Call ICNC at 312-421-3941 for more information or to RSVP for ICNC events listed here.
ICNC holiday party
December 10
ICNC's holiday party is next Thursday! This is one of our companies' favorite events. Meet your neighbors and fellow business owners over drinks and appetizers in the Garfield Park Conservatory. The lush surroundings of the conservatory are always impressive, but when decorated with lights for the holidays they are magical. Special thanks to event sponsor American Chartered Bank and to Goose Island Beer Company for drinks. This is a free event, but please RSVP to Sallie or call 312-421-3941. 
Thursday, December 10, 2009
5-7:30 p.m.
300 N. Central Park Avenue (free parking in lot)
Special thanks to event sponsor
Understanding worker's compensation insurance
Wednesday, December 16
Lamb, Little & Co., a foremost provider of worker's compensation insurance education to employers, provides insight into the composition of a worker's comp policy and explains how policy costs are calculated. This presentation promises entertaining illustrations and practical advice. Free; 9-11 a.m. at ICNC. Please RSVP to [email protected] or call ICNC.
Email Marketing presented by MondoMedia
Wednesday, January 6
As marketing budgets tighten, email marketing is cost-effective way to reach new customers. Learn to use email to increase brand awareness or solicit direct offers. Free; 9-11 a.m. at ICNC. Email [email protected] or call ICNC with questions.
Starting a business in Illinois
Wednesday, January 13
 Learn the steps you need to take to start a new business, from creating a legal entity to licensing and financing. Wednesday, January 13 from 9 AM-11AM at ICNC. Please RSVP to [email protected] or call ICNC.
ICNC graduates 1st EMT class
100% placement expected
After graduating its first class of 29 women, ICNC is preparing for its second Emergency Medical Technician training class, which will meet on Saturdays (9-4) at ICNC starting March of 2010 through September. See ICNC's website for more information; applications will be available mid-December. Candidates must be working women (or recently unemployed) living in Chicago who are eager to work hard to advance their careers. The training is funded by the Eleanor Foundation and provided by Superior Ambulance.
ICNC member-to-member discount program active!
Save money and shop locally!
One of the best parts of ICNC membership is finding local sources for goods and services and selling your products or services to your neighbors. Check out the member to member discount page of ICNC's website to take advantage of deals on food, office supplies, and even fitness. Email Steve with your company logo and a description of your discount if you'd like to participate in the program. This program is only open to current ICNC members.
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 312.421.3941 or email [email protected].
Free computer classes at ICNC
We've added many new free classes, so you and your employees can get the most out of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Photoshop, ACT! or Quickbooks. Next class: Excel level 1 (two days) Tues. 12/8 and Thurs. 12/10.
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 email Priscilla to get started.
Wanted: ICNC members for 2010
Thank you to the hundreds of 2009 ICNC members, old and new. Your support helps us improve the business environment of the Kinzie Corridor and to bring more of your tax dollars back to the neighborhood. Join or renew now for 2010 or call Steve at 312-421-3941 to discuss membership. Current members please make sure your company's information is listed correctly on our online membership directory. E-mail Steve with any corrections.
"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
Two programs can help ICNC area companies get from 50-100% reimbursement for employee training costs. The City of Chicago's TIFWorks program is available for companies in the Kinzie Industrial Corridor Tax Increment Financing District, and the State of Illinois' Employee Training Investment Program is for companies throughout the state. Call ICNC for assistance with these and other programs. We'll help make sure more of your tax dollars come back to the neighborhood.
ICNC Small Business Development Center company spotlight
This month's SBDC spotlight company is BEC  Entertainment. BEC is focused on carving a niche in the Chicagoland video vending machine market. With great service, fresh selections, and customer friendly machines, owner Eddie Cisneros is proving that he can successfully compete with the larger, more impersonal companies in the DVD movie rental market. To check out one of Eddie's machines, visit his newest location at Lincoln Park Market, 2500 N. Clark St. Market owner Bruce Longanecker takes pride in providing a wide variety of goods and services in his store, so a BEC video vending machine was a natural fit and an immediate hit with his customers. When you're picking up your DVD, take a moment to stroll through the store. They have a beer and wine selection that can't be beat! Know of a building or business that would benefit by having one of BEC Entertainment's Video Vending machines? Let Eddie know! You can contact him at [email protected].
Other events
U.S. China business forum
Tuesday, December 15
The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce is offering a half-day forum for companies hoping to capitalize on business opportunities in China. Visit the Chamber's website for details and to register.
Little Brothers -- Friends of the Elderly 50th anniversary raffle
Friday, January 29
The Chicago chapter of Little Brothers -- Friends of the Elderly is holding a fundraising raffle to mark their 50th anniversary. Cash prizes range from $1,000 to $25,000. Get info or buy your ticket for the January 29 drawing.
Classifieds
Targeting 27th and 2nd Ward residents for local employer
Over 80 jobs!
ICNC is recruiting 27th/2nd ward residents for a number of positions with an area medical center. Positions vary - from clerical work to food service, maintenance, security, health care and much more. Stay tuned for upcoming job fairs and more information on ICNC's website and/or forward your resume to [email protected].
Holiday sweets on sale for ICNC members
Member company Chocolate Gourmet (a Take the Cake company) is offering 10% off any corporate gift order through December 31. See www.chocolategourmet.com to see their cookies and other treats.
ICNC member can deliver holiday turkeys to you
Employee Christmas gift turkeys and hams from as low as $12.50 each. Since 1984, ICNC member Loewy Foods has been distributing Chef's Pride turkeys to companies in Northern Illinois. Delivery on the day and time you wish. Individual gift boxing available. See www.loewyfoods.com or call Mark at 847-714-0202.  Space available at ICNC's Fulton Carroll Center
Check ICNC's website for low-cost incubator space with free business assistance and resources. 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
- For homes and apartments just north of the PMD, check out ICNC member The Sokol Group to see listings. Examples include 2623 N Rice (4 bed/2bath single family home) for $351K, and 528 N Elizabeth (2 bed/2 bath) for $2,200/month).
- 4,000 square feet at 3028 W Carroll; ground floor with 16-ft ceilings, 2 overhead doors. New electric (400 amp 3-phase). $2,500/month, zoned M1-2. Call Terry at 312-428-1192. Live/work space (700 sf apartment w/1,900 sf of warehouse/garage space) also available at 3026 W Carroll.
- 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 Jason at 312-243-3624.
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. |
