Monday, May 24, 2010

Gail's Weekly Chamber UPDATE

All the Chamber ladies attended the fun Rainbow Hospice event at Amphora, Indira, Houlihan’s, and Affresco last Friday! We took the tours and saw all the animals – grabbed for cash in Liberty Bank’s cash cage (which was donated back to Rainbow Hospice) and ate the wonderful food by All on the Road! We did it all!
And then on Saturday, we attended the Chicago Sky Women’s Professional Basketball game at the Allstate Arena against the Indianapolis Fever. Talk about a close game! And it was so entertaining with magicians, musicians, games, mascot, and more! It went into overtime and we lost but it was still a fun night out. I’m trying to get the Sky to join the Chamber and will keep you posted if they do!
Tonight is the Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting at Pro Windows from 5 to 8 p.m. 824 Busse Hwy, Park Ridge. Regina Provenzano, owner
www.prowindowservice.com regina@prowindowservice.com
A wonderful group of women got together to laugh, eat, network and talk about accessorizing with jewelry at Rosewood Restaurant, 9421 W. Higgins, Rosemont. The meal was fabulous and elegant!

Suzann Wilson from Beadphoria gave a very interesting presentation on accessorizing with jewelry based upon face and neck shape and showed pieces she’d designed. We also got a sneak preview of the butterfly she beaded for Resurrection - and she brought a piece of jewelry that she designed and crafted to raffle off which was won by Pat Quinn (mother of Mike Quinn, Quinn Print).

The Chamber raffled off a gift certificate and a dedicated eblast! Sue Raap, Rosewood, donated four $50 gift certificates; Nichole Squires, Comfort Inn O’Hare, donated a $20 gift certificate to their restaurant, Tiffany’s; and Linda Hills, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, donated 2 big bags of white chocolate covered pretzels!

You don’t want to miss our events – they’re always fun and interesting and a lot of networking gets done too!

This Week:
Tonight! May 24, Monday, 5:00pm – 8:00pm Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting at Pro Window Service Inc., 824 Busse Highway, Join Mayor Schmidt, Chamber Members and Ambassadors as we celebrate the opening of Pro Window Service Inc. in Park Ridge.

May 25, Tuesday, 9:00am-10:00am New Member Orientation, 720 Garden Street, Chamber Ambassador Reception for new members to discover more ways to utilize and realize your membership investment. Ambassadors will attend as will a few board members to welcome new members and explain Chamber benefits.

May 25, Tuesday, 10:30am –11:30am PREN 2, 720 Garden. Leads and referral networking with one person per profession.

May 27, Thursday, 5:00pm – 7:00pm Business After Hours Networking at Brickton Art Center, 306 Busse Highway. Come out and network with other Chamber Members.

May 31, Monday, 9:30am – 11:00am Park Ridge Memorial Day Parade. Join other Chamber members (Tasty Pup, WineStyles, Lynnette’s School of Dance, and Athletico) as we honor our service men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Our assembly point is number 36 located on the north side of Talcott, just east of Prospect Avenue. Chamber office is closed.

June 3, Thursday, 10:00am – 11:30am EKG – Entrepreneurial Knowledge Group Monthly meeting, Regus, 350 S. Northwest Hwy. Suite 300 – A group for new and emerging entrepreneurs.

June 4, Friday, 9:00am – 10:30am Membership Committee Meeting, 720 Garden St.

June 9, Wednesday, 11:30am – 1:00pm, Monthly Networking Luncheon, Rosewood Restaurant, 9421 W. Higgins Road, Rosemont, “The Top Five Mistakes Small Employers Make” presented by Neil H. Dishman, Jackson Lewis LLP. $25 members, $30 walk ins and prospective members.

June 10, Thursday, 8:45am – 9:45am Tech Forum, 720 Garden Street, Discussing technology in the business sector. Open to all Chamber members.

June, 10, Thursday, 5:00pm – 7:00pm Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Jet Windows & Doors, Inc. 713 W. Devon Ave. Join fellow Chamber members and Mayor Schmidt as we welcome this new business to Park Ridge.

Friday, June 11, 8:45am-9:45am PREN 1, 720 Garden, Dr. Sean Finnegan, Finnegan Family Chiropractic, speaker at this month's meeting. Leads and referral networking with one person per profession.

Friday, June 11, 9:00am – 10:30am Communications Committee Meeting, 720 Garden Street

June 16, Wednesday, 8:45am – 9:45am Retail Committee Meeting, Strategize on bringing business to merchants, stores and retailers.

June 18, Friday, 9:00am – 10:00am PREN 3: Park Ridge Executive Network. Leads and referral networking with one person per profession.

June 22, Tuesday, 9:00am – 10:00am PREN 2: Park Ridge Executive Network. Leads and referral networking with one person per profession.

June 23, Wednesday, 9:00am – 10:30am Brand New Health Care Forum
Discuss all aspects of health care in an open forum with guest speakers.

June 24, Thursday, 5:00pm – 7:00pm Athletico Ribbon Cutting Ceremony/Business After Hours, 800 Devon Ave.

June 25, Friday, 8:00am-9:30am WIB Women in Business Monthly Networking Breakfast. 720 Garden St. Laura, owner of Laura T. Clark Massage, will speak about "How to be your Best Self". Catering provided by Morningfields. $10 member $15 prospective member.

Allstate Insurance Co. - Gentile Todd Gentile 1 N. Northwest Hwy. Park Ridge 847-384-9050
Spuntino Pizza John Guarnaccia 516 W. Higgins Park Ridge 847-696-0282
Jet Windows and Doors Inc. Jeff Shea 713 W. Devon Ave. Park Ridge 847-318-8400
The Spine Center, S.C. Roxie Esposito 1875 Dempster St. Park Ridge 847-698-9330
Lee Acupuncture & Healing Center Inc. Mary Lee Quaid 2104 W. Oakton St. Park Ridge 847-830-8817
Red Herring Studio Georgine Donovan 1312 S. Greenwood Ave. Park Ridge 312-213-0394
Vine Street Candle Elizabeth & Dave Otis 147 1/2 Vine Street, Park Ridge 847-656-6709
Park Ridge Chiropractic Dr. Steven Goodman 32 Main Street, Suite B, Park Ridge 847-318-1144
Bridge Media Communications Ivette Camarano Post Office Box 480363, Niles, IL 60714 866-964-8094 ext. 2

Because these are happening this week, I decided to include in today’s eblast.

Try to get me your info by Wed to be included in Member News eblasts on Thursdays.
The Chamber will serve Sunday Supper at St Paul of the Cross on Sunday, December 26.

We’ll need food, money, and volunteers to serve at least 100 hungry people (including children). Please open your hearts, checkbooks, and more importantly, give your time to help out those less fortunate.

Please let me know if we can count on you to help out!
Susan Frangos, Higher Level Wellness, is showing a free screening of a movie tonight!

“FOODMATTERS”
It’s a fast paced look at the current state of health and offers informed choices about how nutrition can prevent and reverse diseases.

7 p.m. at 350 South Northwest Hwy, 1st floor conference room. 847.361.6185


The Historical Society presents a speaking program at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 26, 2010, at the Summit of Uptown, 10 North Summit.

We welcome Peter Malone to our podium that evening. Pete is a Founding Member of the Society, and the grandson of William H. Malone, Uptown building pioneer and second mayor of Park Ridge.
His program is ‘Park Ridge in 1910,’ a look at local life and times as our Village as we became a City 100 years ago.

This program is open to all Society Members, guests, friends and all residents. There is no admission charge.

Gail Haller
Executive Director
Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce
720 Garden Street
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. Accounteque Services Inc.: 847.768.9100
2. All on the Road Catering & Bakery: 847.518.8958
3. AMA Dancers & Company: 847.727.7066
4. Aqua Plumbing, Heating and Cooling: 847.459.7900
5. ATI Physical Therapy: 847.292.0151
6. barrett-TECH: 847.823.1830
7. Cardinal Fitness of Park Ridge: 847.318.7550
8. Catalyst Marketing-Public Relations, Inc.: 847.298.8748
9. CMR Construction & Roofing of Chicago: 847.926.4245
10. Comfort Inn O'Hare/Des Plaines: 847.635.1300
11. D'Agostino's Pizza & Pub: 847.518.8700
12. Falkor Group LLC: www.falkorgroup.com
13. Global Handmade Hope: 847.720.4084
14. Home Comfort Heating & Cooling: 847.824.4336
15. Hyatt Regency O'Hare: 847.696-1234
16. Jason's Deli: 847.823.0210
17. J.C. Lilly Windows & Doors: 773.588.4332
18. K.G.M. Plumbing, Inc.: 847.583.8988
19. le Flour Bake Shop: 773-631-1400
20. Leys, Kirsten; Prudential Financial Services: 847.627.3950
21. Minuteman Press of Deerfield: 847.279.8550
22. Naperville Exterior, Inc: 847.593.7337
23. Panino’s Pizzeria: 847.823.3450
24. Park Ridge Community Fund: 847.825.5311
25. Periodontics of Niles, P.C.: 847.685.6686
26. Perry's Pizzeria & Ribs/Catering: 847-823-4422
27. Pro Windows www.prowindowservice.com
28. Pickwick Theatre: 847.825.5800
29. Resurrection Health Care: 847.813.3210
30. Ross E. Rubino, D.D.S.P.C. & Associates: 847.825.1002
31. Sebastian Co. Real Estate: 847.823.3117
32. Subway of Park Ridge at 2618 Dempster: 847.813.9552
33. The Juniper Center: 847-759-9110
34. Unbound Technology: 847-235-4994
35. William Cunningham Movers, Inc.: 773.594.0398
36. You Can Say…Yes! Motivational Guidance Services: 847.401.5787
37. Y-Tech Heating & Cooling: 847.696.0477
38. You can be here!

Monday, May 17, 2010

Gail's Weekly Chamber UPDATE

The Cubs lost to Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday but my son, Dirk, graduated yesterday from UIUC in Aerospace Engineering so life is good!
The last delivery of Red Geraniums will be this Wednesday so please stop by in the afternoon for yours – and bring cash or check – no credit cards!
The Member News eblast goes out on Thursdays in time for the weekend.

This is the last week of the art exhibit here at 720 Garden, sponsored by the Kalo Foundation, and you need to see it! Check out their brown bag lunches at www.kalofoundation.org

We had a great turnout for the Monthly Networking Luncheon The Summit of Uptown, 10 N. Summit Avenue. Dick Barton and Karen Larsen spoke on the Historic Tours of Park Ridge. The networking luncheon was a joint event with the Park Ridge Rotary Club and was so successful, I hope we can do it again next year when Diane Forsythe is the president of Rotary!

The Chamber had 35 and Rotary had almost as many so thank you to all who made it a successful event – especially the staff at The Summit of Uptown and Chef Mike.

Thank you to those who donated prizes for the raffle! Here’s who won what:

July Newsletter Spotlight - Kirsten Leys, Prudential, will appear on the cover of our July Chamber newsletter! This was a business card drawing of those Chamber members who attended and signed up through the Chamber – showing up has a multitude of benefits!

Newsletter Insert - Kane Connell, Liberty Bank for Savings, won the Chamber insert valued at $150!

WineStyles wine tasting party for 20 for 2 hours - Dave Samson, Rainbow Hospice

Microsoft LifeCam donated by Joshua Nichols, Unbound Technology - Kane Connell, Liberty Bank for Savings

Park Ridge Taxi Gift Certificate – were won buy Dave Samson, Rainbow Hospice & Susan Frangos, Higher Level Wellness (2 of them)

Coffee - Vic Carter won the coffee donated by Park Ridge Rotary Club (they’re selling for $10 as a fund raiser!)

Jewel $10 gift card - Orit Gordon, First Data (Orit celebrated her birthday with us at the Cubs game on Friday!)

Rosewood Restaurant Gift Cert - 2 - Sara Hunsinger, J Care Home Medical Supplies & Connie Cliborn, LifeSource each won one!

Park Ridge Chamber Gift Cert – 2 at $25 each were won by Rick Pucci, Park Ridge Financial Advisors, & D. Klubertanz, Rotarian.

Karen Larsen, Generation Connection, donated one-hour consultation which was won by D Klubertanz, Rotarian.

Ever notice how some people are luckier than others and seem to win more ofter than most???

Last Thursday was the Chamber’s Tech Forum and we had a nice turnout for our discussion of Office 2007 Tips and Tricks and simple things to help make your life easier while using Office.

Thank you Ben Wilson, Falkor Group, for leading the discussion and answering all our questions!

The Tech Forum typically meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month here at the Chamber. June 10 is next one – Ben, what’s the topic?

May 19, Wednesday, 8:00am-9:30am Multi Chamber Networking Breakfast Holiday Inn North Shore, 5300 W. Touhy Ave. – Multiply your networking potential with 15 Chambers participating at this event. $35 per person – and we can still get you in!!

Email info@parkridgechamber.org for the form!

Look for Dorothy on Wednesday to check you in.
May 19, Wednesday, 8:45am-9:45am Retail Committee Meeting Strategize on bringing business to merchants, stores and retailers.

If you’re in Retail then you should attend these meetings since there’s so much going on!

Linda Hill, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Company, heads up this important committee.

Don’t be left out! A wonderful group of women who get together to laugh, eat, network and talk about accessorizing with jewelry! What more could you want???

May 21, Friday, 11:30am-1:30pm Women in Business Monthly Networking Luncheon Rosewood Restaurant, 9421 W. Higgins, Rosemont. $25 for Chamber members;

Suzann Wilson from Beadphoria will speak about "How to Accessorize for Success". Suzann will also bring a piece of jewelry that she designed and crafted to raffle off as part of our raffle. She’ll also bring a few special pieces for sale!

Please get your rsvp in now – also, feel free to bring a raffle prize, something to hook a new client! The Chamber will raffle off a gift certificate and a dedicated eblast!

May 21, Friday, 9:00am-10:00am PREN 3: Park Ridge Executive Network

May 25, Tuesday, 9:00am-10:00am New Member Orientation hosted by The Ambassadors

May 25, Tuesday, 10:30am-11:30am PREN 2: Park Ridge Executive Network

May 27, Thursday, 5:00pm-7:00pm Business After Hours Monthly Networking Event Brickton Art Center, 306 Busse Highway. Enjoy fun, food, and fellowship as we network at the Brickton Art Center!

May 31, Monday, Memorial Day - Chamber Office Closed!
May 31, Monday, 9:30am-11:00am Park Ridge Memorial Day Parade We’ll walk along the parade route to honor our service men and women who gave their lives for our freedom. Join Lynnette’s School of Dance, The Exercise Coach, and WineStyles in spot 36 as the Chamber steps off at 9 a.m. over by Walgreens on Devon.
Red Geraniums are the official flower of Park Ridge and we’re selling them!

Delivery is this Wednesday – as soon as they arrive, I’ll send out an email asking you to pick yours up so we won’t have to move them all inside for the evening.

Please plan to come with cash or check (no credit cards) at least by Wednesday afternoon! I did order one extra tray just in case so quickly email me back if you want any.

Gail Haller
Executive Director
Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce
720 Garden Street
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. Accounteque Services Inc.: 847.768.9100
2. All on the Road Catering & Bakery: 847.518.8958
3. AMA Dancers & Company: 847.727.7066
4. Aqua Plumbing, Heating and Cooling: 847.459.7900
5. ATI Physical Therapy: 847.292.0151
6. barrett-TECH: 847.823.1830
7. Cardinal Fitness of Park Ridge: 847.318.7550
8. Catalyst Marketing-Public Relations, Inc.: 847.298.8748
9. CMR Construction & Roofing of Chicago: 847.926.4245
10. Comfort Inn O'Hare/Des Plaines: 847.635.1300
11. D'Agostino's Pizza & Pub: 847.518.8700
12. Falkor Group LLC: www.falkorgroup.com
13. Global Handmade Hope: 847.720.4084
14. Home Comfort Heating & Cooling: 847.824.4336
15. Hyatt Regency O'Hare: 847.696-1234
16. Jason's Deli: 847.823.0210
17. J.C. Lilly Windows & Doors: 773.588.4332
18. K.G.M. Plumbing, Inc.: 847.583.8988
19. le Flour Bake Shop: 773-631-1400
20. Leys, Kirsten; Prudential Financial Services: 847.627.3950
21. Minuteman Press of Deerfield: 847.279.8550
22. Naperville Exterior, Inc: 847.593.7337
23. Panino’s Pizzeria: 847.823.3450
24. Park Ridge Community Fund: 847.825.5311
25. Periodontics of Niles, P.C.: 847.685.6686
26. Perry's Pizzeria & Ribs/Catering: 847-823-4422
27. Pickwick Theatre: 847.825.5800
28. Resurrection Health Care: 847.813.3210
29. Ross E. Rubino, D.D.S.P.C. & Associates: 847.825.1002
30. Sebastian Co. Real Estate: 847.823.3117
31. Subway of Park Ridge at 2618 Dempster: 847.813.9552
32. The Juniper Center: 847-759-9110
33. Unbound Technology: 847-235-4994
34. William Cunningham Movers, Inc.: 773.594.0398
35. You Can Say…Yes! Motivational Guidance Services: 847.401.5787
36. Y-Tech Heating & Cooling: 847.696.0477
37. You can be here!

Monday, May 10, 2010

Gail's Weekly Chamber UPDATE

I hope all the mothers out there had a wonderful Mothers Day yesterday! I sure did! 17 Hallers got together at The Moorings for brunch – what a fabulous job they did too!
Went to the Kiwanis pancake breakfast on Sat. with my daughter, Lian, and had a wonderful breakfast!
Big News in the Haller Family: My son, Dirk, is graduating this Sunday from UIUC – Aerospace Engineering! 
Don’t forget that the Park Ridge Garden Club has their plant sale this Saturday! More on Thursday when I send out the Member Update.
If you have not yet seen the art exhibit here at 720 Garden, sponsored by the Kalo Foundation, then you need to come! The reception was Saturday evening and many of the artists were here to discuss their works. All on the Road Catering did a wonderful job with the food. Ron Elmgren, Frame Gallery, has several pieces on display – did you know that he’s an artist?
There are brown bag lunch (bring your own) seminars over the next 2 weeks with many speakers so check out the calendar at www.kalofoundation.org

Last Thursday, May 6, the Chamber and Park Ridge Police Department hosted a very successful and interesting Workshop,” Bank Robberies, Security Tips: What to Do and What to Expect from Police and the FBI”. It was held here at the Park Ridge Nonprofit Center and 9 banks sent their tellers and staff so we had about 25 attendees.

The FBI discussed recent bank robberies and had pictures of the alleged robbers in action. They covered tips such as protecting the crime scene, not handling the robbery note, and trying to remember everything about the robber – and more.

VRA Architects specializes in designing banks and discussed how to incorporate crime prevention into bank design. Simple things like leaving windows open and clear and not having overgrown bushes by doors were mentioned.

Thank you to Commander Dave Keller and Chief Frank Kaminski for coming up with this great idea and community service outreach!

May 12, Wednesday, 11:30am-1:30pm Monthly Networking Luncheon The Summit of Uptown, 10 N. Summit Avenue. Dick Barton and Karen Larsen will speak on the Historic Tours of Park Ridge.

Member $25 Prospective Member and walk ins $30

This networking luncheon is a joint event with the Park Ridge Rotary Club! Double your networking power!

“From an asteroid strike 15,000 years ago, through pioneering days, to the Kalo Arts and Crafts Community House, and the homes of famous national, film and TV personalities, the 2010 Park Ridge Historic Tours – hosted by the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce – will enlighten the public on how the city came to be and how it has evolved. The tours will run from May through November and will feature the history of the people, places and events that have created the city’s legacy.

Proceeds of the tours will benefit The Kalo Foundation of Park Ridge and The Park Ridge Community Fund.

The tours can provide knowledgeable docents – guides who conduct taxi or group tours through the nearly two dozen sites along the tour route. Information will also be provided by participating retailers about sites suitable for visiting by walking or biking. Subject matter will not only span the 100 years of Park Ridge’s incorporation, but will cover everything from pre-historic local occurrences to studios and private homes of famous people.

The Chamber would also like to thank sponsors: the City of Park Ridge, Chicagoland Senior News, Generation Connection, Journal & Topics Newspapers, Liberty Bank for Savings, Maine Township, Park Ridge Taxi, Township Hwy. Commissioner Robert Provenzano, and The Summit of Uptown.

For more information or to book a tour, please call 847-823-3111 or visit www.historictours.parkridgechamber.org.

For information about other Chamber events and activities, please call 847-825-3121 or visit the Chamber’s Web site at www.parkridgechamber.org.

Here’s who has rsvp’d to date from the Chamber (many Rotarians are Chamber members so they won’t be listed here):

1 Dick Barton Barton & Barton, Ltd.
2 Angela Berger Park Ridge Public Library
3 Dorothy Brownstein Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce
4 Joe Campagna Grant Merchant Services
5 Gale Cerabona Central Baptist Village
6 Cindy Clark Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce
7 Carol Delorin Park Ridge Community Fund
8 Chad Finney The Exercise Coach
9 Perry Fisher Christian Science Reading Room
10 Gail Haller Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce
11 Sara Hunsicker JCare Home Medical Supplies, Inc.
12 Terry Ingraffia AlphaGraphics
13 Alexandra Jusino Prospective Member
14 Dave Keller Park Ridge Police Department
15 Karen Larsen Generation Connection
16 Kirsten Leys Prudential Financial
17 Valerie Niskanen St. Matthew Center for Health
18 Mary Quaid Lee Acupuncture and Healing
19 Maria Renella Baytree Lending
20 Rosemary Sajovic Journal & Topics Newspapers
21 Mary Schurder The Center of Concern
22 Janet Van De Carr Park Ridge Public Library


May 12, Wednesday, 11:30am-1:30pm Monthly Networking Luncheon The Summit of Uptown, 10 N. Summit Avenue. Dick Barton and Karen Larsen: Historic Tours of Park Ridge.
Member $25 Prospective Member and walk ins $30
May 13, Thursday, 8:45am-10:15am Tech Forum, discussing Office 2007 Tips and Tricks, simple things to help make your life easier using office.
May 14, Friday, 8:45am-9:45am PREN 1: Park Ridge Executive Network. A leads and referral networking group within the Chamber. One person per profession.
May 14, Friday, 9:00am-10:30am Communications Meeting
May 14, Friday,10:00am-3:00pm 2010 North Shore Women's Conference. Marriott Lincolnshire Resort, Lincolnshire. Speaker, Beth Rosen “The Social Media Phenom I’m too Busy for Social Media, but I Know I Have to Use It!” $30 Luncheon but free expo for attendees.
May 14, Friday,1:20pm-4:30pm Chamber Fundraiser Chicago Cubs Game Wrigley Field. SOLD OUT!
May 19, Wednesday, 8:00am-9:30am Multi Chamber Networking Breakfast Holiday Inn North Shore, 5300 W. Touhy Ave. – Multiply your networking potential with 15 Chambers participating at this event. $25 by May 12th; $35 after May 12th & for prospective members
May 19, Wednesday, 8:45am-9:45am Retail Committee Meeting Strategize on bringing business to merchants, stores and retailers.
May 21, Friday, 9:00am-10:00am PREN 3: Park Ridge Executive Network
May 21, Friday, 11:30am-1:30pm Women in Business Monthly Networking Luncheon Rosewood Restaurant, 9421 W. Higgins, Rosemont. Suzann Wilson from Beadphoria will speak about "How to Accessorize for Success".
May 25, Tuesday, 9:00am-10:00am New Member Orientation hosted by The Ambassadors
May 25, Tuesday, 10:30am-11:30am PREN 2: Park Ridge Executive Network
May 27, Thursday, 5:00pm-7:00pm Business After Hours Monthly Networking Event Brickton Art Center, 306 Busse Highway. Enjoy fun, food, and fellowship as we network at the Brickton Art Center!
May 31, Monday, Memorial Day - Chamber Office Closed
May 31, Monday, 9:30am-11:00am Park Ridge Memorial Day Parade join other Chamber members as we walk along the parade route and toss candy to spectators in this Park Ridge Tradition. We’ve got spot 36 and only 2 members have signed up so far: Lynnette’s School of Dance and The Exercise Coach so please let us know if you’ll be marching with us!!!

Red Geraniums are the official flower of Park Ridge! I sold out of the entire order (almost 300) so I was able to order more and they’ll be delivered the week of May 17th. Send me an email to hold some for you!

1. 4 ½ inch pots will sell for $4.50 each
2. 6 inch pots for $7.00 each

We only accept cash or check for payment.

3rd Annual North Shore Women’s Conference – A Great Opportunity for Your Business!

Note: Please sign up through Park Ridge Chamber!

Also note: this is the day of our Cubs outing and the Chamber will close at 11 that day!




Gail Haller
Executive Director
Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce
720 Garden Street
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. Accounteque Services Inc.: 847.768.9100
2. All on the Road Catering & Bakery: 847.518.8958
3. AMA Dancers & Company: 847.727.7066
4. Aqua Plumbing, Heating and Cooling: 847.459.7900
5. ATI Physical Therapy: 847.292.0151
6. barrett-TECH: 847.823.1830
7. Cardinal Fitness of Park Ridge: 847.318.7550
8. Catalyst Marketing-Public Relations, Inc.: 847.298.8748
9. CMR Construction & Roofing of Chicago: 847.926.4245
10. Comfort Inn O'Hare/Des Plaines: 847.635.1300
11. D'Agostino's Pizza & Pub: 847.518.8700
12. Falkor Group LLC: www.falkorgroup.com
13. Global Handmade Hope: 847.720.4084
14. Home Comfort Heating & Cooling: 847.824.4336
15. Hyatt Regency O'Hare: 847.696-1234
16. Jason's Deli: 847.823.0210
17. J.C. Lilly Windows & Doors: 773.588.4332
18. K.G.M. Plumbing, Inc.: 847.583.8988
19. le Flour Bake Shop: 773-631-1400
20. Leys, Kirsten; Prudential Financial Services: 847.627.3950
21. Minuteman Press of Deerfield: 847.279.8550
22. Naperville Exterior, Inc: 847.593.7337
23. Panino’s Pizzeria: 847.823.3450
24. Park Ridge Community Fund: 847.825.5311
25. Periodontics of Niles, P.C.: 847.685.6686
26. Perry's Pizzeria & Ribs/Catering: 847-823-4422
27. Pickwick Theatre: 847.825.5800
28. Resurrection Health Care: 847.813.3210
29. Ross E. Rubino, D.D.S.P.C. & Associates: 847.825.1002
30. Sebastian Co. Real Estate: 847.823.3117
31. Subway of Park Ridge at 2618 Dempster: 847.813.9552
32. The Juniper Center: 847-759-9110
33. Unbound Technology: 847-235-4994
34. William Cunningham Movers, Inc.: 773.594.0398
35. You Can Say…Yes! Motivational Guidance Services: 847.401.5787
36. Y-Tech Heating & Cooling: 847.696.0477
37. You can be here!

Monday, May 3, 2010

Gail's Weekly Chamber UPDATE

On Friday evening, my friend Lori Annetti and I attended the St Matthew Center for Health art reception and got to meet several of the artists whose works were on display!
Saturday, Lian (my 10 year old daughter) and I went to the Rainbow Hospice Craft Fair and bought some wonderful items, including chocolate covered pretzels from Linda at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory who had a booth there!
Sunday, sadly, we attended the wake for our friend, Jim Simmons, at Nelson’s Funeral Home. Jim and Barb’s son, Brandon is a 2Lt in the Army and is leaving for Iraq next month and is home on his pre-deployment leave. Their other son, Connor, is a sophomore at UIUC. Both sons were at their mother’s side during this sad time.
Later on Sunday, Marci Derrick, Lian and I attended a wonderful concert featuring John Oberschelp, son of Deborah (Affordable Interiors) who plays the violin. John is a graduating senior at Maine South and will be attending Boston University this fall.
A HUGE thank you to Sergio Lazzara at Affresco’s for hosting a wonderful Business After Hours last Thursday. We had between 50 to 80 people attend (some come and go throughout the 2 hours while some stay the entire time). The assorted woodburning pizzas were delicious – as were the Blue Raspberry martinis!!! Thank you to those who brought prizes and to those who bought raffle tickets:
1. Affresco Gift Baskets: Doug Stolz, Mary Kay Bochenek, Dick Barton
2. PR Chamber Newsletter Insert: Rick Pucci
3. PR Chamber $25 Gift Certificate: Jo Ann Arnswald & Jackie Mathews
4. June Moon Vintage Costume Jewelry: Terry Parke, Boy Scouts
5. $50 Flower gift certificate donated by The Moorings of Arlington Heights: Jackie Matthews
6. Chicago Sky Basketball tickets donated by Chicago Sky: Susan Frangos

The Park Ridge Executive Network PREN 2 had a nice crowd of members attend last week:
Jeff Nathanson, The Heartland Group (Financial Advisors)
Amy Sullivan, Sullivan & Johnson (CPA) – Spoke
Joshua Nichols, Unbound Technology
Michael Watson, Watson Art Studio
Wes Davis, Davis & Associates
Mary Carlson, Liberty Bank for Savings
Bob Soriano, Side Job Bob of Cook County, LLC
Joe Campagna, Grant Merchant Services
James Hamrick, Home Comfort Heating & Cooling
Jim Cone, WSI
Paul Szymanski, Saurus Associates (move to PREN 3)
Danuta Winogradzki, Danwin Design Inc.
We’re going to have some Brian Tracey trainers in July attend all 3 PREN groups to give motivational and business tips on growing your business – stay tuned!

Tonight at City Hall at 7 p.m. or so, the mayor will read a proclamation announcing that May is ‘Shop Park Ridge’ month. Come out and stand with me as we accept it! All Chamber members, Ambassadors and board members – come on out!!!

We do this to bring attention to the need for everyone to keep their money in Park Ridge and to shop locally, shop Park Ridge, and of course to shop Chamber members first!


This Thursday, May 6, 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. the Chamber and Park Ridge Police Department are hosting a Workshop,” Bank Robberies, Security Tips: What to Do and What to Expect from Police and the FBI”. It will be held here at the Park Ridge Nonprofit Center.

The FBI are confirmed and will speak. Also, member VRA Architects specializes in designing banks and will talk about incorporating crime prevention into your bank design.

May 6, Thursday, 9:00am-10:30am Chamber and Park Ridge Police Department Workshop,” Bank Robberies, Security Tips: What to Do and What to Expect from Police and the FBI”.
May 6, Thursday,10:00am 11:30am (EKG) Entrepreneurial Knowledge Group Meeting
Regus, 350 S. NW Highway, Suite 300. A group for new and emerging entrepreneurs.
May 7, Friday, 9:00am-10:30am Membership Committee Meeting
May 12, Wed. Cubs Game Wrigley Field $15 call the Chamber for availability.
May 12, Wednesday, 11:30am-1:30pm Monthly Networking Luncheon The Summit of Uptown, 10 N. Summit Avenue. Dick Barton and Karen Larsen: Historic Tours of Park Ridge.
Member $25 Prospective Member and walk ins $30
May 13, Thursday, 8:45am-10:15am Tech Forum, discussing Office 2007 Tips and Tricks, simple things to help make your life easier using office.
May 14, Friday, 8:45am-9:45am PREN 1: Park Ridge Executive Network. A leads and referral networking group within the Chamber. One person per profession.
May 14, Friday, 9:00am-10:30am Communications Meeting
May 14, Friday,10:00am-3:00pm 2010 North Shore Women's Conference. Marriott
Lincolnshire Resort, Lincolnshire. Speaker, Beth Rosen “The Social Media Phenom” I’m too Busy for Social Media, but I Know I Have to Use It! $30 Luncheon. Call Chamber to make a reservation.
May 14, Friday,1:20pm-4:30pm Chamber Fundraiser Chicago Cubs Game Wrigley Field. SOLD OUT!
May 19, Wednesday, 8:00am-9:30am Multi Chamber Networking Breakfast Holiday Inn North Shore, 5300 W. Touhy Ave. – Multiply your networking potential with 15 Chambers participating at this event. $25 by May 12th; $35 after May 12th & for prospective members
May 19, Wednesday, 8:45am-9:45am Retail Committee Meeting Strategize on bringing business to merchants, stores and retailers.
May 21, Friday, 9:00am-10:00am PREN 3: Park Ridge Executive Network
May 21, Friday, 11:30am-1:30pm Women in Business Monthly Networking Luncheon Rosewood Restaurant, 9421 W. Higgins, Rosemont. Suzann Wilson from Beadphoria will speak about "How to Accessorize for Success".
May 25, Tuesday, 9:00am-10:00am New Member Orientation hosted by The Ambassadors
May 25, Tuesday, 10:30am-11:30am PREN 2: Park Ridge Executive Network
May 27, Thursday, 5:00pm-7:00pm Business After Hours Monthly Networking Event Brickton Art Center, 306 Busse Highway
May 31, Monday, Memorial Day - Chamber Office Closed
May 31, Monday, 9:30am-11:00am Park Ridge Memorial Day Parade join other Chamber members as we walk along the parade route and toss candy to spectators in this Park Ridge Tradition.

Red Geraniums are the official flower of Park Ridge! The Chamber will buy red geraniums wholesale and sell them at the Farmers Market on May 29!

If you pre-order them: (I may raise prices for post-delivery)

1. 4 ½ inch pots will sell for $4.50 each
2. 6 inch pots for $7.00 each

We prefer cash or check for payment please!

3rd Annual North Shore Women’s Conference – A Great Opportunity for Your Business!

Note: Please sign up through Park Ridge Chamber!

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 3rd Annual North Shore Women’s Conference on Friday, May 14, 2010. 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.


Gail Haller
Executive Director
Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce
720 Garden Street
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. Accounteque Services Inc.: 847.768.9100
2. All on the Road Catering & Bakery: 847.518.8958
3. AMA Dancers & Company: 847.727.7066
4. Aqua Plumbing, Heating and Cooling: 847.459.7900
5. ATI Physical Therapy: 847.292.0151
6. barrett-TECH: 847.823.1830
7. Cardinal Fitness of Park Ridge: 847.318.7550
8. Catalyst Marketing-Public Relations, Inc.: 847.298.8748
9. CMR Construction & Roofing of Chicago: 847.926.4245
10. Comfort Inn O'Hare/Des Plaines: 847.635.1300
11. D'Agostino's Pizza & Pub: 847.518.8700
12. Falkor Group LLC: www.falkorgroup.com
13. Global Handmade Hope: 847.720.4084
14. Home Comfort Heating & Cooling: 847.824.4336
15. Hyatt Regency O'Hare: 847.696-1234
16. Jason's Deli: 847.823.0210
17. J.C. Lilly Windows & Doors: 773.588.4332
18. K.G.M. Plumbing, Inc.: 847.583.8988
19. le Flour Bake Shop: 773-631-1400
20. Leys, Kirsten; Prudential Financial Services: 847.627.3950
21. Minuteman Press of Deerfield: 847.279.8550
22. Naperville Exterior, Inc: 847.593.7337
23. Panino’s Pizzeria: 847.823.3450
24. Park Ridge Community Fund: 847.825.5311
25. Periodontics of Niles, P.C.: 847.685.6686
26. Perry's Pizzeria & Ribs/Catering: 847-823-4422
27. Pickwick Theatre: 847.825.5800
28. Resurrection Health Care: 847.813.3210
29. Ross E. Rubino, D.D.S.P.C. & Associates: 847.825.1002
30. Sebastian Co. Real Estate: 847.823.3117
31. Subway of Park Ridge at 2618 Dempster: 847.813.9552
32. The Juniper Center: 847-759-9110
33. Unbound Technology: 847-235-4994
34. William Cunningham Movers, Inc.: 773.594.0398
35. You Can Say…Yes! Motivational Guidance Services: 847.401.5787
36. Y-Tech Heating & Cooling: 847.696.0477
37. You can be here!