Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Check It Out!

The all new 2010 Cadillac Escalade and SRX will be on display at EXPO 2009!
Be sure to stop by to check out these beauties!



EXPO 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Westin Lombard Yorktown Center
10 AM to 3 PM
FREE ADMISSION ~ ALL ARE INVITED

Networking Reception ~ Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse
4 PM to 6 PM

FREE to Exhibitors or $25 per person

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Tap the world's collective wisdom with social media

By Brian Tomkins - Business Ledger October 15, 2009

Brian Tomkins is chief of operations for Nextvoice247, a multimedia company that combines traditional marketing and PR techniques with innovative social media strategies. He helps his clients brand themselves and build strong relationships by supplementing traditional marketing techniques with online social media. He utilizes Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, Blogs and other online tools to build communities and connect his clients to their target audience. Contact him at BrianTomkins@nextvoice247.com or follow him on twitter @BrianTomkins.

People ask me all the time, “How do I advertise on social media?” Advertising is part of the equation, but if you go into social media with an advertising mentality, you may set yourself up for failure. Read More...

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Ghouls Night Out


Submitted by:
Kathleen Roberts, Potted Petals
630-620-0448

Emails no longer rule?

Here is a recent article from The Wallstreet Journal. What's your opinion? Do you agree or disagree?

Monday, October 12, 2009

Are You Getting the Respect You Deserve?

This article was featured in the Monday, October 12 Business Ledger.

A Business Perspective
By: Ramon Greenwood

No doubt about it, most of us at one time or another can identify with Comedian Rodney Dangerfield's trademark lament, "I don't get no respect."That's not surprising because our need to be appreciated along our career path is not always satisfied. But stop and think the next time you are tempted to moan and groan about not getting respect and appreciation on your job. Read more...

Thursday, October 8, 2009

EMPLOYEE GIVES TWO WEEKS’ NOTICE— EMPLOYER TERMINATES RIGHT AWAY— IDES SAYS EMPLOYEE IS ELIGIBLE FOR UNEMPLOYMENT!

An interesting article was recently posted on the Illinois Chamber Website regarding voluntary resignation of an employee, and their ability to collect unemployment. You can read it HERE

Read the October, 2009 News and Views Newsletter from the DuPage Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Community Forum

I attended the Community Forum that was held this past Saturday at the Westin. Tghis is a bi-annual event in which information is gathered from members of the community used to drive the Village Board's Strategic Plan. Over 50 Lombard residents were in attendance, as well as all of our Village Board of Trustees and departments heads from the Village of Lombard. The residents in attendance had replied to one of the over 1500 surveys that were sent out. They were then asked if they would like to participate in the upcoming forum. There was also a group of members from local govermental agencies that serve Lombard, that were on hand to observe the Forum, and were able to glean important information that residents feel is important in planning for the future of Lombard. The observers were from the Lombard Park District, Lombard Chamber of Commerce, School Districts 44, 45 and 88, Lombard Town Centre and the Helen Plum Library.

All participants were divided into groups that included a trustee and a department head. Each group chose a facilitator, and participated simultaneously in 3 group exercises.

The first exercise, "Success Stories" consisted of the groups coming up with and listing successes that they have recognized in Lombard. These successes could be associated with the Park District, Library , Village, Chamber, County etc. Many of the lists were similar to each other, and included such things as the expansion of Yorktown, the building of the Westin, Paradise Bay, Cruise Nights, and the Taste of Lombard. Each group came up with their top 10, which were then grouped according to "type" with all of the other groups, to see where the largest successes were recognized.

The second exercise was called "If I were King/Queen - this is what I would do". To get into the spirit of the exercise, every person in the room wore a crown. The residents were told to come up individually with things that they would like to see in Lombard, as if they were King. The groups then each compiled their top 10 items, which were then once again grouped together with the top 10 from the other groups to ascertain what types of things the residents would like to see. Some of the wishes were a skateboard park, community mono-rail system, (clever, huh?) a new theatre, and a new library.

The third exercise, "The Budget Game" was quite challenging. The groups were presented with a "village" budget. The budget needed to be reduced by 1.2 million. They were given a list of budget choices, and were asked to either cut spending, increase revenues and/or add spending in order to achieve a balanced budget. There were 15 items/areas identified as having possibilites for spending cuts. Each item was described, and had the pros and cons listed. The groups went through each item one by one to discuss the pros and cons, and whether or not they felt that the item should stay as is, or be cut in some way. None of the choices were easy - some involved cutting money to local social services, police or fire protection. Another would require a number of furlough days for Village employees, or reduce hours at the front desk. Groups were also challenged to decide if there should be an increase in revenues. For example, increasing the rate of vehicles stickers or having a referendum to increase property taxes. This exercise really helped all attendees to understand the tough choices that our Village Board is faced with when trying to keep our budget on track.

Over all, the Community Forum is a very worthwhile event, and every Lombard citizen should be involved at one time or another. As Lombard residents, we are very lucky that we have a Village Board that really listens and cares about the thoughts and feeling of it's residents. We have fabulous parks, library and school districts as well as dedicated police and fire fighters.

Even as layoffs persist, some good jobs go begging

Here is an interesting story from Yahoo News.

Friday, October 2, 2009

North and South







SOUTH: Have you checked out the Evening Farmer's Market at Yorktown Center - The Shops on Butterfield?


Make It Happen-DuPage and Yorktown Center have worked together to create an upscale, early evening market for DuPage County. It's a really unique concept for a mall, and certain to be beneficial to working families that don't have access to the many morning markets in the area.

This Farmer's Market will feature nearly 25 vendor spaces with items such as pasture raised antibiotic free pork, farm fresh milk, cheeses, fresh fruits and vegetables, squash, gourds and pumpkins, olives, vinegars, jams and jellies, pies, chocolates, salsa and sauces, breads and scones, kettle corn, fresh and dried flowers, loose leaf teas, honey, hand-made soaps and so much more.
There are also samplings from many of the area restaurants such as Egg Harbor, Brio Tuscan Grille, Rock Bottom Brewery and Adobo Grill.
This 4 week test market has 2 weeks left, and will determine the viability of running it for the entire season next year. The market starts at 3 PM and ends at 7 PM, and will be open on October 7 and October 14.
It is located outside at the Shops on Butterfield at Yorktown Center, and located near Forever 21. Check it out - you won't be disappointed!






NORTH: The Lombard Metra Train Station Has a New Look!
Two years ago, the Village of Lombard and Metra entered into an agreement to modernize and update the station in downtown Lombard. Both interior and exterior changes were made, including a new roof, clock tower and the installation of a video security system, plasma television, a book case and washrooms that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

"The Perk" coffee and snack shop is open daily from 5:30 AM to 10:30 AM with fresh coffee, drinks, donuts, fruit and more. Village President, William Mueller told everyone that they "don't need to be taking the train in order to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee, and to stop on by during operating hours".

On October 1, a ribbon cutting was held at the Metra station in honor of the new enhancements. Representatives from Metra, the Village of Lombard, Chamber of Commerce, Lombard Park District and Lombard Town Centre were among those in attendance.