The Next Meeting of the Belmont-
Central Chamber of Commerce will be:
Tuesday    July 8, 2008      8:30 a.m.
Metropolitan Family Services
3249 N. Central

Join your fellow business people at this months meeting and keep informed on what’s happening in the district.  Our special guest speaker will be Becky Zaczkiewicz from Senior Link Alliance discussing the many services offered to the community’s seniors. As always meetings are free and open to members and non members alike.

OLR Offers Health Events
Our Lady of the Resurrection Medical Center, 5645 W. Addison, 1-877-737-4636, offers the following health screenings and programs for the month of July: July 14: Lecture on keeping your Feet Healthy; and on July 16: Breast Cancer Survivors’ Support Service, Registration is required for this program only: 312-364-9071.

Sidewalk Sale! Sidewalk Sale!
Hot weather and hot prices abound when Belmont-Central Chamber hosts its annual Sidewalk Sale, July 10^th thru July 13^th.  This popular event always increases sales to all participating businesses, and as an extra incentive we’ve reduced participation fees by half. We’re one of the few remaining neighborhoods who host a sidewalk sale so don’t miss out on the opportunity to participate. Call the Chamber office now to register!

Health & Family Fair
On Saturday July 12 (during the Sidewalk Sale) the Chamber will be hosting it’s Family Health & Well Being Fair from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 3252 N. Central. Local Health Professionals and family service organizations will be available for free screenings and helpful information on a myriad of topics for the entire family. Participants so far include: Andrea Gillio DPM, Helping Hands Chiropractic Center, Hispanic Regional Clinics, Dental Profile Inc, Our Lady of the Resurrection Health Care, Metropolitan Family Services, Healthspring, Senior Link Alliance, Chicago Police “CAPS”, Illinois State’s Attorney’s Office, Cook County Recorder of Deeds Office, and Chicago Drive with Care Program. So don’t miss out on this great opportunity. Plan on visiting the fair!

Help the Homeless
Though your heart may be in the right place, it is wrong to give panhandlers money because many of them are substance abusers and your money will likely be spent on alcohol, tobacco, and worse. The Northwest Side Task Force is working to get the word out that there is help (and hope) for those homeless and addicted individuals. The Haymarket Group has a printed flyer in English and Polish that directs these individuals to seek help through many resources. Please call the Chamber office for copies of this flyer. You can keep them on hand to distribute whenever you encounter a problem with vagrants panhandling, sleeping on benches, etc. Also, for more information on the Northwest Side Task Force to Combat Homelessness call the Department of Human Services at 312-246-8232.

Belmont-Central Streetscape
Look for the planned Streetscape project to commence shortly. The project will include installation of new light poles, benches, planters, and sidewalks within the boundaries of Long to Mango on Belmont, and Barry to Melrose on Central. Some inconveniences will occur but bear in mind the benefits to the district they’ll bring.
 

Don’t be a Victim of Bad Checks, etc
Here are some web sites and phone numbers which you’ll find very helpful in protecting your business.

www.checkprogram.com/cookcountyil
www.FBI.gov
www.consumer.gov/idtheft
www.IC3.gov
www.lookstoogoodtobetrue.com
www.cmiftf.org
www.annualcreditreport.com
www.secretservice.gov

To report identity theft call 1-866-999-5630
To report counterfeit currency call 1-312-353-5431
To report bad checks call 1-866-581-7284

Keep Belmont-Central Clean
Thanks to SSA #2 and the Belmont-Central Parking Commission we have help in keeping our sidewalks clean. However, it is often an uphill and ever increasing battle. Therefore we are reminding all businesses that it is not only your civic responsibility but your lawful duty to keep a clean storefront. Also, every business abutting a corner with flower pots and benches should make a special effort to see that those areas are kept clean. While it may seem an indomitable task at times, if every one pitches in the shopping strip will look so much better and attract more customers. Thank you for your cooperation.

 “SBIF”
Don’t forget that the Small Business Improvement Fund or “SBIF” can help you do improvements on your properties using “TIF” funds. Improvements such as new windows, floors and heating and air conditioning are just some of the many ways you can be reimbursed for work up to 75% of the cost (with a maximum of $150,000). Call the Chamber office now at 202-9923 to get your application packet. Or call SomerCor at 312-360-3300.

Independence Day……………………………………..….July 4^th
Next Chamber Meeting ………………………...……..….July 8^th
Annual Sidewalk Sale…………………………July 10^th thru 13^th
Family Health & Well Being Fair……………………..…July 12^th

And looking ahead…

Annual Golf Outing………………………………….…August 6^th
Ultimate Business Networking Event….………September 18^th

PARK FREE AT 3140 N. CENTRAL
Just steps from the main intersection!

BELMONT-CENTRAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
3250 N. Central Avenue, 2nd floor, Chicago, IL 60634
773-202-9923
FAX: 773-205-8986
EMAIL: belmontcentralcc@sbcglobal.net