Thursday, February 18, 2010

Info Meeting for Riverside Drive Promenade

The City of Elgin is continuing the vision for its riverfront with the start of the next phase, Riverside Drive Promenade. Downtown property and business owners, employees, residents, and interested citizens are encouraged to attend this special update meeting to learn more about the proposed improvements and construction on:

Tuesday, February 23
6 to 7 p.m.
Grand Victoria Casino
Fox River Room
250 S. Grove Ave.
Downtown Elgin

Hitchcock Design Group will present on the following topics:
  • Background of the project
  • Proposed improvements
  • Construction process
  • Schedule and funding
A question and answer session will follow the presentation with representatives from the City, DNA and Hitchcock Design Group.

Click here to download a flyer to post in your business >

Please RSVP to Tonya Hudson, DNA Executive Director, at (847) 488-1456.

Meeting room and refreshments compliments of the Grand Victoria Casino.

DNA TASK FORCE TO ADDRESS DOWNTOWN NOISE

The Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) is putting together a task force to facilitate communication among downtown residents and restaurant/bar owners regarding late night noise in the downtown.


The task force’s objective will be to come up with recommendations that encourage balance between the commercial needs and the residential needs associated with doing business in and living in a downtown neighborhood district.


“We have a burgeoning nightlife. We have a growing resident community. Both play a vital and interdependent role in the revitalization of our downtown,” said Tonya Hudson, DNA executive director. “This is the perfect time to talk about long-term planning that allows both to continue to grow and complement each other.”


Downtown residents and business owners are encouraged to apply to serve on this task force. The deadline to apply is March 3, with the first meeting scheduled for the week of March 8.

Click here to download the task force application >

For more information, please contact Tonya Hudson, DNA executive director, (847) 488-1456 or thudson@elginil.org.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Live Music in Downtown Elgin

Douglas Street Sports Bar and Grill, 231 Douglas Avenue – 847-695-5659
Blues Heart – Friday, February 19
Blind Roosevelt – Friday, February 26
Live Dueling Pianos – Saturday, February 27
http://www.douglasstreetsportsbar.com/

Elgin Public House, 219 East Chicago Street – 847-468-8810
QBalls - Saturday, February 20
Stormcrow – Saturday, February 27
http://www.elginpublichouse.com/

Gasthaus Zur Linde, 15 North Grove Avenue – 847-695-8828
Shy Town Kill & The Astronaut King
Circus & the Fog, The Love Shots & The Mustard Men – Friday, February 19
The Blizzard of Ozz & The Blessed Hellride – Saturday, February 20
My Lazy Elephant – Friday, February 26
Throwback & The John Engleman band – Saturday, February 27

Mad Maggies, 51 South Grove – 847-531-5883
The Neverly Brothers – Friday, February 19, $10 Cover.
FNR – Saturday, February 20, $6 Cover.
http://www.madmaggies.net/

The Roadhouse, 200 Prairie Street – 847-695-4454
Prezence – The Led Zepplin Show & Arra - Saturday, February 20, Cover
Saliva, Silverstone & Heart-Set Self Destruct – Thursday, February 25, Cover
Red Woody & Friction – Friday, February 26, Cover
Hi Infidelity – Saturday, February 27, Cover
http://www.roadhouseelgin.com/

Friday, February 12, 2010

5,000 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FEB 20-21

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 11, 2010

Contact: Major Kenneth Nicolai
847.494.4692


5,000 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HELP PACKAGE
ONE MILLION MEALS FOR HAITIAN EARTHQUAKE SURVIVORS

(ELGIN, IL — Feb. 11, 2010) -- The Salvation Army is seeking volunteers to help package one million meals for survivors of the January 12 earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The Army is partnering with the City of Elgin and Elgin-area businesses to package meal ingredients, which include rice, soy protein, freeze-dried vegetables, and 21 vitamins and minerals, for shipment to Haiti.

Approximately 5,000 volunteers are needed for the two-day food packaging event, to be held Saturday and Sunday, February 20 and 21, at the former Seigle’s Home and Building Center, 1600 Big Timber Road in Elgin. Saturday hours are 9 AM to 6 PM; Sunday hours are 1 PM to 6 PM.

Residents who can donate two hours of their time on either day should visit www.salarmyelgin.org to register. Registration is required, since it may not be possible to accommodate volunteers who show up the day of the event. We also request help for meeting local needs. Please bring canned food to donate to the food pantry that is supporting 160-200 families every Friday in Elgin. A canned food drop box will be present at this event.

The Salvation Army has had a presence in Haiti since 1950, with more than 700 Army officers and staff operating schools, clinics, a hospital, children’s homes and feeding programs.
The United Nations has designated The Salvation Army as the “lead agency” responsible for the care of 20,000 earthquake survivors living in makeshift tents or out in the open near the Army’s main compound in Port-au-Prince. The Army is providing food, water and medical services to this group.

Friday, January 29, 2010

2010 Harvest Market Applications Are Available


Come one, come all. The 2010 Harvest Market season will soon be upon us, so this season's applications are available for all who are interested and that fit with this year's guidelines. Download Application.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Update Meeting on Downtown Streetscape Construction Project to be Held February 9

Review of Phase 3 and Preview of Phase 4 to Be Presented

The public is invited to attend a special update meeting regarding the Downtown Streetscape Construction project on Tuesday, February 9 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Grand Victoria Casino’s Fox River Room, located at 250 S. Grove Ave. in Downtown Elgin.

Brian Fairwood, TranSystems Project Director, will present a review of Phase 3 construction, including a “before and after” presentation, and a preview of Phase 4, including the construction schedule for 2010. Representatives from TranSystems, the City and the Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) will be available to answer questions.

Interested citizens are encouraged to sign up for weekly construction updates sent via email at www.DowntownElgin.com or visit www.DowntownElgin.info to stay up-to-date on downtown traffic detours, street closures and other important information.

For more information, please contact the DNA at (847) 488-1456 or email downtownelgin@gmail.com.

Monday, January 25, 2010

DNA Seeks Promotions Coordinator

POSITION OPENING

Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin
Promotions Coordinator


SUMMARY:

The Promotions Coordinator plans, organizes, markets and executes successful special events and promotional activities for Downtown Elgin. The Coordinator also utilizes knowledge of current graphic design software to produce compelling visual and written content for ads, promotions, website, and social networking purposes.

These special events include but are not limited to the July 4th Parade, Harvest Market, the Downtown Elgin Car & AFV Show and Window Wonderland. Promotional activities include but are not limited to restaurant/retail promotions coordinated with performances at the Hemmens Cultural Center or other downtown festivals and events, hosting exhibit booths and creating materials promoting Downtown at non-DNA functions, neighborhood outreach tours, etc.

This is a full-time position with a flexible schedule and many evening and weekend hours.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

· Works collaboratively with volunteer committees to plan, organize and execute DNA special events and promotional activities.

· Coordinates and hosts all volunteer event committee meetings; works with committee chairs to create agendas and other meeting materials.

· Collaborates with Executive Director and volunteer committees to provide in-house graphic design and written content for all flyers/posters, invitations, event branding materials, email campaigns, website content and other promotional materials.

· Works closely with ED to create and manage special event budgets; ensures event committees operate within established budgetary restrictions.

· Creates and manages cost effective marketing and promotional strategies for special event print, broadcast and social media, collaborating with other organizations and special events when applicable.

· Writes and distributes press releases and other communications materials; posts press releases and events to local web sites as well DNA’s web site and social media sites.

· Responsible for maintaining, editing and managing DNA website and all electronic media including weekly e-newsletter and all social media networking sites.

· Solicits potential sponsors for DNA special events; creates and distributes sponsor packets that are designed for each event.

· Develops and enhances working relationships with City staff, various organizations, non-profit groups, service clubs and businesses.

· Prepares written reports, presentations and evaluations on special events.

· Other tasks and responsibilities as assigned.


KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

· Ability to manage constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.
· Proactive; anticipates needs and works to meet them.
· Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
· Professional appearance and demeanor.
· Ability to manage priorities and workflow.
· Reliable and punctual.
· Excellent computer skills.
· Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Publisher.
· Proficiency with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
· Familiarity with website content management systems and social media applications
· Ability to lift and carry up to 45lbs.


EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

· Bachelors degree in advertising, graphic design, marketing, communications or related field or equivalent experience.
· 1-2 years graphic design and/or marketing work experience.
· Not-for-profit experience preferred, but not required.


WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The primary duties of this job are performed in a professional office environment or an outdoor environment that may include working in adverse weather conditions. Employees are expected to utilize their personal vehicles for the transport of equipment and materials related to special event set-up and take-down.


SALARY & BENEFITS:

This is a full-time position with an annual salary commensurate to experience. DNA pays 80% of the employee’s premium for health, dental, and life insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield.

To apply for this position, please send an email with a cover letter, resume and list of references attached by Friday, February 12 to:

Tonya Hudson
Executive Director
Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin
thudson@elginil.org

We are not accepting applications by mail. For questions on this position, please call the DNA Office at (847) 488-1456.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Quiznos 2010 Social Promo

Get 10% off any order over $5 at Quiznos Subs in downtown Elgin, 59 Douglas Ave, January 11-17 only!

Check out the other great downtown deals open only to social media users here.

Use #DNA2010 to comment about your experiences on FB, Twitter, Foursquare or the DNA blog.

Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant's 2010 Social Promo

Don't miss Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant's 2010 Social Promo: 2 glasses of wine for $10 with any entree purchase! Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant is located at 11 Douglas Ave in downtown Elgin. January 11-17 only!

Check out the other great downtown deals open only to social media users here.

Use #DNA2010 to comment about your experiences on FB, Twitter, Foursquare or the DNA blog.

Fusion Mind Body Studio's 2010 Social Promo

Yoga for 2 for $10 OR 2 Yoga classes for just $10, Bring 3 friends to Yoga class and receive 10% off class packages and memberships. Fusion Mind Body Studio is located within Simple Balance Holistic Center at 221 E Chicago St in downtown Elgin.

After your Yoga class, be sure to comment about your experience on FB, Twitter, Foursquare or the DNA blog using #2010.

Check out the other great downtown deals open only to social media users here.

Tongue N Chic Dental Boutique's 2010 Social Promo

$10 dental exams at Tongue N Chic Dental Boutique, 14 Douglas Ave. This is the most enjoyable dental exam you will ever have! Tongue N Chic is a dental office with a twist on optimal dental care. Learn more about this unique downtown dental boutique at http://www.tonguenchic-dental.com/

Check out the other great downtown deals open only to social media users here.

Martini Room's 2010 Social Promo

One week only, January 11-17, buy 2 $10 martinis and receive a $2 off drink coupon for your next visit to Martini Room, 161 E Chicago St in downtown Elgin.

Check out the other great downtown deals open only to social media users here.

The Centre of Elgin's 2010 Social Promo

A new year, a new you! Get a 10-day trial membership at the Centre of Elgin for just $20.10. New members only. The Centre is located at 100 Symphony Way in downtown Elgin.

Check out the other great downtown deals open only to social media users here.

Elgin Books' 2010 Social Promo

Get a small coffee and a muffin or cookie for just $2.01 at Elgin Books, 209 E Chicago St in downtown Elgin, PLUS 20% off $10 or more of books! One week only January 11-17!

Check out the other great downtown deals open only to social media users here.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Simple Balance Holistic Center's 2010 Social Promo

January 11-17 only, get 10% off products and services of $20 or more at Simple Balance Holistic Center, 221 E Chicago St.

Click here to see the other downtown deals happening this week only!

Kim's Black Belt Academy's 2010 Social Promo

Build confident kids with classes at Kim's Black Belt Academy at 5 S Spring St! Sign up January 11-17 to get 20% off their Beginner program (new students only) and 10% off all merchandise!

Click here to see the other downtown deals happening this week only!

Elgin Public House's 2010 Social Promo

Stop in Elgin Public House at 219 E. Chicago for $2.01 off of any bill of $20.10 or more. Be sure to mention you found this special via social media. Check out their daily food and drink specials too!

May not combine with any coupons, gift certificates, and may not combine with Monday 1/2 of burger nite. Dine in only.

Click here to see the other downtown deals happening this week only!

Toom Toom Thai's 2010 Social Promo

Stop in downtown Elgin's new Thai restaurant,, Toom Toom Thai at 23 S. Grove Ave., January 11-17 and get this special offer only open to social media users:

Buy 2 entrees and get 1 free egg roll or potsticker OR 1/2 off a 3rd entree!

Remember to use #DNA2010 in your FB or Twitter status update, or when you check in through Foursquare!

Click here to see the other downtown deals happening this week only!

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Domani Cafe's 2010 Social Promo

Stop in Domani Cafe at 109 E Highland for 2 sandwiches for just $10. This week only during DNA2010 social promo week, Jan 11-17.

Tom's Auto Clinic's 2010 Social Promo

Get a complete oil change and 27-point inspection for just $20.10 at Tom's Auto Clinic, 264 Prairie St, Jan 11-17!

Check out the other great downtown deals this week at www.downtownelgin.blogspot.com.

Remember, this is a ONE WEEK ONLY social media promo running Jan 11-17. Mention where you saw the promo to get the deals, then comment on your downtown experience on Facebook, Twitter or the DNA blog using #DNA2010.