A special thanks to Cagney's for serving as our host for the night, and to new member Simage Network for sponsoring the event!
A few photos of the event are included below. For more, please visit the LPCC's Facebook page.
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Email Kurt Kuras at the Pioneer Press for more information and questions.
Sign up today!
]]>Finance for the Non-Financial Business Owner: Becoming as Smart as Your Banker & CFO
Learn how to maximize cash flows, improve profitability, and manage your company's finances more
effectively. Wednesdays, April 7 - May 26 (8 sessions); 8:30a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Modern Marketing: Engaging New Customers with New Media & New Technologies
Learn how to solidify a strategy to attract and keep customers using the most cost-effective and engaging
tactics. Thursdays, April 15 – June 3 (8 sessions); 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Advisory Boards: Build Accountability, Leverage Connections, and Benefit from Experience
Learn how to create an effective board, select the right members, and manage them as individuals and as
a group. Every other Monday, April 12 - June 21 (6 sessions); 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Harvesting, Transitioning, and Moving On: The Five Steps to Life After Your Business
Learn how to achieve financial security, maintain harmony with family members, control how and when you transition, and minimize your tax burden. Tuesdays, April 20 - May 25 (6 sessions); 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
For more information and to register please contact Stephanie Furlan (312) 362-8676 or sfurlan@depaul.edu.
Tuition is $1,795 for 8-session courses and $1,595 for 6-session courses.
Class size is limited to 12 students.
NOTE: These courses are open only to business owners, and are most beneficial to companies with $1 million - $25 million in annual revenue.
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A special thanks to Cagney's for serving as our host for the night, and to new member Simage Network for sponsoring the event!
A few photos of the event are included below. For more, please visit the LPCC's Facebook page.
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With this in mind, Dr. Douglas Krebs, D.C., FACO, CSCS of LPCC member Chicago Spine + Sports would like to recommend Wild Salmon & Spinach for a heart healthy meal.
Check back for more tips. Have a healthy tip and are an LPCC member? Send us your suggestions today and we'll feature them in our member news section. This is a great - free - resource to enhance your brand's visibility for no cost with the LPCC.
This tip brought to you by:
Chicago Spine and Sports
922 W. Diversey
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 529-0057
www.chicagospineandsports.com
CHICAGO (January 19, 2010) – With the busy holiday season now in the rearview mirror, companies large and small are taking stock of business and looking ahead to the future. With this in mind, the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce (LPCC), along with 32nd Ward Alderman Scott Waguespack and 43rd Ward Alderman Vi Daley, presented a vision for the neighborhood in 2010 Tuesday to business owners and community members.
More than 120 business owners from Lincoln Park and other great Chicago neighborhoods joined Alderman Daley and Alderman Waguespack at the DePaul University Student Center. Officials from the Chicago Police Department as well as Chicago’s Department of Streets and Sanitation also provided updates on key projects, developments and community alerts affecting Lincoln Park.
“The Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce remains committed to providing businesses access to the resources and programming necessary to succeed in any economic climate,” said Kim Schilf, LPCC President and CEO. “We are excited to enter a new year and continue to promote both the Lincoln Park business community and the surrounding neighborhood as the shopping and dining destination it is today.
“The Lincoln Park business community shares in an excellent reputation as a destination neighborhood for shopping, dining, recreation and cultural entities,” Schilf said. “Our many business leaders and anchor institutions ensure that this reputation, and traffic along our main commercial corridors, remains strong.”
For the assembled crowd, the discussion ranged from new changes that will help streamline the City of Chicago’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection to other programs that will benefit business owners. Aldermen also discussed key developments in the neighborhood, including the new Apple Store slated for an April 2010 opening at North and Clybourn and the proposed – and widely-debated – future of the former Lincoln Park Hospital site.
The LPCC works to offer its members access to their elected officials and key decision-makers that have the potential to benefit businesses and the neighborhood at-large. In addition, for members looking to expand their business through networking opportunities, the State of the Ward Luncheon and Annual Meeting was the first official networking event offered in 2010 by the LPCC.
The LPCC also used the State of the Ward Luncheon and Annual Meeting to slate its 2010 Board of Directors. Taking over as Board Chairman for 2010 is Chris Ramsey from the Lincoln Park Massage Spa. Mark Rogers of National City Bank served as Board Chair in 2009, helping launch an expansive membership research initiative and driving the strategic goals of the LPCC. Joining the Board in 2010 are Patrick Karpowicz, Ostrow, Reisin, Berk & Adams; Jim Kelly, Real Leaders Lead Business Coaching; Erika Kohler, Lincoln Park Zoo; and Beth Kraszewski, Keating and Associates.
Members of the Chicago Police Department (CPD) received a special gift at the event courtesy of the Clark Street Special Service Area (SSA) #23, an economic development initiative operated by the LPCC, to build on the area’s reputation. To improve safety along the busy commercial corridor, the Clark Street SSA donated 18 specially-outfitted bicycles to the CPD. The donation values $25,000.
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Please note: Photos are courtesy of Christopher Parish.
]]>CHICAGO (January 13, 2010) – After Lincoln Park Hospital closed their doors in 2008 the site has been an abandoned eyesore in the community. With land in the Lincoln Park neighborhood being both sparse and valuable, the future of the site has been the subject of community input, and in many cases, outcry. The Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce (LPCC) is carefully following the draft redevelopment plans, community reaction and business impact of the proposal.
“The Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce supports a redevelopment plan that considers adaptive reuse, stimulates job growth and economic development, and provides retail and office space – in addition to senior and condominium housing – offered at a responsible size and price,” said Kim Schilf, LPCC President and CEO. “The LPCC welcomes and encourages community input from businesses and residents alike to ensure the easiest transition for the new development – whatever the final product may look like.
“Lincoln is one of the neighborhood’s key commercial corridors, offering boutiques, restaurants and more to residents, visitors and employees of local establishments,” Schilf said. “While the global economic landscape has been difficult on many businesses in the immediate area surrounding the Lincoln Park Hospital site, it is the belief of the LPCC that the right project will spur further spending and economic development in the community.”
According to the developers’ presentation, the proposal as it stands now calls for five key components, include: a maximum of 40 condos on the site of the Grant Street Building; 170 units of senior housing; high-end residential condominiums; underground and garage parking; retail and office space; and two single-family homes
“Not only will a redevelopment project lead to increased jobs in the construction field, but the retail, office and senior housing components will require hundreds of jobs to meet the proposed need,” Schilf continued. “The resulting job creation will have a spill-over effect at local shops and restaurants desperate for a new customer base. The LPCC will continue to work to provide sustainable vitality to the businesses and residents who call Lincoln Park home.”
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What we love about Lincoln Park...
Lincoln Park is always alive -- with a mix of families, new and long- time residents and local independent businesses that create a vibrant neighborhood and an excitement that makes people want to be part of it... and part of us. We continue to thrive at 909 West Armitage Avenue where we have been through most of our 52-year history!
What is the one thing we want people to know about our organization?
The Old Town School is a not-for-profit organization with extensive outreach programs in Chicago's Public Schools and a long-standing Wiggleworms-In-Residence program in partnership with Carole Robertson Centers for Learning. In addition, the School provides financial aid for classes and lessons to ensure that our programs are available to all. We depend on funds from individual members, donors and other sources to sustain these programs.
What's the best part of being a member of the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce?
We see our LPCC membership both as a vital connection to a large and diverse business community, and as one way to give something back to the neighborhood that helped us grow over so many years and so many changes.
Old Town School of Folk Music
909 W. Armitage (and 4544 N. Lincoln)
(773) 728-6000
www.oldtownschool.org
About Part of It, Proud of It
Want to be included in a future "Part of It, Proud of It?" Proudly display your LPCC membership to the community for your shot! The LPCC's "Part of It, Proud of It" was created to honor and recognize members who clearly display their LPCC member logo and serve as a liason to other businesses and the surrounding community. Members are randomly selected and only honored if their member decal is on display at the time of visitation.
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Kingston Mines has been in Chicago for over 40 years and owner Doc Pellegrino could tell you a story about our city for each year he has been in business. With two stages alternating every night until 4:00am, it is impossible not to move to the outstanding Chicago blues playing. Kingston Mines is packed every night, so we asked what makes Doc’s business so successful. He simply said, “We have something here that appeals to everyone, make sure you have a product that the community actually needs”. Thank you to Kinston Mines and Doc Pellegrino for your 20 years of proud support!
Q&A
What do you value most about your membership with the LPCC?
The Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce does more than help businesses; they are helping an ongoing development of the neighborhood. The Chamber does a really amazing job of helping the business and the entire neighborhood grow.
What one thing do you want everyone to know about Kinston Mines?
We have been playing blues for 40 years and we pride ourselves on our hospitality. Everyone that works here likes getting to know people and the more you come back the more like home it will feel. Everyone has grief in their life, maybe from a husband, a wife, a sister, a boss, whatever the case, when you come to Kingston Mines you can relax, recharge your batteries and feel at home. We are really a restaurant first, the whole family can come eat in the restaurant and listen to music, we are not just a bar.
What is your favorite thing about Lincoln Park?
I like the community feeling, the safety and nature of the homes. I love the parks, the schools and the “mom and pop” shops.
Kingston Mines
2548 N. Halsted
(773) 477-4646
Two huge boxes of toys - ranging from Monopoly to Totally Gross - were also collected at the event to benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Center, who works with children while their parents are working or attending class.
And a special thanks to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum for serving as host. Be sure to check out the Green City Market this winter as they call the site home until Chicago's warm weather returns!
Q&A
What do you value most about your membership with the LPCC?
“Being a part of a great community”
What one thing do you want everyone to know about Art + Science?
“Everyone is an individual that we respect and want to take care of”
What is your favorite thing about Lincoln Park?
“Our neighbor, Marquee Lounge”
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CHICAGO (November 6, 2009) – The Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (IACCE) announced on Thursday, November 5 that the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce (LPCC) was honored with first place in two categories at the first annual IACCE Communications Awards program. The LPCC’s website – www.lincolnparkchamber.com – and quarterly newsletter, The Source, were presented first place awards for their content and layout in the 501+ member category.
The IACCE created the Communications Awards to provide Illinois chambers of commerce access to statewide recognition for their materials as well as offering another way for chambers to learn from each other. The Communications Awards were presented on Thursday, November 5, 2009 at the annual IACCE Fall Conference held in Lisle, Illinois. More than 100 chamber executives from across the state were present at the three-day event highlighting the successes and challenges chambers are facing today.
“We are truly honored to have been selected for first place in these two categories among all of the entries across the state,” said LPCC President and CEO Kim Schilf. “With chambers across the state working diligently for their members, and producing high-quality materials to promote these efforts, we are humbled by this selection.”
The LPCC’s website was recently overhauled and has worked to bring information that is valuable to both its members and the residents of the popular North Side shopping, dining and cultural neighborhood. Information on neighborhood landmarks including the Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago History Museum, DePaul University and several theatres is included on the site alongside business resources, tips and more. The site’s news blog is updated daily with city budget information, community meeting dates and LPCC event recaps.
Also recently-overhauled, The Source is a 12-page quarterly publication distributed to members of the LPCC and key points in the community. The LPCC works to feature key news from the community, information on upcoming networking opportunities, photos from past events and other benefits of membership with the chamber. Each quarter, the LPCC features two members selected at random to provide further publicity for their products and services and each edition of The Source lists new members and their contact information.
“The IACCE Communications Awards have given Illinois’ chambers access to more best practices to further our collective cause of promoting local businesses,” Schilf continued. “During difficult economic times it is important that chambers of commerce, in addition to the small businesses they serve, band together and share their series of best practices for success. We look forward to future interaction with chambers from across Illinois and across the country.”
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]]>CHICAGO (October 29, 2009) – Throughout the global recession of the past two plus years, businesses from Wall Street to Main Street have been forced to close their doors. Throughout this difficult economic stretch, the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce (LPCC) has recognized the problems affecting businesses both large and small and continues to work to provide businesses the tools, resources and connections necessary to remain profitable, no matter what the economy is doing.
“With boutique shops and restaurants representing a key component of our chamber and neighborhood’s fabric, watching a business be forced to close their doors is of course the last thing we ever want to see,” said Kim Schilf, LPCC President and CEO. “At a time when budgets are increasingly tight for families, businesses and governments, I encourage everyone to remember to shop local and contribute to the vitality of your neighborhood’s business community and reputation.
“We lead numerous initiatives in support of our mission – helping businesses in Lincoln Park succeed and grow,” Schilf continued. “We have negotiated discounted advertising rates at key Chicago media outlets and have offered sponsorships that provide brand awareness and marketing opportunities to help businesses keep their products and services in front of consumer’s attention.”
As a membership organization dedicated to supporting the needs of businesses and the surrounding community, it is the responsibility of the LPCC to keep the best interests of its members in mind when supporting key issues and developing new programming that will affect the way they do business now and in the future.
“As the largest neighborhood chamber of commerce in Chicago, the LPCC works to use these membership numbers to the advantage of the entire business community. The reputation of Lincoln Park as the premier destination for shopping, eating and cultural activities is a key marketing tool we strive to maintain despite the economy,” Schilf said. “We offer dozens of affordable, engaging events from educational seminars to networking events – often totaling more than 150 participants – to help businesses promote their product, or make the necessary connections to keep the cost of doing business down.
“Although Lincoln Park benefits from neighborhood anchors like the Lincoln Park Zoo, DePaul University, Children’s Memorial Hospital, Chicago History Museum, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and more, we are certainly not immune to the global economic downturn,” Schilf concluded. “During these difficult times, I urge businesses to band together and create a unified voice and push for increased sales in Lincoln Park, and across the country.”
While many businesses are being forced to close their doors, the LPCC believes, others still are remaining steady or flourishing. It is unfortunate, however, that stories of a gloom and doom economy continue to cover headlines from coast to coast. LPCC members have shared both their stories of success and challenges throughout the past two years, and if positive messages were shared with the community, the LPCC contends future businesses can learn how to adapt to market conditions and keep their doors open.
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CHICAGO (October 20, 2009) – As an exclusive benefit to the members of the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce (LPCC), the largest neighborhood chamber in Chicago, State Senate President John Cullerton joined representatives from the United States Chamber of Commerce and community anchors DePaul University and Children’s Memorial Hospital for a comprehensive Legislative Breakfast. With an ever-changing political landscape and often uncertain economic future, one-on-one interaction with elected officials and policy makers is vital to the success of many businesses.
The LPCC is committed to providing business owners access to the resources necessary to succeed and grow. An event offering one-on-one access with one of Illinois’ key policy makers was something the LPCC was committed to and worked hard to secure. Tuesday’s Legislative Breakfast, part of the LPCC’s Government Affairs Committee, was open exclusively to members of the LPCC and offered free of charge.
Senate President Cullerton addressed more than 50 members of the LPCC on key issues affecting our state, our residents and our businesses. From state pension programs, bipartisanship in government, spending transparency, the Capital Bill, education, health care and efforts to level the playing field between local shops and online businesses in regards to sales taxes, Senator Cullerton shared his vision for the state and its businesses. Senator Cullerton also discussed key elements to ending budget crunches across all levels of state government and in the CTA and RTA.
DePaul University hosted the event. A Lincoln Park anchor for more than a century, DePaul is deepening its roots in the community with a new 10-year Strategic Planning and Community Agreement recently signed by the LPCC and the Sheffield Neighborhood, Wrightwood Neighbors and Seminary Townhouse associations. “DePaul's community efforts are designed not only to create a state-of-the art campus for our students, but contribute to making Lincoln Park a great neighborhood for everyone who lives and works here,” said the Rev. Dennis H. Holtschneider, C.M., DePaul’s president.
“During these busy and often difficult times, we are honored that Senate President Cullerton would share his unique perspective on the current business landscape throughout Illinois and key changes that may increase growth in the future,” said Kim Schilf, LPCC President and CEO. “Now more than ever our local businesses need to know that their elected officials hear their voice and are on their side.”
The LPCC’s Government Affairs Committee, launched in January 2008, was created to take a proactive approach to legislative issues affecting the Lincoln Park business community. Each year, the Government Affairs Committee works with members and conducts research to create an annual Legislative Agenda, a series of four key issues and positions the LPCC holds as most important for the coming year. In addition, the Government Affairs Committee works to share their position on new issues – from taxes and fees to parking restrictions and more – that arrive each year and have the potential to harm or assist businesses and/or the neighborhood.
Children’s Memorial Hospital, event sponsor, also is working on key changes with a move downtown to the campus of its academic partner, Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, planned for 2012. “The Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce is a leader in our community, and a model organization for supporting the needs of businesses. Senate President Cullerton has been a champion for improving the health and well-being of children for decades. It is an honor to work with both the Chamber and Senator Cullerton, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with them in the Lincoln Park community and beyond for many years to come,” said Patrick Magoon, President and CEO of Children’s Memorial Hospital.
The LPCC also announced Tuesday that they have joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Federation Partnership Program. By joining, the LPCC is helping the U.S. Chamber’s effort to build the nation’s largest grassroots advocacy network while providing added resources to its members. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.
“By joining with the U.S. Chamber’s Federation Partnership, the LPCC has provided its members with the benefits of U.S. Chamber membership, including: access to members-only sections of www.uschamber.com, discounts on products and services, e-newsletters, the U.S. Chamber’s monthly publication, and timely calls to action, alerting small businesses to pressing legislation or policy initiatives,” said United States Chamber of Commerce Great Lakes Representative Ben Taylor. “This ever-growing coalition of small businesses allows the U.S. Chamber to present a strong, unified voice for business in Washington, D.C.”
The U.S. Chamber will alert and mobilize LPCC members on national issues ranging from taxes to technology to transportation. This ever-growing coalition of small businesses allows the U.S. Chamber to present a strong, unified voice for business in Washington, D.C. LPCC members will receive information on key legislation, tips and resources to grow their business and access to discounts at several national corporations.
More information on the U.S. Chamber is available online at www.uschamber.com.
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