icncheader
Call ICNC at 312-421-3941 for more information or to RSVP for ICNC events listed here.
 
2010 ICNC February luncheon at Coyne
Coyne2010 is an important year for ICNC and businesses in the Kinzie Corridor. From strategies to weather a tough economy to deciding what infrastructure improvements the neighborhood needs, ICNC wants you to be at the table. Join us for our membership luncheon to discuss those and other issues. Tickets $45 before February 15. Tickets at door $55.  
  
Friday, February 26
11:30 a.m.
Coyne American Institute
330 N. Green Street
RSVP Now to Sallie 
 
 Special thanks to our event sponsor:
 Ravenswood Bank
 * Showcase your company at the luncheon *
ICNC wants to show the world what its member companies, make, do, and sell. We're collecting photographs and logos to display at the February luncheon and on the website. Send two or three photos along with your logo and a sentence or two that describes your business. Email Steve your photos or call with questions.
 
Upcoming ICNC seminars and workshopssbdc
Labor law: Tuesday, January 26
Bring your HR and employee relations questions to this interactive workshop and learn what's new in HR and labor law and how it affects your business. Taught by Joan Eagle from Klein, Dub & Holleb. 9-11 a.m. RSVP to Denise.
Email marketing: Tuesday, February 10
Keys to effective email marketing: 9-11 a.m.
Getting started with Constant Contact: 12-2 p.m.
Lunch is provided and both classes are sponsored by Steve Robinson at Constant Contact. RSVP to Denise.
Recession or Reinvention? Marketing in a tough economy
Wednesday, February 17WCPT
Learn the value of reinventing your business and branding in a tough economy. Attendees will learn about the strengths and weaknesses of various media and how to create a marketing strategy that is trackable and affordable. 10 a.m. to noon. Please RSVP to Andrew. This workshop is sponsored by WCPT Radio.
 
We want your feedback on mail service
Some local companies have alerted us to growing problems with their mail service. We'd like to know if you're having problems. In the past ICNC has convened meetings with the US Postal Service and Congressman Davis' office to inform them of concerns; the result was better service. Do you think it's time to talk to them again? Email Steve or call with details.
 
Census jobs available
The U.S. Census is hiring for several types of positions in connection with the 2010 Census. Positions are temporary, but well-paid and available soon. Applicants must take test and apply. Information available at the Census website.
 
EMT applications now being accepted 
emt training
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 or to apply. 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. Apply now. 
 
ICNC member-to-member discount program growing!
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
ComputerWe'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. New class: Excel level 3: Friday, January 29 or Wednesday, February 3. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Class covers advanced topics including pivot tables, analytical options, and macros. 
Register for clases on ICNC's website or call Sallie 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, and interview promising candidates, 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.
 
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. 
 
Other events
 
Transit and tax savings focus group: business input needed
Tuesday, January 19
The Center for Neighborhood Technology is hosting a focus group for large employers in the City of Chicago on "The New Green Economy: Tax Savings and Transit". Companies with 50 or more employees can learn about the Recovery Act's expanded pre-tax benefits for employees using transit to commute to work and help shape possible legislation to offer incentives for companies using these benefits. RSVP to Jim Drew ([email protected] ) to attend this event on January 19th, from 8:00am to 9:30am at 400 W. Madison suite 2250.
 
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.
   
Art fundraising event for ICNC non profit member
Thursday, February 11
The Arts of Life, a Chicago nonprofit bringing people with and without disabilities together to create art, is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Its awards show will be held Thursday, February 11 at the Irish American Heritage Center at 4626 N. Knox and is seeking business sponsorship. Contact Tim Sarrantonio at [email protected] for information.
 
Business skills workshops
ICNC member The Carroll-Keller Group offers ongoing workshops on topics such as time management, sales skills for non-sales professionals, and custom-designed courses. The group offers significant discounts for ICNC members; see their website for courses.
 
 
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].  
 
Affordable home ownership opportunity for your employees
As part of a City-subsidized plan to promote affordable housing, several studio condominiums in a new development at 659 W Randolph are being offered at $125,750 for buyers meeting certain income guidelines. Contact Allison Butts at 773-531-5441 or [email protected] for questions about these units or see the City's website for details on the program.  

 
FCC buildingSpace 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
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.