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

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