Monday, January 25, 2010

Gail's Weekly Chamber UPDATE

Thank you to everyone who attended our big gala Saturday night or who contributed to the Silent Auction or sponsored in any way! There were 158! The new board was inducted. The Community Stars were recognized and it was a fabulous night! Thank you to Tom McHugh and his staff of the Country Club for making our evening so special!

Thank you to my staff: Dorothy Brownstein, Cindy Clark and Marci Derrick for whom I’m very grateful to have – it couldn’t have been a success without all your hard work!!!

I do want to thank Senator Kotowski for coming out just to swear in the new board! He didn’t even stay to eat because he had another function to go to!

And I especially want to give special appreciation to our sponsors for the evening:

• Harris Bank sponsored the Awards
• Resurrection Health Care was an Event Sponsor
• Advocate Lutheran General Hospital sponsored the Community Stars’ Dinners
• Dave & Judy Donovan sponsored the Table Centerpieces
• Sasha Gerritson sponsored the live entertainment “Nothing But Treble”
• Quinn Print Inc. printed the Invitations and Program Books
• Baggio Studios designed the Invitations and Program Books
• A Sterling Design took photographs at the event

Karen Anderson, the outgoing president, awarded the President’s Award to Diddy Blyth, A Sterling Design.

If you missed the event, then you really missed out on a fun time, great food, memorable Community Stars’ remarks and wonderful silent auction items!

Now, it’s time to get back to other Chamber business!

This Thursday evening, Jan. 28, from 5 to 7 is our monthly Business After Hours Networking which will be held at The Heritage of Des Plaines, 800 S. River Road. Included in your membership fees at no additional charge!
The Heritage of Des Plaines offers Exceptional Independent Living and Personalized Assisted Living options for seniors. The Heritage provides the security and warmth of small-town living with easy access to everything Chicago and the northwest suburbs have to offer. You can easily access any number of area restaurants and shopping centers with our extensive transportation services.
Residents enjoy the perfect balance of fun, engaging activity and respect for privacy. There is full-service dining with table-side service in a beautiful setting while socializing with friends; get in a quick workout in our heated, indoor swimming pool; or take advantage of the raised plant and flower beds, designed with your comfort in mind. Whatever your interests, The Heritage offers something for everyone.
With our full range of services and dedicated staff available 24 hours a day combined with our partnerships with well-respected healthcare professionals; you'll rest easy knowing we can meet your every need.

We invite you to come experience exceptional senior living at The Heritage of Des Plaines today.
RSVP to the Chamber so we can give them a headcount.
Chicago Hypnosis Center, 4801 West Peterson Avenue, Suite 601, Chicago 60646 773-725-3200
Amp up Your Elevator Pitch with Hypnotic Language
When you introduce yourself at a Chamber event – you have maybe thirty seconds to make an impact, create a connection, and inspire people to want to know you better.
Learn to use powerful hypnotic language to connect with your audience and help them really pay attention to what you say. Catherine Johns will let you in on the secrets that increase your influence.
Words have a magic all their own. When you use them well, you’ll see the difference in the way people grasp what you say.
You may remember Catherine from her long career in Chicago radio – she was a news anchor and reporter, talk show host, and morning show side-chick at WLS and later at WJMK-fm. She’s now the owner of Chicago Hypnosis Center with another former radio personality, Karen Hand. They use hypnosis and powerful coaching techniques to help clients make personal and professional changes.
Breakfast catered by Panera Bread. $10 members; $15 for Future Members!
January 26, Tuesday, 9:00am - 10:00am Park Ridge Executive Network (PREN 2) Chamber Offices, 720 Garden St. Park Ridge. The second group of PREN leads and referral group within the Chamber with only one person per industry. Please call the Chamber at 847-825-3121 to see if your industry is available. No fee; included in your membership.
January 28, Thursday, 5:00pm - 7:00pm Business After Hours Networking. The Heritage of Des Plaines, 800 S. River Road Enjoy refreshments – no charge and all are welcome to attend!
January 29, Friday, 8:00am - 9:30am Women in Business Networking Breakfast - Catherine Johns, Chicago Hypnosis Center, to speak at 720 Garden Street. Learn to use powerful hypnotic language to connect with your audience and help them really pay attention to what you say. Panera Bread is catering breakfast! $10 member $15 prospective member.
February 4, Thursday, 4:00pm – 6:30pm Multi Chamber Chocolate & Champagne Networking Event, 2855 N. Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook – Mingle with members of 12 local Chambers and network while you enjoy chocolate, champagne and light appetizers. Sponsorships and exhibit table opportunities available. $15 per attendee prior to 1/29. Call Chamber to RSVP.

Lynda Tourloukis writes:
‘A hearty Congratulations to EKG Member Diddy Blyth!
Saturday she was honored to receive the Presidents Award from Chamber President Karen Anderson as a last act of her year as president. Diddy has dedicated years of her service to the multitude of Chamber events and has greatly become known as the person who will capture your memories while giving above and beyond. It is something she does to gain exposure and share her talented services regularly within the community and it is a gift we all are able to see over and over again with each communications newsletter monthly, the annual chamber directory guide and installed in a variety of other sources within the community....Congratulations Diddy for a well deserved honor!’

I will be judging again this year. Its fun and more judges are needed! Call my husband if you can be a judge. Eric Nelson of Nelson Automotive is also a judge in his category of Automotive Marketing (I heard a rumor that he’s a previous DECA Champion!)
On Tuesday, February 2, 2010, high school students from over a dozen area high schools from the northern and northwestern suburbs who are interested in business are coming together in Rosemont, at the Stephens Convention Center for their DECA Career Conference.
At this conference, the students compete with each other by participating in two business situational role plays. The students are given a written situation and a role. They have 20 minutes to prepare how they would respond to the situation, and then they go in front of a judge (who also role plays) and evaluates the participant's professionalism and business ideas.
The high schools are seeking business people who can serve as judges. The time is 8AM until 1PM (parking for judges will be paid for by DECA).
Gary Haller
Evanston Township High School
Teacher - Applied Sciences & Technologies
(847) 424-7000 x8033
hallerg@eths.k12.il.us

Members I visited recently:
Accents by Jenny
Indira Salon & Spa
Walgreens
Dominick’s Finer Foods
Houlihan’s Restaurant
Park Ridge Park District
Park Ridge Public Library

Marci Derrick at the Chamber says: “Special thanks to Steve Schermerhorn at Park Ridge Stationers for personally hand delivering an item that was a last minute request for Installation Dinner….now that's service!”

Rainbow Hospice : Hospice Volunteer Opportunities
Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care will be hosting its quarterly training sessions to find new volunteers to help patients and families in their area. Volunteers can participate in a wide variety of activities from patient care, bereavement, outreach, administration and more. For more information or to become a volunteer, contact Kathy Huber, 847-692-8889, khuber@rainbowhospice.org or visit us at www.RainbowHospice.org and click on volunteering.
Current Upcoming Session – Winter Patient Care Training (3 Days)
Location: Rainbow Hospice Offices, 444 North Northwest Highway, Suite 145, Park Ridge, IL
Saturday, January 30 from 9:00am to 3:00pm
Wednesday, February 3 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
and Saturday, February 6 from 9:00am to 3:00pm
Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care is a non-profit, community based organization that provides comfort and dignity to people who are facing a terminal illness all across the Greater Chicago Area. Volunteers are fully trained and supported by Rainbow Hospice and help provide support to our patients and families.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Rainbow Hospice
Park Ridge Office
444 N. Northwest Highway, Suite 145
Park Ridge, IL 60068

We can be reached by phone or fax:
Phone: (847) 685-9900
Fax: (847) 685-6390
Beginning the week of January 25th -January 31st, Morningfields of Park Ridge will be offering free delivery service on all catering orders.
• 10% additional discount on first time orders
• 15% additional discount on referral orders.
Please view our catering menus and weekly specials on our website at www.morningfields.net
More Weekly Promotions To Come!!
Melissa Rufo, Catering Manager, Morningfields, 800 W. Devon, Park Ridge, IL. 60068
847-696-4200 x4 melissa@morningfields.net

Park Ridge Hysterical Society the 30 Days of Laughter Challenge
LaughterCise Week Four Jolly Jean The Laughing Queen Let the Joy move you!
Move more...eat less. That's the age old wisdom and we in the act of laughter do our part to get more in our bodies moving than ever before.
Did you know?
We have about five litres of oxygen in our diaphragm and typically only move about 1 litre in our regular routines. In Laughter exercises we get all five litres moving and that really creates a great flow of oxygen stimulating focus, breathing ability and we increase in endorphins!
Are you ready to lift the Laffy Taffy...our rendition of weight bearing exercise...don't worry everyone can do this! Our motto is no new pain and no strain!
Join us Tuesday at 7pm for LaughterCise
You'll stretch your laughter, loosen up that muscle of mirth, explore your oxygen path and release those rotten ideas about exercise...
LaughterCise is fun fitness....get your heart in shape for Valentine's Day!
350 S. Northwest Hwy Enter off the Parking lot in the rear...1st Floor Conference Room
Higher Level Wellness Announcement
Learn how to get Healthier Slimmer Stronger Smarter and Sexier! Sign up NOW for our New 6 Week Health & Wellness Boot Camp With 3 choices of classes
1. In person Starts February 9th – March 16th @ Park Ridge Plaza Building 350 S Northwest Hwy 1st Fl Conference Room
2. Convenient Tele Classes from the comfort of your office or home: Starts February 11 – March 18th
3. With two times to choose from 1pm (Lunch & Learn) or 7.30 pm
Price is only $199.00 and as a Chamber Member YOUR price is 25% Less $149.00!!!!
So make an investment in your health and happiness call to reserve your class!
Call Susan Frangos your Chief Butt Kicker and Wellness Coach 847-361-6185

St. Mary’s Mardi Gras for Haiti 2010
February 13, 2010, Cocktails from 6 to 7 p.m., Dinner from 7 to 8 p.m. Live Entertainment.
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 306 S. Prospect Ave, Park Ridge, 847-823-4126
Due to the human tragedy occurring in Haiti as a result of the earthquake and its aftershocks, this year we will be donating ALL proceeds from our annual Mardi Gras fundraiser to help our Haitian brothers and sisters. Please come and celebrate with us, knowing that your donation will help the members of the one of the world's most impoverished nations in its time of desperate need.
Purchase keys to unlock hope for Haiti and for a chance to win fabulous prizes. If your key “unlocks” the bells you have won a prize!
Unlock the Box and Raffles from 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets and keys on sale now! Buy Keys, Win prizes! To purchase call 847-823-4126
$50 single * $100 couple * $40 senior single * $80 senior couple *
$75 balcony single (Premium seating and drinks included)
$150 balcony couple (Premium seating and drinks included)
The Bells of St. Mary's now ring for Haiti! Buy one key for $10 or six for $50! And don't forget that our Mardi Gras celebration includes music by Joe Lill's Six of One, auctions, fabulous prizes, delicious Cajun food, and more!

Edward Jones Ranks No. 1 in National Survey of Brokers For the 17th Consecutive Year
For the 17th consecutive year, Edward Jones ranked No. 1 in Registered Rep. magazine's annual survey of the nation's five largest financial services firms, according to Perrry Wein at 32 Main Street in Park Ridge. The magazine randomly selects financial advisors nationwide and asks them to rank their firms in various categories.

"Considering the extraordinary challenges we have faced in the economy and our industry, this ranking is especially meaningful to us this year," said Wein. "We consider it a vote of confidence in the value of our business model and our core value of working together in partnership."

Edward Jones provides financial services for individual investors in the United States and, through its affiliate, in Canada.

George Bellas Named 2010 Illinois "Super Lawyer"
George Bellas, senior partner in the Park Ridge, IL law firm of Bellas & Wachowski, has been named a 2010 Illinois “Super Lawyer” for his work in business litigation for the sixth consecutive year by Law & Politics.
Each year Law & Politics mails approximately 47,000 ballots to active lawyers in Illinois to nominate the best lawyers they observed in action. The selection process includes peer recommendations, blue ribbon panel review, and independent research on each nominee. Mr. Bellas and the names of the few Illinois lawyers selected will appear in a special supplement of the February 2010 issue of Chicago Magazine.
“Such recognition by your fellow attorneys is very rewarding. It’s satisfying that my work on behalf of small business owners has been recognized by such a prestigious group”, said Mr. Bellas.
Rated "AV" by Martindale-Hubbell®, his work has been recognized nationally. In the largest product recall in history, Mr. Bellas educated the public on the risks involving Firestone tires on the Ford Explorer and lectured bar associations throughout the country on the rollover risks of SUV's. Additionally, he has lectured around the country on the use of technology in the courtroom and electronic discovery process to ensure full disclosure. He is a current member of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association and former President of the Northwest Suburban Bar Association.
Bellas & Wachowski has 35+ years experience protecting individuals and small business owners throughout Chicago in matters of Business Law, Business Litigation and Employment Law. For more information visit www.bellas-wachowski.com

SAVE THE DATE! Town Hall Meeting April 8, 2010 7 - 9 p.m.
Join Community Leaders & Elected Officials
Get an Update on Youth in Maine Township
Launch of new STEP UP! Campaign
Learn How to Create a Healthy Community for Youth & Families
www.mcyaf.com (847) 858-7090 2720 S. River Rd. Suite 128 | Des Plaines, IL 60018

Happy New Year! I want to invite you to WSI's first expert webinar of 2010! Our first webinar, entitled "2010: The New Ways to Be Found Online", will be on January 27.
Francois, Muscat, WSI expert, will share how in 2010 online marketing will gain new heights and there will be new ways to be found online, build brand and generate, more leads. This webinar will help entrepreneurs, business owners, professionals in various services, marketing managers, and online marketing specialists. He will share some powerful strategies to evolve your current online marketing tactics and reap the benefits of this dynamic landscape.
Title: 2010: The New Ways to Be Found Online
Date: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CDT
Registration Link: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/359983465
(Don't forget to put in my name, James Cone, to complete your registration).

James Cone, Internet Marketing Consultant, 847.430.6842
http://www.OnlinewsiMarketing.com

Park Ridge City is assisting in the coordination of the 2010 Census.
The feds are in need of workers -- here in Park Ridge, they are really
in need of residents who speak either Russian or Polish, as we have a
pretty big demographic in those two areas.

Contact: 1-866-861-2010 or www.2010censusjobs.gov

Elemental Massage $30 ($40 savings!) Now thru February 12th

Introducing Horea, our Full Time Massage Therapist

Not valid with other offers or coupons. Excludes Saturdays. Offer expires 2/12/10


Sponsored by the Park Ridge Community Health Commission:

We are organizing a Park Ridge Weight Loss Challenge aka Park Ridge’s Biggest Losers… as a community outreach program for our citizens. It will involve asking people to organize a team of any number and come and weigh in with their team for a series of 6 weeks, every Monday Feb. 8th-March 15th (right before spring break).

The team who loses the most weight will be crowned the Champions of the Park Ridge Weight Loss Challenge and win some prizes yet to be determined.

It is open to everyone and there is no charge for this activity.

We will meet at the Public Works Building and people can come between 7:30 pm and 9:00 to weigh in. I am recruiting organizations and businesses to participate in a mini health fair each Monday that we meet so people will have access to resources that can help them obtain a healthy lifestyle.

Teri Collins, Community Liaison and Member
Park Ridge Community Heath Commission

Email with questions: Teri Collins tcato3@att.net
Her cell: 847-456-8267




February 20, 2010

$28.00 for Adults * $22 for kids

4:30 P.M. Dinner @ the Elks Club
495 Lee Street, Des Plaines, IL. 60016,847-824-1526

MENU (includes ALL of the following)

Baked Mostaccioli * Baked Chicken * Pork Roast * Elks mixed greens
Butter Whipped Potatoes * Candied Carrots * Chocolate Sundae
Cash Bar * Special Kids Menu

Arrive at All State Arena at 6:30 p.m.
The Chicago Wolves vs. The Houston Aeros

• Great Seats for Live Hockey Action
• Free Chicago Wolves Cap
• Each Child will be given a free Drug Awareness Goodies Bag
• Raffle prizes for the groups
• Free parking
• The Chamber’s Name up on the big scoreboard throughout the game for PR purposes
• This will be captured by Comcast and seen via local cable

Space is limited. We are selling tickets to the first 50 people only.

RSVP’s don’t work - only checks in hand. So mail your $28 payable to Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce to:

Richard P. Pucci, Sr.
Park Ridge Financial Advisors
1580 North Northwest Highway
Suite 15
Park Ridge, IL 60068
B: 847-759-0055
rickpucci@pwfinancial.net

…or drop check off for me at The Chamber.

A Night out, great Dinner, Networking, Hockey Action, Free Parking, a Cap, Prizes

Don’t miss out! Call fellow Chamber member Rick Pucci: 847-759-0055 with any questions. Go Wolves!
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. Affordable Interiors, Deborah Oberschelp: 312.909.1255
3. Aqua Plumbing, Heating and Cooling: 847.459.7900
4. ATI Physical Therapy: 847.292.0151
5. barrett-TECH, John Barrett: 847.823.1830
6. Cardinal Fitness of Park Ridge: 847.318.7550
7. Falkor Group LLC: www.falkorgroup.com
8. Global Handmade Hope: 847.720.4084
9. Home Comfort Heating & Cooling: 847.824.4336
10. J.C. Lilly Windows & Doors: 773.588.4332
11. K.G.M. Plumbing, Inc.: 847.583.8988
12. Leys, Kirsten; Prudential Financial Services: 847.627.3950
13. PC Medic Computer Repair, Jerry Flanagan: 847.299.5556
14. Park Ridge Community Fund: 847.825.5311
15. Periodontics of Niles, P.C. Dr. Dorothy Anasinski: 847.685.6686
16. Perry's Pizzeria & Ribs/Catering, Nick Straub: 847-823-4422
17. Pickwick Theatre: 847.825.5800
18. Resurrection Health Care, Theresa Olson: 847.813.3210
19. Ross E. Rubino, D.D.S.P.C. & Associates 847.825.1002
20. Sebastian Co. Real Estate; Don Sebastian, Jr.: 847.823.3117
21. Subway of Park Ridge at 2618 Dempster: 847.813.9552
22. The Exercise Coach, Chad Finney: 847.823.0035
23. The McTigue Financial Group, Tom Canale: 773.380.4025
24. Unbound Technology, Joshua Nichols: 847-235-4994
25. You Can Say…Yes! Motivational Guidance Services, Lynda Tourloukis: 847.401.5787
26. Y-Tech Heating & Cooling: 847.696.0477
27. You can be here!