Dear Kinzie Corridor business owner
Call 312-421-3941 today to RSVP for these upcoming ICNC events
RSVP for the 4th annual ICNC cruise
September 10 ICNC's Lake Michigan and Chicago River cruise is scheduled for Thursday, September 10, from 4-6 p.m. This year we've hired a larger boat to accommodate more guests.
This is one of our favorite events; the Chicago skyline is a great background for two hours of food, drinks, and conversation with friends and neighbors from the Kinzie Corridor. Purchase tickets with the link below or call Sallie at ICNC: 312-421-3941.
Thursday, September 10
4-6 p.m.
"The Summer of George"
Docked at 330 N. Wabash
Tickets are $75 each
food and open bar included
Special thanks to Cole Taylor Bank for sponsoring this event.
Market your company with local businesses
ICNC launching online member-to-member discount program
ICNC member companies routinely offer discounts to one another to promote their businesses and to strengthen the neighborhood economy. ICNC is constructing a member-to-member discount webpage to facilitate this. Just send ICNC your company logo and a description of what discount you'd like to offer and we'll help you market your business.
Free computer classes at ICNC
We've added many new free classes. Now you or your employees can get the most out of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Photoshop or ACT! with these popular free classes right here at ICNC's computer training center. Classes are from 9 a.m. to noon. Call Sallie at ICNC to arrange dates or RSVP for scheduled classes.
August schedule:
Aug 19: PowerPoint
Aug 25 and 27: Excel
Aug 28 Quickbooks
New: We'd like to schedul a Microsoft Project class, but need a couple more students. Please call Sallie if you're interested.
Cut employee hiring costs with ICNC
Stronger recruitment program helps companies more than ever
One of ICNC's most in-demand programs is now even better. If you need to hire a new employee, ICNC can help you from start to finish. We:
- advertise where job seekers look
- screen resumes
- conduct background and reference checks
- interview promising candidates
And it's all at no cost. You just meet the candidates that are pre-screened and qualified so you can choose from the best. Save time and money with ICNC's hiring service. Call or write Priscilla to get started.
ICNC helped member Whitfield Security Services hire 34 people when the company won new contracts. Owner Oscar Whitfield wrote to say that without ICNC, "We wouldn't have been able to hire the people that we have."
SBIF grant winners notified
Ten Kinzie Corridor companies have been selected to receive approximately $1 million in TIF funding in the latest round of SBIF grants for capital improvement projects. Another 28 applied but limited funds mean they must wait to see whether any money frees up from funded projects.
Facade rebate grant deadline approaching
Deadline August 14
Companies not in the Kinzie TIF district may qualify for up to $10,000 in matching funds for facade repairs to their buildings. Call Steve at ICNC for assistance determining whether you're eligible and if so how to apply.
Join ICNC in 2009
If you're not already a member of ICNC, we want you! It's only through the strength of our membership that we're able to advocate for City services, get incentive money for local companies, and provide business assistance like employee recruitment and computer classes. Membership is an affordable $75-$300 for the year, and in addition to all our services, it gets your business listed on our website. Join or renew now or call Steve at 312-421-3941 to discuss membership.
Get employee training expenses reimbursed
ICNC has the new 2009 application for reimbursement of up to half of what you spend on employee training for subjects including software, safety, production, and other skills (almost everything except sales). This money comes from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and is not difficult to apply for. Access the forms here and call ICNC with any questions.
Reserve your ComEd rebate money for energy efficiency improvements
ComEd business customers may be eligible for incentives for reducing their energy costs. Installing better lighting, HVAC, refrigeration, or motors could get you some money back. The program opens June 1, and the funds are limited, so apply now. Help with how to cut down on energy costs is also available. Go to www.ComEd.com/Bizincentives or call 1-888-806-2273 for details.
SBA introduces new, revised loans
The SBA has introduced a new $35,000 loan especially to help struggling businesses with cash flow. The ARC loan is a free, no-interest, 100% SBA-guaranteed product available to existing small businesses. The SBA has also expanded its 504 real estate loan to include some refinancing scenarios. Call Denise Ching at ICNC for assistance or see www.sba.gov for more information.
27th Ward "Stay in School" picnic needs volunteers, donations
August 29
Donations and volunteers are requested for the 15th annual "Stay in School" picnic, hosted by Chicago Neighbors United and the 27th Ward. The picnic is all day on Saturday, August 29, and donations of food, school supplies, or money will help provide supplies and scholarships to local students. Call 312-804-3679 or write [email protected] for more information.
Other events
27th Ward Chicago Olympic bid presentation
August 4
Chicago 2016 officials will present the City's plans for that year's Olympic games and take questions. Tuesday, August 4, at 6 p.m. First Baptist Congregational Church, 1613 W. Washington. Art reception at ICNC member Gaudi Coffee & Grill
August 6
The work of Michael del Valle will be showcased at Gaudi Coffee & Grill, 624 N. Ashland from 6-10 p.m. on Thursday, August 6. BYOB. Go to www.mdelvalle.com for more details. Hispanic Business Expo 2009
August 6
Check out ICNC's booth at the Hispanic Business Expo on Navy Pier, Thursday, August 6 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Workshops and exhibits run all day. Free; all details here.
Stained glass classes
ICNC tenant Solstice Art Source is offering discounts on classes in stained glass. Learn to design, create, and repair stained glass here in the Fulton Carroll Center. Go here for details.
Neighborhood farmers' market
Sundays through October
The Neighbors' Development Network has organized a farmers' market for each Sunday through October from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Starr Park, at Oakley and Washington.
Classifieds
Space available at ICNC's Fulton Carroll Center
Check ICNC's website if you'd like to rent space with us. We also keep a list of neighborhood properties for sale or lease. Let us know if you have something you'd like included on the list.
Other local space available
- ICNC member just west of Western Avenue has partitioned spaces of less than 900 square feet for office, warehouse, or light production at $10/sf with all utilies included. 24 hr. access, inside dock. Click here for details, or call Mike Fratamico at 312-243-3624.
Clean 55 gallon plastic drums: $10-15 each
ICNC member has about six drums monthly for pick up. Call 312-421-4747.
Free styrofoam coolers
Various sizes. Call T. J. Hine at 312-829-7107.
Free packing material
ICNC tenant has consistent supply of used bubble wrap, foam peanuts, styrofoam sheets/boxes and other material. Free. Call Garrett at 773-655-0779.
For more information about any of these events contact ICNC at 312-421-3941 or by e-mail at [email protected].
ICNC is located on the second floor of the Fulton Carrol Center, 2010 W. Fulton St., Ste. 280, Chicago, IL 60612. |
