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

Creating the Taste

"Taste of" to feature Rogers Park's Best

The Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce have an idea to create tradition, promote local businesses and host a fun event. Working with World Business Chicago and SEED Chicago, the City of Chicago's curated Kickstarter page, the chamber has launched a crowd-sourced fundraiser to begin the Taste of Rogers Park series of events.

Starting smaller with only forty vendors, the first Taste of Rogers Park will host only twenty restaurants or food vendors, ten for-profit non-food vendors and ten not-for-profit organizations. The reasoning was explained as "showcasing only the best of Rogers Park."



"Being a 1.85 sq mi neighborhood with well over 400 local businesses, the population density and cultural diversity makes this a worthwhile project. It has the right chemistry to succeed. The timing couldn't be better" said chamber president Bill Morton.



The Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce plans to host the first Taste of Rogers Park at the Artists of the Wall area of Loyola Park with it's Southern boundary being the Windform art sculpture, located North of W. Pratt Boulevard and East of N. Sheridan Road. To include the entire neighborhood, future locations of the event will shift to other parks throughout Rogers Park, including Touhy Park, Willye B. White Park and Pottawatomie Park.

Rogers Park businesses have been calling for the Taste of Rogers Park. One business owner explained his frustration with other festivals in town as not featuring Rogers Park businesses. The Taste of Rogers Park will fulfill this need by accepting only Rogers Park food vendors. Additionally, everything from the promotions company, to printing of signage, banners, tickets, t-shirts, and posters to insuring the event will be by Rogers Park businesses whenever possible.

Sponsorship is three-tiered, Silver ($250), Gold ($500) and Platinum ($1000). Rewards include mentions in all press releases and logos on all flyers. Gold also includes banners and Platinum includes an introduction to all attendee's on the stage during the event. Sponsors and Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce members get $100 off table pricing.

In addition, if the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce successfully completes their goal of $10,000 by August 22nd, 2013, sponsor MillerCoors will donate an additional $5,000.

The Taste of Rogers Park will be a one day family event in August of 2014 which will begin at 8 am and end at 10 pm.

Links:

Official Taste of Rogers Park website:

http://tasteofrogerspark.com/

Official Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce website:

http://www.RogersPark.cc

For additional information contact:

Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce

(773) 850-0049

The Fish Keg

The Fish Keg is a successful local business in the Rogers Park Area. Serving delicious sea-food, it is highly recommended for you to go in and taste just how great their food is!

http://www.thefishkeg.com/

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.

Officially on Day Two!

I have to say that I am very happy to be working with World Business Chicago through it's SEED Chicago campaign. The Taste of Rogers Park has been a personal goal of mine since the shift of it's original intent three years ago.

More than fifty hours a week was put into the research for what the event would cost, and after that, both myself and President Bill Morton worked tirelessly on attending festivals like Greater Chicago Chariot of Festival of India, The Jewish Folk Arts Festival, Pride North, Clark Street Festival, and so many more.

After all the research, I am just so pleased to be launching the Taste of Rogers Park for it's funding.

When the opportunity arose for it to be crowd-funded, I was elated, especially since I have kept a firm belief on keeping it within the community. This should be an event for the community, not so much the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce. 

Personally, my view of Rogers Park is still developing. After living and working here since September of 2011, I can't help but admire the beautiful lakefront, the friendly and eclectic mix of small businesses, the to die for art district, and the easy communication flow all throughout the neighborhood. 

As the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce Secretary, I love the articles that I get to write and interviewing the businesses owners. They work so hard, day in and day out, and are still smiling, laughing, and joking around with me. It's heart warming.

Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce Secretary

Welcoming Towbar

The Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome Towbar, the latest addition to Jarvis Square business district! They are now open with patio seating on the south and east sides!

Installing the new signage

A new bar design!

Open to our neighborhood's friendly faces!

Towbar

1500 W. Jarvis Avenue

Chicago, IL. 60626


Towbar social media:

facebook

twitter

Squiggly's Yarn Shop

Every one has a dream that stays alive in their head. For some, it's a visit to a foreign country, to others, it's wanting the perfect family, and for people like Rico Blanco, it was to open up his very own yarn shop.

Rico has been stitching and making beautiful crafts out of yarn for thirty-five years. He told us that everything he has done up to this point has put him in a position to open Squiggly's Yarn Shop. 

Rico goes on to tell us that owning and operating Squiggly's is in his blood. Since both his father and grandfather entrepreneurs, the entrepreneurial spirit lives on in Rico and he is having great successes, even being open for so short a time. 

Squiggly's is now the home of the Stitching Squirrels, a group that started in Evil Squirrels comics, and when Evil Squirrel's closed, moved to Gallery B1e. When Rico, a long-standing part of the group was able to open  Squiggly's doors, it's no surprise that it "seemed natural" for the Stitching Squirrels to make Squiggly's its home Thursday nights at 8pm.

As if opening up a business isn't enough, Rico created an event called Knit and Be Fit. Every Sunday at 10 am and 2 pm those who attend go on a thirty minute walk through town to promote being fit. 

It has to be said that Rico's dream came true and it'll be a great influence to the neighborhood. All we can say is keep up the great work!

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Twitter

Squiggly's Yarn Shop- Official Website

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!

SEED Chicago, Crowd-funding the Taste of Rogers Park

The Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce's events coordinator, Mark Finley came up with this great idea three years ago to have a Taste of Rogers Park. The initial idea was to bring people from all over the United States to show them the beaches, the art district, the eclectic small businesses, and the cultural diversity the perseveres throughout our community day in and day out.

Since the ideas incubation, it has drastically shifted. As a board we decided that the Taste of Rogers Park should be a benefit to the community, by the community. 

As a result, the Taste of Rogers Park will host mostly local musicians and businesses. 

Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce members will have priority, businesses that work in Rogers Park will follow our members, and non-Rogers Park businesses will be very limited in participating in the Taste of Rogers Park. 

We are hopeful that local musicians will come out of the wood work and play their songs on our stage, and that local organizations will help by face-painting, doing arts and crafts and other fun items for children. 

Musicians will get an hour on stage with half hour take-downs in-between where sponsors and community based organizations will have the opportunity to speak to the crowd!

There will be forty tables in total at our first Taste of Rogers Park:

-Twenty Restaurants

• $400.00 for a table, plus insurance

-Ten For-Profits

• $300.00 for a table, plus insurance

-Ten Not-For-Profits

• $200.00 for a table, plus insurance 

The tables will start selling, if we reach our goal, in February of 2014. Chamber members will receive a $100.00 discount on their table. The funding for tables will go towards the amazing musicians who will be performing on stage and selling their music throughout the day.

For those who want a table, we highly recommend going to Insurance Brokers INC, a Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce member, and getting a quote. 

Our Sponsorship Levels are:

-Silver Level Sponsorship

• logos in our flyers, press releases, and posters

-Gold Level Sponorship

• logos in our flyers, press releases, and posters
• logo on our banners

-Platinum Level Sponsorship

• logos in our flyers, press releases, and posters
• logo on our banners
• Name mentions on stage, and ability to speak on stage

The Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce Secretary has been working hard to ensure that the funding is accurate and up-to-date. 

Application Cost 35 plus additional fees (1,000)

Insurance Cost 400 

Generator Cost 175 

T-Shirt Purchase 2,500

Tickets, Banners, etc 2,000

Tents 2,500 

Stage 570 

Additional Charges 920 estimate

Running Estimate $10,000 

If the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce makes it's $10,000.00 goal, World Business Chicago will be giving us an additional $5,000.00. That money would go towards CAPS for their hard work, especially since the beat officers will be the ones checking in on the event, and towards funding other Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce events such as our Fresh Start Mondays, Rogers Park Art Tour, and Going Green Campaign! 

If you would like more information, please feel free to contact us:

info@rogerspark.cc

(773) 850-0049

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

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

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Energy Impact Illinois

Energy Impact Illinois is a program that helps homeowners take action to lower the cost of their energy bills and create a more comfortable, valuable, energy-efficient home. Here are a few bullet points about Energy Impact Illinois:

• Energy Impact Illinois is providing rebates to help lower energy bills and make homes more comfortable and valuable. The program is run by the Center for Neighborhood Technology and the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning. We are funded by the Department of Energy through a stimulus grant called the Better Buildings project which aims at reducing energy usage in buildings across the country.
• The goal of the program is to help homeowners see what is going on in their home in terms of energy efficiency, and to provide them with means to make improvements. These upgrades make  homes more comfortable, more energy efficient, and save the homeowner money (on average $500 a year).
• For a limited time, homeowners can save 70% or up to $1,750 off of air sealing and insulating projects for their homes. Air sealing and Insulation work is the cheapest, easiest, most bang for your buck way to reduce your energy usage.
• Those owning a 2-4 unit building or single family home are eligible.
• Air Sealing and Insulation work can be done in 99.9% of homes in our area, and this is the first program of its kind that does not have an income requirement.
• Home energy efficiency assessments usually cost $400-800 but are available for $99 through this program. The assessment is FREE for those who wish to host an Energy Assessment Demonstration (I can further explain this if you're interested).
• A BPI certified contractor will inspect your home and provide an estimate for air sealing and insulation -- in addition to a laundry list of other things the homeowner can do to make their home more energy efficient.
• We handle all of the paperwork and ensure the energy efficiency work on your home is completed correctly and safely. All contractors are BPI certified (Building Performance Institute). You'll see savings on your energy bills and feel the improved comfort of your home
• Please check out our website for a more comprehensive description http://energyimpactillinois.org/residential/

Energy Impact Illinois is currently offering:

Limited-Time Offer: Get $1750 in rebates for energy efficiency improvements to lower your bills and make your home more comfortable.

If you want to lower your utility bills and have a more comfortable home, but can't afford the upfront cost, Energy Impact Illinois can help. For a limited time, homeowners can receive 70% off energy efficiency improvements, with up to $1750 in total rebates on select energy improvements to your home. Your home will stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter and you'll reduce your energy use significantly. There are no income restrictions for the program and all single-family homes, 2-4 unit buildings, and most townhomes are eligible.

Energy Impact Illinois is an alliance of local government, non-profit organizations, and local utilities including Nicor Gas, Commonwealth Edison focused on helping homeowners in the Chicago Metro Area and Rockford make the lowest cost, most effective home energy efficiency upgrades. Air sealing and insulating are two of the most cost-effective and permanent improvements that homeowners can make. More than half of total energy costs come from heating and cooling a home and almost all homes let too much air escape or penetrate. Most homes (even newer ones) also have incorrectly installed or insufficient amounts of attic insulation.

To learn more about the program or schedule a reduced cost energy assessment, contact your local organizer Zoe Bottger at (312) 404-2945 or zoe@energyimpactillinois.org 

Welcoming Towbar

The Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome Towbar, the latest addition to Jarvis Square business district! They are now open with patio seating on the south and east sides!

Installing the new signage

A new bar design!

Open to our neighborhood's friendly faces!

Towbar

1500 W. Jarvis Avenue

Chicago, IL. 60626


Towbar social media:

facebook

twitter

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.

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

Christ Covenant Ministries

Christ Covenant Ministries is one of our newest members and they are a joy to see! 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)