From clothing and accessories to home furnishings and restaurants, Wilmette-Kenilworth Chamber members are committed to providing personalized service and quality merchandise. New customers find that local business people soon know their names and remember their preferences. The welcome mat is out and you are in for an enjoyable shopping experience. You’ll love the service, merchandise and home town atmosphere.

Plus, when you shop Wilmette and Kenilworth first, a percentage of your sales tax helps reduce local taxes. Those dollars become part of the Village budget and are helping to reduce your local property taxes. And, when you compare our villages’ sales tax with Chicago and other communities, you will find the rate is lower in Wilmette and Kenilworth!

Persimmon, an exotic fruit and as of late, a commercial foray, is providing Wilmette residents with artistic choices in retail, painting parties and classes. An exotic espresso bar featuring homemade baklava and an abundance of lively conversation round out the experience.

The owner, designer and educator is no newcomer to the North Shore. Pamela Matiosian has lived on the North Shore for the past 27 years. While living in Wilmette, she owned Urban Totem in North Evanston. This iconic designers’ resource of 5,000 square feet drew a clientele from Chicago to Lake Bluff. After 12 successful years, Matiosian closed her doors to move closer to her family in Santa Barbara. Travels to Cuba, Sicily and most recently Istanbul, helped inform her decision to return to the North Shore and open a new business.

This time Pamela chose to create a business closer to her roots as a fine artist, art therapist, and traveler. Her background includes an undergraduate degree in painting from the Art Institute, an MFA from New York University and Venice, Italy, an internship in Kimono painting in Kyoto, Japan and a second Master’s degree in art therapy from the Art Institute.
“I really felt it was time to put it all together in one package. My time living in Venice and creating art in a beautiful supportive environment has always fueled my desire to travel to exotic destinations. Sitting in cafes in Europe, where a cup of espresso and lively conversation could occupy you for hours is something I have always missed at home. Although Urban Totem was an antique emporium, I always made sure my customers could enjoy a cup of tea as they traveled through the store and enjoyed the ambiance. From the time I walked into 1167 Wilmette Avenue, the wonderful sun-filled corner filled me with fantasies of converting it with exotic treasures, an artistic vibe and a beautiful espresso bar. Since opening in November, Persimmon’s dominant comment from neighborhood residents has been the same ‘We really needed this here.’ Nothing could make me happier than providing my vision to an incredibly receptive audience. And it will only get better.” Pamela Matiosian, Owner

We will be happy to arrange for you to speak with someone in your field who is currently reaping the benefits of the Wilmette Chamber’s services.

Jim Leisse – Charles Schwab & Co., Kenilworth

“I have worked through our firm with many chambers of commerce across the country and the Wilmette/Kenilworth Chamber has been the best one by far!”

Amy Malloy – Synergy Body Therapy, Wilmette

“Membership in the Wilmette Chamber has transformed the village from merely a business location to a second home for me.”

Marshall Kayman – Weinstein Family Services, Wilmette

“The WCC has been a great source of information to the community. Newcomers are informed of the services and businesses that are available. We appreciate that service.”

Rose Green – Former Business Development Planner, Village of Wilmette, Wilmette

“The WCC is a well-respected voice of the business community when representing opinions before the Village of Wilmette boards and commissions.”

Marshelle Curtin – President, Curtin/Cone Assoc. Inc., Wilmette

“Curtin/Cone Assoc. Inc. has been a member of the Wilmette Chamber since 1995. It’s important to be known as a company with a long-standing good reputation for reliability and service. Being a member of the Wilmette Chamber gives us that.”

Myrna Gustafson – deGiulio Kitchen Design, Wilmette

“We enjoyed hosting the Business After Hours event in our showroom. It was a great opportunity to network with other businesses in our area.”

Dawn McGrath – Mather Place of Wilmette, Wilmette

“As much as possible, Mather Place of Wilmette utilizes only Wilmette Chamber members for goods and services.”

Mark S. Kotz – First Bank & Trust, Winnetka

“Our Chamber membership really lets us reach the community.”

Linda DaSilva – Ambiance Northshore, Wilmette

“I continue to be amazed at the number of activities the chamber sponsors for its members.”

Bonnie Vasillion – CDK Mortgage, Evanston

“I’m really impressed with all you [the Executive Director] do for Chamber members.”

Joan Carlson – owner, Heritage Trail Mall, Wilmette

“The WCC advocates for all of the business districts in the community. It is proactive rather than reactive. I would be happy to give a testimonial to any non-member of the Chamber who doubts the effectiveness of the Chamber.”

Andy Greenspahn – Irving’s For Red Hot Lovers, Wilmette

“The Chamber is working in new directions to help build awareness of the businesses in Wilmette.”

Mimi Evans – Lad & Lassie, Wilmette

“The Chamber creates opportunities for us to build our business through highly-promoted shopping events. The Sidewalk Sale and Holiday Parade generate lots of foot traffic and bring many potential new customers into the village and into all of our stores.”

Ron Porte – New Ground Coaching, LLC, Wilmette

“The opportunities to network with other business people in the community have been interesting, informative and beneficial. When personal connections are made, there is a stronger sense of community and a willingness to help each other succeed.”

Dawn Young – Esq., Law Offices of Young and Young, LLC, Wilmette

“The Wilmette Chamber of Commerce has been invaluable to our firm. We’ve been able to connect with some of the most innovative business minds and leaders. It has had a positive impact on our business and on us personally. The Chamber is definitely the lifeblood of the Wilmette business community!”

Gale Inbinder – Wilmette Jewelers, Wilmette

“I commend the Chamber on a progressive, forward thinking, positive approach to CHANGE! Please keep up the excellent work.”

The Backyard Barbecue Store Convito Café and Market A Center for Oriental Medicine Elite Wellness Center Lambrecht’s Jewelers, Inc. Scandia Catering & Delicatessen

Scandia Catering & Delicatessen

Zier’s Prime Meats