Culver's plans on opening their very first restaurant in Chicago January 29th. This means the Six Corners Culver's has beaten out the other Chicago locations to become the first to open.  It should be interesting eating the first burger at a Chicago Culvers. The employee flipping that burger's first act is to make you a burger. It's interesting to think about. If you aren't much for butter burgers though, they have a whole host of other foods. They have great perch sandwiches, chicken, cheese curds, and much more. 

More info here. 

Course will go from 3-5 PM. Our session on "The Dynamics of Power Negotiating" will explore the finer components of the Negotiating process and understand what "Power" really means and how to leverage it. Participants will walk away with 30 simple tips to help maximize profits -yet maintain positive working relationship with vendors.

More info here.

Please join Six Corners Association for a beginners social media workshop. Tim Mies, guest speaker, will talk about the benefits of having an active social media presence along with tips to increase your online visibility.

Tickets here.

About Tim Mies:

Tim Mies is the owner and operator of Mies Creative, LLC, a Chicago-based marketing team that specializes in social media, reputation management, web development, and branding. With strategic partnerships with large marketing and web development agencies, Tim provides results-driven creative solutions to small and medium sized businesses in a wide range of industries. Whether a business is in need of a new website, social media management, or print marketing collateral, Tim gets the job done with speed, efficiency, and an acute attention to detail.

Irving Park Fine Arts Committee presents acclaimed harpist Ben Melsky in a solo recital. Admission is free, though donations are welcome. A reception follows the concert.

Ben is Executive Director and harpist of the Ensemble Dal Niente with whom he has performed nationally in concerts and residencies. In addition, he is the principal harp for the Joffrey Ballet and Ann Arbor Symphony and has played with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Opera Theater, Grant Park Symphony and Chicago Philharmonic among many others.

Ben is a favorite of Fine Arts audiences, having performed several times in the past. He will challenge any pre-conceived notions you may have about the harp's capabilities. Don't miss the chance to hear an accomplished musician in a relaxed and casual setting.

The Irving Park Fine Arts Committee is a program of Carlson Community Services. Click here for more information. 

Guided by Portage Park resident and shop owner, Adam Glick, participants will learn the basics of coffee roasting and leave ready to roast at home. The class will cover the process from green beans to roasted and ready to grind as well as basic safety and proper roasting procedures. Participants will sample beans at various roasts and learn the signs to identify what stage your beans are in, understand the first and second crack and what to expect in the roasting process. Adam will teach participants to use visual, auditory, and olfactory senses to monitor the progress of the coffee roast. All participants will leave with a half pound of coffee you actually roasted yourself.

Cost is $30. Click here to register.

The second winter market will feature music by Frankie Diaz and a 12:00 story time with Barefoot Books. 

Vendors include: Local Goods Chicago, Finns Ranch, Metro Farms, Lester's Bison Farm, and Holcomb Hollow as well as Dave the Knife sharpener.

Learn the art of beer brewing with an introductory class by The Pursuit Supply Company.

This class will give aspiring brewers a hands-on experience and the info needed to get started brewing high quality beer in your own home. Participants will discuss the history of beer and the essential steps for brewing while making some right in class. The shop also carries all the supplies you need for your home operation. Come thirsty and curious!

Cost is $35. Click here to register.

Presented by Nick Sarillo, Nick's Pizza & Pub

Your restaurant will only be successful if you serve menu items that your consumers demand. This workshop will look at recent trends in the food-service business to help you find and create "unforgettable" menu items. We will also discuss cost-effective pricing and management strategies that will help to ensure you make a profit.

Presented by Donna R. Rockin, Executive Director, Jules F. Knapp Entrepreneurship Center at IIT

 Learn how to create a comprehensive business plan. It's easier than you think when you understand all the components that get included. You'll receive a complete list of what to include to demystify the process. Writing a solid business plan is your roadmap to business success.

The weather outside may be frightful, but Community Tavern is so delightful. Since there is no place to go, let’s sip on some wine and try to forget the cold. The lights will be turned way down low, so head on over and enjoy a live show.

Wine about Winter takes a satirical approach to coping with the struggles Chicagoans face during our infamous winters and turns them into a community bonding experience. Join us on January 24th, 6:30pm, at Community Tavern for a $5 glass wine special and a live musical performance by La Pompe .

Get your tickets here.

About sponsor: Community Tavern

Community Tavern is located at the heart of Portage Park. The French Boutique Steakhouse is constantly recognized in the media for their tasty dishes and affordable prices. They were featured as one of 2015's best new restaurants by Chicago Magazine. 

Whether you're looking to identify a potential investor, grow your customer base, or simply establish the relationships that will move your product or service forward, you need to be intentional about building your network. Too often, people approach networking as a necessary evil, rather than as the enjoyable, productive experience it truly can be. This session will uncover how to build a valuable professional network in a way that works for your unique communication and personality style and give you the opportunity to practice what you learn!

Benefits of Attending:

• Participants will learn the building blocks of effective networking
• Participants will identify the potential strengths and limitations of their personality style
• Participants will create a basic value statement / elevator pitch
• Participants will hear from a self-proclaimed introvert, who has made networking work for him
• Participants will practice specific strategies for starting/ending casual conversations and building genuine rapport

Erich Kurschat is a seasoned corporate human resources professional, dynamic DiSC instructor, and founder of the HR coaching and consulting company Harmony Insights. Erich helps founders and startups navigate diverse personality styles to enhance communication skills, increase productivity, and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders. For more than 17 years, Erich has partnered internationally with thousands of business leaders, via company workshops and one-on-one coaching, to get the most out of themselves and their teams. He facilitates a process of learning that is at once deeply introspective, highly interactive, and immediately applicable.

More info here. $15 admission. Six Corners members receive 50% off with code SIXCORNERS

In the short time since Kara Cavanaugh has ventured into the Chicago music scene, the soulful, dynamic vocalist has accomplished more than most singers in a lifetime. Making a name for herself backing the nationally touring Grateful Dead tribute band Terrapin Flyer and Jerry Garcia Band alumni and organist, Melvin Seals, Kara stretches the genre with powerful performances and sultry lead presence.

It was only a matter of time before the charismatic vocalist sought to move out into the spotlight, fronting her own band to showcase her abilities as a songwriter and strengthen her solo performances. Currently in production on her first full length release, Kara Cavanaugh is poised and ready to introduce a side of her as yet unseen. 

With 12 original tracks, the debut album will feature some of Chicago-land’s best and brightest musicians including producing multi-instrumentalist Packy Lundholm and co-producer Dan Moulder-Tom Schraeder & His Ego fame. Tracked at the famed Rax Trax studio in Chicago, working with engineer/producer, Noam Wallenberg.

A native of Pittsburgh, Kara began pursuing a career in the arts at the early age of 8, singing, acting and dancing at the Act One Theatre School. A classically trained vocalist, Kara’s education continued under the tutelage of Carnegie Mellon professor Robert Fire where she competed in honors choir competitions at the state level and regional level. She attended one year at Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music in Ohio studying musical theatre but soon after made her way to Chicago, slowly losing interest in the costumes and make up in exchange for a new passion and love for the guitar, songwriting and live music performance.

Josi's Frozen Yogurt Cafe will host their beloved monthly No-Apologies event. This is a private event for special needs families. In order to participate, at least one child in the family must be diagnosed with a physical or mental disability. The shop will be closed to the public from 1pm-3pm, doors locked for those "runners" and lighting turned down for those with sensory processing issues. Enjoy hours of pure, anxiety-free fun with no reason to apologize!

Chicago Ski Pro wants to add some fun and excitement to your weekend! Join them as they travel to Cascade Mountain on January 21, 2017. More info here!

Presented by Craig Feldman, Managing Partner - Bloom Lending

Let's have a critical conversation about the importance of cash flow, learn the key indicators of why working capital is crucial in all areas of your business and discuss when short term debt is the best decision for you. Attending this workshop will provide you with the confidence to make the important decisions to manage your cash flow and to secure the best financing needed to achieve your goals.

Learn the art of beer brewing with an introductory class by The Pursuit Supply Company.

This class will give aspiring brewers a hands-on experience and the info needed to get started brewing high quality beer in your own home. Participants will discuss the history of beer and the essential steps for brewing while making some right in class. The shop also carries all the supplies you need for your home operation. Come thirsty and curious!

Cost is $35. Click here to register.

Presented by BACP, Small Business Center - Public Way Use (PWU) Unit, Anthony Bertuca

Take the mystery out of the Sidewalk Cafe Permit Application process by attending this informative workshop. We will explain the application process, inform you of all the requirements, and help you get prepared to submit an application. The entire application process may take 30 - 45 days, and the 2017 Sidewalk Cafe Season begins on March 1st, so make sure to reserve your seat now.

The Portage Park Neighborhood Association invites our community to join them for the January meeting. Alderman Arena will give updates on development projects in the ward. Attendees will get the opportunity to meet neighbors, elected officials, and local business owners. Come connect with the community!

Guest Speakers: 
Rep. Mike Quigley, 5th Dist.
Ald. John Arena, 45th Ward

Rep. Quigley will speak first and give a brief update on national issues. Ald. Arena will give updates on development projects in the ward.

PPNA meetings are the place to meet your neighbors, elected officials, and local business owners! Please, come join us!

Parking: There is metered parking in front and in the nearby city parking lot off of Cuyler and some free street parking further northwest on Milwaukee Ave.

Presented by Lema Khorshid, Fuksa Khorshid, LLC 

This interactive seminar will teach entrepreneurs to launch and lay a strong foundation for their entrepreneurial ventures so that they can be successful in business. Attendees will learn about the different alternative sources to fund their business ventures, how to protect themselves from the claws of litigation, and how to commercialize their business assets so that they can generate more revenue. Business owners will leave this seminar empowered with knowing the basic principles of launching and operating a sound business enterprise.

Presented Dr. Mandy Terc, DePaul University

This workshop is an introduction to the fundamentals of conceiving and launching a new venture. Attendees will learn how to refine their business ideas and define the various components of their business using superior tools including the "Idea Napkin" and "Business Model Canvas." The workshop will include the opportunity for attendees to elaborate on their own ideas and receive feedback.

The Board of Directors meetings are open to the public.

Learn the art of beer brewing with an introductory class by The Pursuit Supply Company.

This class will give aspiring brewers a hands-on experience and the info needed to get started brewing high quality beer in your own home. Participants will discuss the history of beer and the essential steps for brewing while making some right in class. The shop also carries all the supplies you need for your home operation. Come thirsty and curious!

Cost is $35. Click here to register.

A local favorite, blues, gospel, train song singing musician returns to City News this weekend. He will stomp and holler turning the place into a blues joint which is just fine by us.

No cover. Learn more here.

Participants will learn how to take an exposed roll of 35mm or 120mm film through the development process and end up with usable negatives. This includes putting film on reels and using chemicals in the development process. The class will also review best practices and learn how to mix chemicals as well as how to make a developing space at home.

Cost is $25. Click here to register.

Investing within the creative sector requires a unique combination of resourcefulness, innovation, and ambition. Demystifying Investment in The Creative Sector aims to shed light on the potential for attractive returns by financing creative projects. With an all-star group of panelists from all across the industry, join us to learn the truth behind backing innovating ventures. In collaboration with Chicago Media Angels.

Panelists:
Mark Achler Managing Director, MATH Venture Partners
Ted Reilly, Executive Director, Chicago Media Angels
David Kalt, Founder & CEO of Reverb.com
Gerri Kahnweiler, Founder and Partner, InvestHER Ventures
Alexander Pissios, President, Cinespace Chicago Film Studios

RSVP Here

Use code SIXCORNERS for 50% off admission