On Wednesday, February 17 join us at the Sweetheart of Edgwater party at Ethiopian Diamond located at 6120 N. Broadway from 5:45pm to 7:45pm. The night will be filled with delicious Ethiopian food and the presentation of the "Sweetheart of Edgewater" award.

Plus, we've invited Michael Slater, founder of SpeedNetworking.com, to host a round of networking fun. Speed Networking was developed to effectively match business professionals for the advancement of career and business objectives, so don't forget your business cards! We've also asked the Rotary Club of Chicago Far North to present during the evening, so you'll have the opportunity to meet a few local Rotarians and learn more about their great organization.

RSVP & Tickets

RSVP to the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce at 773-561-6000 or info@edgewater.org.  Admission is $20 for Chamber members and Rotary members who pre-register. $25 for non-members and tickets purchased the evening of the event. You can also purchase tickets online at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/97713.

7 Questions with Ras Dashen owner/chef, Zenash Beyene

Owner/Chef Zenash Beyene in front of Ras Dashen at 5846 N. Broadway

7 Questions with Zenash Beyene

Can you tell us a little about your business and how long it has been located in Edgewater?

My business is Ras Dashen Ethiopian Restaurant. We are located at 5846 N Broadway. We have been open almost 9 years now, our anniversary is coming up on March 24.

Can you give us a brief overview of your cuisine and menu?

We serve traditional style Ethiopian cuisine served in a family style setting. We are vegetarian and vegan friendly and we also serve Beef, Lamb, Chicken, and Fish.  Our most popular is the Omnivore dinner for two which allows you to sample a variety of meat and vegetarian dishes. We also have a vegetarian sampler which lets you choose 5 veggie sides. My chef experience gives me pride in my food and this is the skill that has motivated me to open my own restaurant. I come from generations of famous chefs and cooking was taught to me by my grandparents.

What are the top three keys to Ras Dashen’s success?

1. Fresh ingredients made from scratch every day. 2. My loyal customers who give me confidence 3. I’m always here!

What do you like best about having your business located in Edgewater?

Originally, my intention was to open a restaurant in Hyde park, but every chance I got, I found myself in Edgewater during all of my free time and I just fell in love with this community. This is a very friendly neighborhood which is expanding tremendously and it makes me feel good to live here and have my business here.

How has the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce helped your business?

The Edgewater Chamber of Commerce has really been key in helping my business get recognition over the past several years. They always have fun events planned throughout the year and they really try to keep Edgewater as safe and enjoyable as possible. Thank you Edgewater Chamber of Commerce!

What advice do you have for other businesses in the neighborhood?

Never give up!

Do you have any exciting news you would like to share with Chamber members and the neighborhood?

In the future, I am planning to open a new location but for now, I am looking to sell my special sauces to participating grocery stores. Other than that, my success is my excitement.

For additional information, visit Ras Dashen's website at www.rasdashenchicago.com

Celebrate Edgewater’s rich history with a poster of one of Chicago’s most enduring iconic architectural gems.
 


Professionally designed and illustrated by local Edgewater artist John Garrison, The Edgewater Beach Collectible Poster allows you to revel in our rich community while also supporting your neighborhood.  When you purchase your poster from the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce, those proceeds go to benefit our organization and the work we do here in Edgewater.

The poster comes in a standard size (36”x 24”) making it a perfect decoration for your office and/or home.  Although we do not provide the framing, feel free to have it framed at a local framing shop like Granville Gallery and Picture Framing (6200 N. Broadway, 773-764-1919, Chamber member).
 
For a limited time, we have autographed versions available too.
 
Poster: $20
Autographed Poster (by the artist): $30
 
To order your poster, contact the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce:
Phone at 773-561-6000
E-mail: info@edgewater.org
Address: 1210 W. Rosedale, Chicago, IL 60660

The Edgewater Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for their annual Sweetheart of Edgewater! As usual we'll be handing out the coveted Sweetheart of Edgewater award. This year we're opening up the nomination process to the Edgwater community. Past winners include:

2009 -- Allen Stryczek (Edgewater Beautiful)
2008 -- Mary Ann Collins (Heart to Heart Program @ St. Gertrude's Parish)
2007 -- Derrick McClinton (Edgewater/Rogers Park Black Family Network)
2006 -- Patrick Hulne (Patch Landscaping)
2005 -- Lita Lopez (Metropolis Coffee) & Moseth Sample (Broadway Armory)

Sweetheart of Edgewater Award Criteria: The Sweetheart of Edgewater award is intended to honor an unsung hero or group of heroes with a connection to Edgewater. Nominees must be an individual or group of individuals that over a period have contributed outstanding dedication and service to the Edgewater community. The individual/individuals should exhibit fair and honest business practices. Recipients should either live, work, or own a business in Edgewater.
 

Click here to download the nomination form. Nominations must be returned via mail, fax, or email by February 3, 2010.
 

Send nominations to 1210 W. Rosedale Chicago, IL 60660 or fax to 773-561-8584 or email info@edgewater.org.

Community Tree Lighting at the Broadway Armory
(Photo: Erin Kitzinger)

This past Saturday, December 12, the community enjoyed roaming carolers, two FREE trolleys, plus food, crafts, and entertainment at the Broadway Armory.  The Edgewater Artists in Motion also held two art fairs in vacant storefronts.  Everything was topped off with a holiday sing-along and tree lighting at the Broadway Armory.  For pictures from the event, visit

This event was a collaboration by State Rep. Harry Osterman, the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce, and SSA #26 with additional support from the Edgewater Community Council, Edgewater Development Corporation, and Bryn Mawr Task Force.

Thank you to all of the businesses participating in the 2009 Storefront Decorating Contest as part of the Holidays Around the World Celebration.  It's great to see the neighborhood looking so festive this holiday season.

Below are this year's winners and participating businesses:

Best Overall Theme: Julian | Marc (6054 N. Broadway)
Best Overall Design: Edgewater Antique Mall (6314 N. Broadway)
Best Overall Design: Anna Held Flower Shop & Cafe (5557 N. Sheridan)
Most Creative: Frank Event Design (5555 N. Sheridan)

Honorable Mentions:
Bananas Foster Cafe (1147 W. Granville)
Conn's Catering (1535 W. Devon)
Curves Chicago Edgewater (1354 W. Devon)
Indie Cafe (5951 N. Broadway)
The UPS Store - Bryn Mawr (1055 W. Bryn Mawr)

Thank you to the following businesses who also participated:
Bark Bark Club (5943 N. Broadway)
Bryn Mawr Jewelry Company (1125 W. Bryn Mawr)
Pier 1 imports (5304 N. Broadway)
Ras Dashen Ethiopian Restaurant (5846 N. Broadway)
Salon Echo (1134 W. Bryn Mawr)
The Sovereign (1040 W. Granville)
St. Andrew's Inn (5938 N. Broadway)
Subway (1139 W. Granville)
Third Coast Comics (6234 N. Broadway)
True Nature Foods (6034 N. Broadway)

The Roaring '20s Gatsby Party held on December 3rd, 2009 was a lot of fun!  Thank you to our sponsors, our silent auction donors, and everyone who came out and had a roaring '20s time with us.  We hope many existing friendships were furthered and new friendships made.

For pictures from the event, visit our Photo Gallery at www.edgewater.org/News/Photo_Gallery.aspx


Performers from Joel Hall Dancers (Photo: Erin Kitzinger)

Platinum Sponsor
Patch Landscaping & Snow Removal

Gold Sponsors
Kindred Chicago Lakeshore, Loyola University Chicago

Silver Sponsors
B&R Developers, The Breakers at Edgewater Beach, Broadway Bank, Holsten Real Estate, Senator Heather Steans

Bronze Sponsors
Ansonia Properties, Bark Bark Club, Chicago Gold Gallery, Dave Frederickson State Farm, Dominick's, Edgewater Athletic Club, The First Commercial Bank, Indie Cafe, MacMaster Properties, LLC, Moody's Pub, The Pumping Company, Ras Dashen Ethiopian Restaurant, St. Andrew's Inn, and Vranas & Chioros Realty Group

Holidays Around the World Celebration
Saturday, December 12th, 2009
Throughout Edgewater

Visit our Holidays Around the World page for the most up-to-date information

Festive Streets, Storefronts, and Shopping
Noon-4pm * Two free trolleys along Broadway & Devon
Enjoy roaming carolers, a storefront decorating contest, and special holidays promotions from area businesses.

Holiday Fair & Community Tree Lighting
2pm-5pm * Broadway Armory Park * 5917 N. Broadway
Join us and local ethnic organizations to celebrate with food, crafts, music, and information about how the winter holidays are experienced around the world and participate in a holiday sing-a-long!  The entertainment program will begin promptly at 4:00pm with the tree lighting immediately following.  Additional entertainment program details coming shortly - check back soon!

Edgewater Artists in Motion Holiday Art Fest
11am-6pm * Two locations: 5501 N. Broadway & 6056 N. Broadway
Enjoy an art fair from the Edgewater Artists in Motion and purchase work from local artists for the holidays!

Holidays Around the World is a collaboration by State Rep. Harry Osterman, the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce, and SSA #26 with additional support from the Edgewater Community Council, Edgewater Development Corporation, and Bryn Mawr Task Force.

2009 Chamber Holiday Mixer & Silent Auction:
A Roaring 20’s Gatsby party
Thursday, December 3^rd, 2009, 5:30pm – 9pm
at The Breakers at Edgewater Beach, 5333 N. Sheridan
Complimentary Valet Parking

Join us for a festive holiday evening with 1920’s style fun!  Revisit a bygone era with sultry 20’s music by the lovely Rebecca Sullivan, a Charleston performance by Joel Hall Dancers, and black and white silent films.  Enjoy delicious exotic dishes prepared by the talented Chef Peter.  And cap it all off with special and unique finds at our silent auction.  Attire of the era encouraged but not required.

Tickets
$40 Member pre-purchase price
$50 Regular Price and night of the event
Purchase your tickets today! Call 773-561-6000, e-mail info@edgewater.org, or visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/87491

THANK YOU SPONSORS

Platinum Sponsor
Patch Landscaping & Snow Removal

Gold Sponsors
Kindred Chicago Lakeshore
Loyola University Chicago 

Silver Sponsors
B&R Developers
The Breakers at Edgewater Beach
Broadway Bank
Holsten Real Estate
Senator Heather Steans       

Bronze Sponsors
Ansonia Properties
Bark Bark Club
Chicago Gold Gallery
Dave Frederickson State Farm
Dominick's
Edgewater Athletic Club
The First Commercial Bank
Indie Cafe
MacMaster Properties, LLC
Moody’s Pub
Ole St. Andrew's Inn
The Pumping Company
Ras Dashen Ethiopian Restaurant
Vranas & Chioros Realty Group

7 Questions with Ethiopian Diamond owner, Almaz Yigizaw

Owner Almaz Yigizaw with a platter of Ethiopian cuisine

7 Questions with Ethiopian Diamond owner Almaz Yigizaw

Can you tell us a little about your business and how long it has been located in Edgewater?

The business opened 13 ½ years ago as one of the first Ethiopian restaurants in Chicago.  Ethiopian Diamond is a comfortable atmosphere with live entertainment on Friday and Saturday.  We can accommodate up to 175 guests and we provide a private area for special events.  We are open from 11:30 to 10:30 Sunday through Thursday and 11:30 to 11:30 on Friday and Saturday.  We have a variety of dinner packages to choose from and a full bar is also available.

Can you give us a brief overview of your cuisine and menu?

From the Traditional to the unexpected, Ethiopian Cuisine is a variety of flavors.  It all starts with our bread called Injera.  Injera is used to soak up the flavors and also used as your utensil.  Ethiopian cuisine is eaten with your fingers.

We serve a variety of vegetarian items and several meat choices; lamb, beef, chicken and seafood.  You have your choice if you want it spicy, mild or plain on most entrees.  There is a little of something for everyone.

What are the top three keys to Ethiopian Diamond’s success?

We take pride in (1) our consistency, (2) the friendly environment, and of course (3) our flavorful, authentic cuisine.

What do you like best about having your business located in Edgewater?

Edgewater is a multi ethnic neighborhood where people are not afraid to try something different.  It is close to Loyola and Northwestern colleges which brings a lot of new faces to the area.

How has the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce helped your business?

The Edgewater Chamber was the first to recognize the Ethiopian Diamond Restaurant for 4 awards the first year in business.  This helped us with publicity in the community and neighborhood.  Now they include us in many events and meetings which are held many times in our restaurant, this also helps bring in new customers.

What advice do you have for other businesses in the neighborhood?

If you are not currently a member, become one.  Attend all meetings and events, become active in the neighborhood and volunteer whenever possible.

Do you have any exciting news you would like to share with Chamber members and the neighborhood?

Yes, due to the success of our current restaurant we have expanded and we are opening our second location at 7537 N. Clark.  We are planning our grand opening for the weekend of October 23^rd.  Here we will serve from the same menu and the food items will remain the same.  However, this location will be more for the night owls.  We will be open until 2am and we will have entertainment on most nights.  We will have Sunday brunch at this location and there is free parking all day and night.  Come check it out!!!

Come enjoy “Ethiopian Flavors with the Spice of Life!”

On Thursday, September 24 the Edgewater community can enjoy two dinner crawls. The Edgewater Chamber of Commerce is supporting both events: the RogersEdge Dinner Crawl organized by Loyola University and the Rogers Park Business Alliance and the Taste of Edgewater organized by the Edgewater Development Corporation. Both events feature Edgewater's great diverse cuisine, entertainment, and special promotions!

To purchase tickets online for the Taste of Edgewater please visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/78077.  Tickets cost $25 for adults in advance, $35 at the door, and $10 for children ages 0-12.

To purchase tickets online for the RogersEdge Dinner Crawl please visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/77737.  Tickets cost $25 in advance and $35 the day of the event.

7 Questions with Edgewater Athletic Club owner, Derek DeLapp

EAC owner, Derek DeLapp, in one of EAC's workout rooms

1. What type of business/organization do you operate?
Edgewater Athletic Club is a multi-purpose health club.
 

2. What products or services does EAC provide?
The club is a spacious 15,000 sq. feet and has a fitness center with modern cardiovascular and strength equipment, a junior Olympic-sized pool, locker rooms and steam-room. The club provides personal-training, swim lessons, group-fitness classes such as yoga, Pilates core and martial-arts. The club also has children’s and parent-tot group swim program as well as a children’s taekwondo group program. We also offer acupuncture (we just opened a full clinic in the club 3 months ago), massage, and in-home personal training.

4. What are the top three keys to your business’s success?
As Clint Eastwood once said, “A man has got to know his limitations."
1. Providing our members with a workout environment that contains the best equipment and modern fitness amenities but still give the comfortable feel of your neighborhood gym.
2. Being courteous and understanding of our clientele’s needs but realizing we are a business and must adhere to our business rules and regulations if we are remain profitable. No company can provide any value to the community when it is out of business.
3. Always being forward-thinking in business but remaining realistic of our capabilities.

5. What do you like best about having your business located in Edgewater?

Sponsored by the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce

Thursday, September 17th, 8AM-10AM
Location: Zanzibar Cafe, 1036 W. Bryn Mawr

In the age of information overload, every business needs a quick and simple way to track information. Depending on whether you are tracking sales, customer data, financial information, inventory or other service related information, there are dozens of tools available to help you more effectively manage and report on this data. But how do you know what is right for you? How do you plan for growth without over-engineering your solution? How do you know when ACT!, Quickbooks, Excel or your 1998 inventory system simply aren't good enough? 

In this session, database developer and business advisor Molly Connolly will go over a list of questions you can ask yourself to help you determine if you're effectively managing your company information and we'll talk about both off-the shelf solutions and custom database design to help you determine what is the right path for you.  Molly has worked with both small and large companies (including Toyota, Walgreens, Whirlpool) in a variety of industries to help them effectively manage information.

All attendees will be eligible to win a drawing for a free technology and database consultation.

Light breakfast will be served.

In addition to being an educational event, this will also be a great networking opportunity so please bring business cards with you.

Register Now!
$10 for Members; $20 for Non-Members
To register, contact the Chamber office at 773-561-6000 or e-mail info@edgewater.org

Chamber Connections events will be offered periodically and help to connect you with other businesses, experts, and ideas

For photos from previous Chamber Connections events, visit: www.edgewater.org/News/Photo_Gallery.aspx

Visit our growing list of participating businesses and scheduled entertainment for the August 15th Third Saturday on our special Third Saturday webpage at http://www.edgewater.org/Third_Saturdays.aspx.

Visit our online photo gallery to see new photos added from the July 18th Third Saturday: http://www.edgewater.org/News/Photo_Gallery.aspx.

More than 35 Edgewater businesses have informed us they will be offering specials, deals, and sidewalk sales as part of the July 18th Third Saturday event.  For the most current list of businesses who've informed us they are participating, along with more details on the promotions, specials, and sidewalk sales they'll be offering, visit www.edgewater.org/Third_Saturdays.aspx. 

The FREE trolley will run north on Sheridan, west on Granville, south on Broadway, and east on Berwyn.  For a map of the route and stops, visit www.edgewater.org/Third_Saturdays.aspx. 

On the next Third Saturday, July 18th, you'll find entertainment along Edgewater's sidewalks.  For the most current list of scheduled entertainment, visit www.edgewater.org/Third_Saturdays.aspx.

The first Third Saturdays event, held June 20th, was a great success. Businesses along Broadway between Foster and Devon offered some great promotions and sales, as well as entertainment. Residents enjoyed the musical stylings of the Yellowhammers and the Rebecca Sullivan Trio in the Broadway Armory Lot, as well as sax player Traysee Leonard near Granville, among others.

We're glad this event was such a triumph for Edgewater residents and businesses alike. Supporting your community by exploring the streets and connecting with your neighbors is the best way to keep Edgewater growing. We hope the next Third Saturdays event on July 18^th is even better. Don't forget to check back to see what businesses are participating and what fun we've got planned for July and beyond!

Pictures will soon be posted from the June 20th Third Saturday event.

We have added a list of scheduled entertainment for this Saturday, June 20th, as well as the scheduled trolley stops for Third Saturdays on our special Third Saturdays webpage at www.edgewater.org/Third_Saturdays.aspx

As we learn of businesses participating in Third Saturdays, we are posting them to our webpage at www.edgewater.org/Third_Saturdays.aspx.  Check back regularly for updates.

This Saturday, June 20th, Third Saturdays and the Edgewater Green Market launch!  Visit our special webpage devoted to Third Saturdays at www.edgewater.org/Third_Saturdays.aspx for additional information.

The Edgewater Chamber of Commerce held its 2009 Annual Meeting last Thursday, May 28th and honored Tina Travlos Nihlean as the Pride of Edgewater award recipient.  Tina and her family have played an instrumental role in improving Bryn Mawr, and she continues to be incredibly active in serving the community through her work with the Edgewater Development Corporation, SSA#26, Edgewater Community Council, Bryn Mawr Task Force, 48th Ward TIF Advisory Committee, and her local block club.  Congratulations, Tina!

2009 Pride of Edgewater: Tina Travlos Nihlean


The Edgewater Chamber also honored seven businesses in the community for their outstanding accomplishments.

Winners include:

Community-Minded Business of the Year:  Chicagoland Games



Customer Service of the Year: Ole St. Andrew's Inn



Green Business of the Year: uncommon ground on devon



Growing Business of the Year: Bark Bark Club



New Edgewater Business of the Year: Joel Hall Dancers



New Restaurant of the Year: Bananas Foster Cafe



Storefront of the Year: Know No Limits


Congratulations to all the winners!

PRINTING SPONSOR
Allied Print & Copy

Sponsored by the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce

For photos from the April 29th Chamber Connections event, visit: www.edgewater.org/News/Photo_Gallery.aspx

Tuesday, June 9th, 8 A.M. to 10 A.M.
Broadway Armory, 5917 N. Broadway, 2nd Floor
Parking: Either in the Armory parking lot or on the street

If your business is located in the Hollywood/Sheridan TIF, the Lawrence/Broadway TIF, or the Bryn Mawr/Broadway TIF and you're wanting to remodel the exterior or interior of your business or you're considering expanding your business, you should plan to attend the upcoming rollout meeting for the Hollywood/Sheridan SBIF and the Lawrence/Broadway SBIF.  (Businesses and properties located in the Bryn Mawr/Broadway TIF are also eligible to apply for monies still available in that SBIF, and this meeting will help provide information on how you can apply.)

SBIF is the Small Business Improvement Fund, a city of Chicago grant program adminstered by SomerCor.  The SBIF program offers grants to businesses and commercial landlords of 25% to 75% of project costs for fixed assets.

On Tuesday, June 9th from 8 A.M. to 10 A.M., SBIF Program administrators Derek Walvoord and John Paulun of SomerCor will give a presentation on SBIF and the application process.  To come prepared, you can read Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the SomerCor website at www.somercor.com/sbif_faq.php.

To download a map of the Hollywood/Sheridan TIF, click here.
To download a map of the Lawrence/Broadway TIF, visit here.
To download a map of the Bryn Mawr/Broadway TIF, visit here.

Click here to download a PDF flyer with information on this meeting, including a before and after photo.

Meeting co-hosted by the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce, Edgewater Development Corporation, Uptown Business Partners, and Uptown United.  In Partnership with Aldermen Helen Shiller (46th Ward office), Alderman Mary Ann Smith (48th Ward office), City of Chicago, and SomerCor.

2009 marks the 25^th anniversary of the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce and 2010 marks the 50^th anniversary of the Edgewater Community Council! We’re honoring both of these milestones by teaming up to produce a commemorative "Taste of Edgewater" Cookbook!

The proceeds cookbook sales will help support the Edgewater community. We’re currently seeking the best original recipes of Edgewater to be featured in the cookbook. We encourage everyone to submit! 

Please include a short history of the recipe (family, grandmother, etc.), recipe category, and your Edgewater connection (organization, block of residency, Block Club, etc.) in your entry. Sample: Board Member to the Edgewater Chamber 2003 to 2006 or resident living in 6000 block Magnolia 1976 to 2008, member of the ZYZ Block Club.

Recipe Categories:

Appetizers

Soups, Salads, & Dressings

Vegetables and Side Dishes

Main Dishes

Canning/Preserves

Pies, Pastries, and Breads

Cookies, Candies, and Desserts

Beverages

Miscellaneous

Special Considerations: (please specify if any of these apply to your recipe/dish)

Vegetarian

Vegan

Diabetic-friendly

Low-Sodium

Kosher

Other Dietary Consideration (please specify)

Ethnic (please list country outside of US)

Family Heirloom

To submit recipes or for more information, e-mail tasteofedgewater@yahoo.com.  You can also fax your recipes to 773-856-0490. 

Saturday, May 9th
10 A.M. to 3 P.M.

Nearly 300 volunteers attended the previous Edgewater Day of Service, part of President Obama's National Day of Service.  Participants had a great time and requested regular community service days.

The May 9th day of service will be centered around spring cleaning the community.  Volunteers will be painting, cleaning, and picking up litter in Edgewater parks, streets, other public areas, and for area non-profits and volunteers will be helping with a special recycling collection.

For more information or to sign up to volunteer, contact Jen Walling at jen@heathersteans.com.

Co-sponsored by State Sen. Heather Steans, Alderman Mary Ann Smith, State Rep. Harry Osterman, and the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce

Sponsored by the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce

Saturday, April 25th from 9 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.

Loyola University, Quinlan Life Sciences (1050 W.Sheridan)

You don't want to miss the 2nd annual North Lake Shore Earth Day Celebration, Chicago's largest multi-community Earth Day event where the communities of Andersonville, Edgewater, Lincoln Square, Ravenswood, Rogers Park, and Uptown all join forces and unite with Loyola University. 

"Act Locally" is the theme and goal of this year's free event, which features green activities for the whole family, including over 15 hands-on workshops, fun and educational children's programs, a Green Fair featuring more than 40 businesses and associations, and delicious, healthy food.  Keynote speakers include Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky and Illinois State Senator Heather Steans.

More Info:
Blocks from the Loyola Red Line el stop, bike friendly and free parking For more information, call 773-508-7450 or visit www.luc.edu/earthday

The Edgewater Chamber of Commerce serves on the planning committee that has helped plan and promote this event.

Sidewalk cafe season has begun. It runs from March 1st through December 1st. Applications are currently being accepted and may be submitted in person or via mail. Applications must be approved by your Alderman.

Please note that it takes a several weeks to process your application so if you haven't yet applied, you should do so ASAP. You can download the application by clicking here or visiting www.cityofchicago.org/businessaffairs. For additional information, call 312-74-GOBIZ (744-6249).

Allen Stryczek of Edgewater Beautiful won this year's Sweetheart of Edgewater Award at the 2009 Sweetheart of Edgewater Party on Tuesday, Feb. 17th at Ole St. Andrew's Inn. Business owners and community leaders turned out to honor Allen and take part in a networking game.

CODE: 10-28-030
It shall be unlawful for any person to shovel or throw upon the public way any amount of ice or snow which is obstructive to the moving or parking of vehicular traffic. Any person found in violation of this section shall be fined not less that $25.00 nor more than $100.00 for each offense, and each day such offense shall continue shall constitute a distinct and separate offense.
(Or, as we say in Edgewater, don't shovel your snow into streets and alleys, or onto the sidewalk from your parking lot.)

CODE: 10-8-180
Every owner, lessee, tenant, occupant or other person having charge of any building or lot of ground in the city abutting upon any public way or public place shall remove the snow and ice from the sidewalk in front of such building or lot of ground. If the sidewalk is of greater width than five feet, it shall not be necessary for such person to remove snow and ice from the same for a space wider than five feet. The snow which falls or accumulates during the day (excepting Sundays) before four p.m. shall be removed within three hours after the same has fallen or accumulated. The snow which falls or accumulates on Sunday after 4:00 p.m. and during the night on other days shall be removed before 10:00 a.m.

(Don't just shovel a 12 inch path through the snow. It must be 5 feet wide. Don't wait till the snow stops falling to shovel, it is easier on your heart to shovel a couple of times during a day-long snow fall. Your snow must be removed by 10:00 a.m. but many of our customers are going to work, so try to shovel earlier.)

The Edgewater Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Jay Delaney of Gulfport, Florida, is the new Executive Director. Jay comes to the Edgewater Chamber with a wealth of experience in community and economic development, including work with the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, a U.S. Congressional campaign, the Centerville Arts Commission, and Children's Home Society of Florida. He has worked in economic development for several cities in Ohio, including Dayton. Jay is also a filmmaker, having produced and directed several films, and he has worked on staff for the Sarasota Film Festival.