The Next Generation of Hospitality Insiders

Posted on July 31st, 2010 by

Last weekend, the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation awarded scholarship to 46 students to pursue careers in hospitality. Totalling over $64,000, this program seeks to attract interested and career-minded folk to ensure that they can achieve their goals in this exciting field.

Scholarship recipients will be attending the following schools: Art Institute of Atlanta; Baker College; College of DuPage; Culinary Institute of America; DePaul University; Dominican University; Elgin Community College, Illinois Art Institute; Johnson & Wales University; Joliet Junior College; Kendall College; Kirkwood Community College; Robert Morris University; Sullivan University; Washburne Culinary Institute; and Western Illinois University.

Since 1973, the IRAEF has provided over 1.5 million dollars in scholarships, and runs a mentorship program as well. If you want to learn more or get involved, visit their website for details. Taking care of the next generation is a responsibility we all share, and the IRAEF is doing fantastic work!

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Hear Governor Quinn Speak July 13

Posted on July 9th, 2010 by

The River North Business Association is hosting a luncheon where you can learn about Governor Quinn’s vision for Illinois’ future.

The event takes place on Tuesday, July 13 at the Holidy Inn Chicago – Mart Plaza in the Wolf Point Ballroom on the 15th floor.

Main topics at the event will be job creation, small business tax credits, and more.

The River North Business Association connects local businesses to promote communication, marketing, and advocacy. This luncheon is a great opportunity to meet other businesses and network!

The event begins at 11:30 a.m. and will conclude at 1:30 p.m. Register online by clicking here. Each ticket is $60.

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Chinatown Concierge Dinner Tour

Posted on May 22nd, 2010 by

And your father told you there was no such thing…

Well, he was wrong. This complimentary dinner and tour will help you learn more about the bounties of Chinatown, one of Chicago’s great cultural resources. Presented by the Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, you’ll have the opportunity to sample more than the food. You will also visit the neighborhood’s most popular bakeries and stores (discounts available!).

The dinner tour is on Thursday, June 3rd from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Your transportation options abound; you can park at discounted rates or take the el, but there will be special shuttles provided by Go Airport Express and Wendella Boats & Chicago Water Taxi.

To reserve your spot, you must contact Ms. Man-Men Lee (email is linked) for a registration form. They will limit to two concierges per organization, and all forms must be submitted by Friday, May 28th.

Take advantage of this great opportunity to learn more about what Chinatown has to offer!

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Concierge Preferred Convention & Trade Show Takes the Stage at Navy Pier

Posted on April 23rd, 2010 by

If you work in the hospitality or visitor industry, you can’t afford to miss the 9th Annual Concierge Preferred Convention & Trade Show at Navy Pier’s Crystal Gardens on Tuesday, April 27th, 2010. The Show is designed to reinforce relationships between more than 1,500 concierge and event planning professionals, and 300 businesses that cater to Chicago’s visitors. It’s a way for those industry members to get an inside look at the best Chicago has to offer its guests. From engaging speakers to live entertainment, Concierge Preferred is sure to deliver.

The schedule of events from 12:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. includes a series of seminars called CP BUZZ.

1:00 p.m. Green Tourism: Sustainable Business Practices for Success – Moderated by Bianca Alexander, Esq., Conscious Planet Media
2:00 p.m. Start A Social Media Revolution for Your Business – Sponsored by Social Media Beast
3:00 p.m. Social Media for Concierge & Planners: How to Make Your Job Easier – Sponsored by Social Media Beast
4:00 p.m. Live Entertainment Begins – Featuring Fernandez + Kimball, Spanish Guitars
5:30 p.m. First Round of NCA Silent Auction Ends (proceeds benefit the National Concierge Association Chicago Chapter Education Fund)
6:00 p.m. Second Round of NCA Silent Auction Ends

With an after party at Howl At The Moon available to those who present their badge from the Show, a full day of exciting and educational experiences comes to a close.

To register, click here.

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Stefani’s 437 Rush Offers Insider Discounts

Posted on April 7th, 2010 by

Spring has sprung, and the weather is just beckoning for us to venture out of the house, even on a [gasp] weeknight. To help us along, the good people of Phil Stefani’s 437 Rush are offering special discounts on Monday nights for folks in the hospitality industry.

Just show your business card, and receive 50% off your food and beverage, excluding only the reserve wines and gift cards.

Thanks everyone on the Stefani restaurant team! I hope we all can take part in this nice gesture. Did I mention they have an outdoor patio?

Phil Stefani’s 437 Rush, at Hubbard.
(312) 222-0101, or www.philstefanis437rush.com for more info

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Exhibitor Profile: Bannerville USA

Posted on February 19th, 2010 by

2010 Illinois Governor’s Conference on Tourism EXHIBITOR PROFILE

Steve Ravenna: Bannerville USA

Talks about what his business does in Chicago:

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Exhibitor Profile: Resourceful Bag & Tag

Posted on February 18th, 2010 by

2010 Illinois Governor’s Conference on Tourism EXHIBITOR PROFILE

Sean Haverty: Resourceful Bag & Tag

Discusses what they make and why they’re interested in Chicago

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“In the Biz” Nights at Texas de Brazil

Posted on February 8th, 2010 by

We’re all about hard work here at the CHI Blog, but everyone needs to blow off some steam–especially those working in the sometimes pressure-laden hospitality and visitor industries.

Anyone who works or has worked in the service world knows Monday nights are when the cooks, servers, owners, and other industry professionals look to receive hospitable treatment out and about, instead of being the ones proffering it.

In that spirit, Texas de Brazil is hosting “In the Biz” nights every Monday, 5-10 p.m., in their Beijos Lounge.  Those “In the Biz” need to present an industry ID or paycheck stub for $10 off regular dinner price (dinner includes selection of roasted meats, salad and antipasta bars). Also, enjoy $5 caipirinhas, caipiroskas, and mojitos.

Reservations recommended. Restrictions apply. www.texasdebrazil.com

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