2008 September Newsletter - Skokie Chamber of Commerce

5002 Oakton Street • P.O. Box 106 

Skokie, IL 60077 

847-673-0240 • Fax: 847-673-0249 

info@skokiechamber.org 

www.skokiechamber.org 

CHAMBER EVENTS 

Thursday, September 11, 2008 

FALL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON 

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 

Bonefish Grill 

9310 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie 

Wednesday, September 17, 2008 

COFFEE BREAK WITH LOU LANG 

7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. 

Skokie Theatre 

7924 Lincoln, Skokie 


DOWNTOWN SKOKIE 

CLASSIC CAR SHOW 

6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 

Village Green, located between 

Village Hall and the Skokie Public Library 

Friday, September 19, 2008 

BUSINESS LEADERS’ FORUM 

DISCOVER YOUR 

BUSINESS POTENTIAL 

8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. 

National-Louis University 

5202 Old Orchard Road, Skokie 


WOMEN IN BUSINESS 

AMAZING FACTS ABOUT LITERACY 

AND HOW ILLITERACY 

AFFECTS YOUR BUSINESS 

Noon - 1:30 p.m. 

Skokie Public Library 

5215 Oakton, Skokie 


SENIOR LIVING WORKSHOP 

9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 

Oakton Park Community Center 



SKOKIE CHAMBER BREAKFAST CLUB 

7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. 



Save the Date! 

Friday, October 17, 2008 

ANNUAL LEGISLATORS’ FORUM 

7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. 

Oakton Community College/ 

Ray Hartstein Campus 

7701 N. Lincoln Avenue, Skokie 

Event Registration Form is on back 

cover. Fax or call in your reservation at 

least 48 hours prior to the event. 

The 

C 

H A M B E R September 

2008 

O N N E C T I O N 

A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE SKOKIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 

Sign One has Another Banner Year! 

Sign One is the one-stop resource for all types of signs and graphics. An active 

Skokie Chamber member since 1991, Henry Funkenbusch, owner of Sign One 

in Evanston, is always ready to go that extra mile. 

Sign One offers a full range of services, from 

consultation and design to installation of signs and 

graphics. They make indoor and outdoor signs, 

banners and decals to cut, and vinyl for windows and 

walls. They are more than just signs; they produce 

recognition awards, frames for sport photos, 

nametags and desk plates. 

Their newest cut-aluminum or stainless steel building signage is growing in 

popularity. An example is the recently renovated Hotel Orrington in Evanston. 

Sign One now offers six-color-process, wide-format printing for banners and 

signs. “The banners can be as long as 150 feet by 45 inches tall,” says Henry. 

They have a full database of local and national logos. According to Amy Potter, 

General Manager of Wildcat Sports Marketing at Northwestern University, “We 

have a lot of sponsors, and we have to make sure their logos are right and 

everything works within their dimensions and our demands. Henry and his team 

work really well to get our graphics and signs, and to make them high-quality and 

exactly what we need.” At the Wilmette Sidewalk Sale, Henry created large signs 

with invisible holes that allow the wind to pass through without the signs blowing 

away. Now that will blow you away! 

Their Americans with Disability Act (ADA)-compliant 

VISTA System, great for hospitals and businesses, 

uses raised numbers and Braille. The curved lens 

allows for names to easily change without recreating 

the whole sign. 

Henry and his staff can convert your ideas into eyecatching 

signs and graphics that spotlight your 

business and convey your key message with style. 

And, most importantly, Sign One stays on schedule 

and delivers on time. 

Sign One serves businesses and organizations of all 

sizes, providing innovative, customized sign solutions 

that help their customers stand out from the crowd. 

Sign One – Your #1 Sign Source 

1121 Emerson St. 

Evanston, IL 60201 

847-869-SIGN (7446) 

www.signone.com 

CS@SignOne.com 

Retail hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

Monday through Friday and Saturday by appointment.

Welcome New Members! 

AA-ANTHONYS INC. 

9621 Tripp 


773-230-1062 (t) 

Cindy Best 

Tony@aa-anthonys.com 

www.aa-anthonys.com 

Construction/Home Remodeling 

ALPHAGRAPHICS 

1848 Waukegan Road 

Glenview, IL 60025 

847-729-7768 (t) 

847-729-7793 (f) 

Steve Barreca 

us223@alphagraphics.com 

www.glenview223.alphagraphics.com 

Signs, Lettering, Decals & Graphics 

GPG & ASSOCIATES, LLP 

8430 Gross Point Road, Suite 202 


847-965-9707 (t) 

847-965-9720 (f) 

Gerard P. Gangloff 

gpg@gpg-associates.com 

www.gpg-associates.com 

Accountants, CPA & Tax Preparation 

GULLIVERS 

2727 W. Howard Street 

Chicago, IL 60645 

773-338-2166 (t) 

Dino Karageorgis 

Restaurant 

H2O PLUS AT OLD ORCHARD 

4999 Old Orchard Center, Space E3 


847-673-5809 (t) 

847-673-1547 (f) 

Renate Galazka 

renata@h2oplus.com 

www.h2oplus.com 

Cosmetics/Skincare 

NATURE’S HOME 

4999 Old Orchard Center #F6 


847-674-2500 (t) 

Jim Heard 

yournatureshome@att.net 

www.yournatureshome.com 

Retail 

STRATEGIC PRODUCTS & SERVICES 

10400 W. Higgins Road, Suite 300 

Rosemont, IL 60018 

630-827-5402 (t) 

630-827-5402 (f) 

Chris Chepy 

cchepy@spscom.com 

www.spscom.com 

Telecommunication Services 

WEINGARTEN & ADLER 

8170 N. McCormick Blvd., Suite 118 


847-677-3300 (t) 

847-677-3304 (f) 

Ben Schneider 

shavoo1@northsidelegal.com 

www.northsidelegal.com 

Attorneys & Legal Services 

Membership 

Renewals 

Airflow Heating & 

Air Conditioning, 2007 

BankFinancial, 1993 

Coldwell Banker Leader Realty, 2001 

Dot’s Hallmark Shop (DSD Corp.), 1990 

Edwardo’s Natural Pizza, 1997 

Elizer & Meyerson, 2003 

Harris Bank, 2001 

Kenny the Kleener, 1992 

Main & Crawford Auto Repair, 2005 

ManorCare Health Services, 1982 

Marge’s Flowers & Gifts, Inc., 1989 

Marketplace on Oakton, 1994 

Niles Township Regular 

Republican Organization, 2004 

North Shore Center 

for the Performing Arts, 1995 

Oil & Vinegar, 2007 

Park’s Plumbing & Sewer Inc., 1992 

Pauline & Company, 1992 

R.B. Plumbing and Sewer, Inc., 1999 

Sally Chapralis & Associates, 1990 

Sign A Rama, 2003 

Skokie School District 69, 1987 

SLSF, 2007 

Solomon Schechter Day School, 2003 

State Farm Insurance, 2004 

Sweet Home Improvements, 2003 

Tolziens’ Auto Service Inc., 1993 

UPS Store, 2007 

West of Eden’s Restaurant, 2003 

Westfield Old Orchard, 1977 

Skokie Chamber Seeking New Board Members 

The Skokie Chamber of Commerce nominating committee, headed by Deb Mattes of Westfield Old Orchard, will be 

convening in September and October to select candidates to serve on the Chamber’s 2009 Board of Directors. 

It is anticipated that there will be three seats available. Qualifications for serving on the Board of Directors include, but are 

not limited to, the type of industry represented, special expertise, service to the business community and other organizations, 

past involvement with the Skokie Chamber of Commerce and membership standing. 

Should you be interested in serving on the Board of Directors, please submit your candidacy in writing, explaining your 

qualifications and experience, and why you would like to serve the Skokie Chamber of Commerce in a directorial capacity. 

Submit your application to Executive Director, Howard Meyer, via email at hmeyer@skokiechamber.org. If you have any 

questions, please call 847-673-0240. 

2 

In This Issue 

New Members/Renewals ........ pg. 2 

Executive Director Letter ..........pg. 3 

Upcoming Events .................... pg. 4 

Business Spotlights .............. pg. 5-6 

In the Community......................pg. 7 

Your Chamber in Action .......... pg. 8 

News You Can Use...................pg. 9 

Advertisers, Rate Sheet.... pg. 10-11 

Event Registration...................pg. 12 

Mailing services for 

The Chamber Connection 

are provided by 

Chamber member 

Direct Mail Source, 

6653 W. Howard, Niles 

847-676-3744.

A Word From the Executive Director 

Relationships Make a Difference in this Economy 

As I write this article, I am preparing for my eldest daughter to go away 

to college for the first time. There are a lot of emotions involved with 

this event, not only on the part of my daughter, but for Daddy as well. 

She is so intent on needing to know exactly what her major is going to 

be and where her degree will take her after college. This has caused me to 

reflect on where I was 18 years ago and how far my career path has drifted from 

its beginnings 25 years ago. At a recent Women in Business Program, we asked 

people to include with their 30-second elevator speeches where they began their 

careers. There were many interesting paths that people followed: Rebecca 

Bloomfield, an insurance agent, began her career as an actress; our Mary Kay 

representative, Janis Onstott, began her career as a Junior High School band 

teacher; and Catherine Johns and Karen Hand, owners of Positive Changes 

Hypnosis Center began their careers as local radio personalities. My own 

Chamber of Commerce career began as a Camp Director. It was because of the 

relationship that I have with a colleague, Terry Kane, Executive Director of 

Temple Judea Mizpah, that led to my referral to the Chamber leadership, which 

eventually led to my hiring in 2006. Who would have thought? 

Being successful in business, or having a successful career path, is as much 

about “who you know” as it is about “what you know.” Here at the Skokie 

Chamber of Commerce, I am very proud of the relationships that exist within the 

Chamber membership. The relationships that we foster are the measure of our 

success as an organization. Taking the first step to come to a program is a big 

move for some people. We understand this. That is why you will see me, my 

staff and our Board members networking through the room at all of our functions, 

and working the room on your behalf. WE are successful when YOU make a 

successful connection. Never fear that you will be left alone standing in a corner 

like a bad cocktail party nightmare! To me, a successful program or event is not 

only the number of contacts we help facilitate, but the number of people who are 

still left in the room after the program has concluded. If I were to try to attach a 

catch phrase to what we are about it would probably be “WE are in the business 

of YOU.” 

Your Chamber membership has so many advantages. We are the ones that can 

“hold your hands” through the storm, especially during these tough economic 

times. The relationships that you forge with your fellow members is irreplaceable. 

I was in attendance at a Sales Vantage Referral meeting several months ago 

and walked away with a little piece of paper from a fish bowl drawing. I’ve been 

carrying this piece of lime green paper in my wallet for months and I pull it out to 

show to members all the time. It reads: “Don’t Expect Leads To Be Handed To 

You. Always Be Prospecting!” Unfortunately, I usually have to pull out this little 

gem after someone complains that their “membership isn’t working.” 

I sometimes think that I should author a “how to” brochure on the benefits of a 

Chamber or any other networking organization. Frankly, I’m sold on the benefits 

of Chamber membership. Not because I direct a terrific Chamber of Commerce, 

but because I see the benefits businesses get, not everyday, but every hour of 

the day. It is very empowering to hear members thank their fellow members 

when we give testimonials at networking events. The basic premise and success 

of our Chamber is that people do business with those they know, like and 

trust. If you are not active in the Chamber, I hope you will give us a try and start 

taking advantage of the power that being a part of a large organization can bring 

your business. 

Howard S. Meyer 

Executive Director 

Skokie Chamber 

2008 Board of Directors 

Deborah Mattes, President 

Westfield Old Orchard 

Glen Roter, 

Executive Vice President 

Edward Jones Investments 

Carolyn Anthony, 

Vice President 


(Public Sector) 

Art Gately, Treasurer 

Albany Bank & 

Trust Company N.A. 

Bob Pielet, Secretary 

Your PC Help Desk 

Cynthia Barron 

Chiro One Wellness Center 

Nanciann Gatta 

Niles Township Dist. 219 


Mark Collins 

Sign A Rama Skokie 

Minal Desai 

Diamond Bank 

Susan Doroshow, D.D.S. 

General Dentist 

David Ehrlich 

Attorney 

J.R. Graves 

CMS Consolidated, Inc. 

Raman Grover 

Zubisma Distributors 

Sheila Lakhani-Gilani 

Holiday Inn North Shore 

Brian Moak 

Duxler Tire & Car Care Center 

Jerry Mytych 

AT&T 

Robert Orenstein 

New York Life Insurance Co. 

Al Rigoni 

Village of Skokie 


Mark Schneiderman 

Skokie Park District 


Lynn Seinfeld 

Oakton Community College 

3

Events 

Fall Membership Luncheon 

It's that time of year again! It's time for current members to 

meet new members of the Skokie Chamber at our annual 

Fall Membership Luncheon. This member-only event will be 

held at Bonefish Grill with good food, fun and networking! 


11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 

Bonefish Grill, 9310 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie 

$10 fee, lunch included 

Coffee Break with Lou Lang 

Join us for coffee and breakfast with Illinois State 

Representatvie Lou Lang. State Representative Lang will 

talk about a Constitutional Convention and how it could 

affect your business. Also, you’ll have the opportunity to 

participate in one-on-one networking with fellow Skokie 

Chamber members. 


7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. 

Skokie Theatre, 7924 N. Lincoln, Skokie 

$10 fee, breakfast included 

Downtown Skokie Classic Car Show 

Don’t miss our last 2008 show! Browse among 75 classic 

cars at the Village Green (located between Village Hall and 

the Skokie Public Library). This free and fun event will 

feature DJ Barry Edwards and is sure to be fun for the 

whole family! 

Wednesday, September 17, 2008, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 

Village Green on Oakton Street, Skokie 

Presented by the Skokie Chamber of Commerce, 

Independent Merchants of Downtown Skokie and 

Midwest Motor Shows. 

Sponsored by Irmo Insurance Agency, Inc.; 

RCN Business Services; and McCarthy Duffy LLP 

Business Leaders’ Forum 

DISCover your Business Potential 

Discover your natural behaviors and communication style, 

and learn how to adapt them to better succeed in business 

with the DISC test. Presented by Jim Rosas and Pamela 

Marte of Sales Results, Inc., this enlightening workshop will 

include your DISC test, test results and analysis during the 

workshop. This is your chance to get a jump on your 

competition by understanding who you are and how you 

are perceived! 


8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. 



$60 fee, breakfast and DISC test with analysis included 

See insert for more details and to register! 

4 

Women in Business 

Amazing Facts about Literacy and How 

Illiteracy Affects Your Business 

How does literacy affect your business and the world's 

economy? Or even health? How does the United States 

literacy rate compare with the rest of the world? Joanne 

Haeberlin of Usborne Books will give us the answers to 

these important questions and expand on the importance of 

literacy. She'll also help attendees step into the shoes of an 

illiterate person to understand challenges they face. 


Noon - 1:30 p.m. 



$10 fee, includes lunch 

Senior Living Workshop 

Seniors and their family members are welcome to join us at 

our second Senior Living Workshop. This Workshop will 

feature Chamber members and Village of Skokie officials 

for a seminar and business expo. Information about aging 

in place will be discussed and flu shots will be available at 

no cost for seniors with Medicare cards. 


9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 



No fee, breakfast will be served. 

See insert for more details. 

Sponsored by Pioneer Press, Panera Bread, 

Walgreens, Law Offices of David A. Charous, 

Leslie M. Stern Design and Seniors Action Service 

Skokie Chamber Breakfast Club 

Promote your business to fellow Chamber members at the 

Skokie Chamber Breakfast Club. This dynamic monthly 

networking event is open to all members! You'll participate 

in 30-second introductions, small group table networking, 

receive great tips on networking and have the opportunity 

to develop new relationships. 


7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. 



$10 fee, includes breakfast 

Save the Date! 

Annual Legislators’ Forum 

Friday, October 17, 2008, 7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. 

Oakton Community College 

7701 N. Lincoln, Skokie 

Sponsored by AT&T Illinois 

and Westfield Old Orchard

First Data Independent Sales-Northern 

Illinois Provides Secure Electronic Payments 

Business Spotlights 

Immigration Law Associates 

Assists Businesses and Families 

Whether opening a new business or expanding an 

established one, First Data Independent Sales (FDIS)- 

Northern Illinois provides flexible, robust and secure 

products and services that enable merchants to accept 

nearly all types of electronic payments. These payment 

options include MasterCard, Visa, Discover Network, 

American Express, TeleCheck Electronic Check 

Acceptance Warranty service and online e-commerce 

transactions. 

First Data Independent Sales (FDIS) uses First Data’s 

processing engine. First Data powers the global economy 

by making it easy, fast and secure to buy goods and 

services using virtually any form of payment. Serving 

millions of merchant locations and thousands of card 

issuers, First Data has the expertise and insight to help you 

accelerate your business 

The staff at FDIS-Northern Illinois focuses on the small and 

medium-sized company that values the hands-on approach 

to customer service. They offer complimentary analysis of 

credit card statements that can result in savings of 15 to 45 

percent on these services. 

In addition to merchant processing, FDIS-Northern Illinois 

provides a full-service point-of-sale solution to any type of 

merchant. POS solutions range from bars, restaurants, 

retail, liquor and online software. POS systems are 

available either new or used. FDIS-Northern Illinois also 

carries a full line of paper roll supplies, guest paging 

systems, wireless terminals and refurbished credit card 

terminals. 

To learn more about their services, call or visit their 

website. 

Adam Kaplan 

First Data Independent Sales (FDIS) - Northern Illinois 

2616 Roslyn Circle 

Highland Park, IL 60035 

(847)266-1220 

www.fdisni.com 

Services by Cardservice International. 

The First Data Independent Sales Agent Program is operated by 

Cardservice International, Inc. Cardservice International, doing business 

as First Data Independent Sales (FDIS), is a registered ISO/MSP for Wells 

Fargo Bank, N.A., Walnut Creek, CA, an FDIC insured bank. American 

Express requires separate approval. FDIS Northern Illinois is an 

independent agent for Cardservice International. 

Attention! The first 15 Chamber members to read this 

sentence and call the Chamber office at 847-673-0240 

will receive a prize from Illinois Nut and Candy! 

Elizabeth Walder, President of Skokie-based Immigration 

Law Associates, has helped many achieve their goals and 

dreams since she founded her firm almost 20 years ago. 

The firm welcomes people of all nationalities, with staff 

fluent in languages that include Polish, Japanese, Korean, 

Spanish, Urdu, Punjabi and Hindi. 

The firm helps businesses hire employees, religious 

institutions hire pastors and other ministry staff, individuals 

gain work visas or permanent residence (“green cards”), 

and spouses of U.S. citizens to become permanent 

residents based on the marriage. Immigration Law 

Associates also has served universities and their faculties, 

science organizations, and researchers, as well as 

musicians, film directors, visual artists and entrepreneurs. 

The firm also has a former Immigration and Naturalization 

Service citizenship officer on staff. 

Says Attorney Walder, “Some of our most satisfying cases 

involve concerned parents facing separation from a child 

who turned 21 while a parent was waiting for visa 

approval.” She explains that Immigration Law Associates 

has a specialist well-versed in the Child Status Protection 

Act (CSPA), which allows a family to reduce the child’s 

effective age based on the amount of time spent waiting. 

“Through use of the CSPA and communication with U.S. 

embassies and consulates, we have been able to avoid 

many separations,” she adds. 

“Many other immigration problems have straightforward 

solutions,” explains Attorney Walder. She and her staff are 

pleased to help new immigrants add their strength to 

American society. 

Those wishing a consultation tailored to their 

circumstances and concerns may call Immigration Law 

Associates at 847-763-8500, or contact the firm through the 

website www.immig-chicago.com. 

Elizabeth Walder 

Immigration Law Associates, P.C. 

8707 Skokie Boulevard, Suite 302 

ewalder@immig-chicago.com 

847-763-8500 

www.immig-chicago.com 

What Chamber news are you missing? 

Don’t miss our weekly email blasts. Topics include: 

Upcoming Events ● Member News and Information 

Village of Skokie News ● Updates on Chamber 

Happenings ● and Much More! 

Sign up now by calling 847-673-0240. 

5

Business Spotlights 

ROOM by ROOM REDESIGN Creates 

New Interiors Without Spending a Fortune 

and Stages Your Home to Sell Quickly 

ROOM by ROOM REDESIGN can help you fall in love with 

your home, whether it’s the one you already live in or the 

one you want to buy. 

Co-owners Shani Abrams and Jane Berlowe have been in 

the design field for more than 20 years. 

They started their firm because they knew there were so 

many people out there who wanted to redesign their homes 

but didn’t want to spend thousands of dollars to do so. 

“Redesign is the process of using the 

furniture, art and accessories that you 

already own. This process allows us to 

transform someone’s home so that it 

reflects his or her tastes and lifestyle,” 

says Shani Abrams. 

Shani and Jane have found that people are thrilled with the 

results because they had no idea that the same space 

could be so strikingly different by utilizing their own things 

in new ways. 

In addition to redesign, these two designers are also Home 

Stagers. 

“Home Staging visually prepares a home for sale so that 

potential buyers can envision themselves living there. In 

today’s marketplace with so many homes available, it’s 

imperative that your home stands out and makes a 

powerful first impression. Used as a marketing tool, staged 

homes sell quicker and for top dollar,” says Jane Berlowe. 

ROOM by ROOM REDESIGN is a firm that understands 

homeowners needs and lifestyles, whether they’re staying 

in their homes or trying to sell them. 

For more information and for a complimentary consultation, 

please contact Shani Abrams or Jane Berlowe. 

ROOM by ROOM REDESIGN 

4138 Greenwood St. 


847-675-7575 

shaniandjane@roombyroomredesign.net 

ROOM by 

ROOM 

REDESIGN 

Harris Bank Provides Service and Quality 

For more than 125 years, Harris Bank has served as a 

trusted advisor, helping customers make smart financial 

decisions. From their roots in Chicago to the expansion into 

Indiana and Wisconsin, Harris has the breadth of a full 

suite of personal, 

business and wealth 

services delivered by 

professionals you know 

and trust. 

Every individual’s, family’s and business’ needs are 

different. Harris experts are trained to serve the unique 

financial needs of personal, business and corporate clients, 

and deliver tailored banking, lending, investing and wealth 

management solutions for every stage of life. 

The role of good corporate citizen is also part of the 

foundation on which Harris was built. In 1882, N.W. Harris 

created this company to help finance westward expansion. 

He had two fundamental principles: “honesty and fair 

dealing.” Those principles have remained the guiding light 

at Harris. 

Harris is proud to support the growth and success of our 

communities. Through corporate giving as well as hours of 

volunteerism from their employees, Harris is committed to 

investing in and giving back to the neighborhoods, towns 

and cities where they live and work. 

While Harris’ support takes many forms, their mission is to 

enhance and strengthen communities by focusing on 

education and financial literacy, as well as economic 

development. This includes affordable housing and support 

for community development organizations. 

For more information about how Harris can help you, call 

the local Skokie office at 847-675-1072 and ask for Kim 

Ogasawara, Bank Manager. 

Harris ® is a trade name used by Harris N.A. and its affiliates. Member FDIC 

Kim Ogasawara 

Harris Bank 

9731 Skokie Boulevard 


847-675-1072 

www.harrisbank.com 

6 

Senior 

Living 

Workshop 

Get the information you need to retire 

or provide for your aging parents. 

Thursday, September 25, 2008 Oakton Park Community Center 

9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 4701 Oakton, Skokie 

Free admission! Flu shots available at no cost 

for seniors with Medicare card!

Bears of Hope at KidOOdles 

Free Kids Program at Westfield® Old Orchard 

Bears of Hope is a nonprofit organization that makes and 

gives handmade fabric bears to clergy and other 

organizations to bring to sick and needy children.Even 

though their focus is on children, elderly adults who are ill 

or lonely also have received bears and find comfort and 

spiritual hope from them. Bears of Hope has no paid staff— 

just wonderful volunteers. They rely on donations to 

support their work in brightening the lives of children. 100 

percent of all donations are used to purchase materials to 

make the bears. 

Bears of Hope will present a 

hands-on craft program for kids 

at KidOOdles on Saturday, 

October 4, from 11:30 a.m. to 

12:30 p.m. in the Orchard Food 

Court at Westfield Old Orchard 

in Skokie. Bring your children 

and grandchildren 5-10 years of 

age to paint fabric designs for 

Bears of Hope. The childrens’ 

fabric designs will be made into 

bears that will be given to the 

Skokie Police Department. Police Officers will give these 

Bears of Hope to children suffering trauma from a traffic 

accident, domestic disturbance or criminal activity. This is a 

perfect way for kids to help other kids in need of hugs and 

comfort. 

Westfield Old Orchard is conveniently located in Skokie at 

the Old Orchard Road and Skokie Boulevard. 

For more information, visit www.bearsofhope.com or call 

Carolyn Reiner 847-673-4098 or e-mail at 

Bears@carolynreiner.com 

Downtown Skokie 

Classic Car Shows 

Cruise the Backlot 

September 17, 6 p.m.—9 p.m. 

Admission is Free! 

Sponsored by: 

Irmo Insurance Agency 

RCN Business Services and 

McCarthy Duffy LLP 

Presented by: 

Skokie Chamber of Commerce 

IMODS and Midwest Motor Shows 

In the Community 

Skokie’s First Bank & Trust Announces 

Cool Globe Acquisition 

Robert R. Yohanan, Managing Director and CEO of First 

Bank & Trust, announced the acquisition of a Cool Globe 

which is displayed at its Skokie branch at 8047 Skokie 

Boulevard, just north of Oakton Street. The Cool Globe— 

entitled "Green, Invest, Grow"—was created by artist 

Jessica Pignotti and depicts how financial institutions are 

not only investing in green technology but also encouraging 

their clients to do the same. 

With flowers and other greenery growing from a 

"foundation" of money, this globe demonstrates the need, 

when investing, to entrust one's funds to companies that 

support sustainable green products – and that place 

environmental needs on a level with their own. Jessica 

Pignotti's globe 

celebrates the 

philosophy that a 

healthier planet is 

possible when 

businesses and 

individuals financially 

invest in green 

technologies and 

companies. 

Mr. Yohanan stated 

that First Bank & Trust is pleased to acquire and display 

this Cool Globe to raise the consciousness of the public in 

making a difference. Everyone can help develop a healthier 

environment by carefully investing in areas that make a 

difference. 

The Cool Globe’s effort 

was founded by Wendy 

Abrams to inspire and 

empower the public to take action against global warming. 

The project has one common goal—to issue a call to action 

that encourages changes in day-to-day lifestyles and 

business operations that ultimately will reduce our 

collective impact on the environment. 

David Putrus 

First Bank & Trust 


847-329-0400 

Seats are limited! RSVP now for the 

Fall Membership Luncheon. 


11:30 a.m.—1:30 p.m. 

Bonefish Grill, 9310 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie 

$10 fee, full-service lunch included! 

7

8 

Your Chamber 

in Action 

Annual Holiday Party and Auction 

Your In the Community Chamber in Action 

Thank you to North Shore 

Festival of Art Volunteers 

The 2008 North Shore Festival of Art was a huge success! 

Thank you to the following volunteers for contributing time 

at the art festival on Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27. 

Carolyn Anthony, 


Cindy Barron, 

Chiro One Wellness Center 

Doug Blakeley, 

First American Bank 

Nancy Boucha, 

Scuba Systems, Ltd. 

Tom Berchen, 

Sign A Rama 

Mary Bruninga, 

Irmo Insurance Agency, Inc. 

Gary Chesin, 

Wachovia Securities 

Jason Clarke, 

Edward Jones 

Susan Doroshow 

Susan Doroshow, D.D.S. 

Rod Gardner, 

The Douglas Center 

JR and Shar Graves, 

CMS Consolidated, Inc. 

Dean Giuntoli, 

Dean Giuntoli’s 

Bookkeeping Service 

Len Golden, 

Coldwell Banker/ 

Martin & Marbry 

Michael and Carolyn 

Halliburton, 

Michael Halliburton, MAI 

Scott Holtz, 

5207 Incorporated 

Dario Kerkez, 

MetLife 

Mark Ingraham, 

Mark Ingraham Design 

Deana Lewis, 

Pioneer Press/Skokie Review 

Deb Mattes, 

Westfield Old Orchard 

Rick Moskovitz, 

A-Plus Pest Control, Inc. 

Dan Mossell, 

Mossell Holistic Healthcare 

Bob Pielet, 

Your PC Help Desk 

Elaine Powell, 

Avon Independent 

Sales Representative 

John Poulopoulos, 

Michael Silver 

& Company, CPA 

David Putrus, 

First Bank & Trust 

Mary Rose, 

Metropolitan Family Services 

Glen Roter, 

Edward Jones 

Holly Rotman-Zaid, 

On Time Promotions 

Kathy Stein, 

American Cancer Society 

Steve Taich, 

Assured-Healthcare 

Sherry Tromotola, 

Jerry Pearlstein & 

Associates, Ltd. 

Also, thank you to Jon Victor at House of Rental 

for donating linens and coolers! 

Annual Picnic in the Park 

Wednesday, August 13, 2008 

Sharon Wilken of Traeger 

Furs Inc. (left) and Caryn 

Shulman of Chicago’s North 

Shore CVB enjoy the annual 

Picnic in the Park. 

Jennifer Williams of 

Chicago’s North Shore CVB 

(left), Sally Chapralis of Sally 

Chapralis & Associates, 

and David Levine of Illinois 

Nut and Candy listen as 

guests speak about their 

businesses during their 30- 

second introductions. 

Multi-Chamber Networking Breakfast 

Friday, August 15, 2008 

Linda Smith of Linden 

Organizing Services, 

LLC and Holly Rotman- 

Zaid of On Time 

Promotions make a 

connection at the Multi- 

Chamber Networking 

Breakfast. 

Jim Heard of Nature’s 

Home talks to Multi- 

Chamber attendees 

about his new store at 

Westfield Old Orchard. 

Visitors to the 

North Shore 

Festival of Art 

browse among the 

160 artists that 

displayed their 

work. 

Jeff Grovak of Super 

Press Printing/Grovak 

and Jason Clarke of 

Edward Jones listen as 

attendees describe their 

business during the 

break-out portion of the 

event. 

8

Monthly blog by Mike Buhmann, Business and Career Librarian 

And the Winner is...the Webby Awards 

How do you find a new website? People usually find 

websites by using Google, or perhaps from an 

advertisement or through a recommendation from a friend 

or colleague. But where can you find the truly top-notch 

websites out there? Well, you may want to take a cyber 

stroll over to the Webby Awards website 

(www.webbyawards.com) to find a selection of awardwinning 

sites voted by leading web experts, business 

figures and artists. 

Honorees are awarded in various categories such as 

Banking (Winner: The Lending Club, 

www.lendingclub.com), Services (Winner: Blurb, 

www.blurb.com, and Self Promotion (Winner: RED 

Universe, www.ff0000.com) 

One of my favorite small business sites is listed as an 

honoree: AllBusiness (www.allbusiness.com). AllBusiness 

is a Dun & Bradstreet site that provides how-to advice on a 

variety of business topics. I like it because of the wide 

selection of business blogs written by business 

practitioners and covering topics such as sales, franchises, 

personal finance and smart marketing. There's also a wide 

selection of podcasts and videos that I can download to my 

iPod and listen to or view during downtime at work or when 

I'm waiting for my wife to try on clothes at the mall. 

The Webby Award site also can be a source for ideas to 

use for your own website. There are categories for Best 

Home Page (Winner: Los Angeles Film School, 

www.lafilm.com/flash/index.html), Best Visual Design 

(Winner: Checkland Kindleysides, 

www.checklandkindleysides.com), and Best Navigation/ 

Structure (Winner: TED, www.ted.com) 

There is even an entire category of Webby Awards for 

Interactive Advertising that you can browse through to 

stimulate your marketing creativity. Check out this novel 

approach to get people to browse through an online catalog 

at www.cccp.nl/hema/. 

If you get tired of viewing the practical websites, then stop 

by the "Weird" websites. Here, you can find fun sites such 

as "Cute Overload" (www.cuteoverload.com) where you 

can be inundated by images of cute animals. 

For more information on library business resources, contact 

Mike Buhmann at the Skokie Public Library 

(skokielibrary.info). 

Mike Buhmann, Business Librarian 


847-324-3176 

www.skokielibrary.info 

mbuhmann@skokielibrary.info 

News You Can Use 

How Prepared are you to Make the Right 

Long-Term Car Choices? 

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 

understands the importance of planning for long-term 

care and is partnering with the National Governors 

Association and the National Conference of State 

Legislatures to sponsor an educational campaign, “Own 

Your Future,” to increase 

consumer awareness 

about the need to plan for 

long-term care. 

Long-term care is the day-to-day assistance with life’s 

ordinary activities that many people require at some point 

in their life because of an accident, chronic illness or 

advancing age. Without adequate protection and the 

failure to plan ahead, you risk jeopardizing your standard 

of living and possibly becoming a burden on your loved 

ones, both financially and emotionally. In fact, the risk is 

so high that the Governor of your state is sending a letter 

to every household with individuals between the ages of 

45 and 65, encouraging them to take action. 

It is widely recognized that preparing for long-term care is 

an integral part of any comprehensive retirement plan. 

MetLife Long-Term Care Insurance can help protect the 

freedom you enjoy today. If a day comes when you need 

extensive care for a long period of time, you can take 

pride in having more freedom to decide who takes care 

of you and where. Help secure that freedom today; you’ll 

save a lot of worry tomorrow. 

Dario Kerkez 

Financial Services Representative 

MetLife Resources 

6160 N. Cicero Avenue, Suite 400 

Chicago, IL 60646 

Direct: 773-540-7696 

dkerkez@metlife.com 

Long-Term Care Insurance is issued and distributed by MetLife. Like 

most Long-Term Care Insurance policies, MetLife’s policies contain 

certain exclusions, limitations, waiting periods, reductions of benefits 

and terms for keeping them in-force. A MetLife Representative can 

provide you with complete costs and details. This letter describes 

coverage offered by MetLife Policies. Depending. Metropolitan Life 

Insurance Company, New York, NY 10166. 06067PUK(exp0608)MLIC- 

LD, 04 

Do you have news about your 

industry that you’d like to share? 

Call the Skokie Chamber at 847-673-0240 for 

information on featuring your business in the 

“News You Can Use” section of our monthly 

newsletter at no charge for Chamber members! 

9

I Will Attend the Following: 


FALL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON 

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 

Bonefish Grill 


$10 fee, includes lunch 


COFFEE BREAK WITH LOU LANG 

7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. 

Skokie Theatre 

7924 Lincoln, Skokie 



DOWNTOWN SKOKIE 

CLASSIC CAR SHOW 

6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 

Village Green, located between Village Hall 

and the Skokie Public Library 

No fee 


BUSINESS LEADERS’ FORUM 

8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. 





WOMEN IN BUSINESS 

Noon - 1:30 p.m. 



$10 fee, lunch included 


SENIOR LIVING WORKSHOP 

9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 



No fee 


SKOKIE CHAMBER 

BREAKFAST CLUB 

7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. 




Reservation Information 

Contact Name: _________________________________________________ 

Contact Name: _________________________________________________ 

Company Name: ________________________________________________ 

Amount to Bill: _____ Payment Options: 

□ Pay at Door □ Cash □ Check Enclosed 

Credit Card: □ Visa □ Master • Card# 

Event Registration Sheet 

Dear Chamber Members, 

One of our goals at the Skokie Chamber of Commerce is to 

bring you great networking opportunities. 

To keep costs low and value high, please notify 

the Chamber 24 hours in advance if you cannot attend an 

event, or the event fee will be billed to your company. 

_____________________________ 

Name on Card _________________________________ Exp. Date _______ 

Skokie Chamber of Commerce 

Phone: 847-673-0240 • Fax: 847-673-0249 

Email: events@skokiechamber.org 

Mark your Calendar for the Skokie Chamber of 

Commerce Annual Legislators’ Forum 

Join Skokie Chamber members and legislators for an informative session that 

will be followed by a question-and-answer session. 

Friday, October 17, 2008 

7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. 

Oakton Community College, 7701 N. Lincoln Ave. in Skokie 

Sponsored by AT&T Illinois and Westfield Old Orchard 

Check out the Skokie Chamber of 

Commerce’s industry-specific leads 

group that meets each Tuesday to 

share business leads. 

Sales Vantage Referral Group 

Tuesday Mornings 

7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. 

Weber Center 

The Chamber Connection is published monthly by the Skokie Chamber of Commerce©. Tracy Banks—Newsletter Production/Editor, Howard Meyer—Executive Director, Gayle Weinhouse—Membership Director

2008 September Newsletter - Skokie Chamber of Commerce

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