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Wt'rt doting out our inventory all remaining must gol OLDSmOBIlE 225 MAIN STREET WOODSTOCK ^338-0565 YOU'LL SEE ft HEAR COMPLETE HOME ENTERTAINMENT EQUIPMENT -- AUDIO ft VIDEO PLUS HOME AND SMALL BUSINESS ALARM SECURITY SYSTEMS * REICHERT Business Showcase'£ 3oost to Chamber continued from page 14 businesses which joined the chamber in 1983 renewed their membership this year, at least in part, because of the trade fair. "We saw another upsurge in membership this summer because of the trade fair this year/' Abromaitis said. He added the Business Showcase is also a plus as far as retaining businesses as chamber members. Only three businesses dropped out of the chamber in 1984; Abromaitis said that, in some years, the chamber lost as many members as it gained. Overall, membership in the Woodstock Chamber of Com­ merce and Industry has increased 50 percent in the last two years, according to Abromaitis, who quickly pointed out the trade fair isn't the only reason. Abromaitis, 35, credited outgo­ ing chamber Executive Director Ron Huber for much of the membership increase. "It tells us about Ron Huber's ability, his ability to sell the principles and ideas of the chamber." Abromaitis, 35, who served on the chamber's board of directors in 1982, succeeded Tom Cooney last January as president of the local business and industry organization. Moving the chamber office into its new quarters on Calhoun Street across from the city hall was one of the major steps the chamber took this year, Abromaitis said. "Because of that, we've become much more visible and traffic in the office from people wanting information 'about Woodstock has substantial­ ly increased," he said. The Woodstock chamber in 1984 took more of a leadership role in McHenry County, Abromaitis also remarked. The luncheon for RTA interim Chairman John Kramer was one example, he said. On the state level, the Woodstock chamber was involved in an off-shoot of the state chamber called ICALL, or Illinois Chambers Action Line on Legisla­ tion. In a matter of minutes, Abromaitis explained, Illinois chambers can communicate news about impending legislation from Springfield. "I think we've ±; in­ visible in taking stands on load issues, such as tax referenda," Abromaitis said. Organizing and running the trade fair at the county fairgrounds is a good way of maintaining visibility and serving the community. Although the 1983 fair was the first, few major changes were contemplated for 1984 as a result of the experience, according to Abromaitis. "We took the nucleus of the pro­ gram from last year, modified some of the weaker areas, such as the layout of the Taste of Woodstock and the entertain­ ment, and combined the two to draw larger crowds for the enter­ tainment area," Abromaitis explained. The floor space available for the fair also was increased by using an additional building at the fairgrounds. The extra space was needed: There are an additional 25 or 30 exhibitors signed up for this year's fair, making a total of about 130 exhibitors. "As president of the Woodstock chamber,-1 would like to invite everyone to Business Showcase '84 where they will enjoy free entertainment, the Taste of Woodstock, 130 exhibitors and many giveaways," Abromaitis said. "Last year's Showcase was very successful, with more than 8,000 people attending," he con­ tinued. "This year, you can ex­ pect a much bigger and better program for the entire family. CORVETTE The 1984 mOTOft TREND "Car of the Year" '84