Nearwest  News
In This Issue
ICNC Members Event
SBIF Closing
Food Workshops
Training Reimbursement
Good Food Festival
Member Spotlight
Make an Impact
1000 Jobs
Development Opp
Member News
Membership Directory
Need Help Hiring?
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                March 2016     



Over 175 ICNC attendees packed the ICNC's offices on March 3rd where the staff and board updated local businesses on recent policy issues, and to voted in one new member to the organization's board of directors. We welcomed Geof Foster, of Lamination Specialties, and are pleased to have his talents and insight as part of ICNC's leadership.

We would also like to thank and congratulate Alexis Leverenz, of Kitchen Chicago, who retired down from the ICNC board after many years of service to the Kinzie Industrial Corridor.

The Annual Member event was a great success thanks to event sponsor Comcast Business and the following in-kind donors:
 
Chicago Teachers Union
Clark Street Sports
Crockett CookiesExquisite Designs
Goose Island Beer 
                
Last Chance for Small Business Improvement Fund
The Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) application period will close this Friday, March 11th at 5 PM! This popular grant program uses TIF funds to match up to $150,000 in permanent improvements to your industrial or commercial building. All companies must be located in the Kinzie Industrial TIF District boundaries to qualify. For more information, contact Hannah Jones at [email protected].
Upcoming Food Workshops
The Hatchery, a collaboration between ICNC and Accion Chicago to bring education, capital, and support to the Chicagoland food entrepreneur community, has upcoming food workshops on various topics from starting a food business to marketing your food business. 

Tax Filing Help for Food & Beverage Companies - Wednesday, March 9
Starting a Food Business - Thursday, March 31
Employee Training Reimbursement Opportunities
ICNC has received funds through TIFWorks 50/50, an employee training reimbursement program issued by the City of Chicago. Applications are currently being accepted. Applicants must be located within the Kinzie Industrial TIF District boundaries. All training must be pre-approved by the City. For more information, contact Hannah Jones at [email protected].
Good Food Festival and Conference
The Good Food Festival and Conference will be held March 24 - 26 at the UIC Forum. It is a food-oriented event with a local/sustainable emphasis and it brings together food businesses, investors, and policymakers as well as the public.
 
ICNC will have a booth on Friday at the Good Food Industry Showcase. The event organizers have offered a $100 discount to any ICNC member or incubator company who wishes to exhibit. To take advantage of the discount, please complete the registration forms and when you email them in, mention your ICNC affiliation.
Member Spotlight: Chicago Flyhouse
Chicago Flyhouse is a specialty rigging company primarily servicing the entertainment, multi-purpose venue, retail, church, and museum industries. They have made their reputation on delivering creative, high-end rigging projects on time and on budget. 

Chicago Flyhouse began as the rigging and drapery shop of choice for local theatres and performance companies in the Chicagoland area. As their reputation spread, so did the range and scope of their clients. They built the company by delivering clients more than just the cookie-cutter options offered by their competitors. Their specialty rigging solutions, custom flying effects, and custom designs and hardware soon attracted the attention of nationwide businesses both in the entertainment industry and other fields. Click here to see Chicago Flyhouse's role in the Chi-Town Rising New Year's Eve event.
Welcome New ICNC Incubator Companies
Meliora K - Meliora K manufactures fragrance- and chemical-free laundry detergents and soaps, with an emphasis on their environmentally-friendly and natural ingredients.

SaltSoxSaltSox manufacturers cold-weather resistant boots for dogs of all sizes.
Make an Impact
Help ICNC and its 501(c)3 charitable organization, KIDC, continue to make an impact in promoting sustainable employment opportunities for Chicagoans and growing small businesses.  To learn more, click here to visit our donation page.
1000 Jobs Campaign: One Year Later
After one year of World Business Chicago's 1000 Jobs for Chicagoland Manufacturing Campaign, Account Executives have placed more than 300 job seekers in full-time positions with benefits. ICNC is one of five 1000 Jobs host organizations and formal job placement partners which work together to fill open manufacturing positions with qualified candidates. If you're looking for assistance in filling manufacturing job openings with qualified candidates, contact Bob Climack at [email protected].
Professional Development Opportunities     
Business Workshops: The Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP) offers workshops every Wednesday and Friday. Workshops vary each month and are conducted by city officials, experts, and partner business organizations. All workshops are free and open to the public. To view the business workshop calendar, click here.  
Member Announcements and News
ICNC members who have an announcement such as a new product launch or a special promotion can have it announced in our monthly newsletter. Members with media attention can have the article link included on ICNC's 'In The News' section of the website. Send all relevant information and links to Dionne Moore at [email protected] by the last day of the month.
Reminder: Online Member Directory Profile
ICNC has revamped its online member directory! Directory profiles feature business descriptions, product photos, and member-to-member deals. If you are a member who would like to set up your directory profile, click here. For more information, contact Hannah Jones at [email protected].
Do You Need Help Hiring?
As a small business owner managing your day-to-day operations, you may not have the time to post an ad, screen resumes, or call people in for interviews. ICNC can do this for you and more. For more information, contact Nancy Kramer at [email protected]
ICNC Incubator Space Available      
Enjoy a thriving entrepreneurial environment and immediate access to ICNC's services. Click here to view more available spaces or call 312-421-3941 to ask about additional availability at the ICNC incubator.Space
For more info call 312-421-3941 or email [email protected]