THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024

Sign a Letter in Support of the Credit Card Competition Act

The Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA) is bipartisan legislation that would create competition in the credit card processing market. If passed, the CCCA will lower swipe fees, improve credit card security and service, and save U.S. businesses—including restaurants—and consumers an estimated $15 billion a year.

Share your support for the Credit Card Competition Act by signing onto a letter from the National Restaurant Association. These state-specific letters will be sent to Senators urging their support for the bill.

Join Us at an Event for Justice Eileen O'Neill Burke

On Monday, October 28, join the IRA at an event in support of Justice Eileen O'Neill Burke, Democratic Nominee for Cook County State's Attorney. The event will take place at Petterino's (150 N. Dearborn St. in Chicago) from 5:30pm to 7:00pm.

RSVPs are required to attend. Please RSVP here or by contacting Maddie Jackson at 312-448-8014 or mjackson@newchicagollc.com.

Help Shape the National Restaurant Association’s 2025 Agenda

What are the trends and challenges that will define your business in 2025? Please take a few minutes to complete the National Restaurant Association’s 2025 Business Conditions Survey. Your input will provide us and the Association with data to illustrate how current business conditions are impacting the industry and strengthen our ongoing advocacy on your behalf.

Webinar: Sound Solutions - Music Licensing Essentials for Restaurant Owners

Join the Illinois Restaurant Association and Jessica Frost, Assistant Vice President of Customer Experience and Engagement, Licensing for Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) for an update on the music licensing landscape. Music brings value to your business, but music licensing can be confusing and sometimes frustrating for business owners.

At this session you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of music licensing and the service that BMI provides to both your business and the songwriters and publishers that we represent.

Date: Monday, October 28, 2024

Time: 10:00 AM CT

**Este seminario web se transmitirá en inglés y español.**

**此网络研讨会有中英双语放送选项**

Register for the webinar here. 

Upcoming Hospitality Roundtable on November 5

Join us for Hospitality Industry Roundtable on Tuesday, November 5th from 10-11:30am at Taylored. Attorney Lauren Tuckey will give a hospitality law presentation and answer your questions. A big thank you to the Cook County Small Business Source for its continued support!

Click here to register for the roundtable.

Join the IRA Tech Tour on November 20

Save the date! The 2024 Tech Tour will happen on Wednesday, November 20 from 9:30am to 1:30pm. This event takes place at Google Chicago located at 320 N. Morgan.

Hosted in partnership with the Cook County Small Business Source, the Tech Tour will bring together restaurant operators and expert panelists to address the array of technological challenges and opportunities facing restaurants.

Register for the Tech Tour here.

Your All-in-One Restaurant POS System

Square for Restaurants is a cloud-based solution for managing your whole business in one place. Whether you’re a single-location FSR, multilocation QSR, bar, or multi-concept restaurant, improve the flow of orders and find more ways to keep profit in your pocket.

It starts with a restaurant POS system for taking orders from anywhere – tableside, at the counter, online, for takeout or delivery, or from self-serve kiosks. Then connect the front and back of house and your back office to free you up to focus on the customer experience.

• A kitchen display system keeps orders flowing so staff can fulfill quickly – and without making costly mistakes.
• Add-ons like loyalty, payroll, and hundreds of third-party integrations give you a full suite of tools for a flexible, scalable system. 
• Make informed business decisions with real-time reports.

Special Offer for IRA Members

Discounts valued up to $2000 are available to eligible IRA members*. Get in touch with Square to learn more and see if you qualify. 

*Process over $500k annual revenue, new to Square for Restaurants, other terms may apply.

Business Advising Through the Source

The IRA is proud to partner with the Source to provide no-cost, one-on-one business advising services. Through the Source’s award-winning business advising program, our experienced advisors work hand-in-hand with local small business owners to understand their unique needs and to develop a pathway toward successful solutions. Our dedicated advisors provide ongoing coaching and support throughout the life cycle of a business, mentorship, and assistance to address a businesses most pressing needs, including: 

• Building or revising your business plan
• Establishing credit
• Growing your customer base or entering new markets
• Navigating and securing procurement opportunities
• Preparing your business for grant and loan opportunities
• And more!

Best of all, this program is free for small businesses operating in Cook County with fewer than 20 employees. 

Ready to begin your business advising journey with the IRA and the Source? Visit the Source’s website to learn more and sign up today.

IRA New Member Spotlight

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