News from The West Ridge Chamber of Commerce

November 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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"The Nutcracker" is Coming to West Ridge!

Performing Art's Ltd. 5th annual production of "The Nutcracker" is coming up quickly! This year's production features talents of the Chicagoland Area and the Rogers Park Community.

Saturday, December 3rd - 7:30 pm
Sunday, December 4th - 2:00 pm * Preceded by a tea party

Featuring: Isabel Ramirez as the Sugar Plum Fairy, Adina Stuhlman as the Snow Queen, Dancers from Rebecca McCarthy School of Dance, the Junior Company of Ensemble Espanol, with the Performing Arts Professionals and Ballet students

The performance is located at:
Nolan Center for the Arts
St. Scholastica Academy
7416 N. Ridge, Chicago, IL 60645

For more information and to purchase tickets: http://performingartslimited.com/nutcracker/

You can also get a sneek peek of the show as the dancers introduce Santa at Lincolnwood Town Center on Friday, Nov. 25th at 10:00 am with the 2nd annual "Dance A Long" Nutcracker.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for local businesses! Sponsorship Opportunities

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

Diabetes Myths

Thursday, November 3, 10 - 11 a.m.

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

Reservations: (773) 878-6888

Wednesday, November 9, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Whole Foods Market Sauganash, 6020 N. Cicero Ave.

Reservations: (773) 878-6888

Is it okay to eat fish during pregnancy? Will it affect my child's development if I am a vegetarian? Hear the answers to these and many other common prenatal dietary questions, as a Swedish Covenant Hospitaland Galter LifeCenterdietitian shares how to make your calories count towards your baby's development.

Wednesday, November 9, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Gompers Park Fieldhouse, 4222 W. Foster Ave.

Reservations: (773) 878-6888

Thursday, November 10, 6 - 7 p.m.

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

Reservations: (773) 878-6888

Thursday, November 10, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

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

Reservations: (773) 878-6888

Thursday, November 10, 7 - 8 p.m.

Sulzer Regional Library, 4455 N. Lincoln Ave.

Reservations: (773) 878-6888

Monday, November 14, 7 - 8 p.m.

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

Reservations: (773) 878-6888

Tuesday, November 15, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Anderson Pavilion, 2751 W. Winona, Auditorium

Reservations: (773) 878-6888

, an electrophysiologist from Swedish Covenant Hospital, will discuss cardiac arrhythmias and treatment options ranging from medications or pacemakers to new implant-free procedures. He will also discuss risk factors, prevention tips and heart-healthy diets and exercise.

Tuesday, November 15, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

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

Reservations: (773) 878-6888

Tuesday, November 15, 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Anderson Pavilion, 2751 W. Winona

Reservations: (773) 878-6888

Wednesday, November 16, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Inspiration Kitchens Uptown, 4715 N. Sheridan Rd.

Reservations: (773) 275-0626 (Inspiration Kitchens) or

Thursday, November 17, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

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

Reservations: (773) 878-6888

0 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

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

Energy Market Exchange EMEX logo

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Eric Finkelstein

tel 312 671 3742 | fax 847 674 2523 | eric_chgo@yahoo.com | www.usenergysaving.emexpower.com

START SAVING NOW !!!

FAX A COPY OF YOUR ELECTRICITY BILL TO FAX # 847 674 2523

Passion for Style
Holiday Shopping Event

Sunday, November 20
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Holiday Inn North Shore, 5200 W. Touhy, Skokie

Admission is $5 at the door

Dicounted tickets are available for $3 online only
Puchase Discounted Tickets Now

There will be over 50 vendors, artists and craftspersons whose products include pottery, mosaics, jewelry, hats, purses, organic and natural cosmetics, bath products, music, tunics, eyebrow threading, wellness assessments, original art, gourmet food, terrariums, scarves, vintage items, ornaments and much more! There is also free parking, an ATM is available.

Get started on that holiday shopping while you support small businesses.

Upcoming Events

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

The West Ridge Chamber is hosting a business planning series with chamber members James Brewer and Asif Vadaria. All buisnesses types are encourgaed to attend.

Wed. November 16

I Want To Retire...Someday

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

The series will be hosted at
Devon Bank. From 9:30am -11am

Wed. November 16

5:30pm - 7:30pm

WhereGrossinger City Autoplex, 1561 N. Fremont
$25 in advance, $30 at the door Complimentary food, drinks, valet parking and unlimited networking

Wed. December 14
Breakfast Networking Event
High Ridge YMCA, 2424 W. Touhy
7:30 - 9am
Cost is $5. Payment is optional for members and advertisers of the events' co-hosts: Rogers Park Business Alliance, West Ridge Chamber of Commerce and rogerspark.com. Also, we encourage you to bring a canned good that will be distributed to deserving local pantries

Volunteers Needed-
Chicago Military Families

THE WEST RIDGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IS WORKING ON A PROGRAM DESIGNED TO LOCATE MILITARY FAMILIES IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD AND OFFER THEM THE OPPORTUNITY OF OBTAINING A BLUE STAR BANNER FOR DISPLAY IN THEIR WINDOW OR ANOTHER SUITABLE LOCATION.

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO LIVE WITHIN THE WEST RIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD TO APPLY. THROUGH OUR ALLIANCE WITH CHICAGOLAND MILITARY FAMILIES, ANYONE INTERESTED IN ASSUMING SUCH DUTIES IS INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE BLUE STAR PROGRAMS THROUGHOUT THE METROPOLITAN CHICAGO AREA.

THE BLUE STAR BANNER TRADITION WAS ESTABLISHED ALMOST 100 YEARS AGO TO HONOR THOSE SERVING OUR COUNTRY AND THEIR FAMILIES AND THUS ACKNOWLEDGING THEIR SACRIFICES AND THOSE OF THEIR LOVED ONES ON THE HOMEFRONT. A BLUE STAR BANNER DISPLAYED IN A WINDOW MEANS THAT A MEMBER OF THE HOUSEHOLD IS SERVING IN THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED PLEASE CONTACT RUSS HOPKINS AT ChicagolandMilitaryFamilies@gmail.com or 847 971 1551.

October Chamber Members

New & Renewing

Chicago Military Families
Comfort Heating & Cooling
Holiday Inn Northshore

The Prudential Insurance Company
DeCarl, Levine & Friedman

\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!

SSA #43 Devon Avenue

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

Winter 2011 Services Include:

sidewalk sweeping and trash can emptying 6 days a week

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.

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