What's New in Old Town?
April 30, 2020
In this Issue:
  • Get Mom the Perfect Old Town Gift!
  • Webinar hosted by Yelp and The OTMRA
  • Virtual Networking Series: Wine, Whine, and Unwind
  • BACP Webinars for Small Businesses
  • Support Old Town Nonprofits
  • Support Old Town Service Industry Workers
  • Upcoming Member Promotions & Events
  • COVID-19 Resources
  • COVID-19 Business Marketing Resources
Get Mom the Perfect Old Town Gift!
Mother's Day is around the corner!
Buy an Old Town Mother’s Day Gift Pack and treat Mom to some of your favorite neighborhood products:

– Listel Grain de Gris Rosé from House of Glunz
Rosewood colour with salmon highlights, followed by very elegant notes of fresh citrus fruit on the nose. The supple, soft mouthfeel gives this wine delightful balance and a lingering, delicate finish. Served well chilled, this refreshing wine will enhance any dish, from salad starters to meat dishes or barbecues and cheese.

– Two Bottle Sample Pack from Old Town Oil
Our 2-bottle samplers provide an assortment of some of our most popular products, ideal for vinaigrettes, marinades, sauces, baking, and many other delicious dishes. Each box contains two 5 oz. bottles of specially selected oils, vinegars, or a combination of both, for a thoughtful and tasty gift for your friends and family.

– Tea Towel from Sara Jane
Say it with a towel! You will love this versatile kitchen towel sized just right for daily kitchen use! Each 100% cotton towel is printed by hand, one at a time, and gets softer with each wash.

– LOVE HEALS Moisturizing Hand Lotion from VIVE  
Thistle Farms LOVE HEALS Moisturizing Hand Lotion, 8oz, Handcrafted by women survivors. Scent will vary between Lavender, Eucalyptus Mint, Citrus Wood and Vanilla Vetiver. Our emollient-rich and naturally fragranced hand lotion is soothing and gentle for all skin types. Shea butter, organic aloe, and coconut oil nourish hands by locking in moisture for smooth, lasting results. Handcrafted by women survivors of trafficking, prostitution and addiction. Thistle Farms is A Non-Profit organization.

– Hand-Made Fudge from The Fudge Pot
Fudge is who we are and Fudge made our store what it is today! Every batch of fudge is hand churned in the front window of our Wells Street store using our family’s fourth-generation recipe. You’re going to love our fudge. 
Order a Mother's Day Gift Pack today!
Sales end May 1
Pickup or local delivery available. Learn more at  oldtownchicago.org/mothersdaygiftpack

Thank you for supporting Old Town businesses!
Yelp and The OTMRA Present:
Managing the World of Online Reviews
Please join the Old Town Merchants and Residents Association for a presentation from Yelp on Online Reviews. Topics will include:

  • Crafting Responses to Reviews
  • Evaluating a Review's Impact
  • Yelp's Findings Regarding Increased Review Count and Quality
  • Case Studies and Real-World Examples
  • Correlations Between Business Owners Engagement and Online Interactions and Their Bottom Line
Virtual Networking Series:
Wine, Whine, and Unwind
Times are tough right now. You've probably got a lot on your mind. Connect with Old Town residents via Zoom and let it out!
Mark your calendar for future Virtual Networking events
in May: Wednesday, May 13 and Monday, May 18!
BACP Webinars for Small Businesses
Friday, May 1st at 9:30 AM Webinar:
Shifting Your Business To Online (E-commerce)  
Presented by World Business Chicago

Join 37 Oaks Consulting, ChiBizHub, World Business Chicago and City of Chicago Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP) for an informational webinar to help inspire you on ways you can shift, move or elevate your business to an e-commerce model.
Support Local Old Town Non-Profits
Lincoln Park Community Services (LPCS)  is looking for non-perishable foods, goods, and water bottles. Below is a document that shows their exact needs (the items at the top are our highest priority). 

All donations can be dropped off at 1521 N. Sedgwick on any day of the week. LPCS accepts drop-offs (or deliveries) between 2pm and 7pm, but they can take them in the morning if needed.

People can also order items off of their  amazon wish list  or   donate to our meal fund .  

Please email  [email protected]  to arrange your drop-off and call 847.770.0380 if you have any questions.  Thank you!!!
Deborah's Place is also looking for assistance during this time.

If you would like to assist  Deborah’s Place during this time you could do one of the following:
  • Collect and drop-off nonperishable foods for our small in-house food pantries. We anticipate increasing food distribution for the foreseeable future. Items can be dropped off at our main location at 2822 W Jackson Blvd.
  • Make a monetary donation online. Donations made via check may be delayed in processing due to staffing.
Support Old Town
Service Industry Workers
The OTMRA has created a running list of Old Town Service Industry relief fund efforts, posted on the OTMRA Shop Local page. Please email Marketing & Membership Coordinator Rachel Rubinson at [email protected] to add a missing link to the list, and consider a donation if you are able.
Upcoming Member
Promotions & Events
COVID-19 Resources
The Old Town Merchants and Residents Association is prepared to act as a resource for businesses, educational institutions, and community members interested in staying up-to-date on best practices for responding to COVID-19 ("Coronavirus").
 
The OTMRA has created a resource guide for all businesses and residents in the community. The guide includes links to financial resources for businesses as well as general information for residents.
OTMRA Business Marketing Resources
The OTMRA is committed to helping businesses get the word out about any promotions they have during this crisis.

Please send any graphics or ads to Marketing and Membership Coordinator Rachel Rubinson at [email protected].
The OTMRA has also created neighborhood window signs for you to place in the front of your stores to show what services you are currently providing. We encourage you to print them out and hang them up in your storefronts. Download them here.