Our Board

It's an honor to serve the Oak Lawn Chamber and business community as President during such a special year — it's 80th Anniversary!

In 1946, just after World War II, the Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce was founded during a time of rebuilding. Businesses reopened or launched. Families redefined what “normal” looks like. People made deliberate choices about where they spent their money and how they supported one another.

Eighty years later, we find ourselves in a similar situation.

Only things move faster. The tech is more powerful. Expectations are high, and resources can feel tight. As a small business owner myself, running a business, employing people, and showing up for your family and community can feel heavy.

Yet the reason this Chamber was formed remains the same: connection, collaboration, and shared progress. Business owners chose optimism and partnership over isolation. That is the Oak Lawn Chamber at its best.

That's why, as we celebrate 80 years, my theme for this year is Unreasonable Hospitality.

The idea comes from Will Guidara, who led Eleven Madison Park to become the number-one restaurant in the world. In a famous story, he overheard guests say they were leaving New York without trying a hot dog, so he stepped outside, bought one, and had it served with the same care as a fine-dining dish. It was a spontaneous, simple, and thoughtful gesture.

Unreasonable hospitality is not about grand gestures or large budgets. It’s about choosing to go one thoughtful step further than expected.

When we practice that kind of care, we strengthen trust and create a business community where people want to stay, shop, and return.

As we step into our 80th year, I’m excited to build on this legacy with you and continue shaping a welcoming future for Oak Lawn.

With gratitude,

Nicole Wetzell
President
Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce