Inspiring Women of Oswego holds an annual Awards Dinner in November. The Oswego Chamber of Commerce’s women’s group plans educational, networking and philanthropic opportunities for the local business community. (Photos courtesy of Angie Hibben)

Real estate agent Jeanne Gamage doesn’t have to do much advertising.

She’s been able to find clients through referrals.

Gamage, of Naperville-based RE/MAX Professionals Select, estimates that 70 to 75 percent of her client referrals have come from the three leads groups she attends.

She’s the facilitator of one of those groups, Leads: Ignite, which is open to Yorkville Area Chamber of Commerce members.

Many local Chambers of Commerce have groups and committees that target a specific need – such as generating business leads – or a specific demographic of its business community, such as women, minorities and young professionals.

These groups have one common goal: to promote and offer support to local businesses.

“We want our members to see a return on their investment,” says Angie Hibben, president and CEO of the Oswego Chamber of Commerce.

Hibben serves on all chamber committees, which includes Leads Groups like the one in Yorkville, as well as Inspiring Women of Oswego.

Inspiring Women of Oswego works to provide educational, networking and philanthropic opportunities. Events are planned by the women of the Oswego Chamber, but men and non-members are welcome to attend, Hibben says.

The group hosts monthly events, such as networking nights and breakfast and luncheon speakers. It annually hosts the Panel of Experts Luncheon, during which those from all walks of the business world discuss their road to success.

It also holds annually an awards event at which the most inspiring man, woman and student are honored. The group also presents a check to the charitable organization for which it’s been raising funds for and promoting throughout the year.

In 2015, Inspiring Women raised funds for Relay for Life. This year, it’s helping CASA Kendall County.

“We hope to raise $3,000 to $5,000 for a charity every year through our fundraisers,” Hibben says.

Networking activities don’t always take place in a conference room. Group members often meet at a local business and network while enjoying an activity, such as planting mini herb gardens at a nursery, Hibben said.

These events also give members an opportunity to find a “power partner,” someone who’s in a related field who can help grow a business, she says.

Leads: Ignite also focuses on cultivating “power partners,” Gamage says.

“It is a very supportive group in that we are trying to generate business or leads for members in our group,” she says.

For instance, Gamage, a mortgage broker, a remodeling company and a painter will refer clients to each other’s businesses.

She describes Leads: Ignite, which has about 15 members, as a support group for the self-employed and those who work from home.

The group meets from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays at the Chamber office. In addition to providing business leads, members give “60-second commercials” promoting their business. Then, one or two members will give a 10-minute presentation about their business.

Gamage usually closes the meeting by inviting members to discuss a business-related question, such as “What’s your next business goal in the next 10 days?”

That way, all members have a chance to participate and better get to know each other. The meetings are designed to build a rapport and trust among the members, allowing them to confidently recommend their colleagues’ services to their clients.

The group also focuses on promoting the Yorkville Chamber; members are encouraged to attend as many Chamber events as possible, Gamage says.

For more information about Leads: Ignite, visit yorkvillechamber.org.

To learn more about Inspiring Women of Oswego, visit oswegochamber.org or call (630) 554-3505.

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