In This Issue:

Free Seminar - BEST (Business Education Session on Technology) session – Cultivate sales Online, February 11, 2020

Join us at the Village Business After Hours – Monday, February 24, 2020

Northwest Hispanic Chamber’s El Cafecito - Best Practice Discussion on Funding - February 5, 2020. 

Bartlett Area Chamber’s Casino Royale – February 7, 2020

News for Exporters

Host a Department of Commerce Roundtable

Protect your business from Cybercrime

Certifiably Shady – Beware of these scams!

Be Your Best!- Use Google to Grow Your Business Online

Are you using Google to identify customers on-line? Google has launched a series of educational resources to help businesses optimize their on-line presence and grow their business.  Attend the Economic Development Committee’s (EDC) 2^nd BEST session on February 11, 2020 to learn how to use free Google Tools and grow your business. 

The EDC works with local businesses to provide feedback, helping businesses to connect, network, and create opportunities to educate businesses.   Join us after the BEST session for pizza and more networking.  You are welcome to attend the Economic Development Committee at 12:30 pm.   Click here for more information and to register.

Economic Development Committee Annual Business After Hours

People do business with people they know!

 
There’s no better way to connect with each other than to attend the Village of Hanover Park's Business After Hours.  Join us for international dining and bring your business cards!  The event is hosted by the Village’s Economic Development Committee and the Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce.   

All local Hanover Park businesses and Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce members are invited to this free networking event.  Please RSVP, and send your business information to be included in the slideshow. 
 
When: Monday February 24, 2020 
Where: Village Hall, 2^nd Floor
Time:  5:00 – 7:00 PM

For more information and to RSVP, call (630) 823-5780, or ksjodin@hpil.org

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NWHCC of Commerce

El Cafecito returns February 5, 2020 from 9:00 – 10:30 AM at Hanover Park Community Bank Wintrust, 6800 Barrington Road. 

This month’s topic is “Funding.”  Come prepared to share and learn from other small business owners.  What works for you?  What’s been a challenge?  You will walk away with great ideas and an expanded network.  For more information, contact Mario Farfan at the Chamber, (630) 708-0694, or Nwhcc@wildapricot.org.  Visit the Chamber website.

Casino Royale – Bartlett Area Chamber Community Event

The Village of Hanover Park supports our local Chambers of Commerce.  Join the Bartlett Area Chamber at their annual Casino Royale for a fun night out with friends and family on Friday, February 7, 2020 at Moretti's Ristorante in Bartlett.  All are welcome, open to the public!  21 and over please!

If Poker, Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, or BINGO is your game of chance, then Casino Royale is your avenue for entertainment!
 
Discounted admission through Monday, February 3!  $35 through February 3; $40 from February 4-7, includes 75 betting chips, appetizers, and one raffle entry. $40 at the door, so get your tickets today!

No money will be exchanged for winning chips, but guests will have chances to enter and win prizes and specialized baskets donated by local businesses.
 
Date: February 7, 2020
Time: 7:00 PM - 10:30 PM CST
Place: Moretti’s Ristorante and Pizzeria in Bartlett 

EARLY REGISTRATION IS ENCOURAGED

News for Exporters

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is an agency of more than 200 committed professionals with decades of specialized experience in trade issues and regions of the world who negotiate directly with foreign governments to create trade agreements, to resolve disputes, and to participate in global trade policy organizations. USTR staff meet with governments, with business groups, with legislators and with public interest groups to gather input on trade issues and to discuss the President's trade policy positions.

USTR was created in 1962 and has offices in Washington, Geneva, and Brussels. The United States has free trade agreements in force with 20 countries.  Fact Sheets on the revised NAFTA (USMCA) can be found on their website.   You will also find information on the Phase One Trade Agreement with China.

Host an Industry Roundtable

The US Department of Commerce promotes job creation and economic growth by ensuring fair and reciprocal trade, providing data, and fostering innovation.  You can learn about their strategic goals and read the 2018-2022 Strategic Plan on their website. Useful data and economic indicator is found here.

The U.S. Department of Commerce Advanced Manufacturing team is hosting round tables to capture data on the value of digital services attached to industrial machinery. Data will establish a baseline methodology that estimates the value digital services provide to manufacturing and how manufacturers leverage them. 
If  interested in hosting a round table discussion, please contact jaron.bass@trade.gov.

Export Mechanics Webinars Series II

The National Custom Brokers & Forwards Association of America, Inc. are offering the Export Mechanics Webinar Series II – in collaboration with The NCBFAA Educational Institute (NCBFAA) (Cost: $25 each)

• Feb. 18, Drop Shipments & Routed Transactions
• Mar. 10, Cultural Sensitivity Program
• Apr. 14, ACE Export Reports for Compliance
  

Protect Your Small Business from Cybercrime

Did you know that 43 percent of cybercrime around the world is targeted at small businesses?

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency of the Department of Homeland Security has created Cyber Essentials, a guide which includes cybersecurity best practices for small businesses.   

Learn more

Certifiably Shady

Certificates of Existence, Status, or Good Standing – sounds like an existential crisis, right? Instead of a philosophical commentary on the meaning of life, the certificates in question refer to business documentation from your state or local government.

In a new twist on an old scam, some not-so-honest outfits may try to confuse you into thinking they’re from the government and that you need to pay for certain documents to operate your business.

Read more

Protecting Small Business From Imposters

Opening a business requires planning, elbow grease, and probably some paperwork to register your new company with your state or local government. And that’s where some not-so-honest outfits may try to confuse you into thinking they’re from the government and that you need to pay money to complete your registration.

Their mailings look like an official bill for documents to complete your registration – and may even include what looks like a government seal. To convince you it’s legit, the mailer may include your business identification number. To get you to pay, the mailer claims that you need to hurry up and pay or you could be in legal hot water.

Read more