Monday, January 30, 2012

Gail's Weekly Chamber UPDATE

First Fridays is this Friday! The theme is ‘I heart Park Ridge’. We had less than ten vendors signed up for the Pop Up Market so it got cancelled. But please visit your favorite stores on Friday and spend some money!

Retail Roundtable is tomorrow here at 720 Garden from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Please let us know if you can make it.


Multi-Chamber Chocolate & Champagne Expo: Mingle with the business members of local Chambers and network while you enjoy chocolate, champagne and other offerings from exhibitors!

Des Plaines, Glencoe, Glenview, Mount Prospect, Park Ridge, Skokie, Wheeling/Prospect Heights Area and other Chambers

Thursday, February 9, 2012
4:00 to 6:30 pm
Crowne Plaza Chicago-Northbrook
2875 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Northbrook

NO CHARGE TO ATTEND!
EVENT SPONSOR: $250 INCLUDES 6’ TABLE WITH TABLECLOTH, LOGO ON ALL EVENT MATERIALS, INFOMERCIAL AT THE EVENT, SIGN WITH LOGO AT ENTRANCE OF EVENT, TABLE SIGN, & BROCHURE IN GOODIE BAGS

GOODIE BAG SPONSOR: $125 & THE OPPORTUNITY TO PROVIDE OWN BAGS FOR 200 ATTENDEES. GREAT VISIBILITY!

EXHIBIT TABLE REGISTRATION– OPEN TO MEMBERS OF THE PARTICIPATING CHAMBERS ONLY:
$70 EXHIBIT TABLE OR $95 FOR RETAIL SALES TABLE (AVAILABILITY IS LIMITED) INCLUDES A 6’ TABLE WITH TABLECLOTH & TABLE SIGN. ELECTRICITY $25 EXTRA. NO SHARED TABLES. CONSIDER HOLDING A DOOR PRIZE DRAWING AT YOUR TABLE TO COLLECT BUSINESS CARDS FROM THE ATTENDEES!


Did you know that you can send out a dedicated eblast for just $50? Send me your pdf and I insert it into an email.

The Chamber’s Business After Hours was last Thursday and was sponsored by Comcast Business Services and Affresco. We had a full house. Great food and beverages. Thank you to Doug Stolz and Sergio for hosting!

Catherine Johns presented on ‘the handshake’ at Women in Business and Morningfields catered a fabulous full breakfast! Great event! Thank you to Catherine and to Rick!


Chamber’s Greeter Box Program

Another benefit of joining the Chamber is the opportunity to participate in the Greeter Box Program to promote your business to new residents and businesses in Park Ridge. The boxes are delivered monthly to new businesses and new homeowners in Park Ridge and we average about 500 to 600 annually.

Participants can include coupons, flyers, business cards, pens, pencils, menus, etc. with a 3 ounce weight limit per box. Students with special needs at Maine East High School assemble the boxes and contents under the supervision of their teacher, Jeff Gallichio.

The annual fee to participate in this program is $275. Each year there are over 500 new residents and new businesses moving into Park Ridge.

If you are interested in participating in this program, please send me an email. You’ll drop off 50 items per month to be included in the Greeter Boxes or multiples of 50. The Chamber will contact you when we are running low on your promotional items.

Participants in this program receive a list of new residents via email! If you have any questions, please contact me at 847-825-3121.

Mark your calendar!

January 31, Tuesday, 6:00pm – 7:30pm Retail Roundtable Meeting, 720 Garden St If you have a shop in Park Ridge then don’t miss out on the Chamber’s Retail Roundtable! It’s a group formed to allow retailers the opportunity to discuss issues of interest to them.

February 2, Thursday 10:00am-11:30am Entrepreneurial Knowledge Group (EKG) Meeting , Regus, 350 S. Northwest Highway Ste. 300

February 2, Thursday, 11:00am – 12:00pm Health Care Forum Program, Park Ridge Senior Center, 100 S. Western Ave., Dr. Dean Katsamakis, Internal Medicine and Cardiology, affiliated with Resurrection and Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, will discuss Heart Disease -The Silent Killer. Attendance is free.

February 3, Friday - First Fridays “I ♥ Park Ridge” Local participating retailers will be open late! (Pop Up Market has been canceled at 116 Main St. due to lack of vendors signed up)

February 7, Tuesday, 11am – 12:00pm Chamber Ambassador Meeting, 720 Garden St – would you like to be an Ambassador for the Chamber? You can mentor new businesses, meet lots of new people, network with other Ambassadors!

February 8, Wednesday 11:30am-1:30pm Monthly Networking Luncheon at Carlucci Rosemont, 6111 N. River Road. Speaker: Kymberlee Raya, Big Shot Marketing “How to Sell to Anyone” $25 members and $30 walk ins and prospective members

February 9, Thursday, 8:45am-10:15am Tech Forum

February 9, Thursday 4:00pm-6:30pm Multi-Chamber Chocolate & Champagne Expo at Crowne Plaza Chicago-Northbrook 2875 N. Milwaukee. No charge to attend! Bring your business cards.

February 10, Friday, 8:45am -9:45am PREN 1 720 Garden Street

February 10, Friday, 9:00am-10:30am Membership Meeting 720 Garden Street

February 16, Thursday, 5:00pm-7:00pm Business After Hours at D’Agostino’s Pizza and Pub, 742 W. Higgins Road

February 17, Thursday, 9:30am – 10:30am PREN 3 Park Ridge Executive Network 720 Garden

February 18, Saturday, 4:30pm - 9:30pm 6th Annual Chicago Wolves Hockey Dinner and Chamber Fundraiser, Des Plaines Elks Lodge, 495 Lee Street and Allstate Arena – RSVP to Chamber (this events sells out quickly) – cost is $30 adults and $25 for kids 12 and under)

February 21, Tuesday, 9:00am-10:00am New Member Orientation 720 Garden Street

February 21, Tuesday 10:30am-11:30am PREN 2 720 Garden Street

February 22, Wednesday, 9:00am-10:00am Executive Board Meeting in the Board Room

February 22, Wednesday, 9:00am-10:30am Health Care Forum

February 24, Friday 8:30am-9:45am Women in Business Networking Breakfast 720 Garden Street, Amy Sullivan, Sullivan & Johnson Ltd., provides helpful tax facts and tips. Member $10 and prospective member $15

February 28, Tuesday 8:30am-10:00am Board of Directors Meeting 720 Garden Street


Gail Haller
Executive Director
Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce
720 Garden Street
Park Ridge, IL 60068

phone: 847.825.3121
fax: 847.825.3122
facebook.com/ShopParkRidgeIL
www.parkridgechamber.org

Thank you to our Platinum members
1. Advocate Lutheran General Hospital and
Advocate Lutheran General Children's Hospital: 847.723.2210 New!
2. All on the Road Catering & Bakery: 847.518.8958
3. AthletiCo Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy: 847-292-4710
4. ATI Physical Therapy: 847.292.0151
5. Blufish Sushi Bistro: 847.720.4479
6. Charter Fitness of Park Ridge: 847.318.7550
7. Comfort Inn O'Hare/Des Plaines: 847.635.1300
8. D'Agostino's Pizza & Pub: 847.518.8700
9. E.J. Coyne & Company Inc: 847.692.9077
10. Express Auto Center: 847.813.9469
11. Home Comfort Heating & Cooling: 847.824.4336
12. Houlihan's Restaurant: 847.692.6205
13. Jason's Deli: 847.823.0210
14. K.G.M. Plumbing, Inc.: 847.583.8988
15. LIN-MAR Motors: 847.965.4200
16. Mary Kay Beauty Consultant, Hilary Sopata: www.marykay.com/hilary New!
17. North South Masonry & Tuckpointing: 847.384.0917
18. Pangaea Tiling & Decorative Painting: 847.899.3539
19. Paul Davis Emergency Services: 847.692.5000
20. Periodontics of Niles: 847.685.6686
21. Pickwick Theatre: 847.825.5800
22. Responsive Management Solutions: 847.804.8800
23. Resurrection Health Care: 847.813.3210
24. Ross E. Rubino, D.D.S.P.C. & Associates: 847.825.1002
25. The Exercise Coach: 847.823.0035 New!
26. Transition Brokers RE: 312.399.2490
27. Unbound Technology: 847.235.4994
28. Village Bank & Trust: 847-870-6007
29. Why Not Complete Home Improvement: 847-297-0101
30. Y-Tech Heating & Cooling: 847.696.0477
31. You can be here!

Thursday, January 26, 2012

A Note From Gail

Tonight is the first Business After Hours for 2012! It’s time to network, socialize, get out, grow your business, and eat great food at Affresco and buy some raffle tickets! The Chamber needs a new shredder so the funds raised this evening will buy us a shredder! Thank you to both Sergio at Affresco and Doug at Comcast Business Service for hosting our BAH! 5 to 7. RSVPs not required but certainly appreciated.

And tomorrow is our Women in Business breakfast networking with Catherine Johns (always a big hit with our members!). Catering by Morningfields (always another big hit with our members!) 8:30 to 9:45 p.m. and its all about the handshake – do you think your handshake is perfect? We’ll let you know – there’ll be a whole lotta shakin’ goin on!!!

2012 Chamber dues are due! Please pay your dues. Call Dorothy if you need to know the amount. Everyone has been invoiced and they were due December 31, 2011.

Hometown Voices I heard that The Summit of Uptown was selected! Congratulations!


Did you know? Did You Know?

• You can lower your business phone costs. Contact Ben Wilson at Falkor Group 312.602.6551
• Dave Donovan is selling tickets for the Kiwanis Spaghetti Dinner - 847-692-9077!
• Noodles & Co. is selling a brand new steak, marinated in a special blend of spices and slow cooked for hours so its super tender.
• That January 31st is National Bubble Wrap Day? Join the Park Ridge Hysterical Society to laugh about it at 7 p.m. www.FollowTheLaughter.com
• ‘The Ledger of You Life’, a series of 5 sessions is offered by Lasting Legacy. More info at The Ledger of Your Life
• that the First United Methodist Church of Park Ridge is now Reconciling? On January 8, the church voted to officially welcome all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, and a host of other attributes. The banner's up on Touhy! See www.parkridgeumc.org.
• Midwest Palliative & Hospice CareCenter: Untangling the Healthcare Maze February 2 • 3 p.m. Learn about and discuss the current state of health care and the impact on hospice. Presenter: Martha Twaddle, MD, FACP, FAAHPM, chief medical officer of Midwest CareCenter


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Kidwinks.com on TV again and again! The ladies at kidwinks.com have been at it again. Here are their latest TV segments from Dec. & Jan. They have already booked 5 more segments with ABC & WGN. Take a look at what’s coming up, maybe your business could be included.

WGN – Cabin Fever / Indoor Play

ABC – Cabin Fever

WGN – New Year’s Eve

Kiwanis 20th Annual Spaghetti Dinner Friday, Feb. 20 The 20th Annual Spaghetti Dinner hosted by the Park Ridge NOON Kiwanis Club will take place on Friday, February 10, 2012, at the First United Methodist Church located at 418 Touhy Avenue in Park Ridge.

The $10 dinner ticket includes an all-you-can-eat dining experience showcasing the secret recipe pasta sauce (meat and meatless!), a garden fresh salad, and delicious dessert options.

Children ages 6-12 enter for $5, and those under 6 are free. In addition, each ticket can be redeemed at the Pickwick Theater for a ‘buy one, get one free’ movie pass. “This is the deal of the year,” said Spaghetti Dinner Chairman Dick Larsen. “Where else can you get a home cooked meal with a salad and dessert and a free movie pass?”

Dinner will be served in the main hall at the First United Methodist Church by Kiwanis members and student volunteers from local area churches and high schools. Doors open at 4:45 p.m. and the final food service will be 7:30 p.m. Dine In or Carry Out options are available. A cash raffle drawing will also take place.

This event, the 20th annual, is a primary fundraiser for the Noon Club which supports area social service organizations that provide programs for children including the Park Ridge Teen Center, Avenues to Independence and Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care.

For tickets or more information please contact Noon Kiwanis member Dave Donovan at 847-692-9077 who is determined to sell the most tickets this year!

Diane Forsythe, Mortgage Loan Consultant Diane Forsythe, Mortgage Loan Consultant at ABI Mortgage, will participate in a program about Aging in Place – What to Expect and How Can Needs be Financed from a personal and financial perspective, drawing from her personal and professional experience. January 31, 2012, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm in Henderson Hall at St Luke's Lutheran Church, 205 N Prospect Ave. All are welcome, whether you are interested for yourself, or on behalf of others, such as your parents or other seniors that you may know. Explore personal and financial independence for seniors (at least 62 years old), especially those wishing to remain in their own homes while confronting rising expenses on fixed incomes. Consider ways to supplement social security income, meet unexpected medical expenses, make home improvements or repairs, or pay for in-home assistance like cleaning or care-giving using various options, including Reverse Mortgages. Light refreshments will be served.

Norwood Crossing A “Super Bowl Snack” Open House will be held from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., on Feb. 1, at Norwood Crossing, 6016-20 N. Nina Avenue in Chicago, in the community’s state-of-the-art Assisted Living building. The event is being held as a prelude to Super Bowl weekend and will feature some signature appetizers and snack items. Afterward, staff-led tours will be conducted of the new building and the newly renovated Sheltered Care. A raffle with door prizes will be held during the afternoon. Please RSVP by calling (773) 577-5323 or email info@norwoodcrossing.org.

Follow the Laughter! We are all stressed and sometimes it goes over the top to affect our health, our mindset and takes us off the path of having a joyful life. If this fits you personally, your business or department...then consider the upcoming weekend like Zumba for your Joy without all the sweating!

Most of us put the concept of joy on hold for when we have time, though did you know that if you learned to exercise your muscle of mirth that you can relate better physically, mentally, emotionally and even spiritually because joy is an essential for life!

This weekend Lynda Tourloukis will be hosting her 28th Certified Laughter Yoga Leader Training experiencial event on Saturday and Sunday for individuals who are ready to make a shift in their life, learn more about what joy can do and how the vehicle of laughter delivered in a specific way can build and tone your life. This is a big win-win because it benefits both the Individual taking the class and those they will work with after the class. So if your department's not getting along...send someone to bring back the light, if your relationships are in question...join us or if you simply want to exact change in a positive and productive way this is the weekend for you.

Lynda Tourloukis is an inspiring motivation specialist and a certified teacher of the International Laughter Yoga movement and Joy is a service she offers at You Can Say Yes Motivational Guidance Services.
Saturday-Sunday 9am-5pm
350 S. Northwest Hwy
Park Ridge, IL 60068
Details at http://www.FollowTheLaughter.com

Oakton Community College Enroll in Online Personal Development Courses

Enhance your personal development skills from the comfort of your own home – or wherever you can access the Internet – by enrolling in noncredit online courses offered through the Oakton Alliance for Lifelong Learning.

* Intro to Business Analysis (BUS A16-301). Gain an advantage in the business arena by developing analytical skills that are consistently in demand. If you are planning a career in business, this is the course for you!
* Starting a Nonprofit (HEC B37-01). Learn practical information on how to build a nonprofit from scratch.
* Start a Pet-Sitting Business (BUS A35-301). Are you an animal lover? Discover how to turn your passion into a profitable career. Course covers everything from attracting clients to treating sick animals.
* Creating a Successful Business Plan (BUS A90-301). This course will help new and established small business owners create their own plans to guide growth and achieve their goals.

Featured courses are $114 and run from February 15 through April 6.

All registrants will be charged an $8 non-refundable processing fee at the time of registration. For a complete Alliance for Lifelong Learning class schedule, including registration and fee information, visit www.oakton.edu/all, or call 847-982-9888, press 3.
Park Ridge Community Women Mardi Gras Masquerade to Support GiGi’s Playhouse
Park Ridge Community Women Annual Fundraiser to Empower Individuals with Down Syndrome
The Park Ridge Community Women’s (PRCW) group is presenting a night of Mardi Gras Masquerade benefiting GiGi’s Playhouse, a Down syndrome awareness and educational center. A fun packed evening is planned with music, dancing, fortune telling, and games on Friday February 24th, 2012 7:30 PM to 11:30 PM at the Snuggery Pub in Edison Park, 6733 N. Olmsted Ave. Event and ticket details can be found at www.prcw.org.
PRCW chose GiGi’s Playhouse through their membership nomination and voting
process, but the decision was easy since the efforts will also support an organization thathas been a big part of one of the group’s member’s life directly. The Kracik family’s
Mom, Debbie, is a PRCW member and has been a family that has greatly benefitted from GiGi’s Playhouse support and love with their daughter who has Down syndrome.
"Finding GiGi's Playhouse has helped our daughter who has Down syndrome, and given our family an amazing support structure as we celebrate this blessing in our lives."
Debbie Kracik GiGi's Playhouse family member and PRCW member.

Car Raffle tickets!
MRRO Car Raffle Tickets Sales for National Breast Cancer Foundation

MRRO (Most Reliable Remodelers Organization) partnered with the National Breast Cancer Foundation to sell raffle tickets. The
The MRRO Car Raffle Grand Prize is a choice of a brand new car (a 2011 BMW 328i Convertible, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C250 Coupe or 2012 CADILLAC CTS Premium Coupe) or $50,000 in cash. The second prize will be a cash prize of $10,000 and third prizes will be the sum of $1,000 each with 10 raffle ticket holders totaling $10,000.
A total of 2,500 tickets will be sold at a price of $100.00 per ticket.
Visit MRRO website at www.MRRO.org for more information or call us at 630-238-5701.

Republican Women of Park Ridge February 16, 2012 @ 7:00pm Republican Women of Park Ridge Candidate's Forum. Candidate's Forum hosted by Republican Women of Park Ridge. Believe it or not! The March 20, 2012 Primary Election is only weeks away. Do you know who your Republican Candidates are on the Park Ridge Primary Ballots? Come to our February General Meeting. We have invited the local Candidates important to you, for you to become better informed. This very important general meeting is February 16, 2012 @ 7:00pm, South Park Recreation Center. Admission is free. All are welcome.
________________________________________________

News: Republican Women of Park Ridge Club's very own, Susan Sweeney, has announced her candidacy for the 55th Illinois State Representative District. Important: This is a WRITE-IN vote on the Primary Ballot. Congratulations Susan! Interested in helping with the campaign, contact rwopr@ymail.com.

Willow Wellness Center Willow Wellness Center is offering a mindfulness meditation class to start February 2 in Park Ridge. Drs. Sandra Carey and Bob Campbell are co-leading the course--an 8-week program providing mindfulness education and practice for a limited number of participants. Classes will involve attention to breathing, gentle movement, and a focus on being present with oneself--and provide a great way to learn to relax! Classes are Thursday evenings, 7:00 to 8:30, from February 2 through March 22. The cost is $249 for the entire course, payable with cash, check, or credit card. Fliers are available for sharing upon request.

If you or anyone you know is interested, please contact Dr. Bob Campbell at (847) 318-8200 or rcampbell@willowwellness.com.

The Center of Concern The Center of Concern Auxiliary is hosting two Bunko Parties on February 10th

Bunko is a fun dice game that anyone can play –no experience necessary! Two Bunko parties will be held to benefit The Center of Concern, a social service agency in Park Ridge. The events will be held on Friday, February 10th at the South Park Recreation Center (Talcott and Cumberland) in Park Ridge. The first event, “Bunko and Lunch” for men and women will be held from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Later, “Ladies’ Night” will be held from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. $15.00 ticket includes Bunko games and prizes, choice of beef sandwich or mostaccioli, dessert, coffee and tea. Wine, beer and pop will be available for purchase. Contact Nancy at (847) 318-1008 to make your reservations, and your tickets will be held at the door. Please indicate whether you would like to come for the afternoon or evening session and whether you would like beef or pasta.

Weight Watchers How are you doing on your New Year’s resolutions? Is one of them get healthy or lose weight? (or both?) Weight Watchers At Work is changing. The next series won't be a block of 15 or 17 weeks but weekly meetings for just $39.95/month. That's less than going to a traditional meeting near your home. Stay tuned for more information and spread the word. Now is the time to join Weight Watchers at AANA!

New program starts Thursday, February 2.

Meetings are Thursdays:
(AANA) American Assn of Nurse Anesthetists
222 S. Prospect Avenue Park Ridge, IL
Weigh In: 11:15am
Meeting: 11:45 am - 12:15pm

Please let us know that you are interested in joining. Either email me and I will let you know when you can sign up online, or if you have any questions or wish to discuss the program, please contact our group leader:

Jeanne Robert
wwjro@comcast.net
847-341-1028
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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
facebook.com/ShopParkRidgeIL
www.parkridgechamber.org

Thank you to our Platinum members
1. Advocate Lutheran General Hospital and
Advocate Lutheran General Children's Hospital: 847.723.2210 New!
2. All on the Road Catering & Bakery: 847.518.8958
3. AthletiCo Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy: 847-292-4710
4. ATI Physical Therapy: 847.292.0151
5. Blufish Sushi Bistro: 847.720.4479
6. Charter Fitness of Park Ridge: 847.318.7550
7. Comfort Inn O'Hare/Des Plaines: 847.635.1300
8. D'Agostino's Pizza & Pub: 847.518.8700
9. E.J. Coyne & Company Inc: 847.692.9077
10. Express Auto Center: 847.813.9469
11. Home Comfort Heating & Cooling: 847.824.4336
12. Houlihan's Restaurant: 847.692.6205
13. Jason's Deli: 847.823.0210
14. K.G.M. Plumbing, Inc.: 847.583.8988
15. LIN-MAR Motors: 847.965.4200
16. Mary Kay Beauty Consultant, Hilary Sopata: www.marykay.com/hilary New!
17. North South Masonry & Tuckpointing: 847.384.0917
18. Pangaea Tiling & Decorative Painting: 847.899.3539
19. Paul Davis Emergency Services: 847.692.5000
20. Periodontics of Niles: 847.685.6686
21. Pickwick Theatre: 847.825.5800
22. Responsive Management Solutions: 847.804.8800
23. Resurrection Health Care: 847.813.3210
24. Ross E. Rubino, D.D.S.P.C. & Associates: 847.825.1002
25. The Exercise Coach: 847.823.0035 New!
26. Transition Brokers RE: 312.399.2490
27. Unbound Technology: 847.235.4994
28. Village Bank & Trust: 847-870-6007
29. Why Not Complete Home Improvement: 847-297-0101
30. Y-Tech Heating & Cooling: 847.696.0477
31. You can be here!
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Monday, January 23, 2012

Gail's Weekly Chamber UPDATE

What a fabulous event on Saturday! The 2011 Park Ridge Community Stars lit up the evening! Our new board was installed. The Park Ridge Country Club was decorated beautifully. Thank you to all our Chamber members who donated items for the raffle and silent auction (see list after the calendar below).

A Special thank you to our sponsors:

Tiffany Blue Box Raffle Susan Scatchell, A-Abiding Care
Awards Sponsor BMO Harris Bank
Balloons Norwood Crossing
Community Star Dinners Resurrection Health Care/Provena
Décor Advocate Lutheran General Hospital and Advocate Lutheran General Children's Hospital
Entertainment Allegro Music Center, Inc.
Graphic Design Dempsey Design
Photography
A Sterling Design

Printing Quinn Print Inc.

Was not a Scam Last Thursday I posted:

From a Chamber member:

“We recently had a vendor from Back Flow Solutions show up and tell our receptionist that he was there to inspect our water back flow . . . and he was allowed access to the basement. He came in blind and unsolicited. Our staff made a mistake and admitted him, but I wanted to make sure that others were alerted to this.”

I heard back from other Chamber members and the City that the City had contracted with Back Flow Solutions to check to inspect black flow systems so it is not a scam. (If they had only joined the Chamber, I would have known better!)


Business After Hours is this Thursday!
The Chamber’s Business After Hours is this Thursday! Sponsored by Comcast Business Services and Affresco, it will be a fun evening of great refreshments and networking. Start the new year off right by meeting new people and jumpstart your business with networking referrals.

5 to 7 p.m.

RSVPs are not required but they are appreciated for planning purposes. If you’d like to bring a raffle prize, we’ll sell raffle tickets. The Chamber needs a new shredder so the raffle funds raised will buy us a shredder.

Women in Business is this Friday! Catherine Johns is back to speak about your handshake! Always one of our more popular speakers for our Women in Business, Catherine will discuss the impact you make when you shake hands. We’ll practice until we get it right!

Meeting after meeting after meeting, you shake hands with fellow networkers. What kind of impression are you making? Discover how the custom developed … and what your handshake says about you. At January’s WIB, there’ll be a whole lot of shakin’ goin’ on!

Speaker is Catherine Johns, a Business Communication Coach who brings out the best in her clients.

Breakfast is catered by Morningfields.

$10 for Chamber Members and $15 for Prospective Chamber Members. Held here at 720 Garden.

Ladies, bring your raffle items for us to include in our raffle – gift certificates to your business are always appreciated. They bring you new clients and you get additional exposure for your business. Raffle money raised will buy the Chamber a new shredder.

First Fridays:
I heart Park Ridge Pop Up Market
The retail committee has scheduled a First Fridays Pop Up Market for February 3 at 116 Main St – next to All on the Road Catering. The theme is ‘I heart Park Ridge’.

Tables will cost $20 each for Chamber members and $25 for others. Please let me know if you’re interested!

Mark Your Calendar for these Events!
Mark your calendar!

January 26, Thursday, 5:00pm-7:00pm Business After Hours, Comcast Business Services and Affresco Restaurant Invite You! Affresco is located at 11 N. Northwest Hwy.

January 27, Friday, 8:30am-9:45am Women in Business Networking Breakfast, Catherine Johns: Building Blocks of Networking: The Handshake. Catered by Morningfields. Member $10 prospective member $15

January 31, Tuesday, 6:00pm – 7:30pm Retail Roundtable Meeting, 720 Garden St If you have a shop in Park Ridge then don’t miss out on the Chamber’s Retail Roundtable! It’s a new group formed to allow retailers the opportunity to discuss issues of interest to them.

February 2, Thursday 10:00am-11:30am Entrepreneurial Knowledge Group (EKG) Meeting , Regus, 350 S. Northwest Highway Ste. 300. Facilitated by Lynda Tourloukis, You Can Say … Yes! Motivational Guidance Services, Inc.

February 3, Friday 6:00pm-9:00pm First Fridays “I ♥ Park Ridge” with Pop Up Market at 116 Main St, local retailers open late! Table available – RSVP to the Chamber if you want a table! $20 Members/$25 Prospective Members

February 8, Wednesday 11:30am-1:30pm Monthly Networking Luncheon at Carlucci Rosemont, 6111 N. River Road. Speaker: Kymberlee Raya, Big Shot Marketing $25 members and $30 prospective members

February 9, Thursday, 8:45am-10:15am Tech Forum

February 9, Thursday 4:00pm-6:30pm Multi-Chamber Chocolate & Champagne Expo at Crowne Plaza Chicago-Northbrook 2875 N. Milwaukee. No charge to attend!

February 10, Friday, 8:45am -9:45am PREN 1 720 Garden Street. Leads and referral networking group.

February 10, Friday, 9:00am-10:30am Membership Meeting 720 Garden Street

February 16, Thursday, 5:00pm-7:00pm Business After Hours location: TBA

February 17, Thursday, 9:30am – 10:30am PREN 3 Park Ridge Executive Network 720 Garden.Leads and referral networking.

February 18, Saturday, 4:30pm - 9:30pm Chicago Wolves Hockey Dinner and Chamber Fundraiser, Des Plaines Elks Lodge, 495 Lee Street and Allstate Arena

February 21, Tuesday, 9:00am-10:00am New Member Orientation 720 Garden Street

February 21, Tuesday, 10:30am-11:30am PREN 2 720 Garden Street. Leads and referral networking group.

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Thank you to those who donated for the dinner! Thank you to those who donated items for the Dinner!

2 Sisters Boutique
A Sterling Design Photographic Artists
Advanced Physical Therapy & Healing Services
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital and Advocate Lutheran General Children's Hospital
All On The Road Catering and Bakery
Aprioris Psychological Health Services
Barton Marketing Group
Beadphoria
Bredemann Chevrolet
Carlucci Rosemont
Central Baptist Village and Runco Office Supply
Chico's
Comfort Inn O'Hare/Des Plaines
D'Agostino
David Schmidt
Dempsey Design
Express Auto Center
Generation Connection
Higher Level Wellness
Hill's Hallmark
Houlihans Restaurant
Hyatt Hotels
Jewel -Osco
Jim Hock
JK Electric
Journal & Topics Newspapers
Kalo Foundation
Kiko's Flowers & & Gifts
Lee Acupuncture & Healing Center Inc.
Like New Auto Spa
Linda Russo - Caruden Hair Design
Lisa Homemade Italian Ice
Lynnette's School of Dance
Marriott O’Hare
Nelson Automotive, Inc.
Noodles & Co.
Norwood Senior Network
Oneri Fleita, Cubs
Panino's Pizzeria
Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce
Park Ridge Financial Advisors, Richard Pucci
Park Ridge Nonprofit Center
Petite Opera Productions
Pickwick Theatre tickets
Resurrection Development Foundation
Rick Biagi
Rosemary Mulligan State Representative
Ross E. Rubino, DDS, PC & Assoc
Sun-Times Media Group/Pioneer Press
Tasty Pup
TeaLula
Tech Stuff PC & Video Inc.
The Exercise Coach
The Summit of Uptown
TriPilates
Uptown Dentistry
Viking Driving School
Vive! Therapeutic Massage
You Can Say…Yes! Motivational Guidance Services

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
facebook.com/ShopParkRidgeIL
www.parkridgechamber.org

Thank you to our Platinum members
1. Advocate Lutheran General Hospital and
Advocate Lutheran General Children's Hospital: 847.723.2210 New!
2. All on the Road Catering & Bakery: 847.518.8958
3. AthletiCo Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy: 847-292-4710
4. ATI Physical Therapy: 847.292.0151
5. Blufish Sushi Bistro: 847.720.4479
6. Charter Fitness of Park Ridge: 847.318.7550
7. Comfort Inn O'Hare/Des Plaines: 847.635.1300
8. D'Agostino's Pizza & Pub: 847.518.8700
9. E.J. Coyne & Company Inc: 847.692.9077
10. Express Auto Center: 847.813.9469
11. Home Comfort Heating & Cooling: 847.824.4336
12. Houlihan's Restaurant: 847.692.6205
13. Jason's Deli: 847.823.0210
14. K.G.M. Plumbing, Inc.: 847.583.8988
15. LIN-MAR Motors: 847.965.4200
16. Mary Kay Beauty Consultant, Hilary Sopata: www.marykay.com/hilary New!
17. North South Masonry & Tuckpointing: 847.384.0917
18. Pangaea Tiling & Decorative Painting: 847.899.3539
19. Paul Davis Emergency Services: 847.692.5000
20. Periodontics of Niles: 847.685.6686
21. Pickwick Theatre: 847.825.5800
22. Responsive Management Solutions: 847.804.8800
23. Resurrection Health Care: 847.813.3210
24. Ross E. Rubino, D.D.S.P.C. & Associates: 847.825.1002
25. The Exercise Coach: 847.823.0035 New!
26. Transition Brokers RE: 312.399.2490
27. Unbound Technology: 847.235.4994
28. Village Bank & Trust: 847-870-6007
29. Why Not Complete Home Improvement: 847-297-0101
30. Y-Tech Heating & Cooling: 847.696.0477
31. You can be here!

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Member News

From Gail,

We’re getting down to the wire! Our annual dinner is this Saturday and it’s going to be fantastic! We’re finalizing table seating, raffle prizes, silent auction items, décor, and speeches – looks like we’ll have our 200 too! Jackie and I are doing the seating today – she’s my guru on all things regarding special events!

We can still accept your donations of gift certificates, etc! You will be listed on the handout that all 200+ attendees receive! At this point though, please plan to drop off donations as we’re slammed with activity!

From a Chamber member:

“We recently had a vendor from Back Flow Solutions show up and tell our receptionist that he was there to inspect our water back flow . . . and he was allowed access to the basement. He came in blind and unsolicited. Our staff made a mistake and admitted him, but I wanted to make sure that others were alerted to this.”

Do you get alerts from Maine Township? If not, sign up!

Winter Storm Watch for Chicago Metro Friday 1/20/12 AM thru Midnight
A Winter Storm Watch has been posted for the metropolitan area with expected snow accumulations on Friday to be in the 6 - 8 inch area for most of the city and north. The heaviest snows are currently expected Friday afternoon into evening which will affect rush hour travel.

A weather watch indicates the potential for severe or damaging weather conditions.
For full details, view this message on the web
Maine Township Office of Emergency Management, 1700 E Ballard Rd, Park Ridge, IL 60068. To manage your email settings, click here.

Thank you to the dozens of you who sent me the link to have Jonathan Brandmeier broadcast in Park Ridge on Friday, February 17!

I have submitted my suggestions and will let you know when I know. Wherever they go, I told them they needed to have Karen Larsen interviewed because she knows more about Park Ridge than anyone else I know!

Did You Know?

• You can make your appointment with Linda Russo Stylist in Park Ridge for your Hair and Makeup! So you look your best going to the Installation Dinner this Saturday. Call Linda Russo to make your appointment 847-493-9012 www.lindaarusso.com
• Kiddie Kingdom celebrated their first anniversary this week? And they serve beer and wine! www.KiddieKingdomFun.com
• June Moon Estate Sales will be at 6028 N. Nassau Ave. in Chicago this Friday January 20th and Saturday January 21st from 9AM to 3PM. Check our June Moon Home Page Upcoming for details or call us at 847-698-2559. We hope to see you there on Friday or Saturday. Lots to see.
• ... that the First United Methodist Church of Park Ridge is now Reconciling? On January 8, the church voted to officially welcome all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, and a host of other attributes. The banner's up on Touhy! See www.parkridgeumc.org.
• That January 24 is National Belly Laugh Day? Celebrate with the Park Ridge Hysterical Society at 7 p.m. www.ParkRidgeLaughter.com

• Ben Wilson, Falkor Group, told me they’re hiring! Looking for an Accounting Manager for their downtown Chicago office: Falkor Hiring Accounting Manager
• Kidwinks.com is offering 15% for advertising commitments made by Groundhog Day! Reach Chicago Area Moms for Less!
• Lasting Legacy’s Nick Brait is hosting “The Ledger of Your Life’ series in 5 sessions. For reservations please call Krista at 847-685-8402.


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Willow Wellness Center is offering a mindfulness meditation class to start February 2 in Park Ridge. Drs. Sandra Carey and Bob Campbell are co-leading the course--an 8-week program providing mindfulness education and practice for a limited number of participants. Classes will involve attention to breathing, gentle movement, and a focus on being present with oneself--and provide a great way to learn to relax! Classes are Thursday evenings, 7:00 to 8:30, from February 2 through March 22. The cost is $249 for the entire course, payable with cash, check, or credit card. Fliers are available for sharing upon request.

If you or anyone you know is interested, please contact Dr. Bob Campbell at (847) 318-8200 or rcampbell@willowwellness.com.

The Center of Concern Auxiliary is hosting two Bunko Parties on February 10th

Bunko is a fun dice game that anyone can play –no experience necessary! Two Bunko parties will be held to benefit The Center of Concern, a social service agency in Park Ridge. The events will be held on Friday, February 10th at the South Park Recreation Center (Talcott and Cumberland) in Park Ridge. The first event, “Bunko and Lunch” for men and women will be held from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Later, “Ladies’ Night” will be held from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. $15.00 ticket includes Bunko games and prizes, choice of beef sandwich or mostaccioli, dessert, coffee and tea. Wine, beer and pop will be available for purchase. Contact Nancy at (847) 318-1008 to make your reservations, and your tickets will be held at the door. Please indicate whether you would like to come for the afternoon or evening session and whether you would like beef or pasta.

How are you doing on your New Year’s resolutions? Is one of them get healthy or lose weight? (or both?) Weight Watchers At Work is changing. The next series won't be a block of 15 or 17 weeks but weekly meetings for just $39.95/month. That's less than going to a traditional meeting near your home. Stay tuned for more information and spread the word. Now is the time to join Weight Watchers at AANA!

New program starts Thursday, February 2.

Meetings are Thursdays:
(AANA) American Assn of Nurse Anesthetists
222 S. Prospect Avenue Park Ridge, IL
Weigh In: 11:15am
Meeting: 11:45 am - 12:15pm

Please let us know that you are interested in joining. Either email me and I will let you know when you can sign up online, or if you have any questions or wish to discuss the program, please contact our group leader:

Jeanne Robert
wwjro@comcast.net
847-341-1028
Back to top

Gail Haller
Executive Director
Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce
720 Garden Street
Park Ridge, IL 60068

phone: 847.825.3121
fax: 847.825.3122
facebook.com/ShopParkRidgeIL
www.parkridgechamber.org

Thank you to our Platinum members
1. Advocate Lutheran General Hospital and
Advocate Lutheran General Children's Hospital: 847.723.2210 New!
2. All on the Road Catering & Bakery: 847.518.8958
3. AthletiCo Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy: 847-292-4710
4. ATI Physical Therapy: 847.292.0151
5. Blufish Sushi Bistro: 847.720.4479
6. Charter Fitness of Park Ridge: 847.318.7550
7. Comfort Inn O'Hare/Des Plaines: 847.635.1300
8. D'Agostino's Pizza & Pub: 847.518.8700
9. E.J. Coyne & Company Inc: 847.692.9077
10. Express Auto Center: 847.813.9469
11. Home Comfort Heating & Cooling: 847.824.4336
12. Houlihan's Restaurant: 847.692.6205
13. Jason's Deli: 847.823.0210
14. K.G.M. Plumbing, Inc.: 847.583.8988
15. LIN-MAR Motors: 847.965.4200
16. Mary Kay Beauty Consultant, Hilary Sopata: www.marykay.com/hilary New!
17. North South Masonry & Tuckpointing: 847.384.0917
18. Pangaea Tiling & Decorative Painting: 847.899.3539
19. Paul Davis Emergency Services: 847.692.5000
20. Periodontics of Niles: 847.685.6686
21. Pickwick Theatre: 847.825.5800
22. Responsive Management Solutions: 847.804.8800
23. Resurrection Health Care: 847.813.3210
24. Ross E. Rubino, D.D.S.P.C. & Associates: 847.825.1002
25. The Exercise Coach: 847.823.0035 New!
26. Transition Brokers RE: 312.399.2490
27. Unbound Technology: 847.235.4994
28. Village Bank & Trust: 847-870-6007
29. Why Not Complete Home Improvement: 847-297-0101
30. Y-Tech Heating & Cooling: 847.696.0477
31. You can be here!
Back to top

Monday, January 16, 2012

Gail's Weekly Chamber UPDATE

Our annual dinner is this Saturday! Can you drop off your donation this week here at the Chamber? If not, email me and we’ll pick it up but we’re really under the gun getting the program ready, speeches, rsvp’s, tables, décor, etc. so we’re swamped and would appreciate your help.

Just got a call from Chris at Chico’s – today only their sale corner is 40% off!

Last week I tried something new – sending the blog link in my email but I got a lot of push back. I need to type it up anyway and then it gets put onto the blog by Marci/Cindy so it makes no difference to me whether I continue sending my eblasts this way or via the link. I found that many banks and larger organizations could not open the link to the blog due to their firewalls.

You’ll notice more changes this year. One of them is that we are only doing one more physical mailing of the Chamber newsletter – January and February will be combined so that you’ll get info on the dinner and community stars. After that, the printed newsletter will be emailed out and also be available here in the Chamber office and of course on the Chamber website. We spend $3,000 annually in postage for the newsletter and the board voted to have the next newsletter be the last one that is mailed.

First Fridays:
I heart Park Ridge Pop Up Market The retail committee has scheduled a First Fridays Pop Up Market for February 3 at 116 Main St – next to All on the Road Catering. The theme is ‘I heart Park Ridge’. If we had window clings made up that said ‘I, would you buy one

Tables will cost $20 each for Chamber members and $25 for others. Please let me know if you’re interested!

Community Stars and Installation Dinner
You’re invited to the 83rd Annual Recognition and Installation Dinner on Saturday, January 21, 2012 at the Park Ridge Country Club (636 N. Prospect Ave, Park Ridge). There will be a cocktail reception at 6:00 p.m. (includes beer, wine, and soda) and dinner at 7:30 p.m. The evening’s program will include the installation of 2012 Chamber Board Members, Presentation of 2011 Community Star Awards, and a raffle and silent auction. $75.00 per person. Please R.S.V.P. to the chamber asap.

Thank you to our sponsors! If you’d like to be an event, hospitality, flowers or balloon sponsor, let me know!

Awards Sponsor BMO Harris Bank
Community Star Dinners Resurrection Health Care/Provena
Décor Advocate Lutheran General Hospital and Advocate Lutheran General Children's Hospital
Entertainment Allegro Music Center, Inc.
Graphic Design Dempsey Design
Photography
A Sterling Design

Printing Quinn Print Inc.


Here’s what we have donated so far for the raffle/silent auction and could use at least 25 more prizes:

A Sterling Design Photographic Artists an 11x14 image of one of the groups or individuals that will have had their picture taken with us that night
Barton Marketing Group three hours of marketing and/or public relations services including consultation, communications audit and writing. $ 600
Beadphoria Bodacious Beadphoria Beading Package: A signed copy of "Simple Beginnings: Beading" by Suzann Sladcik Wilson, 2 hours of private instruction on acquiring a new skill on how to make either elegant earrings or beautiful bracelets at the Beadphoria Studios in Niles, IL (Time to be mutually agreed upon after Feb. 5 $ 150
Carlucci Rosemont $50 Gift Certificate $ 50
Chico’s (picking up today)
David Schmidt Dinner with the mayor for 2 people priceless
Dempsey Design Creative services for your business promotion, ad, or logo design. $ 400
Express Auto Center $50 Gift Card $ 50
Generation Connection 2 hours toward crafting a personal memoir with Karen Larsen
JK Electric $50 Gift Certificate for service $ 50
Journal & Topics Newspapers Complimentary Ad
Linda Russo - Caruden Hair Design Linda Russo - Caruden Hair Design $50 Gift Certificate for salon services $ 50
Lynnette's School of Dance Gift Basket containing $50 gift certificate, plush ballerina bear, Lynnette's School of Dance Shirt, mousepad and drawstring bag $ 75
Lynnette's School of Dance $50 gift certificate $ 50
Nelson Automotive Exterior clean and buff, interior clean and shampoo carpets seats etc. No expiration, contact us to schedule. $ 195
Oneri Fleita, Cubs Autographed Ernie Banks Baseball
Oneri Fleita, Cubs Autographed Billy Williams bat
Oneri Fleita, Cubs Autographed Starlin Castro jersey
Park Ridge Nonprofit Center Meeting Rental in Great Room, Clute Studio or Board Room up to 2-2.5 hours $50-$75
Petite Opera Productions 2 adult tickets to The Mikado, April 20, 21,22,27,28, 29 May 4 and 5 at Mary Wilson House Beyer Auditorium in Park Ridge (306 S Prospect Ave at Crescent/part of St. Mary's Episcopal campus) $ 50
Rosemary Mulligan State Representative Page for a Day
Ross E. Rubino, DDS, PC & Assoc Three Cubs tickets for Monday, April 23rd (7:05pm) game vs the Cardinals. Sec 235 Row 3, seats 10-12. Tickets not available to distribute until mid March $ 165
Sun-Times Media Group Full color, full page ad in any one of threethree Pioneer papers of the winner's choice. $ 1,328
Tasty Pup Two Gift Certificates
Tech Stuff PC & Video Inc. 1 hour of free tech support in-home or for business (memory, hard drive upgrade, virus removal) (parts extra) $ 65
Tech Stuff PC & Video Inc. 1 hour of free tech support in-home or for business (memory, hard drive upgrade, virus removal) (parts extra) $ 65
The Exercise Coach 8 free sessions of service $ 299
The Summit of Uptown 2009 Rodney Strong Russian River Valley Pinot Noir $ 20
Viking Driving School Gift Certificates - 5 $50 gift certificates $ 250
Vive! Therapeutic Massage Two 1-hour massage gift certificates
You Can Say…Yes! Motivational Guidance Services Laughter workshop


Chamber Leads and Referral Groups We have three leads and referral networking groups called Park Ridge Executive Network (PREN) 1, 2, and 3. We’re looking for more people to join each group – one person per profession. The format of each is everyone gets to do a 30 second introduction; then leads, referrals and thank you’s are passed around; business cards exchanged; one pre-selected person gives a 10 minute presentation on their business and what sets them apart from the competition; ends with 30 second commercial. All within one hour – all held here at 720 Garden.

• PREN 1 meets on the 2nd Friday of each month from 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Members include:
1 Diddy Blyth A Sterling Design
2 Diane Forsythe ABI Mortgage Inc.
3 Deborah Oberschelp Affordable Interiors by Deborah
4 Karen Larsen Generation Connection
5 Susan Frangos Higher Level Wellness
6 Mary Lee Quaid Lee Acupuncture and Healing Center
7 Eric Nelson Nelson Automotive

8 Rick Pucci Park Ridge Financial Advisors
9 Pat Riordan Riordan Insurance Group, Inc.
10 Sally Petterson Silpada Designs Representative
11 Jorge Garduno Tech Stuff PC & Video Inc.
12 Margo Jacquot The Juniper Center
14 Dr. Pam Boyce Eye Care
15 Janet Sagmeister Beyond Compare Virtual Assistants
16 Rita Polyakova Rozovics & Wojcicki, P.C.
• PREN 2 meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 9:00 a.m. to 10 a.m. Members include:
1 Joe Campagna Grant Merchant Services
2 James Hamrick Home Comfort Heating & Cooling
3 Marko Ratic Express Auto Center
4 Lisa Smith LMN Consulting
5 Amy Sullivan Sullivan and Johnson Ltd.
6 Bob Suriano RKS Home Remodeling and Construction, LLC and Side Job Bob of Cook County, LLC /
7 Michael Watson Watson Art Studio
8 Tonya Arezina Like New Auto Spa
9 Chris Valentine Edward Jones
• PREN 3 meets on the 3rd Friday each month from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Members include:
1 Lisa Shewfelt Coldwell Banker Real Estate
2 Matt Coyne E. J. Coyne & Company, Inc P &C Insurance
3 Susan Calomino Lincoln Financial Advisors Financial Advisor
4 Georgine Donovan The Red Herring Studio Artist
5 Jim Schmitt Ringside HVAC HVAC
6 Dale Ashcroft LIN-MAR Motors Towing/Body Shop
7 Danuta Winogradzki Danwin Designs Kitchen design and general contracting



Mark Your Calendar for these Events!
Mark your calendar!
January 21, Saturday, 6:00pm-10:00pm Community Stars and Installation Dinner! $75 per person – Park Ridge Country Club, 636 N. Prospect Ave. Please call the Chamber to make your reservation
January 26, Thursday, 5:00pm-7:00pm Business After Hours, Comcast Business Services and Affresco Restaurant Invite You! Affresco is located at 11 N. Northwest Hwy. First BAH of the year!
January 27, Friday, 8:30am-9:45am Women in Business Networking Breakfast, Catherine Johns to speak on “Building Blocks of Networking: The Handshake”. Member $10 prospective member $15

Save the Date: February 18, 6th Annual Chicago Wolves Hockey Game with Dinner at Des Plaines Elks Lodge $30 adults/$25 under 12. Coordinated by Rick Pucci, Park Ridge Financial Advisors, 847.759.0055. RSVP to the Chamber. Checks payable to the Chamber.
Back to top

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
facebook.com/ShopParkRidgeIL
www.parkridgechamber.org

Thank you to our Platinum members
1. Advocate Lutheran General Hospital and
Advocate Lutheran General Children's Hospital: 847.723.2210 New!
2. All on the Road Catering & Bakery: 847.518.8958
3. AthletiCo Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy: 847-292-4710
4. ATI Physical Therapy: 847.292.0151
5. Blufish Sushi Bistro: 847.720.4479
6. Charter Fitness of Park Ridge: 847.318.7550
7. Comfort Inn O'Hare/Des Plaines: 847.635.1300
8. D'Agostino's Pizza & Pub: 847.518.8700
9. E.J. Coyne & Company Inc: 847.692.9077
10. Express Auto Center: 847.813.9469
11. Home Comfort Heating & Cooling: 847.824.4336
12. Houlihan's Restaurant: 847.692.6205
13. Jason's Deli: 847.823.0210
14. K.G.M. Plumbing, Inc.: 847.583.8988
15. LIN-MAR Motors: 847.965.4200
16. Mary Kay Beauty Consultant, Hilary Sopata: www.marykay.com/hilary New!
17. North South Masonry & Tuckpointing: 847.384.0917
18. Pangaea Tiling & Decorative Painting: 847.899.3539
19. Paul Davis Emergency Services: 847.692.5000
20. Periodontics of Niles: 847.685.6686
21. Pickwick Theatre: 847.825.5800
22. Responsive Management Solutions: 847.804.8800
23. Resurrection Health Care: 847.813.3210
24. Ross E. Rubino, D.D.S.P.C. & Associates: 847.825.1002
25. The Exercise Coach: 847.823.0035
26. Transition Brokers RE: 312.399.2490
27. Unbound Technology: 847.235.4994
28. Village Bank & Trust: 847-870-6007
29. Why Not Complete Home Improvement: 847-297-0101
30. Y-Tech Heating & Cooling: 847.696.0477
31. You can be here!

Friday, January 13, 2012

1/13/2012 Member News

Happy Friday the 13th!
If you want an ad in our program book, please let me know today as we’re working on the layout of the program book this weekend. The dinner is next week Saturday. We’re still looking for gift cards/certificates for our raffle and items for the silent auction.

Just a plug for the dinner at the Park Ridge Country Club on Saturday, January 21 – the rsvp’s are rolling in. We’d like to have 200. Please send in your RSVP – all Chamber members (and the community) are invited! First come, first serve.


Did You Know?
“Healing through Loving – Kindness Practice” led by Bhante Sujatha (Buddhist Monk) at Sun and Moon Yoga on Sunday, January 22nd from 1:30pm-3:30pm. $25 in advance and $30 ‘at the door’.

Jason’s Deli has a lighter side! Try a delicious, turkey wrap with only 359 calories. Ad some organic vegetable soup with only 120 calries, (if you’re counting) Lighten up here!

Select winter hats, gloves and scarves are 75% off, now through Jan 15th at Global Handmade Hope. Let fashionable winter accessories and helping other keep you warm while we wait for more snow!

Join Oakton Community College Music Faculty and the Loyala Academy Jazz Band for an annual audience favorite, Jazzin’ Around featuring the toe-tapping music of legends from Duke Ellington to Dizzy Gillespie . The concert begins at 8 p.m., at the Footlik Theater, 1600 East Golf Road. Tickets are $5 for general admission and $3 for students and seniors – call 847-635-1900.

Join Midwest Palliative & Hospice CareCenter as Martha Twaddle, MD, FACP, FAAHPM, chief medical officer of Midwest CareCenter, discusses the state of health care and the impact on hospice Thursday, February 2 from 3-4:30pm at the Glenview Campus (2050 Claire Court) RSVP by Jan 26 to Lisa Dye at 847-556-1613.

June Moon Estate will be at 1633 S. Courtland Ave. in Park Ridge this Friday January 13th and Saturday January 14th from 9AM to 3PM. Check our June Moon Home Page Upcoming for details or call us at 847-698-2559

StageCoach Academy starts this Saturday (tomorrow)! New location at the Park Ridge Senior Center. 10 to 1. It’s so much fun and the kids love it!


Charter Fitness is hiring PERSONAL TRAINERS!
Attend our JOB FAIR on Tuesday, January 17th, from 2pm-7pm,
at the following locations:
Charter Fitness-Schaumburg 1473 W. Schaumburg Rd
Charter Fitness-Orland Park 15601 S. 94th Ave
Charter Fitness-Chicago 3927 W. Belmont Ave
Charter Fitness-North Hobart 8560 E. Ridge Rd, Hobart, IN
Apply early by sending your resume to trainingjobs@charterfitness.com

The Barton Marketing Group is proud to announce it is now representing the Lake County Fairgrounds in Lake County (Grayslake area), Illinois. BMG is acting as a booking agent for events which can be held there. The facilities include a modern indoor Expo Center with 65,000 square feet of space and smaller meeting/hospitality rooms. Plus, there is 140 acres of open spaces for just about any type of outdoor event (include 10 acres of paved free parking). Events ranging from gymnastics competitions to car/RV/boat shows and much more are ideal for this cost-effective and user-friendly venue. Contact Dick or Alexander Barton at 847-698-5069 for an Event Guide or more information.


Yes, every year folks enjoy making resolutions as the glasses clink in toast and celebration of the resolutions from the year before. The holidays end and a new fresh start gets underway and all is right with the world...and on Day Two, yes the reality comes calling. By mid month many of those wonder ideas have already taken a bust and so this day was created for celebration and permission to now move forward with more joyful purpose!
Join us for Resolution Bust Day on Jan 17th at 7pm (350 S. Northwest Hwy in Park Ridge)

VILLAGE BANK & TRUST SUPPORTS THE MARINES!!!! YOU BRING IT – WE SEND IT!
They are STILL Fighting for OUR Freedom! It’s time to do something for our soldiers who are missing the BASIC comforts of home. Your donations will be Sent DIRECTLY to the Marines in Sangin (Helmand Province) Afghanistan.
-HAND AND FOOT WARMERS – Sold by the Box at Sporting Goods Stores.
-TOILETRY– Small Sizes of Toothpaste, Shampoo, Deodorant, Lip Balm, Eye Drops, and
Hand Sanitizers.
-FOOD – Trail Mix, Candy, Gum, Beef Jerky, Sunflower Seeds, Power Bars, Powdered Drink Mixes (for standard sized water bottles), Hot Chocolate Mixes with Marshmallows.
-ENTERTAINMENT – Magazines, Books, Batteries
-CLOTHING – Black Heavy Duty Socks, Hats, Gloves

Donation drop off at 950 W. Touhy Ave in Park Ridge.

How are you doing on your New Year’s resolutions? Is one of them get healthy or lose weight? (or both?) Weight Watchers At Work is changing. The next series won't be a block of 15 or 17 weeks but weekly meetings for just $39.95/month. That's less than going to a traditional meeting near your home. Stay tuned for more information and spread the word. Now is the time to join Weight Watchers at AANA!

New program starts Thursday, February 2.

Meetings are Thursdays:
(AANA) American Assn of Nurse Anesthetists
222 S. Prospect Avenue Park Ridge, IL
Weigh In: 11:15am
Meeting: 11:45 am - 12:15pm

Please let us know that you are interested in joining. Either email me and I will let you know when you can sign up online, or if you have any questions or wish to discuss the program, please contact our group leader:

Jeanne Robert
wwjro@comcast.net
847-341-1028

Monday, January 9, 2012

2011-01-09 Chamber Update

Welcome to the Chamber blog!

Give me some feedback - do you like getting your news this way? Or do you prefer it in an email like I've been doing?

Our big push right now is for the annual dinner on Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Park Ridge Country Club. Not only would we appreciate your rsvp cards, (with payment) but we need raffle prizes and silent auction items. Stuff from your business would be great!

We're honoring 9 wonderful 2011 Park Ridge Community Stars and a Lifetime Achievement Awardee!

And we're installing our new board! The mayor will do the swearing in ceremony.

It will be a star-studded night so please come out for it!

***

This week on Thursday, 1/12, Ben Wilson, Falkor Group and Ambassador and Board Member, will be facilitating a Techforum discussion on a Microsoft Community Connections Event: Office 365 Hands On Training. All are invited. Here at 720 Garden from 8:45 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. All your questions will be patiently answered!

January 16, Monday, 8:30 – 9:30am Newsletter Meeting

January 21, Saturday, 6:00pm-10:00pm Community Stars and Installation Dinner! 6pm reception, 7:30pm dinner, Installation of 2012 Board of Directors, Presentation of 2011 Community Stars and silent auction, $75 per person – Park Ridge Country Club, 636 N. Prospect Ave. Ticket price $75, per person. Please call the Chamber to make your reservation

January 23, Monday, Deadline to receive Newsletter Inserts for February Newsletter

January 26, Thursday, 5:00pm-7:00pm Business After Hours, Comcast Business Services and Affresco Restaurant Invite You! Affresco is located at 11 N. Northwest Hwy.

January 27, Friday, 8:30am-9:45am Women in Business Networking Breakfast, Catherine Johns: Building Blocks of Networking: The Handshake. Member $10 prospective member $15

February 2, Thursday 10:00am-11:30am Entrepreneurial Knowledge Group (EKG) Meeting , Regus, 350 S. Northwest Highway Ste. 300

***
Is it time to upgrade your membership to Platinum?

Platinum members will receive the following added benefits and value to your membership in 2012:
• Special recognition as a Platinum Member in Chamber publications including the Chamber Connection, Park Ridge Community Guide and Business Directory, and the Chamber’s ad in Pioneer Press and The Journal News & Topics newspapers $500 VALUE

• Listed below executive director’s signature in outgoing emails and weekly eblasts $500 VALUE
• Two free inserts in the Chamber newsletter,The Chamber Connection (provide 650 inserts) $300 VALUE

• Two (hard copy) set of mailing labels at different times $100 VALUE

• Discount for Canopies on Courtland Business Expo Booth during Taste of Park Ridge $50 VALUE

• Special recognition on Platinum Member signage at Chamber events $50 VALUE

• Special recognition at Chamber membership luncheon meeting $50 VALUE

• $50 discount for participation in the New Resident Greeter Box Program annual fees $50 VALUE

• One dedicated eblast (you provide the one-page pdf) $50 VALUE

• $40 discount for your guest’s costs at our golf outing $40 VALUE

• A business card-size ad in The Chamber Connection for one month based upon availability $25 VALUE

• One month participation in the Greeter Box program (provide 50 items) $25 VALUE

 Name Badge with Chamber logo, your name, & your business $10 VALUE

ADDED VALUE: $1,700 +

Thursday, January 5, 2012

1/5/2012 Member News

Happy New Year!

SCAM WARNING: I received an email from someone wanting me to promote the 2012 City of Park Ridge Area Magnetized Information Guide and I have verified with the City that this is not sponsored by the City (nor the Chamber)! If you think we should do something like this ourselves, let me know and we can work on it.

Just a plug for the dinner at the Park Ridge Country Club on Saturday, January 21 – the rsvp’s are rolling in. We’d like to have 200. Please send in your RSVP – all Chamber members (and the community) are invited! First come, first serve.

And we need raffle prizes!
Did You Know?

Do you have the Winter blues? Get a Make Over by Linda Russo Stylist in Park Ridge 847-493-9012 www.lindaarusso.com

The MRRO Home Remodeling Expo has been cancelled due to time restrictions and the holidays. All companies who reserved a booth will be refunded in full.

Village Bank & Trust Supports the Marines! Your donations of food, entertainment, clothing, toiletries and hand and foot warmers will be sent DIRECTLY to the Marines in Sangin, Afghanistan. Donation drop off at 950 W. Touhy Ave in Park Ridge.

The occasional junk food indulgence can have consequences that show up later in life as toxins accumulate in your body and cause serious illnesses like cancer and diabetes. Have a happy healthy January! ~Higher Level Wellness, LLC

Interior Offices available and ready for move in an uptown Park Ridge Regus location. Professional office space with all amenities needed to successfully run your business. Let us take care of your office so you can focus on the success of your business! Shared Office starting at $400. Contact Gina 847-656-5205
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Charter Fitness collected over 5,000 toys during its 5th annual toy drive that ran from December 1st through December 20th, 2011. Toys were collected at all of Charter Fitness‘ 31 Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana locations, and will benefit families in need in each of the communities served by the clubs.

Charter Fitness Franchising LLC recently converted 38 Cardinal Fitness locations in Chicago, downstate Illinois and Northwest Indiana to the Charter Fitness brand, increasing the number of clubs to 45 in six states. It is now the largest health club business in the Chicago, IL metropolitan area.
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Know someone with a weight loss goal for 2012? Trying to find the Healthy and Fit you? Got a New Year's resolution you are determined to achieve? If this sounds like you or someone you know, bring this post card in to receive 50% off your first week of Personal Training when you sign up for a package of 12, 24, or 36 sessions at Real People. Real Results. Call or emails us today to set up a free consultation and be sure to check out our website for more info. www.Qunoot-Sharafi.com RealResults@qunoot-sharafi.com (847) 845-7866
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Join in with other community services, professionals and opportunities to begin your year in a more fruitful way with the Park Ridge Hysterical Society. This is an open house event where you can not only learn about some fabulous ways to direct yourself into a more purpose 2012, you can speak freely with many of the directors and leaders of the communities physical, mental, emotional and spiritual programs and practices. 119 Main St. Park Ridge (847) 401-5787
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Petite Opera Productions, a 501c3 non-profit professional company in its 5th year, will hold general auditions January 21-22, 2012 in Park Ridge, Illinois (a Chicago northwestern suburb) for principal vocalists (paid), chorus leads/covers (paid) and all-ages chorus (volunteer). Auditions will be held by appointment only. Only local Chicago-area residents or those with local housing need apply (no housing or transportation allowance available). For more information, click here!
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Gail Haller
Executive Director
Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce
720 Garden Street
Park Ridge, IL 60068

phone: 847.825.3121
fax: 847.825.3122
facebook.com/ShopParkRidgeIL
www.parkridgechamber.org

Thank you to our Platinum members
1. Advocate Lutheran General Hospital and
2. Advocate Lutheran General Children's Hospital: 847.723.2210 New!
3. All on the Road Catering & Bakery: 847.518.8958
4. AthletiCo Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy: 847-292-4710
5. ATI Physical Therapy: 847.292.0151
6. Blufish Sushi Bistro: 847.720.4479
7. Charter Fitness of Park Ridge: 847.318.7550
8. Comfort Inn O'Hare/Des Plaines: 847.635.1300
9. D'Agostino's Pizza & Pub: 847.518.8700
10. E.J. Coyne & Company Inc: 847.692.9077
11. Express Auto Center: 847.813.9469
12. Home Comfort Heating & Cooling: 847.824.4336
13. Houlihan's Restaurant: 847.692.6205
14. Jason's Deli: 847.823.0210
15. K.G.M. Plumbing, Inc.: 847.583.8988
16. LIN-MAR Motors: 847.965.4200
17. Mary Kay Beauty Consultant, Hilary Sopata: www.marykay.com/hilary New!
18. North South Masonry & Tuckpointing: 847.384.0917
19. Pangaea Tiling & Decorative Painting: 847.899.3539
20. Paul Davis Emergency Services: 847.692.5000
21. Periodontics of Niles: 847.685.6686
22. Pickwick Theatre: 847.825.5800
23. Responsive Management Solutions: 847.804.8800
24. Resurrection Health Care: 847.813.3210
25. Ross E. Rubino, D.D.S.P.C. & Associates: 847.825.1002
26. Transition Brokers RE: 312.399.2490
27. Unbound Technology: 847.235.4994
28. Village Bank & Trust: 847-870-6007
29. Why Not Complete Home Improvement: 847-297-0101
30. Y-Tech Heating & Cooling: 847.696.0477
31. You can be here!
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