Four Questions with the Orland Chamber’s New Board President

Marc Lochow believes the local chamber of commerce can play a big role in making local businesses thrive.

Lochow bought Printsource Plus in Blue Island from his parents nine years ago. The Orland Park resident has been a chamber member since 2004 and last week was installed as its president.

Patch caught up with him this week to talk about the economy, taking over a family business and effectively letting people know what a business can offer.

What prepared you to take over the family business started decades ago by your parents?

Thanks to my parents, I have been involved in printing and marketing my entire life. Besides working at the family business since I was a kid, I worked at other print shops while in college and after graduating. I bought the shop from my parents nine years ago. Our services include all kinds of offset printing, digital printing, direct mailing for our clients as well as silk screening and embroidery.

What kind of advice can you offer for other businesses to remain open and succeed in a still-questionable economy?

The best advice is to try to build relationships with your clients. Keep them happy. Find out what they need and make sure you give them what they want.

What can businesses do to better communicate what they offer?

The type of business you are in really determines the kinds of communication you can use such as direct mailings or social media. There is no one best way but I have found that communication pathways that use a good combination of tools usually work the best.

What kind of role do you think the chamber can play in helping a business thrive?

One of the biggest things the chamber can do is let members share their business abilities with each other. We try to give every member the opportunity to speak at chamber events to let others know what they can do. We are trying to incorporate that kind of sharing as much as possible at our events.

Looking for more business stories?

• Business Comings & Goings: Terry’s Lincoln to Close Feb. 1

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