MCHENRY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FIESTA DAYS 2015
A annual event which
commenced on July 10 and will culminate with a parade this Sunday July 19 has once again transformed the City of McHenry into a place of continuous entertainment, events and
activities and destination for many outside of the City, McHenry County and State of Illinois.
The McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce,
in conjunction with businesses and the City of McHenry which play a large
supporting role along with other stakeholders and countless volunteers
collaborate, for the benefit of the entire community, host a two week
extravaganza of entertainment venues and events culminating with the Fiesta Days Parade on July 19. The McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce website has
a complete list of events and activities.
http://mchenryfiestadays.com/. Enjoy!!!
Special events and tourism are vital components to a
community’s economic well-being. They bring people together, enhance and contribute to quality of life and
provide opportunities for businesses to showcase themselves and their products
and services. Economic development is a
package deal and
Fiesta Days is a two-week opportunity for businesses to take advantage
of the droves of people which will converge on the
City of McHenry, particularly those from out of town, and
draw attention to what they do and engage more individuals for future business
opportunities!!!!!!!!!
Fiesta
Days also provides the perfect stage for businesses to advertise, capitalize on
different marketing strategies in conjunction with Fiesta Days, and stay open
longer hours due to the influx of people which will be placed immediately
outside their storefronts.
I want to highlight another community
event, “Keep the Spirit of 45 Alive" McHenry, Illinois, which is held
annually in the City and has received national attention to the City of McHenry
thanks in large part to the efforts of Ron Bykowski, a local businessman, who is also the 2015 Fiesta Days
Parade Marshal.
Ron will be honored as the Parade Marshal tonight from 7:00 pm to 7:30
pm at Veterans Memorial Park immediately followed by a performance by Centerfold as part of the City of McHenry Summer Concerts in the Park
in the Bob “Beef” Freund Band Shell!!
Below is a press release
and all the specifics on the upcoming “Keep the Spirit of 45 Alive" McHenry, Illinois.
“KEEP THE SPIRIT of 45 ALIVE”
MCHENRY, ILLINOIS
McHenry’s observance of “Keep The Spirit of 45 Alive” day will be held at Veterans Park on Sunday August 9, 2015 at 4:00 pm. Congress has designated the second Sunday of each August as a national day of remembrance honoring all members of “The Greatest Generation” and the end of WWII. McHenry’s events in the past five years have gained national recognition for the City and McHenry’s Combined Veterans Organization.
This year, in celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the end of WWII, McHenry will be recognizing, in a special way, our WWII veterans. All WWII veterans are invited to attend as honored guests. Reserved seating will be provided. These fine men and women are a tribute to their families, community and nation. Their service can never be repaid, only greatly appreciated.
The event starts at 4:00 pm with displays of 1940's memorabilia and Courtesy of the Sculpture Foundation and artist Seward Johnson, the famous statue of “The Kiss Seen Around World.” Also starting at 4:00 pm, Bill's Little Big Band will be playing swing/dance music from the 1930's and 1940's Appearing once again will be Lou Rugani of WLIP AM 1050 Kenosha Radio, replicating a 1940’s radio broadcast. Lou has been with Station WLIP for over twenty-two years and is sure to bring back memories of that golden age of live radio broadcasting. Yes, the dance floor will be open and the bands love of swing music will be evident by the toe-tapping rhythms they provide. Don’t miss it!
The honors program beginning at 5:00 pm, will include a military aircraft fly over, The Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care US Navy Color Guard, a rifle salute and “Taps”, played by at least 18 buglers with a release of at least 30 “White Doves of Peace.”
Immediately following the honors program McHenry is pleased to welcome the “Legacy Girls” in their production of “America's Wartime Sweethearts,” a USO Andrews Sisters style show. They will capture your heart with their contagious smiles and delight you as they take you down memory lane with an entertaining tribute to the music that uplifted and unified our nation. You will be sure to enjoy a truly unique musical experience.
Veteran’s Park is located at Park & Pearl Streets one block west of the Fox River and one block north of Route 120 (Elm Street) in McHenry, Illinois. Refreshments and food will be available. If there is inclement weather the event will be held at the McHenry VFW. For additional information call 815 482-2070.
Metro Chicago Exports Grant Program
I’ve written in past posts about Metro Chicago Exports: http://www.metrochicagoexports.com which can provide businesses with export assistance. This is a free service and public-private collaboration which serves the seven collar county region (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will). Metro Chicago Exports also provides grants to businesses with 500 employees or less to assist in various aspects related to a business seeking to export.
Following is a link with more information about the grant program and how to apply. The second round of applications is due by July 31, 2015. Please feel to contact me with any questions you may have or assistance I can provide. http://www.metrochicagoexports.com/blog/metro-chicago-exports-grant-program.
GLOBAL MARKET OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEDICAL
DEVICE AND EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS
EXPORT GRANTS AND ROUNDTABLES FOR CHICAGO-AREA MEDICAL STARTUPS AND MANUFACTURERS
Another opportunity you want to take advantage of is a free roundtable, which will take place on July 21, 2015 at 9:00 am. at the College of Lake County. This event is sponsored by the Illinois International Trade Center and Metro Chicago Exports. Following is a link that that free event however registration is required.
INDONESIA-CITY OF MCHENRY-MCHENRY COUNTY COLLEGE SHAH CENTER UPCOMING BUSINESS FORUM!!!
Don’t forget The Indonesian Trade Promotion Center, http://www.itpcchicago.com/ in partnership with the City of McHenry and the McHenry County College Shah Center will be hosting a business/manufacturing matchmaking event at the McHenry County College Shah Center, 4100 Shamrock Lane McHenry, IL on August 12, 2015 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The purpose of the event is for manufacturers to learn how to do business with Indonesia, whether importing or exporting, currently doing business with Indonesia or want to break into the Indonesian market this event is for you.
Please plan on attending this event! McHenry County College Shah Center, 4100 Shamrock Lane McHenry, IL on August 12, 2015 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Economic development is a community-wide effort and at the end of the day the entire community and everyone who is a part of it benefits!!!
Coming in future blog posts:
· What factors do non-retail businesses consider when thinking about relocating?
· International Council of Shopping Centers Conference 2015
· How do brick and mortar businesses remain competitive with on-line businesses?
· Chicago Metro Metal Consortium..
· What are Class A, B and C spaces?
· Franchising? What is it? What companies offer it and what challenges are associated with attracting a retailer which operates exclusively using franchising?
· Future trends in economic development: “market segmentation;“ “pop-up” stores; “placemaking/third places”
· Challenges associated with economic development…
Douglas P. Martin
Director of Economic Development
City of McHenry
333 S Green Street
McHenry, IL 60050
815.363.2110 (d)
815.363.2173 (f)
815.790.4752 (c)
@McHenryIL
