March 2012

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Volume 33, Issue 2

Chambergram Reminder Scholarship deadline It’s time to have your teen double check those scholarship applications! The deadline for OPACC scholarship application is Friday March 30! The application is on the home page of our website. Be sure they’re turned in to the Chamber office by Friday, 3/30!

March 2012 Inside Chambergram 2 3

Tami Talks!

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Installation Celebration

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March Madness is Back!

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Patch Things Up

OPACC Newcomers

Fast Tracks

The Young Professionals braved the winter blizzard to hold their January meeting at Casa Margarita in Orland Park . (L to r) Leticia Martino, Marc Lochow, Amalia NietoGomez, Kevin Staisunas, Leslie Hernandez and Phil Cassler

The Ambassadors Club meeting was held at the Illinois National Guard Crestwood Armory. SSG Sophia Idrizi told the group of her experience in the military and CW2 Joshua Hendricker led the group on a tour of the Armory. (Pictured with Janice Laging).

It was Super Bowl Thursday at the Business After Hours hosted by American Family Insurance, Citizens Financial Bank and Waddell & Reed. Mike Hardek, Paul Novak and Andy Varga congratulate Jim Thompson and John Bibeau for winning the raffle!

From the Top... President’s Message Time goes by when you are having fun!! It is hard to believe it has been 2 months since I was installed as the President of our Chamber with our new Board of Directors. My sincere thanks to all of the members that hosted a Business Before & After hours event. During this economic downturn, it’s even more important to actively market our businesses. Hosting and attending Business After Hours events are a way to do that extra marketing. I would also like extend my thanks to all the attendees for their support at these events. I believe we can have everything in life that we want; if we will just help enough people get what they want. Your attendance at these events is one way to help out your fellow Chamber member while also helping yourself! Thank you,

also, to our awesome Chamber staff and dynamic Board. They make the chamber experience exciting each month. The month of March is our «Membership Month». This year’s popular “March Madness” event will be held March 22nd from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Silver Lake Country Club. The cost will be $7 for members but prospective members (and OPACC members who bring prospective members) will be admitted for FREE. This is the perfect time to bring your friends and business associates to see what our Chamber is all about. I am sure they will discover the value of our Chamber and join. If they become a member from March 1 through March 31, they will receive a $50 discount on membership dues. Be sure they list your name as their referral and you will receive 10% off the renewal of your 2012/2013 dues. One way to get more benefit out

Mayor’s News and Notes Electrical Aggregation Appears On March Primary Ballot With the start of each year, we look back and share the village’s accomplishments with the community. This was made possible with the chamber’s State of the Village Breakfast and with the village’s highlights of 2011 in Orland Park’s annual report. Each year, I appreciate the chamber’s invitation to address your membership. This year marked the debut of the village’s annual report, which was delivered in the February 9, 2012 edition of the Orland Park Prairie Newspaper. Highlights from 2011 included a 12% increase in residential building permits for new and existing homes, a 5.5% increase in commercial permits for new and existing businesses and more than 100 new businesses coming to Orland Park. The village’s overall commercial vacancy rate is 4.84%, well below the state and national averages,

based on the industry reported square footage. This figure alone shows that Orland Park continues to be the location of choice for businesses. The village is looking forward to Berkot’s Super Foods coming to the Wolf Crossing Plaza at 159th Street and Wolf Road, Dave & Buster’s currently under construction on the former Orland Square Theatre site and BMW of Orland Park constructing its state-of-the-art 59,000 square foot facility near 159th and Wolf. And, Whole Foods Market is moving into the 27,000 square foot store previously occupied by Borders Books at 153rd Street and LaGrange Road. We are pleased to report Orland Bakery’s expansion into the Dania Plaza at 148th and LaGrange, Miroballi Shoes building a new facility at 144th and LaGrange and Bloomingfield’s Florist moving to 11239 West 143rd Street. Smith Crossing, the senior living facility, is adding a 200,000 square foot expansion and a new transit oriented development, Sheffield

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of your Chamber membership is by getting involved in our committees. Please take the time to view the Chamber’s committee listing on the website. There are many to choose from: look them over and see which one(s) suits your interests. There are many choices and we need all of the talented and energetic members possible to help us maintain our great success. Thanks again for your continued support. I hope I am given the opportunity to meet and get to know each of you at upcoming events. Your participation and involvement is the greatest asset for the growth of our Chamber. Remember…life’s challenges are not suppose to paralyze you, they are supposed to help you discover who you are!!

Tami

Sparks Complete Auto Care

Square, is under construction on the former Andrew Corporation property near the 153rd Street train station. And, in a year that witnessed the downgrading of state and federal credit ratings, the Village of Orland Park received reaffirmation of its high credit ratings. The village received an AA+ rating from Standard & Poor’s and a Moody’s credit rating of Aa1. The village’s full annual report for 2011 may be viewed at www. orland-park.il.us. With this being the village’s first annual report, we welcome any comments or suggestions to consider for improving future editions. When this edition of the chamber newsletter is distributed, early voting will be in full swing at the Village Hall. All registered Cook County voters may vote early February 27 through March 14,

Monday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm. An excuse is not needed to vote early. Simply continued on page 3...

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2012 OPACC Officers Executive Director Keloryn Putnam Executive Board Tami Khuntia, President Sparks Complete Auto Care Marc Lochow, First Vice President PrintSource Plus, Inc Rob Wehmeier, Second Vice President

Wehmeier Portraits Heather Warthen, Treasurer Orland Park Prairie Renee Oswald, Secretary Guaranteed Rate Mortgage Amy Grace Coghill, Silver Lake Country Club Immediate Past President

Board of Directors Roy Angel LegalShield Glen Borkowski DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen Michael A. Buck Law Offices of Michael A. Buck Phil Cassler American Family Insurance Dave Corradino Terry’s Lincoln of Orland Park Janice Laging IL National Guard-Family Assistance Center Karen Nemeth BMO Harris N.A. Paul Novak Waddell & Reed Ric Roemer Creative Home Services debi Ross Inside Looks by debi Ross Michelle Sabbia Alden Estates of Orland Park Ed Schussler Trustee, Village of Orland Park Renee Tabor Metamorphosis

Welcome New Members Bright Futures Psychological Services Rebecca Hall 14315 S. 108th Avenue Suite 220 Orland Park, IL 60467 Phone: 708-669-3311 [email protected] www.brightfuturespsych.com Healthcare/ Psychologist CiCi’s Pizza Matt Eichberger/Sagar Patel 9218 W. 159th Street Orland Park, IL 60462 Phone: 708-460-3002 [email protected] www.cicis.com Restaurant M/I Homes - Sheffield Square Michelle Nemcher 15314 Sheffield Square Parkway Orland Park, IL 60462 Phone: 708-873-6100 [email protected] www.mihomeschicago.com Home Builder Orland Trader Magazine Joe Farneti P.O. Box 1030 New Lenox, IL 60451 Phone: 815-546-0651 [email protected] www.pbpvalues.com Advertising Parmida Home Monica Rose 14225 95th Avenue Suite 400 Orland Park, IL 60462 Phone: 708-226-6680 [email protected] www.parmidahome.com Home Goods State Farm Insurance Paul Siano 8130 W. 143rd Street Orland Park, IL 60462 Phone: 708-966-4769 [email protected] www.agentpaul.com Insurance The Stapleton Group Matthew Sekulski 15420 S. 70th Court Orland Park, IL 60462 Phone: 708-535-2400 [email protected] www.rgstapleton.com Accountant TMC - The Mortgage Company Neil Coleman 10961 W. 140th Street Orland Park, IL 60467 Phone: 708-349-7467 [email protected] www.the-mortgage-company.com Mortgage Banking

Cuzzin’s of Orland Park, a family owned and operated restaurant, focuses on giving customers great food and great service. “We aren’t fancy, no white tablecloths, candles or fancy lighting, just great food with great service,” states owner Mary Ligammari. The restaurant is designed to make diners feel like they’re at home; cozy and casual: all ingredients are fresh, not frozen, and all food is homemade. Menu items include old school Italian comfort foods whose recipes date back over 80 years. Some of the restaurant’s dishes can not be found anywhere else in town and include specialties such as tripe and stuffed artichokes. Cuzzin’s invites everyone to come eat at their kitchen table. Owner Mary Ligammari can be reached at (708) 226-8100 or by email at cuzzincater@aol. com. Check out their website, www.cuzzinscafe.com for information, reviews and other locations.

LA Boxing is an ultracalorie burning workout in a fun and engaging atmosphere. The LA Boxing Workout has been proven to burn 800-1000 calories in a single hour! The workout program strengthens and tones while building endurance and functional fitness. LA Boxing offers a genuine cross-training regimen, teaching new techniques across the widest array of fighting styles in addition to cardio and strength training equipment. LA Boxing’s exercise programs focus on physical, mental and emotional health. Class sizes are limited so that our experienced professional trainers can be sure each participant receives one-on-one attention to insure that the personal form of all participants is safe and correct. LA Boxing is located at 9050 W. 159th Street in Orland Park. Manager Omar Rudaini can be reached at (708) 226-5229 or by email at [email protected].

Editor’s Notes Chambergram Editor, Donna Cameli, OPACC

Chambergram Staff Keloryn Putnam, OPACC Colin Walsh, eighty-eight graphics Rob Wehmeier Wehmeier Portraits Heather Warthen Orland Park Prairie This month’s contributors: Mayor Dan McLaughlin Village of Orland Park Benjamin Feldheim Orland Park Patch

If you are interested in contributing to the Chambergram, please contact Donna Cameli at [email protected]

Mayors News and Note from page 2

bring photo identification, i.e., driver’s license, state i.d. or university, college or military identification. Like many communities throughout the state, Orland Park is considering an electrical aggregation program. Aggregation refers to many customers joining together to form a buying group, in this case for electrical service, for residents and small businesses. Buying electricity collectively could mean a significant annual savings on the energy portion of an electric bill. We’ve had a number of residents call to ask that the village offer this and many municipalities in the state have implemented similar programs to help their citizens and small businesses save money. It also provides an option for those

who choose not to participate. A referendum appears on the March 20th Presidential Primary Ballot and additional information is available on the village’s website at www. orland-park.il.us. As I wrote in the village’s annual report, 2012 marks Orland Park’s 120th year as a municipality in the State of Illinois. We look forward to this milestone, both because of the many initiatives on the horizon and because the village is so very fortunate to have a wonderful business community that helps make Orland Park one of the most progressive municipalities in the State of Illinois and in the country. Sincerely, Daniel J. McLaughlin, Mayor Village of Orland Park

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Founded on the college friendship of franchise owners, Matt Eichberger and Sagar Patel, CiCi’s Pizza offers diners a family friendly casual dining experience. The restaurant’s all-you-can eat buffet menu includes pizza, pasta salad and desserts for a reasonable price. The restaurant’s clean comfortable atmosphere also includes a game room for the younger members of the family. Stop in today and experience CiCi’s “more than just pizza” experience! CiCi’s Pizza is located at 9218 W. 159th Street in Orland Park. Owners Matt and Sagar can be reached at (708) 460-3002 and by email at [email protected].

Business As Usual 2012 Installation Dinner The Installation of the Officers and Directors was held in January. Thank you to Representative Renee Kosel for installing our 2012 Board. A BIG Thank You also goes out to Inside Looks by debi Ross for providing the flowers and beautiful decorations.

New Executive Board: Marc Lochow, Heather Warthen, Amy Coghill, President Tami Khuntia, Renee Oswald and Rob Wehmeier

New OPACC Officers are sworn in by Representaive Renee Kosel

2012 Board of Directors: Row 1: debi Ross, Ed Schussler, Dave Corradino, Karen Nemeth, Janice Laging, Renee Tabor, Paul Novak Row 2: Glen Borkowski, Phil Cassler, Ric Roemer, Roy Angel

Congratulations to: Outstanding Business of the Year, PrintSource Plus Outstanding Member of the Year, debi Ross Ambassador of the Year, Michelle Sabbia

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OPACC Happenings March Is Membership Month at the Chamber!

MARCH

Madness

2012 It’s time to “pass” the word and “walk” on down to Silver Lake Country Club on Thursday, March 22 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Chamber’s popular “March Madness” event is on the schedule and Silver Lake has already jumped on board as one of our

Looking for Balance? Friend. Golfer. Mother. Artist. Wife. Career Woman. Women today are wearing many hats and trying to be sure they all fit comfortably. Our Orland Women’s Network (OWN) Committee wants to help you. The 2012 OWN Luncheon is the place to be on Tuesday, April 17 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Silver Lake Country Club. Our panel of four professional women will lead a discussion to help our OWN women determine how to wear the hats that best fit them. The OWN Committee is deep in the planning stages and are looking for companies that would like to sponsor this popular event. Event sponsor options include Table Sponsors and Vendors. Early Bird Rates apply

sponsors. The cost is $7 for members who do not bring a guest but if you bring a potential member you’ll get in FREE and your guest will receive one free drink coupon! More “slam dunk” news? The companies you refer that join the Chamber by March 31 will receive $50 off the Membership Rates and you will receive 10% off the renewal of your 20122013 Membership dues! Just be sure they put your name in the referral spot located on their membership application. Bring your business cards for the raffle prizes and invite your contacts. Ticket

and there are limited sponsorship opportunities so be sure to register early. Table sponsorships cost $80 before 3/15/12 and $100 after 3/16/12. Table Sponsors must supply a raffle prize ($25 min. value) and their promotional items/ coupons will be included in the goody bag given to all attendees. Their names will appear in all signage and programs and their sponsorship will be acknowledged in the Chambergram newsletter. Vendor Sponsorships also cost $80 before 3/15/12 and $100 after 3/16/12. Unlike Table Sponsorships, Vendor Sponsors are given a table from which they may sell their product or personally distribute their promotional items to the luncheon attendees. Vendor Sponsors must also supply a raffle prize ($25 min. value) and will have their

price includes cash bar and hors d’oeuvres. We’re still looking for sponsors so if this sounds like a great marketing option for your company, please contact Roy Angel at (708) 7101002. He will give you the “drill” on sponsorship. Mark your calendars and bring your “teammate” to Orland Park Area Chamber’s March Membership Madness event. Membership discounts in effect for all referrals posted as new members between March 1 and March 31, 2012. We look forward to seeing you there!

names appear in all signage and programs and their sponsorship will be acknowledged in the Chambergram newsletter. Is sponsorship not in the budget this year? Just spend the afternoon with us. Purchase luncheon reservations for loyal clients or as a motivational tool to reward employees. Attendees will enjoy lunch, learn life tips from our panel, and have the opportunity to shop the luncheon vendors. The OWN Luncheon will provide many networking opportunities for Sponsors and Attendees so plan an afternoon at the OWN Luncheon. Fill out a registration form found on the home page of our website and return it to our office today. Questions? Call the Chamber Office at (708) 3492972. OWN the day: Tuesday, April 17!

Thank you to Smith Crossing for hosting the Member Orientation Meeting in January.

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Resource Corner The Weather is A-Changing and Golf is Just Around the Corner!

Patch Places: Own Your Business in the Virtual Town Square

to the golfers at your hole (no alcohol, please). We even provide the table and chairs (2 maximum please). Can’t spare staff for the day? No problem. A sign placed at your assigned golf hole will advertise your sponsorship to the golfers.

We built an online presence for you. Now you can make it even better. It’s this easy:

• Sponsor the golf towel that all golfers receive. Note from the Editor: The Chamber feels strongly that we need to keep our membership aware of the local options available to them in the emerging Social Media Industry. This article is being shared with that goal in mind.

• Sponsor a beverage cart. Have you spent this mild winter polishing up your golfclubs? Take heart, golf weather will arrive, even in the crazy Chicago climate. The sponsor and registration form is available on our website now, so be sure to book your reservation early! Our Golf Outing is a great personal way to sell your product or service. For the Chamber, it is one of the key fundraisers, so we appreciate your support of this popular event. How can you get involved? There are many options. Check them out and see which one fits your time and budget. Purchase a sponsorship. Put your business name right in front of over 300 of the movers and shakers of the Orland business community. Sponsorship opportunities include: • Scorecard Sponsors One of our newer options! Sponsor names and logos will appear on the scorecards and golf towels provided to each golfer. Our golf outing can accommodate up to 300 golfers. What a great way to reach your target market! • Staffed of Unstaffed Golf Hole Sponsorships The Chamber’s Golf Hole Sponsorships give you the option to place staff at your golf hole. You can even distribute literature or giveaway promotional items

• Become the Lunch Sponsor and have your name on all promotional material. Reserve a day of golf. Invite your clients or reward your employees with a round of golf that will include a cart, light breakfast, lunch and dinner. Donate your product or a gift as a door prize. The Chamber sells raffle tickets and uses the proceeds from the ticket sales to fund the college scholarships we award to deserving local high school students. Your donation will become one of our raffle prizes.

Submitted by Benjamin Feldheim, Editor Orland Park Patch

Did you know there’s a good chance your business already has an online presence? Each Patch website has a Places directory with important information on every business, organization, school, service, government office and park in town. Orland Park Patch has over 1,900 listings.

All price information and specifics are detailed on the application found on the Chamber’s web homepage: www.orlandparkchamber. org. Just click on the golf link, download the forms and mail your completed form to the Chamber office with your payment. Be sure to sign up early because we sell out fast!

Now that you know that, you can very easily start using your listing to promote your business for free. Claiming your directory listing—owning your business on Patch—will allow you to upload your own company-related photos and videos. Hosting a charity event? Show people how awesome you are. Participating in a business expo? Share your success! You can customize your business’s description so it reflects what you want to promote.

Do you have questions or want to volunteer to be a part of the Golf Committee? Please contact Co-Chairs Sue Huiner (absueloot@hotmail. com) or Dave Corradino ([email protected]) or call the Chamber office at 708.349.2972. Finish cleaning those clubs! Those golf balls will be flying before you know it.

You can also respond to your biggest fans—and critics—in the review section on your company’s page.

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1. To own your Patch listing, you must be a registered user. If you already are, make sure you’re logged in. If you aren’t, click “join” on the upper right corner of the page and create a username and password. 2. Now that you’re logged in, go to the Places tab, click it and search for your business. 3. Find it? Great. If you didn’t, we’re sorry for the oversight. Contact Orland Park Patch Editor Ben Feldheim at benjamin@ patch.com. I’ll request one for you and it’ll be ready in about a day. Is your business is not in Orland? No problem. I’ll send your query to the appropriate editor. 4. Now that you’ve found your business online and on Patch, look for the green box on the right side that says “Do you own or manage this location? Claim it!” 5. Click the link and follow the steps. Our gurus will verify you’re the owner or manager and it’ll officially be yours (as it should be) within about 48 hours. 6. Now, upload photos, respond to users and make necessary changes to your listing! 7. Pat yourself on the back. 8. For more info contact Orland Park Patch Editor Ben Feldheim at 708-2883267 or Benjamin@patch. com.

And Finally... Membe rs In t he Ne ws

A New Address…. Address Tax & Financial Solutions, Inc. has a new address: 15255 S. 94th Avenue, Suite 205, Orland Park, IL 60462, Phone: (708) 645-8800. A great big Welcome….Sertoma Centre announces Amy Chmura as Director of Advancement and Communications for the Alsip-based not-forprofit. Amy is responsible for raising money and awareness for the Centre and overseeing the management of the Good as New Thrift Store in Matteson.

of this exhibit will be on patriotism, helping others, friendship, and coming together.

Congratulations to Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn… The Museum was selected to receive the “AT&T Investing in Illinois Award”. The AT&T Investing in Illinois Awards provide resources and recognition to organizations and programs that are improving lives in their communities and the state by advancing education, economic growth, new technologies and other essential community services.

Way to Go Joe! Joe McCorry, Eagle Promotions Inc., was recently lauded by Halo Branded Solutions, a promotional products distributor, for sales achievements. Joe received the company’s MVP Award for consecutive years of company-leading sales growth and was inducted into the company’s Gold Club, whose members comprise the top 10 percent of Halo’s 800-member sales force.

The funding will be used to support the new ‘We the People...’ exhibit which will include two beam pieces from the fallen World Trade Center towers. The focus

Don’t Forget... OWN Luncheon Reminder

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708.389.6252

The OWN Luncheon registration and sponsorship form is available on our website for the Thursday, April 17 event: www.orlandparkchamber.org.

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The March 15th EARLY BIRD DEADLINE for sponsors is fast approaching! Reserve your lunch reservation before March 31 and you will be entered into a special raffle! You don’t want to miss this event!

Leadercast 2012 is just around the corner! We’re looking for Sponsors and taking luncheon reser vations now! For more information call the Chamber office at (708) 349-2972.

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“May I please be your Art Department?”

Thanks OPACC for the opportunity to design this newsletter... let’s start growing your business, too! give us a call for a free quote

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 88 Orland Park,IL 60462

8799 West151st 151st Street Street Orland Orland Park, 60462 8799 West Park,Illinois Illinois 60462 708.349.2972 708.349.2972 www.orlandparkchamber.org www.orlandparkchamber.org

MARCH

Madness

Be sure to join us for March Membership Madness !

Thursday, March 22 5:00 to 7:00 PM Silver Lake Country Club Chamber Members $7.00 Bring a potential member and you and your guest will get in FREE! See website for details.

14Board Meeting

Wednesday, March 14, 7:45 a.m. Silver Lake Country Club

MARCH 2012

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Ambassadors Club Meeting

15Member Orientation

Wednesday, March 7 7:30am Round the Clock 16310 S. LaGrange Road, OP

Thursday, March 15, 7:45 am Parkway Bank & Trust 14345 S. LaGrange Road, OP Learn how to make the most of your Chamber membership!

Professionals Meet Up for Lunch 8Young

15Ribbon Cutting

9Business Unwrapped

BEFORE 21Business Hours

Thursday, March 8, 5:30PM Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant 15690 S. Harlem Ave. OP Friday, March 9, 11:45am-1pm Orland Park Public Library 14920 S. Ravinia Ave. OP Technology Must Haves Speaker: Jim Harmening

Thursday, March 15, 4:00 pm M/I Homes – Sheffield Square 15314 Sheffield Square Parkway, OP

Wednesday, March 21, 7:45 – 9:00AM Indoor Golf Links of America 16356 104th Avenue, OP

Postal Customer Or:

Printed on recycled paper

Membership 22March Madness

Thursday, March 22, 5:00 – 7:00 PM Silver Lake Country Club 14700 S. 82nd Avenue, OP Bring potential members to see what our Chamber is all about!

Membership 28Monthly Meeting Wednesday, March 28, 7:45am Silver Lake Country Club Time to Get Motivated otivated Dawn Michalakk Members $14 w/rsvp; Nonmembers and at the door $17.

Chambergram

We feel LUCKY to have such WONDERFUL Members! M Me e