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Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jon Ridler will oversee the Mount Prospect, Rolling Meadows, and Palatine Area chambers  as CEO of a new association management company.

But Ridler and other officials of the four chambers emphasized that they will remain separate organizations  overseeing their four distinct business communities in the Northwest  suburbs.      

"Our respective communities need  their own active and sustainable chambers to serve our business  communities," Ridler said. "This is not a merger,  it is outsourcing operations, utilizing best practices, management  experience and local investment to expand the value for each chamber  member."

While hiring, training and coaching staff for the Mount Prospect, Rolling Meadows, and Palatine Area chambers as CEO of the new management company, Ridler will retain his position as  Executive Director of the Arlington Heights chamber, according to its board Chairman Michael Mulder.

"Despite the challenges of the ongoing pandemic and its impact on our business community, the board of  directors of the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce unanimously supported the proposal by Jon," Mulder said. "We truly believe in the  additive value Jon can bring in his new role while still remaining a key asset to chamber members here in Arlington Heights,"

Leaders of the other chamber boards also spoke of the value they saw for their organizations in the new arrangement.

"We are excited about this next  chapter for the Mount Prospect Chamber of Commerce," Chairman Trisha Chokshi said. "Following extensive discussion amongst our board, our members, and our community, we felt this partnership approach was the best solution given ongoing uncertainty."

Palatine Area Chamber Board  President Eric Marzinke said his board of directors believes the leadership and best practices Ridler has brought to the Arlington  Heights Chamber can be effectively shared.

"The overall goal is not only for the Palatine Chamber to be a fiscally sound organization, but to be a thriving resource for all its members, business community, and residents of Palatine," Marzinke said.

Democratic state Sen. Ann Gillespie of Arlington Heights, whose district includes all four villages, also weighed in.

"Jon has worked tirelessly to  advocate for the well-being of local Arlington Heights businesses,  particularly during the pandemic," Gillespie said. "I look forward to  continuing our strong working relationship in his expanded role. The  Mount Prospect, Rolling Meadows, and Palatine business communities are in good hands."