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Opportunities Forum
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Greetings!
As this year comes to a close, we are proud to report that the SBAC has enjoyed incredible growth and success in our inaugural year.
Last March, a group of business owners and professionals came together and formed an organization to speak on behalf of business owners, pool our resources together and refer business to one another. Since that time, over 165 business owners and professionals have joined us. Here are some of the highlights from this past year.
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SBAC Happy Hours
The SBAC has held ten complimentary Happy Hours for our members, and their guests, since last March. Hundreds of business owners and professionals have been introduced, and talked business at these Happy Hours.
Our events have been held in the City and the suburbs. Our hosts have included Shelle Jewelers, Sullivan's Steakhouse, Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant and other SBAC members.
Here are some Happy Hour photos. Our first 2011 Happy Hour is scheduled for January 20th. We hope to see you there.
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SBAC Networking And Referrals
Many SBAC members have forged working relationships this past year. Indeed, we are glad to provide numerous referrals from folks who have enhanced their businesses, and careers, through the SBAC.
The SBAC has hosted approximately twenty breakfasts and cocktail hours for smaller groups of folks poised to do business together. The SBAC staff and I are constantly introducing our members to each another.
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SBAC Membership Benefits
Office Depot
Through the power of critical mass, the SBAC negotiated a deal with Office Depot to provide deep discounts to our members. Discounts generally range between 15% and 30%. However, if our members find lower prices on products, our dedicated representative can customize a program to ensure Office Depot beats those prices.
SBAC members have saved huge sums of money through the SBAC Office Depot program. We expect this program to greatly expand over the next year.
Constant Contact
The SBAC has recently reached a deal with Constant Contact, which provides our members with significant discounts on the marketing services Constant Contact offers.
Indeed, SBAC members can save up to 25% on their Constant Contact rates by signing up through our program.
Strategic Partners
The SBAC has entered into numerous strategic partnerships resulting in substantial savings for our members. We would like to take this opportunity to introduce our latest SBAC strategic partner. Strategic Document Solutions is Chicago's best source for legal document management.
Strategic Document Solutions is a full service copying and imaging company whose services include:
- Legal Copying
- Document Imaging and Archiving
- High-Volume Electronic Printing
- Full Service Bindery
- Electronic Data Discovery.
Office Sharing
The SBAC office sharing program has been a great success. In a short period of time, SBAC members with offices in Chicago and the suburbs have opened their offices, and conference rooms, to their fellow members.
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Health Insurance
The SBAC has partnered with Arthur J. Gallagher for the purpose of forming a health insurance pool for SBAC members. Something must be done to bring down the soaring health insurance costs that are crippling business owners and their employees.
Through the power of critical mass, the SBAC intends to establish a health insurance pool that provides good coverage and an affordable price for our members. Arthur J. Gallagher is ready to make this happen. All that remains to move this ball forward is for more people to participate in this initiative.
Below is a link to the video footage of our recent health insurance forum. In these videos, Brian Lomas, Area Vice President of Client Development at Gallagher Benefit Services, and Jonah Weiss of W2 Wealth Management, explain how we can make this insurance pool a reality.
Click Here To View SBAC Health Insurance Forum Videos
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Announcements
Dr. Jeremy Warner Joins The SBAC
We are proud to welcome Dr. Jeremy Warner to the SBAC. Dr. Warner is an attending plastic surgeon at NorthShore University HealthSystem and a Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.
Dr. Warner has published many articles in all areas of plastic surgery, has been published in textbooks and presented numerous lectures at local and national meetings. He strives to provide every patient an exemplary experience and build long-lasting relationships through innovation, technology, leading-edge surgical technique and strong personal integrity.
As a new SBAC member, Dr. Warner will provide SBAC members, and their families, a 20% discount on all non-surgical procedures such as Botox injections and a 10% discounts on all surgical procedures.
Free Seminar On the Challenges Facing Small-Business Owners When Planning For Business Succession
SBAC member Asen Trambev invites you to a free seminar on business succession planning for small businesses. Join Asen for a discussion focusing on the common concerns and goals of business owners planning for business succession and the factors to consider in developing a successful succession plan.
The seminar will be held at Loyola University and will also provide a great opportunity to network with other business owners. For more details and to see the complete flyer go to: Seminar On Business Succession Planning.
Free Labor & Employment Law & Human Resources Related Seminars
Starting Tuesday, January 4th, 2011, and during the course of the year, SBAC member Chuck Krugel will be presenting labor & employment law & human resources related seminars for Illinois WorkNet Centers, which is part of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
These free business oriented seminars will be taking place at Illinois WorkNet, Illinois Department of Employment Security, 723 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60005.
The January 4th meeting starts at 8am and runs until 9am. Chuck will be discussing employment policies & handbooks, employment agreements, and the cost of employment disputes.
To register for the free seminars go to: Registration
For additional information, you may contact Mohammed Faheem at:
Business Employer Services and Community Relations Manager,
Illinois WorkNet Centers of Northern Cook County.
(847) 437-9425
mfaheem@worknetncc.com
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All the best,
Elliot Richardson
Small Business Advocacy Council |
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