News from The West Ridge Chamber of Commerce

October 2011

Welcome to The West Ridge Chamber of Commerce

Greetings!

The West Ridge Chamber of Commerce is a City of Chicago delegate agency here to service the businesses located within our community. We offer events and seminars throughout the year that can assist you with many of your business needs. Please feel free to contact us at anytime if you need business assistance.

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WRCC Wins $500 Recycling Prize

The City of Chicago announced the winners of the Chicago 2011 Neighborhood Paper Drive. Twenty-four neighborhood groups, churches, community organizations, chambers of commerce, and schools throughout Chicago accepted the challenge and participated in the City of Chicago's neighborhood paper drive competition which was held in May.

"A truly sustainable Chicago requires the strong cooperation of individuals, families, and communities," said Mayor Emanuel. "I commend the Neighborhood Paper Drive for its work to bring together residents, businesses and non-profit and community organizations to save thousands of pounds of paper and help to create a greener City of Chicago.

"Reducing the amount of paper that goes into our garbage is essential for the City of Chicago," said Karen Weigert, Chief Sustainability Officer for the City of Chicago. "These programs are things we can all do to advance Chicago's efforts as the most environmentally friendly city in the world."

The 24 groups collected and recycled 51,705 pounds of mixed paper. Cash prizes between $250 and $1,000 were awarded to community groups that represented 75% of the total paper collected during the drive. WRCC won a $500 prize. See a full list of paper collected. See a map of the participating community groups. Prize winners included:

Third Baptist Church of Chicago
Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR)
UCSN -Carlos Fuentes Charter School
West Ridge Chamber of Commerce
Christ Cathedral Baptist Church
The Hope Institute Learning Academy
Trader Joe's/Lakeview Pantry
Edgebrook Ace Hardware/Edgebrook Community Association
Galewood Residents Organization

The City thanked its paper drive recycling partners/sponsors - Allied Waste/Republic Services, Inc., Paper Retriever, Recycling Services Inc., Waste Management, Inc., and Veolia Environmental Services.line mail preference registry that allows residents and businesses to eliminate junk mail. Since its launch in March 2011, Chicago residents and businesses have opted-out of over 13,000 mailings, resulting in a savings of 463 trees, 195,000 pounds of greenhouse gases, 469,000 gallons of water and 69,000 pounds of solid waste annually, based on the Environmental Defense Fund Paper Calculator.

The City also announced the progress achieved through its grant with Catalog Choice, a free, on-

In July, Mayor Emanuel announced the implementation of competitive bidding to the City's recycling program, which will expand services to 20,000 more residents in Chicago and ultimately lead to the extension of recycling services throughout the city.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to eliminate junk mail by signing up for this free service at https://chicago.catalogchoice.org. Additional information regarding paper reduction and recycling can be found at www.chicagorecycles.org.

SBIF Money is Available for Touhy & Western Businesses

The Small Business Improvement Fund uses TIF dollars to provide grants up to $150,000 to businesses located within the TIF district. Currently, the Touhy/Western TIF is accepting applications.

The grants do not have to be repaid!

Eligible Expenses For a SBIF Grant include, but are not limited to:

New windows, floors or roof
Sign removal and replacement
Tuck pointing
New heating, ventilation and air conditioning
Improvements to accommodate disabled patrons or workers
Purchase of adjacent property for building expansion or parking

To obtain your application, please go to Somercor 504 or contact the West Ridge Chamber.

Swedish Covenant Hospital Events

10 Ways to Overcome Joint Pain and Stay Active

Learn the best ways to overcome joint pain and stay active, and get information on the latest joint pain treatments from Dr. Jennifer Connor, an orthopedic surgeon at Swedish Covenant Hospital. An exercise physiologist from Galter LifeCenter will demonstrate exercises designed to strengthen muscles which may minimize joint pain and arthritis symptoms.

Tuesday, October 4, 9:30 - 10:30 am

Location: Anderson Pavilion, Auditorium (2751 W. Winona)

Reservations: (773) 878-6888

Men's Wellness Night

Learn ways to stay strong and healthy as you age. Experts from Galter LifeCenter will demonstrate effective strength-training and muscle-toning exercises, and Dr. Alan Sadah, a urologist from Swedish Covenant Hospital will discuss the latest advancements in prostate cancer treatment and prevention. Results from the September 14 Prostate Cancer Screening will also be distributed.

Wednesday, October 5, 6 - 7 pm

Location: Anderson Pavilion, Auditorium (2751 W. Winona)

Reservations: (773) 878-6888

10 Ways to Keep Your Brain Healthy

Learn the best ways to exercise your brain and keep it healthy from Dr. Danny Park, a neurologist from Swedish Covenant Hospital. Experts from Marbles: The Brain Store will also be on hand to explain how brain games, teasers and riddles can improve your memory, coordination, visual perception and mental fitness. Stick around to play games in the store and enjoy a 10 percent discount on all purchases made that evening.

Thursday, October 6, 6 - 7:30 pm

Fee: $5.00

Location: Marbles: The Brain Store, 4745 N. Lincoln Ave.

Reservations: (773) 878-6888

Smoking Cessation

This eight-week class uses a behavior-based approach focused on learning to make small changes to your lifestyle that lead to quitting smoking for good. The instructor, Carol Southard, RN, MSN, a tobacco treatment specialist, is certified by the American Lung Association and has a success rate four times the national average.

Thursday, October 6, 6:30 - 7:30 pm

(8 week course thru Dec. 1)

Fee: $200.00

Location: Anderson Pavilion, Auditorium (2751 W. Winona)

Reservations: (773) 878-6888

Cooking for Picky Eaters

Will your child only eat specific foods? A dietitian from Swedish Covenant Hospital and Galter LifeCenter will discuss ways to add variety to your child's plate and make mealtime less stressful. Samples and recipes provided by Whole Foods Market.

Saturday, October 08, 2011, 12 - 1:30 pm

Fee: $5.00

Location: Whole Foods Market Sauganash, 6020 N. Cicero Ave.

Reservations: (773) 878-6888

Taking Your Athletic Performance to the Next Level

Reached a plateau in your athletic performance? Want to take your skills to the next level? Overcoming an injury? Join us for a discussion about rehabilitation options facilitated by Swedish Covenant Hospital's Rehabilitation Services department and Dr. Ari Kaz, an orthopedic surgeon from Swedish Covenant Hospital.

Tuesday, October 11, 6 - 7 pm

Galter LifeCenter - Studio 4, 5157 N. Francisco

Reservations: (773) 878-6888

Healthy Communities: Dinner Event

Enjoy a delicious dinner and lively discussion about how your community impacts your health at this dining event hosted by Across the Table and Swedish Covenant Hospital. Across the Table breaks down racial and socio-economic barriers by uniting Chicagoans for meaningful conversations over delicious dinners.

Tuesday, October 11, 6:30 - 9 pm

Fee: $30 per person (includes tax and gratuity)

Location:LM Restaurant, 4539 N. Lincoln Ave.

Reservations: acrossthetable.org

Five Ways to Prepare for College Costs

This one-hour seminar will help parents better understand how to save for college and maximize eligibility for financial aid. Don't miss this important seminar with simple tips to get you on the right financial track. This program is being presented by American College Funding, a local business committed to helping parents who are concerned about the high cost of college.

Wednesday, October 12, 7 - 8 pm

Fee: $5.00

Location: Anderson Pavilion, Auditorium (2751 W. Winona)

Reservations: (773) 878-6888

Wellness Fair

Enjoy a light breakfast during a presentation on ways to stay healthy as you age. You will meet a variety of health professionals, make your own scented body lotion and experience several health screenings, including balance, BMI and blood pressure.

Thursday, October 13, 9 - 11 am

Location: Anderson Pavilion, Auditorium (2751 W. Winona)

Reservations: (773) 878-6888

Time Out! A Practical Approach to Discipline

Dr. Andy Sagan, pediatrician and medical director of Swedish Covenant Medical Group Pediatrics, will discuss parenting strategies and resources for discipline in the toddler and preschool years. Many lucky parents will walk away with amazing gifts, giveaways and gift bags* courtesy of our event partner kickSprout, creating fun events for expectant parents and families to connect.

Note: If you are registering for 2 seats, please include both names. This class is intended for parents of children age 1 to 4 years. *Gift bags guaranteed for first 35 to reserve their spot. One gift bag per couple.

Thursday, October 13, 7 - 8 pm

Location: Sulzer Regional Library, 4455 N. Lincoln Ave.

Reservations: (773) 878-6888

Make Your Own Baby Food

Making your own baby food is simple and less expensive than relying on jarred baby food from the grocery store. Plus, you know exactly what ingredients you're feeding your little one. Learn how to make, store and serve baby food that is full of fruits and vegetables at this interactive presentation, and listen to a registered dietitian from Galter LifeCenter discuss various feeding stages and nutritional benefits for baby.

Saturday, October 15, 2011. 10:30 - 11:30 am

Fee: $5.00

Location: Galter LifeCenter, Studio 4, 5157 N. Francisco Ave.

Reservations: (773) 878-6888

Know Your Health Numbers

Learn how your blood pressure, cholesterol and overall diet and fitness level affect your health as you age from Swedish Covenant Hospital's Cardiology team. Also hear from Dr. Kamran Aslam, an electrophysiologist from Swedish Covenant Hospital, about the latest treatment for heart rhythm conditions. Free blood pressure screenings and cholesterol tests will be available. Please do not eat or drink (water is okay) for eight hours prior to the event.

Tuesday, October 18, 9 - 10:30 am

Location: Anderson Pavilion, Auditorium (2751 W. Winona)

Reservations: (773) 878-6888

Hip Pain in Your Thirties and Forties

Learn the top factors that contribute to hip pain and ways to maintain or improve your fitness level from Dr. Gabriel Levi, an orthopedic surgeon at Swedish Covenant Hospital. Adam Andersen, a physical therapist from Swedish Covenant Hospital, will demonstrate exercises which strengthen the muscles around your hips, potentially reducing your risk for future injury.

Tuesday, October 18, 6:30 - 7:30 pm

Location: Galter LifeCenter - Studio 4, 5157 N. Francisco Ave.

Reservations: (773) 878-6888

Taking Charge of Women's Health

Dr. Shameem Abbasy, a urogynecologist from Swedish Covenant Hospital, will discuss a variety of treatments and at-home exercises for pelvic organ prolapse, sexual function and incontinence. Michelle Peters, breast health navigator from Swedish Covenant Hospital, will discuss breast self exams and the importance of regular screenings.

Thursday, October 20, 9:30 - 10:30 am

Location: Anderson Pavilion, Auditorium (2751 W. Winona)

Reservations: (773) 878-6888

Cancer Fighting Foods

Listen as a dietitian from Swedish Covenant Hospital and Galter LifeCenter discusses how your food choices may prevent various types of cancer. Samples and recipes provided by Whole Foods Market.

Thursday, October 20, 6:30 - 8 pm

Fee: $5.00

Location: Whole Foods Market Sauganash, 6020 N. Cicero Ave.

Reservations: (773) 878-6888

Author Chat & Book Signing: The Essential Guide to Healthy Eating

Did you know that kale can fend off eye diseases? Or that mushrooms can strengthen your bones, teeth and nails? Join WellCommunityChicago.org, Swedish Covenant Hospital and registered dietitian and author Victoria Shanta Retelny, RD, LDN, at The Book Cellar for a look into the healing power of foods and to sample recipes from her new book.

Fee: $5 (event admission only) or $15 (event admission plus signed copy of The Essential Guide to Healthy Healing Foods)

Friday, October 21, 7 - 8 pm

Location: The Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln Ave.

Reservations: (773) 878-6888

Healthy Halloween Fun

Halloween is marked by scary costumes and sugar highs - but you can have holiday fun without candy, too. Join What's Cookin' Mama, Whole Foods Market and WellCommunityChicago.org as we make easy, healthy treats that the whole family can enjoy. Participate in a hands-on demo, enjoy samples and take home recipes.

Saturday, October 22, 10 - 11:30 am

Fee: $15 per adult (one complimentary child admission per adult)

Location: Whole Foods Market Halsted & Waveland, 3640 N. Halsted St.

Reservations: (773) 878-6888

Dinner Series: Indian Cuisine

Cumin, coriander, ginger, turmeric, garam masala...Indian cuisine is famous for its exotic spices, bold aromas and rich flavors. But did you know it can be healthy, too? Enjoy an assortment of appetizers, entrees and dessert from Tiffin Restaurant while learning about the health benefits of many spices and herbs traditionally used in Indian cuisine from Galter LifeCenter and Swedish Covenant Hospital experts.

Fee: $25 per person (includes dinner and tax)

Tuesday, October 25, 2011, 6:30 - 8:30 pm

Location: Tiffin Restaurant, 2536 W. Devon Ave

Reservations: (773) 338-2143 (Tiffin Restaurant)

Balance Screening

Physical therapists from Swedish Covenant Hospital's new Balance Center will perform free, 10-minute screenings to evaluate your risk for a fall. You'll go home with a print out of your results. Ideal for anyone who recently had surgery or an injury, as well as those who suffer from dizziness, vertigo or neurological conditions.

Additional dates: Wednesday, September 28, 4 to 7 p.m. and Tuesday, October 25, 4 to 7 p.m.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011, 4 - 7 pm

Location: The Balance Center at Galter LifeCenter (please use Rehabilitation Services entrance)

Reservations: (773) 878-6888

Office Depot Saves You Money!

The West Ridge Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Office Depot stores to bring you discounts on the most frequently purchased office supplies.

We encourage all local businesses to sign up for this unique program.

Discounts can be used at any Office Depot store or online. Deals can be up to 40% off items such as paper, toner and ink. Even office furniture and printing are included. Please contact the Chamber to sign up!

Find Out More Here!

Dennis pic

Japanese Manufacturing Guru

When I typed "Japanese Manufacturing Guru" in Google, the second item on page one cited W. Edwards Deming. According to Wikipedia, "Deming made a significant contribution to Japan's reputation for innovative high-quality products and its economic power." Dr. Deming's philosophy is summarized with the following 'a'-versus-'b' comparison:

"(a) When people and organizations focus primarily on quality, quality tends to increase and costs fall over time.

(b) However, when people and organizations focus primarily on costs, costs tend to rise and quality declines over time."

Number four of his fourteen key principles is: "End the practice of awarding business on the basis of price tag. Instead, minimize total cost. Move towards a single supplier for any one item, on a long-term relationship of loyalty and trust."

I would sum up Dr Deming's philosophy for success as "Quality and Relationships."

TaxCutters, Inc

2457 W. Peterson

773-728-1500.

Dennis J. Frantsve

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Upcoming Events

Celebrate Small Business Week!

Social Security
More than Meets the Eye

Wed. October 6
5:30 -7:00pm
Devon Bank
6445 N. Western

FREE for WRCC members/

$5 for non members

The West Ridge Chamber is hosting a four part business planning series with chamber members James Brewer and Asif Vadaria. We have held one session so far and these are coming up next

October 26-

Planning to Keep More in Your Pocket-

Business Tax Planning
Asif Vadaria

November 16

Securing Your Future- Planning for Retirement Keeping James Brewer

December 7 Keeping it In the Family Multi-Generational Estate Planning
All

The series will be hosted at
Devon Bank. From 9am -10am

Passion for Style Arts & Crafts Fair

Sunday, November 20
10am-3pm

Holiday Inn North Shore
5300 W. Touhy

$3 in advance / $5 at the door

West Ridge Particaptes in Open House Chicago

The Chicago Architecture Foundation is conducting Open House Chicago October 15 & 16, 2011 to give visitors free access to more than 100 special places and spaces throughout the City that are rarely open to the public. Visitors will take self guided tours hosted by local residents in 5 diverse neighborhoods: downtown Chicago, Bronzeville, Garfield Park/North Lawndale, Little Village & Rogers Park/West Ridge. Sites range from the original Sears Tower to an apartment building resembling a castle with a Moorish style basement swimming pool, to a development that re-uses bowling alley flooring.

If you are interested in become a docent volunteer for the weekend, please sign up at http://caf.architecture.org/page.aspx?pid=1598 .

The West Ridge Chamber of Commerce is a proud community partner of Open House Chicago 2011.

September Chamber Members

New & Renewing

Fast Car Wash

\We thank you for your support!

Need to pay your 2011 dues?

PAY HERE

Recycling Options

The Chamber sponsors two locations for you to recycle paper 24/7/365

Devon Bank

6445 N. Western Avenue

High Ridge YMCA
2424 W. Touhy Avenue

You can drop off business or school papers, magazines, newspapers or soft covered books at either location at anytime day or night.

All papers are used to make recycled newsprint. Plus, the Chamber uses this program as a way to raise funds for our programs. We collect a small monetary amount per ton of paper we collect each month.

Save the earth & support your local Chamber.

The West Ridge Chamber of Commerce is the proud winner of the 2011 City of Chicago Neighborhood Paper Drive!

Notice from CDOT
CDOT willbegin issuing citations for public way violations, specifically A-frame/sandwich board signs on the sidewalk and flag signs in the public way. This will be starting immediately, so we need to act quickly to prevent our local businesses from getting fined.

THIS IS A $500 FINE.

We do not want our local business owners taking a $500 hit during these tough economic times. This type of signage should be taken down today.

There is no permit for these signs as they are considered unsafe for pedestrians and present untenable liability for the City.

SSA #43 Devon Avenue

The West Ridge Chamber of Commerce is the Service Provider for the Devon Avenue Special Service Area.

Fall 2011 Services Include:

sidewalk sweeping and trash can emptying 7 days a week and 2x on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays

Servicing of the 24 Big Belly Solar cans

Landscaping of 28 planters

Snow removal services begin in November

Available Properties

The Devon Bank Building has office space for rent. Please contact Irv Loundy at 773-423-2424 for details!!

Commercial Space
2818 W. Devon, Chicago

$329,000

call 847-863-4977

Condo for Rent

Large 2 Bedroom Condo, available immediately for rent. Location address is 7402 N Sheridan Road, at the corner of Sheridan and Jarvis.
The condo has 2 large bedrooms, full bath, separate dining room, huge kitchen and spacious living room. Total size is approx 1015 sq feet. This is a 3rd floor unit, with hardwood floors, across the street from the lake, close to Loyola. Laundry and storage locker available in building. Rent is $1200/month, and includes all utilities except electric. Recently renovated and in move in condition.
Contact Afzal @ 630-664-6048.

News From Rogers Park Kiwanis

Kiwanis Newsletter

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses at the City Colleges of Chicago is a practical business management education program that helps small business owners develop the skills they need to grow their companies. Participants will receive one-on-one business advising from dedicated professionals to help them develop a tailored plan for growth.

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is a $500 million national program designed to help small businesses in the United State create jobs and economic growth by providing entrepreneurs with a practical business education, access to capital and business support services.

Applications for the upcoming class at City Colleges of Chicago are due October 26, 2011 at 5:00pm for classes starting in January. After the deadline, applications will be accepted via rolling submissions, with priority being on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more info
Goldman Sachs Website

Patents & Trademarks 101
library

Get the information you need to protect your invention.

FREE seminar
Wed. November 2, 2011
9am - 4pm
Harold Washington Library Center
Cindy Pritzker Auditorium
400 S. State
Please call (312) 747-4400 to register.

Transit Ridership Improvement Program

By saving your employees hundreds of dollars each year in taxes,

your company can earn up to $1,700.

Cook County is working with the Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) to improve transit. With funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, this new program has $250,000 to distribute companies that start programs to help their employees get to work. When businesses help employees buy tax-free transit passes, everyone saves!

Investing in pre-tax transit benefits is investing in your employees.

By using pre-tax transit benefits, public transit commuters can save hundreds of dollars each year in taxes when they purchase their transit service pre-tax. Employers order transit passes, which employees pay for before they are taxed on their paychecks. This means less of an employee's paycheck is taxed, saving them 30% to 40% on their commute to work. Employers also benefit because they reduce their payroll taxes and provide valuable personnel benefits that are easy to administer.

Companies can earn incentives for each employee using transit.

By enrolling inTRIP, (Transit Ridership Improvement Program) employers can get incentive money for each employee who uses pre-tax transit benefits. Each company that joins will fill out a form over a three-month enrollment period. For each employee that is new to using pre-tax transit benefits, a company can earn up to $30 ($10 for each month). A single company can enroll up to 50 employees generating a maximum of $1,500. Also, companies that are new to pre-tax transit benefit programs can get a $200 bonus when then enroll 5 or more employees, making the maximum amount an employer can get $1,700 with TRIP.

How to Get Started

To learn more about pre-tax transit benefits, TRIP, or if you want to enroll in TRIP, please visit http://www.lesstaxingcommute.com/ . This site will explain a bit more about TRIP, as well as give guidance for companies new to pre-tax transit benefits programs. Or call/ email James Drew at 773-269-4081, jdrew@cnt.org.

$150 value

Joyful

Free Teeth Cleaning!
with purchase of in-house Smile Whitening for West Ridge Chamber Members!

It is our goal at Joyful Dental Care to provide exceptional General Dentistry service to individuals and families around Chicago and the Sauganash and Lincolnwood areas in a professional, caring environment. We also strive to prevent oral and dental diseases and the resultant pain and destruction of dentition they can cause.

At Joyful Dental Care we specialize in cosmetic dentistry and preventative dentistry. From fillings to veneers and so much more, Joyful Dental Care can provide the best service for just about anyone! At Joyful Dental Care, we also practice painless dentistry procedures. We have a very calming and relaxing approach for comforting anxious patients.

6314 N. Cicero Ave. Chicago, IL 60646
3 blocks north of Peterson Ave.
Email:office@joyfuldentalcare.com
Phone:773.736.7768 Check us out at: www.joyfuldentalcare.com