Dear Kinzie Corridor business owner
Call 312-421-3941 today to RSVP for these upcoming ICNC events
ICNC cruise tomorrow!
Because ICNC has a boat two times as large as in previous years, there are still a few spaces left for tomorrow's cruise.
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.
ICNC events
Chicago biofuels/veggie car show
September 20
ICNC is happy to host the Chicago Biofuels 3rd annual veggie/biodiesel car show, which will include from six to 10 cars operating on vegetable oil or biodiesel. Owners will be on hand to answer questions, and attendees can learn from three half-hour presentaions on various fuel-related topics. Sunday, September 20 from 12-4 p.m. See www.chicagobiofuels.org or contact Kevin at [email protected].
Email marketing, getting started with Constant Contact
September 22
Join us for either or both seminars in a two-part session designed to help you build your customer base and enhance online communications. Session 1, from 9-11 a.m., covers e-mail best practices, including how to get read and keep reader interest. Session 2, from 1-3 p.m., teaches you how to use the popular Constant Contact to manage your electronic communications. Tuesday, September 22 at ICNC; free, with lunch provided by Constant Contact. RSVP via e-mail here or call Sallie at ICNC.
Web marketing basics and search engine optimization
October 7
Want to know how to get listed in search engines like Yahoo, Google, and Bing?  Need business exposure? Then join web gurus Steve Krull from www.befoundonline.com, Josh Golden from Table XI, and ICNC's own SBDC team for a round table discussion of how to improve business visibility on the Web. Free, but please RSVP by e-mail or call Andrew at ICNC.
Kinzie Corridor news
Green line funding for Morgan, support for Damen
Transit in the Kinzie Corridor got two major boosts recently. A Chicago Journal article reports the allocation of $8 million in federal funds for the Morgan Street Green Line station, scheduled to begin construction this fall. That means less Kinze TIF money will have to be used for the project. And the Chicago Plan Commission voted to adopt the "Reconnecting Neighborhoods" plan that ICNC co-chaired and which called for the construction of a new station at Damen. These recommendations will be presented to the U.S. Secretaries of Transportation, HUD, and the EPA.
Market your company with local businesses
ICNC launching online member-to-member discount program , cupon book
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 and cupon book 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.
Looking for Alternative Sources of Finance?
ICNC has re-invigorated its Small Business Revolving Loan Fund. Businesses located in the Kinzie Corridor can apply for amounts up to $12,500. The range of interest rates is Prime -1.00% to Prime + 5% with a maximum term of
36 months. For more information please contact Denise by phone at
312.433.2373 or email [email protected].
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, ACT! or Quickbooks. See the ICNC site for class schedules or call Sallie at ICNC to request a new class.
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."
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.
No trespassing signs free to businesses
The 13th District Chicago Police have made a limited number of metal "No loitering or trespassing" signs available to local businesses. The posting of these signs can deter trespassing and serves as notification that anyone arrested for tresspassing on your property was warned against doing so. Call Steve at ICNC for a sign.
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.
Small Business Spotlight: Solstice Art Source We've all seen stained glass, at Navy Pier, churches and museums. But have you ever wondered who does this type of work? Well let us introduce you to Emily Carlson and her company Solstice Art Source. At Solstice, Emily designs, creates and repairs fine stained glass treasures or, if you're a DIY type, she teaches classes too. So whether you need a repair on 100-year old cathedral or want to bring life to your own original design, Solstice Art Source is the place to start. For more information visit www.solsticeartsource.com or call 312-409-6715.
Other events
Chicago Tech Expo 2009, October 1, 2009 - UIC Forum
Don't miss this one-day technology conference for small businesses! Exhibitor floor with hundreds of technology solutions. Workshops on online marketing, social networking, websites. Expert advise, hands-on demos, networking. Dynamic stage with inspiring speakers, raffle prizes and more. Learn more and register today at www.chicagotechexpo.net. The $35 fee includes lunch, workshops, free give-aways, and more. On site registration $50. 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.
Kinzie Corridor Artswalk 2009: October 10 12-8 p.m.
Local artists are to be spotlighted at a day-long art walk followed by concerts and an auction to benefit Arts of Life, which works with developmentally-disabled adults. Get more information about participating in or just coming to the event at the Website.
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.
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. |
