Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce Issues Call for Nominations for
20th Annual Awards Ceremony
Best of Business Models, Community Involvement Highlight Annual Event

CHICAGO – Highlighting the most committed and engaged businesses from the Lincoln Park neighborhood over the past year and – for the first time – decade, the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce (LPCC) announced today that they are accepting nominations for their 20th Annual Awards presentation.  With the LPCC’s Annual Awards reaching the significant 20-year milestone, the LPCC is adapting the program and awards to recognize long-term champions of the neighborhood and organization.

The LPCC’s Annual Awards were created to foster an appreciation for the organizations and individuals that exhibit both a sound operations model and a commitment to the sustainability of the neighborhood and its business community.  The members honored by the LPCC’s Annual Awards have innovative business models and contribute to the community through donations of time, money and ideas.

The LPCC is actively seeking nominations for the following awards:

• Business of the Year – This award honors a business that exhibits entrepreneurial success in both operations and community involvement.  The business participates in activities that reflect how business volunteerism can better the community and the LPCC.
• Lincoln Park Member of the Decade – This award honors an individual who has shown great commitment to the Lincoln Park community. This member has been an integral part of the LPCC in support of their mission to be a catalyst for business success and economic development. He/she has also been a part of the LPCC for at least 10 years.
• Chairman’s Award – This award honors an individual who is an active member of the LPCC, attends LPCC events regularly and volunteers for a variety of initiatives.  This individual shows dedication to the LPCC and enthusiastically communicates the benefits of membership to prospects, fellow members and the community at-large. 

Nominations are due by Friday, February 12, 2010 to the LPCC. The nomination form is available here.

“I am once again looking forward to seeing the nominations for our Annual Awards program as they represent the diversity and dedication of businesses in this neighborhood,” said Kim Schilf, LPCC President and CEO.  “For the past 20 years we have honored the most dedicated businesses and business leaders throughout our great community.

“It is an honor to recognize those that have done so much to make Lincoln Park the vibrant business community it is today,” Schilf said.  “The winners of the LPCC’s Annual Awards are committed to helping Lincoln Park succeed and grow, just as we dedicate our programs and initiatives to their own success.”

Applications for the awards will be reviewed by a panel of LPCC members who will develop a slate of award recipients for approval by the LPCC Board of Directors.  The recipients of the LPCC’s annual awards will be honored at a special 20th Annual Awards Celebration in May.  Winners will also receive special recognition on the LPCC’s website, in their E-Newsletter and quarterly newsletter as well as a Chicago City Council resolution.

LPCC PAST AWARD RECIPIENTS (1994 – 2009)

Please note: Categories do not match the 2010 call for nominations.  We have created special awards to mark this significant milestone.

Business Person of the Year Award Recipients:   

1994 – Lee McDonnell, St. Joseph Hospital
1995 – Joe Carlucci, Carlucci Hospitality Group
1996 – Fred Rosen, Sam’s Wines and Spirits
1997 – John Davis, Wine Insiders and Geja’s Café
1998 – Ron Roenigk, Inside Publications   
1999 – Lino Darchun, Coldwell Banker           
2000 – Jeff Lawler, Geja’s Cafe               
2001 – Raman Chadha, Explorit
2002 – John Hall, Goose Island BrewPub   
2003 – Marilyn Labkon, General Iron Industries   
2004 – Joe Graber, North Federal Savings Bank
2005 – Doug Schuberth, Schuberth Real Estate
2006 – Bruce Longanecker, Lincoln Park Market
2007 – Sam Sanchez, John Barleycorn
2008 – Nancie King Mertz, Art de Triumph and Artful Framer Studios
2009 – Gilaad Matar, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

Business of the Year Award Recipients:

1995 – Lori’s Designer Shoes               
1996 – Armitage Hardware               
1997 – Lincoln Park Market               
1998 – Schmeissing’s Bakery               
1999 – All Our Children                   
2000 – Artful Framer Studios           
2001 – A. Finkl & Sons                   
2002 – Corporate Creations   
2003 – The Chopping Block
2004 – Gutrich Chiropractic
2005 – Coldstone Creamery
2006 – Steve Quick Jewelers   
2007 – Rickey Gold & Associates
2008 – Fave Media
2009 – Lincoln Park Massage Spa

Community Contributor Award Recipients:       

1994 – Old Town School of Folk Music           
1995 – Chicago Historical Society        
1996 – DePaul University               
1997 – Lincoln Park Conservation Association         
1998 – Infant Welfare Society               
1999 – Lincoln Park Zoo               
2000 – Chicago Academy of Sciences (Nature Museum)
2001 – Juvenile Protective Association
2002 – Anixter Center
2003 – DePaul University
2004 – Lincoln Park Community Shelter
2005 – Children’s Memorial Hospital
2006 – Fairygodmother Foundation
2007 – Chicago History Museum
2008 – Victory Gardens Theater
2009 – Diamond Bank
Frank Hasner Member Momentum Award Award Recipients:           
2007 – Jerry Bransfield, Jeremiah Bransfield, Computer Consultant
2008 – Debbie Todd, Lincoln Park Community Shelter
2009 – Joe Utschig – digitalife, LLC

Advertising opportunities in Discover Lincoln Park 2010 are now available.  For more information, and the form to secure your space, please click here.

Email Kurt Kuras at the Pioneer Press for more information and questions.
 

Aldermen, City Officials Join LPCC to Discuss State of the Ward for 2010
Business Assistance, Neighborhood Developments Highlight Annual Event

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.

Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce Statement: Boutique Shops Forced to Close Their Doors
Global Recession Has Always Hit Main Street

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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Fashion Designer, Maria Pinto, is the first to be featured.  Ms. Pinto designs luxurious women’s clothing and accessories and opened the doors to her Chicago boutique in August of 2008.  Whether her clients are high profile figures, celebrities or First Lady, Michelle Obama, they all come back to Maria Pinto for her tailored silhouettes that are made to fit a variety of lifestyles.

Ms. Pinto says that she chose Diamond Bank as the bank for her growing business because of their dedication to creating a relationship.

“It goes back to the word community.  We are a small company, we’re a team, and I think by working with a community bank you kind of create the extension of that team.  So there are core people there that I contact and I know the job gets done.”   - Maria Pinto

Check back on the website at www.dbdiamond.com each month to see which client is featured next!