Memorial Day is just around the corner and I was wondering if you’d be interested in participating in the parade this year as a Chamber member? If we get enough interest, we can think about marching together as a Chamber with all our members. Tasty Pup said they’d love to – how about you? All kids invited to participate and throw candy – or even pass out coupons to your business! My 9 year old daughter loves being in the parade each year!
Ribbon Cutting
Frame Gallery
Last Thursday was the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Frame Gallery of Park Ridge at 157 N. Northwest Highway commemorating the change in ownership to Ron Elmgren. Mayor Howard Frimark and Chamber of Commerce board members and Ambassadors came out in full force to celebrate this long-standing Park Ridge store. It was a delightful opening with a lot of networking and lovely pastries!
If you would like a ribbon cutting ceremony for your new offices, new ownership, new location, anything new – call and let us know! You’ll get your picture in the newsletter too! This service is included in your membership dues!
Women in Business:
March 27
We had a wonderful attendance for the Women in Business Networking Breakfast last Friday at Rainbow Hospice and appreciate Susan Calomino who spoke on “BULLET PROOFING YOUR FINANCIAL PLAN”. Susan is a certified financial planner with Lincoln Financial Advisors.
We catered the breakfast from Panera Bread so thank you to all three members, Rainbow Hospice, Susan Calomino, and Panera Bread!
This event was the last official duty for WIB co-chair, Karen Larsen from Order My Gift. Thank you to Karen for her 2 years of dedicated service for the Women in Business! Marta Hoover, Copy Set Center, remains the co-chair for one more year and is breaking in two other co-chairs: Lisa Arreguin, Kustum Kribs Baby Boutique; and Deborah Oberschelp, Select Redesign. Thank you to all the ladies who have stepped up as volunteers!
Looking at my calendar this week, here’s what’s planned so far:
Wednesday, April Fools Day, at 10:00 a.m. is the Golf Outing Committee meeting – here at the Chamber. Tom Dombro, ING and Kane Connell, Liberty Bank are the co-chairs. Here are the others who have volunteered to be on the committee so far (let me know if you’d like to be on it!): Cathy Janus, Marc Printing; Jim Cone, WSI; Kris Hansen, Bethany Terrace; Doug Root, Home Comfort HVAC. Thank you for volunteering! The golf outing will be at Chevy Chase on June 24 – Tracy Bell from WineStyles has already committed to donating a wine basket for the silent auction!
On Thursday, April 2, from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. also here at the Chamber, the first Retail Committee meeting is planned. Linda Hills, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is the chair. Other volunteers to date are Tracy Bell, WineStyles; Curt Case, Coupon Saver; Mary McNulty, All on the Road Catering; Kim Uhlig, City of Park Ridge.
Also this Thursday April 2 from 10- 11:30am at
Regus Business Center, 350 S. Northwest Hwy Park Ridge Suite 300, will be when and where the Entrepreneurial Knowledge Group (EKG) meets. If you’re an entrepreneur, please come and check it out! Thank you to Regus for allowing us to meet there!
If you can dedicate any time to these committees, please let me know! We’re also putting together a Membership Committee chaired by board member, Theresa Olson from Resurrection Health Care.
I’m so happy to have so many wonderful volunteers!
April 8 at Rosewood: Chamber
Networking
Luncheon with Memory Specialist
Next week, April 8, is the Chamber’s monthly networking luncheon at the Rosewood restaurant in Rosemont.
Speaker: Tom Weber is a trainer with Freedom Personal Development. He has helped train thousands of business professionals, from all walks of life, develop an instant recall memory for names, presentations and information. In today's program, titled "Discovering Your Memory Power," Tom will show us how having a trained memory can make you more money, reduce stress and save you time.
$25 Member/ $30 Prospective Member
Mini-Expos at Monthly Luncheons: The April 8 luncheon at Rosewood has one sold (Bath Fitter) and 3 available!
Showcase your business with a mini-expo at the monthly networking luncheon! You can set up a display about your business and provide samples, brochures and coupons for your products and services. During the scheduled networking time before and after the meeting, you will have the opportunity to discuss your business with Chamber members. You will also have 1 minute to introduce yourself at the podium during the meeting. The cost of the Mini-Expo is $25. We can have up to 4 per luncheon.
April 25 Electronics Recycling is Back!
Dick Barton, Barton & Barton, Ltd. wrote this press release for the Chamber:
Recycling event returns!
Saturday, April 25 marks the return of the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce’s Earth Day Electronic Recycling event. This year the event has added a second location as well. Recyclable electronics will be collected from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the primary location, 100 S. Western Ave. in front of the Senior Center in Park Ridge, and also at the second drop-off location in the parking lot of Town Hall, 1700 Ballard Rd., Park Ridge. Collection at the second location is limited to 5 pallets of electronic items and will operate from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or until the limit is reached. The event is again sponsored by Liberty Bank for Savings in cooperation with the Park Ridge Chamber and the Park Ridge Park District. At the Maine Township drop-off location, people are encouraged to also bring one item of non-perishable food for the Emergency Food Pantry.
At both locations a suggested donation of $5 per vehicle will be requested. A portion of the donation
goes to the Park Ridge Community Fund and the rest will offset the cost of hosting the event and hiring a certified recycling company.
Note from Gail: We’re looking for more sponsors to help defray the cost of the recycling contractor!
Business After Hours Openings
I am looking to fill two hosting spots for Business After Hours this year: November 19 and December 17 are the only ones left. If you’d like to host – you provide treats and beverages and Chamber members come to check out your business – let me know. Would prefer businesses who haven’t hosted in past 12 months to give others the chance to do so.
From the City: Main Street Watermain Improvements
The Main Street Watermain Project (Touhy to Prospect) began 2 weeks ago and is expected to last another 4 to 6 weeks.
During the construction of each section, that particular section of Main Street will be closed to traffic during daytime hours. Parking in that section will not be available during construction. Alternative parking can be found on Fairview, Prairie, Prospect, Vine, and Courtland.
All businesses will remain open during the construction! Please make a point to stop by and visit our Chamber members on Main Street!
Community Guide 2009
Today I’m receiving the truly final & last draft of the new Community Guide! We’re awaiting the April 7 elections before printing in the event there are any changes.
So, if you haven’t paid your dues for 2009, then you won’t be in the Community Guide!
403 Cell Phones Shipped
We’ve shipped out 403 cell phones for the www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com program! That’s 24,180 minutes of talk time for our overseas military personnel.
Thank you to all who have donated!
Kidwinks.com on ABC!
We have our very own television personalities!
Check out this link for the interviews with Chamber members Jean Lemke and Nina Taluc from Kidwinks.com
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=resources&id=6723570
kidwinks.com
The site to know with kids in tow
Jos A Banks Sale Continues!
JoS. A. Bank Clothiers in Park Ridge has extended the 'Buy 1, Get 2 Free Suits' sale thru Tuesday, March 31st! Clearance items will also be offered at an additional 50% off! Please stop by and see Nancy Graham.
Also looking for part-time permanent employees. Anyone interested may apply directly at www.josbank.jobs
Gang Awareness & Prevention
Wed. April 1
Maine Township’s MaineStay Youth and Family Services present a free program on Wednesday, Apr. 1 from 7 – 9 p.m. at Maine Township Town Hall, 1700 Ballard Rd., Park Ridge. The seminar will feature Township Trustee Laura Morask and focus on "Gang Awareness and Prevention." Admission is free but registration is requested.
As a prosecutor with the Cook County State’s Attorneys Office and an expert on local gangs, Morask will provide an in-depth look into gang identifiers specific to a Maine Township neighborhood such as signs, colors and names. She will also go over the reasons why youths join gangs and what happens if your child is involved in a gang. The presentation is appropriate for parents, teens, seniors, law enforcement personnel and anyone concerned about gang issues in their community.
To register for this seminar or for information on other Township parenting seminars, call Michelle Biondo 847-297-2510, Ext. 271.Information is also posted on the Township website www.mainetownship.com
Park Ridge Hysterical Society
You Can Say... Yes! celebrates the one year anniversary of the Park Ridge Hysterical Society with
LAUGHABOWL....A Laughable fun raising event!
Tuesday March 31st 7 - 10PM at Edison Park Bowl, 6713 Olmstead in Edison Park; Fee: $35
Come find out all the wonderful benefits of laughing by joining us for a laughter session, laugher bowling, pizza, appetizers, prizes and more!
Let your laughter loose for a "Feel Good" evening of fun!
Contact: Lynda@youcansayyes.com (847) 401-5787 for more information
Catherine Johns Workshop April 29
Catherine Johns comes back April 29 for the complete presentation of what we got just half hour of in the Women in Business – “Creating a Powerful Presence”. She was such a hit that I booked her for the 3 hour workshop. $40 for members; $50 for non members. Full hot deluxe breakfast included. More Details to follow.
Chamber Newsletter Coupons
Another benefit of Chamber membership: We’ll have an insert of coupons in the Chamber newsletter starting with April! 20 coupons (10 front and back). Cost to have a coupon is $10. Here’s all we need (no logos):
Business Name
Contact email & phone
Your Product or Service that you are using coupon for
Your Coupon/Discount offer...% off or buy one get one ....etc
Expiration Date
Thank you to Minuteman Press of Des Plaines, Jim Solotke, for offering to print up the coupon page for us!
Leads Group #2
There are three members who would like to start a 2nd leads and referral group within the Chamber since their industry spots are already taken in the Park Ridge Executive Network. Financial advisor and CPA spots are taken – all others are open and available. They’ll meet on the 4th Tuesdays each month here at the Chamber from 8:30 to 9:30. Call or email me to sign up with the group.
2nd Annual North Shore Women’s Conference on Friday,
May 15
2nd Annual Women’s Conference – A Great Opportunity for Your Business!
If you have a woman-owned company, or a company that caters to women, you’ll want to jump on this opportunity for high visibility at the 2nd Annual North Shore Women’s Conference on Friday, May 15. Presenting Sponsors will receive the following: Listing as Presenting Sponsor with logo on ads, websites, invitations, programs, posters and banner, Expo booth in prime location and four luncheon tickets.
The event will be widely promoted to professional women throughout the North Shore via advertising in the Pioneer Press papers and the Chicago Sun Times, plus media releases, posters, and the publications and websites of the 20 sponsoring chambers of commerce. Don’t miss your opportunity to promote your company to your target market.
The fee to be a Presenting Sponsor is $500. There are only two sponsorships left, so don’t delay!
If sponsorship is not in your budget, you will definitely want to consider participating as an Exhibitor. Women’s networking groups have increased in numbers and popularity in every chamber on the North Shore. Because of this, we know this event is going to be a huge success, and you’ll want to be a part of it. Over 400 women business owners participated in last year’s event!
Our Keynote Speaker, Beverly Chana, is sure to draw many participants, as will the “North Shore’s Largest Networking Luncheon.” Bev is a renowned writer, coach, and employment placement guru. She will present: “Body Language, your body language speaks volumes without ever having to say a word.” The networking portion of the luncheon will feature small-group table networking with in-depth opportunities to promote your business to an eager audience.
Wine Styles in Park Ridge
847-518-WINE (9463); tbell@winestyles.net
Join us for Spring Break at Park Ridge WineStyles!
Starting Tuesday March 24th through Sunday March 29th Wine Styles is offering 20% off of all accessories and 20% off all wine purchases. (Two bottle minimum, not valid with 6 for $60 or 5 for $75.00 or any other coupon).
Help support all the local retailers and shop locally. Join the wine club this month and receive two free riedel wine glasses with purchase while supplies last (one pair per customer). $34.99 a month for two bottles of wine! **Wine Club members; call us to schedule your wine tasting event here, we have extended the expiration date to may 31st! **Non Wine Club members; please call us to schedule your own private tasting starting at $5 per person!
Let us know if you are looking for a particular wine, we can get most wines by the case!!
Today:
Park Ridge Community Blood Drive
Park Ridge Community Blood Drive
Monday, March 30, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 418 Touhy Avenue; George Johnson is coordinating the events.
Appointments: LifeSource 847-803-7943
Park National Bank
Sabina Stevenson, Relationship Manager, 773-687-0920 came to the Women in Business meeting and told everyone about their 12 month CD paying 2.75 APY with a $1,000 minimum. Call her for more details.
Save the Date for Fun:
July 28
Schaumburg Flyers is hosting an event you don’t want to miss! Tuesday, July 28, is Chamber Night, an annual multi-Chamber of Commerce networking event at Alexian Field in Schaumburg. Picnic at 5:35: hot dogs, hamburgers, bbq baken beans, pasta salad, chips, cookies, water and soda.
Game at 7:05 p.m. Schaumburg Flyers vs Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks; Baseball Bingo presented by Amtrak; First 2,000 fans will receive a bingo card.
Join us for one of the most unique networking events ever! Don’t miss the chance to network in an informal atmosphere that only a baseball park can offer! No matter what line of business you are in, this is a chance for you to build relationships with business leaders in the Chicagoland area. All Family Members are Welcome! Cost: $8 (tickets only), $23.08 (Tickets & picnic)
Children 12 & Under Only $15.54 (tickets & picnic)
Sign up before July 13 for all chamber members and their families.
Contact me:
Gail Haller
Executive Director
Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce
32 Main Street, Suite F
Park Ridge, IL 60068
phone: 847.825.3121
fax: 847.825.3122
email: gail.haller@parkridgechamber.org
website: www.parkridgechamber.org
Thank you to our Platinum Members:
Applications Network - John Barrett 847.823.1830
Home Comfort Heating & Cooling - 847-824-4336
PC Medic Computer Repair - Jerry Flanagan 847.299.5556
Resurrection Health Care - Theresa Olson 847.813.3210
Ross E. Rubino, D.D.S.P.C. & Associates 847.825.1002
Select Redesign - Deborah Oberschelp 312.909.1255
State Farm Insurance & Financial Services - Ann Witek 847.692.3260
The Exercise Coach - Chad Finney 847.823.0035
The McTigue Financial Group - Tom Canale 773.380.4025
You Can Say…Yes! - Lynda Tourloukis 847.401.5787
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