Four Questions with the Orland Chamber’s Incoming Board President

Tami Khuntia sees a lot of promise amidst the challenges of this economy.

The president of Orland Park-based will be installed Thursday night as board president of the . Before she assumes the role, Patch spoke with Khuntia about how businesses can make the most of difficult times.

What advice would you give to someone considering starting their own business, especially if they are considering a business type where there is considerable competition, such as an auto shop or restaurant?

Do not let the competition scare you. Competition is supposed to bring the best out of us. If one is passionate about what they do, then people can see that. I can't think of a single business that has no competition. I agree my business is very hard with all the competition we have all around us. Yet Sparks is the only one approved by the AAA motor club. We twice received The Best Repair Shop Award by the Star Newspaper. Complaint-free award winner by the Better Business Bureau. We take pride in what we do and we care what our customers think of us.

Since the new year began, three restaurants closed in Orland Park, yet a new one has opened and others are on the way. What does it take for a business to stay open in this area?

Restaurants in Orland Park come and go. Yet during weeknights and weekdays it is hard to get a parking space. Good pricing with a good menu can bring traffic. A clean and inviting environment with friendly staff definitely brings good results.

Local businesses thrive on repeat customers. How can they get the word out about what they offer beyond word of mouth of other people? In other words, what can business owners actively do themselves?

Advertisements, of course. Anyone who is a chamber member can hold a Business After Hours to invite the members see your place. It is certainly an eye opener. By contacting the Orland Chamber one can certainly get ideas. Currently the Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce has about 600 members.

What have you learned about running your own business over the years that has helped you continue?

Sparks Auto Care has been in business for over 25 years. We definitely have learned a lot from our experience. Always be open to new ideas. Change is hard, but it is essential for success. Community involvement is important to let people know we care. Our goal is earn the trust of our customers by providing good service at a reasonable price.

Being a woman in the automotive industry was not easy in the beginning, but it was beneficial for the business. Women customers felt good to know the owner is a woman. We offer our Winter Car Care Clinic every year in our facility for community involvement. I am heavily involved in the Orland Chamber, and we just joined the Mokena Chamber, as well as the Rotary of Orland Park. I am a member of Frankfort BNI. It is a networking group with about 40 business owners.

The Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce will install its new officers 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Silver Lake Country Club. Illinois Rep. Renee Kosel (R-Mokena) will be on hand for the installation.