Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce: 2013

Thursday, December 26, 2013

A festive purchase from Taste Food and Wine

Taste Food & Wine
1506 W. Jarvis Avenue
Chicago, IL. 60626

"I purchased this Crop Organic Spiced Pumpkin vodka for a special occasion. The timing was not right in October for Halloween, or even November for Thanksgiving, so I shared it with a friend on Christmas Eve.

Taste Food and Wine has some of the finest wines, beer, cheese and chocolates for that perfect time to celebrate our friendships, a holiday or an accomplishment".

- Bill Morton

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Chamber to attend Rogers Park Food Co-op meeting

Tremendous surge in Co-op Grocery Stores nationally is also happening right here in Rogers Park.
Chicago, IL –Rogers Park Food Co-op will host a meeting December 4th to update the community
on the progress of the co-op launch and grow support.

Sharon Hoyer, General Manager of the Dill Pickle Co-op in Logan Square and Tom Rosenfeld,
owner of Earth First Farms and Heartland Café in Rogers Park will share their experience and
insights about the benefits of a community-owned grocery store.

Rogers Park Food Co-op community meeting:

Date: Wednesday, December 4th
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Place: United Church of Rogers Park
1545 W. Morse Ave., 3rd Floor (Morse at Ashland)
Chicago, IL 60626

The Rogers Park Food Co-op initially grew out of kitchen table conversations between a mother
and daughter, Mary Meyer and Jocelyn Gerard, longtime Rogers Park residents and community
organizers. “I am excited about creating a neighborhood food store serving and engaging the
community in a beautiful welcoming space,” says Mary Meyer.

In December 2012, initial meetings were held bringing together a group that evolved into a
Founders Group. In February 2013, four members of the Founders Group attended the Food
Co-op Initiative Start-Up Conference in Bloomington, IN (http://www.foodcoopinitiative.coop/).
The conference provided information on how to build a co-op. It turns out there is an established
model to follow and a wealth of resources available from other established and start-up co-ops
across the country.

With the growing demand for more local produce and expansion of farmers markets across the city,
it seems obvious that Chicago is hungry for healthy food choices. A co-op is the perfect choice for
Rogers Park with its activist roots and diversity. These qualities make for a strong community, which
is critical in creating a co-op. The co-op would provide access to trusted sources for healthy food,
local and organic produce, and artisanal foods seven days a week and all year long and be a
neighborhood gathering place. Sandi Price of Rogers Park Business Alliance says that RPBA
“supports the establishment of a Food Co-op in Rogers Park. It’s a great way of keeping Rogers
Park dollars in the community while promoting fresh, local, sustainable and healthy food.”Fun Facts…
Co-op businesses succeed at a greater rate than traditional business models. According to Stuart
Reid, executive director of the Minnesota-based Food Co-op Initiative, “the success rate of startup
co-ops” compared to typical new small businesses, “is very high.” There are 5 active start-up groups
in the area. According to Reid, “Chicago is one of the largest cities in the United States with the
fewest open co-ops. There are other mid to large cities with clusters of co-ops in development,
however Chicago has the one of the strongest market areas for co-ops to impact their communities
and the local economy.”

We are part of a national trend. According to Reid, there has been “tremendous” growth in the U.S.
in existing co-ops as well as the emergence of new ones in recent years…based on information he
has been able to collect, there are about 330 fully functioning food co-ops in the country, including
68 that started up in the last eight years. The Food Co-op Initiative also is working with 130 groups
starting up new food co-ops, including about 10 in Illinois. (Chicago Tribune, September 18, 2013,
Food Co-ops Growing Around the Country)

The benefits of a food co-op are many and include keeping money in the community, creating local
jobs that pay a living wage, and having a trusted source for fresh, local, sustainable, and healthy food
year round.

The Rogers Park Food Co-op will help grow the local economy and support local sustainable farmers
and food artisans. It will serve as a gathering place for the neighborhood of Rogers Park, embracing
the diversity of the neighborhood and fostering stronger ties among the different social and ethnic
groups, a key value of Rogers Park residents.

Follow the Rogers Park Food Co-op on Facebook:
facebook.com/rogersparkfood

Contact Rogers Park Food Co-op:
RogersParkFood@gmail.com

Saturday, November 30, 2013

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

Friday, November 29, 2013

Member of the We Deliver Chicago Coalition

The Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce is a proud member of a coalition of more than 800 community groups, small businesses, labor unions and chambers of commerce who are partners of America’s non-alcoholic beverage companies.

The American Beverage Association's We Deliver Chicago Coalition (WDC) works to raise awareness of the critical role beverage companies play in our communities for more than a century. Through investment and job creation, member companies have helped to improve the quality of life of thousands of Illinois residents.

The current membership includes (in chronological order),

182 Club Corp
22nd Street Produce
5 Hermanos Restaurant
5 W Hubbard Corp.
51st Street Business Association
5747 Food & Deli
7-Eleven Franchise Store #33483
7-Eleven Franchise Store #33882
7-Eleven Franchise Store #33912
7-Eleven Heartland Zone - Corp
7-Eleven Store #33363
95th Street Beverly Hills Business
Association
A & G Fresh Market, Inc.
Ability Vending
Aflac- IC Cowans
Ala Carte Entertainment
Albany Park Chamber of Commerce
Ali Rothbaum Insurance
Al's Beef Wrigleyville
AL's Char-House
Alsip Chamber of Commerce
American Beverage Association
American Group Realty, Inc.
American Youth Project
America's Dog- Adams
America's Dog- Navy Pier
America's Dog- O'Hare
America's Dog- Randolph
America's Dog Three
Americraft Inc.
Andies Restaurant-Andersonville
Andies Restaurant-Lakeview
Angela Kearney
Angie's Pizza
Armand's on Western
Armand's Pizzeria - Edison Park
Association of Business & Commerce of Cicero
At Risk High Risk Youth Program
Atotonilco Restaurants - Back of the Yards
Atotonilco Restaurants - Gage Park
Atotonilco Restaurants - Joliet
Atotonilco Restaurants - Little Village
Atotonilco Tortilla Factory - Back of the Yards
Austin Chamber of Commerce
Azteca Mini Mart
B.H. Wimp Insurance Agency - State Farm
Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council
Bad Dog Tavern
Bake for Me! Bakery & Cafe - Clark
Bake for Me! Bakery & Cafe - Halsted
Bakery Bonjour Café
Balagio Restaurant
Barbara's Soul Food
Barclay's American Grille
Because I Care, Inc.
Bedford Park - Clearing Industrial
Association
Beggars Pizza - Chicago
Belmont-Central Chamber of Commerce
Belvedere
Benford Brown & Associates
Berkeley Finer Foods
Best Taco & Burrito Joint
Bethlehem Star M. B. Church
Biagio Cucina
Biagio Events, Catering & Banquets
Big Salem's Mini Mart
Billy Goat III
Billy Goat Inn
Billy Goat Merchandise Mart
Billy Goat Mount Prospect
Billy Goat O'Hare
Billy Goat Tavern Navy Pier
Billy Goat Tavern Original
BJ’s Market - 79th Street
BJ’s Market - Stony Island
Black McDonald's Operators Association
Black Pages International
Bob Chinn's Crab House
Bob-O-Rino's Subs
BODI
Bootleggers
Brick House Tavern and Tap
Brighton Park Neighborhood Council
Brixie's Beer Bar & Grill
Bronzeville Visitor Information Center
Brookfield Chamber of Commerce
Brothers
Bub's Place
Business and Economic Revitalization
Association
Butch McGuires
Buy N Save Supermarket - 103rd Street
Byron's Hot Dogs-Irving Park
Byron's Hot Dogs-Lawrence
Cadillac Ranch
Café Bella
Cafe Cubano
Cafe Touche
Calumet Area Industrial Commission
Captain Hooks of Roosevelt, Inc. d/b/a
Captain Hooks Fish & Chicken
Carleton of Oak Park Hotel
Carnelli's Deli
Carniceria 5 Hermanos - Berwyn
Carniceria 5 Hermanos - Cicero
Carniceria Jimenez - Addison
Carniceria Jimenez - Chicago
Carniceria Jimenez - Hanover Park
Carniceria Jimenez - Melrose Park
Carniceria Jimenez - West Chicago
Carniceria Jimenez - Wheeling
Carniceria Jimenez Express Bensenville
Carniceria Jimenez, Inc.
Carolyn's Lounge
Casa Margarita La Grange
Casa Margarita Orland
Castle Chicago Nightclub
CEDARS Mediterranean Kitchen
Celli's Beef
Central Beverage Company
Central Grocers Cooperative Inc
Central Gyros
Central Lakeview Merchants Association
Central Starlite Restaurant
Central States SER, Inc.
Cermak Chamber of Commerce
C'est Si Bon
Chandler's Chophouse
Chatham Business Association
Chef Luciano
Chef Sarah's Cafe
Chesterfield Community Council
Chesterfield Tom Thumb
Chicago Chinatown Chamber Of Commerce
Chicago Korean American Chamber of Commerce
Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce
Chicago Tap House
Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
Chicago's Pita Grill
Chick-fil-A - Chicago Ridge Mall
Chuckies
City Foods Mini Mart
City Porch
City Wide Liquor Association
Coco Restaurant
Cody's Public House
Colletti's Restaurant
Concerned Citizens of Burnside
Concession Services Inc.
Connie's Pizza - Archer Ave
Connie's Pizza - McCormick Place
Connie's Pizza - Naperville
Connie's Pizza - Navy Pier
Connie's Pizza - Westmont
Continental Sales
Cool Herb's Smack Down Catering
Coquito Restaurant
Cornell Dollar Store
Cosmopolitan Chamber of Commerce
Council on American-Islamic Relations
County Fair Foods
Covenant Trading FX
Coyote Logistics
Cozy Corner Restaurant & Pancake House - Diversey
Cozy Corner Restaurant & Pancake House - Milwaukee
Crew Bar & Grill
Cuvée Chicago
D & D Dogs
D'Agostino's Pizza and Pub - Glenview
D'Agostino's Pizza and Pub - Park Ridge
D'Agostino's Pizza and Pub - River West
D'Agostino's Pizza and Pub - Wheeling
D'Agostino's Pizza and Pub - Wrigleyville
Danny's Egghead Diner
Dawali Mediterranean Kitchen - Halsted
Dawali Mediterranean Kitchen - Kedzie
DC Mad Hatter
Dear Franks
Deneen Inc.
Des Plaines Office Equipment
Destiny Homes, Inc.
Detention
Dick's River Road House
Doggie Diner-Aurora
Doggie Diner-Bolingbrook
Doggie Diner-Hinsdale
Doggie Diner-Plainfield
Doggie Diner-Woodridge
Domestic Uniform Rental
Don Chema Restaurant
Don Juan's
Don's Hot Dogs d/b/a Don's Drive-In Restaurant
Doreens Pizzeria
Downtown Dogs
Dream Dinners
Drink
Drum & Monkey
Dulcelandia - 26th Street
Dulcelandia - Aurora
Dulcelandia - Cicero
Dulcelandia - Fullerton Ave
Dulcelandia - Irving Park
Dulcelandia - Kedzie
Dulcelandia - Melrose Park
East of the Ryan
East Side Chamber of Commerce
East Side Soccer Dome
East Side Sports
Eat & Run, Inc.
Edison Park Chamber of Commerce
Eighteenth Street Development Corporation
El Centro Supermercado
El Charro de San Franciso
El Ranchito - 71st Street
El Ranchito - Niles
El Ranchito Food- Pulaski
El Ranchito Foods - Blue Island
Elliott's Augusta Pizza & Grill
Emerald Isle Bar and Grill- Edison Park
Emerald Isle Bar and Grill- Peterson
Enterprise Realty Power Brokers
European Chalet Banquets
Evergreen Supermarket
Express Grill
F & F Management
Family Pride Foods
Famous Freddies
Far South Community Development Center
Farmers Food Basket - 71st Street
Farmers Food Basket- 63rd Street
Farmers Insurance - Itasca, IL
Fat Duck Bar & Grill
Father & Son Italian Kitchen
Fatty's Hot Dogs - 43rd
Festa Pizza
Filbert Root Beer CO
Finn McCool's - Crystal Lake
Finn McCool's - Schaumburg
Fiorentino's Cucina Italiana
Flash Taco
Flo Cafe and Bar
Fondue Stube
Food Town - 79th Street
Forest Park Chamber of Commerce
Forno Rosso
Francesca's Fiore
Fresh Way Foods
Freshline Foods
Fritzy's Tavern
Fruit D'Licious
G J Liquors
G J Tavern
Gaelic Fire Brigade Bar and Speakeasy
Gately Park Advisory Council
Geno's Place in the Park
Gibson's Restaurant Group
Gibson's Steakhouse- Chicago
Gibson's Steakhouse- Oak Brook
Gibson's Steakhouse- Rosemont
Gio's Cafe and Deli
Goodwin's Restaurant
Gourmet Chicken
Grand Avenue Shrimp House
Grandma J's Local Kitchen
Grandpa's Place
Granny B's Restaurant
Greater Avondale Chamber of Commerce
Greater North Michigan Avenue Association
Greater Roseland Chamber of Commerce
Greater Southwest Development Corporation
Green Tomato Deli
Grocery Basket
Hamburger Mary's
Happy Foods - 6415 Central Chicago
Happy Foods - 6783 Northwest Chicago
Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse & Bar - Chicago
Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse & Bar - Lombard
Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse & Bar - Rosemont
Harry Caray's Restaurant Group
Harry Caray's Seventh Inning Stretch - Midway Airport
Harry Caray's Tavern - Navy Pier
Haven of Rest Church
Hawkeye's Bar & Grill
Hearts
Hegewisch Chamber of Commerce
Hegewisch Fruit Market
Hinda Incentives

Holy Mackerel!

Home Run Inn - 31st Street

Home Run Inn - Addison

Home Run Inn - Archer Ave

Home Run Inn - Beverly

Home Run Inn - Bolingbrook

Home Run Inn - Darien

Home Run Inn - Hillside

Home Run Inn - Melrose Park

Home Run Inn - Westmont

Home Run Inn - Woodridge

Homewood Area Chamber of Commerce

Horizon Cafe

Hospitality Business Association of Chicago

Hub 51

Hubbard Inn

Huck Finn Restaurants

Huck Finn Restaurants - Oak Lawn

Huck Finn Restaurants - Pulaski

Huey's Hot Dogs

Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House- Chicago

Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House- Des Plaines

Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House- Naperville

il Vicinato

Illinois Automated Merchandising Council

Illinois Beverage Association

Illinois Chamber of Commerce

Illinois Food Retailers Association

Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association

Illinois Licensed Beverage Association

Illinois Petroleum Marketers Association

Illinois Association of Convenience Stores

Illinois Restaurant Association

Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA)

Inner City Entertainment Theaters

International Foods

International Human Relations Council

J J Peppers Food Stores

J&J Vending

J.B. Alberto's

Jack's Restaurant

Jasper's Cafe

Jazzy Bean Café

JB's Deli

Jefferson Tap & Grille

Jersey Mike's Franchise #27019

Jersey Mike's Franchise #27029

Jersey Mike's Franchise #27030

Jesse Owens Park Advisory Council

Jili, LLC d/b/a Subway

Joey's Shrimp House

John Barleycorn - Lincoln Park

John Barleycorn - River North

John Barleycorn - Schaumburg

John Barleycorn - Wrigleyville

Johnny O's

Jorge's Fajitas

J's Corner Hot Dogs

Juanita's Mexican Food

Judy's Grill

Justice Chamber of Commerce

Kappy's Restaurant and Pancake House

Kedzie Elston Business Industrial Council

Keefer's

Kelsey's

Kendalls Bar

KFC - 102nd & Halsted

KFC - 107 E. 95th

KFC - 1144 S. Western

KFC - 1617 E. 95th

KFC - 2215 N. Washtenaw

KFC - 300 E. 35th Street

KFC - 36th & Archer

KFC - 47th & Kedzie

KFC - 5230 W Madison

KFC - 6034 W. North Ave

KFC - 7 E. Garfield

KFC - 75th & Lafayette

KFC - 83rd & King Drive

KFC - 83rd & South Chicago Ave

KFC- 1914 W. 79th

KFC-1600 W. Marquette

KFC-58th & Western

Kincade's Bar & Grill

Kinderhook Tap

Kingsberry Waffle House - Flossmoor

Kingsberry Waffle House - Oak Forest

Kopi A Travelers Cafe

L & G Restaurant

La Bodega Inc.

La Bruquena Restaurant

La Casa de Samuel

La Catedral Cafe

La Familia Unida

La Grange Park Chamber of Commerce

La Lena Restaurant

La Princesa Liquor

La Taberna Tapas

La Villa Restaurant

Lago Banquets

Lago Ventures Incorporated

Lakeview Chamber of Commerce

Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce

Lalo's Restaurant - Berwyn

Lalo's Restaurant - Glenview

Lalo's Restaurant - Halsted

Lalo's Restaurant - Little Village

Lalo's Restaurant - Schaumburg

Lao 18

Lao Beijing

Lao Hunan

Lao Ma La

Lao Shanghai

Lao Sze Chuan - Archer

Lao Sze Chuan - Downers Grove

Lao Sze Chuan Uptown

Lao You Ju

Lao Yunnan

Larry's of Harvey

Las Brisas Del Mar

Latino Organization of the Southwest (LOS)

Latinos Progresando

Lawndale Christian Development Corporation

Le Peep Cafe & Grill

Leamington Foods - 3240 Roosevelt Chicago

Leamington Foods - 5467 Madison Chicago

Leamington Foods - 550 Mannheim Chicago

Li'l Guys and My Pie Pizza

Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce

Lion Head Pub

Little Ricky's Rib Joint

Little Village Chamber of Commerce

Little Village Community Council

Living Water Creations

LLC Consulting

Lobo de Mar Restaurant

Locascio's Sports Bar

Lockdown Bar & Grill

Los Candiles Restaurant

Los Comales De Dona Ana - Waukegan

Los Comales De Dona Ana - West Lawn

Lou Malnati's - Bloomingdale

Lou Malnati's - Bolingbrook

Lou Malnati's - Bucktown - Wicker Park

Lou Malnati's - Buffalo Grove

Lou Malnati's - Carol Stream - Wheaton

Lou Malnati's - Downers Grove

Lou Malnati's - Elk Grove Village

Lou Malnati's - Elmhurst

Lou Malnati's - Evanston

Lou Malnati's - Geneva

Lou Malnati's - Gold Coast

Lou Malnati's - Grayslake - Gurnee

Lou Malnati's - Highland Park

Lou Malnati's - Joliet - Shorewood

Lou Malnati's - Lake Forest

Lou Malnati's - Lake Zurich

Lou Malnati's - Lakewood

Lou Malnati's - Lawndale

Lou Malnati's - Libertyville

Lou Malnati's - Lincoln Park

Lou Malnati's - Lincolnwood

Lou Malnati's - Mount Prospect

Lou Malnati's - Naperville Downtown

Lou Malnati's - Naperville South

Lou Malnati's - Northbrook

Lou Malnati's - Palatine

Lou Malnati's - Park Ridge

Lou Malnati's - River North

Lou Malnati's - Schaumburg

Lou Malnati's - Schaumburg West

Lou Malnati's - South Loop

Lou Malnati's - Tinley Park

Lou Malnati's - Western Springs

Lou Malnati's - Wilmette

Luxbar

Lynwood Educational Services Center

M & S #2 Food Mart, Inc.

Magic Grill

Mahoney's Pub & Grille

Malnati's Organization, Inc.

Mama Nena's Shrimp House

Manny's Blue Room

Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen - Midway Airport

Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen - University Village

Mar y Tierra Restaurant

Marcella's Restaurant

Marcello's - Lincoln Park

Marcello's - Logan Square

Marcello's - Northbrook

Margaret's Boutique

Maria's Tropical Den

Mario's Red Hots

Mario's Tacos

Markello's Restaurant

Master Brew

Masters Pancake House

Max's Italian Beef

Maya del Sol Restaurant

Maywood Chamber of Commerce

McDonald's - 1443 E 87th St

McDonald's - 1651 W. 95th Street

McDonald's - 29 E. 87th

McDonald's - 7900 S. King Drive

McDonald's - 8321 S. Ashland

McDonald's - 8871 S. Kingston

McDonald's- 1563 N. Wells

McDonald's- 1831 W. Devon

McDonald's- 6125 N. Milwaukee

McDonald's-7969 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Meal of the Day Cafe

Mellow Yellow Restaurant

Melrose Park Chamber of Commerce

Memo's Tacos, Inc.

Merkle's

Metro Deli - Union Station

Mexican Civic Society of Illinois Inc.

Mexicanos Unidos del D.F.

Mexique Chicago

Mi Tierra Restaurant

Mickeys Casual Dining

Midlothian Chamber of Commerce

Minuteman Press-Elgin

Mirabell Restaurant & Lounge

Miranda's Grocery

Misch Brothers Super Market

MLR Consulting

Moe's Cantina - River North

Moe's Cantina - Wrigleyville

Monti's

Moody's Pub

Moretti's Restaurant & Pizzeria - Bartlett

Moretti's Restaurant & Pizzeria - Edison Park

Moretti's Restaurant & Pizzeria - Fox Lake

Moretti's Restaurant & Pizzeria - Lake in the Hills

Moretti's Restaurant & Pizzeria - Mt. Prospect

Moretti's Restaurant & Pizzeria - Schaumburg

Mother's Too

Mount Calvary Baptist Church

Mr. Beef & Pizza - Harlem

N.S.R.D. Investment, Inc. d/b/a Taco Bell & KFC

Nader Wholesale Grocers

Nadia Fish & Chicken, Inc

Nathan’s Chicago Style

National Association of Theatre Owners

(Illinois Chapter)

Netup Café

New Generations Lounge

New Landmark Missionary Baptist Church

New Lion's Den

New Little China

New Mount Pilgrim Church

Nick's Pizza & Pub - Crystal Lake

Nick's Pizza & Pub - Elgin

Niles Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Nonna Silvia's

Northalsted Business Alliance

North-Pulaski Fresh Market

Northwest Connection Chamber of Commerce

Nowak's Farmers Market

Nuevo Leon Restaurant

NV Penthouse Lounge

Oak Forest-Crestwood Area Chamber of Commerce

O'Briens Restaurant & Bar - O'Hare

O'Briens Restaurant & Bar - Old Town

O'Briens Restaurant & Bar - Riverwalk Cafe

O'Callaghan's

O'Donovan's

Old Town Ale House

Old Town Merchants & Residents Association

O'Malley's West

O'Neil's

Ontourage Chicago

Original Pancake House - Gold Coast

Original Pancake House - Hyde Park/Kenwood

Original Pancake House - Lincoln Park

Original Pancake House - Oak Forest

Original Pancake House - Orland Park

Original Rainbow Cone

Pacesetters Ground Transport

Palace Grill

Palermo's on 95th

Pan's Food Center

Pastors United for Change

Payless Submarine

Perry's

Pete's Fresh Market - Archer Heights

Pete's Fresh Market - Brighton Park

Pete's Fresh Market - Calumet

Pete's Fresh Market - Evergreen Park

Pete's Fresh Market - Gage Park

Pete's Fresh Market - Hegewisch

Pete's Fresh Market - Little Village

Pete's Fresh Market - Oakbrook Terrace

Pete's Fresh Market - West Lawn Market

Pete's Produce - 1411 87 Street Chicago

Pete's Produce - 1543 87 Street Chicago

Phil's Last Stand

Pilsen Neighbors Community Council

Pilsen Wellness Centers

Pippin's Tavern

PitchFork Food & Saloon

Pizza Fresca

Pizza Hut Franchise - 6700 S Stony Island

Pizza Hut Franchise - 8849 S Stony Island

Pizza Hut Franchise - Archer Heights

Pizza Hut Franchise - Back of the Yards

Pizza Hut Franchise - Blue Island

Pizza Hut Franchise - Chatham

Pizza Hut Franchise - Crestwood

Pizza Hut Franchise - Gage Park

Pizza Hut Franchise - Garfield Ridge

Polish American Chamber of Commerce

Portage Park Chamber of Commerce

Potash Market (Gold Coast)

Potash Market (Hancock Center)

Potash Market (Sandburg Village)

Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of

Illinois

Pullman Community Development Corp.

Quartino

Quick Bite Carry Outs

Raheel Foods, Inc.

Ranalli's of Andersonville

Raymond's Hamburger and Tacos

Real Time Sports

Rebel Bar & Grill

Red Pepper Lounge

Reese's Cocktail Lounge

Reggio's Pizza - Frozen Pizza Division

Renee's Tasty Tempting Treats

Restaurant Dona Ana

Restaurante El Mogote

Retro Cafe & Restaurant

Revolver

Rexam Beverage Can America

Ricochet's Tavern

Riggio's Restaurant

River Grove Chamber of Commerce

River Shannon

Riverdale Chamber of Commerce

Riverside Chamber of Commerce

Riverview Brick Oven Pizzeria

Riverview Tavern

Robbins Business Association

Rockwell's Neighborhood Grill

Rogers Park Business Alliance

Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce

Rolling Meadows Chamber of Commerce

Roosevelt Fire House, Inc. d/b/a Firehouse Grill

Rosario's Italian Food, Inc.

Rosebud Restaurants

Roula Crews Wellness

Royal Caribbean Jerk

Sabor Latino Restaurant (Fullerton)

Sabor Latino Restaurant (North Ave)

Sabre Room

San Jose Obrero Mission - Little Village

San Jose Obrero Mission - Pilsen

Save-a-lot HALSTED

Save-a-lot Mount Prospect Office

Schaumburg Business Association

Semiramis Restaurant

Sentry Foods Of Midlothian

Serenitea, Inc. Tea Cafe & Boutique

Serpe Insurance

She-Nannigan's

Shiv Subs Inc. d/b/a Subway

Shop & Save Market - Bridgeview

Shop & Save Market - Chicago

Shop & Save Market - Des Plaines

Shop & Save Market - Downers Grove

Shop & Save Market - Niles

Shop & Save Market - Schaumburg

Siboney Cuban Cuisine

Simply Soup Salads & Sandwiches

Sinai Community Institute

Sizzlin Skillets

Small Business Support Services

Snuggery - Edison Park

Snuggery - Gold Coast

Snuggery - McHenry

Snuggery - Schaumburg

Snuggery - Union Station

Sol de Mexico

Soluri & Sons Italian Deli

Some Place Else Lounge

Soundbar Group

South East Finest Basketball

South Holland Business Association

South Loop Chamber of Commerce

South Shore Chamber of Commerce

Southeast Chamber of Commerce

Southland Ministerial Health Network

Southport Grocery & Cafe

Spiro's Deli

Starship Restaurant & Catering

Streeter's Tavern

Subway-1608 W 59th

Suparossa - Central

Suparossa - Harwood Heights

Suparossa - Woodridge

Super Fair Grocery Store

Super Pollo y Taqueria

Supermercado Cuauhtemoc - Taqueria Cuauhtemoc

Supermercados Torres - Cicero

Supermercados Torres - Melrose Park

Taco & Burrito House - Belmont Central

Taco & Burrito House - Lakeview

Taco & Burrito House - Lincoln Park

Taco Bell - 5737 Monee-Manhattan Road

Taco Bell - 9481 w 159th

Taco Bell- 22242 Governors Highway

Tag Restaurants

Tampico Beverages Inc.

Taqueria Don Rabe

Taqueria Dona Ana

Taqueria El Ranchito - Clark

Taqueria El Ranchito - Grand

Taqueria El Ranchito - Milwaukee

Taqueria El Tapatio

Taqueria la Cuidad

Taqueria La Zacatecana

Taste Entertainment

Tasty Gyros

Tavern At The Park

Teamsters Joint Council 25

Teamsters Local 710

Tecalitlan Restaurant

The Allerton Hotel Chicago

The Apartment

The Beaumont Bar & Grill

The Beer Bistro - North

The Beer Bistro - West Loop

The Burger Philosophy

The Cousin's Restaurant

The Dating Game

The Edgewater Lounge

The Gospel Tribune

The Hangge-Uppee

The Haute & The Dog

The Hidden Shamrock

The Jeffrey Pub

The Leaders Network

The Leg Room

The Lodge Management Group

The Lodge Tavern

The M. R. Davis Group, Inc

The Mayfield Banquets

The Miracle Center

The Montgomery Club

The New 408 Club

The New Apartment Lounge

The New Look Restaurant

The Original Mother's

The Playground

The SoFo Tap

The Waterfront Cafe

Theory

Tina's Cocktail Lounge

Tommy Gun's Garage

Tony Gourmet Group

Tony's Italian Beef - Palos Park

Tony's Italian Beef

Top Notch Beefburgers Inc.

Top View Restaurant

Trattoria 225

Trifecta Grill

Trohas Chicken and Shrimp House

Tumbao Bar & Grill

United Business Association of Midway

United Southwest Chamber of Commerce

University Village Association

Valell Corporation

Velocity Mobile Marketing Co.

Villa Rosa Pizza and Pasta

Vincent

Vision Night Club

Vive en Forma

Walker Bros. Original Pancake House

Washington Park Chamber of Commerce

Water House Tavern & Grill

West Central Association

West Lawn - Archer Heights Chamber of Commerce

West Ridge Chamber of Commerce

West Side Health Authority

West Suburban Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Westside Health Authority

Williams Inn Pizzeria Express

Winberies

Y Chicago

Yah's Cuisine

Ye Olde Town Inn

Yummy's Grill

Zia's Trattoria

Wine Tastings

The owners were helpful and gracious, the workers checking on those looking at the wines, and the place was crowded with great people, having fun and chatting about the wines, the location and so much more. We recommend that everyone attend and explore your tastes by tasting wine!

Thursday, November 28, 2013

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.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

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.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

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.

Monday, November 25, 2013

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

Sunday, November 24, 2013

LifeStorage

LifeStorage is a great location with the friendliest people I have ever encountered. Always ready with a smile to assist you, and asking if you need help if you are wandering in look of something. They give you great choices and don't push you the way some places I've been to do. They are a must if you are looking for storage space or someone you know is.

Saturday, November 23, 2013

V-Tone

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/

Friday, November 22, 2013