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Sun and fun at 2010 ICNC cruise
ICNC members and supporters sailed Lake Michigan and the Chicago River on July 22. Great weather, smooth water, and good company helped ensure lots of smiles. Thanks very much to event sponsor MB Financial, and thanks to the nearly 150 of you who came on the cruise with us. For a great pictorial of the event, check out this site by photographer and ICNC member REP3.
 
Photos by REP3
boat in cabin
cruise on deck
Toast to ICNC's Founders and Supporters from way back at Mart Anthony's
Tuesday, September 21st
Join us for beers and tasty italian delicacies as we celebrate first chicagothose
who made ICNC what it is today ... our past board members and long-term members/supporters from the 60's to the present. 13th DistrictConnect with old friends and neighbors and meet new ones, with
some Smooth Jazz music playing in the background. All at no cost thanks to our sponsers, WLFM radio, First Chicago bank and Goose Island Beer. Click here to rsvp or contact ICNC. (we'd appreciate an rsvp but last minute stragglers are also welcome). 4:30-6:30 pm at Mart Anthony's, 1200 W. Hubbard.
Focus on sales at ICNC's lead breakfast
Thursday, September 30th
Have you heard about our lead breakfast series here at ICNC? 
It's been a great success! Each month more than 30 business people 
MBgathered to build referrals and tell each other about their goods and services. This has become such a popular event that we actually have had waiting lists to attend!. So don't miss out this time! Reserve your place now by registering here or contacting ICNC. Doors open at 7:30 am. Event is 8-9:30 am. This event is free thanks to generous sponsorship from MB Financial
Healthcare Reform: 
What does it mean for Small Employers? 
Thursday, September 30th
Confused about Healthcare reform and what it means to your business?
We are too! So we've asked Steve Lorenzini from Lamb Little Co.SBDC logo
to give us an overview of the new legislation and what it will mean for small businesses. This event is FREE, but please rsvp here or to ICNC. 10-11:30 am.
Workspace collaboration -- tech tools 
Wednesday, October 13
Learn about the latest and best ways to allow your employees to collaborate, work from multiple locations, and be more efficient. Online applications like Microsoft SharePoint let the whole office work on documents, manage projects, and see what each other is doing. You'll learn about this application and others and have a chance to ask questions about the best way for your business to take advantage of this new technology. 9-10:30 am at ICNC. Presented by ICNC member MXOtech. RSVP here.
Kinzie Corridor news
Sales tax holiday ends Friday, August 15
The 5% state sales tax will not be charged for purchases of certain "back-to-school" items through Friday, August 15. So if you're purchasing something in Chicago, which has the nation's highest sales tax at 9.75%, you'll pay only 4.75% if you buy supplies before Friday. 
Landscaping moratorium for existing businesses
Earlier this year the Chicago City Council passed an ordinance declaring a moratorium on the fencing and landscaping requirements for existing buildings. Local companies applying for permits for new construction should be aware that they will still be required to comply with the zoning ordinance requirements for landscaping and fencing. Existing businesses will be expected to comply once the moratorium expires in June of 2012.
Get help selling to the City
The City of Chicago has created two new tools to provide businesses with information on how to successfully contract with the City. The Guide to Procurement Fundamentals explains what the City buys and from whom, and how you can participate. The 2010-2011 Buying Plan & Resource Guide gives you a preview of what the City plans to buy over the next year so you can be ready. Both documents can be downloaded from the City's procurement department website. Call ICNC to get help with selling to the government.
SBDC Spotlight
Framework Communications is a telecom and IT support provider and a new tenant at ICNC's Fulton Carroll Center. The two-year-old company is run by Matt Jackson and John Fakhoury, who bring more than 10 years of IT and consulting experience to the firm. If you're looking for voice and data network solutions, you can get them here in the neighborhood from this ICNC member. Framework can help you figure out if you're getting the best deal for your existing services or shop for new hardware or VoIP. Best of all, they're available for 24/7 maintenance and support. Visit http://www.frameworkcommunications.com/ for more information or give Matt or John a call at 312-265-8733.
New $2,500 Tax Credit for New Hires
Illinois has instituted a new tax credit of $2,500 for new full-time employees hired during the 12-month period beginning July 1, 2010. The credit is available for companies employing 50 or fewer total employees and can be carried forward.
Tax breaks and incentives
Make sure your company is getting what it deserves for the investments it makes. Here are two incentives you should remember: 
Energy efficiency: The Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Program can refund People's Gas customers some of the money they spend for improvements such as furnaces, boilers, and insulation. This program can subsidize improvements at your business or in your home. Details here. 
 
HIRE Act: This is a social security tax exemption, so you don't pay the 6.2% for qualifying new hires for the rest of the year. IRS info here. 
                                                                                    
Get local discounts for being an ICNC member 
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. 
 
City offers amnesty program for sign permits
Until October 15, businesses that have signs but no permits can get all the first year's permits free and pay no fines. If you don't want to worry about violations you can get your paperwork straightened out and be ready for next year. Call 312-744-6249 for details.
  
ICNC offers small business loan
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 or any other ICNC staff person.
 
ICNC can find qualified employees for your job openings 
ICNC's business employment services can make your hiring easier. Tell us about your job openings and we can advertise and screen resumes. Then, we'll even interview candidates and do reference and background checks on the ones you're interested in. You just make the final decision. Best of all, it's at no cost to you. Call Priscilla today to get started.

Free computer classes at ICNC
 
Thanks to ICNC's Digital Divide program,the following classes are available at no charge! But space is very limited, so sign up today!
 
 
Computer class
August 20: Excel Level 1
This class is designed for individuals who have some working knowledge of Excel. This is a begginner class. You will learn navigating, entering & selecting data, basic calculations, formulas, setting up a worksheet, and a host of other useful tips & tricks.
 
August 27: Intro to Quickbooks
This is a 1 day introductory class for Quickbooks and is designed for people who are new to Quickbooks. You will learn how to start Quickbooks, reconcile statements, write checks, process payroll, & accounts payable. Register for classes on ICNC's website or call Mary to request a new class.   
 
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 money back for training expenses
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 and classifieds
Chicago Public Schools Free Things Program 
Crippled by budget cuts and a lack of funding, a growing number of schools are facing a serious shortage of school supplies. The Free Things program accepts gently used and new donations and distributes them to requesting CPS schools.

 
dynamic dogsDynamic Dogs Are Wanted

Dynamic Dogs Training & Behavior is a new business in the Bucktown/Lincoln Park neighborhood offering customized dog training and full-service dog care, including boarding, daycare, and grooming.  Jennifer Hack, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Behavior Specialist, designed the facility to be a training-based center where every dog is known by name.They offer a "boarding school for dogs" where within 2 to 3 weeks your dog can be trained and follow up lessons are free for life.  They enjoy working with problem behaviors and advanced obedience, as well as training personal protection K-9s. A bonus at the new location: an outdoor yard area covering two city lots for plenty of outdoor space designed to let dogs play, run, and socialize between training sessions.
 
Recycle old computer and electronics at AcmeScrap.com 
Wondering what to do with those old computers and monitors cluttering up the supply room? Contact Anthony Pontillo at AcmeScrap 773-523-4500 . They specialize in taking apart and recycling exactly these types of materials, often at NO COST!
Kinzie Corridor Art Walk
August 14th and 15th art walk
The Art walk gives local artists a chance to open their doors to the public and all artists the opportunity to show their work to the public in booths on Carroll Avenue from 11 am to 7 pm. ICNC will be sponsoring a "Bounce House" for children. Go to www.kinziecorridorarts.com for information or to register.
Chicago Neighbors United "Stay in School Picnic" 
Saturday, August 28th
The 16th annual picnic is for local children returning to the classrooms this fall. CNU raises funds to buy school supplies, which the children receive at the picnic, and to fund college scholarships for some students. Businesses interested in supporting the effort can contact Darlena Williams-Burnett at 312-446-3645. The picnic is from 10 am to 4 pm at Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph.
FCC buildingSpace available at ICNC's Fulton Carroll Center
Check ICNC's website for low-cost incubator space with free business assistance and resources, located at the Fulton Carroll Center.
 
Current spaces available include a 2,351 square-foot unitFCC unit D201 with 12' ceilings on the second floor. Monthly rent is $1,439 and includes heat. The unit has lots of sunlight from windows that look out on Damen Avenue, and there are wood floors throughout. Call ICNC for an appointment to see this or other spaces. 
  
Other local space available
  • 3,950 sf zoned PMD-4 at 413 N. Carpenter: $4,900/month. 14-foot ceilings, exposed brick, parking. Call Marga Amberg at 312-666-4072 x 102 for details.
  • 9,000 - 108,000 at 1000 W Fulton from $4-6/sf. 360,000 total available. Call Eric Johnstone at 312-676-1874 for information.
  • 4,000 square feet at 3028 W Carroll. 1st floor, 16-ft ceilings, $2,500/month. 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.
 
Call ICNC at 312-421-3941  
 
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.
 
 
ICNC seminars are supported in part by the City of Chicago's Department of Community Development and by the State of Illinois' Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
 
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