2011 The Black Women’s Expo – August 6-7, 2011
July 27th, 2011 by Shorty
It’s that time again. Time to celebrate the beauty, talents and the empowerment of African Americans at The Black Women’s Expo. This event is filled with education, shopping, entertainment and other fun things to do for women and men. This year Loretta Divine will be hosting the Phenomenal Woman Awards & Gala. Check out their site for more details.
Image: sponsor Chicago
Shorty’s 2011 Chicago Auto Show Experience
February 26th, 2011 by ShortyI haven’t been to the auto show for years, and I really enjoyed 2011 Chicago Auto Show2 at McCormick Place. According to news reports, there were over 1,000 cars on display, and honestly, they all looked good to me. Even ones I would never buy. It must have been the lights shining from all parts of the cars that drew me. Or the $40,000 plus price tags. Allow me to share a few of my favorites.
Marcie ~aka~ Shorty in BMW Boxter
While you can’t see the entire car, I look good in this BMW Boxter with a price tag of $52,000 which probably only include the wheels, heat and keys. After I add all the other accessories and toys, it will be an easy $65,000. Hopefully, that will include all the taxes and other insane fees. This convertible, two-seater coupe is definitely a keeper.
Another cool ride was the Cadillac Escalade. I don’t know why I like this vehicle, but it’s highly unlikely I would ever pay for one. I do know that they are good to look at with prices beginning at $60,000.
The Toyota 4Runner has always been one of my favorites. It was beckoning me to have a seat. I did. And I still want one.
Nissan Altimas and Maximas are REALLY nice. Well, the bodies of the cars, anyway. I didn’t have a chance to sit in them because people were swarming around these babies. What does that mean? They were some of the more popular vehicles hands down.
I could go on about the cars I liked but I think your stories would be better. So, did you go to the 2011 Chicago Auto Show? What were some of your favorite rides?
103rd Annual Chicago Auto Show – February 11 – 20, 2011
February 6th, 2011 by Shorty
The above logo was used at the very first Auto Show in Chicago in 1901 on. Can you believe it’s been going on that long? And check out the cars below.
Well, it’s 103 years later and you can become a part of history by attending the Chicago Auto Show at McCormick Place form February 11 – 20, 2011. You have 10 days NOT to miss the event. You will get a chance to check out nearly 1,000 vehicles and the ride and drive experience. You will see Ford, Toyota, Chevrolet and Jeep vehicles in action indoors. Sounds exciting? I think it is, which is why I’ll be there. To get more information about times and prices and check out some of the cars that will be at the show, visit the Chicago Auto Show website.
Image credits: Chicago Auto Show
81st Annual Chicago Boat, RV & Outdoor Show is Going on Through January 16, 2011
January 14th, 2011 by Shorty
Image: chicagoboatshow.com/
I know I am a little late sharing this information, but it’s not too late to attend if you are interested in boats, RVs and the great outdoors. The show is being held at McCormick Place – North Building, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive in Chicago through January 16, 2011. Visit Chicago Boat Show for more details.
Event schedule:
Friday: 11:00am – 9:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am – 9:00pm
Sunday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Admission Prices:
$10 Adults (16 & older)
$30 Adult 4-pack (16 & older) — The more the merrier! Buy three full-price adult tickets and the fourth one is on the house. Just think…that $10 savings can go towards parking, the first round of hot dogs or that new boat or RV you’ve been waiting for. This offer is valid for online purchase ONLY.
$8 Senior (65 & older) — Wednesday, January 12th & Thursday, January 13th ONLY
FREE for kids 15 & younger
Make sure you let us know about the hottest boats, RVs and outdoor toys for the year.
Shorty’s Photos from The Black Women’s Expo
August 10th, 2010 by ShortyHere are a few photos from my visit to 2010 The Black Women’s Expo at McCormick Place from August 17 – 18, 2010. I had the opportunity to speak with entrepreneurs, authors, musicians, beauty specialists and just a lot of people with beautiful spirits.
I was pleased to see all of the information available to address health issues in the African American community. This expo is proof of the genius, talents and creativity in the black community. Now, if the dollars can stay in the community for a few rotations before leaving out, communities can begin to build and possibly heal.
8 Reasons Why Chicagoans Should Attend the 2010 National Charter School Conference
June 22nd, 2010 by ShortyThe 2010 National Charter School Conference will be held at McCormick Place in Chicago from June 28 – July 1, 2010. According to news reports, the Chicago Public School (CPS) system is getting rid of over 2,000 staff members because of a huge budget crunch, thus adding to Chicago’s already inflated unemployment rate. CPS has also developed a reputation for failing to educate students, although that does not apply to all schools. With that said, following are eight reasons why Chicagoans should attend this conference.
- It’s in Chicago.
- To determine if charter schools are better, comparable or worse than Chicago public schools. There is an ongoing debate as to whether charter schools actually yield better results than public schools. Also, it is still being determined which students benefit most from the non-traditional curriculum offered by charter schools. This is your chance to get answers to these and other questions you have always wanted to ask.
- Learn new and different ways to teach students. Educators can learn about some of the methods and tools used to teach students for their classrooms. Non-educators can use the information for other programs and activities.
- Network. You just never know who you will meet who can help you in any of your endeavors – educational and non-educational. The old adage stands true: It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.
- Educational opportunities. Workshop topics include, but are not limited to, law/policy, communications, and leadership development.
- Employment Opportunities. There will be charter schools as well as organizations that provide services to these institutions in attendance. If you are seeking a new position or career change, this is your opportunity to see what’s available.
- Entrepreneurial opportunities. Even if you are not an entrepreneur at heart, check out the services and resources you can provide to the charter school community. Entrepreneurs can only add to their arsenal of knowledge as well as cash flow by offering additional products or services.
- Hear what Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education; Bill Gates, Co-Chair, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Reed Hastings, Founder, Chairman & CEO of NetFlix; and Joe Scarborough, MSNBC’s Morning Joe have to say about this educational system. They are all keynote speakers for the event.
Above are eight reasons why Chicagoans should attend the 2010 National Charter School Conference next week. Visit http://www.nationalcharterconference.org for details on how to register and the event schedule. Don’t let the cost deter you; the benefits will greatly outweigh the cost. Hope to see you there!
Shorty’s Discovery of Entrepreneurial Opportunities at the 2010 Internet Retailers Conference
June 21st, 2010 by Shorty
I attended the 2010 Internet Retailer Conference & Exhibition at McCormick Place from June 8 – June 10, 2010. Yeah, I know this is a little late which is why you should hire The Write Design Company to share details of your events and meetings in real-time via live blog. As your South Side Resource and entrepreneur, I would like to share the entrepreneurial opportunities I discovered at the conference.
Know that there are ALWAYS ways to make money – legally. As an entrepreneur, I am always seeking those opportunities to share with others. In fact, it’s a blessing to let you know what’s happening in an effort to expand your mental horizons and cash flow. Especially in this recession.
Business Opportunity 1: Start an Online Business
The purpose of this conference was to provide education, tools and resources for online businesses. Retail sales plunged 7% while internet sales actually increased 2% during these challenges economic times. In fact, ecommerce sales were 18.48% in March 2010.
You can’t really lose by starting an online business. You can start part-time at home with little overhead. But you must have a quality product for the right audience with excellent customer service.
Business Opportunity 2: Become a Service Provider to Online Businesses
Businesses from all over the world attended this conference. Over 400 vendors providing approximately 70 types of business services displayed and discussed their products and services. Some of the services included: web design, credit card protection, internet security, customer service, live chat for online customers, and multi-channel marketing.
Visit www.interneretailer.com to learn more about the opportunities available and how to get started in this industry.
Business Opportunity 3: Become a Service Provider to Conference Organizers
There were complimentary appetizers, alcohol and beverages, massages – chair and feet, and cell phone charging. I know for certain that the massage therapists were independent contractors hired to work the conference.
Business Opportunity 4: Mobile Solutions to Internet Businesses
Most people start their shopping online with mobile phones coming in a close second.
Armed with this information, figure out how to make shopping easier for customers; create applications and software for organizations; or come up with something so unique that Apple and Google will compete for it.
Business Opportunity 5: Writing, Design, Editing, Publishing, Printing
Each of those 400 companies had marketing materials ranging from business cards to manuals. They all had logos to distinguish themselves from other organizations in attendance. All of the 175 speakers needed bios, and may have other promotional needs outside of the conference. The conference materials were outstanding. Also, The Internet Retailer magazine may be open to freelance journalists.
These were just a few of the opportunities I discovered during my 2010 Internet Retailer Conference experience. I hope you use this information to consider business ideas, and to create opportunities for yourself. Maybe you can loosen the chains of Corporate America if you are in a position you just absolute don’t love. If you don’t have a job, now is the best time for you to start your own business. As you can see, you can’t depend on other people to take care of you, so it’s best to put your destiny in your own hands.
Also, to view live blogging and tweets from the conference, check out June 8th and June 9th of the conference.
2010 Internet Retailers Conference & Exhibition – June 8 – 11
May 29th, 2010 by Shorty
The Internet Retailers Conference & Exhibition will be held at McCormick Place from June 8 – 11, 2010. Visit http://www.internetretailer.com/ for more information about who will be there and what to expect.