What's New in Old Town? January 7, 2021
In this Issue:
  • Join Us For an Old Town Business Roundtable!
  • Stay Safe and Support the OTMRA with Old Town Face Masks
  • Upcoming Member Promotions and Events
  • BACP Workshop Webinars
  • Membership Information
Join Us for an Old Town
Business Roundtable!
Join the Old Town Merchants and Residents Association, along with your fellow businesses and organizations, for information on upcoming neighborhood events and legislative updates. These discussions will help shape the programming from the OTMRA for the upcoming year. 

Each roundtable will also have information specific to different industries. Look for more sessions for other types in businesses in the coming weeks.


Restaurants | Thursday, January 21st at 10AM 
Topics
- 2021 Old Town Extended Sidewalk Cafe Program Information
- Update from the Illinois Restaurant Association 


Retail | Tuesday, January 26th at 10AM
Topics
- Spring and summer neighborhood promotions
- Update from the Illinois Retail Merchants Association


Health & Wellness | Thursday, January 28th at 2PM
Topics
- Spring outdoor fitness opportunities 


If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Rachel Rubinson at [email protected].

Stay Safe and Support the OTMRA with
Old Town Face Masks
The OTMRA is offering a fun and colorful way to stay safe in Old Town: Old Town Face Masks! Learn more and purchase a mask for $12 below.

Send in photos of you wearing your Old Town Mask to be featured on OTMRA social media! Email to Rachel: [email protected].
Upcoming Member Promotions & Events
BACP Workshop Webinars
Friday, 1/8/21 Webinar at 9:30 AM

Choosing the Right Legal Entity: A Small Business Entity Webinar

Presented by BACP and Chicago Lawyer’s Committee for Civil Rights

As an entrepreneur starting a new business, you are faced with important decisions. First and foremost, selecting the right legal structure for your business. The legal entity you choose may impact critical aspects of your business, such as your ability to raise capital, how your company is managed, its tax treatment, liability protection for managers and more. CLC will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various legal entities including Corporations (C-Corp and S-Corp), Limited Liability Companies, Limited Partnerships and Partnerships.
Wednesday, 1/13/21 Webinar at 3:00 PM

How to Become Certified

Presented by the City of Chicago Department of Procurement Services (DPS)

DPS is the certifying agency for the following certifications: Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE), Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE), Veteran-Owned Business (VBE), Business Enterprise for People with Disabilities (BEPD), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE).
This webinar will provide detailed information on who is qualified to be a Chicago certified firm. Learn out what documents are needed when submitting an application and how to avoid the most common mistakes in the certification process. Subject matter experts will be on-hand to answer all your questions about common certification topics.
Friday, 1/15/21 Webinar at 9:30 AM

What You Need to Know About Your Business & Taxes

Presented by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Ladder Up

This webinar will answer important tax questions for your business including: Are you required to file a tax return? Is your worker an independent contractor or an employee? What will the IRS request during an audit? Are you required to make estimated tax payments? What resources does the IRS have for small business owners?
Become a 2021 Member
The Old Town Merchants and Residents Association has revamped our membership program for 2021.

We now offer memberships designed for residents, businesses, non-profits, and residential buildings. Benefits include marketing and sponsorship opportunities, positions of engagement, discounts on OTMRA events, and more!

See below for information on each membership or to become a member!

See what else is going on in the Old Town neighborhood by checking out the

Submit to the calendar by filling out this form.