Mustang/Ford/Cobra Theme of Cary Cruise Night June 19

Mustang/Ford/Cobra will be the featured theme car at Cary Cruise Night on Wednesday, June 19 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. on West Main Street in downtown Cary.  Corvette owners are encouraged to bring their cars to be judged that evening.  Trophies and ribbons will be awarded for first and second place winners.

Cary Cruise Night takes place each Wednesday evening in downtown Cary on W. Main Street between Spring Street and High Road.  The downtown area is closed for show car parking and public parking is free and accessible in the nearby commuter lots. Great food and refreshments are available during the event at The Tracks Bar & Grill, Galati’s Pizza & Pasta, Tapas Calpe in Orchard Prime Meats,  Jimano’s Pizza truck and Kona Ice. Each Wednesday there is a free raffle prize drawing for local dining certificates. 

Other upcoming Cruise Night themes include Mustang/Ford Night on June 20 and Chevy/GM Night on June 27. There will be no Cary Cruise Night on Wednesday, July 4.  Cruise Night themes are for judging only and trophies and ribbons are awarded each Wednesday for the designated theme.  All cars are also welcome at every Cary cruise Night.  Parking and attendance is free.  For information or the complete list of Cruise Night themes, call (847) 639-2800, or visit www.carygrovechamber.com. 

4th Annual SleepOut for Shelter, a Record Breaking Year!

Number of participants, counties represented, weather, dollars raised–all records broken at this year’s 4th Annual SleepOut for Shelter. Strong winds and record low temperatures could not keep 600 people from helping raise more than $70,000 and participating in this year’s event.Supporters gathered at Living Waters Church in Crystal Lake for a one hour rally hosted by Star 105.5FM and listened to testimonials from Pioneer Center clients about homelessness.  Many participants pitched their tents or built a cardboard box shelter at the rally site and spent the entire night outside.  The event helped raise awareness and much-needed funds for homeless services through McHenry County PADS, a division of Pioneer Center for Human Services.The event also included an Ultimate Team Challenge that pitted local businesses and organizations throughout the county against each other to raise the most money for McHenry County PADS.  For the second year in a row, Team Living Waters lead by Pastor Carol Gates and congregants from Living Waters Lutheran Church in Crystal Lake won the challenge by raising the most money of any team—over $3,300.  They will proudly display the event’s traveling trophy for the next year.“Aside from SOS being the most incredible event ever what happened this year changed the lives of many who participated. For the first time many understood what it’s like to sleep outside without shelter with a temperature hovering at or under 32 degrees.  Shivering in our cars, hyperventilating at times, watching the clock, waiting for day break when the sun would bring warmth and security again taught us just how hard the lives of the homeless are. SOS provides hope a way out of homelessness.  Thank the Lord for Pioneer Center and all those who work so diligently for those in need,” said Pastor Carol Gates of Living Waters Lutheran Church.Plus, for the first time, SleepOut for Shelter went multi-county through a partnership with PADS Lake County. “Our partnership with McHenry County PADS was tremendously important to our first year success. As seasoned pros, the McHenry County staff provided us with an excellent model to follow and guidance throughout the planning process. Although each PADS typically operates independently, our teamwork this year showed the true impact we can make throughout all sectors of our communities when we unite together as one voice fighting to improve the lives of the most vulnerable families and individuals facing homelessness in Lake and McHenry Counties,” said Sari Rubin, Director of Development for PADS Lake County.This joining of forces brought two dynamic organizations together to advocate and raise funds to sustain programs and services designed to fight homelessness. All monies raised by each respective event remained within their county.“I am thrilled to know that Lake County’s SleepOut for Shelter inaugural event was met with tremendous success! Collaboration is key in non-profit success these days and this event epitomizes how a community can really make change while at the same time teaching our youth the importance of volunteerism and being proactive in their communities,” said Christin Kruse, Chief Development Officer for Pioneer Center.

For the third time in as many years, Black Diamond Plumbing & Mechanical has been named as one of the 2013 Best Places to Work in Illinois.  On May 16, Black Diamond learned that it was in the elite company of a select few that were named to the Top Ten.The final ranking of the Best Places to Work in Illinois was announced at an awards celebration on May 16 at Meridian Banquets in Rolling Meadows, IL.  “It is very exciting to be named to the top ten,” commented Black Diamond Marketing Coordinator, Lauren Schubert.  “It’s an honor to be on the list at all, but to be ranked in the top ten really says something.”The statewide survey and awards program was designed to identify, recognize and honor the best places of employment in Illinois, benefiting the state's economy, workforce and businesses. The 2013 Best Places to Work in Illinois list is made up of 35 companies in the small/medium-sized list (15-249 U.S. employees) and 25 companies in the large-sized list (250+ U.S. employees).   Black Diamond Plumbing & Mechanical was ranked #10 on the small/medium-sized list.Black Diamond Plumbing & Mechanical, Inc. is a full-service company that offers the best quality in plumbing, sewer, electric, heating and air conditioning service and remodeling. They are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  With their free estimates and flat rate pricing, you always know the price before they do the work. 

For more information call (815) 444-0979 or visit www.BlackDiamondToday.com.Media contact: Lauren Schubert, Marketing Coordinator. (815) 444-0979; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Alpine Cleaning Equipment, Inc. Named to DiversityBusiness.com’s Illinois Top Women Owned Business

For the second year in a row Alpine Cleaning Equipment, Inc. ,770 Industrial Dr., Unit E, Cary. has been named to DiversityBusiness.com’s Illinois Top Women Owned Business. Honors have been bestowed upon the nation’s finest and brightest entrepreneurs. In recognition of the momentous achievement, DiversityBusiness.com, the nation’s leading multicultural social media site, has recently acknowledged Alpine Cleaning Equipment, Inc. as one of Illinois’s “Top Businesses” for 2013. This exclusive ranking is a reflection of Alpine’s overall vision, leadership and economic accomplishments in moving our economy forward. The award, known as the Div500, represents the most unique class of forward thinking companies who have earned the distinction of fostering a culture of sustainable growth among the communities they serve.

2013 marks DiversityBusiness.com’s 13th annual listing of America’s top businesses. Over 1.3 million businesses participated in this year’s program. The “Top Businesses” are determined by a selection committee which evaluates the eligibility for all submissions in each award categories. The selection committee bases their decision on an extensive set of criteria which includes: reviewing each entrant’s business profile, website and gross annual sales submitted. The businesses selected on these prestigious lists have become highly coveted among corporations, government agencies and educational institutions who desire to increase opportunities with privately-held businesses.

“We are thrilled to be a top business for a second year in a row, what an amazing accomplishment for Alpine. I am tremendously proud of my team who’s worked so hard to get us to this level of success”, says Ruby Kular, President of Alpine Cleaning Equipment, Inc. “We are very fortunate to finally be in a financial position to support our local communities and charities, overall this last year we have been able to help 4 different organizations that range from helping autistic children to domestic abuse. We are honored to be able to give back and continue to grow as an organization. With the help of organizations such as ISSA, WBDC, NAWBO, Women Presidents’ Organization are our local Cary Grove Chamber Alpine has been able to put a mark on the map as being a recognized and successful women owned business.”

Douglas Automotive Sponsors Auto Art Contest for Local Students

Douglas McAllister, Owner of Douglas Automotive, recently announced winners of its fifth annual Elementary School Art Contest for students in Crystal Lake and Barrington, where his two complete auto care shops are located. The theme, “Imagine a Car That Looks Like You,” attracted over 200 area students in grades 1-5 who competed in this popular springtime event.

“We love being able to run this contest each year,” said McAllister. “We never cease to be amazed by the creativity and talent that come from the students each year.”

Winners received $50.00 cash prizes. All entrants received Culvers gift certificates. Awards were presented to the following students in Barrington: Best of Show Carina O’Brien; and Best in Class awards to Grade 1 Daniel Naranjo, Grade 2 Riya Voruganti, Grade 3 Zoe Broker , Grade 4 Luke Parenti, and Grade 5 Maryellen Brown .  Crystal Lake winners included Best of Show Grace Tilley, and Best in Class awards to Grade 1 Ava Joy Carney, Grade 2 Daniel Lossev, Grade 3 Caelia Kolze, Grade 4 Litzy Lopez, and Grade 5 Natalie Ullsmith.

Douglas Automotive is a total care automotive maintenance facility with shops in Crystal Lake and Barrington, IL. The company offers complete automotive services for both domestic and import models, serviced by ASE trained and certified technicians and backed by their industry leading 3 year, 36,000 warranty on all parts and labor. The foundation of their success has been their commitment to exceptional automotive service with steadfast integrity.  Douglas Automotive is located at 123 E. Virginia Rd., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-0440; and at 312 S. Hager Ave., Barrington, (847) 381-0454.  For information visit their website at www.douglasautomotive.com.

Forrest Press Printing Celebrates New Exterior RenovationsForrest Press Printing recently celebrated façade improvements to their 3,000 square foot ranch-style facility located at 1010 W. Northwest Highway in Lake Barrington.  Owned by the Olker family, Char and  sons Steve and Chuck, the business has been printing for the business community since 1963.  Groomed by a long line of printers,  Nick Olker, Char’s husband, purchased Forrest Press  from Forrest Freeland who started the printing business in 1947.  Nick made the business a family affair and built the company’s  success based on quality, reputation and word of mouth.  When Nick passed away in 2009, Steve and Chuck, now 4th generation printers, continued to team up with their Mother Char.Forrest Press is a family owned and operated printing company that can print anything from banners, booklets and brochures, to business cards, carbonless forms, posters, post cards, invitations, flyers, labels, tickets, cards and more.  They offer design services, die-cutting, foil stamping, binding and more.  They focus on “making your first impression last.”  For information about Forrest Press Printing, visit www.forrestpress.com, or call (847) 381-1621.

 Pictured celebrating a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony are from left Cary Grove Chamber Executive Director Suzanne Corr, Chuck Barrett of Frisch & Barrett Insurance Agency, Steve, Char and Chuck Olker of Forrest Press, and Lisa Raupp of Mary Kay Cosmetics.

Paxem Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary
 
Paxem, a packing, organizing and moving company that specializes in senior relocations, is celebrating its 10 Year Anniversary.  The company was started by owner Jennifer Prell in 2003, who envisioned a pack and move company that could help people move from house to house and business to business. Over the years, Paxem has developed a special niche in working with older adults trying to downsize and prepare for the next stages of their life.  
As senior move managers and senior relocation experts, Paxem is knowledgeable in all aspects of moving. Their mission is to help families through the transition of moving or right-sizing while respecting each individual's needs. They are solution oriented and can accommodate all requests efficiently and respectfully.
Paxem's moving, downsizing and relocation services are available for all residential and commercial moves. They have assisted in moving and organizing all kinds of families and businesses.
Paxem will host a 10 Year Anniversary celebration on Wednesday, May 8 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at The Garlands, 1000 Garland Ln., Barrington, featuring hot hors d'oeuvres, wine, networking and prizes.  Chamber members are encouraged to attend. For information contact, visit www.paxem.com or call (847) 829-4437.

DOUGLAS AUTOMOTIVE MAKES HONOR ROLL~Consumers Rank Local Business Best in Service

Douglas Automotive has received multiple A-rate reports from Angie’s List members earning the total care automotive maintenance facility a coveted spot on the Angie’s List honor roll page.
Popular business review website, Angie’s List, only recognizes the top rated service providers, deeming Douglas Automotive as one of the top total care automotive facilities in the area. To make the Angie’s List honor roll a business must earn multiple A-rate reports within a 60 day period and completely avoid negative D or F reports.

“Our entire team is pleased to have received this honor again from Angie’s List. We’re fortunate to have such a wonderful client base and we’re honored to have them place their trust in Douglas Automotive,” said Doug McAllister, owner of Douglas Automotive.

About Douglas Automotive-Douglas Automotive is a total care automotive maintenance facility. The company offers complete automotive services for both domestic and import models, serviced by ASE trained and certified technicians and backed by a 3 year, 36,000 warranty on all parts and labor. The foundation of their success has been their commitment to exceptional automotive service with steadfast integrity. The company was established in 1993 by Douglas and Janet McAllister and has two, full service automotive service facilities, one in Barrington, Illinois and another in Crystal Lake, Illinois. For detailed information on the company, visit the Douglas Automotive website at www.douglasautomotive.com