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Old Town Merchants & Residents Association8/31/2010
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Keep it coming!
DEAR OLD TOWN NEIGHBOR, 
Whether you believe in the fates or the meteorologists, you can't deny that the weather has been on our side.  With ample sun and ample outdoor space in Old Town, the streets and the cafes have been buzzing.  And we keep getting new businesses!  Keep. It. Coming.  The weather and the business has really kicked Old Town into high gear.  First Pasticceria Gelateria Palermo, Then Benchmark Tavern, now Chipotle and Homemade Pizza Company. 
As a resident of Old Town, a business owner in the area, or just a proud Chicagoan, you owe yourself a trip to Old Town to see what we've been doing right.  Have no fear, our boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment venues will take good care of you!
P.S. Don't forget about the Wells Street Fall Fest on Saturday and Sunday September 11th &  12th! 
Thanks for a great Networking Social, Benchmark!
If you were at the Networking Social at Old Town's newest hot spot, Benchmark Tavern (1510 N. Wells Street), then you know what great hosts the folks from the Four Corners Tavern Group are.  If you you couldn't make it on Wednesday, August 25th, then you really missed out. 
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This is the eighth location for the local experts on the Chicago bar and hospitality market and the home of the first retractable roof in Chicago. 
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Benchmark management made sure Old Town Merchants and Residents Association members were well taken care of with a two hour open bar and endless appetizers served in generous portions from 5:30pm to 7:30pm
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OTMRA networking socials are an outstanding way to connect with your neighbors -- whether they are residents or businesses.  They are hosted every other month by a member business and are free of charge.  Be sure to join us in October!

WE HAVE FRIENDS! 
The Old Town Merchants and Residents Association facebook page is up and running and we need YOU!  If you have a facebook page, find us HERE and LIKE us!
If you are a local business member, send us your information, news, photos, and videos.  Send us links to your website.  Send us whatever you want the fans of Old Town to know about and the office will post it.  We have over 70 friends now,  which means people are paying attention.  Don't be left in the cyber-dust.  Get online and get seen by the masses!  Click HERE to check out the OTMRA Facebook page.
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Annual International Picnic At Franklin Fine Arts
 
School is about to be back in session which means the Annual International Picnic at Franklin Fine Arts is returning to the corner of Evergreen and Wells!  Keep an eye out for the festivities on Saturday, September 25th from 12pm - 3pm!
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Welcome back to Old Town students and Faculty of Franklin Fine Arts!  We're glad you're here!
Burton  Place Takes a Trimming
The City of Chicago stopped by Burton Place today to clear out some of the branches that have been obstructing the public way.
burton place trimming
City workers also removed a dead tree that threatened pedestrian safety and the safety of near-by buildings.  The result?  A safer and sunnier Burton Place.  Old Town Gardens will surely do their part to fill in the gaps made by the removal of the dead trees. 
Thanks for your continued support of the Old Town Merchants and Residents Association!  The Association takes pride in the neighborhood and works tirelessly to support and promote it's member residents and businesses.  If you have any questions, would like to learn more about membership, or just get involved in the neighborhood; stop in or give us a call!
 
Sincerely,
 

Old Town Merchants & Residents Association
In This Issue
Thanks Benchmark!
FACEBOOK!
International Picnic at Franklin
September Night Out Event
Wells Street Fall Fest
More New Businesses
CAPS Meetings
Marketing Campaigns
Nicole Miller Appearance
September's Night Out Featuring O'Briens and A Red Orchid Theatre
By now you should have heard about the best new programming from the Old Town Merchants and Residents Association: A Night Out in Old Town.  Hosted on the months between networking socials, Night Out events feature special offers from co-hosting businesses -- hospitality and entertainment. 
o'briens gazebo
For the bargain price of $25.00, members can treat themselves, friends, family, and colleagues to an appetizer buffet and two drinks at O'Briens and follow it up with a performance of Louis Slotin Sonata at A Red Orchid Theatre. 
louis slotin sonata
Join us for this great event on Thursday, September 23rd starting at 6:30pm at O'Briens and continuing across the street at A Red Orchid Theatre for the 8pm show.  Click here for more information on the show.  Call the office today to make your reservations!  312-951-6106
Wells Street Fall Fest comes to Old Town Saturday September 11th and Sunday September 12th.
 
The second weekend of June is Wells Street Art Fest and the second  weekend of September is now home to Wells Street Fall Fest.
Fall Fest will be on Wells street from North Avenue to Evergreen.  Fall Fest will feature three music stages, about 70 artists, and local restaurants, retailers, and organizations.  Additionally there will be a small midway area with games for the little ones. 
And let's not forget the wine tasting.  House of Glunz will again be coordinating a wine tasting tent both days of the festival. 
Click HERE for more info!
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More New Businesses!

What vacant storefronts?  For the past two months Old Town has been averaging two new businesses a month.  We're happy to welcome Chipotle Mexican Grill and Homemade Pizza Company to the neighborhood!  Homemade Pizza Company is located at 1651 N. Wells and Chipotle Mexican Grill is located at 210 W. North Avenue.  Stop by and say hi today!
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CAPS MEETINGS
Wednesday, September 1st, 6:30PM:  Beat 1821 at the Near North Library, 330 W Division for 43rd Ward residents between North Avenue and Division from LaSalle to Larrabee. 
 
Wednesday, September 1st, 3:00pm: Hospitality Sub-Committee at Shenanigans, 16 W. Division.  Attendance Required for all late-night liquor licensees.  All interested parties encouraged to attend.  
 
Feel free to contact the OTMRA office with any questions!
Marketing initiatives for the Old Town Neighborhood
 
The Retail Committee and the Marketing and Membership Committee have been hard at work trying to bring more people to the businesses on Wells Street.  If you're a member business, you've already heard about the placement in Where Magazine's Quick Guide and the direct mail campaign in inside chicago.  For more information on either of these marketing initiatives, feel free to contact the office at 312-951-6106
Nicole Miller to Make an Appearance at her Old Town Location
Nicole Miller is scheduled to make an appearance at her Old Town boutique on Thursday, October 14th for a charity event benefitting Mercy Home for Boys and Girls.  For more information on this the design icon's visit or how to get involved in the fundraising, contact the office and we'll be more than happy to connect you to the appropriate people! Call the office at 312-951-6106.