A SALUTE TO VETERANS!!! VETERANS DAY NOVEMBER 11, 2015!!!!

 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!!!

 

On Wednesday November 11, 2015, Veterans Day, we honor and celebrate all those men and women who have served and those currently serving and protecting our country.   On Wednesday November 11, 2015 a combined Veterans Day Ceremony will be held at 10:00 a.m. at the McHenry VFW Post, honoring all military veterans. 

The City of McHenry is fortunate to have three Veterans organizations:  McHenry VFW #4600, 3002 W Illinois Route 120 http://mchenryvfw.org/, American Legion Auxiliary Post #491, 1331 N Riverside Drive http://www.legion.org/, and the Polish American Legion of American Veterans Post #188 http://plavpost188.com/, 1304 Park Street.  Further, the City of McHenry is home to Transitional Living Services (TLS), Inc. http://www.tlsveterans.org/, which operates a drop-in center at 5330 W Elm Street and assists Veterans and their families with meeting basic needs.    

Veterans Day coincides with Armistice Day and Remembrance Day which signified the end of World War I at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. 

I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on those who put their lives on the line, have done so and those who lost their lives so that the rest of us can live in the greatest country in the world and enjoy countless freedoms others around the world do not and may ever enjoy.  If you know a Veteran, take a moment and thank them for their service or reflect on someone you may have known who served our country at one time but is deceased. 

This post is dedicated to all Veterans and the numerous businesses and organizations which honor Veterans on this special day!  I am not a Veteran but have the utmost respect for them and personally want to thank all Veterans for their service.  I have a great deal of respect for Veterans and what they have done and sacrifices they, along with their families have made so I along with my family can live and enjoy numerous freedoms every day!  Thank you! 

The following photograph depicts the dedication, on May 8, 2015, of the Captain James A. Lovell Veterans Outpatient Medical Clinic located at 3715 Municipal Drive immediately southwest of the McHenry Municipal Center.

 

    

 

The Vietnam Memorial located in Veterans Memorial Park and pictured below was donated by the McHenry High School Class of 1964.  The monument honors four McHenry High School graduates killed in Vietnam:  John Granath Jr., killed at 20; Glenn Davis, killed at 22; Carter Freund, killed at 22; and James Ambrose, killed at 23.  If you have not seen the monument I would highly encourage you to do so.  It is a wonderful tribute to these men!  A monument dedication ceremony was held on November 11, 2014!

 

MCHENRY COUNTY RECORDER’S OFFICE AND VETERANS ASSISTANCE COMMISSION EVENT TO OBTAIN DISCHARGE DOCUMENTS

 

The McHenry County Recorder’s office and the Veterans Assistance Commission are hosting an event on Thursday November 12 and Friday November 13, 2015 to provide an opportunity for Veterans to have their military discharge documents recorded by the Recorder’s Office at no cost.  Additionally, they will provide two certified copies of the documents (DD214) at no cost.  

Please see press release below for more information about this wonderful opportunity!  The McHenry County Veteran’s Assistance Commission provides numerous services and information to assist Veterans.  Please visit their homepage at https://www.co.mchenry.il.us/county-government/departments-j-z/veterans-assistance-commission.

PRESS RELEASE-FREE RECORDATION AND CERTIFIED COPIES OF DD214 PAPERS

“In recognition of all service members, United States Armed Forces veterans and their families, Phyllis K. Walters, McHenry County Recorder, and Mike Iwanicki, Superintendent of the McHenry County Veteran’s Assistance Commission, invite all county veterans to the Recorder’s Office Thursday, November 12th and Friday, November 13th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to record their DD214 papers. The office is located in the McHenry County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock. Complimentary refreshments will be provided.

Recorder Walters will provide two “free” certified copies of each newly recorded DD214. In addition, veterans may obtain copies of previously recorded DD214s at no charge with proper photo identification.

Military discharge papers – also known as DD214s – can help deliver multiple benefits. By recording these important papers, one can insure that certified copies of these documents are readily available for veterans to apply for benefits including medical care, disability, education and training, burial benefits, as well as home loan guarantees. If original DD214 papers are lost or misplaced, it can take 21 days or longer to receive a new one from the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri.

Once recorded, these private records are protected. All computer images of military discharge records are represented by a marker page which lists only the type of document, veteran’s name, and number of pages contained in the DD214. “My office takes every precaution necessary and enforces strict procedures to insure the privacy and protection of DD214s and all records of the office,” says Recorder Walters.

The Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs (IDVA) will also be in attendance providing official certification to eligible veterans on their DD214 in order for them to receive the “VETERAN” designation on their driver’s license/ID card.  For more information regarding this event, please contact the Recorder’s Office at 815.334.4110.”

 

MCHENRY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SECOND ANNUAL HONOR BREAKFAST AND JOB FAIR

 

The McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their second annual Honor Breakfast and Job Fair at the McHenry VFW Veteran’s Club, 3002 W Illinois Route 120, on Thursday November 12 at 9:00 a.m.  All Veterans are free and guests who are not Veterans can attend as well for $5 payable at the door.  The event is being sponsored by numerous local businesses.  Please visit http://business.mchenrychamber.com/events/details/veteran-s-annual-honor-s-event-6451 to register and learn more information about this wonderful event.

 

 

 

BUSINESSES HONOR VETERANS AND SAY THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

 

 

 

On specific days before and after, as well as on Veterans Day, many businesses say thank you to Veterans by offering discounts, a free meal, services, as well as donating a percentage of sales to organizations which assist and support Veterans.  Most require proof of military service, which could include a VA Universal Access Card, Military Identification Card, DD214 Papers, Veterans Service Organization Cards and some will accept a picture of a Veteran in uniform. 

 

Listed below are businesses which are extending an invitation to Veterans however not all franchise locations may participate.  The list includes restaurants, retailers, travel and recreation opportunities and businesses and organizations which give a certain percentage of sales to organizations which support Veterans. While many of these businesses and organizations are not within the City of McHenry or McHenry County the lists below provides a glimpse of how businesses choose to honor Veterans!!!

 

RESTAURANT OFFERINGS FOR VETERANS

 

Applebee’s -- Veterans and active duty military receive a free meal from a limited menu, on November 11.

*NEW* Arooga’s -- Veterans and active duty military get a free meal from a fixed menu on November 11.

Bar Louie – On November 10 and 11, veterans and active military personnel get a free meal up to a $12 value.

*NEW* BJ’s Restaurant -- Active duty military and veterans receive a complimentary entree under $12.95 on November 11.

Bob Evans -- Veterans and active military personnel receive a free breakfast from a select menu on November 11.

Bonanza Steakhouses -- Active duty and retired military get a free buffet on November 11, 4 pm to close.

*NEW* Burntwood Tavern -- Veterans and active military get a free lunch or dinner on November 11.

California Pizza Kitchen – Veterans and active military receive a complimentary entrée from a special menu on November 11.

Cattlemens -- Active, inactive, and retired military personnel get a free Small Sirloin Steak Dinner on November 11.

Cheeseburger in Paradise -- Active and retired military personnel receive a complimentary burger with fries on November 11.

*NEW* Chicken Salad Chick -- On November 11, veterans and active duty military receive one sandwich or scoop of their choice of chicken salad, one side, a pickle spear and a cookie.

Chili’s -- Veterans and active military service members get a free entrée from a limited menu on November 11.

Cracker Barrel -- Veterans get a complimentary Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake dessert during lunch and dinner on November 11.

Denny’s -- Active, inactive and retired military personnel get a free Build Your Own Grand Slam on November 11, from 5 a.m. to noon at participating locations.

*NEW* Figaro’s Pizza -- Veterans and active duty service members get a complimentary medium 1-topping pizza on November 11.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill -- Active duty military and veterans get a free lunch or dinner entrée on November 11.

Friendly’s -- Friendly’s is treating veterans and active military to a free breakfast, lunch or dinner from a limited menu on Veterans Day, November 11.

Golden Corral -- Golden Corral Restaurants' Military Appreciation Night free dinner will be available on November 11, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Military retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard and Reserves are all welcome.

*NEW* Gordon Biersch -- Veterans and active military personnel receive a free appetizer on November 11.

Hooters -- Veterans and active duty military get a free meal from a select menu at participating locations on November 11.

IHOP-- On November 11, participating IHOP Restaurants offer veterans and active duty military free Red, White and Blue pancakes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

IKEA -- Veterans get a free entrée from November 8 through 11.

*NEW* Johnny Carino’s -- Veterans and active duty military get a free meal with their choice of unlimited soup or salad from a Veterans Day Menu on November 11.

Krystal -- Active and retired military receive a free Krystal Chicken or Sausage Biscuit from 6 AM to 11:00 AM on November 11.

Little Caesars -- Veterans and active military members receive a free $5 Lunch Combo from 11:00a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on November 11.

*NEW* Logan’s Roadhouse -- In addition to the 10% military discount offered every day, military and former military guests will also receive a free dessert on November 11.

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants -- On November 8, participating McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants will offer a complimentary entree to veterans from a special menu.

Max & Erma's – On November 11, participating Max & Erma’s locations are offering veterans and active military personnel a free Best Cheeseburger in America Combo meal.

Menchie's --  All active and retired military personnel will receive a free 6 oz. frozen yogurt on November 11.

Mission BBQ -- Veterans and active duty military get a free sandwich and a slice of cake on November 11.

O’Charley’s – Veterans and active duty service members get a free $9.99 meal on November 9, as well as free pie on November 11.

*NEW* Old Country Buffet -- Current and former service members receive a free lunch at participating locations from 11 am until 2 pm on November 11.

Olive Garden – On November 11, all veterans and current service members get a free meal from a limited menu. Family members dining with them enjoy 10% off of their meals.

On the Border -- Veterans and active duty military can enjoy a free meal from the “Create Your Own Combo menu” on November  11.

Orange Leaf -- Veterans and active duty military get a free cup of froyo on November 11.

Outback Steakhouse – All active and former service members receive a free Bloomin’ Onion and a beverage on November 11. Outback is also offering active and former service members 15% off their meals Nov. 12 through Dec. 31.

Pizza Schmizza -- Veterans and active duty service members get a free slice of pizza on November 11, between 1 and 4 p.m.

Ponderosa Steakhouse -- Active duty and retired military get a free buffet on November 11, 4 pm to close.

Red Hot & Blue -- Veterans receive a free entrée with the purchase of a second entrée on November 9, 10 and 11. Coupon required.

*NEW* Red Lobster -- Veterans, reserve and active-duty military personnel receive a free appetizer or dessert from a limited menu from November 9 through November 12.

Red Robin – Veterans and active duty military get a free Red’s Tavern Double Burger with Bottomless Steak Fries on November 11.

Rock and Brews -- Veterans and active military personnel receive a complimentary pulled pork sandwich with a side choice throughout the day on November 11.

Ruby Tuesday -- Veterans, active duty and reserve service members get a free appetizer on November 11.

*NEW* Ryan’s -- Current and former service members receive a free lunch at participating locations from 11 am until 2 pm on November 11.

Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza & Grill -- Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza & Grill is offering the choice between complimentary hummus served with grilled herb flatbread or garlic cheese bread on November 11.

Shoney's -- Shoney's will offer a free All-American Burger to veterans and active duty service members on November 11.

Sizzler -- Sizzler offers active duty and veteran military members a free lunch and beverage from a limited menu on November 11 until 4 p.m.

*NEW* Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill -- Veterans and active duty get a free meal from a select menu on November 11.

Spaghetti Warehouse -- From November 9 through November 11 buy one entrée and get the second entrée free. Coupon required.

*NEW* Starbucks -- Veterans, active duty service members and spouses get a free tall coffee on November 11 at participating locations.

Sticky Fingers -- Veterans, active, inactive or retired servicemen and servicewomen get a free entrée up to a $12.99 value on November 11. In addition to the free meal, veterans who dine-in get a coupon valued at $10 to be used on their next visit.

Texas Roadhouse -- Texas Roadhouse locations nationwide will offer veterans a free lunch on November 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Offer is good for active duty, retired or former U.S. military.

TGIFridays -- Veterans and active duty military get a free lunch from a select menu on November 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

*NEW* Tony Roma’s – Veterans and active military personnel receive a complimentary half rack of Baby Back ribs on November 11.

Uno Pizzeria & Grill – Veterans and active military get a free entrée or individual pizza with an entrée or pizza purchase of equal or greater value on November 11.

Village Inn -- Veterans and active military personnel receive a free breakfast on November 11 from a select menu at participating locations. Village Inn is also providing a “Thank you For Your Service Card valid for 20% off on the next visit.

Wienerschnitzel -- Veterans and active duty military receive a free Chili Dog and a small Pepsi on November 11.

World of Beer – All veterans and current service members receive a free select draught beer on November 11

 

 

RETAIL OFFERINGS FOR VETERANS

 

Alfred Angelo – Military brides get a free wedding gown on Veterans Day. An appointment to the store must be made for November 11 to qualify.

Alimond Studio – Veterans and active duty service members get a free headshot at Alimond Studio on Saturday, November 7 from 11 AM to 5 PM in Leesburg, VA.

Brides Across America – Brides Across America holds a wedding gown giveaway in partnership with bridal salons across the country in November to honor Veterans Day. Qualifying brides register to attend the event at a participating bridal salon by completing the registration form and paying a $20 fee. Once verified, you will be assisted in finding a gown from the selection. Click here for more details.

Cardiac Life -- For the month of November, Cardiac Life is offering veterans $15 CPR courses.

*NEW* Dell -- Former and current members of the military save an additional 15% on select PCs and electronics on November 11.

*NEW* Dollar General -- Active duty service members, veterans and their family get an 11% discount on qualifying purchases on November 11.

Enterprise Car Sales -- Active U.S. military members, veterans and their dependents get a Firestone Prepaid Maintenance Package with the purchase of any Enterprise vehicle during the month of November.

Firestone Complete Auto Care -- Between November 8 and 15, veterans and active duty personnel receive an additional 10% off the lowest advertised price of any automotive service.

Grace for Vets -- Car washes from around the world who join this program offer free car washes to veterans and service members on November 11.

Great Clips – On November 11, customers who come in for a service can get a free haircut card to give to their favorite veteran. Veterans can also receive a free haircut or get the free haircut card. Haircuts are redeemable until Dec. 31.

Home Depot -- Home Depot offers a 10% discount to all veterans on November 11. Home Depot offers the 10% discount year round to for active duty and retirees.

IKEA -- Veterans get a free entrée from November 8 through 11.

*NEW* JCPenney -- Current and former military personnel and their family members receive an extra 5% off in stores November 4-11.

Little Bra Company -- Save 15% during the month of November on all regular priced merchandise at The Little Bra Company when you shop online.

Lowe's -- All veterans receive a 10% discount on November 11. The offer is available in stores only.

Meineke -- On November 11, all veterans will receive a free Basic Oil Change at participating locations.

*NEW* Publix -- Veterans, military personnel, and their families save 10% on groceries on November 11.

Rack Room Shoes -- Military personnel and their dependents get a 10% discount off entire purchase on Veteran’s Day, November 11.

*NEW* Sheetz – Veterans and active duty military personnel get a free 6 inch turkey sub, regular size fountain drink and a carwash at all Sheetz locations on November 11.

Sleep Number -- From October 19 through November 15, active and veteran military members will receive exclusive discounts on Sleep Number products. Save up to $700 on select Sleep Number mattress sets.

*NEW* Sport Clips -- Participating locations are offering veterans and active duty service members free haircuts on November 11.

Steve Madden -- Steve Madden offers everyone 20% off the entire purchase, and service members receive an additional 10% off on November 11.

Tires Plus -- Between November 8 and 15, veterans and active duty personnel receive an additional 10% OFF the lowest advertised price of any automotive service.

*NEW* Under Armour -- Active duty, retirees and veterans get 15% off on all orders.

Wheel Works -- Between November 8 and 15, veterans and active duty personnel receive an additional 10% off the lowest advertised price of any automotive service.

*NEW* World Market – Active duty, retirees, veterans, Reserves, Guard, DoD and spouses get 20% off entire purchase November 7-11.

 

TRAVEL AND RECREATION OFFERINGS FOR VETERANS

 

 

9/11 Memorial and Museum -- Veterans will receive free Museum admission from November 7 to November 11.

Army Corp of Engineers Recreation Areas -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will waive day use fees for veterans, active and reserve component service members, and their families at the USACE-operated recreation areas nationwide on November 11.

*NEW* B&Bs for Vets -- Innkeepers are invited to participate in the 2015 B&Bs for Vets program by offering a minimum of one free room for one night on either November 10 or 11.

*NEW* Boston Duck Tours -- All military personnel get free rides during the week of Veterans Day, November 9 through 13. Spouses and children also get a special $10.00 per person ticket.

Colonial Williamsburg -- Active duty military, reservists, retirees, veterans, and their direct dependents receive free Colonial Williamsburg admission for Veterans Day weekend (November 6–11).

Harley-Davidson Museum -- The Harley-Davidson Museum is offering free admission to active military, veterans and their families on November 7, 8, and 11 in honor of Veterans Day.

Killington Resort -- Active Duty, Retired and Honorably Discharged members of the military receive a complimentary lift ticket on November 11.

Knotts Berry Farm -- Knott's Berry Farm is offering free admission for veterans and active duty military personnel and one guest, as well as 6 additional tickets for a discounted price from November 1, 2015 to December 20, 2015.

Mariners’ Museum -- Military members receive a special $5 admission price on November 11.

National Parks -- On Veterans Day, November 11, veterans will have access to over 100 National Parks that require entrance fees for free.

National Veterans Day Run -- The National Veterans Day Run on November 11 offers veterans and active duty military a reduced-rate entry into the race, as well as discounted rates to their spouses and children between 13 and 18 years of age.

Red Roof Inn -- Red Roof Inn is offering 15% off stays in the month of November to veterans, active duty military and their families.

Westgate Resorts -- Starting November 11, the first 2,500 eligible service members who complete the online military appreciation form will receive a complimentary three-day, two-night vacation. Veterans who don’t qualify are eligible for a 25% discount.

UFC GYM -- Veterans and active duty military as well as their families get free total gym access from November 11-15 at participating UFC GYMs. UFC GYM is also offering a special Basic Training themed Daily Ultimate Training class on November 14.

World of Coca-Cola -- Active duty, reserves and retirees get free admission year-round, and November 5 through November 15, members of the Armed Forces may also purchase up to four half-price general admission tickets for their friends and family.

 

 

 

BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS GIVING BACK TO VARIOUS VETERAN 0RGANIZATIONS

 

AARP -- From November 2 to November 16, get up to 20% off AARP membership dues. AARP will make a donation to several State Veterans organizations whose missions are to provide support to Vets and their families.

Baskin-Robbins -- On November 11, Baskin-Robbins will donate 11 cents from every ice cream scoop sold in its U.S. locations to the USO, in honor of U.S. troops, military families and veterans.

Bonanza Steakhouse and Ponderosa Steakhouse -- Participating restaurants will donate a portion of proceeds for every Pepsi beverage sold during November to the Wounded Warrior Family Support, which supports the families of those who have been injured, wounded or killed during combat operations.

Denny’s -- Denny’s is extending their support of America’s heroes with a $23,000 donation to Fisher House Foundation, a non-profit organization providing free accommodation for military and veterans’ families during medical  treatment. The donation, in the form of Denny’s gift cards, will help feed nearly 1,000 families during their stay at a Fisher House.

Cracker Barrel -- On November 11, 10% of Cracker Barrel retail sales on specific items and all Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake will be donated to the USO. Cracker Barrel will also offer a free slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake to all dine-in veterans on Veterans Day, November 11.

Hair Cuttery – This Veterans Day, Hair Cuttery is giving back to former service men and women through its Share-a-Haircut program. For every adult haircut purchased on November 11, a free haircut certificate will be donated to a veteran. Certificates are donated to recipients in the same community where the haircut was purchased. To distribute the free haircut certificates, Hair Cuttery partners with veteran's organizations local to its almost 900 locations.

Krystal -- Krystal will donate a portion of the proceeds of the Pups and Corn Pups sold on Veterans Day directly to The Armed Services YMCA “ASYMCA” organization. The ASYMCA strives to make military life easier for the junior enlisted and their families through hands-on, innovative, specialized programs and support services.

Sleep Number -- From October 19 through November 15, Sleep Number will donate a portion of its proceeds from each bed sold to Blue Star Families.

Sport Clips -- On Veterans Day, November 11, Sport Clips will donate $1 from every hair care service to their Help A Hero Scholarship program.

Starbucks -- From November 1 through November 11, Starbucks will contribute $5 to the USO transition 360 Alliance for each newly activated special edition Veterans Starbucks Card. $5 minimum Card load required.

Uno Pizzeria & Grill -- Participating locations are holding a fundraiser to benefit Wounded Warrior Project. For anyone who brings in this flyer, Uno Pizzeria & Grill will make a donation to Wounded Warrior Project.

 

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

The United States Small Business Administration, empowers Veterans along with active duty service members, including Guard and Reserve Members and spouses of those in the military by providing entrepreneurial training as well as educational programs and training.  The also provide technical assistance, access to capital programs, counseling and other programs.  Please visit https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/sba-initiatives/veterans-small-business-week to learn more!!!

 

COMMUNITY DISCUSSION ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

As part of the City of McHenry’s ongoing community outreach efforts to promote, educate and facilitate an open dialogue on economic development-related issues I will be hosting the first of hopefully many community discussions for anyone interested in coming to listen and/or share ideas how the City of McHenry can further its efforts to attract, retain and promote business expansion.  The first discussion will be held at the McHenry Public Library, 809 Front Street, on November 12, 2015, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. 

The is a free event, and I want to thank the McHenry Public Library Board and James Scholtz, Executive Director of the McHenry Public Library District for opening their doors and allowing the City of McHenry to utilize its facilities.  It is my hope and intent to host many of these discussion groups. 

 

VETERANS DAY NOVEMBER 11, 2015!!!!

 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!!!

 

Please help us keep our community vibrant and strong to the greatest extent practical for businesses, residents and visitors alike!  The City Council is continually evaluating ways to assist in promoting business, tourism, community events and service!  Economic development is an ongoing effort the City is committed to and is a community-wide effort.  At the end of the day the entire community and everyone who is a part of it benefits

NOVEMBER 21, 2015 CHRISTMAS WALK AND TREE LIGHTING

NOVEMBER 22, 2015 TOYS FOR TOTS PARADE

NOVEMBER 28, 2015 IS SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

 

 

Coming in future blog posts: 

 

• What factors do non-retail businesses consider when thinking about relocating?
• Free Business Resources
• Exploring New Marketing Opportunities to promote business attraction, retention and expansion…
• 2015 Year in Review….
• International Council of Shopping Centers Conference
• How do brick and mortar businesses remain competitive with on-line businesses?
• 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)

dmartin@ci.mchenry.il.us

www.ci.mchenry.il.us

http://www.ci.mchenry.il.us/departments/development/economic.html

McHenry Market Pulse