, plus email, website and business directory exposure.

 

Building on making Sycamore as not only a good place to do business but a good place to live, the chamber has its “Discover Sycamore” branding for community events.  Crackel said that November 21 will be their holiday Moonlight Magic event where downtown stores are open until 8 PM and store windows feature special arts and entertainment displays.  This is followed by the December 5 “Walk With Santa” as the Fire Department brings Santa and Mrs. Claus to the State Theater for a walk through downtown to the courthouse where Santa will have his “house” set up for visits during the holiday season.  Crackel said other events the Chamber collaborates with during the year include the Turning Back Time car show, the Steam Show, and Pumpkinfest.

 

Details about joining the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce and learning about their events may be found on their website at www.sycamorechamber.com.   

November 10, 1483 – German Theologian and Reformation founder Martin Luther is born.  He begins a new religious movement after posting his 95 Thesis originally meant to reform the Catholic Church.

 

November 12, 1929 – Grace Kelly, award-winning actress who left Hollywood to marry Prince Ranier of Monaco, is born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

 

November 13, 1850 – Famed Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson is born in Edinburgh.

 

November 14, 1815 – American inventor and engineer Robert Fulton, who developed the first commercial steamboat, is born in Little Britain, Pennsylvania.

November 10, 1871 – Explorer Henry M. Stanley found missionary David Livingston at Ujiri, Africa.  Livingston had been missing for two years.

 

November 11, 1918 – The Armistice ending World War I takes affect at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in Germany.  Before it ends, the global conflict involves more than 70 million military personnel and leads to 8.5 million combatant deaths and is blamed for 13 million civilian deaths.  

 

November 14, 1856 – American Gail Borden is issued a patent for technology related to his invention of condensed milk.  His invention was particularly crucial during the Civil War, providing a reliable source of milk to Union troops.

 

November 15, 1881 – The Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions of the United States and Canada is formed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  Five years later it is renamed the American Federation of Labor (AFL).