Gurnee's Got It!

The time has arrived! On January 8, 2011, the Village of Gurnee, Lake County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Gurnee Park District, Rosen Nissan and The Village of Gurnee Chamber will giveaway 2 $1000 Gurnee Mills Shopping Spree's plus the Grand Prize, a brand new car. Come out and enjoy the festivities and live WXLC remote as Mayor Kovarik presents the car to the lucky winner. Better yet, see how you can be apart of this event!

Gurnee's Got It Car Giveaway event! January 8th, 2011 at Rosen Nissan We are looking for sponsors to donate door prizes of $50 or more to be given away during the WXLC live remote. Your name will be mentioned during the broadcast. Any local restaurants or caterers that would like to have a free booth for what will be tauted as a mini "Taste of Gurnee" are welcome to participate. We currently have four food providers participating and would like to add 4 more. Your name will be mentioned in all the eblasts and radio advertising leading up to the event. In addition to the the live remote, we will have a live band, the food and door prizes every 10mins. We currently have close to $5000 in donations, please help us push that to $10,000! For more info email me at Count me in! Lets keep the money in Gurnee this holiday season, your participation will go a long way towards our goals.

Member Spotlight - Rink Side Sports

I recently enjoyed sitting down with Jeanne Lundgren, Director of Sales and Marketing at Rink Side Sports, who won this month's Member Spotlight for the Village of Gurnee Chamber of Commerce. As Jeanne shared the many updates, changes and events at Rink Side she brought me down my own personal “memory lane” remembering when my kids were little and Rink Side first opened its doors in 1999. Gurnee was buzzing with excitement for this entertainment center to open in our town’s own backyard. Over the years, Rink Side has continuously updated itself with new activities and games that are fun for all ages.

Rink Side is probably best known for their NHL-size ice rink. Step inside and you will see so much more. Rink Side offers everyday family fun which includes hundreds of arcade games, Laser Tag and Glow Golf. These can be played on a walk- in basis or as part of a party package. For the young children’s Laser Tag parties, Jeanne shared with me how dinosaurs are hidden in the Laser Tag area for the kids to hunt for before their regular game begins. It is extra touches such as this that make Rink Side one of the most sought after places for parents to bring their kids in the area. A popular activity offered monthly for young children is Share a Story. Children will enjoy a special story time that is followed by a fun book themed activity. Whether it is cupcake decorating, a visit from a reptile from Serpent Safari or a visit from Santa, the kids and parents alike always have something to look forward to on the 3^rd Thursday of each month.

Rink Side holds thousands of parties each year for young kids as well as the young at heart. This includes Birthday Parties, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Sweet 16’s, holiday parties and corporate events. At this time of year the company holiday parties are a big hit. Although they are proud to host parties for such companies as “Uline” and “CDW”, they will work with your company to plan a fun holiday event that will let your employees know you care. Whether you are a small business of 4 or a large company of 100, they will help build a party that fits your needs and your budget. The newest party event now being offered at Rink Side is Broom Ball. I have had the pleasure of playing Broom Ball and can say first hand it is a blast! This is a game that is played on the ice in your street shoes - so no worries if you don’t know how to skate. Broom Ball is a game similar to soccer or hockey in which teams try to score more goals than their opposing team, however it is played on the ice with sticks (called brooms) and a ball. This is definitely a great idea for a holiday party or a team building event. Dinners at restaurants are nice, but parties at Rink Side will be memorable.

The Hockey and Ice-skating programs are synonymous with Rink Side. The Maulers, Rink Side’s home and travel hockey teams, Rink Side’s Extreme Synchro Teams, and their mascot Snowflake, have just exploded in popularity over the years. These teams are geared to both youth and adult age programs. Learn to Skate and Learn to Play Hockey lessons are offered daily. Classes are geared for all ages and skill levels.. Rink Side is also home to WTHS Hockey Club. Ice Skating programs are offered throughout the year for all age groups and levels. During school breaks, Rink Side also offers special programs such as their winter break Snowflake Learn to Skate clinics and their summer skating camps. In addition, Rink Side has figure skaters who give reason for Rink Side to boast about their skating programs. Children who started 11 years ago, when Rink Side first opened, have now gone on to become nationally ranked skaters and some even touring with Disney on Ice throughout the world. However, for those who enjoy recreational skating, there is open skating 7-days a week throughout the year. In the summer, if it is 85 degrees or more in Gurnee, kids skate free!

Have a fund raiser? Rink Side embraces the community not only by offering quality events and programs but also through its fundraising efforts. Rink side offers fundraising throughout the year to school and church organizations as well as non-profits such as “American Cancer Society” and “Save a Pet”.

Rink Side has a host of upcoming events that you can check out on the website. This year Rink Side will be partnering with Gurnee Mills to host “Hockey” Santa every weekend. On December 15th from 4:30pm-7:30pm everyone is invited to Rink Side’s Ice Arena's Holiday Open House. This special event will feature a free ice show with top area skaters, a baked goods sale, public skating from 5:30 -7pm and of course Santa. If you wondering what to do with the kids for New Year's come to the annual New Year's Eve party which includes a dinner buffet, prizes, your choice of Laser Tag, Tornado Ride or Glow Golf , hats and noisemakers and a countdown and balloon drop at 9pm!

Rink Side Sports is located in Gurnee Mills Mall between entrances “H” and “J”. For more information on year round events, parties, and pricing please call Jeanne Lundgren at 847-856-1064 or visit www.rink-side.com. Follow Rink Side on Facebook to get updates, schedules and have the opportunity to win free tickets and prizes.

-Cheryl Furstoss (Member Spotlight, VGCC)

Banners

I just purchased my Gurnee's Got It banner yesterday. Why? Because for $250, I get a banner on a busy Gurnee street for 1yr. Piggybacking on this marketing campaign is smart money in my opinion. I've spent more money on one day ads in the paper, or for weekly and monthly publications. This is for the full year! Check out www.gurneechamber.com and get yours!

October meeting

For those that missed the meeting, you missed out on a lot of relevant and exciting info about your chamber. Tony McFarland from Guidance Development, our web designer, went over our statistics for our web page. As you may or may not realize, the web page is one of the cornerstones of our benefits package to members. We set out to make the chamber web site a "top of the chart" Google site. In six short months we achieved our main objective and became the number one search hit in Google for the keywords "Gurnee Chamber".
Some key takeaway statistics that were mentioned today: 30,000 unique page views, 50% of our visitors were unique visitors, the average site visit lasted nearly 3 minutes, and we have a page ranking of 92 out of a possible 100.
For $150 fee, this has got to be one of the greatest values in web design ever!

How To Utilize Your Chamber

Like anything else being a part of a Chamber takes a little work. What you put into is what you get out of it. Here are a few tips on how to make the Chamber work for you.

1. Show up: Come a little early and stay a little later at meetings. Take the time to connect with people!

2. Follow up: After swapping business cards, make sure to follow up and meet with new people (and continue to stay connected to people you have met before.) Following up, doesn't necessarily mean an e-mail. Get to know that person, schedule coffee or lunch to really make a connection.

3. Build Relationships: Continue to keep in contact with the people you meet. You never know - what starts out as a business contact could turn into a great lead (or a great friend!)

4. Don't go to meetings with the intention to sell: Networking is a place for relationship building and making connections, not overbearing selling. Trying to sell at a meeting may turn people off. People want to get goods and services from people they have a relationship with and that they feel comfortable with. Let people get to know you first.

5. Practice your elevator speech (or positioning statement): You usually only have 30 seconds to get your word out. Utilize your time wisely and to the best of your best ability. Prepare a great statement that captures people (You may want to practice it at home). This introduction helps others remember you. It shows that you are knowledgeable and professional about the product or service you represent. If you are seeing the same people often, make them aware of new and interesting services. This may spark their interest.

6. Use humor: Introduce yourself with humor, listen to what others are saying and piggyback on something someone has said, or just be a little silly. This will show others you feel comfortable, are approachable, and will make you memorable.

7. Don't shy away from a meeting because of the size of the turn out or because you don't know anyone else that will be there: Sometimes not knowing anyone gives you the best opportunity to connect. People love to meet new people. As for the size of the group, sometimes you can make the best connections within small groups as things are more intimate You will have more time to focus on each other and more time to share about your businesses.

8. Don't let your competitive spirit show: Do not get frustrated with other people that show up that are in your same field of work. Take the time to meet them and learn from each other.

9. Join committees: Joining Chamber committees is a great way to get yourself more known in the community and to have a bigger say in your chamber. It is also a good way to give input for any ideas you may have.

10. Be enthusiastic: Show your interest in the people you meet, take the time to listen to others and remember that although meeting can be lots of fun, always be professional and respectful.

11. Invite others to check out the Chamber: Had to throw that one in, as spreading the word and helping your chamber grow benefits all!

The get more information on the Village of Gurnee Chamber of Commerce - please visit their website: www.gurneechamber.org

Cheryl Furstoss (Marketing Monkey/Send Out Cards)

This Is Your Chamber: Tell Us Your Thoughts

The Village of Gurnee Chamber is YOUR CHAMBER! This Chamber was built on the premise of having a Chamber that would focus and help grow the area businesses in Gurnee. We have now passed our first year anniversary and our looking for your input?

• How do you think the Chamber is doing so far
• What do you like about the Chamber
• Are there any changes you would like to see?
• Do you have any ideas for meetings or speakers?

This is your Chamber!

Member Spotlight: Salon Bliss

Village of Gurnee Chamber of Commerce

Member SpotLight

Salon Bliss

Owner: Lisa Ruley

Gurnee Town Center Mall

7075 Grand Ave. Gurnee, IL 60021

847-336-4554

Our first Village of Gurnee Chamber that was picked for our member Spotlight was Salon Bliss. I have personally been to this salon and have nothing but great things to say. They are always friendly, do a great job and yes, open on Sundays! Here is my interview with Lisa Ruley, owner of Salon Bliss. I hope you enjoy reading as much as I had finding out all about this salon in Gurnee.

Cheryl: What is something interesting about Salon Bliss that not many people would know?

Lisa: Our Mission is an Acronym Beauty-Love-Integrity-Serenity-Sharing which spells Bliss; I feel we truly try to work by that at Salon Bliss

Cheryl: How long have you been in business?

Lisa: Salon Bliss has been in business for 9 years and I have been in this industry for 27

Cheryl: What is the best way to get some specials or coupons for Salon Bliss?

Lisa: We try to get to get everyone’s e-mails so we can send them weekly e-mail specials

Cheryl: What are some interesting things about Salon Bliss that you would like to share with the Village of Gurnee Chamber members and those who follow this blog?

Lisa: We do a lot of donations! Especially in our community and our schools. We work with Woodland School District and give each child who receives a 3.0 or higher a discount card with a 10% discount. We also work with different issues primarily due to death or illness, for children’s organizations, and sporting events.

Lisa: Another interesting thing is that every year since we have been open we are in the Gurnee Days Parade. We have won a plaque for our float every year.

Cheryl: I have gone to the parade every single year since I moved here 14 years ago, and they always really do a great job!

Cheryl: What kinds of services do you offer at Salon Bliss?

Lisa: Our services include but are not limited to: full hair care, hair extensions, hair retexturizing, full nail care, nail enhancements, pedicures, full spa services, facials, massages, body treatments, microdermabrasions, and waxing.

Cheryl: What retail lines do your carry?

Lisa: Our retail line includes: Aveda, Aquage, L’Oreal Professional, Bumble & Bumble, Bioelements, Mirabella and OPI

Cheryl: When you walk in the Salon you also see some other “fun stuff”

Lisa: We have a great line of purses and jewelry that are designer inspired by Coach, Channel, Tiffany, and Juicy just to name a few.

Cheryl: Is Salon Bliss involved with any charities?

Lisa: We are involved every year in raising money for clean water and for breast cancer

Cheryl: Is there anything you would like to tell us about your employees?

Lisa: I think of my employees like family. Our clients too!

Cheryl: What can a customer expect when they come to your salon?

Lisa: We try to have a professional, classy, yet homey feeling in our salon

Thank you for sharing with us all about Salon Bliss. Lisa has included a coupon below for you to use at her salon. Please stop by and tell them you read about Salon Bliss on the Village of Gurnee Chamber Blog. From my personal experience, I can tell you that you will not be disappointed!

Print this page out and bring into Salon Bliss for 10% off one service.

Can not be combined with other specials. Limit one per customer.

Interview and blog by Cheryl Furstoss of Marketing Monkey

“Don’t go bananas…Get A Marketing Monkey”

One Year Down, ? to go.

It's official, the Gurnee Chamber completed it's first year. In case you haven't been following the progress, there's been plenty to celebrate. And celebrate we did! The annual celebration was held at Six Flags' Hurricane Harbor. The theme was of course an island luau theme to fit the location, and to fit the mood. After countless months of planning and strategizing, and one year of gathering members, it was time to let loose a bit.
In true chamber fashion, the cost of the event was a reasonable $45 per person, leaving virtually no profit for the chamber. The chamber is adamant about keeping costs low, and not being focused on fund raising. Attendees received an open buffet, draft beer and sodas, a souvenir cup, and a Hawaiian lei.
A 100% payback raffle was held; the winner taking home $400 for her efforts. Congrats Barb "Kay"! Of course there were other prizes. Six Flags kicked in 4 free tickets, KeyLime Cove Resort gave an overnight stay, Churchill Photography gave a $350 gift certificate, Scentsy donated a gift basket, Star Capital Management gave a free financial plan valued at $1000, Gurnee Flowers gave two arrangements, and TravelHost magazine gave tickets to SummerFest and the Renaissance Fair.
In addition to the prizes listed, there was a special prize of $50 given to the wearer of the ugliest Hawaiian shirt. It was well deserved in this case. Go get yourself another shirt!
The "formal" part of the evening (10 minutes in duration), was devoted to awarding the Business of the Year Award and the President's Award for distinguished service. Craig Hathaway from Churchill Photography took home top honors for Business of the Year, and Ken Lechman took home the President's Award. Congrats to both men for their dedication and hard work!
We of course are looking forward to another great year at the chamber, and who knows, maybe another luau to cap it off again!

May Meeting

The TribLocal was the headline speaker at our meeting this month. They have a great opportunity for businesses to post their own events and news stories. Members in attendance agreed that learning of these kinds of opportunities is one of the many benefits the Chamber is providing. We are moving ahead with our Shop Gurnee campaign, as plans are developing for the new program. Keep an eye out on the website for the updates. We are working closely with the Village of Gurnee to make the campaign a big success.
The official member count is at 135 and growing! Keep up the networking, and keep spreading the word. Email this blog link and/or our website to your friends and peers.

Kenosha Chamber

Did you know the chamber has friends all over the country? We are partnering with our friends to the north, the Kenosha Area Chamber for a networking event. This is their bi-annual speed networking event that is designed to introduce you to new faces and potential business partners across the Wisconsin border. In this day and age, business knows no boundaries. Kenosha is one of the fastest growing and progressive city centers in the midwest. See what opportunities exist for your business. The possibility of meeting a new client or several new prospects, makes this lunch event an easy choice. See you there!

March Lunch & Learn

Wow, what a great event! 150 attendees came to hear the Commanding Officer of Great Lakes Naval Base, Captn. John Malfitano speak. Everyone got the opportunity to make new business acquaintances from other local chambers. Grayslake, Waukegan, Kenosha, GLMV, and LLV Chamber were present with their members. Feedback thus far has been all positive from the attendees. We will continue to strive to provide our members with ways to promote and expand their businesses through networking and group meetings. As always, we need your ideas. If you want to see a speaker or have a program idea, please let us know.

Keep following us on www.gurneechamber.com for upcoming events.

Play Ball!

60 members and nonmembers joined together to hear about the new Lake County Fielders semi-pro baseball team's upcoming season. The new team is owned by the famous actor Kevin Costner. They are currently constructing the $15 million facility in Zion and are out in the community making sure everyone knows about this exciting new team. Some might ask what a new baseball team has to do with a chamber of commerce. The answer is marketing. The team offers a local opportunity to advertise and market your business to an expected 300,000 attendees for the season. Some businesses may choose to use the team's proximity to conduct client appreciation events at the ballpark, while others may use the many opportunities to advertise in the programs or on the stadium itself.
As a chamber, we want to provide our members with as many options to promote your business as possible. Maybe the Lake County Fielders can be an opportunity for your business.
As always, don't forget to check out www.gurneechamber.com to keep up to date on our upcoming events.

Check this out!

We set a goal to be the number one spot on Google in the first year. I'm happy to report that as of today, when you search for Gurnee Chamber, our website is first! Village of Gurnee Chamber of Commerce was started in July of 2009, so our ascension in the ranks of Google is pretty amazing. Thanks to all our members and their links to their websites, we've become a trusted host in the search engines. Thanks goes mostly to Craig Hathaway for his help in managing the web project. Tim Kobb has provided further assistance in cleaning up our web presence.
What can you do to help out your chamber?

Join the Chamber!

JOIN YOUR LOCAL CHAMBER

Great news. For any of you that have not joined the chamber yet, or if you know of anyone that is interested. NOW is the time. Any new business to join the Village of Gurnee Chamber before 2/12/10 will be our guest at the next 3 meetings. That's a savings of $50! Membership is just $150. Find out what over 100 members already know. JOIN YOUR LOCAL CHAMBER TODAY!

Social Media

If you haven't heard the term social media, you've been living in a very secluded area. It's no secret that social media is here to stay. Reading this blog means you're aware of it's presence. Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, MySpace, and many other websites have captured the essence of social connections. How can we as business people leverage those connections to benefit our businesses?
Come to our next Village of Gurnee Chamber of Commerce meeting on Jan. 20th and find out about this mega marketing tool called Social media!