Dear Jefferson Park Community:

The first half of 2010 will be a busy one for the Jefferson Park Chamber of Commerce. In January, the chamber sponsored a successful business fair in conjunction with Our Lady of Victory School. Members who participated met face-to-face with hundreds of potential new customers. In addition, the chamber partnered with OLV to have student artwork on display in several vacant storefronts in the recently renovated two-story building at 5316 W. Lawrence Ave. The chamber also worked closely with the 16th Police District to help resolve recent concerns raised by residents.

Here’s a brief summary of what to expect through the end of June. Please look for updates in the chamber newsletter:
• At least three multi-chamber networking/social/workshop events are planned. On March 11, there will an indoor miniature gold outing and on April 16 several chambers will be hosting a fundraiser for a food pantry. Also in the works is an April 29 seminar at the Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence, in which the Illinois Small Business Development Center will outline free services and grants which are available to help companies during these tough economic times.
• There will be general membership meetings in February, March, April, May and June. Our first meeting will be held at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, at the Gale Street Inn, 4914 N. Milwaukee Ave. Congressman Mike Quigley will talk about issues affecting small businesses, and the Jeff Fest Committee will be outlining all of the plans for the 10th annual festival. All of the general meetings are open to members and non-members, so members are encouraged bring a neighboring business owner, who is not a member, to one of these meetings, which are not only informative but are a great opportunity for networking.
• In May the chamber once again will be awarding three $1,000 scholarships to graduating eighth graders. You will not want to miss the smiling faces of these fine students and their proud parents at the awards presentation.
• In June, the chamber not only will be hosting JEFF FEST and a BINGO fundraiser but will hopefully be unveiling its revamped Website and distributing the chamber’s annual Membership Directory. Your membership includes a listing on the Website and in the directory. In addition, one set of mailing labels, with the names and addresses of our members, is available to all members annually.
• And, finally, don’t forget to take advantage of the Small Business Improvement Fund, which offers grants to owners whose businesses are located in the Jefferson Tax Increment Financing District. Up to $150,000 is available per business.

Whether your business is located in a storefront, an office or a home, I hope the chamber can be of service to you in 2010. Please call me at (773) 286-6100 if you have any recommendations for new chamber programs. It should be an exciting year, as a sign store, hair salon and café are among the area’s new businesses.

Sincerely,

Brian Nadig, Chamber President
Nadig Newspapers, Publisher