365Barrington

365+ Things to See, Do & Celebrate in Barrington, IL

Local Business

Category: Local Business

149. Hard Work Ahead for 5 Student Businesses Funded in BHS Startup Incubator

 Investors have given five student companies created during Barrington High School’s inaugural Business Startup Incubator class a major shot at real-life success with $80,000 in funds to get their businesses off the ground. In a surprise move, not one but ALL FIVE of the business finalists were funded during “Pitch Night” before a panel of investors at BHS on Wednesday.
After listening to each group pitch their business concepts, outlining plans for profitability on stage before an audience of their classmates and community members, the Barrington 220 Educational Foundation plus two private equity investors gave the students a total of $80,000 to fund their projects.
Students answered tough questions about their business models posed by a Pitch Night panel, which included an impressive list of local entrepreneurs and influential leaders in business.  Here’s a look at how it all went down before the money was awarded…
At the end of their pitches, these five student businesses all received investor funds and we’ll be featuring all five businesses, individually, in the coming weeks at 365Barrington.com……

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254. Delicious Discoveries Await at 10th Annual Taste’Fest and Expo

 Local restaurants, wineries and micro brewers will be handing out generous samples of their signature dishes and spirits at the 10th Annual Barrington Taste’fest & EXPO next week on Thursday, Oct. 17.
Hosted by the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce, this much-anticipated and popular dining event is the best way to sample foods from some of area’s finest eateries all in one night and under one roof.
The 10th annual Taste’fest is taking place from 5:00 to 8:00 pm next Thursday, October 17th, at the Chicago Marriott Northwest in Hoffman Estates and the Chamber of Commerce just released the list of this year’s participating restaurants which include……

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199. Business Beat: New Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce President Announced

 Big news today from the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce!  After a two-month search, the Chamber just announced to members that they’ve hired a new president to replace Janet Meyer who retired from the job in June.  Her name is Suzanne Corr and she’s already very familiar with the area, having spent the past 9 years as the Executive Director of the Cary Grove Area Chamber of Commerce.
Suzanne Corr is the third Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce president in its 45-year history, following the footsteps of both Janet Meyer who served for 13 years and Carol Beese, the Chamber’s first president since its founding in 1968.
Suzanne will work as the Acting President of the Chamber starting this week to help manage the transitional phase to new leadership.  She will officially assume the position of President and CEO in December.
During the transitional phase, Suzanne says she will implement a staff and operational restructuring in order to enhance the efficiency of operations and the value of membership benefits.  She will also be adding new programs and services focused on providing new opportunities for members to network, market and grow their businesses.
(Just in case it’s worth noting here, I’m in the middle of my third year serving on the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors – so I’m a big fan of the work the BACC does for our community.  I’m excited about this new era of leadership for the Chamber and I look forward to getting to know and work with Suzanne Corr in the weeks, months and years ahead.)
Here is the message the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce sent to its membership today with details about Suzanne Corr’s new role in Barrington……

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308. Great Gifts of “Warmth” and “Time” at Solisq

 If you’re looking for something unique for the special woman in your life, there’s a brand new vintage inspired jewelry and accessories store in Barrington’s Ice House Mall. It’s called Solisq, and it’s only been open for a few weeks.

You’ll find so many special pieces at Solisq that you’ll be sure to find that great one-of-a-kind gift. “I try to make all of my items in my collection very unique,” says owner Gina Ahn.  “I just try to choose designs that you can’t really find at a mainstream mall.”

We asked Gina what’s one great gift idea for this holiday season and she immediately shared the idea of giving “the gift of warmth” or “the gift of time” with several very creative suggestions, starting with her cashmere scarves.

She says they’re a great way to keep warm and stylish this winter and they’re on special for $34!   “It’s a little pop of color in a luxurious material.”

Solisq carries hats and gloves as well as an array of fashion scarves with varying details featuring a two-sided finish or those that turn into an infinity loop.  “Even though they’re a small item, it’s something you can have with you and always think of the one who gave it to you.  Or if you gift it to yourself, it makes you feel special.”

And as for the gift of time, Gina offered another clever suggestion……

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306. Great Gifts: Pick a Pen at TT Patton Fine Stationery

 If you’re like me, you probably haven’t even started your holiday shopping yet.  Hopefully for you, you’re not like me!  But in case you could use a few suggestions for great gifts this year, I’ve been putting together a list of ideas for items you can purchase locally.  The guide is called Great Gifts of Barrington and it’s sponsored, in part, by the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce, a partner in building business success.

If you’d like to find a gift that makes a lasting impression, you don’t have to look any further than TT Patton, the fine stationery and writing store at 123 Station Street in downtown Barrington.
When it comes to the art of fine writing, TT Patton owner, Theresa Patton, is an expert and someone you should meet.  She’s a pro when it comes to technology and she fires off texts and tweets with flying fingers.
But the cool thing about Theresa is that she truly values taking the time to communicate the old fashioned way.  Her store is filled with items that encourage a return to writing meaningful messages, by hand, and on beautiful stationery.
So when I asked Theresa for one gift idea that can be purchased in her store this year, a special Vincent Van Gogh-inspired pen she’s carrying today came to mind……

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