Monday, December 29, 2008

Gail's weekly News

Cindy,



What wacky weather we’ve been having! At least we had a white Christmas! Hope your holidays have been wonderful so far too. The Chamber will be closed on Thursday for New Years Day and Friday, Jan. 2. Hope you and yours have a safe and happy celebration.



As we close out 2008 and look forward to 2009, I just want to say thank you to the Chamber board of directors for hiring me back in April and introducing me to the best and most fun job I’ve had in years! I love being at the Chamber.



I also want to thank the ladies here at the Chamber – Dorothy Brownstein, Cindy Clark and Marci Derrick for their support! What a great team we’ve made! And to our college interns, Colin Annetti and Christine Holder, for filling in during college breaks – both attend UIUC.



And thank you to YOU – the members of the Chamber! All 403 members! Thank you to the 73 members who have joined since I was hired in April. Things will be fine in 2009!



Installation & Awards Dinner

‘A Night of Stars’

1/24/09


A Night of Stars is Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009 and you’re invited! Our new board of directors will be installed and the Community Stars will be honored. When you return your reply card, don’t forget your check or credit card information! It’s $60 per person.



There will be no monthly networking luncheon in January because of the Installation & Awards dinner so please plan to attend the dinner. It’s open to everyone! We’ll have 10 per table if you’d like to buy a whole table!



Thank you to the following who are donating – either silent auction items, raffle items, in kind donations or monetary donations:

A Sterling Design
Portrait sitting and one 8x10 plus 6 greeting cards of Park Ridge

Accents by Jenny
Gift Certificate for a Floral Arrangement

American Eagle
6 months basic website hosting and maintenance

Baggio’s Studios
Graphic Design of Invitations, Reply Cards, Envelopes, and Program Ad Book

Baileys Restaurant
Two Baileys Gift Certificates

C Sharp Consulting
Music and Wine Basket "C Sharp Consulting - a Sales, Marketing and Management Organizaton providing solutions for the Music Industry.

Carmen Nicole Wellness Spa
Spa Basket

Chicago Fire Soccer
Team autographed pennant

Chiropractic Physicians of Park Ridge
1 digital scan of feet and custom molded orthotics

Dental Auxiliary Placement Svc
Co-Sponsoring Entertainment

Dominic's Kitchen Store
TBD

French Twist Hair Salon
one for $100.00 hair service and 1 for $50.00 for hair service

GB Therapeutic Massage
one hour massage

Hay Caramba!
Gift Certificate

Hobb's Hobby Hut
Autographed framed photo of Geovany Soto, 2008 NL Rookie of the Year

Howard Frimark
TBD

Hyatt Regency O’Hare
Overnight stay and dinner

Indira Salon
Gift Certificate for Facial

Jackie's Nails & Spa
Gift Certificate for Manicure and Pedicure

Jewel Osco
Gift Card

Journal Newspaper
1/2 page ad in the Journal Newspaper

Kiko's Flowers & Gifts
Floral Arrangements for tables for the Event

Kustom Kribs Baby Boutique
TBD

Lutheran General Hospital
TBD - raffle prize and General Sponsorship

Lynette's School of Dance
$100 gift certificate basket

Marianne Murphy (artist)
Water color painting

Minuteman Press of Des Plaines
Hand painted rocking chair

Nika le butik
A fabulous night of shopping for group of 8 or more ladies, including champagne, wine, music and appetizers with discount shopping of 20% for hostess.

No 'e' Disign
Jewelry

Order My Gift – Karen Larsen
Gift Catalog Donation

Park Ridge Financial Advisors
One confidential, customized Financial Plan in writing. Comes with a 45-minute, no-charge consultation

Park Ridge Fire Department
Pick up at home in firetruck and lunch at fire station

PC Medic, Inc.
5 gift certificates at $200 each for Computer & Laptop Repair Services

Perry's Pizzaria
Gift Certificate

Pioneer Press
1/2 page display ad in Park Ridge Herald-Advocate - cert.

Quinn Print Inc
Printing of the Invitations, Reply Cards, Envelopes, and Program Ad Book

Resurrection Health Care
General Sponsorship

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
Chocolate Gift Basket

Score! Educational Centers
5 one hour tutoring sessions (5 students)

Select Redesign
2-hour consultation and redesign for a living or dining room

Sun & Moon Yoga
Gift Certificate for Instruction

Tasty Pup
Gift certificate

The Exercise Coach
8 sessions on a gift certificate

The Lock Up Storage Center
Gift certificate for storage

Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark
1 night stay in a 1-bedroom and 4 Passes to Water Park

TriPilates
Health basket which will include a private lesson

WineStyles
Wine Tasting Party

You Can Say Yes
Motivational Package














2009 Chamber Dues are the same as 2008!






It’s time to renew your Chamber membership – at no increase in dues over previous years.



You can pay by credit card, with this link:

http://renew.parkridgechamber.org



Check out the list of members who renewed to see if your name is on the list – checks are coming in daily so if you sent your’s in, don’t worry, next Monday’s eblast will reflect it:

4CI
LensCrafters Optique

A American Storage
Liberty Bank For Savings

A+ Education Centers
Machon & Machon

Academic Tutoring Centers
Maine Center, Inc.

Accounteque Services Inc.
Maine Community Youth Assistance Foundation

Ace Hardware Park Ridge, Inc.
Maine Township Town Hall

Advanced Physical Therapy & Health Svcs.
MaRous & Company

Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
Marty Mack & Associates PC

Aele Law Enforcemnt Legal Cntr
Mc Lennan Commercial Properties, Inc.

American Society Of Anesthesiologists
Mid-America Asset Management, Inc.

Ameriprise Financial/C.Tomes
MocteNet PC & Video, Inc.

Applauze Catering
Mutual Financial Corp

Applications Network
Neal & McDevitt, LLC

ARC Disposal & Recycling Company
Nelson Automotive, Inc.

Autumn Tree Care Experts, Inc.
Nelson Funeral Home

Avenues To Independence
Nelson Music

Baggio Studios
Neri Companies, Inc.

Baird & Warner
North Shore Dental Group

Barton & Barton, Ltd
Northside Community Bank

Bethany Terrace Nursing Center
Northwest Center For Phys. Therapy

Better Business Bureau of Chicago & Northern Illinois
Nor-Wood Life Care/Norwood Park Home & Senior Network

Bredemann Chevrolet
O'Brien, Harry L.

Bredemann Toyota
Owens, Owens & Rinn, Ltd.

Brickton Montessori School
Park Ridge Animal Hospital, LLC

Brickton Mortgage Corporation
Park Ridge Auto Body

Butler Products Corp.
Park Ridge Community Bank

Center Of Concern
Park Ridge Community Church

Century 21 Elm Realtors
Park Ridge Country Club

Chiro One Wellness Centers
Park Ridge Cultural Arts Council

Clark Management
Park Ridge Dairy Queen

Coldwell Banker - Mark Kloss
Park Ridge Dental Associates

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Lisa Shewfelt
Park Ridge Fine Arts Society

Cole Taylor Bank
Park Ridge Multi-Med

Comcast Business Services
Park Ridge Paint, Glass & Wallpaper

Comfort Heating & Cooling, Inc.
Park Ridge Recreation & Park District

Commerce Grp Service/Blue Cross Health Ins.
Park Ridge Shell Auto Maintenance & Repair

Conlon, Jerome
Park Ridge Vacuum

Cook and Kocher Insurance Group, Inc.
PC Medic Computer Repair

Cooney Funeral Home
Perry's Pizzaria & Ribs/Catering

Countrywide Home Loans
Picture Us Different Dance Studio, Inc

Coupon Cash Saver
Potbelly Sandwich Works

Crystal Maintenance BK & Art, Inc.
ps:accessories, inc.

Davis & Engert Dentistry
Ragnar Benson Construction, LLC

Dental Auxiliary Placement Service, Inc
Rainbow Hospice, Inc.

Design Unlimited Interiors
Raysa & Zimmermann, LLC

Dominic's Kitchen Store
Resurrection Health Care

Duraclean Services
Ridge Family Physicians, LLC

Erica's Jewelry
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

Eriksen Armstrong Corp.
Rotary Club of Park Ridge

First Baptist Church of Park Ridge
Ryan-Parke Funeral Home

Fully Fit Lifestyles, Inc.
Sabella & Graham, P.C.

G.L. Schmitz & Company, Inc.
Savvy Salon & Spa

Garveys Office Products
Scarpelli & Brady, LLC.

Gary Heck & Associates
Select Redesign

GB Theraputic Massage
Sentek International

George S. May International Company
Silver Connections

Gillick Realtors
Smart Roofing, Inc.

Have Dreams
South Park Church

Healthcare Driven Systems
St. Andrews Luthern Church & School

Heinz Group, Inc.
St. Paul Of The Cross Catholic Church

Higher Level Wellness
State Farm Ins. & Fin. Svcs/Ann Witek

Hill's Hallmark Shop
State Farm Ins./Dan Educate

Home Comfort Heating & Cooling, Inc
Summit Specialtees

Home Enhancements Design Studio, Inc.
Susan Calomino, CFP Certified Financial Planner (TM) Practitioner

HomeControlPlus Inc.
Sydney M Garza

Honorable Painters Inc.
Tanya Travel, Inc.

Hyatt Regency O'Hare
Titan Worldwide

Hyatt Rosemont
TriPilates, LLC

Indira Salon & Spa
Uptown Chiropractic Clinic

ING Insurance Planning - Tom Dombro, ChFC
Viking Driving School

Interior Visions Designs, Inc.
Villano Interiors

Jackie's Nails & Spa
Wayne F. Wagner DDS, LTD

Jay Crowley/Keller Williams Realty Partners
Westfallen Orthodontics

JCare Home Medical Supplies, Inc.
Whamond & Whamond Attorneys

Kidwinks.com
Worsek & Vihon, P.C.

Kiwanis Club of Park Ridge-Morning
WSI-We Simplify the Internet

Laner Muchin/James Convery
XO Glow

Lasting Legacy, Ltd.
Youth Campus (The)



Eblasts


If you email me what’s going on in your business, I’ll include in my Monday eblasts at no charge. If you want me to send out a separate eblast that is only your information, then there is a $50 fee.

Member News:

Rocky Mountain Chocolate and WineStyles – what a treat!
Ring in the New Year with a Chocolate Dipped Champagne bottle! Perfect

hostess gift for taking to a party, or to have yourself. Linda from Rocky

Mountain Chocolate Factory and Tracy from Winestyles have teamed up for this

special treat. Dipped champagne and wine bottles can be purchased at

Winestyles, and the non-alcoholic version (great for family celebrations) can be

found at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.





Hyatt Regency O’Hare offer to Chamber Members!
Hyatt Regency O'Hare would like to offer a special discount to the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce members to their Annual New Years Eve Rock'N'Roll Ball.

1) Rock Ticket: Regular price - $49.00
For Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce members: $39.00
Package includes: Admission, party favors.

2) Rock Room Package: Regular price - $229.00

For Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce members: $179.00
Package includes: (2) Rock Tickets, (1) Room

3) VIP Room Package: Regular price - $369.00

For Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce members: $299.00
Package includes: (2) VIP tickets (1) Room and includes open bar from 6 to 9 p.m.

Members can call the Hotel directly at (847) 696-1234 and reference the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce member special discount in order to purchase at these prices. Members have to bring a copy of the e-mail/newsletter to provide upon check-in.

SCORE!
SCORE! Educational Centers Park Ridge is offering a FREE VISIT ($55 value) for the children of Chamber members in the month of December. At SCORE!, we deliver academic progress in a fun learning environment that inspires kids from Pre School- 9th grade to love learning. Stop in at 35 S. Northwest Highway to take advantage of this month's special. You can sample our Reading, Writing, Math, Algebra or Study Skills courses to help your child catch up, keep up or get ahead! Please call us (847) 292-4307 to set a time today!

SCORE! is doing a huge grand re-opening January 3 and you’re invited! For more information, contact Catherine Calloway, Marketing and Sales Manager, SCORE! Educational Centers, 35 S Northwest Highway; 847-292-4307; www.scorelearning.com



Kidwinks.com
Kidwinks.com is offering to Chamber members the special price of only $30 (normally $50) for an ad spot in our monthly email sent to over 900 Chicago area businesses. The ad should be an image of size 314 x 112 pixels and will link to either your website or your listing on kidwinks.com. We limit the number of ad spots in each newsletter, so sign up early. www.kidwinks.com



Cornille Family
Please help out a family in Park Ridge who just suffered a devastating fire that totaled their home. There is a benefit this evening. Information is on this website:

www.CornilleFamily.com



1/17/09: ‘SONO’
Saturday, January 17, 2009

Service Organization Night Out with the Chicago Wolves Hockey Team. The Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce, The Elks Club, The Rotary Club, Kiwanis, and other service organizations and families are invited! Meet, eat and network at The Elks Club in Des Plaines. Free parking at the game, prizes just for our groups, and a Skates Bobble Head Doll – plus two tickets to another Wolves game! Kids get goody bags!

Cost is $25 adults and $19 for kids 12 and under. Only 40 tickets left to the game are for sale. If you want to come just for dinner and networking at the Elks Club, its $17 for adults. Thank you to Rick Pucci for putting it together!




Gail Haller

Executive Director

Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce

32 Main Street, Suite F

Park Ridge, IL 60068

phone: 847.825.3121

fax: 847.825.3122

email: gail.haller@parkridgechamber.org

website: www.parkridgechamber.org



Contact me:
Thank you to our Platinum Members:

Aardvark Builders 312.504.4090
Applications Network 847.823.1830
Kumon Math & Reading Centers 847.939.5090
PC Medic Computer Repair 847-299-5556
State Farm Insurance & Financial Services - Ann Witek 847.692.3260
The Exercise Coach 847.823.0035

Monday, December 22, 2008

Gail's Weekly Update

Hey, I hope you stayed inside and warm this weekend! My son, Dirk, arrived safely from Champaign where he’s a junior. Christmas is this Thursday and we’re blessed to have the whole family over for Christmas Eve dinner and gift exchange.



My heart goes out to all those with someone serving in the military who won’t be with their families this holiday season. Please keep our service men and women in your hearts and thoughts as they continue to serve our country and keep us safe.



A warm ‘happy holidays’ to all of you and your families from the Chamber staff – Dorothy, Cindy, Marci and Gail and our occasional college interns, Colin and Christine!



Thank you to

WineStyles!


Thank you to Tracy and Doug Bell for hosting the Chamber’s final networking event of the year last week at WineStyles!



It was a great time with dozens of members and prospective members in attendance! Wine, food (All on the Road Catering!), and networking!



Remember to keep them in mind as you shop locally! They are located at 105 S. Northwest Highway, next to Potbelley’s!



Community Stars

Announced!
2008 Community Star Award Winners Announced by Chamber



Award winners will be honored as Park Ridge’s brightest stars on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009 at the 73rd Annual Chamber of Commerce Recognition and Installation Dinner at the Park Ridge Country Club. The Chamber will recognize outstanding citizens, officials and volunteers with a Community Star Award. Judging was completed by a blue-ribbon committee in mid-December and winners and their organizations were notified. The following is a list of recipients:



The Community Organization Award was won by Cristov Dosev who was nominated by the Maria Council Knights of Columbus 4836. Dosev has been a Grand Knight since 2007.



The Government Award was won by Gary K. Warner who was nominated by David Schmidt. Maine Township Clerk Warner continues to positively affect and support local government and do many volunteer activities such as the Park Ridge Citizens Patrol.



The Large Business Award was won by Diane Blanks. Blanks, nominated by Valerie Niskanen, is a tireless 11-year volunteer at St. Matthew Center for Health.



The Not for Profit Award was won by Jackie Mathews, upon being nominated by Dave Sampson. Mathews, with Rainbow Hospice, was project coordinator of the “Promise of Park Ridge” project which saw 57 decorated rainbows around town.



The Outstanding Youth Award was won by Melissa (Missy) Ryan, who was nominated by Don Sebastian Jr. Ryan is a Student at Maine South High School and is very active in the community.



The second Outstanding Youth Award was won by Robert Porter. Nominated by Geri Balazs, Porter is a student at Mary Seat of Wisdom School and is very active in that Parish and its music.



The overall award for schools was won by Judie Zoromski who was nominated by the Principal of Mary Seat of Wisdom, Judy Schutter. Zoromski has taught at the school for over 10 years.



Finally, the Small Business Award was won by Albert Galus. He was nominated by Jim Giovannini. Galus has been a part of Academic Tutoring Centers for 10 years and is active in Park Ridge with events such as WinterFest and Taste of Park Ridge.



The annual dinner event is shaping up to be as successful as ever, but the Chamber is still seeking financial support. A number of opportunities for businesses to promote themselves at the event are still available. With a range of sponsorships and donations of auction items, the Chamber hopes to make this event the best yet. Program book ads are also available. Call the Chamber office at 847-825-3121 for a list of what is still available.



Sponsors and prize donors to date include: Liberty Bank for Savings, Timber Lake Lodge & Water Park, Dominic’s Kitchen Store, Quinn Print, Dental Auxiliary Placement, Artist Mary Murphy, Lutheran General, Resurrection Hospital and others.



Prizes donated range from family weekend packages in Wisconsin to jewelry and original artwork. Other prizes include floral gifts, wine tastings, jewelry, gift baskets and even advertising in local newspapers – literally something for everyone.



The event starts at 6 p.m. with cocktails. Dinner is served at 7 p.m. followed by the installation and award ceremonies. For tickets or additional information, please contact the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce office at 847-825-3121 or visit www.parkridgechamber.org.





Installation & Awards Dinner

‘A Night of Stars’

1/24/09


Invitations went out last week for A Night of Stars - Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009 to every member – did you get yours? They were assembled by the students at Maine East High School under the direction of teacher Jeff Gallichio.



Thank you to the following who are donating – either silent auction items, raffle items, in kind donations or monetary donations:

A Sterling Design
Portrait sitting and one 8x10 plus 6 greeting cards of Park Ridge

Accents by Jenny
Gift Certificate for a Floral Arrangement

American Eagle
6 months basic website hosting and maintenance

Baggio’s Studios
Graphic Design of Invitations, Reply Cards, Envelopes, and Program Ad Book

Baileys Restaurant
Two Baileys Gift Certificates

C Sharp Consulting
Music and Wine Basket "C Sharp Consulting - a Sales, Marketing and Management Organizaton providing solutions for the Music Industry.

Carmen Nicole Wellness Spa
Spa Basket

Chicago Fire Soccer
Team autographed pennant

Chiropractic Physicians of Park Ridge
1 digital scan of feet and custom molded orthotics

Dental Auxiliary Placement Svc
Co-Sponsoring Entertainment

Dominic's Kitchen Store
TBD

French Twist Hair Salon
one for $100.00 hair service and 1 for $50.00 for hair service

GB Therapeutic Massage
one hour massage

Hay Caramba!
Gift Certificate

Hobb's Hobby Hut
Autographed framed photo of Geovany Soto, 2008 NL Rookie of the Year

Howard Frimark
TBD

Hyatt Regency O’Hare
Overnight stay and dinner

Indira Salon
Gift Certificate for Facial

Jackie's Nails & Spa
Gift Certificate for Manicure and Pedicure

Jewel Osco
Gift Card

Journal Newspaper
1/2 page ad in the Journal Newspaper

Kiko's Flowers & Gifts
Floral Arrangements for tables for the Event

Kustom Kribs
TBD

Lutheran General Hospital
TBD - raffle prize and General Sponsorship

Lynette's School of Dance
$100 gift certificate basket

Marianne Murphy (artist)
Water color painting

Minuteman Press of Des Plaines
Hand painted rocking chair

Nika le butik
A fabulous night of shopping for group of 8 or more ladies, including champagne, wine, music and appetizers with discount shopping of 20% for hostess.

No 'e' Disign
Jewelry

Order My Gift
Gift Catalog Donation

Park Ridge Financial Advisors
One confidential, customized Financial Plan in writing. Comes with a 45-minute, no-charge consultation

Park Ridge Fire Department
Pick up at home in firetruck and lunch at fire station

PC Medic, Inc.
5 gift certificates at $200 each for Computer & Laptop Repair Services

Perry's Pizzaria
Gift Certificate

Pioneer Press
1/2 page display ad in Park Ridge Herald-Advocate - cert.

Quinn Print Inc
Printing of the Invitations, Reply Cards, Envelopes, and Program Ad Book

Resurrection Health Care
General Sponsorship

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
Chocolate Gift Basket

Score! Educational Centers
5 one hour tutoring sessions (5 students)

Select Redesign
2-hour consultation and redesign for a living or dining room

Sun & Moon Yoga
Gift Certificate for Instruction

Tasty Pup
Gift certificate

The Exercise Coach
8 sessions on a gift certificate

The Lock Up Storage Center
Gift certificate for storage

Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark
1 night stay in a 1-bedroom up to 4 waterpark wristbands

TriPilates
Health basket which will include a private lesson

WineStyles
Wine Tasting Party

You Can Say Yes
Motivational Package




There will be no monthly networking luncheon in January because of the Installation & Awards dinner so please plan to attend the dinner. It’s open to everyone! $60 per person. We’ll have 10 per table if you’d like to buy a whole table!





Welcome New Members!
The Chamber Board of Directors approved applications from the following new members at the board meeting last week:

Clark Management * John A. Clark * 773-594-1699 (referred by Cindy Clark)

Comfort Heating & Cooling * Sonia Teruel * 888-268-4464 (referred by Cathy Janus)

Gary Heck & Associates * Gary Heck * 847-502-4833

Honorable Painters, Inc. * John W. Russell * 847-825-1300 (referred by Dick Barton)

Park Ridge Paint, Glass & Wallpaper * Dan Galuska * 847-823-1439 (400th member!)

Better Business Bureau of Chicago & Northern Illinois * Eric Pinto * 312-832-0500



We now have 403 members!





2009 Chamber Dues are the same as 2008!






2009 Dues are the Same as 2008 Dues! No increase in years – best buy in town!



You can pay by credit card, with this link:

http://renew.parkridgechamber.org

You can also go to our website for the link.



Upgrade your membership to Platinum status: For an additional $300, you get 8 monthly luncheons ($200 value alone!) plus lots of extra recognition. Please consider upgrading to Platinum when you renew.



Check out the list of Members Good through 12/31/09 to see if your name is on the list – just an FYI, there are a bunch of checks that came in over the weekend that we haven’t processed yet so if you sent your check in the last few days, you’ll be included in next Monday’s eblast:

4CI

Academic Tutoring Centers

Applications Network

Autumn Tree Care Experts, Inc.

Baggio Studios

Barton & Barton, Ltd

Better Business Bureau of Chicago & Northern Illinois

Chiro One Wellness Centers

Clark Management

Comcast Business Services

Comfort Heating & Cooling, Inc.

Coupon Cash Saver

Crystal Maintenance BK & Art, Inc.

Design Unlimited Interiors

Fully Fit Lifestyles, Inc.

Garveys Office Products

Gary Heck & Associates

Gillick Realtors

Home Enhancements Design Studio, Inc.

HomeControlPlus Inc.

Honorable Painters Inc.

Hyatt Regency O'Hare

Hyatt Rosemont

Indira Salon & Spa

Jackie's Nails & Spa

Jay Crowley/Keller Williams Realty Partners

Kidwinks

LensCrafters Optique

Maine Community Youth Assistance Foundation

MocteNet PC & Video, Inc.

Mutual Financial Corp

Neal & McDevitt, LLC

Nelson Automotive, Inc.

Nelson Music

North Shore Dental Group

O'Brien, Harry L.

Park Ridge Animal Hospital, LLC

Park Ridge Fine Arts Society

Park Ridge Multi Med

Park Ridge Paint, Glass & Wallpaper

Park Ridge Shell Auto Maintenance & Repair

Park Ridge Vacuum

PC Medic Computer Repair

Potbelly Sandwich Works

ps:accessories, inc.

Resurrection Health Care

Scarpelli & Brady, LLC.

Select Redesign

Silver Connections

Smart Roofing, Inc.

Summit Specialtees

Sydney M Garza

Tanya Travel, Inc.

Titan Worldwide

WSI-We Simplify the Internet (Jim Cone)

XO Glow





Member News
Member News – tell me what’s going on in your business and I’ll include it here:

Members I visited:

Citywide Printing

Noodles & Co.

WineStyles

Hay Caramba!

City Hall

Park Ridge Public Library

Park Ridge Park & Recreation District

Diddy Blyth – A Sterling Design



Hyatt Regency O’Hare offer to Chamber Members!
Hyatt Regency O'Hare would like to offer a special discount to the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce members to our Annual New Years Eve Rock'N'Roll Ball.

We can offer discounts on the following three packages/categories:

1) Rock Ticket: Regular price - $49.00
For Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce members: $39.00
Package includes: Admission, party favors.

2) Rock Room Package: Regular price - $229.00

For Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce members: $179.00
Package includes: (2) Rock Tickets, (1) Room

3) VIP Room Package: Regular price - $369.00

For Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce members: $299.00
Package includes: (2) VIP tickets (1) Room and includes open bar from 6 to 9 p.m.

Members can call the Hotel directly at (847) 696-1234 and reference the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce member special discount in order to purchase at these prices. Members have to bring a copy of the e-mail/newsletter to provide upon check-in.

SCORE!
SCORE! Educational Centers Park Ridge is offering a FREE VISIT ($55 value) for the children of Chamber members in the month of December. At SCORE!, we deliver academic progress in a fun learning environment that inspires kids from Pre School- 9th grade to love learning. Stop in at 35 S. Northwest Highway to take advantage of this month's special. You can sample our Reading, Writing, Math, Algebra or Study Skills courses to help your child catch up, keep up or get ahead! Please call us (847) 292-4307 to set a time today!

SCORE! is doing a huge grand re-opening January 3 and you’re invited! For more information, contact Catherine Calloway, Marketing and Sales Manager, SCORE! Educational Centers, 35 S Northwest Highway; 847-292-4307; www.scorelearning.com



Kidwinks.com
Kidwinks.com is offering to Chamber members the special price of only $30 (normally $50) for an ad spot in our monthly email sent to over 900 Chicago area businesses. The ad should be an image of size 314 x 112 pixels and will link to either your website or your listing on kidwinks.com. We limit the number of ad spots in each newsletter, so sign up early. www.kidwinks.com



Cornille Family
Please help out a family in Park Ridge who just suffered a devastating fire that totaled their home.

www.CornilleFamily.com

Noodles & Co: Moodle Ring for Make a Wish Foundation!
Moodle Ring promotion starting today! The rings are $1.50 and the proceeds goes to Make A Wish Foundation. Noodles will have this promotion for the next 3 months with the goal to raise $50,000 as a company.



1/17/09: ‘SONO’
Saturday, January 17, 2009

Service Organization Night Out with the Chicago Wolves Hockey Team. The Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce, The Elks Club, The Rotary Club, Kiwanis, and other service organizations and families are invited! Meet, eat and network at The Elks Club in Des Plaines. Free parking at the game, prizes just for our groups, and a Skates Bobble Head Doll – plus two tickets to another Wolves game! Kids get goody bags!

Cost is $25 adults and $19 for kids 12 and under. Only 40 tickets left to the game are for sale. If you want to come just for dinner and networking at the Elks Club, its $17 for adults. Thank you to Rick Pucci for putting it together!



Lets say thanks to our troops!

If you go to this web site, www.letssaythanks.com you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq . It is FREE and it only takes a second. Please take the time and please take the time to pass it on for others to do. We can never say enough thank you's.
Thanks for taking the time to support our military!





Contact me:
Gail Haller

Executive Director

Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce

32 Main Street, Suite F

Park Ridge, IL 60068

phone: 847.825.3121

fax: 847.825.3122

email: gail.haller@parkridgechamber.org

website: www.parkridgechamber.org


Thank you to our Platinum Members:

Aardvark Builders 312.504.4090
Applications Network 847.823.1830
Kumon Math & Reading Centers 847.939.5090
PC Medic Computer Repair 847-299-5556
State Farm Insurance & Financial Services - Ann Witek 847.692.3260
The Exercise Coach 847.823.0035

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Another fun weekend – getting ready for the holidays! Don’t forget about bringing in receipts totaling $500 for a chance to win $100 in Chamber gift certificates! Wes Bleed pulled the winning ticket at the luncheon last week and it went to Fran Durkin from the Park Ridge Public Library! Shopping Chamber members is profitable!

A member sent me an email: “FYI…A Gina of TransNational Bankcard (847.655.1345) of Rolling Meadows left a VM for me using Park Ridge Chamber as their “referrer”. I called back and it was a sales call. I found it a bit over the edge…just wanted you to know in case other members have the same experience.” I called Gina and told her to stop using our name as the referrer. She apologized and said she’d stop but I wanted you to know about this.



Thank you Rich Callahan, GM Outback!
Our monthly networking luncheon last week was amazing! We had 60 people show up for the Outback spread! Thank you to Rich Callahan, general manager, Outback for opening his restaurant to the Chamber when they usually are not open during lunch time. The food and service were both fabulous! Not only that, Rich donated all the proceeds from the luncheon back to the Chamber – THANK YOU! Please patronize Outback in the evenings and tell Rich hi!



WGN News Director, Wes Bleed, spoke to the 60 members present. I scheduled Wes back in July – who knew back then that there would be such interesting current events to discuss? Thank you to Travis Dearborn, chiropractor, for introducing me to Wes.



Delia Ciminello, First Chicago Bank & Trust, won the 50/50 split the pot!



And Anna Basile from Sun and Moon Yoga won the Spotlight article for the newsletter just by putting her business card into the drawing!



December Business After Hours at

WineStyles!


Coming up this week is our monthly networking Business After Hours: this Thursday, December 18 at WineStyles from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Our very last Chamber event for 2008 – come out and party! Wear your Santa hats and ties! A good opportunity for those holiday sweaters too!



Thank you to Tracy and Doug Bell for hosting! It’s going to be a great time! Wine, food (All on the Road Catering!), and more!



No additional charge – included in your Chamber membership! Plan to buy some wine while you’re there too! Check out their 6 for $60 table!

Indira Salon & Spa Ribbon Cutting
You’re invited to the ribbon cutting at Indira Salon & Spa this Thursday at 10 a.m. 520 West Touhy Avenue. Mayor Frimark will be there and the Chamber Ambassadors will also be there with their giant ribbon cutting ceremonial scissors! Please come out to see the salon and meet the staff. Tracy Nass is the owner and is excited about being in Park Ridge.



Installation & Awards Dinner

‘A Night of Stars’

1/24/09


Did you get your invitation to A Night of Stars for Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009?



Don’t miss out on what promises to be a fun time!



Please help by donating a silent auction or raffle item?



Thank you to the following who are donating – either silent auction items, raffle items, in kind donations or monetary donations:

A Sterling Design

Accents by Jenny

American Eagle

Baggio's Studios

Baileys Restaurant

Carmen Nicoles Wellness Spa

Chicago Fire Soccer

Dental Auxilliary Placement Services, Inc.

Dominic's Kitchen Store

French Twist, A Hair Salon for Men and Women, Niles

GB Therapeutic Massage

Hay Caramba!

Howard Frimark

Hyatt Regency O’Hare

Indira Salon & Spa

Jackie's Nails & Spa

Jewel Foods

Journal Newspaper

Kiko's Flowers & Gifts

Kustom Kribs Baby Boutique

Lutheran General Hospital

Lynette's School of Dance

Minuteman Press of Des Plaines

Nika le butik

No 'e' Disign

Order My Gift – Karen Larsen

Park Ridge Financial Advisors – Rick Pucci

Park Ridge Fire Department

PC Medic, Inc.

Perry's Pizzaria

Pioneer Press

Quinn Print, Inc.

Resurrection Health Care Services

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

SCORE! Educational Centers

Select Redesign

Sun & Moon Yoga

Tasty Pup

The Exercise Coach

The Lock Up Storage Center

Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark at Grand Geneva

TriPilates

Wine Styles

You Can Say Yes




The invitations were designed by Rita Baggio, Baggio Studios and were printed by Quinn Print Inc. They were assembled by the students at Maine East High School under the direction of teacher Jeff Gallichio. Thank you to Rita, Mike and Jeff for your continued support of the Chamber! And thank you to Kiko’s Flowers & Gifts for providing the floral arrangements!



The committee will be reviewing the Community Star Award nominations this Wednesday.



Remember, in January there will be no monthly networking luncheon because we’re having the Installation & Awards dinner so please plan to attend the dinner. Piano music by Fred Simon! It’s open to everyone! $60 per person.









2009 Chamber Dues are the same as 2008!






2009 Dues did not go up!



You can pay by credit card, with this link:

http://renew.parkridgechamber.org

You can also go to our website for the link.



Platinum status: For $300 more, you get 8 monthly luncheons ($200 value alone!) plus lots of extra recognition. Please consider upgrading to Platinum when you renew.



Members Good through 12/31/09:

4CI

Academic Tutoring Centers

Applications Network

Autumn Tree Care Experts, Inc.

Baggio Studios

Barton & Barton, Ltd

Better Business Bureau of Chicago & Northern Illinois

Chiro One Wellness Centers

Clark Management

Comcast Business Services

Comfort Heating & Cooling, Inc.

Coupon Cash Saver

Crystal Maintenance BK & Art, Inc.

Design Unlimited Interiors

Fully Fit Lifestyles, Inc.

Garveys Office Products

Gary Heck & Associates

Gillick Realtors

Home Enhancements Design Studio, Inc.

HomeControlPlus Inc.

Honorable Painters Inc.

Hyatt Regency O'Hare

Hyatt Rosemont

Indira Salon & Spa

Jackie's Nails & Spa

Jay Crowley/Keller Williams Realty Partners

Kidwinks

LensCrafters Optique

Maine Community Youth Assistance Foundation

MocteNet PC & Video, Inc.

Mutual Financial Corp

Neal & McDevitt, LLC

Nelson Automotive, Inc.

Nelson Music

North Shore Dental Group

O'Brien, Harry L.

Park Ridge Animal Hospital, LLC

Park Ridge Fine Arts Society

Park Ridge Multi Med

Park Ridge Paint, Glass & Wallpaper

Park Ridge Shell Auto Maintenance & Repair

Park Ridge Vacuum

PC Medic Computer Repair

Potbelly Sandwich Works

ps:accessories, inc.

Resurrection Health Care

Scarpelli & Brady, LLC.

Select Redesign

Silver Connections

Smart Roofing, Inc.

Summit Specialtees

Sydney M Garza

Tanya Travel, Inc.

Titan Worldwide

WSI-We Simplify the Internet (Jim Cone)

XO Glow





2009 Networking Opportunities
As you plan your budget and networking opportunities for 2009, here are some events the Chamber is involved in where you might want to participate by getting a booth – or at the very least, to attend:

February 5th 4-6:30pm Chocolate & Champagne Networking Event

March 19th 11:30am Multi-Chamber Progressive Networking Lunch

Taste of Park Ridge Business Expo, Sat., July 11

August 27th 8:30am Multi-Chamber Progressive Networking Breakfast

October 22, Thursday, Multi-Chamber Business to Business Expo and Taste

2009 Monthly Networking Luncheons

2009 Business After Hours
As we plan for 2009, looking for places to hold our monthly networking luncheons - typically 40 to 60 people attend and usually on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. Of course we will only hold events at member sites! Restaurants, hotels, any large room that can be catered by another member. Let me know if you’re interested in having a Chamber luncheon.

We're also looking for hosts for our monthly Business After Hours networking events where you can showcase your place of business. This event is at no charge to our members and allows them an opportunity to see your space and network with other Chamber members and prospective members. The host provides finger foods and beverages and can give an 5 to 8 minute welcoming address. Typically held the last Thursday of the month. Let me know if you’re interested. Members can co-host and share the costs too.



Chamber Benefit: Notary Public


Remember: Cindy Clark and Marci Derrick are both notary publics! This service will be a member benefit, included in your annual dues. At no additional charge!





Golf Outing 2009

Survey


Please complete a short survey for us!

Tom Dombro, ING, and Kane Connell, Liberty Bank for Savings, are co-chairs of the 2009 Chamber Golf Outing.

Here’s the link for a quick 10 question survey that you can cut & paste into your browser: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=IIHUKtg5bO9Uh_2f0CXAkZ_2bg_3d_3d



Member News
Member News - What’s going on in your business?

Send me an email! No charge to be included in my eblasts! Send me an email so I can cut & paste your info into my eblast.

Members I visited:

Outback Steakhouse

Quinn Print, Inc.

Perry's Pizzaria - Nick

Prospective Members Visited:

Panera Bread

We need two categories for memberships – the Chamber gets calls for locksmiths and plumbers and we have neither as members. Bring me either and receive a Chamber gift certificate for $10!

Midnight Madness this Friday!

Friday, December 19th - 6pm-Midnight

Put the kids to bed and "shop til you drop" for all the items on your holiday wish lists. Visit the following participating Chamber members:

2 Sisters Boutique

Dominics Kitchen Store

Kustum Kribs Baby Boutique

Nika le Butik

ps: accessories

Rocky Mountain Chocolate

WineStyles

Special discounts & refreshments at select stores! Support Chamber members and shop locally!




Rainbow Hospice Rug on ebay
Area Rug Auction from Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care

If you like browsing eBay or you just happen to be looking for a nice rug as a holiday gift or for your hourse, Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care is hosting a small online auction for some very nice rugs. All rugs were donated to Rainbow Hospice brand new from a store foreclosure. The listings can be found, Here at The Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care Merchant Page. Please stay tuned to our eBay page as additional listings will become available.



SCORE!
SCORE! Educational Centers Park Ridge is offering a FREE VISIT ($55 value) for the children of Chamber members in the month of December. At SCORE!, we deliver academic progress in a fun learning environment that inspires kids from Pre School- 9th grade to love learning. Stop in at 35 S. Northwest Highway to take advantage of this month's special. You can sample our Reading, Writing, Math, Algebra or Study Skills courses to help your child catch up, keep up or get ahead! Please call us (847) 292-4307 to set a time today!

SCORE! is doing a huge grand re-opening January 3 and you’re invited! For more information, contact Catherine Calloway, Marketing and Sales Manager, SCORE! Educational Centers, 35 S Northwest Highway; 847-292-4307; www.scorelearning.com



Tanya Travel
Nadya of Tanya Travel in Park Ridge said she is the only travel agency in town and that in the 1980’s there were 19 travel agencies. And she’s a long time member of the Chamber – that’s not a coincidence! Tanya Travel has been in business for 34 years in Park Ridge!

Kidwinks.com
Kidwinks.com is offering to Chamber members the special price of only $30 (normally $50) for an ad spot in our monthly email sent to over 900 Chicago area businesses. The ad should be an image of size 314 x 112 pixels and will link to either your website or your listing on kidwinks.com. We limit the number of ad spots in each newsletter, so sign up early. www.kidwinks.com



Cornille Family
If you came to the Women in Business holiday luncheon, there was a prospective member in attendance – the lady with the Hawaiian look and flower in her hair that was a guest of Lynda Tourloukis. Sadly, her family suffered a devastating fire in their Park Ridge home shortly after the luncheon. Many Chamber members – as well as the community at large – have come together to help and you can too:

www.CornilleFamily.com

JoAnn Arnswald at MB Financial Bank opened a new account in to set up a fund for them. Dominicks and Jewel were recipients of buying food for the family. Sebastian Co. Real Estate and Mc Lennan Commercial Properties were looking into accommodations for the family locally. Residents have purchased Chamber gift certificates for the family that can be used locally.



Noodles & Co: Moodle Ring for Make a Wish Foundation!
Moodle Ring promotion starting today! The rings are $1.50 and 100% of the proceeds goes to Make A Wish Foundation. Noodles will have this promotion for the next 3 months with the goal to raise $50,000 as a company.



1/17/09: ‘SONO’
Saturday, January 17, 2009

Service Organization Night Out with the Chicago Wolves Hockey Team. The Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce, The Elks Club, The Rotary Club, Kiwanis, and other service organizations and families are invited! Meet, eat and network at The Elks Club in Des Plaines. Free parking at the game, prizes just for our groups, and a Skates Bobble Head Doll – plus two tickets to another Wolves game! Kids get goody bags!

Cost is $25 adults and $19 for kids 12 and under. Only 40 tickets left to the game are for sale. If you want to come just for dinner and networking at the Elks Club, its $17 for adults. Thank you to Rick Pucci for putting it together!



Lets say thanks to our troops!

If you go to this web site, www.letssaythanks.com you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq . It is FREE and it only takes a second. Please take the time and please take the time to pass it on for others to do. We can never say enough thank you's.
Thanks for taking the time to support our military!





Contact me:
Gail Haller

Executive Director

Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce

32 Main Street, Suite F

Park Ridge, IL 60068

phone: 847.825.3121

fax: 847.825.3122

email: gail.haller@parkridgechamber.org

website: www.parkridgechamber.org


Thank you to our Platinum Members:

Aardvark Builders 312.504.4090
Applications Network 847.823.1830
Kumon Math & Reading Centers 847.939.5090
PC Medic Computer Repair 847-299-5556
State Farm Insurance & Financial Services - Ann Witek 847.692.3260
The Exercise Coach 847.823.0035

Monday, December 8, 2008

Gail's Monday Chamber UPDATE

What a fun weekend we had! The Hallers are doing their best to support the Park Ridge economy! My friend, Lori Annetti, and I went to WineStyles 1st Anniversary wine tasting party on Saturday and had a wonderful time! Did you know they have a table where all the wines are marked down to $10 each if you buy six or more? The selection changes often but they’re all wonderful! We each bought our six! Thank you to Tracy and Doug Bell for a fun time!

On Sunday, my 9 year old daughter, Lian, and I went to St. Matthew Center for Health to view the nativity scenes from all over the world. I’m so glad we went! It’s an annual event that the owner of the collection, Susan Greeley, volunteers each year. There were over 300 nativity scenes made out of everything imaginable – olive wood, recycled newspaper, volcanic ash, pewter, soda cans – it was truly amazing. They handed out a scavenger hunt list and Lian hunted out each and every item on the list! Each culture has its own interpretation of the nativity and their own artistic styles and mediums. My favorite was from Alaska where Mary and Joseph were Inuit eskimos and the Wise Men arrived on dog sled, whale, and the barn was an igloo. Each one was so very special in its own way.

Don’t forget to bring in your receipts for the Chamber’s Economic Stimulus Package! $500 spent with members will get you entered into a drawing. We’ll pull the November winner at the luncheon on Wednesday! Save the December receipts for a January drawing!

Did you see that our 400th member is Park Ridge Paint, Glass, & and Wallpaper? 71 new members since April!



December Monthly Luncheon at Outback!
You’re invited to attend the Chamber’s last monthly networking luncheon of the year! It’s at Outback Steakhouse this Wednesday, December 10, from 11:30 to 1:30.
I heard on the radio this morning that many companies are eliminating their holiday parties so let this be your party! It’s only $25 per person for members ($30 prospective members) and Rich Callahan, GM at Outback, puts on a great spread! Don’t be left out!Outback is located at 8101 W. Higgins Rd, Chicago, IL 60631 (east of Cumberland). Phone: 773-380-0818 www.outbacksteakhouse.com. Our guest speaker is the news director at WGN, Wes Bleed and his topic is “Follow the Leader.” Wes Bleed is a veteran broadcast journalist with more than 25 years experience in radio and television journalism. Whether behind the mic or in front of the camera, Wes has performed as reporter, anchor and talk show host. Wes can also be heard providing news reports and other stories for CLTV and WGN-TV. He has also been a contributing reporter for the ABC Radio Network.

Here’s who has rsvp’d so far:

Karen
Anderson
Dental Auxiliary Placement Service

John
Barrett
Applications Network

Diddy
Blyth
A Sterling Design

Bob
Campbell
Willow Wellness Center

Lisa
Campbell
Willow Wellness Center

Delia
Ciminello
First Chicago Bank & Trust

Tom
Dombro
ING Advisors Network

Justin
Duhai
Northside Community Bank

Curt
Edlund
Larsen and Edlund

Jenny
Fitzgerald
Sabella & Graham, P.C.

Diane
Forsythe
Brickton Mortgage Corporation

Susan
Frangos
Higher Level Wellness

Kathleen
Frey
Pioneer Press

Cathy
Janus
Janus Premiums

Cara
Lindell
Fully Fit Lifestyles, Inc.

Christina
Niklas
Prospective Member

Deborah
Oberschelp
Select Redesign

Brent
Plunkett
Prospective Member

Doug
Root
Home Comfort Heating & Cooling

Rosemary
Sajovic
Journal & Topics

Tom
Schroeder
Commerce Group Service

Don
Sebastian, Jr.
Sebastian Co. Real Estate

Sonia
Teruel
Comfort Heating & Cooling, Inc.

Lynda
Tourloukis
You Can Say Yes!

Kim
Uhlig
City of Park Ridge

Chris
Valentine
Edward Jones

Anna
Wasyliw
Harris Bank

Dorothy Brownstein’s birthday is this Wednesday so come celebrate with us!

December Business After Hours at
WineStyles!
Business After Hours: Thursday, December 18 at WineStyles from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Our very last Chamber event for 2008 – come out and party! Wear your Santa hats and ties! A good opportunity for those holiday sweaters too!Thank you to Tracy and Doug Bell for hosting! It’s going to be a great time! Wine, food (All on the Road Catering!), and more! No additional charge – included in your Chamber membership! Plan to buy some wine while you’re there too! Did you know that most of their wines are between $10 and $25?



Installation & Awards Dinner ‘A Night of Stars’ 1/24/09
A Night of Stars: Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009
Can you donate a silent auction or raffle item? Let me know!
Thank you to the following who are donating – either silent auction items, raffle items, in kind donations or monetary donations:

A Sterling Design

Accents by Jenny

American Eagle

Baggio's Studios

Baileys Restaurant

Chicago Fire Soccer

Dental Auxiliary Placement Svc

Dominic's Kitchen Store

French Twist, A Hair Salon for Men and Women, Niles

Hay Caramba!

Howard Frimark

Hyatt Regency O’Hare

Indira Salon

Jackie's Nails & Spa

Jewel Osco

Journal Newspaper

Kiko's Flowers & Gifts

Kustom Kribs Baby Boutique

Lutheran General Hospital

Lynette's School of Dance

Minuteman Press of Des Plaines

Nika le Butik

Order My Gift

Park Ridge Fire Department

PC Medic, Inc.

Perry's Pizzaria

Pioneer Press

Quinn Print, Inc.

Resurrection Health Care

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

SCORE! Educational Centers

Select Redesign, Inc.

The Exercise Coach

The Lock Up Storage Center

Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark at Grand Geneva

TriPilates

WineStyles




The invitations were designed by Rita Baggio, Baggio Studios and are being printed by Quinn Print Inc. They’ll be assembled by the students at Maine East High School under the direction of teacher Jeff Gallichio. Thank you to Rita, Mike and Jeff for your continued support of the Chamber!



And another big thank you to Kiko’s Flowers for offering the provide the table arrangements!



The committee will be reviewing the Community Star Award nominations next week so they must be received by this Friday, 12/12, in order to be considered!



Remember, in January there will be no monthly networking luncheon because we’re having the Installation & Awards dinner so please plan to attend the dinner. Piano music by Fred Simon! It’s open to everyone! $60 per person.









2009 Chamber Dues are the same as 2008! If you have any 2008 money left and want to pay your 2009 Chamber dues, we’re accepting them now! If you would like to pay by credit card, here is the link:

http://renew.parkridgechamber.org You can also go to our website for the link.

Platinum status: For just an additional $300, you get extra recognition and 8 monthly luncheons ($200 value alone!). Please consider upgrading to Platinum when you renew.

Chamber Benefit: Notary Public
We at the Chamber are always trying to come up with new ways to support and benefit our membership and here’s the latest: both Cindy Clark and Marci Derrick are a notary public! This service will be a member benefit, included in your annual dues. Although we haven’t decided on a non-member fee yet, we’re considering it – do you know what others charge for this service?





Golf Outing 2009 Survey

Tom Dombro, ING, and Kane Connell, Liberty Bank for Savings, are co-chairs of the 2009 Chamber Golf Outing.

Please give us feedback on what we should do this year for our golf outing.

Here’s the link for a quick 10 question survey that you can cut & paste into your browser: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=IIHUKtg5bO9Uh_2f0CXAkZ_2bg_3d_3d



Member News
Member News - What’s going on in your business?

Send me an email! I’ll include your info in my eblasts at no additional charge! Its best to send me an email in the 3rd person so I can cut & paste your info into my eblast.

Thank you to Cathy Janus, Janus Premiums, for recommending two new members for the Chamber and they both joined: A Silver Connection and Comfort Heating & Cooling. Cathy received 2 Chamber gift certificates for $10 each and then took me to Baileys Restaurant for lunch last week where we spent them!

Congratulations to Delia Ciminello for being promoted to Branch Manager for the Touhy branch of Chicago Bank & Trust!

Members I visited:

Ann Witek, State Farm Insurance & Financial Services

Park Ridge Garden Club – had their holiday party last week!

Janus Premiums

Baileys Restaurant

Diane Forsythe – Brickton Mortgage - Are you thinking of getting an outside office? If so, talk to Diane Forsythe at 847-338-2013 as she has space available.

Indira Salon Spa – Donielle Vines, senior stylist (opening soon!)

Carlucci's Rosemont – John Compagna

Tom Dombro, ING

Kevin Witek, Y-Tech Heating & Cooling

Kidwinks - Nina Taluc & Jean Lemke

Perry's Pizzaria - Nick

McNulty Design Group

Prospective Members Visited:

Park Ridge Paint, Glass & Wallpaper – Dan Galuska joined!

Panera Bread

Eco Tec Insulation – Tom Decker (he’s coming to lunch on Wed!)

Tom Canale & Brent Plunkett – Northwestern Mutual Financial Network – Brent is coming to lunch on Wed too!

Business Center.com

Michelle Gabrielle Boutique

Car Guy Garage.com

Across the Street



All on the Road Catering Express
All on the Road Catering Express has opened at the train station by the library! Congratulations, Barb!

5 a.m. to 10 a.m. serving breakfast pastries, coffees and teas Monday through Friday. Barb says to stop in even if you’re not riding the train.



2009 Renewals
I’m happy to announce the following members who renewed last week for 2009 (thank you!):

Park Ridge Multi Med – Keith Berndtson

WSI – We Simplify the Internet (Jim Cone)

A bunch came in today but I’ll mention them next Monday!

Noodles & Co: Moodle Ring for Make a Wish Foundation!
Moodle Ring promotion starting today! The rings are $1.50 and 100% of the proceeds goes to Make A Wish Foundation. Noodles will have this promotion for the next 3 months with the goal to raise $50,000 as a company.



1/17/09: ‘SONO’
Save the date! Saturday, January 17, 2009

Service Organization Night Out with the Chicago Wolves Hockey Team. The Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce, The Elks Club, The Rotary Club, Kiwanis, and other service organizations and families are invited! Meet, eat and network at The Elks Club in Des Plaines. Free parking at the game, prizes just for our groups, and a Skates Bobble Head Doll – plus two tickets to another Wolves game! Kids get goody bags!

Cost is $25 adults and $19 for kids 12 and under. Only 40 tickets left to the game are for sale. If you want to come just for dinner and networking at the Elks Club, its $17 for adults. Thank you to Rick Pucci for putting it together!





U.S. Troops: Please Help!
Maine Township Partners with Golf Mill and Journal to Collect Items for Troops

Monday, Dec. 8 through Dec. 15 2008, Maine Township will collect items and monetary donations for our troops overseas.

For more information on how you can make a positive impact in the life of a soldier overseas this holiday season, call 847-297-2510 or visit www.mainetownship.com.



Contact me:
Gail Haller
Executive Director
Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce
32 Main Street, Suite F
Park Ridge, IL 60068
phone: 847.825.3121
fax: 847.825.3122

email: gail.haller@parkridgechamber.org

website: www.parkridgechamber.org



Thank you to our Platinum Members:

Aardvark Builders 312.504.4090
Applications Network 847.823.1830
Kumon Math & Reading Centers 847.939.5090
PC Medic Computer Repair 847-299-5556
State Farm Insurance & Financial Services - Ann Witek 847.692.3260
The Exercise Coach 847.823.0035

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Gail's Weekly Chamber UPDATE

I hope you had a chance to enjoy Winterfest in Park Ridge last Friday! It was a wonderful event in which many residents and merchants participated! My daughter, Lian, and I started at 116 Main Street where we had 10 entrepreneurs from the Chamber’s EKG celebrating ribbon cuttings with Mayor Frimark – he was a trooper, going from one ribbon cutting to the next until all were completed!

A big thank you to Fred Gillick for allowing us to use 116 Main Street! It was a perfect site for the Chamber’s Entrepreneurial group. Kidwinks got the Chamber’s popcorn machine running and during the height of the night, the line backed out the door for free popcorn! It was a great draw as people could smell the popcorn outside. Thank you also to Debbie Oberschelp, Select Redesign, for decorating the windows of the store front – it was a huge task which she started on Monday to be complete by Friday and the windows were beautiful! Also thank you to Lynda Tourloukis for heading up the EKG and coordinating everyone’s efforts in being there! And I’m excited about my family getting our portrait taken by Diddy and Greg at A Sterling Design for our Christmas cards!

Thank you also to Kathleen Frey, Pioneer Press, and Rosemary Sajovic, The Journal, for the wonderful press and ads for Winterfest!

Only 24 days until Christmas! Yikes!

Winterfest 2008:

Once again, a big Thank you to the following for sending in donations in support of Winterfest:

2 Sisters

All on the Road Catering

Amphora

Anthony Valentino

Baked by Betsy

Christ Karras

City of Park Ridge

Comcast Business Services

Country Insurance

Dominic's Kitchen Store

George Burrows

Harris Bank

Hay Caramba!

Indira Salon - Tracey Nass

LensCrafters Optique

Liberty Bank

Northwest Hwy Building

Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce

PR Chamber Entrepreneurs (EKG) 116 Main St

Park Ridge Multi Med

Rocky Mt Chocolate Factory

South Park Merchants

Villano Interiors


Dominic Cimilluca, Dominic’s Kitchen Stores, hosts the Winterfest website so thank you, Dominic! www.parkridgewinterfest.com

Thank you to the Kiwanis for crowd control at the bus stops! And all others who helped too – Colin Annetti, and I saw Ann Witek at the South Park stop.

It was a fabulous event that many pitched in to make happen! Thank you to Tim Malz, president of the South Park Merchants Association, Kim Uhlig from the City, and Mary Dalton from the Library too! (Speaking of the library, one of the reference librarians told us Friday that Winterfest 2008 was the 50 year anniversary of the Library’s Holiday Open House in Park Ridge. The very first on record in the archives was held on November 28, 1958!)

Winterfest is not an event that ‘just happens’ and I appreciated working with everyone! If you’d like to be on the Winterfest 2009 committee, let me know as we’ll start planning in the spring!

December Monthly Luncheon at Outback!
Our monthly networking luncheon will be held at Outback Steakhouse on Wednesday, December 10, from 11:30 to 1:30.
Outback is located at 8101 W. Higgins Rd, Chicago, IL 60631 (east of Cumberland). Phone: 773-380-0818 www.outbacksteakhouse.com
Our guest speaker is the news director at WGN, Wes Bleed.
$25 member; $30 prospective member.

December Business After Hours at

WineStyles!
December 18 at Wine Styles from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Our last Chamber event for 2008 – come out and party! Thank you to Tracy and Doug Bell for hosting! Its going to be a great time! Wine, food, and more! No additional charge – included in your Chamber membership! Plan to buy some wine while you’re there too!

Installation & Awards Dinner ‘A Night of Stars’ 1/24/09
A Night of Stars: Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009. It’s the 73rd Annual Chamber of Commerce Recognition and Installation Dinner at the Park Ridge Country Club. The winners of the Community Star Awards will be honored that evening.

Can you donate a silent auction or raffle item? Let me know!

Thank you to the following who are donating – either silent auction items, raffle items, in kind donations or monetary donations:

A Sterling Design

Accents by Jenny

American Eagle

Baggio Studios

Baileys Restaurant

Dental Auxiliary Placement Services

Dominic's Kitchen Store

French Twist, A Hair Salon for Men and Women, Niles

Hay Caramba!

Howard Frimark

Hyatt Regency O’Hare

Jackie's Nails & Spa

Jewel Osco

Journal Newspaper

Kiko's Flowers & Gifts

Kustom Kribs

Lutheran General Hospital

Lynette's School of Dance

Minuteman Press of Des Plaines

Nika le Butik

Order My Gift (Karen Larsen)

Park Ridge Fire Department

PC Medic, Inc.

Perry's Pizzaria

Pioneer Press

Quinn Printing

Resurrection Hospital

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

Select Redesign

The Exercise Coach

The Lock Up Storage Center

Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark at Grand Geneva

Wine Styles

Thank you for your support! It’s going to be a great event! Keep in mind that in January, there will be no monthly networking luncheon because we’re having the Installation & Awards dinner so please plan to attend. It’s open to everyone! $60 per person.

2009 Chamber Dues are the same as 2008! There is no increase in annual dues for 2009!
If you would like to pay by credit card, here is the link:

http://renew.parkridgechamber.org You can also go to our website for the link.
Platinum status: For only $300 more, you receive lots of extra recognition plus 8 monthly luncheons ($200 value alone!) Please consider upgrading to Platinum when you renew.



Golf Outing 2009 Survey Tom Dombro, ING, and Kane Connell, Liberty Bank for Savings, are co-chairs of the 2009 Chamber Golf Outing.

Since 2008 was lightly attended, we’d like your input and feedback on what you’d like to have. Here’s the link for a quick 10 question survey:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=IIHUKtg5bO9Uh_2f0CXAkZ_2bg_3d_3d

Member News - What’s going on in your business?

Send me an email and I will send it in my eblasts – included in your membership at no additional charge! However, you need to tell me – and its best to send me an email in the 3rd person that I can merely cut & paste.

Members I visited:

Accents by Jenny – beautiful flower arrangement for Thanksgiving!

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

Dominic’s Kitchen Store

Baked by Betsy

Dr. Niki Laskaris, Dentist

Jewel Foods

Walgreen’s

ps: accessories

Maine East High School

Y-Tech Heating & Air Conditioning

Sebastian Co Real Estate

The Exercise Coach

The 10 Entrepreneurs at 116 Main Street: You Can Say Yes; Select ReDesign; A Sterling Design; Order My Gift (Karen Larsen); Home Control Plus; Higher Level Wellness; Janus Premiums; Merrill Lynch- Belinda Rosenberger; Baggio Studios; Kidwinks; plus Rotary Club and Park Ridge Fine Arts Council.

Prospective Members Visited:

Pines Men Store

Panera Bread

Encore Resale Shop

McDonald’s

Starbucks

Washington Mutual


Seasonal Help? Do you need seasonal help? I know several college kids who will be home for the holidays for a month and are looking for jobs – let me know if you are looking!


Cell Phones for Soldiers – the Chamber has collected 111 used cell phones! That’s 111 hours that soldiers will be able to call home and talk for free with phone cards! Thank you for your generosity! Check out: www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com for more information!


Indira Salon & Spa, located at the Shops of Uptown, is under construction and will be open mid-December. Call 847-698-0123 to start reserving your appointments for the holidays! INDIRA is a full-service salon and spa that offers cut, color, style, makeup, wax, facials, manicures & pedicures, body treatments, massage and bridal services. Visit our website www.IndiraSalonSpa.com for more detailed service descriptions. We are now accepting positions for Stylist, Massage Therapist, Esthetician, Makeup Artist and Retail Advisor, please send resume to owner Tracey Nass at chameleongirl@new.rr.com.

Catalyst Marketing & PR Special Offer
A Holiday Special! Catalyst Marketing-Public Relations, Inc., is offering a special holiday promotion – from now until December 31, 2008. For only $250, its team will prepare a press release about you, your business and/or your products.

Details about this special offer are available through: Carol A. Simantz, President, Catalyst Marketing-Public Relations; 847-298-8748; 1420 Renaissance Drive, Ste. 301-E; Park Ridge, IL 60068; http://www.catalystmarketingpr.com
carol@catalystmarketingpr.com

WineStyles at 105 S. Northwest Highway: Join us for our One Year Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, December 6th from 12-5 p.m. with over 20 wines open, raffle with great prizes, live entertainment!

Maine Center Housewalk 12/5 32nd Annual Park Ridge Christmas Housewalk to Benefit Maine Center on Friday December 5th from 5:30 – 9:30 pm. All proceeds benefit Maine Center, a not-for-profit community behavioral health organization located in Park Ridge. Tickets are $20.00 if purchased before 12/05/08 and $25.00 if purchased on the day of the walk. For further information contact: Suzanne Henn, Maine Center (847) 696-1570 ext. 310.



St Andrews Bethlehem Walk this Saturday The Bethlehem Walk will occur on Saturday, December 6 from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 7 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on the campus of St. Andrews Lutheran Church and School at 260 North Northwest Highway.

The first floor of our school and church – inside and out – is transformed into Bethlehem and its surrounding hills for that most special night that occurred thousands of years ago. Visitors, with the assistance to shepherd guides, walk through the streets and hills of Bethlehem and interact with characters, in costume, from the Christmas Story as told in the Book of Luke. Roman guards, Caesar, the Census Taker, the Tax Collector, Angels, King Herod, a shepherd family, the Wise Men, the Inn Keeper and the Holy Family will be visited on this journey to assist you in revisiting that special night so long ago. Live animals, campfires, and tents all add to the realism and make this a moving experience.

Reservations: To minimize your wait, please make a reservation by telephoning the church office at 847-823-6656 and using extension 5 or by using the e-mail address of standrewsbethlehemwalk@yahoo.com. Our reservationist will contact you to confirm you reservation. Please leave your name: spelling your last name, your telephone number, how many are in your party, date and approximate time you would like to take The Walk

Entrance to The Walk: Please enter through the tent at the flag pole or entrance to the school. Follow the torches.

Parking: There is a parking lot on Northwest Highway and Elm

Free Will Offering: There will be opportunity for a free will offering to help defray the expenses of The Walk.

Thank you for your interest in The Bethlehem


Brickton Montessori School invites the public to its Annual Holiday event, Breakfast with Santa. Held this Saturday, December 6th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Hanging Gardens Banquet Hall, 8301 W. Belmont (Belmont and Cumberland). Arts and crafts activities, holiday sing-a-long, kids gift shop and a visit from Santa! Tickets are $10 per person (children under 2 are free) – ticket price includes a pancake buffet and a free picture with Santa. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance by calling the main office at 773.714.0456. For more information visit us at www.brickton.org



Noodles & Co: Moodle Ring for Make a Wish Foundation!
Moodle Ring promotion starting today! The rings are $1.50 and 100% of the proceeds goes to Make A Wish Foundation. Noodles will have this promotion for the next 3 months with the goal to raise $50,000 as a company.

St Matthew Center for Health
“Room at the Inn”

Saturday and Sunday, December 6 & 7, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

at St. Matthew Center for Health, 1601 N. Western Ave., Park Ridge

847-825-5531



Experience this beautiful, inspiring non-commercial Advent event!
We invite you to share in a time-honored Christmas tradition – the displaying of nativity scenes depicting the birth of the Christ child – by viewing “Room at the Inn.” For one weekend only Oak Park resident Susan Greeley will have her growing collection of over 300 nativity scenes from around the world on display. Guests are invited for refreshments and a free raffle to win a nativity set donated by Augsburg Fortress. Children will especially enjoy the ‘please touch’ table, and a chance to win a nativity set of their own. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Please don’t miss it – you’ll be so glad you came!


All in Good Health
Dr. Timothy Chiu, owner of All In Good Health, now has his own radio show! Tune into 1160AM every Thursday at 2pm and Saturday at 1pm to hear his latest broadcast. This is a wonderful way to learn about the hottest topics in natural health! Dr. Tim will discuss a wide variety of topics including common conditions, diseases and symptoms. In addition, he will offer information on where the problems tend to originate from and tips on how to reduce or eliminate them...naturally!

Dominic’s Kitchen Foods
Celebrate Dominic’s Kitchen Store’s 5th Anniversary in Park Ridge: FREE cooking classes! Special anniversary product offers! Dominic’s Kitchen Store thanks its customers for 5 great years with the biggest food making event ever in Park Ridge. Sign up! Class Space is limited! Call Dominic Cimilluca at 847-698-1255 or via email dominic@dominicskitchenstore.com

1/17/09: ‘SONO’
Save the date! Saturday, January 17, 2009

Service Organization Night Out with the Chicago Wolves Hockey Team. The Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce, The Elks Club, The Rotary Club, Kiwanis, and other service organizations and families are invited! Meet, eat and network at The Elks Club in Des Plaines. Free parking at the game, prizes just for our groups, and a Skates Bobble Head Doll – plus two tickets to another Wolves game! Kids get goody bags!

Cost is $25 adults and $19 for kids 12 and under. Only 40 tickets left to the game are for sale. If you want to come just for dinner and networking at the Elks Club, its $17 for adults. Thank you to Rick Pucci for putting it together!


U.S. Troops: Please Help! Maine Township Partners with Golf Mill and Journal to Collect Items for Troops

Monday, Dec. 8 through Dec. 15 2008, Maine Township will collect items and monetary donations for our troops overseas.

The drive’s goal is to collect much-needed personal items such as lip balm, beef jerky, drink packets, AA and AAA batteries, hand and foot warmers, individually wrapped snacks, magazines, white tube socks, foot powder, phone cards and other items not supplied by the military or available to the troops in the field, especially combat areas.

For more information on how you can make a positive impact in the life of a soldier overseas this holiday season, call 847-297-2510 or visit www.mainetownship.com.

Contact me:
Gail Haller

Executive Director

Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce

32 Main Street, Suite F

Park Ridge, IL 60068

phone: 847.825.3121

fax: 847.825.3122

email: gail.haller@parkridgechamber.org

website: www.parkridgechamber.org


Thank you to our Platinum Members:

Aardvark Builders 312.504.4090
Applications Network 847.823.1830
Kumon Math & Reading Centers 847.939.5090
PC Medic Computer Repair 847-299-5556
State Farm Insurance & Financial Services - Ann Witek 847.692.3260
The Exercise Coach 847.823.0035