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Near West Side News
 312-421-3941  February 2013
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Join Us for Our Annual Membership Luncheon February 27th
RSVP today for the ICNC Membership Luncheon, Wednesday, February 27th at the Ukrainian Cultural Center. Our programs are growing, and thanks to our strong membership, ICNC has been a key voice in issues such as neighborhood zoning, licensing and permitting, and the future of transportation on the Near West Side.
Come be a part of the discussion and learn what we're doing to help businesses like yours at this luncheon with your neighbors and fellow ICNC members.
Wed., February 27th
11:30am-1:30pm 2247 West Chicago Avenue
$50 ICNC members
($65 non-members)
or call 312-421-3941 for more info
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Meet ICNC's New SBDC International Trade Center Director, Laura Flamm
Laura Flamm started as International Trade Center Director at the ICNC this January. She comes to the ICNC from the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest, where she advised small to mid-sized German and US businesses on transatlantic trade strategies. Originally from the Chicago area, Laura has previously worked in global market research and lived in Canada, France and Germany.
Laura is excited to work with ICNC members on their export strategies and looks forward to serving as a resource for your international trade questions and issues. To begin discussing your company's export strategy, contact Laura at [email protected].
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50% Wage Reimbursement for Qualified Hires:
On-The-Job Training (OJT) Returns
 The very popular On-the-Job Training (OJT) reimbursement grant has been renewed for 2013. This program can reimburse up to 50% of a new, full-time hire's wages for their first six months on the job, provided they have been laid off from their last position. ICNC partner agencies have qualified jobseekers on hand, or it may be possible to submit your own candidates.
OJT has been a success for a number of ICNC companies, and could be a unique opportunity to grow your workforce. Grant agreements are first come, first served, so call ICNC or email Ben to get started.
Presented in partnership with:
  
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How to Get Graffiti Removed from Your Property
ICNC recently met with representatives from Alderman Burnett's  27 th Ward Office regarding the rash of graffiti that's been plaguing our businesses. Though the City has taken steps to address the problem with its 311 Service Request program, this removal service is not reliable on its own, and requests are often closed without action.
To better ensure that your graffiti removal request will be acted upon, the 27th Ward Office says business owners should email them directly following a service request at [email protected]. Please include your 10-digit confirmation number and a polite request for the office to follow up with Graffiti Blasters on the project.
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Tax Credits Available if You Employ Local Workers:
Empowerment Zone and Work Opportunity Tax Credits Reinstated
 Congress and the President have reinstated the previously-expired Empowerment Zone and Work Opportunity Tax Credit programs through 2013. Empowerment Zones are federally-designated geographic areas (one of which encompasses much of the Kinzie Corridor) which provide hiring credits to businesses located within them. Empowerment Zone
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Click to see a map of Chicago's Enterprise Zone boundaries
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businesses can receive up to $3,000 in credit for each employee, full or part-time, who also resides in an Empowerment Zone (use this tool to determine EZ status). Work Opportunity Tax Credits provide similar benefits for hiring employees from target populations including veterans, disabled persons, and qualified youth in summer positions. These benefits can add up quickly, and may be claimed on your upcoming tax return. They may also be claimed retroactively for years past. To learn how to claim your credits, contact Ben at ICNC. |
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Crime Prevention Panel:
Chicago PD and Ex-Offenders Share Strategies for Safety
The Chicago Police Department will bring its unique crime prevention seminar program to ICNC this Thursday, February 7th. The "Keepin' It Real" program features Q&A with a panel of former burglars and other ex-offenders, allowing business owners insight into their common techniques. Learn what it takes to keep your assets safe from those who know best. All Kinzie Corridor neighbors welcome at this informative event.
Thursday, February 7th
9:00am - 10:30am
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Attention Manufacturers: Free Short Course in Lean / Six Sigma
Begins February 20th - Register Now!
ICNC and Jane Addams Resource Corporation are now enrolling businesses for a three-session course in Lean, Six Sigma, and Theory of Constraint, presented for free to those located in an eligible TIF District through the city's TIFWorks program. This highly interactive format is led by experts from P3 Consulting Group, and will take participants from understanding to implementation of the most widely used process improvement methodologies in manufacturing today.
The course consists of three all-day sessions over four weeks, to be held at ICNC's convenient neighborhood location. The material is intended for businesses owners, production and operations supervisors, and other manufacturing decision-makers.
Most Kinzie Corridor businesses are located within the Kinzie TIF, and will be eligible for this free training. To inquire about eligibility and register, call 312-421-3941 or email [email protected].
3 Sessions, Feb. 20th - March 13th
Held at ICNC - 320 N. Damen Ave.
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ICNC's Lead Breakfast Returns April 18th
Build leads, show off your product, or just meet the neighbors at ICNC's  regular Lead Breakfast! Space fills up fast, so register now!
Thursday, April 18th
8:00am - 9:30am (Doors open 7:30, event starts promptly)
ICNC
320 N. Damen Ave.
Register Here!
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Sign-up for No-Cost Computer Classes 
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MS Word 1 & 2
MS PowerPoint
MS Excel 1
MS Excel 2
MS Access 1 & 2
Back to Basics
Digital Media
Build a Blog/Website(Using Wordpress)
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Tuesday-February 5: 12pm-4pm
Thursday-February 7: 12pm-4pm
Tuesday-February 12: 1pm-4pm
Thursday-February 14: 1pm-4pm
Tuesday-February 19 1pm-4pm
Thursday February 21: 12pm-4pm
Tuesday-February 26: 12pm-4pm
Thursday-February 28: 1pm-4pm
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All classes are held at ICNC: 320 N. Damen Ave.
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Member Spotlight
 Big Delicious Planet has been catering to some of the most discerning clients and palates since 1994. Reflecting their name with delicious food from all over the globe (including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes), much of their menu is now grown in their on-site garden right here in the Kinzie Corridor. Stop into The Canteen at 412 N. Wolcott Ave. for breakfast, lunch, or the dessert of the day!
JBS Life Chartered is full service public accounting firm serving both  individuals and businesses, offering tax planning and preparation and audit services, as well as management advisory and bookkeeping services. With unrivaled financial and tax law expertise, JBS Life Chartered offers comprehensive financial and business solutions, ensuring that its exclusive clients are handled through a commitment of professionalism and ethical duty.
 New ICNC Member Breakfast House just opened at  1800 W. Grand Ave., serving morning and lunchtime favorites with a taste for quality and flair. You may find frittatas, corn cakes, sandwiches, and more on the Specials board, and express breakfast deals are available every weekday. For more info, visit www.breakfast-house.com.
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S.O.S.'s Have-A-Heart Fundraiser
ICNC Member Sunlight of the Spirit presents its sixth annual Have-a-Heart Fundraiser, February 15 th and 16 th at Global Caf�. $25 ticket includes three course meal, music, and raffle, and all proceeds go toward Welcome Packet items for individuals leaving incarceration and entering S.O.S.'s sober living community. Four times to choose from: Friday, February 15th, 5:30pm or 8:30pm Saturday, February 16th, 5:30pm or 8:30pm Global Caf� 2917 W. Armitage
Call (773) 826-1614 for more information.
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Member Announcements: -
Eco Home & Office Cleaning is offering 13% off commercial cleaning services for ICNC Members for 2013, providing professional and quality cleaning while fostering a healthier lifestyle for clients and the environment. Contact [email protected] or 312.788.7594 for more info, and be sure to mention you're a member of ICNC.
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A 10,600 square foot industrial building with 2,100 s.f. cooler and 725 s.f. freezer is now available for sale or lease at 1847 W. Carroll Ave. Additionally, a 7,000 s.f. USDA-approved industrial food building is now for sale at 242 N. Western Ave. Contact Ben at ICNC for more info.
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Affordable Space
Check ICNC's website for low-cost incubator space with free business assistance and resources, located at the Fulton Carroll Center. The site displays info on available spaces including prices and descriptions.
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For more info call 312-421-3941 or email [email protected]
320 N. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL. 60612
www.industrialcouncil.com
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