Monday, July 27, 2009

Eblast- 7/27

Personally from Gail Cindy,
The Chamber will be moving into the Park Ridge NonProfit Center by September 1, 2009! We’re very excited! We’ll have room for events and meetings and you can have meetings there too!
The NonProfit Center is accepting donations of furniture and equipment. I’m specifically looking for a portable screen for the projector and conference room table and chairs. Bookcases and file cabinets will also be very welcomed! I’m sure I’ll have many more requests as we go along!

Park Ridge PR We put the PR back into Park Ridge!
(Thanks Lynda Tourloukis for that quote years ago!)
Have you seen the August "Chicago" magazine? The had an article on page 93 entitled “The Best of Park Ridge” and they named these Chamber members:
Best Place to Buy Furniture: Amphora
Best Takeout Lunch: All on the Road Catering
Best Nostalgia Trip: Pickwick Theatre
Best Bakery: Baked By Betsy
Congratulations! But, of course, it came as no surprise to any of us!
Here’s the link to the Chicago Tribune story about Park Ridge Traditions being alive and well in Park Ridge:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/realestate/communities/chi-park-ridge-profile_chomes_07jul17,0,5931589.story

Retail Committee The Chamber’s Retail Committee headed by Linda Hills, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, will meet here at the Chamber this Wed, July 29, from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. to discuss a fall event.
Some ideas being kicked around are:
Let me know if you’re coming so we can save you a chair! Bring your own eye-opening beverage!

Chamber Workshop Wed. July 29 Sadly, the educational workshop scheduled for this Wed at the Comfort Inn O’Hare has been cancelled. There were only 4 people signed up.

Give me your thoughts as to why the workshops aren’t working. Is it cost, timing, topic – what?

Business After Hours at TeaLula! This Thursday, July 30, the Chamber’s Business After Hours will be held at TeaLula, 11 S. Fairview Ave, from 5 to 7 p.m. Enjoy networking with other Chamber members as we check out the lovely tea shop! Sheila Duda will be serving other refreshments too! This is included in your membership at no additional charge!

If you haven’t yet been in TeaLula, you will be amazed at how lovely the shop is. It has a tea bar! Seating outside. And sells more than just tea so plan to attend!
Women in Business
Friday,
July 31 This Friday: Women in Business, July 31, at the new Park Ridge NonProfit Center. Limited seating so if you haven’t rsvp’d, call now or you may not be able to get in!

Our featured speaker is noted author Vivette Payne:

“Getting the Most Out of Networking”

Networking events are a forum for meeting potential clients, thought leaders, and others who can help you develop your business. Regardless of whether you are at a professional networking event or a friend's summer party, there are some things you can do to get the most out of any setting. We will discuss topics such as:

- how to choose the right group
- setting your networking goals
- refining your message
- social networking tips: online and in person
- using business cards effectively

Vivette Payne is President of the Avery Payne Group, which specializes in organization, team and leadership development. Her expertise includes leadership coaching, team building, the custom design and delivery of leadership and other skill development programs, and facilitating planning and strategy development. She partners with Sandler Sales Institute on a variety of projects.

Vivette is the author of First-Level Leadership: Supervising in the New Workplace which has become a top ten best seller in the self-study market. She is also the author of The Team Building Workbook, an AMACOM book, Planning and Managing Change, and Coaching for High Performance.

She has served as an advisory editor for the American Management Association and developed the AMA’s seminar, “Planning and Managing Organizational Change”.

Golf Outing on Sept 9 with Skokie Chamber! The Park Ridge Chamber Golf Outing will be held with the Skokie Chamber at Chevy Chase on September 9. Our new flyers will be in the August newsletter so please sign up for this fun event!

Both Chambers are selling raffle tickets for a big, flat screened tv and you can buy them now! $10 each or 6 for $50. We’ll pull the winner at the dinner.

Membership Committee! Brand New so Get Involved! The Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce is launching a new Membership Committee which is chaired by board member, Theresa Olson, with Resurrection Health Care! It will focus on developing strategies and tactics to recruit new members, retain our current members, and increase member satisfaction with the Chamber.
Be a part of this new and dynamic group. Use your time and talents to make your Chamber a valuable asset and resource to the business community.
Meetings will be held the first Friday of the month at 9 a.m. in the PRCC conference room. First meeting is scheduled for Friday, August 7. Call the PRCC office to reserve your spot at 847-847.825.3121.

In addition to Theresa, the following have volunteered so far so there’s still space for you!
Adam Sonenshein, parkridge@noodles.com, Noodles & Company
Erin Foley (efoley@tribune.com), Chicago Tribune
Karen Larsen (karenbethlarsen@comcast.net), Order My Gift
Mark Voris (mvoris@intelimind.com), Intelimind
Nichole Squires (nicole@thecomfortinn.com), The Comfort Inn O’Hare

August 12 Luncheon Best of Park Ridge, All on the Road Catering, will cater our August 12 luncheon which will be held at the Park Ridge Public Library 1st floor meeting room.

‘Growing Your Business Using Library Resources’: Send in your questions regarding what you’d like the research librarians to respond to in their presentation. Last summer, Lori Preston, did a great job explaining some of the business services and online research you can take advantage of through the library. This is not the same presentation although they’ll touch on it if we want them to. Do you have other questions? Email me in advance and I’ll send them over.

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. $20 Chamber members with rsvp; $25 at the door & Prospective Members


Welcome New Chamber Members! The Chamber Board of Directors met last week and approved the following new members:

Pennee Lampress, Civic Member Pennee Lampres 5430 W. Devon Chicago, IL 60646 773-775-1855 pennee.lampress@bairdwarner.com

Sudden Value of Park Ridge Perrie Hayes 21 N. Forrest Arlington Heights, IL 60004 847-338-7585 p.hayes@suddenvalues.com

Expansion Funding Partners Joseph Cecala Jr. 18 S. Northwest Hwy. Park Ridge, IL 60068 312-235-6752 jcecala@expansionfunding.com

Technology MD Carl Vachlin 350 S. Northwest Hwy. Park Ridge, IL 60068 847-720-7034 cvachlin@technologymd.net



Member News Tell me what’s going on in your business! Including your business news in these Monday eblasts is what makes them so successful!

Better Business Bureau BBB Business Solution Seminar Series: Thursday, July 30th

EMPLOYERS BEWARE! NEW EMPLOYEE BENEFIT REGULATIONS AND CHANGES TO UNION ORGANIZING RULES

As recently noted in attached article in Crain's, major changes in federal regulations governing employers are in the process of being enacted by the new Administration. Don't let yourself get caught off guard or left behind. Failing to understand these new regulations and proposals could have a costly impact on your business.

The Better Business Bureau is presenting a FREE seminar on Thursday, July 30, 2009 on important new laws being proposed by the Obama Administration. Assurance Agency and the law firm of Meckler Bulger Tilson Marick & Pearson LLP will address in detail important provisions taking effect from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which enacts complex changes to employers' notification and benefit obligations to discharged employees under COBRA. They will also discuss draft legislation being pushed by the Obama administration, called the Employee Free Choice Act, which is intended to simplify and streamline union organizing activities that will effect virtually all types of companies. Failing to be aware of these significant legal changes effecting all employers could be very costly for businesses.

This important program will take place on July 30, 2009 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at 123 North Wacker Drive - Suite 1300, Chicago, Illinois 60606. Space is limited so please make your reservations now.

To sign up for this important BBB event please contact Tom Joyce at (312) 245-2643 or tjoyce@chicago.bbb.org.

Higher Level Wellness Susan Frangos C.H.C. of Higher Level Wellness says:

As a health practitioner one of my goals is to educate, and introduce people to health promoting whole foods. I recently was introduced to Juice Plus+ and have incorporated it into my Health Counseling practice and would love this opportunity to share this with you. Join me today: Monday, July 27 @ 3:00 p.m. Or Tuesday, July 28 @ 7:00 p.m.! Get tips on…
 Reducing your risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, etc…
 Building your immune system
 How to slow down the aging process
Please RSVP @ 847-361-6185 to Susan and get directions to her home in Park Ridge.
http://www.sfrangossharesjuiceplus.com

Tasty Pup! Tasty Pup will be featured this Wed. on the Hungry Hound segment of the ABC Channel 7 News on July 29 at 11 a.m.


Kidwinks.com Kidwinks.com has enjoyed TREMENDOUS positive response from parents in the area who learned about us for the first time, and the traffic to our site is benefitting as a result.
REMINDER - This would be a great time for you to make sure your kidwinks listings are up to date! Enter your end-of-July, August, Halloween, and autumn events now, so our new visitors are sure to see them. Want to stand out? Upgrade to an Enhanced Listing for only $50 and you'll get up to 4 images with your listing, plus a thumbnail image and short summary description that displays next to your business name in search results.
DEAL - If you have more than 2 listings on kidwinks, the Enhanced Business Account is for you! You get 2-5 Enhanced Listings for a flat, annual fee of just $125 total and we'll throw in one free newsletter text ad. You pick the date for the newsletter ad to run.
INFO - If you would like more information about us click here to view a brief presentation and check out our web statistics. Everything you wanted to know and more Nina & Jean, Kidwinks.com, Inc

Concerts in the Park with TeaLula; All on the Road; Lisa’s Italian Ice; and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory! The Park Ridge Fine Arts Symphony presents the Summer Concerts every Friday at 8:00 pm through August 7th at Hodges Park.

Each week, TeaLula, All on the Road Catering, Lisa's Italian Ice and Rocky Mountain Chocolate, proud sponsors of the concerts, will offer for purchase the finest treats of Park Ridge. Pack your chairs, let them pack your food. They'll be there at 6 p.m.

Friday, July 31 - The Brian Patti Big Band
Now a Park Ridge tradition, the Brian Patti Band makes an appearance at Hodges Park for our 49th season. With an array of virtuoso singers and instrumentalists, Brian’s 2009 big band program will be a tribute to Benny Goodman, King of Swing, celebrating the 100th anniversary of his birth. The concert is sponsored by Liberty Bank.

Harry O’Brien Community Run/Walk!
August 29 1st Annual Harry O’Brien Community Run / Walk - The Park Ridge Community Fund and the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce are co-hosting this event on Saturday, August 29th for the entire community.

It continues the legacy of Harry O’Brien, one of our most beloved community members who was often called ‘Mr. Park Ridge”.

Proceeds will support the social service organizations funded by the Park Ridge Community Fund all of which provide vital programs and services to Park Ridge. Due to severe State funding cuts, Park Ridge is in serious jeopardy of losing many vital human services.

This fun event will help ensure the survival of our community’s emotional well-being. See flyer or call the Park Ridge Community Fund office at (847) 825-5311. Register online at: www.prcommunityfund.org

We also need sponsors!
SBA Small Businesses Can Apply for ARC Loans

The SBA has begun offering loans for a temporary new program called
America's Recovery Capital. "ARC" loans of up to $35,000 are designed to provide a "bridge" for viable small businesses with immediate financial hardship--to keep their doors open until they get back on track.

ARC loans are deferred-payment loans of up to $35,000, available to
established, viable, for-profit small businesses that need short-term
help to make their principal and interest payments on existing and
qualifying business debt. ARC loans are 100% guaranteed by the SBA and have no SBA fees associated with them.

ARC loans will be disbursed over a period of up to six months and will
provide funds to be used for payments of principal and interest for
existing, qualifying small business debt including mortgages, term and
revolving lines of credit, capital leases, credit card obligations and
notes payable to vendors, suppliers and utilities.

For more information on ARC loans, visit www.sba.gov or contact your
Illinois Small Business Development Center.

Also:

Changes to SBA 504 Loan Program Will Allow Businesses to Refinance
Existing Debt, Expand, Create New Jobs
Small Businesses seeking to expand will be able to refinance existing
loans used to purchase real estate and other fixed assets as a result of
permanent changes to the SBA's 504 Certified Development Company loan program. The changes were authorized in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

The permanent changes will allow small businesses to restructure
eligible debt to help improve their cash flow which, in turn, will
enhance their viability and support growth and job creation. The 504
loan program can be used to purchase business real estate or fixed
assets, such as heavy equipment or machinery, and expand current
development projects.

Debt Refinancing: Legislation allows 504 program projects to include a
limited amount of debt refinancing if there is a business expansion and
the debt refinanced does not exceed 50 percent of the projected cost of the expansion. "Expansion" includes any project that involves the
acquisition, construction or improvement of land, building or equipment
for use by the small business. The following are some of the conditions
under which borrowers will be eligible for refinancing:

* The debt being refinanced was incurred to acquire land, to construct a building or to purchase equipment. The assets acquired must be eligible for financing under the 504 program.
* The existing debt is collateralized by fixed assets.
* The existing debt was incurred for the benefit of the small business.
* The new financing provides a substantial benefit to the borrower when prepayment penalties, financing fees, and other financing costs are taken into account.
* The borrower has been current on all payments of existing debt for one year prior to the date of refinancing.

For more information on the 504 loan program and eligibility
requirements, go to www.recovery.gov or www.sba.gov/recovery or contact your Illinois Small Business Development Center.


Park Ridge Charity Classic 5K "Park Ridge Charity Classic 5K"
Our 32nd Annual Running!

A flat, FAST, out and back course with only two right angle turns and one 180°. Split times at 1 mile and 2 mile.

"Illinois' fastest 5k course" as 32% of the all-time Illinois age group records were set on the Charity Classic course (source IL T & F).

The starting line and packet pick-up/registration area is located just behind the Pickwick Theatre, 5 S. Prospect Ave., Park Ridge, IL 60068. The major intersection is Touhy Ave. & Northwest Hwy.

Click for an interactive map to our race starting line: Go there or Go there in new browser

Register on-line until Friday, September 25, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. for $18.00 by clicking the "Registration" tab above. Race day registration is from 6:30 - 7:30 a.m. and is $25.00.

Click for a report and lots of photos of last year's race (no race in 2008): 2007

http://www.runrace.net/images/cncLftBtmffffff.gif

Rainbow Hospice
Lake Effect! Come Party with Rainbow Hospice in August

Don’t miss out on a fantastic evening, an even better value and a great cause. Put Lake Effect on your calendar for August 28th, 2009 from 5:00pm to Midnight at the Palmer House Hotel in downtown Chicago.

Lake Effect will include multiple entertainment venues, an amazing array of food, open bar, and more all for just $75 a ticket. Live music will continue through the night, headliners scheduled to appear are:

American rock band and Chicago area natives,
PLAIN WHITE T’S
The blues/jazz/rock stylings of Chicago Blues guitarist
MELVIN TAYLOR BAND

And the broad talents of a President Obama local favorite,
THE GENTLEMEN OF LEISURE BAND

100% of your ticket proceeds will also go to support the kids and families of Good Mourning, the most extensive family-focused children’s bereavement program in the Chicago Area, helping thousands of families cope with grief and loss for more than 30 years.
Tickets are limited so tell your friends and grab yours today at
www.LakeffectParty.com

First Annual Chicago Small Business Makeover
First Annual Chicago Small Business Makeover: Thousands of Dollars in FREE Products & Services Available! Apply online by July 31 for your chance to win! Brought to you by the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce

First Annual Chicago Small Business Makeover

The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce is excited to launch our First Annual Chicago Small Business Makeover! We understand that quality professional services can make a significant difference in helping small businesses grow, so we are offering thousands of dollars in FREE services to the winner of this year's challenge. The application is simple, but the rewards are great.

• Get extensive business assessments, planning and support from specialists.
• Get access to the latest technology services, hardware and software.
• Learn and implement new best business practices to save money and drive growth.
• Get detailed marketing support and media air-time to promote your business.
APPLICATIONS DEADLINE: JULY 31, 2009
WINNER SELECTED: August 13, 2009
WINNER ANNOUNCED: AUGUST 20, 2009

To qualify for the Chicago Small Business Makeover, you must be a for-profit business with 5 – 50 employees. Take a look at the Makeover Rewards page to view the great FREE services that could be yours and then apply today!

Lutheran General Hospital
Service League Art of Health A fair sponsored by the Service League of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital to thank the community for giving the hospital an opportunity to serve its members for the last 50 years. The fair will include a mix of artwork displays, family and children activities, health screenings and food.
Saturday, September 12, 2009 10am-4pm
Sunday, September 13, 2009 12pm-4pm
Rain or shine! FREE admission.


FREE Job Seeker Workshops at the Library! FREE Job Seeker Workshops at the Park Ridge Public Library
Dates : AUGUST 17: Limit 90

Workshops start at 9:30 a.m. sharp. Please come 15 minutes early.
**Latecomers will not be allowed into the workshop after 9:30 a.m.
Please register by calling the Reference Desk at 847-720-3230 or online at: www.parkridgelibrary.org/calendar.html

Better Business Bureau The Better Business Bureau is offering $50.00 off BBB Accreditation for Chamber members. For more information, contact: Bert Adams Senior Business Relations Specialist, BBB of Chicago and Northern Illinois, Inc. www.chicago.bbb.org badams@chicago.bbb.org (312) 245-2518 (Direct Line)

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. Falkor Group LLC - www.falkorgroup.com
5. Home Comfort Heating & Cooling - 847.824.4336
6. J.C. Lilly Windows & Doors - 773-588-4332
7. Leys, Kirsten - Prudential Financial Services 847.627.3950
8. PC Medic Computer Repair - Jerry Flanagan 847.299.5556
9. Resurrection Health Care - Theresa Olson 847.813.3210
10. Ross E. Rubino, D.D.S.P.C. & Associates 847.825.1002
11. Sebastian Co. Real Estate - Don Sebastian, Jr. 847.823.3117
12. State Farm Insurance & Financial Services - Ann Witek 847.692.3260
13. The Exercise Coach - Chad Finney 847.823.0035
14. The McTigue Financial Group - Tom Canale 773.380.4025
15. You Can Say…Yes! Motivational Guidance Services - Lynda Tourloukis 847.401.5787
16. Y-Tech Heating & Cooling - 847-696-0477

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Eblast 7/13

Cindy,
Did you get to the Taste of Park Ridge? I sure hope so! What a blast it was! Albert Galus and his Taste Committee did a great job! Check it all out www.tasteofparkridge.com

Thank you to Uncle Dan’s Pizza & Pub for hosting our monthly networking luncheon and plying us with every type of pizza imagineable! The salads and desserts were fabulous too – Dan Cummins said they bought a bakery and their desserts were all baked onsite.

Also thank you to Ed Coyne who spoke on behalf of the Park Ridge Rotary about the wonderful projects they have accomplished. Charlotte Ogorek just got back from Peru on a Rotary mission also. What a great service organization! And it seems that most of the members of Rotary are also Chamber members – so thank you for that too!

Speaking of service organizations, at our Monthly Networking Luncheon on November 18, we’ll be featuring service organizations. So, if you are a service organization and would like to have a complimentary mini-expo table to pass out literature, please mark your calendar! More details to follow later.

Thank you to all the booth participants for the “Canopies on Courtland” Business Expo which was on Saturday. What great weather we had. Here are those who had booths:
Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce
Loyola Center for Heart & Vascular Medicine at Park Ridge
Resurrection Medical Network
GB Therapeutic Massage
A-Abiding Care, Inc.
Prudential Financial Services - Kirsten Leys
First Chicago Bank & Trust 905 Touhy P.R.
EKG - Park Ridge Chamber Entrepreneurial Knowledge Group
St. Matthew Center for Health
The Youth Campus
Lenscrafters Optique
Sun and Moon Yoga
Triblocal – Chicago Tribune
Bathfitter
Chiro One Wellness Centers LLC
North Shore Dental Group
H&R Block Tax Services
Safe-Guard Basement Technologies, Inc.
Park Ridge Center for Plastic Surgery S.C.
Technology MD
Affordable Interiors
Northwest Suburban Council Boy Scouts of America
J.C. Lilly Windows and Doors
Y-Tech Heating & Air Conditioning
Order My Gift - Karen Larsen
Higher Level Wellness
Maine Community Youth Assistance Foundation
Park Ridge Garden Club
Park Ridge Historical Society


We have just 3 ad spaces available for the August newsletter. Ads are $25 per month or $250 for the whole year. Call Cathy Janus, Marc Printing & Graphics at 847-568-9200 as she is doing the ad sales for us! But we need your ad by tomorrow as we’re composing the newsletter today!
New Member Orientation New Member Orientation: The Chamber Ambassadors’ quarterly new member orientation is scheduled for tomorrow at 8 a.m. at the Comfort Inn O’Hare Boardroom, 2175 E. Touhy, Des Plaines.

Ribbon Cutting Coldwell Banker
Coldwell Banker, 27 N. Northwest Highway, is having their Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. Come join the Mayor and other City officials along with the Chamber Board and Ambassadors as we celebrate the opening of new offices!
The Chamber’s Retail Committee headed by Linda Hills, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, has requested of the City to allow A-Frame signs in front of stores in Park Ridge. Mt Prospect allows them. The discussion item is an agenda item on the City's Committee of the Whole meeting tonight at 7 p.m.
Please plan to attend and join in on the discussion if you would like to see A Frame Signs approved in Park Ridge. Your voice is needed to help this pass. Linda Hills, Sheila Duda from TeaLula, Uncle Dan’s, and Lisa’s Italian Ice will be represented but we’d like more merchants to come out in a show of unity. I’ll also be there.
The Chamber Retail has its regular monthly meeting this Wed., July 15, from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. here at the Chamber. We’ll be discussing a fall event and you’re invited!
July 14, 8:00am to 9:30am NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION! Members joining the Chamber this year are welcomed to attend this informative new member orientation hosted by the Chamber Ambassadors. Comfort Inn, O'Hare Boardroom, 2175 E. Touhy Avenue, Des Plaines. Call today to rsvp!
July 15, 8:45am to 9:45am Park Ridge Executive Network PREN 3 headed by Belinda Rosenberger with Merrill Lynch. One person per industry. Please call to rsvp and see if your industry is open. Prefer seasoned professionals with at least 5 years in business.
July 22, 7:30am to 9:30am MULTI-CHAMBER NETWORKING BREAKFAST
Doubletree Hotel & Conference Center. Chicago North Shore, 9599 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, $20 member $30 prospective member.
July 28, 8:45am-9:45am PREN2 Park Ridge Executive Network Leads and referral group within the Chamber with only one person per industry. At the Chamber office, 32 Main Street. Included in your Chamber membership fees.
July 28, 5:35pm-10:30pm MULTI-CHAMBER Event At Schaumburg Flyers Game, Alexian Field 1999 Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg 60193, An annual Multi-Chamber of Commerce Networking Event complete with Picnic, Baseball BINGO, Baseball game and the first 2,000 fans in attendance will receive a Bingo Card.
July 29, 8:30am-11:30am Chamber Workshop: Customer Loyalty: Your Key to a Booming Business!, Comfort Inn O'Hare/Des Plaines, 2175 E. Touhy Ave, Des Plaines, This compelling workshop is for anyone, even for someone who has their own business and works for themselves.
July 30, 5:00pm-7:00pm Business After Hours Monthly Networking, TeaLula, 11 S. Fairview Ave, Park Ridge, Network at the beautiful TeaLula store! RSVP to the Chamber
July 31, 8:00am-9:30am Women In Business Breakfast Meeting, Park Ridge NonProfit Center, 720 Garden, Park Ridge, Speaker: Vivette Payne to speak about networking, Member Fee: $10, Prospective Member Fee: $15

Summer Concerts 2009

Our 49th Season includes six concerts featuring the acclaimed Park Ridge Fine Arts Symphony; all free, outdoor performances, open to the public, presented at 8:00p.m.

Barbara Schubert, Music Director and Conductor

Friday, July
Multi-Chamber Networking Breakfast: STRENGTHEN YOUR SURVIVAL SKILLS

RSVP and Payment Due by 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, 2009
If your payment is not received, you are not registered!

With the DBR, Chicago Area Gay & Lesbian, Evanston, Glenview, Glencoe, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles, Northfield, Park Ridge, Skokie, Wilmette & Winnetka Chambers of Commerce

Wednesday, July 22•7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Doubletree Hotel & Conference Center, Chicago North Shore, 9599 Skokie Blvd., Skokie (near Old Orchard at Golf Road & Skokie Boulevard) in the Monaco Room, top floor.

Member Pre-Registration Fee: $20 ($30 after July 15)
Non-Member Fee: $30
Walk-ins strongly discouraged and may not be accommodated!

Multiply your networking potential! Members from the above Chambers of Commerce will have the chance to promote their businesses to an expanded audience at the Connect Multi-Chamber Networking Breakfast on Wednesday, July 22 at 7:30 a.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel & Conference Center.

Members looking for a productive networking experience will enjoy the structured format of this program, which gives each participant an opportunity to speak to a receptive audience about his/her company’s products and services.

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 everyone will give 2 minute presentations on their companies. Following will be an additional presentation to a second group of participants. In addition, everyone will receive a contact list of pre-registered participants. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to expand your reach and resources!

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!

The Park Ridge Chamber Golf Outing will be held with the Skokie Chamber at Chevy Chase on September 9. There will be a few changes made as we dovetail the two golf outings into one. Everyone who has already paid is ‘grandfathered’ at the same rate. As soon as we finalize the details, I’ll post them on our website, in our newsletter and in my Monday eblast.

I visited these members at the Taste of Park Ridge:
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
Tasty Pup
TeaLula
All on the Road Catering
Dominic’s Kitchen Store
Jason’s Deli
WineStyles
Baked by Betsy
Dairy Queen
Hay Caramba!
Lisa’s Homemade Italian Ice
Morningfields
Subway

Lian and I also went to Oakton Ice Arena and the library – also members of course! Always remember to shop Chamber members first!
Tasty Pup will be featured on the Hungry Hound segment of the ABC Channel 7 News on July 29 at 11 a.m. Stay tuned!

Congratulations to Rick Pucci, Park Ridge Financial Advisors (and Chamber Board Member) and his daughter, Scarlett Pucci, 17, who on 7/11/09, while pitching for her US Travel Team, The Chicago Out Burst Gold, during the Illinois Metro College Exposure tournament, earned a full 4 ½ year Athletic and Academic scholarship to the prestigious University of St. Francis!
Congratulations: Silver Connections recently received Women Business Enterprise (WBE) Certification!

To become certified, a company must go through a strict certification process. Silver Connections now has the opportunity to offer and receive help from other women owned businesses.
The Park Ridge Fine Arts Symphony presents the Summer Concerts every Friday at 8:00 pm through August 7th at Hodges Park.

Each week, TeaLula, All on the Road Catering, Lisa's Italian Ice and Rocky Mountain Chocolate, proud sponsors of the concerts, will offer for purchase the finest tasty treats of Park Ridge. So, pack your chairs and let us pack your food. We'll be there at 6.

Friday, July 17 is the Opera Gala Featuring Soprano Winifred Brown and mezzo-soprano Jessye Wright take center stage for an evening of opera hightlights, with arias and duets from Madame Butterfly, Tosca, Die Fledermaus, Merry Widow and more.

Join in the Fun and Festivities on Sunday July 19th for the Laughter Cycle. 9:30am - Noon Begins at Centennial Park 200 S. Western Ave

Bring your bikes and limber up your laughter as we begin our first site at Centennial Park. Be on the look out for our "Find the Funny" Scavenger Hunt then get back on your bikes as we take the laughter on to Five more sites.... Laughter Exercises, Wheel lot of fun, Scavengering for more fun at 5 more sites. Then onto a "Laughing Lunch" at Noodles Restaurant for even more fun and a prize for the best Scavenger collage. You may just find your own funny along the way....it's contagious!

This FREE event is open to all and sponsored by Chamber member
You Can Say...Yes! Motivational Guidance Services
For a fun way to let loose this week...join us for the Jolly!
Questions: Lynda@youcansayyes.com (847) 401-5787
More info at :www.parkridgelaughter.com
THE SUMMIT OF UPTOWN
G I A N T GARAGE & DRIVEWAY SALE
FRIDAY, JULY 24th
8am-3PM proceeds benefit THE PARK RIDGE COMMUNITY FUND
• Construction items— doors, toilets, etc.
• SMALL refrigerators
• Furniture, LAMPS
• ARTWORK
• Home goods
• Christmas & seasonal decorations
• Craft items
• Games, BOOKS
• Children’s items
• MISCELLANEOUS
10 N. Summit (at Touhy) Park Ridge

If anyone from the community wants to bring items (NO CLOTHES), please drop them off by Wednesday, July 22nd.

Parking available in the Library lot across the street
isawka@summitofuptown.com (847) 825-1161

Come Party with Rainbow Hospice in August

Don’t miss out on a fantastic evening, an even better value and a great cause. Put Lake Effect on your calendar for August 28th, 2009 from 5:00pm to Midnight at the Palmer House Hotel in downtown Chicago.

Lake Effect will include multiple entertainment venues, an amazing array of food, open bar, and more all for just $75 a ticket. Live music will continue through the night, headliners scheduled to appear are:

American rock band and Chicago area natives,
PLAIN WHITE T’S
The blues/jazz/rock stylings of Chicago Blues guitarist
MELVIN TAYLOR BAND

And the broad talents of a President Obama local favorite,
THE GENTLEMEN OF LEISURE BAND

100% of your ticket proceeds will also go to support the kids and families of Good Mourning, the most extensive family-focused children’s bereavement program in the Chicago Area, helping thousands of families cope with grief and loss for more than 30 years.
Tickets are limited so tell your friends and grab yours today at
www.LakeffectParty.com

1st Annual Harry O’Brien Community Run / Walk - The Park Ridge Community Fund and the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce are co-hosting this event on Saturday, August 29th for the entire community.

It continues the legacy of Harry O’Brien, one of our most beloved community members who was often called ‘Mr. Park Ridge”.

Proceeds will support the social service organizations funded by the Park Ridge Community Fund all of which provide vital programs and services to Park Ridge. Due to severe State funding cuts, Park Ridge is in serious jeopardy of losing many vital human services.

This fun event will help ensure the survival of our community’s emotional well-being. See flyer or call the Park Ridge Community Fund office at (847) 825-5311. Register online at: www.prcommunityfund.org

We also need sponsors!
Congratulations to the following Chamber Members who did not sell alcohol to underage undercover agents trying to purchase:

Dominick's Finer Foods
Hay Caramba! Restaurant
Morningfield's
Noodles and Company
Perry's Pizzaria & Ribs/Catering
Pickwick Restaurant
Uncle Dan's Pizza & Pub
WineStyles

SBA Expands 504 Loan Program
The Small Business Administration has announced permanent changes to a loan program to help companies that want to refinance existing debt and expand.
The changes will affect 504 loans, which can be used to purchase business real estate or fixed assets, such as heavy equipment or machinery, and expand current development projects. Eligible small businesses will now be able to use half of a 504 loan to refinance previously purchased assets, provided the machinery or project was used towards the expansion of the business. "Expansion" includes any project that involves the acquisition, construction or improvement of land, building or equipment for use by the small business, according to the SBA.
To qualify, a business must meet the following conditions:
 The refinanced debt cannot exceed half of expansion costs.
 The refinancing interest rate and terms must be better than the existing debt.
 The existing debt must be collateralized by fixed assets.
 The borrower must be current on existing debt payments for one year.
 For every $50,000 in SBA guarantee, the business must create or retain one job.
For more information on the 504 loan program and eligibility requirements, go to http://www.recovery.gov or www.sba.gov/recovery.


Chicago Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce's Mix & Mingle Networking Event invites the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce:

The Chicago Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce would like to invite you and the members of your Chamber to participate in our first ever suburban networking event. This unique event will combine networking with over 10 area chamber's and performances by Chicago Cabaret performers Beckie Menzie, Tom Michael, Rob Dorn, Amy Cole, and Laura Freeman.

You and your members will receive member pricing for this event. Attached is the event information.
July 17th, 2009
6:30pm to 9:30pm
Tickets: $20 (Members) $30 (Non-Members)
Skokie Theatre Music Foundation
7924 N. Lincoln Avenue • Skokie, Illinois 60077
Join the Chicago Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce for it's first ever suburban networking. Bringing together members from ten or more surrounding chambers of commerce and the Chicago Cabaret Professionals organization, this will be an unprecedented networking event. Three Cat Media will present a showcase of cabaret talent including After Dark winners Beckie Menzie and Tom Michael, and local cabaret favorites Amy Cole, Rob Dorn, and Laura Freeman.

During the evening we will enjoy appetizers, an array of chocolate, champagne and a sampling of the best Chicago cabaret. We will end the evening with a complimentary array of pizza at Skokie’s own Village Inn which will include a drink with the presentation of your event ticket. This not to be missed event is a must to build your referral network in a whole new way.

To purchase tickets or for more information, please contact Christina Pinson via phone at (773) 303-0167 or via email at cpinson@glchamber.org. Tickets can also be purchased online at http://glchamber.org.


The City wants to know how you feel about this proposed ordinance. Email your opinion to Kim Uhlig at kuhlig@parkridge.us

9-3-6 REMOVAL OF SNOW FROM SIDEWALKS

Every owner, lessee, tenant, occupant or other person having charge or control of any commercial property that abuts a public sidewalk is required to remove snow and ice from such sidewalk within twenty-four (24) hours after an accumulation of snow of two inches (2”) or more, and to keep it free from snow, ice and other obstructions. In the event that the snow or ice on a sidewalk has become so hard that it cannot be reasonably removed without damage to the sidewalk, the owner or occupant of the property shall within said twenty-four hour period cause a de-icing material, such as sand, salt or other material, to be put on the sidewalk to make travel thereon reasonably safe and shall maintain the sidewalk in such condition until removal of ice and snow is possible. This Section does not provide a private cause of action for damages or create a standard of care, obligation or duty that provides a basis for a private cause of action for damages.

SECTION 2: BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of the City of Park Ridge, that Article 9, “Public Ways,” Chapter 3, “Obstructions and Deposits,” is hereby amended to add Section 7, “Penalty,” which shall read in its entirety as follows:

9-3-7 PENALTY

Any person found guilty of violating the provisions of this Chapter, except for Section 9-3-6, shall be fined not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) and not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00). A separate offense shall be deemed committed for each day on which a violation exists. Any person found guilty of violating Section 9-3-6 shall be fined fifty dollars ($50.00). Any person who violates Section 9-3-6 shall be subject to a fine of fifty dollars ($50.00) for each day that a violation exists.

Art of Health
A fair sponsored by the Service League of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital to thank the community for giving the hospital an opportunity to serve its members for the last 50 years. The fair will include a mix of artwork displays, family and children activities, health screenings and food.
Saturday, September 12, 2009 10am-4pm
Sunday, September 13, 2009 12pm-4pm
Rain or shine! FREE admission.
Who:
Attendees – members of the community
Organizers – Service League Board of Directors
Participants – artists, hospital departments, community organizations
How/Where:
• North surface parking lot
• Event will be held under tents
For sponsorship or volunteer opportunities for this event, please contact Lewis Wilker at 630-267-7988 or email: wilker1301@comcast.net
Part of the proceeds to benefit the hospital and its programs.
FREE Job Seeker Workshops at the Park Ridge Public Library
Dates : AUGUST 17: Limit 90

Workshops start at 9:30 a.m. sharp. Please come 15 minutes early.
**Latecomers will not be allowed into the workshop after 9:30 a.m.
Please register by calling the Reference Desk at 847-720-3230 or online at: www.parkridgelibrary.org/calendar.html

The Better Business Bureau is offering $50.00 off BBB Accreditation for Chamber members. For more information, contact: Bert Adams Senior Business Relations Specialist, BBB of Chicago and Northern Illinois, Inc. www.chicago.bbb.org badams@chicago.bbb.org (312) 245-2518 (Direct Line)

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. J.C. Lilly Windows & Doors - 773-588-4332
6. Leys, Kirsten - Prudential Financial Services 847.627.3950
7. PC Medic Computer Repair - Jerry Flanagan 847.299.5556
8. Resurrection Health Care - Theresa Olson 847.813.3210
9. Ross E. Rubino, D.D.S.P.C. & Associates 847.825.1002
10. Sebastian Co. Real Estate - Don Sebastian, Jr. 847.823.3117
11. State Farm Insurance & Financial Services - Ann Witek 847.692.3260
12. The Exercise Coach - Chad Finney 847.823.0035
13. The McTigue Financial Group - Tom Canale 773.380.4025
14. You Can Say…Yes! Motivational Guidance Services - Lynda Tourloukis 847.401.5787
15. Y-Tech Heating & Cooling - 847-696-0477

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

E-Blast 7/6/09

Cindy,

Hope you had a nice, long weekend celebrating the 233rd anniversary of our country! I was in Puerto Vallarta all last week, celebrating my birthday with my friend, Lori. We stayed at an all-inclusive resort and had a blast!

Needless to say, I have a lot of catching up to do: Our monthly networking luncheon is this Wednesday – and our Business Expo is this Saturday! No rest for the wicked! Hope to see you at both events!

Look for the Chamber Connection newsletter in the mail!


A big thank you for our Business After Hours which was hosted at Liberty Bank for Savings on Touhy and sponsored by Liberty Bank for Savings and Maine Community Youth Assistance Foundation “MCYAF” jointly. There were at least 60 people in attendance – both from our Chamber and from the Des Plaines Chamber. In addition to hosting, Kane Connell from Liberty Bank graciously donated a couple gift cards for the raffle. MCYAF sold tickets for a 50/50 split the pot and Adam Paoli won it and then donated the money back to MCYAF! Thank you Adam for your generosity! Margaret Polovchak was delighted and appreciative. MCYAF is a collaborative organization working to decrease teen alcohol and drug use in Maine Township. Call them at 847-858-7090. Kane Connell can be reached at 847-825-0693.

The June Women in Business Lunch Meeting which was held at Carlucci Rosemont, 6111 N. River Road, Rosemont, was informative, delicious and entertaining! Affordable Interiors (Deborah Oberschelp, 312-909-1255 ) and Amber's Organizing (Amber Kostelny-Cussen, 773-628-7404) gave presentations on organizing and decorating for personal fulfillment that was very well received by the 32 women in attendance. Thank you to both Deborah and Amber and also to Peggy Kennedy at Carlucci Rosemont for hosting the event with a fabulous private dining room and wonderful meal! Peggy can be reached at 847-518-0990. Raffle winners:
• Jay Crowley, Keller Williams Realty - $20 Chamber Gift Certificate
• Mary Carlson, Liberty Bank – Wine from Carlucci Rosemont
• Deborah Oberschelp, Affordable Interiors – Wine from Carlucci Rosemont
• Nichole Squires, Comfort Inn – Order My Gift Catalogue from Karen Larsen
• Amber Kostelny-Cussen, Amber’s Organizing – Park Ridge Taxi Gift Certificate
• Belinda Rosenberger, Merrill Lynch – Park Ridge Taxi Gift Certificate
• Pat Rubino, Ross E. Rubino DDS – Affordable Interiors Pillow

Uncle Dan’s Pizza & Pub had their grand opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony last week which I heard was a big success with a great turnout from Chamber members! (It’s also where our luncheon will be held this Wednesday!) 27 S. Northwest Highway 847-698-9800. Mayor Schmidt and the Chamber of Park Ridge Ambassadors and other notables joined Dan & Sean Cummins and family and staff for a night of food and beverage after the ceremony.

July 8, 11:30am-1:30pm – Monthly Networking Luncheon, Uncle Dans Pizza and Pub, 27 S. Northwest Hwy. Park Ridge, Ed Coyne, with the Rotary Club of Park Ridge will speak on "The Chamber and Park Ridge Rotary… A Logical Connection". $20 Member Fee, $25 Prospective Member.

Since we didn’t have a monthly luncheon in June, this is the first networking luncheon in 2 months! Come network and bring your business cards – if you want to bring a raffle prize, feel free to do that too! Also note that Uncle Dan’s is charging us less than we normally pay so we’re passing the savings onto you!

July 10, 8:30am-9:30am PREN Park Ridge Executive Network Leads and referral group within the Chamber with only one person per industry. At the Chamber office, 32 Main Street. Included in your Chamber membership fees.

Sign up for Business Expo at Taste of Park Ridge!

The Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce’s 2009 “Canopies on Courtland” business expo is selling booths fast. The expo, part of the Taste of Park Ridge, will take place on Saturday, July 11, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dozens of vendors and civic organizations are expected to exhibit at the event.

Participating in Canopies on Courtland is a great way to advertise your business to thousands of local residents. Prices for a 5’ x 10’ booth space start at $325 for Chamber members. There are also end booths available to members for $425, and non-member booths are $650. Included in the booth space are an 18”x 6’ table and two folding chairs. Being an outdoor event, electricity is not provided.

Many merchants will be having sidewalk sales too! Please remember to shop our Chamber members first!
July 14, 8:00am to 9:30am Members joining the Chamber in April, May or June 2009 are welcome to attend this informative new member orientation hosted by the Chamber Ambassadors. Comfort Inn, O'Hare Boardroom, 2175 E. Touhy Avenue, Des Plaines.
July 15, 8:45am to 9:45am Park Ridge Executive Network PREN 3 headed by Belinda Rosenberger with Merrill Lynch. One person per industry. Please call to rsvp and see if your industry is open. Prefer seasoned professionals with at least 5 years in business.
July 22, 7:30am to 9:30am MULTI-CHAMBER NETWORKING BREAKFAST
Doubletree Hotel & Conference Center. Chicago North Shore, 9599 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, $20 member $30 prospective member.
July 28, 8:45am-9:45am PREN2 Park Ridge Executive Network Leads and referral group within the Chamber with only one person per industry. At the Chamber office, 32 Main Street. Included in your Chamber membership fees.
July 28, 5:35pm-10:30pm MULTI-CHAMBER Event At Schaumburg Flyers Game, Alexian Field 1999 Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg 60193, An annual Multi-Chamber of Commerce Networking Event complete with Picnic, Baseball BINGO, Baseball game and the first 2,000 fans in attendance will receive a Bingo Card.
July 29, 8:30am-11:30am Chamber Workshop: Customer Loyalty: Your Key to a Booming Business!, Comfort Inn O'Hare/Des Plaines, 2175 E. Touhy Ave, Des Plaines, This compelling workshop is for anyone, even for someone who has their own business and works for themselves.
July 30, 5:00pm-7:00pm Business After Hours Monthly Networking, TeaLula, 11 S. Fairview Ave, Park Ridge, Network at the beautiful TeaLula store! RSVP to the Chamber
July 31, 8:00am-9:30am Women In Business Breakfast Meeting, Park Ridge NonProfit Center, 720 Garden, Park Ridge, Speaker: Vivette Payne to speak about networking, Member Fee: $10, Prospective Member Fee: $15

The Chamber’s Retail Committee headed by Linda Hills, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, has requested of the City to allow A-Frame signs in front of stores in Park Ridge. Mt Prospect allows them. The issue has become an agenda item on the City's Committee of the Whole meeting on July 13. This is listed as a discussion item.
Please plan to attend and join in on the discussion if you would like to see A Frame Signs approved in Park Ridge.
The Retail Committee drew the raffle tickets for the Chamber’s Stimulus Program for May which was also officially declared “Shop Park Ridge” month by the mayor. Everyone who entered won a prize! The winners are:
Pam Del Valle from Tasty Pup, won a $50 Chamber Gift Certificate, a $10 Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Gift Certificate, $5 Lisa's Homemade Italian Ice Gift Certificate
Belinda Rosenberger with Merrill Lynch won a $10 Ace Hardware Gift Certificate, $10 Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Gift Certificate
Joshua Nichols, owner of Unbound Technology, won a $25 Jason's Deli Gift Card, $10 Ace Hardware Gift Certificate, $10 Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Gift Certificate, $5 Lisa's Homemade Italian Ice Gift Certificate
Karen Anderson, Dental Auxiliary Placement Service won a $50 Chamber Gift Certificate and a $10 Ace Hardware Gift Certificate
Theresa Olson, Resurrection Health, won a $50 Chamber Gift Certificate, $10 Ace Hardware Gift Certificate, $5 Lisa's Homemade Italian Ice Gift Certificate
Jim Cone, WSI – We Simplify the Internet, won a $50 Chamber Gift Certificate, $10 Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Gift Certificate, $5 Lisa's Homemade Italian Ice Gift Certificate
Congratulations to all the winners for shopping Park Ridge!
The Park Ridge Chamber Golf Outing will be held with the Skokie Chamber at Chevy Chase on September 9. There will be a few changes made as we dovetail the two golf outings into one. Everyone who has already paid is ‘grandfathered’ at the same rate. As soon as we finalize the details, I’ll post them on our website, in our newsletter and in my Monday eblast.

Please Support The Park Ridge Youth Commission
Chicago White Sox Vs. Cleveland Indians
Wednesday, July 8th, 2009, 7:11pm U.S. Cellular Field
On this special night, all Park Ridge Community members and supporters, as well as their family and friends can purchase White Sox tickets! A portion of every ticket purchased goes to The Park Ridge Youth Commission.
Stay postgame for a spectacular fireworks display set to “Chicago, USA Patriotic” songs with a twist, celebrating our city and country. Songs include Kanye West’s Homecoming, Sweet Home Chicago and a rendition of America the Beautiful performed by Ray Charles and Alicia Keys. Present by Comcast Sports Net.
Lower Reserved Tickets @ $38 each. For additional information please contact: Thomas Carey, 847-975-9474
“The Park Ridge Youth Services Commission invites residents to participate in its upcoming fundraiser---a “Sox Night” at U.S. Cellular Field on Wednesday evening, July 8, 2009. The event will be a special evening out at the ball park supporting our Chicago White Sox while enjoying the company and camaraderie of neighbors, family and friends, said Youth Services Commission Chair Thomas Carey (Alderman, Ward 6). An added benefit is that proceeds will be applied to the work of the Youth Services Commission.
The Commission has secured tickets for a 7:11 p.m. game against the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday, July 8, 2009. The seating is in section 159, lower reserved box, in left field. The price of each ticket is $38.00 and that includes a great view of a spectacular fireworks event planned for that evening at the “Cell.”
Tickets for the event are now available at City Hall in the Cashiers Office, 505 Butler Place; Park District Leisure Center, 2701 Sibley; or at Allegro Music Center, 800 W. Devon.
For further information or questions about the event contact Youth Commission member Karen Bernhard at 847/692-3367, or Lt. Bob Hanson of the Park Ridge Police Department at 847/318-5252.
Eleven members, including four high school students, serve on the Commission. The Commission provides a platform for youth to voice their concerns and issues, activities, services and resources, and offers opportunities for youth to engage in community service and the civic process.”

Summer Concerts 2009

Our 49th Season includes six concerts featuring the acclaimed Park Ridge Fine Arts Symphony; all free, outdoor performances, open to the public, presented at 8:00p.m.

Barbara Schubert, Music Director and Conductor

Friday, July 10th
Across the Footlights
Selections from My Fair Lady, The King & I, West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof & John Williams' Favorites

Multi-Chamber Networking Breakfast: STRENGTHEN YOUR SURVIVAL SKILLS

With the DBR, Chicago Area Gay & Lesbian, Evanston, Glenview, Glencoe, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles, Northbrook, Northfield,
Park Ridge, Skokie, Wilmette & Winnetka Chambers of Commerce

Wednesday, July 22•7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Doubletree Hotel & Conference Center

Chicago North Shore
9599 Skokie Blvd., Skokie (near Old Orchard at Golf Road & Skokie Boulevard) in the Monaco Room, top floor. RSVP and Payment Due by 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Member Pre-Registration Fee: $20 ($30 after July 15)
Non-Member Fee: $30
Walk-ins strongly discouraged and may not be accommodated!

Multiply your networking potential! Members from the above Chambers of Commerce will have the chance to promote their businesses to an expanded audience at the Connect Multi-Chamber Networking Breakfast on Wednesday, July 22 at 7:30 a.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel & Conference Center.

Members looking for a productive networking experience will enjoy the structured format of this program, which gives each participant an opportunity to speak to a receptive audience about his/her company’s products and services.

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 everyone will give 2 minute presentations on their companies. Following will be an additional presentation to a second group of participants. In addition, everyone will receive a contact list of pre-registered participants. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to expand your reach and resources!

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!

The City wants to know how you feel about this proposed ordinance. Email your opinion to Kim Uhlig at kuhlig@parkridge.us

9-3-6 REMOVAL OF SNOW FROM SIDEWALKS

Every owner, lessee, tenant, occupant or other person having charge or control of any commercial property that abuts a public sidewalk is required to remove snow and ice from such sidewalk within twenty-four (24) hours after an accumulation of snow of two inches (2”) or more, and to keep it free from snow, ice and other obstructions. In the event that the snow or ice on a sidewalk has become so hard that it cannot be reasonably removed without damage to the sidewalk, the owner or occupant of the property shall within said twenty-four hour period cause a de-icing material, such as sand, salt or other material, to be put on the sidewalk to make travel thereon reasonably safe and shall maintain the sidewalk in such condition until removal of ice and snow is possible. This Section does not provide a private cause of action for damages or create a standard of care, obligation or duty that provides a basis for a private cause of action for damages.

SECTION 2: BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of the City of Park Ridge, that Article 9, “Public Ways,” Chapter 3, “Obstructions and Deposits,” is hereby amended to add Section 7, “Penalty,” which shall read in its entirety as follows:

9-3-7 PENALTY

Any person found guilty of violating the provisions of this Chapter, except for Section 9-3-6, shall be fined not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) and not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00). A separate offense shall be deemed committed for each day on which a violation exists. Any person found guilty of violating Section 9-3-6 shall be fined fifty dollars ($50.00). Any person who violates Section 9-3-6 shall be subject to a fine of fifty dollars ($50.00) for each day that a violation exists.

JoS. A. Bank Clothiers invites you to their Buy 1 Suit, Sportcoat, or Blazer (at regular price) and get 2 (of equal or lesser value) FREE! Please take advantage of this terrific offer this Thursday, July 9th!
847-692-3091


Join us at the movies!!!

Singing in the Rain (1952) is one of the most loved and celebrated film musicals of all time. This joyous film is a charming, up-beat, graceful, thoroughly enjoyable experience with great songs, flashbacks, wonderful dances, casting and story.

Because the colorful, witty film is set in 1927, it humorously satirizes and parodies the panic surrounding the troubling transitional period from silents to talkies in the dream factory of Hollywood of the late 1920’s as the sound revolution swept through.

Date: July 10, 2009
Time: 1:30 pm
Where: Central Baptist Village

-Refreshments & Snacks
-State-of-the-art Screen & Projector
-Tours will be available

Central Baptist Village
4747 N. Canfield Ave.
Norridge, IL
708-583-8500
www.cbvillage.org

Art of Health
A fair sponsored by the Service League of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital to thank the community for giving the hospital an opportunity to serve its members for the last 50 years. The fair will include a mix of artwork displays, family and children activities, health screenings and food.
Saturday, September 12, 2009 10am-4pm
Sunday, September 13, 2009 12pm-4pm
Rain or shine! FREE admission.
Who:
Attendees – members of the community
Organizers – Service League Board of Directors
Participants – artists, hospital departments, community organizations
How/Where:
• North surface parking lot
• Event will be held under tents
For sponsorship or volunteer opportunities for this event, please contact Lewis Wilker at 630-267-7988 or email: wilker1301@comcast.net
Part of the proceeds to benefit the hospital and its programs.
FREE Job Seeker Workshops at the Park Ridge Public Library
Dates : JULY 17: Limit 15 and AUGUST 17: Limit 90

Workshops start at 9:30 a.m. sharp. Please come 15 minutes early.
**Latecomers will not be allowed into the workshop after 9:30 a.m.
Please register by calling the Reference Desk at 847-720-3230 or online at: www.parkridgelibrary.org/calendar.html

The Better Business Bureau is offering $50.00 off BBB Accreditation for Chamber members. For more information, contact: Bert Adams Senior Business Relations Specialist, BBB of Chicago and Northern Illinois, Inc. www.chicago.bbb.org badams@chicago.bbb.org (312) 245-2518 (Direct Line)
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. J.C. Lilly Windows & Doors - 773-588-4332
6. Leys, Kirsten - Prudential Financial Services 847.627.3950
7. PC Medic Computer Repair - Jerry Flanagan 847.299.5556
8. Resurrection Health Care - Theresa Olson 847.813.3210
9. Ross E. Rubino, D.D.S.P.C. & Associates 847.825.1002
10. Sebastian Co. Real Estate - Don Sebastian, Jr. 847.823.3117
11. State Farm Insurance & Financial Services - Ann Witek 847.692.3260
12. The Exercise Coach - Chad Finney 847.823.0035
13. The McTigue Financial Group - Tom Canale 773.380.4025
14. You Can Say…Yes! Motivational Guidance Services - Lynda Tourloukis 847.401.5787
15. Y-Tech Heating & Cooling - 847-696-0477