The Wicker Park Bucktown
Chamber of Commerce
Mission Statement
When you become a member of the Wicker Park Bucktown
Chamber of Commerce, you invest in the future of your community
and ensure that the Chamber continues to advance our mission:
‘The Chamber serves as a cornerstone of the Wicker Park and
Bucktown commercial districts, advancing the financial goals
of neighborhood businesses through the creation of a dynamic
economic climate, increasing the neighborhood’s visibility and
viability, and encouraging profitable relationships within the
community’
Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce
1414 North Ashland Avenue
Chicago, IL 60622
773-384-2672
info@wickerparkbucktown.com
www.wickerparkbucktown.com
WICKER PARK BUCKTOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2011 Board of Directors
Officers Directors
Philip Laurin, President Joe Betancourt
Urban Attorney Betancourt Realty Network
Stephanie Sack Perry, Vice President Wayne Janik
vive la femme boutique Janik’s Cafe
& violette
Al Spenadel, Treasurer Melissa Daza Mondero
Spenadel Tax & Accounting Service Bucktown Wicker Park Dental
Paige Ormond, Secretary Ann Nolan
Doggy Style Pet Shop State Farm Insurance
Michelle Gomez
M.GO Fashion Salon
Jessica Peterson
JJB Management Group
Dina Petrakis
Littlerock Renovation Coaching
Ginna Ryan
Mauge, Inc.
Debbie Sharpe
Feast/Goddess and Grocer
WICKER PARK BUCKTOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2011 Member Benefits
PROMOTIONS AND MEDIA: Smart and successful businesses know that savvy marketing leads to more
business and better sales. The Chamber offers a range of marketing options for its members designed to
effectively deliver their message to thousands of potential new customers. These include:
Listing in our member directory on Chamber website (includes a hyperlink to your website)
Coverage in our popular weekly e-newsletter, sent to thousands of local residents and businesses
Receive one free ad per year in e-newsletter, contact office for details
Inclusion in our annual printed Community guide
Targeted social media opportunities through our active Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn accounts
Post your events and promotions on our website “Deals” page with a link in our e-newsletters
NETWORKING: Meeting professionals and entrepreneurs who are the movers and shakers in the Wicker
Park Bucktown area is easy and fun at our popular monthly networking events. These lively gatherings
happen at member locations throughout Wicker Park Bucktown and attract a diverse group of
community leaders, creative thinkers, and friendly neighbors. Introduce yourself and your company to
other business owners in the area, and make the right kind of connections to grow your business. Want
to host a networking event? Call the WPB Chamber office and we will organize an event with you.
EVENTS AND FESTIVALS: A number of well-attended events run by the Chamber mean an elevated
profile for the community year-round with many opportunities for Chamber members to be involved at
significantly discounted rates and some members-only packages. Established events such as Wicker Park
Fest, Do Division, and Summer Sidewalk Sales bring thousands of potential customers to the area, and
emerging events such as December on Damen offer members a low-cost option for holiday promotions.
EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT: Chamber members may attend our informative training sessions:
Business 101 Seminars. These sessions cover relevant and timely business topics, such as understanding
and maximizing social media, business branding, networking techniques, accounting best practices,
facade rebates, etc. The seminars are led by experts in their fields and are free to Chamber members.
DISCOUNTS: Running a business is costly, so the Chamber provides ways to save money as you make
money. Members receive discounts from select vendors. For example, Chamber members can receive uo
to 25% off Constant Contact fees. Call our office or see our website for more details. Member to member
discounts are listed on our web page, and offer another way for members to promote their business.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANCE: As a service for members, the Chamber provides a complimentary
notary service. If you need official forms notarized, simply contact our office and the staff will handle all
necessary details, saving you time and money. The Chamber also provides technical assistance to
businesses applying for municipal permits and our local rebate programs.
For more information on any of these benefits, please contact us at:
Wicker Park Bucktown 1414 N. Ashland Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60622
Chamber of Commerce Tel #773-384-2672 - Fax #773-384-2525 - www.wickerparkbucktown.com
WICKER PARK BUCKTOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2011 Member Discounts:
Listed below are deals available exclusively to Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce members.
Axel Promotional Products:
A leader in providing branded merchandise, Axel Promotional Products offers Members free shipping on
all first orders regardless of dollar value, 15% off all products for local businesses, 25% off all products
with orders above $200, free local business brand consultations, & free samples for all orders over $300.
Complete Concepts Consulting: HR Consultations:
Complete Concepts Consulting offers Members a 20% discount on consultative services if begun on or
before November 1, 2011 and a compliance assessment (document and file reviews and a
comprehensive report) resulting in a savings of $300!
Constant Contact:
Members get up to a 25% discount on Constant Contact fees. Constant Contact is the number one
source for small business online marketing and newsletters providing users the opportunity to generate
more revenue through offering more services to their clients.
Howard Packaging:
Howard Packaging provides Members with last column (volume discount) pricing on Howard stock, 5
cases free freight on Howard stock, 1 free printing plate on any custom order, and 25% off gift wrap.
Interior Minded:
Interior Minded provides interior decorating services for residential properties. Members receive a
discounted rate of $65/hr (30% off the regular rate of $90/hr). Refer a friend, they receive 1 free hour.
Littlerock Construction:
Members receive 3 hours of Renovation Coaching consultation at $20 off the standard hourly rate of
$120/hour resulting in a savings of $60! Choose between Renovation Coaching (a Scope of Work, list of
who to contact, in what order to accomplish) or Spacelifting (reworks your interiors using the furniture
and accessories you already own).
MC Restaurant:
Enjoy MC Restaurant located at 1401 N Ashland. Chamber members receive 10% off your bill.
New City Moving:
Members receive 6 free rental wardrobe boxes and unlimited free tape for the move. Referring their
customers and friends to New City Moving can also award members a $50 referral bonus.
Office Depot:
Chamber members can receive significant discounts on the Top 100 “Best Buy List” including 15% off
Paper/Toner, 30% off General Supplies, 5% off at www.officedepot.com, the ability to add their own top
10 items, discounts on all printing projects, a free case of paper for 1st time orders over $75, special
discounts on furniture and technology, free next day delivery on orders over $50, and a Store Purchase
Card.
WICKER PARK BUCKTOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2011 Committees
For more information, please contact the Adam Burck, Executive Director, at (773) 384-2672.
Planning, Development and Zoning Committee: Determines strategic plan for area wide
development, addressing needed infrastructure improvements, security, parking and traffic flow.
Committee also reviews zoning and variance requests from potential businesses and developers.
Chairperson: Ann Nolan, State Farm
Hospitality Committee: Reviews liquor license and zoning requests related to liquor licensing.
Provides current information on city ordinances and policies related to the operation of
restaurants and bars.
Chairperson: TBA
Festival Committee: Coordinates annual community festivals produced by the chamber including
the annual Wicker Park Fest.
Chairperson: Debbie Sharpe, Feast and Goddess & Grocer
Finance Committee: Oversees the financial operations of the Chamber, works with Executive
Director to review and approve annual budget and 990 filing.
Chairperson: Al Spenadel, Spenadel Tax & Accounting Service
Green Committee: Plans and coordinates Chamber programs that promote
green/environmentally friendly business practices.
Chairperson: Joe Betancourt, Betancourt Realty
Marketing Committee: Plans and coordinates Chamber’s annual promotional efforts, events,
programs and membership benefits through creative advertising and other promotional means.
Chairperson: Stephanie Sack Perry, vive la femme and violette
Membership Committee: Assists with networking event planning, member recruitment and
member communications. Responsible for organizing a chamber ambassadors group to connect
with new members, introduce them to fellow members and promote member benefits.
Chairperson: Joe Betancourt, Betancourt Realty
WICKER PARK BUCKTOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2011 Networking Events:
To RSVP for any of these events or for more information, please email the Chamber office at
info@wickerparkbucktown.com
January Winter Mixer: Wednesday January 19, 6-8pm, 2011 Forte Framing, 2301 W. North Ave. Join the
Chamber and Forte Framing for snacks, drinks, great conversation that will brighten your winter blahs.
March Margarita Mixer: Wednesday, March 23rd, 6-8pm, at M.GO Fashion Salon, 1754 W Division
(between Hermitage Ave & Wood St). Moonshine Bar & Grill will be catering Appetizers and Margaritas!
April Networking Event: Wednesday April 20th, 6-8pm, at Holy Trinity High School, 1443 W Division. Join
the Chamber and the folks at Holy Trinity High School for an evening of business to business and
community networking with delicious drinks and snacks.
May Networking Event: Wednesday May 25th, 6-8pm, Floyd’s Barbershop, 1409 N Milwaukee. Join the
Chamber at Floyd’s Barbershop for a business to business networking mixer in their rock and roll
themed interior. All proceeds from sales during the event will be donated to a local charity.
June Networking Event: Thursday, June 16th, 6-8pm, at MB Financial Bank, 1554 W North Ave. Come to
MB for food, wine tasting and good conversation! Also, meet Burr Elementary School’s new Principal
William Klee.
July Networking Event: Thursday, July 14th, 6-8pm, Goorin Brothers,1533 North Milwaukee Ave. Join the
Chamber and Goorin Brothers hat shop for an evening of stylish fedoras and business to business
networking.
August Networking Event: Thursday, August 25th, 6-8pm, Accelerated Rehab Center, 2143 W. Division
St. Build your list of contacts and enjoy fine conversation during this night of business networking.
September Networking Event: Wednesday, September 14th, 6-8pm, Bucktown Chiropractic, 1952 W
Armitage. Join the Chamber and Bucktown Chiropractic for an exciting evening of business to business
networking.
October Networking Event: North Community Bank, 2000 W Division, date TBA. Join the Chamber for
great conversation and opportunities to build long-lasting relationships at North Community Bank.
November Chamber Elections: date and location TBA
December Holiday Mixer: Tuesday, December 6th, 6-8pm, The Boundary, 1932 W Division. Celebrate the
holidays with the gift of good conversation and increased business contacts during this festive
networker at The Boundary.
WICKER PARK BUCKTOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2011 Business 101:
To RSVP for any of these events or for more information, please email the Chamber office at
info@wickerparkbucktown.com
January: Why you need to optimize your Linked-In Profile
In today’s market, businesses need new opportunities, more leads, more customers, and strategic
partners in order to grow. Come find out why an optimized LinkedIn Profile is the best place to start with
your Social Media Marketing efforts.
Date: January 12th, 2011 at 9am
Location: 2041 W. Division St.
Presenter: Brandon Lewin, President of DoughNuttz
February: Facade Improvements for Increased Business Traffic & Cutting Costs through Sustainability
Learn tips on how to improve both the look and energy efficiency of your business.
Date: February 18th, 2011 at 9am
Location: WindFree at 1440 N. Ashland Ave.
Presenters: Dina Petrakis of Littlerock Construction, Inc Renovation Coaching and Doug Snower of
WindFree LLC
March: What's New in Healthcare Reform and It’s Effect on Small Businesses
There are many health care changes going into effect in 2011 that will impact small businesses. This
session will summarize all upcoming federal and state changes to health care policy relevant to our small
business community in addition to the discussion of the Small Group WPB Chamber insurance.
Date: March 16th, 2011 from 9-10am, Noon-1pm or 3-4pm
Location: WPB Chamber Office at 1414 N. Ashland Ave.
Presenter: Mike Pawlicki, Health Care Specialist
April: Using Graphics to Market your Organization, Introduction to InDesign
Learn tips on improving your graphic capabilities and using advanced computer design programs.
Date: April 13th, 2011 at 9am
Location: WPB Chamber Office at 1414 N. Ashland Ave.
Presenter: Rani Woolpert of Transistor, Inc
May: Using Constant Contact - Level II
Learn tips on using Constant Contact’s advanced capabilities like web surveys, and social media links.
Date: May 5th, 2011 at 10am
Location: Bucktown Branch of the Chicago Public Library at 1701 N. Milwaukee
Presenter: Steve Robinson of Constant Contact Email Marketing
WICKER PARK BUCKTOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2011 Business 101:
June: Websites In One Hour (Really)
With a free PayPal™ account and your content (images & copy), learn how you can have an elegant,
feature-rich website, with e-commerce, shopping cart, a blog and portfolio launched within 60 minutes!
This session will walk you through how to prepare for and create a new website, live, during the session.
Date: June 8th, 2011 at 10am
Location: WPB Chamber Office at 1414 N. Ashland Ave.
Presenter: Jennifer Rapp Peterson of Indie Made
July: Intro to Intellectual Property: Protecting Your Ideas - Learning to Recognize the Pitfalls and
Opportunities
Learn about the impact intellectual property (patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets) can
have on your business from its benefits to potential risks.
Date: July 27th, 2011 at 9am
Location: WPB Chamber Office at 1414 N. Ashland Ave.
Presenter: David Oskin, Patent Attorney at Caliber IP, LLC
August: The Power of Online Video Content
Learn how to engage your clientele in an ongoing conversation about your business through the power
of video as well as view the film produced for EyeWant Eyeware.
Date: August 18th, 2011 from 6-8pm
Location: EyeWant Eyewear at 1431 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Presenter: Joone Studios and EyeWant Eyewear
September: Wage & Hour Compliance Seminar for Small Businesses
As of January 1, 2011, the government has broadened the scope of employers who must comply with
the Wage and Hour Law and small businesses are the target. Avoiding fines and protecting your business
by complying with wage & hour regulations is more important now than ever. Learn the key regulatory
aspects affecting your business, the 5 common mistakes to avoid in wage and hour compliance, and the
processes and procedures needed to protect your business.
Date: September 21st, 2011 at 9am
Location: WPB Chamber Office at 1414 N. Ashland Ave.
Presenter: Complete Concepts Consulting
October: TBD
November: Small Business Retirement Planning
Learn about the pros and cons of popular small business retirement plans, the process of choosing,
setting up, administering and changing plans as well as how to avoid the common pitfalls.
Date: November 15th, 2011 at 9am
Location: WPB Chamber Office, 1414 N. Ashland Ave.
Presenter: Khloe Karova, Financial Advisor at Edward Jones
December: TBD
WICKER PARK BUCKTOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2011 Local Special Events & Fests:
Do Division Fest: Saturday & Sunday, June 4 & 5
Green Music Fest: Saturday & Sunday, June 25 & 26
WPB Chamber Summer Sizzle Sidewalk Sale: Saturday & Sunday, July 23 & 24
Wicker Park Fest: Saturday & Sunday, July 23 & 24
WPB Chamber Summer's Last Hurrah Sidewalk Sale: Saturday & Sunday, August 27 & 28
WICKER PARK BUCKTOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Business Assistance Resources
Chicago Community Ventures
Contact: Doug Cannon, 773-822-0320, info@chiventures.org
www.chiventures.org
Programs: Challenge grants, small business development loans, mentoring
ACCION Chicago -Chicago Small Business Loans
Contact: Jill Stephens, 312-275-3000 Ext. 103, jstephens@accionchicago.org
www.accionchicago.org
Programs: Small business development loans, workshops, business resources -
*The mayor just introduced a revamped Small Business Development Fund and folded it into the loan
pool administered by ACCION Chicago- loans can range from $10,000 to $150,000. This was announced
in December of 2009.
Center for Neighborhood Technology – Energy Program
Contact: 773-269-4068, info@cntenergy.org
www.cntenergy.org
Programs: Grants for small business to help pay electric bills; advisement on green construction and
design, and other eco-oriented programs for property and business owners
SSA/WPB Graffiti Abatement Program and Façade Rebate Program
Contact: Eleanor Mayer (In the WPB Chamber Office), 773-384-2672, eleanor@wickerparkbucktown.org
www.wickerparkbucktown.org
Programs: The Graffiti Abatement Program offers funding to assist with the repair and replacement of
glass (50% of cost up to $1000 per location) and graffiti prevention measures (50% of cost up to $1000
per location).
The Façade Rebate Program provides funding to business and property owners for improvements of the
overall physical appearance of storefronts (including signage, awnings, exterior lighting, windows and
doors and other noted improvements). Rebate is up to 50% of approved costs not to exceed $5000.
Local First Chicago- "Buy Local First"- promoting small business and retailers in Chicago
Contact: Susanne Keers, 773- 988-2006, suzanne@localfirstchicago.org
www.localfirstchicago.org
Programs: Promotion of small businesses through its newsletter, press releases and multiple media
contacts
What is an SSA?
The Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of
Commerce (WPB Chamber) manages the WPB
Special Service Area. For more than 28 years,
the SSA program in Chicago has provided
communities with the financial means to create,
maintain and manage clean, attractive and
competitive commercial districts. SSAs, known
as Business Improvement or Community
Improvement Districts in other cities, provide a
fair and transparent way to finance and manage
improvement programs important to
communities. The Chicago City Council passed the Establishment Ordinance for the
Wicker Park Bucktown SSA #33 on November 23, 2005. View the WPB SSA #33 By-
Laws online at the SSA website: www.wickerparkbucktown.org.
Why was WPB Created?
To sustain and promote the prosperity and unique qualities of life of the Wicker
Park/Bucktown neighborhood and commercial district, whilst preserving its diverse
character for the benefit of its residents, visitors, and businesses through the wise and
discerning investment of resources to enhance our public ways. (This is also the
WPB SSA’s Mission Statement.)
What are the boundaries
of WPB?
East side of Western from Division to
Fullerton
West side of Western from North to
Fullerton
Damen from Schiller to the Kennedy
Expressway
Ashland from Division to the Kennedy
Expressway
North from Western to the Kennedy
Expressway
North side of Division from Western to
the Kennedy Expressway
South side of Division from Western to
Milwaukee
Milwaukee from Division to Western
Updated January 11, 2010
What does WPB offer?
For residents, tenants and business owners inside SSA boundaries (the blue areas on
the map), WPB provides a programs including (but not limited to) the following:
Supplemental Snow Removal, Landscaping and Street Cleaning services.
Graffiti Abatement Program: to help pay for the cost of repairing or replacing
glass damaged by acid etching, and to help pay for the cost of installing anti-
graffiti film to protect glass from damage.
WPB Facade Rebate Program: allows for owners and tenants of street level
commercial or retail property to apply for a rebate of up to 50% on approved
facade improvement costs.
Community Grant Program: to sponsor public programs, events, initiatives, or
services that demonstrate a measurable benefit to the community and foster
community growth and development within the SSA district.
Community Signage and real time Bus Tracker Information: posted at various
community locations. Visit https://wpb.theredpost.com/promote/about for
more.
How can I get more involved?
The Commission of WPB is guided by the 2009 Neighborhood Master Plan and meets
the second Tuesday of each month at 7pm. There is a half hour meet and greet session
that begins at 6:30pm. The meetings are open, and the public is encouraged to
attend. The meeting dates (location: St. Mary’s of Nazareth Hospital, Conference Room
1CD, 1127 N. Oakley) for 2011 are:
January 11 | February 8 |March 8| April 12 |May 10| June 14| July 12| No August
meeting in 2010| September 13| October 11| November 8| December 13
The WPB Committees report to the Commission and meet monthly by topic. The
committees include:
Clean, Green & Safe Committee
Promote: WPB Committee
Promote: the Arts Committee
Transportation: Bikes Committee
Transportation: Pedestrians & Passengers Committee
Guide Development Committee
Please visit the WPB website: www.wickerparkbucktown.org for more committee
meeting details, times and locations. For more information, please contact:
WPB Chamber of Commerce
1414 N Ashland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622
773-384-2672
info@wickerparkbucktown.com
Updated January 11, 2010
WICKER PARK BUCKTOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2011-12 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
Contact: _____________________________________Title: ______________________________________
Business Name: __________________________________________________________________________
Business Address w/zip: ___________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________Today's Date: ______________________
Telephone #: ___________________________________ Fax #: ___________________________________
Alternate Business #: ____________________________ Cell#: ___________________________________
E-mail: ______________________________________ Website: __________________________________
Type of Business/Brief Description: __________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Circle the category and sub-category under which your business should be listed in our website Directory:
Dine: Beer & Wine Coffee & Bakery Deli/Carry-out & Market Restaurant & Bar
Live: Auto Sales & Service Health & Wellness Real Estate & Residential Service
Play: Education Personal Service Recreation/Travel & Entertainment
Shop: Apparel & Accessory Gift & Floral Home & Garden
Work: Business Service Financial Service Professional Service
WPB CHAMBER ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES: Pay for two years and get the second year’s dues at
30% off! Need to pay in installments or have other questions? Call us at (773)384-2672 or Joseph
Betancourt, Chair Membership Committee, at (773)342-7211 office.
$50 Local Resident Rate (Non-Business)
$75 Studio Rate (artist/musician/actor)
$95 Associate Business Member (Chamber members who own another business with a different name, 2
nd
business joins at this rate)
$150 Cultural Venue/Non-Profit Rate (art gallery/theatre/dance studio/non-profit organization)
$200 Business Rate with 1-4 employees
$250 Business Rate with 5-9 employees
$300 Business Rate with 10+ employees
$400 Restaurant/Bar Rate (Restaurant with no liquor license = Business Rate)
$750 Corporation/Bank/Hospital/Chain Store/ Big Business Rate
$______________________Enclosed Amount
Please complete this form, include your check payable to WPB Chamber of Commerce, and send to:
Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce - 1414 North Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL 60622 or you can
pay by credit card (see attached form). Thank you for making a sound investment in your business!
Check here if you do not want to receive our e-newsletter
WICKER PARK BUCKTOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2011-12 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
Credit Card Authorization
Name: _______________________________________________________
Business Name: ________________________________________________
Business Street Address: _________________________________________
Business City, State, Zip code: ____________________________________
Business Phone: ___________________________________________
I authorize the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce
to charge the following account:
Credit Card Type: __________________________________________
Credit Card #: _____________________________________________
Expiration Date: ______________
Security Code (3 digits from back of card): ______________
Full Credit Card Billing Address (if different from above):
_________________________________________________________
Total Charge Amount: $ _________________
Signature __________________________Date ____________________