Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Gail's Weekly Chamber UPDATE

What a weekend! What with the electronics recycling day on Saturday and my 9 year old daughter, Lian, in 4 performances of the Ice Show at Oakton - I need another weekend to recoup from the last one!

Lots to tell you – so please read on!

Electronics Recycling The electronics recycling event was unbelievably successful on Saturday! We filled eight 24’ trucks! Great Lakes Recycling was there until 4 a.m. Sunday, loading up their trucks. About 400 vehicles came through to drop off!

A big thank you to our partner in the event, Park Ridge Park & Recreation District. Jim Lange worked the whole day and brought lots of muscle from the SWAP people performing their community service.

Another shout out to our major sponsor, Liberty Bank for Savings!

Thank you to our other Sponsors for the day:
Tom Dombro, ING Financial Advisors
MB Financial Bank
Park Ridge Garden Club
State Farm – Ann Witek Agency
Sebastian Co. Real Estate
Barton & Barton, Ltd.
Kiwanis Park Ridge Noon
Maine Township – for the 2nd drop off site
City of Park Ridge Public Works – Mike McGrath
Thank you to Missy Ryan who brought some teens from Maine South - Teens Organized for Youth Service – to help out. And a huge thank you to Boy Scouts Troops 1 and 50 and all their dads who showed up to help!

Other members who showed up and worked the event were Wes Davis (Wes stayed from beginning to end! Thank you Wes!), Karen Anderson, Ann Witek, Tom Dombro, Dave Donovan. Kevin was the City’s forklift driver who volunteered his time for the day! If I’ve forgotten anyone, let me know (and I sincerely apologize!).

People were amazed at how well organized and coordinated everything was! Check out the photos of the event on our website as we’re uploading them today!

We’ll be making a donation to the Park Ridge Community Fund in memory of Harry O’Brien.
Business After Hours last Thursday at Ross Rubino’s dental offices! Dr Ross Rubino and his staff hosted the Chamber’s monthly Networking Business After Hours last Thursday and what a fabulous event it was! Their newly renovated offices are beautiful with new massaging chairs and tv’s in the ceilings! Thank you to the entire staff for their warm hospitality!

Baked by Betsy served up platters of unbelievable sweets! And the wine was from WineStyles! Fabulous appetizers were from All on the Road Catering! It was a relaxing and fun way to meet and mingle with other Chamber members.

Drawings were held for Cubs tickets! Lisa Shewfelt, Coldwell Banker, won a pair and Mike Klein, Highland Home Improvements won the other pair! Baked by Betsy gave away two gift certificates – both were won by Rainbow Hospice (Jackie Mathews and Pat Ahern). The Chamber gave away a complimentary eblast and two chamber gift certificates.

It pays to attend our networking events!


Shop Park Ridge Campaign in May!

Chamber Stimulus Package! As you know, last week Mayor Frimark proclaimed the month of May to be ‘Shop Park Ridge’ month.

The Chamber’s Retail Committee, chaired by Linda Hills, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, has planned a Retail Crawl the weekend prior to the Memorial Day weekend: Friday, May 15; Saturday, May 16; and Sunday, May 17.

Martha Berns, Dempsey Design, is designing the poster we’ll use – wait til you see it! Diddy Blyth took photos for the poster.

Please feel free to participate in this Retail Crawl. We’re hoping to have the schedule of events for the weekend published in local papers so we need to know what you’re planning so we can include it.

The library is planning on participating too!

The Chamber will have another ‘Chamber Stimulus Package’. For the month of May, bring in your receipts totaling $100 with any Chamber members (you can combine them from various members) to be entered into drawings each week to win $50 in Chamber gift certificates ($200 total for the month).

Also, as a merchant, if you’d like to add to the Chamber’s drawing, you can give me gift certificates or prizes and I’ll include you in the publicity for the drawings. The sooner you let me know, the sooner I can advertise you.
Community Guide Every household in Park Ridge received the new Community Guide last Thursday! There are 2,000 more copies here at the Chamber so come pick up your copy! As hard as we tried to ensure all the information was accurate, we did miss some updates on page 9, the City’s page, and have had the page reprinted which will be here at the Chamber. The online version is already updated. We apologize to the City for the error. Here is the link to see it online:
http://communities.pioneerlocal.com/parkridge.html

Women in Business
Park Ridge Historical Society
The Women in Business meeting was a luncheon last Friday at the Park Ridge Historical Society, 41 S. Prairie. Jason’s Deli provided the box lunches and they were delicious! Their local phone number is 847-823-0210 which is different than the number in the Community Guide so please make a note of it.

We ended up with 26 who came to talk about their favorite books – Rick Pucci was our one brave man who came!

Create a Powerful Presence!
Catherine Johns Workshop
April 29 This Wednesday, April 29, 2009, Create a Powerful Presence! Chamber Workshop at Comfort Inn O’Hare 8 a.m. to 12 noon

How do you come across in business … or in life? Do people take you as seriously as you’d like them to? Do you get the respect you want from colleagues, clients, and competitors? Many small business owners find that they’re not making the kind of strong, polished, professional impression they’d like to make.
We all send subtle signals that let people know how to respond to us; the trick is to manage those signals. In this interactive and engaging program, you’ll discover the Seven Dimensions of Presence and learn how you can use them to shape the way you show up in the world.

Catherine Johns is a catalyst, coach, and entrepreneur who helps professionals reach their full potential by communicating more effectively and persuasively. In her one-on-one work with clients, she zeroes in on the specific things that will transform an individual into a better, stronger communicator … and helps them get there.

Sponsored by the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce. Held at Comfort Inn O'Hare, 2175 East Touhy, Des Plaines. $40 Members/$50 Prospective Members. RSVP to the Chamber by Friday April 24 at 847-825-3121; info@parkridgechamber.org or fax form to 847-825-3122.

Here’s who has responded so far – please get your rsvp in by tomorrow:
1 Angela Berger Park Ridge Public Library
2 Linda Brown Brookdale Senior Living
3 Tammy Cook 10 til 2 Chicago - North Shore
4 Jean Goodwin-Rausch Intermail Complete
5 Gail Haller Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce
6 Catherine John Speaker
7 Karen Larsen Order My Gift
8 Margaret Polovchak MCYAF
9 Crystal Ramirez Comfort Inn O'Hare/Des Plaines
10 Kim Schaefer Central Baptist Village
11 Nichole Squires Comfort Inn O'Hare/Des Plaines


May 13 – John McDonough May 13 – Save the date for the monthly networking luncheon at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare with John McDonough, president of the Chicago Blackhawks, will be the keynote speaker! We’ve invited other chambers and expect to get 100 guests! 11:30 to 1:30

And if the Blackhawks keep winning, we have another excellent speaker ready to step in at a moment’s notice!

Connect
Multi Chamber Networking
May 20 Multi-Chamber Networking Breakfast on Wednesday, May 20•7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Doubletree Hotel & Conference Center, 9599 Skokie Blvd., Skokie (near Old Orchard at Golf Road & Skokie Boulevard)
$20 for members paid in advance
$30 for members paying at the door and all non-members
Walk-ins strongly discouraged and may not be accommodated!
See insert in the May newsletter for registration.
Memorial Day Parade in
Park Ridge! We’re #36 in the Memorial Day Parade! Please join the Chamber!!!! We have 6 company members so far:
Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce
Park Ridge Garden Club
Lynette’s School of Dance
Bath Fitter
Tasty Pup
WineStyles Park Ridge

Golf Outing is June 24 – Save the Date! The price to golf this year is just $150 per golfer, down from $165 last year. Please see insert in the May newsletter for sponsorships.
Hyatt Regency O’Hare sent in the names of the first registered foursome (and check) – and a silent auction donation!!! Thank you!
Cathy Janus is providing the environmentally friendly, reusable goody bags!
Here is what we’ve received for the raffle/silent auction:
Savvy Salon & Spa One, 1-hour massage ($60 value), expires 4/4/2010
Savvy Salon & Spa One spa package #3 includes manicure, pedicure and choice of facial or massage ($114 value), expires 4/4/2010
Hyatt Regency O'Hare Complimentary One Night Stay including dinner for two at O'H American Grill Hyatt Regency O'Hare, expires 6/24/2010
Hyatt Regency O'Hare Complimentary Dinner for two at O'H American Grill The Hyatt Regency O'Hare, 6/24/2010
WineStyles Park Ridge Wine Basket

Taste of Park Ridge – Canopies on Courtland The Chamber purchased 30 booths from the Taste of Park Ridge for Saturday, July 11, business expo entitled “Canopies on Courtland”.

The booths are on sale now for $325 each for members and $600 for Prospective Members. The layout will be different this year – our booths will face both sides of the street and will be 15 on each side – then a 10 foot aisle before the 30 Taste sponsor booths. The four end cap booths will be $425 each and members only.
Member News Last week I visited:
Accents by Jenny
Panino’s Pizzeria
Tom Dombro, ING
Ross Rubino & Associates
Baked by Betsy (several times!)
Park Ridge Historical Society – I’m going to join the Society!
Perry’s Pizzaria
Walgreens
Library
Oakton Ice Skating Rink

Didn’t get around to visiting prospective members but need to!
Kidwinks.com Nina and Jean got interviewed this morning by a reporter from the Chicago Tribune! Stay tuned for more information!

Kidwinks.com where your advertising dollar goes a whole lot farther
Foster & Adoptive Parents Wanted! Make a difference in a child’s life – Become a Foster or Adoptive Parent! The Youth Campus is seeking foster and adoptive parents who can protect, love and nurture a child who is less fortunate, giving them a chance for a stable, happy life. Become one of the special people who inspire hope, improve a future, and make a difference in a child’s life. Call The Youth Campus at 847 823-5161.


Tim Perry called to let us know that his firm has changed from Countrywide Home Loans to Bank of America Home Loans! Still at same address on the second floor of 31 S. Prospect Avenue. New email is tim.perry@bankofamerica.com Tim has been a Chamber member since 2004! Call him at 847-698-1900 to congratulate him!
Barrett-TECH Effective May 1, Applications Network’s technology consulting practice is changing the name to barrett-TECH, navigating technology. The new name better communicates the firm’s core business of serving as the Technology Department to Private Businesses and Not-for-Profits. Additionally, it reflects the hands on role that owner John Barrett takes in servicing his firm’s clients. Congratulate John at 847.226.5822
2 Sisters 2 Sisters has a great selection of gifts for all the special ladies on your Mother's Day list. Use these coupons NOW through May 10th for additional savings! Visit us them our NEW location 7 S. Prospect!

A-Abiding Care A-Abiding CARE, Inc is sponsoring a presentation: "What You Need to Know about ELDER ABUSE". Thursday, April 30th at 5 pm at the Park Ridge Public Works, 400 Busse Highway, PR. Refreshments will be served following the presentation. Please call 847-698-1400 to reserve your seat.
Kiwanis Club Kiwanis Club's annual Pancake Breakfast is Saturday, May 9th at the PR Presbyterian Church from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. 847-825-4630. Bill Scharringhausen, Secretary, Kiwanis Club of Park Ridge-Morning.
Spring Pub Crawl Networking on April 30 Spring Pub Crawl Networking Event on Thursday, April 30, 5:00 p.m.
Join the Edison Park Chamber of Commerce for appetizers and cash bar at Don Juan's 6730 N. Northwest Hwy; Nonno Pino's, 6718 N. Northwest Hwy; Elliotts's, 6690 N. Northwest Hwy.;Emerald Isle, 6686 N. Northwest Hwy. All Chambers of Commerce members are welcome to participate. For more information call 773-631-0063

Celebrate World Laughter Day on May 3! World Laughter Day is Sunday May 3rd200 S. Western Ave
Centennial Park in Park Ridge 10am – 2pm
This event is FREE and open to everyone who would like to know what the 8,000 laughter clubs in the world. In over 60 countries enjoy and feel so enthusiastic about. Everyone can do the Laughter Exercises and everyone is included. There are no jokes, comedy and you don’t even have to be funny….Though it is where you will become a Humor Being by adding joyfulness.
Join in the Free Frolic of Fun as Certified Laughter Leader Professionals to lead groups in two Laughter Sessions including a very fun Laughter Meditation. Join in on our Laughter Contests and the Laughter Games for more jolly. This event is sponsored by Three Chamber members: You Can Say…Yes! Motivational Guidance Services; Higher Level Wellness; Healing Harbor
Questions: Lynda@youcansayyes.com (847) 401-5787
http://www.FollowtheLaughter.com/WLD.htm or Http://www.ParkRidgeLaughter.com

George S. May Announcing "Uniting the Community Through Music" Benefit Concert event at the DuSable Museum of African American History. Saturday, May 30. Tickets are $25 in advance; $30 at the door. All proceeds will benefit the P.A.U.S.E. Initiative music education program. Call Donna Werner, Executive Administrator, George S. May Foundation for the Arts at 847-993-5239 or via return email.
http://pause.gsmfoundation.org

Oakton With the signing of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in February 2009, the Workforce Board of Northern Cook County was given substantial funds to stimulate local industries and assist the unemployed. Together with Oakton Community College, the Workforce Board is using that money to develop programs that will create job growth in our community. A roundtable discussion will explore how your business can benefit from the stimulus money. The Stimulus Summit will be held 8 – 10 a.m., Wednesday, May 27, at Oakton’s Des Plaines campus, 1600 E. Golf Road. Breakfast will be served. Call 847-635-1808 to reserve your seat.
North Shore Women’s Conference May 15 2nd Annual Women’s Conference – A Great Opportunity for Your Business!
Please go to our website for more information on this exciting event!

TribLocal Park Ridge’s TribLocal will be partnered with neighboring suburbs Des Plaines, Morton Grove and Niles. The estimated distribution is 17,000, and each TribLocal will be delivered with the Chicago Tribune as a topper on home delivery, and inserted into our single copies on newsstands every Thursday. It’s a great way to get your voice, and news!, out there. This product can be viewed both online, similarly to ChicagoTribune.com, at Triblocal.com, and in print. There are hundreds of advertising opportunities within this new product for businesses, both big and smaller, looking for that “localized” feel they might think is missing from the Chicago Tribune. Eleanor Burke, Retail Advertising Sales for Chicago Tribune eburke@tribune.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
1. Affordable Interiors - Deborah Oberschelp 312.909.1255
2. barrett-TECH - John Barrett 847.823.1830
3. Cardinal Fitness of Park Ridge - 847.318.7550
4. Home Comfort Heating & Cooling - 847.824.4336
5. Leys, Kirsten - Prudential Financial Services 847.627.3950
6. PC Medic Computer Repair - Jerry Flanagan 847.299.5556
7. Resurrection Health Care - Theresa Olson 847.813.3210
8. Ross E. Rubino, D.D.S.P.C. & Associates 847.825.1002
9. Sebastian Co. Real Estate - Don Sebastian, Jr. 847.823.3117
10. State Farm Insurance & Financial Services - Ann Witek 847.692.3260
11. The Exercise Coach - Chad Finney 847.823.0035
12. The McTigue Financial Group - Tom Canale 773.380.4025
13. You Can Say…Yes! Motivational Guidance Services - Lynda Tourloukis 847.401.5787
14. Y-Tech Heating & Cooling - 847-696-0477

Monday, April 20, 2009

Gail's Weekly Chamber UPDATE

My friend, Lori Annetti, and I went to Champaign to visit our kids (Dirk, Colin and Kendall) at UIUC for Mothers Weekend! My son, Dirk, lives in his frat house, Phi Kappa Psi where they had lots of activities planned for the moms – dinner, skits, silent auction, dessert bake-off contest (I won 1st place with my ‘Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars with Coconut’ – let me know if you want the recipe!). It was so nice to spend time him! By the way, he’s finishing his junior year in Aerospace Engineering and is looking for a summer job! His last final is May 19th and I can forward you his resume…

And, I forgot to mention last week that Tuesday, April 14, was my first anniversary here at the Chamber! Thank you for being a member and for your support this past year. Obviously, I couldn’t have done it without you! Thank you to Karen Anderson (Chamber President) for the lovely flowers – and to board member Rick Pucci for taking me out to lunch! And for all the wonderful congratulatory cards and emails I’ve received!

We finished the year with 403 members. Since last April, we’ve added 107 new members (that includes the 10 who will be approved tomorrow). I’ve totally enjoyed the ride and am still thrilled to be here!!!
Today is a busy Monday! Ribbon cutting today at Panino’s Pizzeria today at 28 South Fairview was wonderful! Mayor Frimark and board members and Ambassadors came out for the event – and tasted several kinds of fresh baked pizza! Call them to order a pizza: 847-823-3450. Check out their website at www.paninospizzeria.com – please thank them for joining the Chamber!
City Hall tonight at
7:30 p.m.
Mayor Frimark will sign a proclamation this evening at the City Council Meeting at City Hall (505 Butler) at 7:30 p.m. proclaiming the month of May to be ‘Shop Park Ridge’ month. I’ll be there with my daughter, Lian, and camera in hand! Hope to see you there too!
Community Guide
Every household in Park Ridge will receive the new Community Guide this Thursday, April 23! I have 2,000 copies here at the Chamber so come pick up your copy! Here is the link to see it online:

http://communities.pioneerlocal.com/parkridge.html

Business After Hours this Thursday!
April 23 Our monthly Networking Business After Hours is this week, Thursday, April 23, from 5 to 7 p.m. Our special host is Platinum Member, Dr Ross Rubino and Associates who has been a member for more than 25 years!

The recently renovated dental office is located at 126 S. Prospect Avenue. There will be delicious treats from Baked by Betsy (who will be open next door during the event), WineStyles and All on the Road Catering! Come out and network with fellow Chamber members in a fun environment!

A little birdie told me that there will be two separate drawings for a pair of Cubs tickets and only those present can win! They’ll also raffle off some bags of homemade toffee made by a patient.

Please rsvp to the Chamber - this is included in your membership dues!
Women in Business
April 24
Park Ridge Historical Society
The Women in Business meeting this month is a luncheon this Friday, April 24th, from 11:45 to 1:15 p.m. It will be the annual book review and is at the Park Ridge Historical Society, 41 S. Prairie. Cost is $15 for Members and $20 for Prospective Members and includes a box lunch from Jason’s Deli.

Bring a book to recommend that inspired you personally, motivated you professionally, or enlightened you intellectually. You will have time to share what the book meant to you, and receive recommendations from others on great reads. This is a favorite annual WIB event and space is limited, so sign up now!

Menu choices of Jason’s Deli Box Lunches:
1. Chicken Caesar Salad Box
2. Spinach Veggie Wrap Box
3. Ciabatta Club Box

When you rsvp, please select one of the choices.
Here is whom we know is coming so far:

Jo Ann Arnswald MB Financial Bank
Jenny Fitzgerald Sabella & Graham
Dara Gocheski Park Ridge Public Library
Gail Haller Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce
Marta Hoover Copy Set Center
Amber Kostelny-Cussen Amber's Organizing
Karen Larson Order My Gift
Kirsten Leys Prudential Insurance & Finance
Rhonda Parrow Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care
Gail Solotke Minuteman Press
Kim Uhlig City of Park Ridge
Deborah Oberschelp Affordable Designs

April 25 Electronics Recycling is Back! This Saturday, April 25 is the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce’s Earth Day Electronic Recycling event!

Drop off your old electronics between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 100 S. Western Ave. in front of the Senior Center in Park Ridge with a second drop off site at in the parking lot of Town Hall,
1700 Ballard Rd., Park Ridge. Collection at the second location is limited to 5 pallets of electronic items and will operate from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or until the limit is reached.

The major event sponsor is Liberty Bank for Savings in cooperation with the Park Ridge Chamber and the Park Ridge Park District.

A suggested donation of $5 per vehicle will be requested. A portion of the donation will be donated to the Park Ridge Community Fund in memory of Harry O’Brien who recently passed away and served almost 25 years as the Executive Director for the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce. The rest will offset the cost of hosting the event and hiring a certified recycling company.

In addition to major sponsor, Liberty Bank for Savings, other sponsors include:
Thomas Dombro, ChFC, - ING Advisors
Boy Scouts Troop 1 & 50
MB Financial Bank
Park Ridge Garden Club
Sebastian Co. Real Estate
State Farm - Ann Witek Agency
Teens Organized For Youth Service (TOFYS)
Park Ridge Park & Recreation District
Maine Township
Thank you to all our sponsors!
Create a Powerful Presence!
Catherine Johns Workshop
April 29 Create a Powerful Presence! Chamber Workshop
Wednesday, April 29, 2009, Comfort Inn O’Hare
8 a.m. to 12 noon
How do you come across in business … or in life? Do people take you as seriously as you’d like them to? Do you get the respect you want from colleagues, clients, and competitors? Many small business owners find that they’re not making the kind of strong, polished, professional impression they’d like to make.
We all send subtle signals that let people know how to respond to us; the trick is to manage those signals. In this interactive and engaging program, you’ll discover the Seven Dimensions of Presence and learn how you can use them to shape the way you show up in the world.

Catherine Johns is a catalyst, coach, and entrepreneur who helps professionals reach their full potential by communicating more effectively and persuasively. In her one-on-one work with clients, she zeroes in on the specific things that will transform an individual into a better, stronger communicator … and helps them get there.

Sponsored by the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce. Held at Comfort Inn O'Hare, 2175 East Touhy, Des Plaines. $40 Members/$50 Prospective Members. RSVP to the Chamber by Friday April 24 at 847-825-3121; info@parkridgechamber.org or fax form to 847-825-3122.

Here’s who has responded:
Gina Baxter Brookdale Senior Living
Angela Berger Park Ridge Public Library
Jean Goodwin-Rausch Intnermail Complete
Gail Haller Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce
Margaret Polovchak MCYAF
Crystal Ramirez Comfort Inn O'Hare/Des Plaines
Kim Schaefer Central Baptist Village
Nichole Squires Comfort Inn O'Hare/Des Plaines
Karen Larsen Order My Gift


FREE BEER!
FREE BEER: Ok, now that I have your attention…
Come as you are and discover your talents with the Communications Committee! We are a small but diverse group that put out the newsletter communications each month. Currently we are seeking those interested in contributing their time and talent to our committee.
If you can:
• Write a brief article 200 words or less - most are 100 words
• Attend Chamber functions and recap the event
• Secure data and revise it to a simple format
• Coordinate, email and converse with members
...you would be a good fit and a wonderful contribution to our team. Your contribution is your gain as it is a wonderful way to network, get to know and develop a better relationship with Chamber members. AND you will also be first to know what is happening within the Chamber. Everyone has a talent and everyone is welcome!
Questions?
Lynda Tourloukis, Communications Co Chair (847) 401-5787
Dave Donovan, , Communications Co Chair (847) 962-8236

Kalo Foundation Chamber member, KALO FOUNDATION of Park Ridge, invites the entire community to their program featuring SAM GUARD who will be presenting part of his private slide collection about the PARK RIDGE ARTISTS COLONY
Sunday - APRIL 26, 2009 - 1 to 3 PM
Jorgeson Hall - First United Methodist Church
418 W. Touhy Avenue, Park Ridge, Illinois
Jorgeson Hall is easily accessible via the North entrance
to the church using one-way eastbound Grant Place
Parking is across the street...just west of the Kalo House
Suggested Donation at the Door: $5.00 but free to KALO Members. Recently Mr. Guard spoke about famed Park Ridge sculptor, Alphonso Iannelli, at the Chicago Cultural Center. He has prepared a custom program! The Guard Family home 1915-1931, 720 Garden Street, first site of WLS AM radio & earlier the Walter Marshall Clute house. Later it was the Pantry Restaurant, Wohlers Insurance & is now threatened with demolition. For more information please visit: www.kalofoundation.org
PREN
Park Ridge Executive Network (PREN) is a leads and referral group that meets at the Chamber on the 2nd and 4th Friday’s of the month.

Due to the demand, we’re starting two more Park Ridge Executive Network groups and are looking for additional members to commit. I will continue to PREN 2 will meet on the 4th Tuesday of each month.
PREN 3 will meet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.
Do you Twitter, Facebook or Linked In? Now that I’ve written about PREN, I also wanted to mention that we’re having a guest speaker at the next PREN 1 meeting this Friday but I’m opening it up to anyone who wants to come – all PREN groups, EKG, any chamber member:

Friday, April 24th: Glenn Raines, Social Media Moves, will talk about branding your business in social networking sites such as Twitter, Linked In, Facebook, etc. -How to develop an “online personal brand” that effectively formats content, imagery. What are the unspoken “nuances and etiquette” in building loyalty through social media networking. His approach is non-technical, presented in simple, easy-to-understand language.
You don’t have to be a member of any of the PREN groups to attend – all Chamber members are invited but I need to know if you’re coming because I might have to get a bigger room so let me know asap if you’re interested, otherwise I’ll cut it off at 15.

Retail Committee Retail Committee is looking for all the retail areas to be represented!

Mayor Frimark will proclaim May to be 'Shop Park Ridge' month. The Chamber will also offer another Chamber Economic Stimulus Program for the month of May: anyone bringing in receipts totaling $100 will be entered into a drawing to win Chamber gift certificates and other prizes. Many other activities are planned for May such as a 'Retail Crawl' similar to a Pub Crawl.’


Connect
Multi Chamber Networking
May 20 Multi-Chamber Networking Breakfast on Wednesday, May 20•7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Doubletree Hotel & Conference Center, 9599 Skokie Blvd., Skokie (near Old Orchard at Golf Road & Skokie Boulevard)
$20 for members paid in advance
$30 for members paying at the door and all non-members
Walk-ins strongly discouraged and may not be accommodated!
Multiply your networking potential! Chamber members will have the chance to promote their businesses to an expanded audience at the Connect Multi-Chamber Networking Breakfast on Wednesday, May 20 at 7:30 a.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel & Conference Center in Skokie. The event will begin with informal networking over hot buffet breakfast. After that, the group will be divided into small groups at assigned tables where each will give a 2 minute presentation; then switch and another presentation to another table. Attendees will receive a contact list of pre-registered participants.
Please note that table assignments will begin promptly at 7:45 a.m. If you are not there by 7:45 a.m., your space will be given away to another participant regardless of pre-payment. Please arrive on time to get the most out of your networking experience!
Memorial Day Parade in
Park Ridge! We’re going to march in the Memorial Day Parade! Please join the Chamber!!!! We have 6 company members so far and we’re #36 in the Parade:
Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce
Park Ridge Garden Club
Lynette’s School of Dance
Bath Fitter
Tasty Pup
WineStyles Park Ridge

Golf Outing is June 24 – Save the Date! The price to golf this year is just $150 per golfer, down from $165 last year. Please see insert in the newsletter for other sponsorships. We decided to change the sponsorship for the Beverage Cart and lowered the price to $250 with 4 sponsors requested. This allows all the golfers to have 2 beverages.
Hyatt Regency O’Hare sent in the names of the first registered foursome (and check) – and a silent auction donation!!! Thank you!
Here is what we’ve received for the raffle/silent auction:
Savvy Salon & Spa One, 1-hour massage ($60 value), expires 4/4/2010
Savvy Salon & Spa One spa package #3 includes manicure, pedicure and choice of facial or massage ($114 value), expires 4/4/2010
Hyatt Regency O'Hare Complimentary One Night Stay including dinner for two at O'H American Grill Hyatt Regency O'Hare, expires 6/24/2010
Hyatt Regency O'Hare Complimentary Dinner for two at O'H American Grill The Hyatt Regency O'Hare, 6/24/2010
WineStyles Park Ridge Wine Basket

Taste of Park Ridge – Canopies on Courtland The Chamber purchased 30 booths from the Taste of Park Ridge for Saturday, July 11, business expo entitled “Canopies on Courtland”.

The booths are on sale now for $325 each for members and $600 for Prospective Members. The layout will be different this year – our booths will face both sides of the street and will be 15 on each side – then a 10 foot aisle before the 30 Taste sponsor booths. The four end cap booths will be $425 each and members only.
SAVE THE DATE! May 13 – Save the date for the monthly networking luncheon at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare with John McDonough, president of the Chicago Blackhawks, will be the keynote speaker! We’ve invited other chambers and expect to get 100 guests! 11:30 to 1:30
Member News Last week I visited:

Pickwick Restaurant for lunch with the Ambassadors – I had a fresh BLT club sandwich with delicious and hot home made split pea soup! It was wonderful!

I stopped in Academic Tutoring to visit with Albert Galus – not only did we talk about Taste of Park Ridge business (because he’s the president), but he also gave me a tour. Most impressive!

Visited ‘2 Sisters’ in their new store. They have such pretty things and so reasonably priced!

Also stopped in to say hi to Donna at Summit Specialtees.
Barrett-TECH Effective May 1, Applications Network’s technology consulting practice will proudly be wearing a new name, barrett-TECH and tagline, navigating technology. The new name better communicates the firm’s core business of serving as the Technology Department to Private Businesses and Not-for-Profits. Additionally, it reflects the hands on role that owner John Barrett takes in servicing his firm’s clients. John would like to thank the many Chamber members who have entrusted their technology needs to his firm. Congratulate John at 847.226.5822
Lisa’s Homemade Italian Ice to Open this Thursday! Lisa's Homemade Italian Ice, 10 S. Northwest Hwy, reopens for their 3rd season this Thursday, April 23th. Introducing new Homemade Ice Cream, Smoothies and Nostalgic candy made with only the finest ingredients! They make everything on site. Stop in and try a FREE sample of Italian Ice or Ice Cream. Once you try it you'll be hooked.

Sring hours are:
Thur. 3pm - 8pm
Fri. 3pm - 9pm
Sat. 12pm - 9pm
Sun. 12pm - 7pm
After Memorial day, open regular schedule.
LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE!
Lisa's Homemade Italian Ice is offering a Family Day Fundraising event for schools. Schools can earn 25% of their total sales for the day. The school with the highest sales for the month of May will win Italian Ice for their whole school. Earn money for your kids’ school. Call 847-692-3737 to get more information or to schedule a date.
Gala this Saturday! Saint Matthew Center for Health celebrates 50 years with a gala this Saturday, April 25, at the Park Ridge Country Club. Dinner & Dancing and Silent Auction. Call 847-825-5531 for more information and tickets.
TriPilates http://www.tripilates.com/images/tripilatesspringschedule.pdf
The Spring Schedule at TriPilates is in full swing! We are open 7 days a week and have many new class times and appointment availabilities. Highlights include:
NEW! FREE Class for PreNatal Pilates Saturday, May 9, 2009 at noon. GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR MOTHER'S DAY at the studio or http://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ws.asp?studioid=2720&stype=42
Pilates for Teens and Tweens, Saturdays 1:30 or come to any mat class. Special package for kids!
Come *try* Pilates to motivate you: to keep you doing the things you love, and help you feel great! Everything in Pilates can be brought into your life: so get outside this Spring, get running, walking, biking; go to work and sit comfortably at your desk for long hours without pain; feel energized and calm by learning Pilates breathing in all you do. Most of all, enjoy life! Pilates believed his exercise regime could help everyone!TriPilates thanks you for a fantastic start to the New Year and hopes you checkout our discounted package rates. Please visit our website for further information: http://www.tripilates.com/prices.html

George S. May Announcing "Uniting the Community Through Music" Benefit Concert event at the DuSable Museum of African American History. The May 30 event will be held Saturday, May 30. Tickets are $25 in advance; $30 at the door. All proceeds will benefit the P.A.U.S.E. Initiative music education program. Call Donna Werner, Executive Administrator, George S. May Foundation for the Arts
at 847-993-5239 or via return email.
http://pause.gsmfoundation.org

A-Abiding Care A-Abiding CARE, Incl is sponsoring a presentation on elder abuse: "What You Need to Know about ELDER ABUSE". Thursday, April 30th at 5 pm at the Park Ridge Public Works, 400 Busse Highway, PR. Refreshments will be served following the presentation. Space is limited. Please call 847-698-1400 to reserve your seat.
Kiwanis Club Kiwanis Club's annual Pancake Breakfast is Saturday, May 9th at the PR Presbyterian Church ... 7AM to 11AM Call 847-825-4630 for more info. Bill Scharringhausen, Secretary, Kiwanis Club of Park Ridge-Morning.
Spring Pub Crawl Networking on April 30 Spring Pub Crawl Networking Event on Thursday, April 30, 5:00 p.m.
Join the Edison Park Chamber of Commerce for appetizers and cash bar at the fine establishments listed below.
Don Juan's 6730 N. Northwest Hwy.
Nonno Pino's, 6718 N. Northwest Hwy.
Elliotts's, 6690 N. Northwest Hwy.
Emerald Isle, 6686 N. Northwest Hwy.
All local Chambers of Commerce are welcome to participate.
For more information call 773-631-0063
Oakton With the signing of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in February 2009, the Workforce Board of Northern Cook County was given substantial funds to stimulate local industries and assist the unemployed.
Together with Oakton Community College, the Workforce Board is using that money to develop programs that will create job growth in our community. A roundtable discussion, hosted by the Workforce Board and Oakton, will explore how your business can benefit from the stimulus money. The Stimulus Summit will be held 8 – 10 a.m., Wednesday, May 27, at Oakton’s Des Plaines campus, 1600 E. Golf Road. Breakfast will be served. Call 847-635-1808 to reserve your seat.
North Shore Women’s Conference May 15 2nd Annual Women’s Conference – A Great Opportunity for Your Business!
Please go to our website for more information on this exciting event!

TribLocal Park Ridge’s TribLocal will be partnered with neighboring suburbs Des Plaines, Morton Grove and Niles. The estimated distribution is 17,000, and each TribLocal will be delivered WITH the Chicago Tribune as a topper on home delivery, and inserted into our single copies on newsstands. This hyper-local weekly newspaper is distributed every Thursday. Articles WITHIN Triblocal are produced through the joint cooperation and participation of Triblocal reporters and local residents in each particular community (i.e. “citizen journalists” who share information online and post articles they have written that they deem important to their community). It’s a great way to get your voice, and news!, out there. This product can be viewed both online, similarly to ChicagoTribune.com, at Triblocal.com, and in print. Content that is aggregated online is then printed into a full-color tabloid newspaper. There are hundreds of advertising opportunities within this new product for businesses, both big and smaller, looking for that “localized” feel they might think is missing from the Chicago Tribune. Eleanor Burke, Retail Advertising Sales for Chicago Tribune eburke@tribune.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:
1. Applications Network - John Barrett 847.823.1830
2. Cardinal Fitness of Park Ridge - 847.318.7550
3. Home Comfort Heating & Cooling - 847.824.4336
4. Leys, Kirsten - Prudential Financial Services 847.627.3950
5. PC Medic Computer Repair - Jerry Flanagan 847.299.5556
6. Resurrection Health Care - Theresa Olson 847.813.3210
7. Ross E. Rubino, D.D.S.P.C. & Associates 847.825.1002
8. Sebastian Co. Real Estate - Don Sebastian, Jr. 847.823.3117
9. Select Redesign - Deborah Oberschelp 312.909.1255
10. State Farm Insurance & Financial Services - Ann Witek 847.692.3260
11. The Exercise Coach - Chad Finney 847.823.0035
12. The McTigue Financial Group - Tom Canale 773.380.4025
13. You Can Say…Yes! - Lynda Tourloukis 847.401.5787
14. Y-Tech Heating & Air Conditioning - 847-696-0477
15. Your name could be here!

Monday, April 6, 2009

Gail's Weekly Chamber UPDATE

Monday, April 6, 2009 Chamber Update

Can you believe the snow on the ground?! This weekend is Easter! My husband is on his spring break – he’s a teacher at Evanston HS - and we’re going to the Cadillac Theater to see Mary Poppins! Our daughter is very excited!

Do you have a job available that you’d like me to post?

Also, don’t forget to vote tomorrow between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Marci Derrick and I gave blood at St Paul’s yesterday on behalf of Matt Perrille, a Maine South graduate, who was recently diagnosed with leukemia. More info about Matt: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mattyp123/mystory


April 8 at Rosewood: Chamber
Networking
Luncheon with Memory Specialist On Wednesday, April 8, is the Chamber’s monthly networking luncheon at the Rosewood restaurant in Rosemont, 9421 West Higgins, Rosemont. The menu is
• Mesclun Mix Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette
• Chicken Francaise with Lemon Basil Sauce
• Chef Seasonal Presentation of Potatoes & Vegetables
• Dessert: Apple Cinnamon Ice Cream with Caramel Sauce
Speaker: Tom Weber is a trainer with Freedom Personal Development. He has helped train thousands of business professionals, from all walks of life, develop an instant recall memory for names, presentations and information. In today's program, titled "Discovering Your Memory Power," Tom will show us how having a trained memory can make you more money, reduce stress and save you time.
$25 Member/ $30 Prospective Member
11:30 to 1:30
Mini-Expos at Monthly Luncheons: The April 8 luncheon at Rosewood has just one Mini Expo available for $25 for this Wednesday’s lunch – here’s who has signed up so far:
1. Bath Fitters – Vickie Wells
2. Chamber’s Entrepreneurial Knowledge Group (EKG)
3. Mark Voris, Intelimind
4. You could be here! First come, first serve!
Are you interested in taking a Mini Expo? Here’s the specifics:
Showcase your business with a mini-expo at the monthly networking luncheon! You can set up a display about your business and provide samples, brochures and coupons for your products and services. During the scheduled networking time before and after the meeting, you will have the opportunity to discuss your business with Chamber members. You will also have 1 minute to introduce yourself at the podium during the meeting.
And here is who has rsvp’d to date for the luncheon so email us if you don’t see your name!
Karen Anderson Dental Auxiliary Placement Services, Inc.
John Barrett Applications Network
Angela Berger Park Ridge Public Library
Diddy Blyth A Sterling Design
Dorothy Brownstein Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce
Cindy Clark Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce
Connie Clibourn Prospective Member
James Cone WSI - We Simplify The Internet
Sharon Curcio Baird & Warner
Thom De Vries Loyola Center for Heart & Vascular Medicine
Dave Donovan E.J. Coyne & Company, Inc.
Curtis Edlund Larsen and Edlund Attorneys at Law
Kevin Faley Prospective Member
Perry Fisher Christian Science Reading Room
Jenny Fitzgerald Sabella & Graham
Susan Frangos Higher Level Wellness
Kathleen Frey Pioneer Press
Gail Haller Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce
Steven Jesser Steven H. Jesser, Attorney at Law,
Arhtur Jones Bath Fitter
Lisa Kon Baird & Warner
Jill Koss Prospective Member
Dick Larsen Larsen and Edlund Attorneys at Law
Jean Lemke Kidwinks.com
Kirsten Leys Prudential
Kristy Lockhart Resurrection Ambulatory Care Services
Joshua Nichols Unbound Technology
Theresa Olson Resurrection Ambulatory Care Services
Terry Parke NW Suburban Boy Scouts
Rick Pucci Park Ridge Financial Advisors
Crystal Ramirez Comfort Inn O'Hare
Doug Root Home Comfort Heating & Cooling
Belinda Rosenberger Merrill Lynch
Kelly Royer The McTigue Financial Group
Ross Rubino Ross E. Rubino, D.D.S.P.C. & Associates
Pat Rubino Ross E. Rubino, D.D.S.P.C. & Associates
Norm Schaetzlein Norman Printing Service
Don Sebastian, Jr. Sebastian Co. Real Estate
Lisa Shewfelt Coldwell Banker
Nichole Squires Comfort Inn O'Hare
Nina Taluc Kidwinks.com
tbd tbd Comfort Inn O'Hare
Lynda Tourloukis You Can Say Yes
Kim Uhlig City of Park Ridge
Janet Van De Carr Park Ridge Public Library
Mark Voris Intelimind
Anna Wasyliw Harris Park Ridge
Tom Weber speaker
Vickie Wells Bath Fitter
Suzann Wilson No "e" Disigns

Last week we had committee meetings for:
Golf Outing Committee meeting: Tom Dombro, ING and Kane Connell, Liberty Bank, co-chairs. Other members: Cathy Janus, Marc Printing; Jim Cone, WSI; Kris Hansen, Bethany Terrace; Doug Root, Home Comfort HVAC.
The golf outing will be at Chevy Chase on June 24 – Tracy Bell from WineStyles has already committed to donating a wine basket for the silent auction and we received gift certificates from Savvy Salon & Spa for a 1 hour massage for the raffle and a spa package for the silent auction! Thank you to both members for your donations!
The price to golf this year is just $150 per golfer, down from $165 last year. Please see insert in the newsletter for other sponsorships. We decided to change the sponsorship for the Beverage Cart and lowered the price to $250 with 4 sponsors requested. This allows all the golfers to have 2 beverages.
***************
Linda Hills, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, chaired the first Retail Committee meeting last week.. Other volunteers to date are Tracy Bell, WineStyles; Curt Case, Coupon Saver; Mary McNulty, All on the Road Catering; Lisa Ross and Luann McNaughten, Lisa’s Homemade Italian Ice; Kim Uhlig, City of Park Ridge. We’re looking for all the retail areas to be represented!

This is the press release I sent out:

‘The Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce announces a new Retail Committee and held its first meeting in the Chamber offices on April 2. Brainstorming issues on the minds of retailers were signage, parking, City flower planters, bike racks, street and sidewalk cleanliness. Mayor Frimark will proclaim May to be 'Shop Park Ridge' month. A contest for new signs for the campaign is in the works. The Chamber will also offer another Chamber Economic Stimulus Program for the month of May: anyone bringing in receipts totaling $100 will be entered into a drawing to win Chamber gift certificates and other prizes. Many other activities are planned for May such as a 'Retail Crawl' similar to a Pub Crawl.’

*****************
The Entrepreneurial Knowledge Group (EKG) met at Regus Business Center, 350 S. Northwest Hwy Park Ridge Suite 300, last week. Thank you to Regus for allowing us to meet there! If you are an entrepreneur, please join us!
*****************
If you can dedicate any time to these committees, please let me know! We’re also putting together a Membership Committee chaired by board member, Theresa Olson from Resurrection Health Care; and a Program Committee chaired by board member Rick Pucci, Park Ridge Financial Advisors.
Thank you to the many wonderful volunteers who decided to get involved and make a difference in the Chamber!

New Member Orientation The Ambassadors of the Chamber will host a new member orientation tomorrow morning at Regus Office Suites, 350 S. Northwest Highway, Suite 300 at 8 a.m.

Sponsored by the Park Ridge Chamber Ambassadors. If you joined the Chamber in the first quarter this year, you're invited to attend this informational event to learn about the benefits of Chamber membership. No fee - contact the Chamber at 847-825-3121 to reserve your space. Space is limited!

Business After Hours April 23 Thursday, April 23, from 5 to 7 p.m. is the Chamber’s monthly Business After Hours at Platinum Member, Dr Ross Rubino’s dental offices located 126 S. Prospect Avenue.

Please rsvp to the Chamber so they know how much to order for you! This is included in your membership dues!
Women in Business
WIB
April 24
At
Park Ridge Historical Society
The Women in Business meeting this month is April 24th, from 11:45 to 1:15 and will be our annual book review. It will be held at the Park Ridge Historical Society at 41 S. Prairie. Cost is $15 for Members and $20 for Prospective Members.

Bring a book to recommend that inspired you personally, motivated you professionally, or enlightened you on something you never knew. You will have time to share what the book means to you, and receive recommendations from others on new great reads. This is a favorite annual WIB event and space is limited, so sign up early!

Menu choices of Jason’s Box Lunches:

Chicken Caesar Salad Box

Spinach Veggie Wrap Box

Ciabatta Club Box

When you make your reservation, select one of the above choices.
April 25 Electronics Recycling is Back! Recycling event returns!
Saturday, April 25 marks the return of the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce’s Earth Day Electronic Recycling event. Recyclable electronics will be collected from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 100 S. Western Ave. in front of the Senior Center in Park Ridge. The major event sponsor is Liberty Bank for Savings in cooperation with the Park Ridge Chamber and the Park Ridge Park District. A suggested donation of $5 per vehicle will be requested. A portion of the donation goes to the Park Ridge Community Fund and the rest will offset the cost of hosting the event and hiring a certified recycling company.

In addition to Liberty Bank for Savings, other sponsors include Tom Dombro, ING Advisors and MB Financial Bank. Thank you to our sponsors!
403 Cell Phones Shipped I heard on CNN this morning that today starts the kickoff for ‘cell phone recycling week’! Only 10 percent of unwanted cell phones are recycled each year. Recycling cell phones leads to significant environmental savings and can benefit communities.

Recycling cell phones helps the environment by saving energy and keeping useable and valuable materials out of landfills and incinerators. Cell phones are made from precious metals, copper, and plastics—all of which require energy to mine and manufacture. Recycling these materials not only conserves resources, but prevents air and water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, if all of the 100 million cell phones ready for replacement in the U.S. are recycled, we could save enough energy to power more than 18,500 U.S. households with electricity for one year.

We’ve shipped out 403 cell phones for the www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com program! That’s 24,180 minutes of talk time for our overseas military personnel.

Thank you to all who have donated! Please drop your used cell phones off at the Chamber, Sebastian Co. Real Estate, State Farm Financial Services/Ann Witek, or MB Financial Bank.
Parade! Memorial Day is just around the corner! Here’s who wants to march in the Parade together as a Chamber so far:
Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce
Park Ridge Garden Club
Lynette’s School of Dance
Bath Fitter
Tasty Pup
WineStyles Park Ridge

Do you want to march, drive convertibles, get a trolley…

All kids invited to participate and throw candy – or even pass out coupons to your business! My 9 year old daughter loves being in the parade each year!
Member News I continue to visit Chamber members, as well as Prospective Members.

Some members I’ve visited recently:
Ps accessories – Shelley is closing her store so everything is deeply discounted!
WineStyles – I love Tracy’s table of 6 wines for $60!
Regus – thank you to Pam Sullivan for hosting the EKG group in her beautiful boardroom!
Summit Specialtees – Donna does beautiful embroidery on jackets and everything else – stop by and see her!
Morningfields – Did you know they cater too?
Jewel Foods
Dominic’s Kitchen Store – he’s moving to 116 Main Street!
2 Sisters – they’re moving to where ps: accessories is!
Liberty Bank for Savings – Lian opened a kid’s savings account and when she got an A on her report card, they put $5 into her account!
Potbelly’s Sandwich – we ordered sandwiches for Washington School’s Playmakers and everyone loved them!
Panera Bread – they catered our Women in Business breakfast!
Park Ridge Historical Society – took a tour – its beautiful!
Rainbow Hospice – they hosted our WIB meeting!
Noodles & Co. – my daughter loves them!
Citywide Printing – Jim Hess prints our newsletters
Quinn Print, Inc – Mike Quinn prints the ad sheet
Minuteman Press of Des Plaines – Jim Solotke prints our coupon page
Maine East High School – the students stuff and mail our newsletters and Greeter Boxes
Pickwick Theater – Lian and I saw Race to Witch Mountain
LePeep Restaurant – for lunch
Tasty Pup – Lian and I love their hot dogs!
Camp Willow – lovely clothes!
Hay Caramba! – I love their food, their ambiance, and their prices are so reasonable!

I’m happy to announce that I have new member applications from:
The Kalo Foundation
Vital Rehabilitation
10 til 2 Chicago – North Shore (Tammy Cook)
Cardinal Fitness of Park Ridge, LLC – Platinum
Frost, Ruttenberg & Rothblatt PC – accounting
Unbound Technology, LLC – Joshua Nichols

Businesses I’d love to join the Chamber so please help me win them over if you know them:
Sushi Express on Prospect
Pines Men Store
Chase Bank
American Eagle
Trader Joe’s
Chico’s
Starbuck’s Coffee
Tealula
Raffia – just spent time with Debbie and am hopeful!
New Prospects
Uncle Dan’s Pizza & Pub
Affresco’s
Shell Auto at Touhy & Greenwood Did you know that there is only one gas station that is a Chamber member: Yes, Park Ridge Shell Auto Maintenance & Repair at 1200 W. Touhy at Greenwood. They’ve been a member since 1992 – the owner is Joe Paglini, 847-692-3103. Please buy your gas from this great Chamber Member and thank him for being a member please!


Rosewood Restaurant Easter is Sunday, April 12th! Join Rosewood for Easter this year, and enjoy a family tradition of home-cooked goodness. Chef Tino is roasting a Leg of Lamb, baking Glazed Ham & seasoning his Oven Roasted Turkey to perfection. Call now for reservations. Serving from noon until 8:00 p.m. Private dining rooms available. 847-696-9494 Please visit our website for additional info and directions www.rosewoodrestaurant.com

Complimentary Valet Parking 847-696-9494


Noodles News!
Noodles & Company was voted #4 for the healthiest Quick Serve Restaurant by Health Magazine. Also they will be doing an offsite cooking event for Anelese’s Run.
parkridge@noodles.com

Better Business Bureau Buy an Ad in the 5/26 Chicago Tribune Insert at Special BBB Rates!
This opportunity is available only to BBB Accredited Businesses and at very low rates.

This spring the Consumer Resource Guide will be printed as a 40-page special supplement in the Tuesday, May 26, 2009 Chicago Tribune. This advertising opportunity not only provides your business with the exposure to almost 387,000 readers but also helps your BBB continue to be a primary resource for consumers regarding responsible companies in Northern Illinois.

Your message will be seen by more than 1 million total readers and as an additional benefit; the Consumer Resource Guide has a long shelf life and is used as a reference guide for people looking to do business with quality companies. We also distribute thousands of these Guides annually at the many senior fairs, consumer educational exhibits, home shows, and trade fairs where we have an exhibit table.

Please review the information and contact us early to be included as advertising space is limited. For inquiries or reservations contact Tom Joyce on 312-245-2643 or tjoyce@chicago.bbb.org or Steve Bernas at 312-245-2514 or sbernas@chicago.bbb.org.

BBB Calendar
Upcoming Events

• 04/13 Deadline for Space Reservation
• 04/17 Deadline for Ad Copy Submission
• 04/24 Deadline for Final Art
• 5/26 Fall Consumer Resource Guide in the Chicago Tribune

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory This week, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is offering to Chamber members a FREE $5 gift certificate on purchases over $15 and a $15 gift certificate on purchases over $60. Plus, you still get your 10% chamber member discount - what a deal! Traditional chocolate bunnies, eggs, and lots of unique and fun treats to make your Easter special.

There is a coloring contest at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Kids in 3 age groups have the chance to win chocolate! Get your picture to color at the store, to be returned by April 15.

Phone: 847-318-6801
31 S. Northwest Highway


Sun and Moon Yoga Sun and Moon Spring Special
Is it a TAX BREAK?...................... not really....
Is it a BAIL OUT?............................ dream on!
Sun and Moon Yoga presents our very own STIMULUS PACKAGE!
Regardless of the economy, or perhaps because of it, your physical and mental health are still the most important and valuable things you own & have control over.
~ A consistent yoga practice will keep your body healthy and your mind centered ~
Until April 15th, we are offering the unbeatable value of 20 classes for $200 !!

Be sure to take advantage of this limited time special offer
Sun and Moon Yoga, Phone: 224-305-9642
2026 Oakton St.
www.sunandmoonpr.com

Easter Egg Hunt this Saturday! Sweet Treats of Easter at the South Park Merchants Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 11th. Thousands of candy filled eggs (Free Goldfish to all participants). Registration begins at 9AM, Egg hunts for: 3 and under 9:15 in the tennis courts, 4-5 yrs. 9:45 in the tennis courts, 6-8 yrs. at 9:30 in the baseball field (subject to weather), 9-12 yrs. 10:00 in the South Park field (subject to weather). Come to South Park Outdoor Recreation Area at Cumberland & Devon next to the Tennis Courts. Sponsored by the SOUTH PARK MERCHANTS. Bring your camera and take pictures with the Easter Bunny!


Kidwinks.com on ABC!
Check out this link for the interviews with Chamber members Jean Lemke and Nina Taluc from Kidwinks.com

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=resources&id=6723570

kidwinks.com The site to know with kids in tow

Catherine Johns
Workshop
April 29
Catherine Johns comes back April 29 for the complete presentation of what we got just half hour of in the Women in Business – “Creating a Powerful Presence”. She was such a hit that I booked her for the 3 hour workshop. $40 for members; $50 for non members. Full hot deluxe breakfast included. More Details to follow.
Chamber Newsletter Coupons Did you see the coupon page in the newsletter? For only $10, you can have your coupon go to almost 600 member contacts! 20 coupons (10 front and back). Here’s all we need (no logos):
Business Name
Contact email & phone
Your Product or Service that you are using coupon for
Your Coupon/Discount offer...% off or buy one get one ....etc
Expiration Date
Thank you to Minuteman Press of Des Plaines, Jim Solotke, for offering to print up the coupon page for us! You can email me your coupon info!
Leads Group #2 There are three members who would like to start a 2nd leads and referral group within the Chamber since their industry spots are already taken in the Park Ridge Executive Network. Financial advisor, CPA, and AFLAC insurance spots are taken – all others are open and available. They’ll meet on the 4th Tuesdays each month here at the Chamber from 8:30 to 9:30. Call or email me to sign up with the group.

2nd Annual North Shore Women’s Conference on Friday,
May 15 2nd Annual Women’s Conference – A Great Opportunity for Your Business!
If you have a woman-owned company, or a company that caters to women, you’ll want to jump on this opportunity for high visibility at the 2nd Annual North Shore Women’s Conference on Friday, May 15. Presenting Sponsors will receive the following: Listing as Presenting Sponsor with logo on ads, websites, invitations, programs, posters and banner, Expo booth in prime location and four luncheon tickets.
The event will be widely promoted to professional women throughout the North Shore via advertising in the Pioneer Press papers and the Chicago Sun Times, plus media releases, posters, and the publications and websites of the 20 sponsoring chambers of commerce. Don’t miss your opportunity to promote your company to your target market.
The fee to be a Presenting Sponsor is $500. There are only two sponsorships left, so don’t delay!
If sponsorship is not in your budget, you will definitely want to consider participating as an Exhibitor. Women’s networking groups have increased in numbers and popularity in every chamber on the North Shore. Because of this, we know this event is going to be a huge success, and you’ll want to be a part of it. Over 400 women business owners participated in last year’s event!
Our Keynote Speaker, Beverly Chana, is sure to draw many participants, as will the “North Shore’s Largest Networking Luncheon.” Bev is a renowned writer, coach, and employment placement guru. She will present: “Body Language, your body language speaks volumes without ever having to say a word.” The networking portion of the luncheon will feature small-group table networking with in-depth opportunities to promote your business to an eager audience.


Check your listing on the Chamber website One of the many benefits included in your Chamber membership is a listing on the Chamber of Commerce website. Your business name, address, phone, fax contact information, email address and a 100-word description of what your business is all about will be all listed. Individuals who want to find out more of what you offer or perhaps your monthly specials can simply click on your business or contact name and become a potential customer just by reading your custom message...act today! The Chamber website, www.parkridgechamber.org, gets more than 10,000 hits each month.
Please email your 100-word description and any additional information that you would like included on the website. Please email the information to info@parkridgechamber.org.
You’d be amazed at how many members don’t take advantage of this when its included in your membership dues!
Park National Bank Sabina Stevenson, Relationship Manager, 773-687-0920 came to the Women in Business meeting and told everyone about their 12 month CD paying 2.75 APY with a $1,000 minimum. Call her for more details.

Customer Service 10 Seconds Longer
The concept comes from Walt Disney World’s Guest Relations. Take a few extra seconds to find another way to help the guest, then you improve their experience and level of satisfaction.
We can do the same with calls. Before hanging up... practice taking just 10 seconds longer to ask them a satisfaction question.
• "Is there anything else I can help you with today?"
• "Did you receive the most recent newsletter?"
• "Are you planning to attend the upcoming conference?"
• "Can I help you with any other questions?"
• "Would you like to speak with anyone else in the office?"
• "Would you like me to confirm your address, telephone, fax and e-mail address while you are on the phone?"
• "Do you need any other materials?"
• "If you do need anything else, please call me back (my name is _______)."
Remember -- We are all Service Representatives in customer relations!

Save the Date for Fun:
July 28 Schaumburg Flyers is hosting an event you don’t want to miss! Tuesday, July 28, is Chamber Night, an annual multi-Chamber of Commerce networking event at Alexian Field in Schaumburg. Picnic at 5:35: hot dogs, hamburgers, bbq baken beans, pasta salad, chips, cookies, water and soda.
Game at 7:05 p.m. Schaumburg Flyers vs Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks; Baseball Bingo presented by Amtrak; First 2,000 fans will receive a bingo card.
Join us for one of the most unique networking events ever! Don’t miss the chance to network in an informal atmosphere that only a baseball park can offer! No matter what line of business you are in, this is a chance for you to build relationships with business leaders in the Chicagoland area. All Family Members are Welcome! Cost: $8 (tickets only), $23.08 (Tickets & picnic)
Children 12 & Under Only $15.54 (tickets & picnic)
Sign up before July 13 for all chamber members and their families.

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:
1. Applications Network - John Barrett 847.823.1830
2. Cardinal Fitness of Park Ridge - 847.318.7550
3. Home Comfort Heating & Cooling - 847.824.4336
4. Leys, Kirsten - Prudential Financial Services 847.627.3950
5. PC Medic Computer Repair - Jerry Flanagan 847.299.5556
6. Resurrection Health Care - Theresa Olson 847.813.3210
7. Ross E. Rubino, D.D.S.P.C. & Associates 847.825.1002
8. Sebastian Co. Real Estate - Don Sebastian, Jr. 847.823.3117
9. Select Redesign - Deborah Oberschelp 312.909.1255
10. State Farm Insurance & Financial Services - Ann Witek 847.692.3260
11. The Exercise Coach - Chad Finney 847.823.0035
12. The McTigue Financial Group - Tom Canale 773.380.4025
13. You Can Say…Yes! - Lynda Tourloukis 847.401.5787
14. Y-Tech Heating & Air Conditioning - 847-696-0477