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September 22nd, 2006
Organic marketing works from the inside out and is a back door approach to selling your brand and services — by sharing your expertise you can build your business or practice, and make a difference too.It all begins with your knowledge. You simply write a timely, relevant article from 500 to 700 words long on an aspect of your profession or practice that you believe is important to share. This one article can do a lot. In addition to helping a lot of other folks out there in cyberspace, it goes to work for you in multiple ways including: enhancing the content of your Web site, beefing up your Blog or adding interest to your eZine, and it can even be used as an incentive to get people to join your email list.But perhaps on of the most beneficial ways to use your knowledge and expertise is to send it to live on other people’s sites, or be featured in other people’s Blogs and eZines. Called “article marketing,” this is not only a very powerful way to help others by discriminating your expertise, but you can also build your reputation, and bring qualified potential clients to your Web site.
It works because content is still king, and the Internet is full of content hungry containers — thousands of Blogs, Web sites, and eZines are created every day and they all need fresh content. You can fill that need with your valuable information, and in return gain great PR and drive qualified traffic to your site. Best of all, the cost is minimal.
Based on your expertise, you write that great content-based, keyword-rich article in your field of knowledge. Make sure the article includes keywords that are relevant to your Web site. If this is difficult for you to do alone, there are many good, inexpensive writers and editors available online at sites like elance.com, or you may have writers in your personal or business network.
Next, create a short resource box with your copyright information, your value statement, and links to your Web site and any special offers or other information that is relevant to the article you’ve written. Append the resource box to the end of the article. Then, submit the article to one or more high quality, heavily trafficked article directories like ezines.com. If you want to automate the submission process, there are also services available that will submit your material to multiple sites for a small fee.
Now, wait a couple of weeks and Google your article. You’ll be amazed at how it has spread! If the writing is good and process is handled well, the results will be impressive. You will see a lot more, better-qualified traffic; you’ll be getting great publicity for your expertise; and you will save marketing dollars. Finally, your information will be reaching a lot more people and, as a bonus, you will feel really good about your marketing program.
Start contributing today to Hereschicagoblog.com by signing up, registering as a trusted poster and contribute to our blog and your future success. We are seeking your expertise as a hospitality professional.
September 22nd, 2006
The James is a new hotel group that effortlessly blends a sense of modern, residential comfort with state-of-the-art technology and exceptional service.
At The James Chicago, it's simple: you are the main attraction. Each room was designed with a modern classic style to make you feel right at home, even when you're on the road. Customize your comfort by dimming the lights and adjusting the temperature, and get down to business with our complimentary Wi-Fi network available in each room.
Stop by our restaurant, David Burke's Primehouse, a modern interpretation of the classic Chicago steakhouse, and get your night started at our lounge, J Bar. The James Chicago also features The Gym, The Spa, and a friendly 24-hour concierge service to get you exclusive access to all the hottest spots in town.
Look for us in New York in 2007, Los Angeles in 2008, and Miami somewhere in between.
For business and social events, The James Hotels feature function rooms and creative venues perfect for any occasion. Our dedicated sales staff is ready to work with you to offer creative solutions to help you plan an event that is distinctly your own. Choose from our irresistible menus, tech-savvy facilities and creative services, and breathe easy knowing that whether you're planning a quarterly meeting, birthday, or the wedding of your dreams, we'll be there every step of the way.
The James Hotel Chicago is a Planner Preferred Vendor Hotel and meeting venue with Hereschicago.com, Chicago's Meetings and Special Events Directory.
September 16th, 2006
Spotlight on Chicago is a one-stop information expo of arts and cultural events in and around the city. Concierges, tour operators, travel planners, local media, librarians, hoteliers, event planners and other professionals who provide information to Chicagoans and visitors are invited to discover the vast amount of cultural programs and events which make this city so unique.
In a single location, Spotlight on Chicago showcases a rich array of arts and cultural organizations - new, familiar and reinvented - as they embrace the coming season with exciting events, performances and exhibitions.
Spotlight on Chicago is a wonderful opportunity for anyone interested in:
-Writing articles on Chicago’s cultural scene
-Relaying information to patrons, clients or guests
-Organizing group tours
-Exciting activities for attendees of your events and meetingsDon’t miss this opportunity to meet with representatives from more than 100 local cultural organizations.
Thursday, October 5, 2006
Chicago Cultural Center
Preston Bradley Hall
Enter at 78 East Washington StreetBreakfast
9:00 – 9:30 a.m.
Program
9:30 – 10:00 a.m.
Exhibit area open
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
This event is not open to the public.
Visit www.cityofchicago.org/CulturalAffairs/SpotlightonChicago
September 11th, 2006
The First Annual Medieval Times FAM Trip and Expo took place on September 6th at Medieval Times. Hereschicago.com sponsored the event in addition to The Greater Woodfield Convention and Visitors Bureau, Entourage Restaurant of Schaumburg, M & M Special Events Company and NIU Outreach Registration Services.
In attendance were meeting planners from Chicago and the Northwest Suburbs to include:
Sara Lee Corporation, Motorola, Master Events and Meeting Planning, The Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau, FunMe Events, Chicago Meetings and More, APplied Systems, Concierge Unlimited, Chicago Concierge Services, Sedgwick Activities Committee, Fexco, Flexible Steel Lacing Company, Grant Thornton, Schaumburg Business Association, All 4 U Event Consulting, Accenting Chicago Events & Tours, Nicor Services, US Foodservice, Educational Tours, Travel and Transport, Illinois Mental Health Counselors Association, Sedgwick CMS, Cater 2 U Concierge, and a host of independent planners.
 Photo Courtesy of Hereschicago.com
Kathy Syversen and Matt Volk, NIU Outreach Registration Services. NIU Outreach services is a Planner Preferred Vendor of Hereschicago.com and sponsored online and on-site registrations services. This organization does a great job with registration for meetings, conferences and events.
 Photo Courtesy of Hereschicago.com
Bobbie Soeder and Brannen Daugherty of Catalyst Ranch showcasing “The Ranch” at their exhibit table. Catalyst Ranch is a Planner Preferred Vendor of Hereschicago.com and is Chicago's most creative meeting and event space! We're fresh, playful, and vibrant. You might say unconventional and quirky. There's abundant color, natural light, toys, music, art. Want your meeting or event to reflect your creative style? Think funky, cool, private. Your clients or guests will be delighted!
Watch the Catalyst Ranch Video
 Photo Courtesy of Hereschicago.com
Laurel Clark, Director of Sales, GameWorks Schaumburg exhibited one of Sega Gameworks newest games for all attendees to play.
 Photo Courtesy of Hereschicago.com
Attendees and exhibitors discuss business in the hallways of Medieval Times. Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament is a Planner Preferred Vendor of Hereschicago.com.
 Photo Courtesy of Hereschicago.com
Fam and Expo Sponsor Jim Grillo, CMP of Hereschicago.com gets “knighted” in the King's Court!
 Chicago's Meetings and Special Events Directory featuring Chicagoland's Planner Preferred Restaurants, Meeting Venues, Meeting Services, Ground Transportation Companies, Activities, Special Events Companies, Meeting Planners, DMC's, Decor Companies, Nightlife, Lounges, Bars, Teambuilding, Museums, Sightseeing and Attractions. Hereschicago.com is Chicago's Video Directory allowing meeting planners an inside look into meeting venues and services. Visit Hereschicago.com.
September 5th, 2006
Marshall Field’s: 1852 – 2006
Marshall Field’s, 154 years old and a Chicago institution, gone this week on the infamous State Street, that great street. One of the world’s first department stores, placed only second in size to Macy’s, it’s new owner and label. Marshall Field’s was the premier shopping destination in Chicago for many years with the slogan “Give the lady what she wants.”
The store founded many retail firsts, including inventing the gift registry, incorporating restaurants into the shopping experience, hosting book signings, and offering credit to customers. It cultivated a reputation for style and exclusivity by creating separate men’s and women’s lounges and the designer 28 Shop.
Born in 1852 to Potter Palmer, it was first named P. Palmer & Co. It went through several name changes before being renamed for its adoptive father, Marshall Field, in 1881. The store opened at its State Street location in 1868. It burned to the ground twice (once during the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and later in 1877), and went through a few incarnations before 1907, when the current 12-story, block-wide store was completed. In its long life, it went through a series of affairs. It was first purchased by BATUS Retail Group in 1982, a union that lasted eight years, before it was sold to Dayton Hudson Corporation, later renamed Target Corporation. Its latter years were plagued by relationship troubles, with the store being sold twice in as many years. In 2004, a purchase by May Department Stores lasted just one year before Federated Department Stores, the parent company of Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s, took over.
Other State Street neighbors Montgomery Ward, The Fair Store, Mandel Brothers, Wieboldt’s, and Goldblatt Bros., Inc., Another peer, Carson Pirie Scott, are not expected to e to see 2007. Marshall Field’s will be remembered by the Walnut Room, the Great Clock, Frango mints, which will continue and remain in the new Macy’s.
The name change from Marshall Field’s to Macy’s becomes official on Sept. 9th at all area locations (111 N. State St., 835 N. Michigan Ave., Oakbrook Center, Woodfield Mall, Old Orchard Shopping Center), starting with a Welcome Shopping Party from noon to 4 p.m. Customers will be invited to check out the store with a ribbon cutting, live entertainment, refreshments, trunk shows, makeovers, and more. The first 500 customers to any store before 11 a.m. will receive a $10 gift card, with one winner receiving a $1,000 gift card. Call 312-781-5454 for more information.
• The same day, Macy’s on State Street will open the Second Annual Chicago Indie Designer Shop, which will feature collections from 47 Chicago-based designers. Shop clothing, purses, jewelry and accessories from designers chosen from the Mayor’s Fashion Advisory Board. The local wares will be available at the store throughout the season. Designers include: Alice Berry, Susan Fitch, Lee Allison, Lara Miller, Kristen Amato, Jill Alberts, and many more. Check out the selection on the first floor, near the Randolph-and-Wabash entrance.
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