Gail's Weekly Chamber UPDATE

Hope you had a great weekend! Friday night’s storms were a doozy! Our weekend was great: My mother arrived safely, we survived my son’s graduation party, and tomorrow we’re headed to Billy Elliot!
Continue reading to find out what’s going on at the Chamber this week, and more.
The red geraniums were so successful, I’m planning on ordering mums for the fall – but I need to pre-sell like I did with the red geraniums so I’ll have more details later but they’ll be same prices and beautiful. They’ll all arrive on one day so need to get them all picked up that day.

Business After Hours this Thursday
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital July 29, Thursday, 5:00pm – 7:00pm Park Ridge Chamber Business After Hours Networking Event. In the lobby of the Yacktman Children’s Pavilion at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital/Advocate Lutheran General Children’s Hospital, 1775 W. Dempster St., Park Ridge.
Includes a visit to the new green roof, which is the highest point of Park Ridge; a visit to the neurology/stroke care unit in the new patient tower; and a visit to the Children’s Health Resource Center of Advocate Lutheran General Children’s Hospital.
Park in the main garage and enter via the main entrance of the hospital in the patient tower. Escorts will be available to show the way. Visitors will receive a voucher for free parking upon entering the Yacktman Pavilion.

Friday
Women in Business
Book Review July 30, Friday, 8:00am-9:30am WIB Women in Business Monthly Networking Breakfast. Annual Book Review by members. Bring a book that inspired you personally, professionally, or in a life-changing way.
Catered by Cream of the Crepe – when you make your reservation, let us know if you’d like a Rise and Shine crepe (eggs, bacon, cheddar cheese) or Greekfast (eggs, feta cheese, spinach & tomato). So, its important to rsvp as we’re only ordering one per guest!
$10 member $15 prospective member.

Welcome to 6 New Members! Last week was our Chamber board meeting and 6 new members were approved. Welcome to:
Bath Fitter Ryan Sarti 5500 W Touhy Ave, Ste H, Skokie, IL 60077 847-676-1350
Country Financial Manuel Amezcua 25 S. Prospect Ave. Park Ridge, IL 60068 847-696-9484
One Hope United Child Development Center Cheryl Davis-Malone 9375 Church St., Des Plaines, IL 60016 847-824-5180
Safeguard Basement Technologies Patrick Holohan 2655 W. Farwell Ave. Chicago, IL 60645 847-477-6992
StageCoach Theatre Arts Schools Amada Banden 6117 North Wolcott, Chicago, IL 60660 847-224-6040
Xpress Communications Rosemarie Connolly 1031 W. Touhy Ave. 847-430-3003
Please remember our Chamber members first when you shop for goods and services.

Last week at the Chamber Last week at the Chamber, in addition to the board meeting, we had a multi-chamber breakfast, a retail committee meeting, Ambassadors meeting, a Young Professionals get together at Houlihan’s, and I hosted other Chamber executives at a luncheon at the Park Ridge Country Club. So, all in all, a pretty light week!

The money we took in at the North Suburban Young Professionals networking event will be donated to the Park Ridge Community Fund. Thank you to Joe Dydio and his wonderful staff at Houlihan’s for hosting the event for us!

We have a new Platinum member! Houlihan’s just went Platinum! So, now there are 38 Platinum members taking advantage of the Platinum benefits for just $300.

Retail Committee The Retail Committee, chaired by Linda Hills, Rocky Moutain Chocolate Factory, has a lot going on. The goal is to bring residents and visitors to Park Ridge to shop locally and keep their money in town which translates to more tax revenue for the City and goes back into services for our residents. It’s a win-win!

AutumnFest kicks off on Saturday, October 2, with a Costumed Pet Parade, and Windows on Parade. There will be lots of publicity with posters in the kiosks, flyers, newspaper announcements, website exposure. To defray the cost, each participating business pays $20. They’ll also get a little scarecrow rubber duckie to display in the window for an ‘I Spy’ game for the kids.

Golf Outing September 2
Would you like to be a sponsor? The Multi Chamber Golf Outing is Thursday, September 2, at Chevy Chase County Club in Wheeling starting at 11 a.m. We’re partnering again with Skokie Chamber to increase your networking power!

Individual Golfers/Foursomes ($150 early bird registration, $165 after 7/31/10) Includes round of golf, cart, lunch, dinner, drawing ticket and door prize ticket.

Can you donate an item for the Raffle?

A great way to get your name out in front of everyone is through sponsorships! Here’s the details of the sponsorships available. Grant Merchant Services (Joe Campagna) has claimed one of the lunch sponsorships (Thanks, Joe!) but there are 2 more available!

Title Sponsor
Includes a golf foursome, welcome banner with Title Sponsor recognition, logo on every golf cart, logo and link on Skokie and Park Ridge Chamber websites (up to 1 year), recognition in both Chamber newsletters, recognition in event program and all promotional materials, logo on one entire side of goodie bag and one bag item, signage on four greens that is visible throughout the day, logo in all Pioneer Press ads two weeks prior to event and one week after,
3-5 minutes of speaking time at dinner
1-2 Available (Assure industry-specific sponsorships) $3,000

Dinner Sponsor
Includes a golf foursome, signage at Dinner and on each table, logo on one side of goodie bag, ad in Skokie and Park Ridge Chamber newsletters, logo and link on both Chamber websites (up to 1 year), signage on two greens that is visible throughout the day, logo in all Pioneer Press ads two weeks prior to event and one week after
2 Available $1,500

Lunch Sponsor
Includes two golfers, signage at Lunch with recognition, logo on one side of goodie bag, ad in Skokie and Park Ridge Chamber newsletters, logo and link on both Chamber websites, signage on one green that is visible throughout the day, logo in all Pioneer Press ads two weeks prior to event and one week after
3 2 Available (Grant Merchant Services took 1) $1000

Hospitality Sponsor
Includes one golfer, signage at Hospitality Hour with recognition, logo and link on Skokie and Park Ridge Chamber websites (up to 1 year), logo in all Pioneer Press ads two weeks prior to event and one week after
4 Available $500

Beverage Carts
Includes signage and exposure at event on a beverage cart, recognition in event program and all promotional materials
2 Available $1,000

Corporate Sponsor
Includes a golf foursome and one bronze hole sponsorship $750

Golden Hole Sponsors
Recognition in all promotional materials, as well as different levels of recognition at the event.
Swing for $1,000,000 (special customized holes available)
Hole in One for $10,000 $1,000
Beat the Pro $350
Closest to the Pin $350

Silver Hole Sponsors
Recognition in all promotional materials, as well as different levels of recognition at the event.
Longest Drive (Women and Men) $300 each
Straightest Drive (Women and Men)$300 each
Bronze Hole/Tee Sponsor
28 Available $250
Putting Contest Sponsor $500 + prize
Golf Towel Sponsor Primary: $200...... Secondary $125
Awards Sponsor - Distribute awards at the Dinner 2 Available $200
Golf Cart Sponsor - Your company name on a golf cart 25 Available $75
Dinner Table Advertising - Your company name and literature on a dinner table. 20 Available $50
Goodie Bag Sponsor - Supply 125 items for the goodie bags, a great way to be remembered $25

Mark Your Calendar for these Chamber Networking Events! July 27, Tuesday, 9:00am – 10:00am PREN 2: Park Ridge Executive Network: Guest Speaker Stephen Black, a Brian Tracy Senior Trainer. Double Your Business! This is the 3rd and final session with the senior trainer and the first 2 sessions have been very well received. Just one hour, no charge!
July 28, Wednesday, 9:00am – 10:30am Health Care Forum 720 Garden St. New forum to discuss and educate members and public on various aspects of health care and more. Bring your own coffee. We expect to have a good crowd this week – probably 15 or 20. 3 will talk about their business:
July 28, Wednesday, 5:00pm -7:00pm Multi-Chamber After Hours Networking Event. Resurrection Medical Center, 7435 W. Talcott Avenue, Chicago Patient Care Addition Opening Celebration.
July 29, Thursday, 5:00pm – 7:00pm Park Ridge Chamber Business After Hours Networking Event. In the lobby of the Yacktman Children’s Pavilion at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital/Advocate Lutheran General Children’s Hospital, 1775 W. Dempster St., Park Ridge. Includes visit to the new green roof, which is the highest point of Park Ridge, a visit to the neurology/stroke care unit in the new patient tower, and a visit to the Children’s Health Resource Center of Advocate Lutheran General Children’s Hospital. Park in the main garage and enter at the main entrance of the hospital in the patient tower. Escorts will be available show the way. Visitors will receive a voucher for free parking upon entering the Yacktman Pavilion.
July 30, Friday, 8:00am-9:30am WIB Women in Business Monthly Networking Breakfast. Annual Book Review by members. Bring a book that inspired you personally, professionally, or in a life-changing way. Catered by Cream of the Crepe – when you make your reservation, let us know if you’d like a Rise and Shine crepe (eggs, bacon, cheddar cheese) or Greekfast (eggs, feta cheese, spinach & tomato). $10 member $15 prospective member.
August 5, 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 to discuss common issues moderated by Lynda Tourloukis, You Can Say…Yes! Motivational Guidance Services.
August 6, Friday, 9:00am – 10:30am Membership Committee Meeting, Strategize on member recruitment, retention and satisfaction. Chaired by Theresa Olson, Resurrection Health Care.
August 11, Wednesday, 11:30am – 1:00pm, Monthly Networking Luncheon, Park Ridge Public Library, 20 S. Prospect Avenue. Will discuss the business reference services available and also introduce new website. Catered by All on the Road Catering. $25 members, $30 prospective members.
August 12, Thursday, 8:45am – 10:15am Tech Forum. Discussing technology in the business sector. Moderated by Ben Wilson, Falkor Group.
August 13, Friday, 8:45am – 9:45am PREN 1: Park Ridge Executive Network A non-compete leads and referral networking group within the Chamber at no additional charge. One person per profession, please.
August 13, Friday, 9:00am – 10:30am Communications Committee Meeting. Write articles and submit pictures for the Chamber newsletter and get your by-line in the newsletter!
August 18, Wednesday, 8:45am – 9:45am Retail Committee Meeting, Strategize on bringing business to merchants, stores and retailers.
August 20, Friday, 9:00am – 10:00am PREN 3: Park Ridge Executive Network
August 24, Tuesday, 9:00am – 10:00am PREN 2: Park Ridge Executive Network

Contact me: 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. Houlihan's Restaurant: 847.692.6205
16. Hyatt Regency O'Hare: 847.696-1234
17. Jason's Deli: 847.823.0210
18. J.C. Lilly Windows & Doors: 773.588.4332
19. K.G.M. Plumbing, Inc.: 847.583.8988
20. le Flour Bake Shop: 773-631-1400
21. Leys, Kirsten; Prudential Financial Services: 847.627.3950
22. Minuteman Press of Deerfield: 847.279.8550
23. Naperville Exterior, Inc: 847.593.7337
24. Panino’s Pizzeria: 847.823.3450
25. Park Ridge Community Fund: 847.825.5311
26. Periodontics of Niles, P.C.: 847.685.6686
27. Perry's Pizzeria & Ribs/Catering: 847-823-4422
28. Pickwick Theatre: 847.825.5800
29. Pro Windows: www.prowindowservice.com
30. Resurrection Health Care: 847.813.3210
31. Ross E. Rubino, D.D.S.P.C. & Associates: 847.825.1002
32. Sebastian Co. Real Estate: 847.823.3117
33. Subway of Park Ridge at 2618 Dempster: 847.813.9552
34. The Juniper Center: 847-759-9110
35. Unbound Technology: 847-235-4994
36. William Cunningham Movers, Inc.: 773.594.0398
37. You Can Say…Yes! Motivational Guidance Services: 847.401.5787
38. Y-Tech Heating & Cooling: 847.696.0477
39. You can be here!

Gail's Weekly Chamber UPDATE

My mother is flying in for a quick visit this week for my son, Dirk’s, graduation party on Saturday. Deborah Oberschelp, Affordable Interiors, is at my house right now, redecorating, hanging rods and drapes – you should the beautiful job she’s done rearranging my furniture, artwork, and shelves! I can’t believe it’s all my stuff (she also packed away a lot of stuff so we can rotate it out later). Call Debbie at 312-909-1255 – you’ll love what she can do on a shoestring budget! I’m really pleased how she’s updated our look in the living/dining/powder rooms!

Last Wednesday was the Chamber’s July Networking Luncheon, which was held at Chamber member Carlucci Rosemont, 6111 N. River Road. What an incredible meal they made for us! 22 guests attended! Thank you to John Campagna and staff from hosting a wonderful event!
Our speaker, Steve Fretzin, spoke on Darwinism For Your Business-Surviving and Even Thriving in a Recession. He is also the creator of NetworkingMonkey.com where the Chamber lists all our events (and we’ve gotten several attendees and a few members from doing so.)
From Steve, after the lunch:
“After the Darwinism event there seemed to be some interest in the Business Building Boot Camp Steve is holding in September. We would like to extend the Business Building Boot camp 70% discount to all members of your chamber and anyone in your personal or business network you feel may benefit. Please notice that the registration URL on the flyer attached will take them to the full price registration form. To give out the 70% discount, go to this link: http://tinyurl.com/28r4pus.”

One more chance to hear Steve Black speak next week!
‘Would you like to double your business without working twice as hard?’
Did you know that the Chamber has 3 existing leads and referral networking groups: Park Ridge Executive Network 1, 2, and 3. They are included in your membership fees at no additional charge. Take advantage of your Chamber membership by joining one of the groups! They meet on different days (2nd Friday, 3rd Friday, 4th Tuesday). One person to fill each profession so as not to split loyalties.
The next one meets next Tuesday and we’re having Steve Black speak – come check it out as its open to all!
PREN 3 has about 5 people and we’re looking to start PREN 4 with a financial advisor and mortgage broker. Let me know if you’re interested!
July 21, Wednesday, 7:30am-9:30am, Multi Chamber Networking Breakfast Doubletree Hotel, 9599 Skokie Blvd., Skokie
July 21, Wednesday, 8:45am – 9:45am Retail Committee Meeting, Strategize on bringing business to merchants, stores and retailers.
July 28, Wednesday, 5:00pm -7:00pm Multi-Chamber After Hours Networking Event. Resurrection Medical Center, 7435 W. Talcott Avenue, Chicago Patient Care Addition Opening Celebration.
July 29, Thursday, 5:00pm – 7:00pm Business After Hours Networking Event Advocate Lutheran General Hospital - Roof Top Garden, 1775 Dempster
July 30, Friday, 8:00am-9:30am WIB Women in Business Monthly Networking Breakfast. Annual Book Review by all the women who participate. Bring a book that inspires you personally, professionally, or in a life-changing way. $10 member $15 prospective member.
September 2, Thursday, Annual Golf Outing with Skokie Chamber at Chevy Chase Country Club. Would you like to be a sponsor?
October 23, Saturday, E-cycling at Public Works. Dispose of your old pc’s, peripherals, and tv’s for just $5 per car. Save the Date for the Chamber’s golf outing with Skokie Chamber: Thursday, September 2, at Chevy Chase. We’re looking for committee members to help plan and sponsors to help underwrite the costs. Co-chairs are Kane Connell, Liberty Bank for Savings with Jim Cone, WSI. Let me know if you’re interested joining this fun committee! Meetings will start up very soon!

December 26, Sunday, St Paul of the Cross Sunday Supper. 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.