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GREATER OAK BROOK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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    WHAT WE DO

    The Greater Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Partnership connects companies to the pulse of business in the Chicago region and serves as an influential and effective advocate and marketer for businesses.
    We always put the needs of businesses first by:
    1. Attracting new companies to our community and building new business opportunities for those companies and existing companies.
    2. Working with key local, state and federal government decision makers to address the financial, operational and other needs of local businesses and businesses seeking to locate here.
    3. Identifying transportation, infrastructure and other community solutions that will attract and retain a talented local workforce.
    4. Developing new area attractions and marketing initiatives that will expand tourism and grow our local economy.
    Welcome and Mission, Please Join

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    HOW WE WORK

    The Greater Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)6 business association governed by a board of directors comprised of Greater Oak Brook companies representing a range of industries: Fortune 500 companies, financial institutions, hospitality and retail businesses, technology companies, commercial real estate firms and more. Collectively, these individuals and their companies represent the policy interests of the Greater Oak Brook business community.

    Six paid staff and consultants experienced in business, nonprofit and economic development program management, government and higher education assist the board in planning the organization’s strategic direction, and manage and execute its operations, programs and activities.
    Meet Our Staff and Board of Directors

    Organizational Culture
    The organization’s leaders and members work together in a geographically small community that is bustling with business. Over 100,000 people work or visit here each day, which keeps our local companies and economy thriving!
    Fortunately, the community’s small geographical size allows us to stay connected and aware of the issues affecting each other. Working together like this has helped create a supportive and respectful organizational culture in which members may build positive professional relationships over time.

    One Voice for Business through Committees!
    The organization has established a collaborative communication structure that allows local businesses to work together through councils and committees to develop a vision and strategy that serve the broader business community’s needs. These joint efforts have helped create one business voice to address critical issues ranging from local signage codes and community marketing and transportation initiatives to broader state business policy concerns. Members may serve on the following councils and committees:
    • Business Roundtable
    • Economic Development Partnership Council
    • Talented Workforce Committee
    • Young Business Leaders
    • Inclusion & Diversity Committee
    • Not For Profit Committee
    • Transportation & Infrastructure Committee
    Serve On Committees

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    OUR MEMBERS

    Over 350 key area companies employing nearly 10,000 people are members of the Greater Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Partnership. Member companies represent commercial real estate (20%), hospitality and retail (25%), technology and other professional services (30%), banking and financial services (15%) and healthcare (10%) sectors. More than 1,500 professionals from these companies regularly participate in the organization’s programs and activities and/or serve in council and committee leadership roles.
    Member Directory, Renew or Join Now

the TEAM

MEET EVERYONE!

MEET THE STAFF AND CONSULTANTS
MEET THE BOARD
  • David Carlin

    President & CEO

    David Carlin is the Chamber’s President and CEO and oversees all facets of its work. Previously, David served as District Director for two Members of Congress and as a Senior Advisor in the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office.

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  • Ed Tracy, CPA

    Chief Financial Consultant

    Ed Tracy is the Chamber’s Chief Financial Consultant, overseeing the organization’s budget development and financial reporting processes. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Illinois and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Illinois CPA Society. Please contact Ed at [email protected].

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  • Nicole Lovato

    Accounting Solutions Senior

    Nicole Lovato is an accounting solutions senior at Selden Fox. She works with a variety of clients assisting on day-to-day processing support including general ledger maintenance, reconciling bank accounts, resolving account discrepancies, posting payroll, and other month-end entries, among other accounting services support. Nicole also prepares tax returns for privately held businesses and individuals.

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  • Tamryn Hennessy

    Program Director

    Tamryn Hennessy is the Chamber’s Program Director. She is responsible for leading and managing the organization’s economic development programs, with a current focus on new workforce attraction and retention initiatives, including the STEM Bridge Partnership.

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  • Bridget Karnick

    Meeting & Events Planner

    Bridget Karnick is the Chamber’s Meeting & Event Planner. Bridget is responsible for organizing membership events and council and committee meetings, and meetings and events for the Economic Development Partnership.

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  • Chairman Finny Rajchel

    State Farm Insurance, Oakbrook Terrace

    Finny Rajchel, the owner of the Finny Rajchel Insurance Agency, has been affiliated with State Farm Insurance and Financial Services for 28 years, consulting with individuals and businesses to manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams.

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  • Vice Chairman Dan Wagner

    Inland Real Estate Group, Oak Brook

    Daniel Wagner is senior vice president of government relations for The Inland Real Estate Group of Companies, Inc. He has been a licensed real estate broker since 2004 and holds Series 7 and 63 security licenses.

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  • Secretary Mae Behm

    JVM Realty Corporation, Oak Brook

    Mae joined JVM in 2010 and has over 35 years of experience in the financial services industry. She is responsible for development of fund offerings, marketing, fund administration, and investor reporting and communications for JVM. Mae received her B.S. in Finance from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

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  • Treasurer Kathy Hardy

    At-Large Director

    Kathy Hardy is an Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer at Leaders Bank. She has a demonstrated history of working in the banking industry and has been with Leaders Bank for over 15 years. Prior to her work at Leaders Ms. Hardy had several senior vice president roles at several Chicagoland area banks.

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  • Teresana Barabba

    Chicago Marriott Oak Brook, Oak Brook

    Teresana Barabba is part of the Chicago Marriott Oak Brook sales team as an Area Sales Manager. With over five years of hospitality experience, Ms. Barabba sells for the corporate group sector. She is passionate about fostering collaborative relationships with partners that ensure positive and successful experiences at the Chicago Marriott Oak Brook.

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  • Erik Beck

    Millennium Trust Company, Oak Brook

    As Chief Growth Officer at Millennium Trust Company, Erik is responsible for sales and relationship management, product and strategy, and marketing. Erik leads our client engagement and partnership strategy, defines strategic growth plans, and ensures we deliver innovative and robust products and services to our clients.

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  • Kristina Bedell

    Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse, Oak Brook

    Kristina has been with Gibsons Restaurant Group for more than 16 years. Kristina began working for Gibsons in 2006 as a Server and now leads Gibson’s Bar and Steakhouse in Oak Brook as General Manager.

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  • Norm Canfield

    At-Large Director

    Norm is a 44-year veteran of Hyatt Hotels Corporation. During his tenure with Hyatt, Norm held various posts including Corporate Vice-President of Rooms and as General Manager at nine Hyatt hotels across the country including at Oak Brook’s Hyatt Lodge.

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  • Tim Geiges

    Brookfield Properties, Oak Brook

    Tim Geiges joined Oakbrook Center in November 2018 as Senior General Manager. Prior to joining Oakbrook Center, Tim held the position of regional director of property management for Starwood Retail Partners, overseeing the West region. In that position, he led the property management teams during several development projects including a $125M redevelopment of The Shops at Willow Bend in Plano Texas.

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  • Dennis Hiffman

    NAI Hiffman, Oakbrook Terrace

    Dennis J. Hiffman has been involved in Real Estate Brokerage for over 45 years. During that 45 year period he has been a general partner in the development and/or acquisition of 1.25 million square feet of office buildings, including the Old Orchard Plaza in Skokie, Illinois; the Garretson & Santora Building in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; the Midwest Office Center and One Oakbrook Terrace in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois; 180 N. Wacker Drive in Chicago; and some 2.5 million square feet of retail shopping centers, including Orland Park Place, Orland Park; Broadview Village Square, Broadview; Broadway Center in Chicago, Oak Brook Promenade, Oak Brook, and Main Street Village, Orland Park, and 12 million square feet of industrial space throughout the United States.

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  • Tom Jones

    Comcast Business Class, Oak Brook

    Tom Jones has worked for Comcast in Business Services in the Chicago area for over 9 years. He is currently the Director of Market Development and prior to that he held various sales leadership positions. Prior to working for Comcast, he was a Director of Customer Support at Level 3 and also worked for CIMCO, Broadwing Communications and Verizon in roles that ranged from National Accounts sales positions to project management and marketing roles. Tom is a graduate of the University of Michigan. In his spare time he enjoys running and spending time with his family, including his wife and 3 grown children who all reside in Chicago.

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  • Anna Kamilis

    The Outpost Mexican Eatery, Downers Grove

    Anna worked in restaurants during school and developed a passion for the industry. Upon completing her education, she joined Marriott International where she went through The Manager in Training Program and went on to work for Starwood and Fairmont Hotels. Anna was Director of Guest Services, implemented Presidents Club Programs, oversaw the Concierge Level and Lounges, was responsible for travel and itineraries for VIP’s and negotiated vendor contracts for the hotels.

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  • Jeffrey J. Krusinski

    Krusinski Construction Company, Oak Brook

    As a kid, Jeff watched his father build Krusinski Construction Company often visiting project sites with his dad on the weekends. Jeff joined the Company in 1994 as a laborer and worked within many departments such as estimating, project management and field operations. After decades of hard work, dedication and success in each role, his passion and vast knowledge of the industry earned him the current role of president. Working with clients building long-term relationships while increasing company growth has always been Jeff’s goal. He, like his father, understands the value of developing client trust through exceptional performance. Jeff enjoys spending time with his family and is often caught on the golf course or playing hockey.

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  • Pam McMeen

    Chamberlain Group, Oak Brook

    Pam McMeen leads the marketing organization for Chamberlain Group responsible for planning, organizing, staffing, training and overall management of the marketing function to achieve company sales and profitability objectives. Ms. McMeen joined Chamberlain Group in November of 2014 as the SBU leader for the retail business and has been leading the marketing organization since November of 2018. During her tenure as CMO, Pam restructured the marketing department to support CGI’s business transformation and modernized the operating model to better meet business needs resulting in improved quality and productivity. Pam has been a member of the board of directors for Ideal Industries since December of 2020 bringing her P&L experience and depth of marketing expertise to a family owned business to help drive transformational growth.

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  • Adrian Mendoza

    Lillig & Thorsness, Ltd., Oak Brook

    Adrian Mendoza has tried numerous jury and bench trials in state and federal courts and appeared before administrative law agencies throughout the country in cases involving catastrophic injury, fraud, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, employment practices and real property disputes. He represents clients in the real estate, manufacturing, hospitality, financial, legal, and insurance industries.

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  • Nathan Post

    BCS Financial, Oakbrook Terrace

    Nathan Post is the Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Communications at BCS Financial Corporation, a wholly owned Blue Cross Blue Shield company that delivers insurance solutions for Blue Plans nationwide.

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  • Todd Probasco

    Lakeside Bank, Oak Brook

    Todd is the Vice President of Mortgage Lending at Lakeside Bank.
    As a producing manager he leads an experienced group of highly talented mortgage loan originators, focusing on sales, marketing, and recruitment.
    With over 20 years in the business, Todd has helped hundreds of clients achieve their real estate goals while lending in all 50 states.
    Todd was the proud winner of the 2005 Mortgage Broker/Owner of the Year Award presented by the Illinois Mortgage Brokers Association. Mr. Probasco can be reached at [email protected] or 708.205.2983.

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  • Lauren Rullo

    Weber Grill Restaurant, Lombard

    Lauren Rullo is currently the Corporate Sales Manager for Weber Grill Restaurants. In her current role she oversees the Sales team, as well as books private dining and catering events for their Lombard and Schaumburg locations. Additionally Lauren has been a vital part of developing private in-person and virtual Grill Academy classes and off-premise, full service catered events where they bring authentic charcoal Weber Kettle Grills out to your event and prepare everything on the spot.

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  • Suzanna Strangmeier

    ComEd, Oak Brook

    Suzanna started working full-time in the External Affairs group on September 18, 2018. As an External Affairs Manager, she engages in community outreach that powers, invests in, uplifts, and transforms communities. Suzanna represents the Subject Matter Experts at ComEd and works to build strategic partnerships and provide trusted advisement to municipalities. She also leads and co-leads initiatives that strengthen ComEd and Community partnerships to advance reliable, clean energy.

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DISCOVER THE LATEST CHAMBER NEWS & BUSINESS TOPICS!

The purpose of the Chamber’s Business Blog is to serve our member companies through the prompt publication of significant local, state, national or global activities affecting any industry, and to provide a forum for the reporting and discussion of news and issues concerning business.

Chamber Golf Outing Supported by members, volunteers, sponsors, donors, participants, and FANTASTIC WEATHER!

user by David Carlin
calendarWednesday, 27 September

We are THANKFUL to our members, volunteers, sponsors, donors, and participants for a wonderful golf outing last week!

Spectacular weather brought 100% attendance to the Greater Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce‘s first golf outing in 10+ years hosted by Oak Brook Golf Club.

It was a successful outing with a super group, we look forward to doing it all again next year!

Title Sponsors: The Inland Real Estate Group of Companies, Inc. & Krusinski Construction Company

Happy Hour Sponsors: Midland Wealth Management & Finny Rajchel State Farm

Beverage Cart Sponsors: NAI Hiffman & Anna Kamilis the Outpost Mexican Eatery

Photography and Printing: Laura Meyer & Doug Harlan Minuteman Press

Tamryn Hennessy Jenny Stanko Bridget Karnick Dave Carlin


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Join The Chamber – Enjoy Awesome Membership Benefits!

user by David Carlin
calendarSunday, 24 September

Chamber membership benefits include the opportunity to participate in great events like last week’s GOLF OUTING.

Thank you to the Greater Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce members who sponsored a hole OR closest to the pin/longest drive. Thank you to Weber Grill Restaurant & Lauren Rullo for donating prizes to those winners!

CLOSEST TO THE PIN & LONGEST DRIVE: Franklin Partners Midwestern University JVM Realty Corporation Weber Grill Restaurant

HOLE SPONSORS: Oak Brook Park District Dreamscape Travel Group Brook’s Kitchen & Tap Old Second National Bank The Hire Solution Buck Services Inc. Pinot’s Palette Lakeside Bank Evergreen Bank Group – Member FDIC Fogo de Chão CAFCU Health Search Partners Allegiant Fire Protection, LLC

Jenny Stanko Dave Carlin Bridget Karnick Tamryn Hennessy

 


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Welcome new Greater Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce member and Village of Oak Brook business: DIAMONDS DIRECT

user by David Carlin
calendarTuesday, 22 August

Buying a diamond is one of the biggest decisions of your life. Diamonds Direct will eliminate all the confusion from this experience and guide you through this process to ensure you find the right diamond you love.

Visit their website and read their blog here:
https://lnkd.in/gFcKh2W5
https://lnkd.in/g2jtMAhq

Hallie Long Lauren Hardee

 


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Talented Workforce 2Q2023 Meeting Highlights

user by David Carlin
calendarTuesday, 22 August

Do you know what recent graduates are REALLY looking for in a career? It might surprise you…Thanks to the survey expertise of LaSalle Network shared by CHRO Sirmara J. Campbell, the Talented Workforce Committee has a better idea on how to attract and retain today’s talent. Can you guess what % want full time remote work-it might surprise you! A clue-culture is everything…Thank you Gina Krusinski Schmidt for sharing Krusinski Construction Company’s welcoming space for a sharing of great minds!

 


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Welcome NEW MEMBER Orangetheory Fitness Downers Grove-Westmont!

user by David Carlin
calendarMonday, 21 August

Located in Westmont, conveniently at 19 W Ogden Avenue, Orangetheory Fitness‘ mission is to lead, support and inspire the orange passion in their Franchise partners to achieve superior results while always ensuring that they exemplify a diversified, equitable and inclusive culture.

This location is proud to also offer Greater Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce members an exclusive promotion so check them out today!

https://lnkd.in/gpY2NhYq


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Oakbrook Terrace Building Fair Attracts Great Group of Members and Tower Tenants

user by David Carlin
calendarThursday, 10 August

Chamber Presents Fifth Intern Day Luncheon

user by David Carlin
calendarFriday, 28 July

Yesterday, the Greater Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce presented our FIFTH annual Intern Day Luncheon.

This lunch, which honored National Intern Day, brought together over 100 interns and hosts from companies including Ace Hardware Corporation, Blistex Inc., Chamberlain Group, ComEd, DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inland Bank and Trust, Innovation DuPage, JVM Realty Corporation, LIZZADRO MUSEUM OF LAPIDARY ARTS, Lutheran Children Family Svc, Millennium Trust Company, NAMI, Northwestern Mutual, Oak Brook Park District, OAKBROOK CENTER INC, Republic Bank, and Selden Fox, Ltd.

The Chamber’s goal is to provide an exciting opportunity for these interns and potential future Oak Brook employees to see the advantages in working within our business community. The event vibe was so energetic and positive, thank you to our host companies, our HOST Pinstripes for providing the perfect venue, lunch, bowling & bocce!

Thank you also to our esteemed panel of speakers: Ellen Ward, SHRM-SCP of Blistex Inc., Mike DiMiele from Chamberlain Group, and Lauren Tripoli, Ace Hardware Corporation. These speakers answered questions about hiring, interviewing, resumes, and shared their experience of growth in the corporate world.

Finally, thank you to Laura Meyer for providing an opportunity to the interns to have their professional head shots done! Thank you to all of our raffle sponsors for their generous contributions, your support is valued.

#nationalinternday Dave Carlin Tamryn Hennessy Jenny Stanko Bridget Karnick

 


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Great Turn Out at 2023 Oak Brook Building Fair

user by David Carlin
calendarWednesday, 19 July

A wonderful turnout at the Greater Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Partnership BUILDING FAIR presented within the Commerce Plaza buildings in Oak Brook yesterday.

Chamber Member businesses represented themselves in the lobby serving food, giving away raffle prizes, and educating tenants in the Plaza buildings about the innumerable resources available to them right here in Oak Brook!

Our next building fair is in Oakbrook Terrace on August 2. If you are a Chamber Member and are interested in attending please let us know!

Thank you to our participants and for the folks at Zeller Management, Inc. for allowing us to visit your building!

the Outpost Mexican Eatery Tijuana Flats Tex-Mex Pace Suburban Bus Fogo de Chão Family Bridges/Lazos de Familia Anna Kamilis Pinstripes Daniella Les Erika Oliver Jenifer Fabian People’s Resource Center Child’s Voice Kate Bousum, CFRE Kristina Bedell Gibsons Restaurant Group Kristina Gromala American Lung Association Marlene Ceja DuPage Pads Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center Melanie Pasillas Paula Lopez Puttshack Oak Brook Park District Rachel Jones Rebecca Von Drasek Village of Oak Brook, Illinois Reid Foltyniewicz Oak Brook Police Department, Illinois Bridget Karnick Jenny Stanko Dave Carlin Tamryn Hennessy


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Game of Irons Hosts Chamber’s June Networking Event

user by David Carlin
calendarMonday, 03 July

Looking for a great place to hold a business or casual networking event? Trying to find the perfect spot for an exciting and different kind of family get together? Wanting to reconnect with friends at a cool spot? Look no further than Gameofirons!

https://lnkd.in/dh5zr7CB

Gameofirons hosted the most recent Greater Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce networking event – a fun and welcoming place for golfers and non golfers alike.

Check it out and all they have to offer – you won’t be disappointed! Thank you to Jin Park for your hospitality, it’s always a great time!


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2023 Discover DuPage Destination Guide

user by David Carlin
calendarThursday, 22 June

REPOST: From Discover DuPage

 

We’re excited to announce the launch of the 2023 Discover DuPage Destination Guide. Page through the guide and find distinctive experiences you won’t find anywhere else. There’s more to DuPage than meets the eye.

https://www.discoverdupage.com/plan/visitors-guide/

Cover photo: Cantigny Park‘s Voyage en France (formerly known as French Connection Day)


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NEW MEMBER: MCR Business Intelligence, LLC

user by David Carlin
calendarThursday, 22 June

WELCOME to the Greater Oak Brook Chamber of CommerceMCR Business Intelligence LLC!

MCR helps businesses boost their growth and daily performance through implementing efficient technologies and systems. Are you ready to grow your company? Contact them at [email protected] or call (630)634.5700

Thank you for joining the Chamber, we look forward to working with you!

Miguel Jimenez

 


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Chamber members and partners may participate in all Chamber meetings, events and activities at no charge; a company’s membership covers all Chamber activities for all employees for the full year. Guests are invited to attend certain chamber events at a cost of $50 per person (see calendar and individual event listings). The Greater Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to restrict or deny guest participation at any time.

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P.O. Box 3691,
Oak Brook, IL 60522-3691

630-472-9377
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