Ambassadors
The Northbrook Chamber Ambassador Committee is comprised of highly visible, involved volunteers who serve as important liaisons to new and prospective members. They provide valuable introductions and guidance for new and prospective members attending events for the first time. Based on their personal experience and history with the Chamber, Ambassadors actively reach out to local prospective members and work with new members to become familiar with the full range of benefits offered by the organization. The Ambassadors welcome your phone calls and questions.
What’s it like to be a Chamber Ambassador? Check out this article from David Telisman, David Telisman Communications: Five Things I Learned from Five Years as a Chamber Ambassador.
Steve Amberg
Owner
It’s Impressive LLC
Phone: (847) 509-7430
Member Since: 10/2011
“I like being an Ambassador because joining a Chamber can be intimidating for new mew members and I want to help those new members become acclimated and comfortable and successful with their membership.”
Brian Bromberg
VP - Strategic Partnerships
Manning Silverman & Company CPAs
Phone: (847) 459-8850
Member Since: 10/2023
“Serving as an Ambassador allows me to leverage my expertise as a CPA and mentor to guide members and optimizing their financial and tax strategies to achieve sustainable growth. I love connecting with business owners and entrepreneurs offering mentorship and professional insights to help them navigate challenges and seize opportunities that strengthen the community’s economic fabric.”
Mark Brodson
Managing Broker
Resource Commercial Real Estate
Phone: (773) 251-3666
Member Since: 8/2004
“The NCCI is my connection to the Northbrook Business Community. I cherish the relationships and camaraderie that I have developed as a 19-year Chamber member. It is not just about getting business, it’s about immersing myself in my local business community. As an Ambassador, I have the opportunity to educate new members on how to access and become a valuable participant in the Chamber, and continue the long term success of this organization.”
Kim Cortesi
VP - Treasury Management
Devon Bank
Phone: (847) 947-3827
Member Since: 9/2023
“I would recommend anyone to the Northbrook Chamber because it is the best Chamber out there! It is a great way to help and meet new people in the community. I love connecting people.”
Steven Elisco
Principal
Elisco Design Architects LLC
Phone: (847) 562-1443
Member Since: 3/1991
“I like being an Ambassador to help create an environment for new members and guests where they feel comfortable participating and getting involved in an organization. To be a representative of the organization in the community to help foster relationships with other community organizations. To get a better understanding of what is important to the membership, so the organization can remain responsive to their long term needs.”
Mike Finkelman
National Accounts Executive
Vernon Graphic Solutions
Phone: (847) 527-9686
Member Since: 5/2022
“I love networking with businesses and the community to share what’s out there to help them! The more time that goes by the better friendships I developed which puts members front of mind.”
Gregg Gerstin
Owner
Align Wellness Center
Phone: (847) 564-9500
Member Since: 7/2005
“Becoming an Ambassador provided me with the ability to give back more to the Northbrook Chamber and its members. I like helping to introduce new members to all of the benefits the Chamber offers!”
Julie Hardegree
Owner
ProAuto
Phone: (847) 220-1330
Member Since: 12/2022
“I enjoy showing people how well networking works to help build relationships. If you stick with it, you realize that being an Ambassador is not only good for your business but you walk away with new friendships. I love giving advice and supporting new businesses as they start their journey and grow!”
Wayne Karlins
Owner
Reed Social Media
Phone: (847) 497-0097
Member Since: 11/2008
“I am honored to be an Ambassador of the Northbrook Chamber of Commerce to foster community growth, support local businesses and create valuable connections that drive mutual success!”
Todd Lazar
Director of Sales
Keyth Security Technology Solutions
Phone: (847) 597-8008
Member Since: 7/2012
“I love being an ambassador at the Northbrook Chamber because it allows me to be a part of a dynamic and supportive community of business professionals. I have the opportunity to connect with a diverse group of individuals and businesses, all working towards the common goal of promoting economic growth and prosperity in Northbrook. I take pride in representing the Chamber and helping to showcase the products and services that our members have to offer.”
Diane Pagoulatos
Marketing Manager
Dickler, Kahn, Slowikowski & Zavell, Ltd
Phone: (847) 593-5595
Member Since: 3/2020
“Being an Ambassador is an honor which I value. I like to promote the Northbrook Chamber, mentor new members, and represent the Chamber when needed such as registration to events, ribbon cuttings, and similar events. I enjoy meeting new prospective members, and in general networking with all members. Being the face of the Northbrook Chamber in the north shore area needs the right personality and the right temperament! That’s me.”
Lise Schleicher
Owner
BasketWorks
Phone: (847) 559-9379
Member Since: 3/1998
“The Chamber had been an important part of my business and personal life. I rely on the Chamber and its members for everything and I want to help new members to have the same success that I have had. I also have the desire to pay it forward for the amazing support I had early in my career.”
Marsha Schwartz
Broker/Associate
Marsha Schwartz – Coldwell Banker
Phone: (847) 217-9599
Member Since: 2/2002
“I love being an Ambassador to help people get acclimated to all of the Chamber has to offer. I like meeting and greeting new and prospective members and showing them the “ropes.” It is my pleasure to be an Ambassador for such a great organization!”
Matt Settler
Agent
Dasco Insurance Agency, Inc.
Phone: (847) 440-6840
Member Since: 2/2014
“I have always liked meeting new people and helping new members navigate the Chamber. I like being involved.”
Pavel Slajfercik
Owner
Ride in Bliss
Phone: (847) 845-1151
Member Since: 7/2023
“I like to greet members and make them feel welcome. It is my pleasure to welcome new members and explain to them the value of the Northbrook Chamber of Commerce!”
Marilena Tanasescu
VP/Branch Manager
Northbrook Bank & Trust Company
Phone: (847) 418-2800
Member Since: 7/2012
“I’ve been in banking for 30 years and worked in the north shore for 23 years. I love the community, love helping people reach their financial goals, and enjoy building relationships with customers and connecting them with business partners to help their needs.”
David Telisman
Owner
David Telisman Communications, LLC
Phone: (224) 645-2748
Member Since: 6/2017
"When I was approached to be an ambassador, I first thought, “Who, me?” After processing it, though, I felt, “Yeah, me!” I’d benefited from the generosity and mentorship of other ambassadors, and I realized that this was a great opportunity to take on more of a leadership and volunteer role. Nothing makes my day more than when I give back and help someone."
P. J. Weiland
Owner
ActionCOACH
Phone: (847)739-3079
Member Since: 12/2011
"The opportunity to give back to new Chamber members as they navigate all the benefits of the Chamber is amazing. Then to see new members build their relationships and referral sources is priceless.”