Upcoming Events

Wednesday, August 4th, 8:45 to 10am: Business News Buffet: From signage permits to energy costs: find out what you need to know to avoid fines and save money @ Freedman Seating, 4545 W Augusta, 1st floor conference room (parking in front of building or across street) Coffee and light refreshments

• Sign Amnesty expires Nov 1st. Will you have the right permits to avoid hefty fines? Learn what permits you will need to display your building sign directly from the City's Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection.
• Is your building ready for winter? A rebate program from People's Gas will refund a portion of your new investment in products and product upgrades that increase natural gas use efficiency. Products include water heaters, boilers, hot pipe insulation, ceiling insulation and more. Applications must be in by Oct 31st.
• Workforce Training grant available through GNCDC. Waiting list now forming for a 50 percent reimbursement on training costs retroactive from July 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010.

For more info, call Debbie Smith at 773/637-2416, ext 228 or email dsmith@gncdc.org.

September 23rd: Night at the Races Fundraiser at Maywood Park

September 30th: Annual Aldermanic Forum

News

Training Grants available through GNCDC
GNCDC was awarded a State of Illinois Employer Training Investment Program (ETIP) grant to help businesses defray the cost of training new and existing employees, retroactive from July 1, 2009 and going forward through December 31, 2010. The grant is dispersed in the form of a rebate of up to 50 percent of external training costs. Funds dispersed on a first come, first served basis. Call Debbie Smith at 773/637-2416, ext 228 or email dsmith@gncdc.org to determine if you qualify.

City of Chicago Sign Permit Amnesty Program
The City is offering a voluntary compliance period until October 15, 2010, that allows existing businesses that are lacking permits for their existing signs, canopies, awnings, marquees or banners to apply for one or both of the Department of Buildings or Public Way Use Permits at no cost. By applying for all the proper permits during the amnesty, businesses will have all the permit fees waived and avoid future fines. To apply and read more, click here. Call Debbie Smith at 773/637-2416, ext 228 or email dsmith@gncdc.org with your questions.

Rebates available for customers of Peoples Gas
Peoples Gas has rolled out an incentive program to promote high-efficiency, gas-saving products by providing cash incentives while educating customers about the benefits of energy efficiency. Qualifying investments include insulation and gas-efficient furnaces, water heaters, commercial kitchen equipment and more. The offer is valid from April 5, 2010 to September 30, 2010, or until funds are depleted, whichever comes first. To learn more, see their website or call Debbie Smith at 773/637-2416, ext 228 or email dsmith@gncdc.org.

COSi's Continuous Process Improvement Program
Imagine.....that you had self directed employee teams--enthusiastically fixing problems and saving your company many thousands of dollars per year. Imagine that you didn't have to manage the effort. How would it feel? The Cycle of Success Institute's Continuous Process Improvement Program can make this scenario a reality for your company. GNCDC is offering the first month of this 12-month program FREE to participating members--just to demonstrate the potential for huge savings. Several other companies affiliated with GNCDC have already learned to transform their operations and save big dollars--despite the tough economic climate. If you are serious about improving your company and inceasing your profitability, can you afford not to take advantage of this opportunity? Call Reid Mackin at 773-637-2768 or email rmackin@gncdc.org for more information. See COSi's website.

Info

Online GNCDC Member Directory is here

GNCDC Photo Gallery - see past event photos

About GNCDC is here