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!
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