Social Media

Every day businesses and individuals promote themselves on social media sites, varying from Facebook to Twitter, Blogger, MySpace, Pinterest, LinkedIn, websites, etc.

Social Media can be a double-edged sword, doing both harm and good at the same time. When we make minor errors, like spelling a word incorrectly, it can change someone's view about us or our business very quickly.

Other issues frequently come to the surface. Having too many e-mails, for example, can make it difficult for someone to reach us.

Social Media should be fairly simple. It's not too complicated to connect the varying sites so that they post to one another. Just go to Google Search and many different ways to connect are open to you.

The Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce has the following Social Media sites:

Blogger

Facebook

Flickr

Google+

LinkedIn

Myspace

Official Website

Pinterest

Twitter

Youtube

Social Media is not the full extent that needs to be considered. Communication is key to any successful endeavor.

The Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce has a very quick response time. It takes us 24-48 hours to respond to all calls and e-mails.

We also send out our newsletters, filled with information, once to twice a month depending on how  many events we attend in a given month.

Lastly, we are out in the community, talking to residents and business owners frequently so that we have a keen insight to the ongoing activities of the community at large.

It takes a lot to successfully speak to another person. One has to think carefully to not insult them by using body language that is inappropriate. Poor wording choices can also harm a conversation.

I find it best to study someone you are about to approach and begin with mundane topics. If someone is staring at a balloon, ask them about the balloon. Conversations can build quickly and become fun and witty exchanges if the approach is right.

Without Social Media and Communication skills, it's difficult to approach people, and to approach them in ways that will be well-received. Pay attention to the actions you exhibit and focus on topics that keep the listener enthralled.

image received from www.mbaonline.com

Coyne Fitness

Q. What was the reason/inspiration for starting Coyne Fitness?

A. I've had a life-long passion for fitness.  I was a multi-sport athlete as a child, and excelled at football and powerlifting during high school.  I trained under world-renowned coaches during high school and learned a lot about how to develop the body.  When I moved to New Mexico for college, I was left to train myself.  My career as a trainer started with just giving advice to other students (even faculty members).  It wasn't long before I was coaching a handful of students to get stronger, lose weight, and simply feel better.  My clients got great results and after college I wanted to further develop myself as a trainer.

I worked at a large chain gym and wasn't too fond of it from the beginning.  The chain gyms are all about quantity over quality.  I was more of a salesman than a trainer.  I didn't like pushing a lot of unnecessary products and huge training packages on my clients.  I want to train my clients in an environment where their results are #1 and not worry about making sales goals.  I want to give my clients the best experience possible and get them to their goals.

Q. What is the typical process a client goes through for evaluation and then training?

A. The first meeting with a client is always a comprehensive assessment (which is always free).  I'll start by asking some questions regarding their medical history, their diet, the activities they've done in the past, and their goals.  I'll then put the client through the Functional Movement Screen.  This is a tool used to check mobility and stability through fundamental movement patterns.  It gives me objective feedback about the client's ability to move without any resistance.  Next, I'll assess their basic strength and conditioning levels.  All of this will give me the information I need to develop a comprehensive program to safely and effectively get the client to their goals.

Every program consists of some mobility, strength, and cardio conditioning work.  On top of this is nutrition consulting -- I have my clients keep a food log so we can track their diet and make any necessary adjustments.  This all tailored to the client's goals -- no two programs are exactly the same.  Everyone responds differently to different kinds of training so I individualized the programs in order to attain optimal results.

Q. What influenced you to move your company to Rogers Park?

A. I've lived in Rogers Park for over a year but have been doing business in Lakeview and the Loop.  I've spent a lot of time in other neighborhoods in the city and I can tell that Rogers Park is unique.  There is a real sense of community that sets it apart from other neighborhoods.  The residents support local businesses and genuinely care for the well-being of the neighborhood.  I love being part of such a community and hope I can provide a high-quality service to the people of my neighborhood.

Q. Why did you decide to work with V-tone Fitness?

A. The Barbanente's know the industry and how to run a great local gym.  I was immediately impressed by the facility when I first saw it.  The equipment is top-notch and it rarely gets congested (unlike the larger chain gyms).  They provide a great atmosphere for any trainee, whether you're a beginner or advanced athlete.  Their rates are very reasonable.  It's a fantastic place to train and I believe my clients will have a great experience at this gym.

Facebook

Twitter

Official Website

Bill Morton Promotions

Local small business, Bill Morton Promotions provides Branding, SEO, Radio Promotion, Political Promotion, Business Promotion, and Social Media Services to musical artists, businesses across the United States and assists those wishing to run as alderman in Chicago.

Bill had a Texan recording artist DeDe Wedekind and New York recording artist Yolanda Hinton as platinum clients and works with Kate Smith Promotions in regards to Social Media.

If you have any questions in regards to his promotion strategy and wish to hire him, visit his website: 

BillMortonPromotions.com 

You can also contact him at BillMortonPromotions@gmail.com or call him at (773) 850-0029

Papa John's

The Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce has a gem in it's member, Papa John's. 

Papa John's became a fixture in our neighborhood in March of 2013.

In order to make Loyola, a very close neighbor, aware that they were in the community, they handed out pizza cards. Everyone who had a a card walked away with a free pizza from Papa John's.

Papa John's didn't stop there. Papa John's wanted to ensure that every child in the area received a free small pizza.  Coupons were distributed to participating surrounding schools for distribution to all students. Along with special discounts provided to area schools, they can also contact the store to schedule a class field trip.

Sharon Wyatt, the Chamber's contact at Papa John's, told us:

" Papa John's goal is to provide better service and pizza to the community and to be an asset and fixture." 

For long time Rogers Parkers, many are aware that fixtures are hard to come by. 

Some of the goals of Papa John's are to put a loading zone in front of the store for the safety of their drivers and to spread awareness of their new location.

Papa John's delivers all the way from their location to Howard Street, McCormick venue, and the lake. 

Facebook

Twitter

Official Website

(773) 274-9700

1245 W. Devon Avenue

Shanna Gordon Designs

Shanna Gordon Designs is a unique and innovative home-based business that caters to Rogers Park. Shanna Gordon, owner and CEO, has lived in Rogers Park for most of her life. Most people look for happiness in their job, and Shanna has always loved art. However, art doesn't always allow for the monetary benefit people look for to pay their bills. As a result, she looked into fields that allow for art and creativity and came across graphic design. Once found, it was an interest that was pursued at DePaul University where she then received her Bachelor's in Arts.

The biggest lesson that Shanna discovered led her to the knowledge that there has to be a level of trust between herself and her client. The work she does as a graphic artist/designer allows her to make the designs she provides an extension of her client instead of just another job. In order for that to be accomplished, a level of familiarity is paramount.

The goals Shanna has for her home-based business are both typical and a-typical. As any owner, she is looking forward to expansion and the continuation of her business. Unlike many, she wants to continually take on new clients that don't necessarily fall into categories she has worked with in the past. The result for Shanna Gordon Designs would be to continue to expand her knowledge base on various subjects; different types of clientele as well as different forms of graphic design.

Shanna Gordon chose to stay in Rogers Park because she loves the cultural diversity. The many people in varying walks of life are both interesting and inspiring. She finds artistic inspiration being so close to Lake Michigan. The abundant natural settings and it's beauty are cause for innovation. 

If you would like to contact Shanna Gordon Designs:

Website

sgordondesigns@gmail.com

Facebook

Purple Cloud Center

The only visible remnants of Zaide Real Estate is the awning, still there, but waiting to be removed. 

Now, when you walk into the front doors of the main level, you have a sense of peace.

This past January Sonny and his wife again put this unique location to use.

The upstairs, run by Sonny's wife, is again used for tax purposes, and named Eagle Income Tax, LLC. The main level, operated by Sonny, is a retreat named Purple Cloud Center.

Purple Cloud Center is the place to go to treat your stress, back pains, and other myriad ailments of similar backgrounds. 

This unique business offers a variety of traditional Chinese treatments such as: 

Acupuncture 

Acupressure 

Fire Cupping

Topical Analgesics

Herbal Remedies 

Moxibustion

Visit their site for more information.

As if these unique treatments aren't enough to pique your curiosity into stopping in, he offers his services at a sliding scale so that many can get treatment.

Be sure to call with any questions you may have, or stop in and find out what all the fuss is about!

CNT Energy

Visit their website.

Below is an excerpt from their website:

"A one-stop energy efficiency shop for building owners

Energy Savers helps building owners in northern Illinois tame high utility costs with a practical approach to energy efficiency and water conservation. We’ve helped hundreds of building owners improve their buildings and increase net operating income by reducing costs.

Our experts from CNT Energy and our partners take the guess work out of the process. We’ll be there with you every step of the way, from identifying cost-effective improvements, to finding financing, overseeing construction, and verifying savings.

Call (855) 372-8377 or e-mail CNT Energy at info@energysaversprogram.org.

Energy savers offers:

• Building assessment and expert advice. The Energy Savers team will conduct a building assessment that includes an examination of utility bills and a thorough inspection of your building to find where you’re wasting energy, water and money. Your expert energy assessor will help you identify the most cost-effective investments for your building. This service is available at no cost for many buildings.
• Financial guidance. Energy Savers partners directly with lenders and the utility companies to help you connect with low-cost financing options and take advantage of rebates and incentives for energy efficiency improvements.
• Construction oversight. The Energy Savers team will assist you throughout the construction process, from finding qualified contractors, to reviewing bids, and monitoring installation.
• Annual savings reports. Once your energy efficiency and water conservation upgrades are complete, you’ll receive annual reports showing you how much you are saving. If your building is not performing as well as anticipated, we will perform a building tune-up."

Both organizations are now available on our Going Green page.

Towbar

The Owners of Taste Food & Wine had a massive amount of success in Rogers Park as a result of their Monday and Friday wine tastings and Bastille Day festivities. 

In April of 2013, they opened their second success story in Rogers Park, Towbar. 

Towbar is located at 1500 W. Jarvis Avenue, the former site of Charmer's Cafe.

The building space has been beautifully re-painted, the lighting romanticized, and a beautiful bar created by Debbie's (Co-owner of Taste Food & Wine and Towbar) father, Towbar, whom the new business is named after. 

The new dishes are mouthwatering-ly delicious and artistically placed on their plates.

All of the staff are excellent, polite, and pay attention to their customers needs. 

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Caribbean American Bakery

Caribbean American Bakery has some of the most delicious meat patties I have ever tried. Michael, the owner, is one of the nicest men I have ever met, and all of the workers I've met are nice, friendly, and very efficient.

Visit their official site.

Taste Food & Wine

Taste Food and Wine has one of the most beautiful, romantic atmosphere's I've ever encountered. I can take myself out of Rogers Park and imagine myself in another country, tasting a wine at a vineyard. It has such a unique charm, I can't help but be enamored with the place. The people are very helpful, answering calls and questions non-stop, and assisting you the moment you walk in their door.

You should attend one of their Wine Tastings to see just how magnificent Taste Food and Wine is. The Wine Tastings go on every Monday and Friday from 5pm to 8pm. 

Coyne Fitness

Q. What was the reason/inspiration for starting Coyne Fitness?

A. I've had a life-long passion for fitness.  I was a multi-sport athlete as a child, and excelled at football and powerlifting during high school.  I trained under world-renowned coaches during high school and learned a lot about how to develop the body.  When I moved to New Mexico for college, I was left to train myself.  My career as a trainer started with just giving advice to other students (even faculty members).  It wasn't long before I was coaching a handful of students to get stronger, lose weight, and simply feel better.  My clients got great results and after college I wanted to further develop myself as a trainer.

I worked at a large chain gym and wasn't too fond of it from the beginning.  The chain gyms are all about quantity over quality.  I was more of a salesman than a trainer.  I didn't like pushing a lot of unnecessary products and huge training packages on my clients.  I want to train my clients in an environment where their results are #1 and not worry about making sales goals.  I want to give my clients the best experience possible and get them to their goals.

Q. What is the typical process a client goes through for evaluation and then training?

A. The first meeting with a client is always a comprehensive assessment (which is always free).  I'll start by asking some questions regarding their medical history, their diet, the activities they've done in the past, and their goals.  I'll then put the client through the Functional Movement Screen.  This is a tool used to check mobility and stability through fundamental movement patterns.  It gives me objective feedback about the client's ability to move without any resistance.  Next, I'll assess their basic strength and conditioning levels.  All of this will give me the information I need to develop a comprehensive program to safely and effectively get the client to their goals.

Every program consists of some mobility, strength, and cardio conditioning work.  On top of this is nutrition consulting -- I have my clients keep a food log so we can track their diet and make any necessary adjustments.  This all tailored to the client's goals -- no two programs are exactly the same.  Everyone responds differently to different kinds of training so I individualized the programs in order to attain optimal results.

Q. What influenced you to move your company to Rogers Park?

A. I've lived in Rogers Park for over a year but have been doing business in Lakeview and the Loop.  I've spent a lot of time in other neighborhoods in the city and I can tell that Rogers Park is unique.  There is a real sense of community that sets it apart from other neighborhoods.  The residents support local businesses and genuinely care for the well-being of the neighborhood.  I love being part of such a community and hope I can provide a high-quality service to the people of my neighborhood.

Q. Why did you decide to work with V-tone Fitness?

A. The Barbanente's know the industry and how to run a great local gym.  I was immediately impressed by the facility when I first saw it.  The equipment is top-notch and it rarely gets congested (unlike the larger chain gyms).  They provide a great atmosphere for any trainee, whether you're a beginner or advanced athlete.  Their rates are very reasonable.  It's a fantastic place to train and I believe my clients will have a great experience at this gym.

Facebook

Twitter

Official Website

A L Taylor

A.L Taylor & Associates is a great accounting and tax service business that reaches out and works in Rogers Park, going so far as to travel here on their own. Started by Ayton Taylor, who still works there, and continued by his son of the same name, they are a great business that does hard, diligent work.

Visit their official site here.

Howard Jewelry & Loan

Howard Jewelry and Loan had some beautiful items, going from guitars, to necklaces, to ipods, cameras, dolls... An interesting store who has lovely employees, they are more than worth a look around. You might find your own personal treasure.

Papa Johns

The Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce has a gem in it's member, Papa John's. 

Papa John's became a fixture in our neighborhood in March of 2013.

In order to make Loyola, a very close neighbor, aware that they were in the community, they handed out pizza cards. Everyone who had a a card walked away with a free pizza from Papa John's.

Papa John's didn't stop there. Papa John's wanted to ensure that every child in the area received a free small pizza.  Coupons were distributed to participating surrounding schools for distribution to all students. Along with special discounts provided to area schools, they can also contact the store to schedule a class field trip.

Sharon Wyatt, the Chamber's contact at Papa John's, told us:

" Papa John's goal is to provide better service and pizza to the community and to be an asset and fixture." 

For long time Rogers Parkers, many are aware that fixtures are hard to come by. 

Some of the goals of Papa John's are to put a loading zone in front of the store for the safety of their drivers and to spread awareness of their new location.

Papa John's delivers all the way from their location to Howard Street, McCormick venue, and the lake. 

Facebook

Twitter

Official Website

(773) 274-9700

1245 W. Devon Avenue

Ecodwell

Great ideas lead to great things. And so it was with Ecodwell—what began as a product, providing affordable, energy-efficient homes to the general population, has expanded to become a mindful business offering design, construction, remodel and interior design services.

At Ecodwell, the primary mission is to keep projects as green as possible while being mindful of every client’s budget and financial obligations.

Avi Ron and Petros Kyvelos are the driving force behind Ecodwell and its approach. Coming from small countries—Avi is from Israel, Petros from Holland—where people provide largely for themselves and produce very little waste, both men were astonished by the wasteful habits of American society. That’s why, with Ecodwell, they focus on minimizing waste during construction while maximizing every home’s energy efficiency.

Asked about their approach to building new homes, the men explain that the process is different every time, depending on budget, property type and desired features. But with years of experience and hundreds of projects under their belts, it’s clear they’re doing something right.

When building new homes, Ecodwell is known to create vertical spaces with a smaller base footprint; this factors into the home’s overall efficiency. Avi and Petros are highly mindful of what details can affect a structure’s use of energy and include simple-yet-effective features that maximize day-to-day sustainability.

Though the desire for green homes and sustainable construction exists, it’s not yet cost-effective for most people to invest in structures that are 100% green. Still, Ecodwell continues to fill a unique need in Chicago real estate and will be leading the way as energy efficient construction continues to gain in popularity.

Official Website

Facebook

Twitter

Christ Covenant Ministries

Christ Covenant Ministries is one of our newest members! The chamber attended their annual Revival as well as their weekly Sunday event! They were both beautiful events, so be sure to stop in one Sunday at 10 am!

Christ Covenant Ministries

7609-11 N. Paulina Avenue

Chicago IL.60626

(Across from the Howard Train Station)

Coyne Fitness

Q. What was the reason/inspiration for starting Coyne Fitness?

A. I've had a life-long passion for fitness.  I was a multi-sport athlete as a child, and excelled at football and powerlifting during high school.  I trained under world-renowned coaches during high school and learned a lot about how to develop the body.  When I moved to New Mexico for college, I was left to train myself.  My career as a trainer started with just giving advice to other students (even faculty members).  It wasn't long before I was coaching a handful of students to get stronger, lose weight, and simply feel better.  My clients got great results and after college I wanted to further develop myself as a trainer.

I worked at a large chain gym and wasn't too fond of it from the beginning.  The chain gyms are all about quantity over quality.  I was more of a salesman than a trainer.  I didn't like pushing a lot of unnecessary products and huge training packages on my clients.  I want to train my clients in an environment where their results are #1 and not worry about making sales goals.  I want to give my clients the best experience possible and get them to their goals.

Q. What is the typical process a client goes through for evaluation and then training?

A. The first meeting with a client is always a comprehensive assessment (which is always free).  I'll start by asking some questions regarding their medical history, their diet, the activities they've done in the past, and their goals.  I'll then put the client through the Functional Movement Screen.  This is a tool used to check mobility and stability through fundamental movement patterns.  It gives me objective feedback about the client's ability to move without any resistance.  Next, I'll assess their basic strength and conditioning levels.  All of this will give me the information I need to develop a comprehensive program to safely and effectively get the client to their goals.

Every program consists of some mobility, strength, and cardio conditioning work.  On top of this is nutrition consulting -- I have my clients keep a food log so we can track their diet and make any necessary adjustments.  This all tailored to the client's goals -- no two programs are exactly the same.  Everyone responds differently to different kinds of training so I individualized the programs in order to attain optimal results.

Q. What influenced you to move your company to Rogers Park?

A. I've lived in Rogers Park for over a year but have been doing business in Lakeview and the Loop.  I've spent a lot of time in other neighborhoods in the city and I can tell that Rogers Park is unique.  There is a real sense of community that sets it apart from other neighborhoods.  The residents support local businesses and genuinely care for the well-being of the neighborhood.  I love being part of such a community and hope I can provide a high-quality service to the people of my neighborhood.

Q. Why did you decide to work with V-tone Fitness?

A. The Barbanente's know the industry and how to run a great local gym.  I was immediately impressed by the facility when I first saw it.  The equipment is top-notch and it rarely gets congested (unlike the larger chain gyms).  They provide a great atmosphere for any trainee, whether you're a beginner or advanced athlete.  Their rates are very reasonable.  It's a fantastic place to train and I believe my clients will have a great experience at this gym.

Facebook

Twitter

Official Website

Bill Morton Promotions

Local small business, Bill Morton Promotions provides, Radio Promotion and Social Media Services to musical artists, and businesses across the United States.

Bill had a Texan recording artist DeDe Wedekind and New York recording artist Yolanda Hinton as clients and works with Kate Smith Promotions in regards to Social Media.

V-Tone Fitness

Located at 1550 W. Jarvis Avenue, V-Tone Fitness has great workers who are open, friendly, and willing to assist you with any questions you may have. They provide a clean, open environment for you to work out in and have such a wide variety of equipment that their is something for just about everyone! 

Check out their site and sign up today!

http://www.vtonefitness.com/