Lakeview Chamber of Commerce Blog

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As of January 1, 2012, all City of Chicago business license renewals must be processed online.

An "Online Business License Renewal Tutorial" workshop will be held on Friday, December 23rd, from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. in room 805 of City Hall.  The workshop will consist of a demonstration on how to use the Online Business License Renewal System, and a discussion about the various things to keep in mind when renewing your business license.  You will find that the online license renewal process is fast, easy and secure.

More tutorials will be held in early 2012.  Stay tuned for dates and times.

November 26^th was Small Business Saturday here in Lakeview and beyond.

Small Business Saturday is a rapidly growing movement geared to encourage consumers to support local businesses in their communities. In only its second year, it has gathered almost three million followers on Facebook and vocal support from consumers and civic leaders alike.

During one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year, having a day dedicated to the cause focuses efforts to raise awareness and to educate consumers on the benefits of spending your dollars locally. You may be surprised to learn how far your dollar goes toward your community.

According to a study by Civic Economics, a Chicago-based economic development consultancy, for every dollar spent at a small local business, 32 cents leaves the local economy whereas the same dollar at a chain store loses 57 cents, leaving much less to positively impact your community. Your dollar is your vote for a business to continue to thrive and helps to create and preserve local jobs.

So how about we pledge to make every Saturday a Small Business Saturday?

We at the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce encourage you to visit http://unwrapchicago.org and take the pledge to spend $100 this holiday season with your favorite local businesses.

In this week's edition of the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce Video Blog, we are welcomed by Maureen Blaha of the National Runaway Switchboard (NRS), an organization dedicated to helping keep America's runaway, homeless and at-risk youth safe and off the streets.

On Friday, November 18th, the National Runaway Switchboard will hold their ninth annual benefit, Spirit of Youth 2011, at the Merchandise Mart.

It's time again for the Annual Trick or Treat on Southport and the Pumpkin Party featuring Smarty Pants!

Join us on October 30th as we transform Southport into Halloween fun for the entire family! Trick or treat from 1:00 - 3:00 on Southport Belmont to Irving, and stay for the Pumpkin Party featuring Smarty Pants from 1:00 - 4:00 on Southport at Grace.

The pumpkin party features, games, activities and pumpkin decorating. Smarty Pants and the Lovely Miss Dena will be on hand creating amazing balloon creations and spooky face painting designs. There is no charge to enter the Pumpkin Party.  Purchase an all access wrist band for $5 (wrist bands are $5 per child and give access to all games, activities and crafts).

Want to volunteer? Contact Heather Way at hway@lakeviewchamber.com or (773) 472-7171 for more information

Halloween on Southport is brought to you by the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce, the Southport Merchants and SSA27.

On September 22nd, the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce is launching B.L.A.B.: Business Leaders About Business

Topic for Discussion: The Truth About Deal-A-Day Marketing

Do you get calls every day from numerous Daily Deals sites?
Do you wonder whether a daily deal makes sense for your business?

You've heard the hype and the horror stories - Now, get the facts!

Bring your questions & comments to B.L.A.B. on Deal-A-Day Marketing, and learn from your fellow business leaders like Angela Garbot (Angela Garbot Photography/Chicago Photography Center) who will share her campaign results and lessons learned. Zach Finley, General Manager of Groupon and Eric Severinghaus, Founder of KoalaDeal, will share insight on how to maximize these promotional opportunities for your business.

Thursday, September 22nd
11:30 registration, Noon lunch and program (Family style lunch and cash bar)
La Gondola, 1258 West Belmont
Tickets: $15 members; $20 non-members; Complimentary Chairman's Club

Reserve your seat today or contact Heather Way at hway@lakeviewchamber.com or (773) 472-7171 for more information.

This week on the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce Member Spotlight Video Blog, we are joined by Stephanie Myers of Bottle and Bottega.

If your business has a Classic-Level membership or above with Lakeview Chamber of Commerce, and you are interested in being featured in the next Member Spotlight, please contact Brad Vonck at bvonck@lakeviewchamber.com

This week on the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce Member Spotlight Video Blog, we are joined by Debi Lilly of A Perfect Event.

If your business has a Classic-Level membership or above with Lakeview Chamber of Commerce, and you are interested in being featured in the next Member Spotlight, please contact Brad Vonck at bvonck@lakeviewchamber.com

This week on the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce Member Spotlight Video Blog, we sit down with Lisa Santos of Southport Grocery and Cafe.

If your business has a Classic-Level membership or above with Lakeview Chamber of Commerce, and you are interested in being featured in the next Member Spotlight, please contact Brad Vonck at bvonck@lakeviewchamber.com