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Near West Side News
 312-421-3941  November 2013
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Like what we do? Want to help ICNC assist local businesses? Please consider a donation to support ICNC as we advocate for local companies and help them grow and prosper.
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ICNC's Annual Holiday Party
Join us for our annual holiday celebration at the Garfield Park Conservatory! Meet your fellow ICNC Members and enjoy food, drinks, and holiday cheer, all at no cost! Bring the whole family to this fun event.
Thursday, Dec. 12th
5:30-7:30pm
Garfield Park Conservatory
300 N. Central Park Ave.
Thanks to our sponsor:
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Tuition-Free EMT Training for Women
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See EMT Students in action
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ICNC is pleased to announce that recruitment has opened for our 2014 Emergency Medical Technician training course. This eight-month program begins in March, with application open to single, working women currently earning $10-$40K, with clean driving and criminal histories. Watch the video clip and apply online at industrialcouncil.com/emt-training.
Presented in partnership with:
 
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SBIF Now Open for Applications
Reimbursement Grants up to $150K for Building Improvements
The Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) has returned to the Kinzie Industrial Corridor, and applications to this popular grant program are now being accepted. SBIF can reimburse permanent improvements to properties located in the Kinzie TIF district in matching grants up to $150,000. Eligible expenses include roof work, tuckpointing, windows, HVAC, lot resurfacing, and more, but must be approved before work has begun.
The acceptance period closes December 3rd, so get your application in now. Download a SBIF application below and contact Ben at ICNC with questions or for assistance, (312) 421-3941.
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Properties in the Kinzie TIF district may be eligible. Click map to enlarge.
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Chicago Contemporary Circus Festival Jan. 6-12
ICNC Member Aloft is producing the 2014 Chicago Contemporary Circus Festival, the nation's first event of its kin d. World-class performing acts from around the globe will visit our city for shows, workshops, skill shares, and the development of the circus arts. Visit the Chicago Contemporary Circus Festival's website to learn more.
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From Nearwest Chicago to South of the Border
The Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at ICNC organized a half-day training for local export professionals on the unique benefits and challenges of exporting to Mexico this September. Held in partnership with Global Training Center, the course enabled over 20 local exporters to gain in-depth knowledge of Mexican documentation requirements, customs procedures and the latest developments in getting their products safely and efficiently across the border. The course participation fee was sponsored for attendees from local small businesses through a grant from the Illinois DCEO. If you'd like help getting more sales outside the country, contact Laura Flamm at laura@industrialcouncil.com.
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On the Job Training: up to 90% Wage Reimbursement for Hires The On the Job Training (OJT) grant program can subsidize the wages you pay a new hire for up to their first six months as you train them into their new position. Reimbursement of up to 90% is available for job candidates who have been laid off from their previous positions through no fault of their own. This program has created dozens of jobs at ICNC Member companies, so if you're considering a new hire, email Ben@industrialcouncil.com or call (312) 421-3941 to learn more about OJT.
Presented in partnership with:   
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Tenant Spotlight: All Natural Chicago Catering
ICNC Tenant All Natural Chicago was featured on NBC, and for good reason. Their cooking techniques such as braising, slow roasting, and smoking brings out the natural flavors of the foods they make. Fresh ingredients can make a world of difference in the way a person feels. They also, offer Bacon Jam. Yes, I said Bacon Jam, which is full of protein and their website has an easy-to-follow recipe. Check it out!
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Save a Baby Elephant with Safari Cup!
 Our friends over at Safari Cup coffee roasters are working with the Sheldrick Trust Orphans Project to save baby elephants!
Throughout the holiday season, Safari Cup will make a donation to the Sheldrick Trust Orphanage for every qualifying gift pack sold.
For more information, contact Dave or Sharon McLaughlin at 773-250 6972
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Vote for ICNC Businesses: Mission Main Street Grants
Chase is giving twelve small businesses awards of $250,000 through its Mission Main Street grant contest. ICNC members Anthony's Own Liqueurs and Earth Wind and Solar Energy are in the running, but they need your votes to qualify! Follow this link to cast your vote and help a fellow ICNC member make it big.
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Secrets of Search Engine Optimization
Web marketing guru Rod Holmes from Chicago Style SEO explains the basics of to do, and what not to do, to have your company site recognized by the major search engines. Rod's ICNC seminars have gotten rave reviews in the past. But they don't happen often, so don't miss out on this rare, free opportunity. Please register here:
For questions, contact Andrew at (312) 421-3941 or andrew@industrialcouncil.com
Thursday, November 14th
9:00am-11:00am
ICNC
320 N. Damen Ave.
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 Economic Development
Summit
Attention all LIRI, SBDC, ITC and PTAC personnel! You're invited to ICNC on Tuesday, December 3rd for
a unique luncheon event. The purpose is for state and city funded economic development people to become familiar with their counterparts programs and make valuable connections with people who can assist our client companies.
This event is open to economic development professionals only! Please rsvp here:
If you have any questions, contact Andrew at (312) 421-3941 or andrew@industrialcouncil.com.
This event is free thanks to our sponsor:
Tuesday, December 3rd 
11:30am-1:30pm
ICNC
320 N. Damen Ave.
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| ITC Breakfast Seminar: Structuring and Negotiating International Sales Partner Agreements
Good international sales partners in foreign markets are a key driver of export success for US companies. Protecting your interests as an exporter and ensuring that your international sales partners are motivated to achieve increased sales through an effective partner agreement can be challenging even for experienced exporters. The Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at ICNC is pleased to welcome Reinhold F. Krammer, Principal at Masuda, Funai, Eifert & Mitchell Ltd. and Vice President of the International Trade Club of Chicago, to discuss these challenges and speak about structuring and negotiating effective international sales partner agreements.
Register Here
December 10, 2013
8:30 - 10:00 am
ICNC
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27th Ward Office moving
Alderman Walter Burnett's new office location has moved to 4 N. Western Avenue. The Chicago Avenue location is now closed. The office number remains 312-432-1995.
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- Terry's Toffee is honored to offer an on-going 10% member-to-member discount on their 17 Award-winning flavors of gourmet toffee; also toffee covered popcorn, ice cream and biscotti. Terry's Toffee would be honored to represent you as a gift of gratitude to your customers this Holiday Season! Please contact Terry@Terrystoffee.com or visit their website for details.
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Fulton-Carroll Center Space Available Now
Enjoy competitive rent, a thriving entrepreneurial environment, and immediate access to ICNC's development services as a tenant of the Fulton-Carroll Center business incubator.
Click here to view available space.
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For more info call 312-421-3941 or email info@industrialcouncil.com
320 N. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL. 60612
www.industrialcouncil.com
 
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