Q&A
What do you value most about your membership with the LPCC?
“Being a part of a great community”
What one thing do you want everyone to know about Art + Science?
“Everyone is an individual that we respect and want to take care of”
What is your favorite thing about Lincoln Park?
“Our neighbor, Marquee Lounge”
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CHICAGO (November 6, 2009) – The Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (IACCE) announced on Thursday, November 5 that the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce (LPCC) was honored with first place in two categories at the first annual IACCE Communications Awards program. The LPCC’s website – www.lincolnparkchamber.com – and quarterly newsletter, The Source, were presented first place awards for their content and layout in the 501+ member category.
The IACCE created the Communications Awards to provide Illinois chambers of commerce access to statewide recognition for their materials as well as offering another way for chambers to learn from each other. The Communications Awards were presented on Thursday, November 5, 2009 at the annual IACCE Fall Conference held in Lisle, Illinois. More than 100 chamber executives from across the state were present at the three-day event highlighting the successes and challenges chambers are facing today.
“We are truly honored to have been selected for first place in these two categories among all of the entries across the state,” said LPCC President and CEO Kim Schilf. “With chambers across the state working diligently for their members, and producing high-quality materials to promote these efforts, we are humbled by this selection.”
The LPCC’s website was recently overhauled and has worked to bring information that is valuable to both its members and the residents of the popular North Side shopping, dining and cultural neighborhood. Information on neighborhood landmarks including the Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago History Museum, DePaul University and several theatres is included on the site alongside business resources, tips and more. The site’s news blog is updated daily with city budget information, community meeting dates and LPCC event recaps.
Also recently-overhauled, The Source is a 12-page quarterly publication distributed to members of the LPCC and key points in the community. The LPCC works to feature key news from the community, information on upcoming networking opportunities, photos from past events and other benefits of membership with the chamber. Each quarter, the LPCC features two members selected at random to provide further publicity for their products and services and each edition of The Source lists new members and their contact information.
“The IACCE Communications Awards have given Illinois’ chambers access to more best practices to further our collective cause of promoting local businesses,” Schilf continued. “During difficult economic times it is important that chambers of commerce, in addition to the small businesses they serve, band together and share their series of best practices for success. We look forward to future interaction with chambers from across Illinois and across the country.”
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]]>CHICAGO (October 29, 2009) – Throughout the global recession of the past two plus years, businesses from Wall Street to Main Street have been forced to close their doors. Throughout this difficult economic stretch, the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce (LPCC) has recognized the problems affecting businesses both large and small and continues to work to provide businesses the tools, resources and connections necessary to remain profitable, no matter what the economy is doing.
“With boutique shops and restaurants representing a key component of our chamber and neighborhood’s fabric, watching a business be forced to close their doors is of course the last thing we ever want to see,” said Kim Schilf, LPCC President and CEO. “At a time when budgets are increasingly tight for families, businesses and governments, I encourage everyone to remember to shop local and contribute to the vitality of your neighborhood’s business community and reputation.
“We lead numerous initiatives in support of our mission – helping businesses in Lincoln Park succeed and grow,” Schilf continued. “We have negotiated discounted advertising rates at key Chicago media outlets and have offered sponsorships that provide brand awareness and marketing opportunities to help businesses keep their products and services in front of consumer’s attention.”
As a membership organization dedicated to supporting the needs of businesses and the surrounding community, it is the responsibility of the LPCC to keep the best interests of its members in mind when supporting key issues and developing new programming that will affect the way they do business now and in the future.
“As the largest neighborhood chamber of commerce in Chicago, the LPCC works to use these membership numbers to the advantage of the entire business community. The reputation of Lincoln Park as the premier destination for shopping, eating and cultural activities is a key marketing tool we strive to maintain despite the economy,” Schilf said. “We offer dozens of affordable, engaging events from educational seminars to networking events – often totaling more than 150 participants – to help businesses promote their product, or make the necessary connections to keep the cost of doing business down.
“Although Lincoln Park benefits from neighborhood anchors like the Lincoln Park Zoo, DePaul University, Children’s Memorial Hospital, Chicago History Museum, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and more, we are certainly not immune to the global economic downturn,” Schilf concluded. “During these difficult times, I urge businesses to band together and create a unified voice and push for increased sales in Lincoln Park, and across the country.”
While many businesses are being forced to close their doors, the LPCC believes, others still are remaining steady or flourishing. It is unfortunate, however, that stories of a gloom and doom economy continue to cover headlines from coast to coast. LPCC members have shared both their stories of success and challenges throughout the past two years, and if positive messages were shared with the community, the LPCC contends future businesses can learn how to adapt to market conditions and keep their doors open.
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CHICAGO (October 20, 2009) – As an exclusive benefit to the members of the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce (LPCC), the largest neighborhood chamber in Chicago, State Senate President John Cullerton joined representatives from the United States Chamber of Commerce and community anchors DePaul University and Children’s Memorial Hospital for a comprehensive Legislative Breakfast. With an ever-changing political landscape and often uncertain economic future, one-on-one interaction with elected officials and policy makers is vital to the success of many businesses.
The LPCC is committed to providing business owners access to the resources necessary to succeed and grow. An event offering one-on-one access with one of Illinois’ key policy makers was something the LPCC was committed to and worked hard to secure. Tuesday’s Legislative Breakfast, part of the LPCC’s Government Affairs Committee, was open exclusively to members of the LPCC and offered free of charge.
Senate President Cullerton addressed more than 50 members of the LPCC on key issues affecting our state, our residents and our businesses. From state pension programs, bipartisanship in government, spending transparency, the Capital Bill, education, health care and efforts to level the playing field between local shops and online businesses in regards to sales taxes, Senator Cullerton shared his vision for the state and its businesses. Senator Cullerton also discussed key elements to ending budget crunches across all levels of state government and in the CTA and RTA.
DePaul University hosted the event. A Lincoln Park anchor for more than a century, DePaul is deepening its roots in the community with a new 10-year Strategic Planning and Community Agreement recently signed by the LPCC and the Sheffield Neighborhood, Wrightwood Neighbors and Seminary Townhouse associations. “DePaul's community efforts are designed not only to create a state-of-the art campus for our students, but contribute to making Lincoln Park a great neighborhood for everyone who lives and works here,” said the Rev. Dennis H. Holtschneider, C.M., DePaul’s president.
“During these busy and often difficult times, we are honored that Senate President Cullerton would share his unique perspective on the current business landscape throughout Illinois and key changes that may increase growth in the future,” said Kim Schilf, LPCC President and CEO. “Now more than ever our local businesses need to know that their elected officials hear their voice and are on their side.”
The LPCC’s Government Affairs Committee, launched in January 2008, was created to take a proactive approach to legislative issues affecting the Lincoln Park business community. Each year, the Government Affairs Committee works with members and conducts research to create an annual Legislative Agenda, a series of four key issues and positions the LPCC holds as most important for the coming year. In addition, the Government Affairs Committee works to share their position on new issues – from taxes and fees to parking restrictions and more – that arrive each year and have the potential to harm or assist businesses and/or the neighborhood.
Children’s Memorial Hospital, event sponsor, also is working on key changes with a move downtown to the campus of its academic partner, Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, planned for 2012. “The Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce is a leader in our community, and a model organization for supporting the needs of businesses. Senate President Cullerton has been a champion for improving the health and well-being of children for decades. It is an honor to work with both the Chamber and Senator Cullerton, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with them in the Lincoln Park community and beyond for many years to come,” said Patrick Magoon, President and CEO of Children’s Memorial Hospital.
The LPCC also announced Tuesday that they have joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Federation Partnership Program. By joining, the LPCC is helping the U.S. Chamber’s effort to build the nation’s largest grassroots advocacy network while providing added resources to its members. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.
“By joining with the U.S. Chamber’s Federation Partnership, the LPCC has provided its members with the benefits of U.S. Chamber membership, including: access to members-only sections of www.uschamber.com, discounts on products and services, e-newsletters, the U.S. Chamber’s monthly publication, and timely calls to action, alerting small businesses to pressing legislation or policy initiatives,” said United States Chamber of Commerce Great Lakes Representative Ben Taylor. “This ever-growing coalition of small businesses allows the U.S. Chamber to present a strong, unified voice for business in Washington, D.C.”
The U.S. Chamber will alert and mobilize LPCC members on national issues ranging from taxes to technology to transportation. This ever-growing coalition of small businesses allows the U.S. Chamber to present a strong, unified voice for business in Washington, D.C. LPCC members will receive information on key legislation, tips and resources to grow their business and access to discounts at several national corporations.
More information on the U.S. Chamber is available online at www.uschamber.com.
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Department of Environment Commissioner Joins
Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce for Fall Luncheon
Commissioner, LPCC Urge Businesses to do Their Part to Limit
Global Climate Change
CHICAGO (October 8, 2009) – Members of the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce (LPCC) and other business leaders joined City of Chicago Department of Environment Commissioner Suzanne Malec-McKenna Thursday, October 8 for the LPCC’s annual Fall Luncheon. In a growing commitment to “Green” initiatives throughout Chicago, the LPCC tapped Commissioner Malec-McKenna to help inform local businesses about the steps they can take to contribute to the global environment.
“We are thrilled that Commissioner Malec-McKenna was able to provide LPCC members with access to valuable information that can help them do their part for the environment while working to keep operating costs down as well,” said Kim Schilf, LPCC President and CEO. “The LPCC is a committed supporter of the City of Chicago’s ‘Green’ movement and we use all of our outreach tools to share this message with our membership.”
As businesses work through a difficult economic landscape, many were intrigued to find out that hundreds of dollars annually can be saved by going green – even in the simplest of ways. Commissioner Malec-McKenna shared the City of Chicago’s $800 Challenge, an easy way to change your habits and lower costs through energy-efficiency. Tips were available for businesses of all kinds. Many of the suggestions, including lowering your heat by three degrees and replacing your light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, were applicable for both the home and the office. For those who are car dependent $185 can be saved annually by properly inflating their tires and caring for their vehicle.
Commissioner Malec-McKenna also discussed the City of Chicago’s Climate Action Plan, a comprehensive strategy to limit Greenhouse Gases and the city’s global carbon footprint. Launched in 2008 with help from the Clinton Foundation, Chicago’s Climate Action Plan builds on Mayor Daley’s commitment to make Chicago the most “environmentally-friendly” city in the United States. LPCC members can help create a standard for lower greenhouse gas emissions by: using water and electricity efficiently; utilizing alternative transportation like bicycles and the CTA; streamlining resources; supporting and creating recycling efforts; and encouraging staff and nearby businesses to follow this model.
“With miles of bike lanes, three CTA train lines and dozens of bus routes to and from Lincoln Park, our neighborhood is in a position to serve as a model for other business districts and residential areas when it comes to environmental consciousness,” Schilf continued.
The LPCC is currently partnering with the Lincoln Park Community-Wide Forum, a semi-annual movement organized by Children’s Memorial Hospital to bring awareness to an issue in the neighborhood, on the “Greening of Lincoln Park.” Businesses, residents, educational facilities and civic entities are partnering together to draw attention to recycling and energy-efficiency.
Fashion Designer, Maria Pinto, is the first to be featured. Ms. Pinto designs luxurious women’s clothing and accessories and opened the doors to her Chicago boutique in August of 2008. Whether her clients are high profile figures, celebrities or First Lady, Michelle Obama, they all come back to Maria Pinto for her tailored silhouettes that are made to fit a variety of lifestyles.
Ms. Pinto says that she chose Diamond Bank as the bank for her growing business because of their dedication to creating a relationship.
“It goes back to the word community. We are a small company, we’re a team, and I think by working with a community bank you kind of create the extension of that team. So there are core people there that I contact and I know the job gets done.” - Maria Pinto
Check back on the website at www.dbdiamond.com each month to see which client is featured next!
]]>Q&A
What is your favorite thing about Lincoln Park?
“Lincoln Park has a great balance of an urban environment and a small town feel. We really like knowing all the local shop keepers and residents in the area. It is such a clean, beautiful neighborhood, which makes walking around here everyday ideal.”
What do you value most about your membership with the LPCC?
“We really love building relationships with LPCC members. They come into our store often and it is nice to see their loyal faces. It is also really great to watch their businesses flourish and be part of local growth.”
What one thing do you want everyone to know about Lush Cosmetics?
“We really believe in the ethical treatment of all people, places and things. We have a fantastic product, Charity Pot a hand a body cream, which has 100% of its retail price directly going to charities around the world that support animal rights, environment protections and humanitarian concern.”
Lush Cosmetics
859 W. Armitage
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 281-5874
Immediately before the event, members joined Brian Fons from Corporate Creations for Networking 101, a brief introduction into the world of networking. Thank you to Robert Jeffrey for hosting and a special thank you to North Community Bank for sponsoring the event!
Some photos of the event are available below:
Q&A
What is your favorite thing about Lincoln Park?
“I love the diversity Lincoln Park offers from top-rated doctors to eclectic shopping to an array of good restaurants.”
What do you value most about your membership with the LPCC?
“I enjoy the various educational seminars and networking events the LPCC offers; there are always great topics and plenty of people to meet!”
What one thing do you want everyone to know about Lincoln Park Institute?
“We are the forefront of oral, facial and cosmetic surgery.”
Lincoln Park Institute for Oral, Facial and Cosmetic Surgery
2449 N. Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: (773) 327-2400
About Part of It, Proud of It
Want to be included in a future "Part of It, Proud of It?" Proudly display your LPCC membership to the community for your shot! The LPCC's "Part of It, Proud of It" was created to honor and recognize members who clearly display their LPCC member logo and serve as a liason to other businesses and the surrounding community. Members are randomly selected and only honored if their member decal is on display at the time of visitation.
CHICAGO (August 31, 2009) – The Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce (LPCC) is happy to announce that it has partnered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to provide its members with valuable new programs and services. Through the U.S. Chamber’s Federation Partnership program, small business members in good standing with the LPCC will now receive the benefits of U.S. Chamber membership. This new member benefit is provided at no additional cost to members of the LPCC.
“We are thrilled to partner with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to help support the interests of small businesses across Lincoln Park and throughout the United States of America,” said LPCC President and CEO Kim Schilf. “During any difficult economic stretch it is important for business to work together to ensure their collective goals and needs are met.”
By joining the Federation Partnership, the LPCC is helping the U.S. Chamber’s effort to build the nation’s largest grassroots advocacy network. The LPCC will continue to focus on local issues and programs. The U.S. Chamber will alert and mobilize LPCC members on national issues ranging from taxes to technology to transportation. This ever-growing coalition of small businesses allows the U.S. Chamber to present a strong, unified voice for business in Washington, D.C.
The LPCC works closely with both Lincoln Park Aldermen Scott Waguespack (32nd) and Vi Daley (43rd) as well as local community organizations and more to ensure the needs of businesses are considered when implementing new public policy. The LPCC’s Government Affairs Committee works each year to draft a Legislative Agenda which is presented to our alderman, highlighting the issues that will contribute to the success of neighborhood businesses.
In addition to the LPCC’s benefits members already enjoy, U.S. Chamber membership provides access to members-only sections of www.uschamber.com, including thousands of small business tips and tools; discounts on products and services; uschamber.com Weekly e-newsletter; the U.S. Chamber’s monthly flagship publication, uschamber.com; and timely communications alerting small businesses to pressing legislation or policy initiatives.
“With access to the resources of both the LPCC and the U.S. Chamber, our members will be able to have their voices heard with all of their elected officials,” continued Schilf.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region. Learn more at www.uschamber.com.
Set in the heart of Lincoln Park on Racine between Fullerton and Webster, the Lincoln Park Arts & Music Festival served as a key fundraiser for the LPCC. With additional funding available from events and festivals, the LPCC can develop and implement future programs and initiatives to support the business community, and surrounding Lincoln Park neighborhood.
“As the LPCC adapts existing programs, and develops new strategies to support our local economy, funds from the Lincoln Park Arts & Music Festival will be reinvested in the community,” said Kim Schilf, LPCC President and CEO. “It is our driving principle to contribute to the vitality of the entire Lincoln Park community.”
For entertainment, the Lincoln Park Arts & Music Festival featured renowned bands such as 10,000 Maniacs, Graham Parker, Over the Rhine and local favorite 16 Candles. Lincoln Park’s cultural icons, including the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Chicago History Museum as well as Chicago favorites The Shedd Aquarium and Museum of Contemporary Art helped round out the event’s entertainment. A children’s area was also offered to families free of charge.
In addition to music and other entertainment, some of Lincoln Park’s reknowned restaurants offered festival-goers a taste of what the neighborhood has to offer while cold beverages helped combat nearly record temperatures in Chicago. The LPCC worked together with Chicago Special Events Management to secure artists and other vendors that sold and showcased their wares to the assembled crowds.
“I would like to personally thank our volunteers – more than 175 strong – for their assistance and commitment during a very hot weekend,” Schilf continued. “Without your efforts we would not have been able to pull together a successful event. Thank you again for helping us welcome residents to our neighborhood.”
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The Lincoln Park Community Research Initiative will celebrate its tenth anniversary with a program to be held on November 5, 2009 at the Chicago History Museum. The program will feature the exhibition “Lincoln Park Block by Block”.
Members of the LPCC hired 15 interns from DePaul University this academic year! Simplify your recruiting process through DePaul University’s Career Center! Connect with DePaul’s network of talent to hire interns and full-time employees. Hire DePaul’s best and brightest through the University Internship and Cooperative Education Program. It’s easy to get started! Post your organization’s employment opportunities online using DePaul.Experience. Interview students and alumni on-campus through the On-Campus Interviewing (OCI) Program. Recruit a diverse pool of candidates at Job and Internship Fairs. Start recruiting interns and/or full-time employees today. Contact: Carrie McAteer-Fournier at cmcateer@depaul.edu or (312) 362-5364; Aisha Ghori at aghori@depaul.edu or (312) 362-5874; or send an email to recruitstudents@depaul.edu.
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Congratulations to Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches (2231 N. Lincoln) on being selected as the LPCC’s August "Part of it, Proud of it" recipient! Jimmy John's prides itself on serving only the freshest of ingredients. Jimmy John's definition of fresh is worlds apart from everyone else's. Bread is baked in-house everyday and served fresh. Meat and veggies are sliced fresh in-house everyday. The turkey is real turkey, the roast beef is real roast beef – no additives, no vegetable-based fillers, no fake stuff. Nothing is delivered pre-sliced. Real Hellmann's mayo, real Grey Poupon, real olive oil and red wine vinegar – it's the best of the best.
Q&A
What is your favorite thing about Lincoln Park?
The people and that there is always something to do in the neighborhood.
What do you value most about your membership with the LPCC?
As a part of the LPCC we are able to network and share news with other great local restaurants, bars and eateries as well as a strong means to advertise.
What one thing do you want everyone to know about Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches?
We’re freaky fast and freaky delicious!
Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches
2231 N. Lincoln
Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: (773) 296-2300
About Part of It, Proud of It
Want to be included in a future "Part of It, Proud of It?" Proudly display your LPCC membership to the community for your shot! The LPCC's "Part of It, Proud of It" was created to honor and recognize members who clearly display their LPCC member logo and serve as a liason to other businesses and the surrounding community. Members are randomly selected and only honored if their member decal is on display at the time of visitation.
Updated: Thursday, 09 Jul 2009, 10:00 PM CDT
It's long been considered one of Chicago's most vibrant, and affluent, neighborhoods. Still, Lincoln Park hasn't been immune to the recession. Its problems are, perhaps, just a little more hidden.
Tonight, how residents and businesses are managing to steer themselves back onto the "Road to Recovery" Our guide, Mark Saxenmeyer...a ten-year resident of Lincoln Park.
He joins us now. Like many other folks who settle here, I was drawn to Lincoln Park's proximity to the Loop and to the lakefront. The fact is there's little crime but lots of culture. Lincoln park leaders say many of the economic challenges other neighborhoods are facing haven't been as severe here.
There's a lot to love about Lincoln Park, from the shops to the restaurants, the theaters to the nightlife, from the zoo to the beach, to the very park that gives it it's name. Those who know it best tend to select similar words when describing it...words like walkable, convenient and accessible.
But scratch beneath the surface and some cracks in the fancy facades have surfaced in recent months. Lots of for-sale signs, empty storefronts, worried faces.
Alderman Scott Waugespack says: "We do see people who are extremely stressed out that are coming in here and looking for any kind of assistance they can get."
Real estate agent Doug Fox says compared to other Chicago neighborhoods, foreclosures are few and far between in Lincoln Park. Yet he says folks who've been laid off and are desperate to unload their property are often selling at a loss, especially if they've lived in their home less than three years.
He says: "It's been the most challenging market I've been in." He adds compared to the first half of 2008, so far this year condo sale prices here are down about 3 percent, and multi-unit buildings down even more. The one bright spot is single family homes--prices actually rose by five percent.
Fox says: "I think it's location...plays a big part. Like most restaurants, times have been tough for Goose Island Clybourn, a 21-year-old institution in Lincoln Park. "Well there's no question people are eating out less."
Yet general manager Tim Lane also says that had it not been for the recession, Goose Island might have actually shut down for good.
He recalls: "There was going to be a significant rent increase for the beginning of 2009. We went back and forth in negotiating the rent and at the end of the day, we even announced that we were closing. But in the 11th hour of November, we were able to renegotiate the lease without an increase. I think that's one example where the economy actually worked in our favor because it wasn't like a lot of people were beating down the door to pay the higher price."
Padraic Swanton says the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce is bracing itself for two major upcoming changes to the neighborhood. DePaul University is planning a massive expansion and Children's Memorial Hospital is closing down in order to move to a new facility in Streeterville. If handled poorly, both upheavals could create more economic problems for the neighborhood. But Swanton's spin is nothing but positive.
He says: "If a neighborhood remains stagnant that's when you'll see a downturn. When you continue to reinvent yourself, you continue to remain a destination for other people."
Lincoln park makes up only one-fifth of Alderman Waugespack's 32nd ward but he pays close attention to the entire neighborhood because of the potential benefits he says Lincoln Park's relatively strong infrastructure can bring to the weaker economies of Bucktown, Wicker Park, Roscoe Village and the other areas he serves.
He adds: "One of the biggest things for us is really focusing on good urban planning practices, which frankly I thought were kind of nonexistent before." He points to the Fnkl and Sons Steel Factory on Lincoln Park's Far West Side, set to vacate its 22 acres of prime real estate sometime in 2010.
He asks: "Could we turn it into an alternative technology...windmills, solar technology?" Changes that he believes would bring new and lasting jobs to Lincoln Park, in an eco-friendly way.
Another factor that's helped Lincoln Park through the recession is tourism. The Steppenwolf Theater, Second City Improv, the architecture, world-renowned restaurants like Charlie Trotter's--I could go on and on. But all of these things and many more remain robust draws for visitors who are spending money.
]]>Q&A
What is your favorite thing about Lincoln Park?
“I love that it offers so much variety, with its gardens, the zoo, beachfront and harbor, plus all of the wonderful shops and restaurants. It's a great destination for people of all ages."
What do you value most about your membership with the LPCC?
“Our membership keeps us abreast of what's happening in the business community. The LPCC is such a vibrant and energizing group from which to learn and share ideas."
What one thing do you want everyone to know about Arhaus Furniture?
“Come visit us in August for one of the best and biggest sales of the year and use this opportunity to shop our unique designs for up to 40% off on selected items!”
Arhaus Furniture
1980 N. Clybourn Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: (773) 248-3071
About Part of It, Proud of It
Want to be included in a future "Part of It, Proud of It?" Proudly display your LPCC membership to the community for your shot! The LPCC's "Part of It, Proud of It" was created to honor and recognize members who clearly display their LPCC member logo and serve as a liason to other businesses and the surrounding community. Members are randomly selected and only honored if their member decal is on display at the time of visitation.
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