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
No comments:
Post a Comment