Windy City Times, in conjunction with QponChicago.com, is profiling neighborhood businesses in a series of features over the coming months. The first neighborhood is Edgewater. Working with the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce, we have profiled five businesses in this North Side Chicago neighborhood, including the Chamber of Commerce itself. Articles by Ross Forman. See www.qponchicago.com for offers this week on Edgewater LGBT-friendly companies and services.
Edgewater Chamber of Commerce
The mission of the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce is to create and support a thriving business environment, contributing to a vibrant Edgewater community. They organize and present marketing, education, networking, and advocacy programs to increase commercial activity and strengthen existing businesses and Chamber members in the Edgewater community.
Boasting a motto of "Learn-Connect-Grow," the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce showcases the wide variety of businesses and professionals in this North Side neighborhood that is not just known for its popular beach.
The Edgewater neighborhood includes the 40th, 48th and 49th wards, and truly offers something for all ages and interests. There are business with deep history and traditions, and residents with years or decades of roots in the neighborhood.
One of the annual area highlights is, of course, the Edgewater Arts Festival, set for Saturday, July 16 ( 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. ) , at 5917 N. Broadway, at the intersection of Broadway and Thorndale.
The Edgewater Artists in Motion and the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce will host the Edgewater Arts Festival, an outdoor fine arts event that will include more than 50 artists, many from the Edgewater neighborhood itself. The Edgewater Arts Festival features:
—A juried selection of artists whose works include 2-D and 3-D mixed media, drawings, paintings, photography, printmaking and jewelry;
—A fine-arts showcase exhibit where select artists will display exclusive pieces; and
—Live and dance performances as well as children's activities in the Senator Steans Kids Corner.
For a full list of artists, entertainment, and more info, visit http://www.edgewater.org/artsfest.
Curves
1354 W. Devon
773-882-0857
Curves is a fitness club designed for women, featuring a 30-minute complete workout and weight management program that is fun, fast and safe. The Edgewater location is a Curves Smart club, meaning it features the latest in technology and a system that ensures you get maximum benefits based upon your own personal fitness level. It's like having a personal trainer beside you on every machine. "That's why we say with each workout at our club, it's like having 27 coaches," said Maria Garcia of Curves. "The best part is, at the end of your workout, you can access computer screens detailing the total calories burned, whether you reached your targets on the machines, and tips for your next workout."
When people enter the Edgewater club, there is a trained Curves coach who can answer your questions, ensure you are working the machines properly, and encourage you to get results. "We are so sure of our Curves program that we give routine monthly Fitness Assessments to our members to ensure they are getting the results they desire," Garcia said.
Curves is the most researched women's workout program in the world. "There is a reason we do what we do, and its proven to work," Garcia said. "The fitness industry is constantly developing to get better results quicker. Join our team here at Curves Edgewater Club, where our motto is: 'Together we will get there.'
Working out is like brushing your teeth; you can't be healthy without doing it," Garcia said. "When someone says they don't need to workout, they really are just saying they don't know how good they can feel. Everyone needs to work out to be healthy. "At least here at our club, you will know the program has been researched and works."
Radiant Smiles For You
5555 N. Sheridan
773 334 3882
The fear of going to the dentist is common, so many just skip that trip entirely—or maybe it's the drilling that drives them crazy.
The solution is at Radiant Smiles For You, located in Edgewater.
Now a movie-star smile is as close as your mirror. Starting with healthy teeth and gums as its foundation, Radiant Smiles For You designs the smile you dream of by using cosmetic bonding, porcelain restorations and veneers, tooth realignment with Invisalign and other state-of-the-art treatments.
Radiant Smiles For You offers dental needs in a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere. Be it regular annual cleanings or more advanced work, Radiant Smiles For You has the answers, and the options.
It's time to smile, again, thanks to Radiant Smiles For You. Chipped, stained or cracked teeth call for a smile makeover. A beautiful smile can brighten one's life on a daily basis, personally, professionally and socially. Also, cosmetic dentistry is not a major operation. After one or two appointments, a patient can walk away with the new smile he or she has always wanted—and not of the frayed nerves some people have when they hear the word "dental.'
Radiant Smiles For You will make teeth sparkle. Their experts can treat discolored, stained, or aging teeth with a state-of-the-art whitening process. The treatment can be completed in just over an hour in the office, or you can choose at-home treatments. A dazzling smile isn't just for celebrities any more.
Radiant Smiles For You also offers ultra-thin porcelain veneers, custom fitted over natural teeth.
If a person is missing one or more teeth, Radiant Smiles For You has the replacements that are as natural and conservative as possible, including dental implants.
Radiant Smiles For You offers the finest, most cost effective dental care available. Following diagnosis, the doctor will advise you on a plan of treatment. The friendly, helpful staff will discuss fees for this plan along with payment options. Dental insurance is, of course, accepted, and they then will estimate what portion of the fees will be covered by insurance and what portion will be covered out of pocket.
Payment is expected at the time the service is rendered. Cash, checks and select credit cards are accepted.
"I must admit, it took me about two month to get up the nerve to see the doctor, not because of fearing the dentist or the drills, but it was simply I was embarrassed of the way I had neglected my mouth and teeth," said patient CT Morton. "I was afraid to smile and laugh for years, afraid of opening my mouth and having people see the same gross mess I had to deal with everyday. But now I smile, I laugh, I'm back to being me again. It was a long haul, a lot of root canals, pain and suffering, and a whole lot of hours—and it was all worth it."
E Joseph Fleming & Associates
5844 N. Magnolia
Chicago, IL
773-989-8072
E. Joseph Fleming & Associates offers a different, unique look at accounting. The Edgewater business provides economical bookkeeping and tax-preparation services to help grow your business and your bottom line.
"Our profit and growth experts are committed to serving the needs of businesses in Edgewater and the surrounding neighborhoods of Andersonville, Uptown and Rogers Park," said Ed Fleming.
E. Joseph Fleming & Associates utilizes Quickbooks accounting software and has the knowledge needed to help one's business reduce taxes; manage cash flow; and prosper today, tomorrow and in the future.
"You will never see us apply a one-size-fits-all solution," Fleming said. "Instead, our Quickbook ProAdvisor-certified accountant will give you personal attention and a sophisticated, forward-looking strategy."
E. Joseph Fleming & Associates has a wide variety of ways and means to help customers make and save money—and they are simple, easy to understand options. Start with, sending out customer statements on time, so you can get paid. Also, accurately calculate interest, and college it from overdue accounts. Plus, it's important to set sales prices based on profit instead of conjecture.
Privacy has always been a key issue for E. Joseph Fleming & Associates, thus, they collect nonpublic personal information from the following sources:
—Information you provide on applications, through tax organizers, worksheets and other documents;
—Information about your transactions with us, our affiliates, or others;
—Information we receive from a consumer-reporting agency.
"We do not disclose any nonpublic personal information about our current or former clients to anyone, except as permitted by law," Fleming said. "We restrict access to nonpublic personal information about you to those members of our firm who need it in order to provide quality services to you. We maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards that comply with federal regulations to guard your nonpublic personal information."
E. Joseph Fleming & Associates has the knowledge, experience and support staff to accommodate of your accounting needs, big or small. That includes budgeting, general ledger preparation, loan application preparation, payroll services, income tax returns 1040, tax planning and much more.
Bananas Foster Café
1147 W. Granville Avenue
Chicago, IL
773-262-9855
Head over to Bananas Foster Cafe for a truly tasty treat—a dining experience unlike others in the city. After all, Bananas Foster Cafe is an eatery in the historic Edgewater neighborhood, and has plenty of drinks, ranging from great coffee to excellent wines, beers and cocktails. In addition, the freshly prepared food is perfect for the palate, a taste that will make patrons want to return.
Bananas Foster Café, in 2009, was honored by the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce as a top new restaurant—not surprisingly.
Bananas Foster Cafe has daytime delivery available ( 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. ) and also dinner delivery available ( 5-9 p.m. ) . And the dining on property is also relaxed, comfortable and enjoyable.
Some of the most popular aspects of Bananas Foster Cafe include Thursday's half price on wine, and all-you-can-eat fried fish and chips ( $12.50 ) on Fridays.
The café has dining options for all ages and palates, starting with shrimp bisque, French onion soup, crab cakes or a salad. Then it's on to the fine entrée, with such options as amish scotch whiskey chicken, barbeque wagu tri tip, smoked cheddar leek pie ( vegetarian ) , pork shank, blackened tilapia and so much more.
Executive chef/owner John Winslow and chef de cuisine Evan Brown have been cooking to please Chicagoans for years.
The daytime menu at Bananas Foster Cafe includes hot cakes, French toast, waffles, omelets, hot sandwiches, paninis and more.
Also, no trip to the café would be complete without The Original Bananas Foster dessert ( $8 ) , with bananas cooked in butterscotch with rum, brandy and banana liquor flambéed and served over vanilla ice cream.
Come hungry, go home happy. The food is fresh, fun and filled with character. The staff is friendly, outgoing and professional.
Bananas Foster Café is a must for dining options in Edgewater.
Ryan Swanson Design
773-680-8859
Ryan Swanson is an artist, designer and teacher—and Edgewater is a brighter place thanks to his work.
He started doing graphic design at a small design firm in Atlanta about 10 years ago. "I learned the ropes of design there, but decided I wanted to take my education in a different direction," he said. So, Swanson pursued the fine arts at the Savannah College of Art and Design, earning a bachelor of fine arts.
He then moved to Chicago and earned a master of fine arts degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
He then continued to pursue fine art while working in design and teaching design at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
"I am able to take on a broad range of design projects. From identity design to web to complex print projects," Swanson said. "My mixed background in the applied and fine arts affords me a different perspective than traditionally trained designers. My experience in education made me a good listener and an excellent problem-solver. I will give your project the attention it deserves at an affordable price.
"As an educator, I feel a responsibility to acknowledge the reality of our economy and the need for artists to make a living after school. I bring my own dual studio practice into the classroom by advocating practical design skills while acknowledging the importance of both art history and experimentation to the advancement of anyone's creative practice. I believe there are more roles for artists in our society than we currently acknowledge. My aim in teaching is to help students discover these new roles that unitize their personal experiences and empower their point of view in a practice that can be sustained over a lifetime."
Swanson has had a key role in numerous exhibitions, such as Shelburn Museum, White Box Gallery, Hyde Park Art Center and the Evanston Arts Center, among others. Swanson also has a deep client list, including Jason Foumberg, Alfedena Gallery, Office Max, Brown Triangle Gallery and Taylor Bruce Associates, among others. Also in his career, Swanson's teaching gigs have included The School of the Art Institute of Chicago ( adjunct faculty ) and Westwood College ( program director school of design, full-time design instructor ) , and more.
