Celebrate Olympic Games!

Join young professionals, members and friends of the International Visitors Center of Chicago and the International Trade Club of Chicago to celebrate the start of the Olympic Games! This is a unique opportunity to mingle with international community in Chicago. There will be opportunity to network with a great group of professionals.

WHEN: Friday, August 8, 2008 6:30 - 10:30 p.m.
WHERE: Dave and Buster's 1030 N. Clark Street Chicago, IL 60610
Cost - $30

The festivities include a buffet dinner, cash bar, trivia games & prizes, and lots of socializing. We will enjoy our party in a private room with a huge TV screen airing the Opening Ceremony.

RSVPs required. To register, please contact Lexy Sobel at (312) 254-1800 x102 or Lsobel@ivcc.org

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July Monthly Entrepreneurship Social

Please join the Jules F. Knapp Entrepreneurship Center, the University Technology Park at IIT, and Wexford Science + Technology for their monthly networking event on Thursday, July 31st!

The monthly social brings together the entrepreneurship community both within IIT and the greater Chicagoland area and provides them with the opportunity to network and share experiences with fellow entrepreneurs. Whether you are currently an entrepreneur or are considering starting a business, this event can help you make the connections you need to get your new venture started or grow your existing business. Come explore what the Knapp Center, University Tech Park, Wexford and IIT have to offer!Refreshments will be served.

There is absolutely no charge for this event, but RSVPs are requested and should be made to keplinger@iit.edu.
WHEN: 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. July 31, 2008T
WHERE: Technology Business Center AtriumUniversity Technology Park at IIT, 3440 South Dearborn, Chicago IL

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SummerDance

In summer in Chicago there are less business related activities but much more opportunities for social interaction. The best way to meet people if you are new in town is to attend numerous FREE outdoor events, like concerts and festivals. My personal favourite is Chicago SummerDance which is going on from June 12 to August 24 this year.

This summer the Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park becomes a unique outdoor urban dance space – the largest of its kind in the United States. Locals and visitors dance to the sounds of 43 top notch bands playing everything from swing, salsa and afrobeat to reggae, funk and klezmer, all on one huge dance floor. This year’s festival will feature an even wider range of music and dance styles than ever before, including polka, country, Argentine tango and zydeco.

Chicago SummerDance is an eleven-week festival featuring one-hour dance lessons by professional instructors, followed by two hours of live music and dancing on a 4,600 square foot open-air dance floor in the Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, 601 S. Michigan Ave. SummerDance events occur every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening, 6 to 9:30 pm, and Sunday afternoon, 4 to 7 pm, weather-permitting. Chicago SummerDance is formatted into themes featuring world music ensembles on Thursdays; “popular nights” including jazz, Latin, country and funk on Fridays and Saturdays; and ballroom/big band on Sundays.

For more information, call the Chicago SummerDance Hotline at 312.742.4007 or visit http://www.chicagosummerdance.org/

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Russian Women Magazine

Among tons of information for immigrants with Hispanic and Asian background I finally found a great resource for my countrymen - everyone who speaks Russian and lives in the U.S., especially women. It is called Russian Women Magazine http://www.russianwomenmagazine.com/ This website is non-for-profit and has 4 objectives:
1. Exchange of information among Russian women who live abroad
2. Communication
3. Self-expression
4. Sharing of experience
The editor and producer, Olga Sapp, is a Russian herself living in USA. She says that her goal is "to help women to find themselves in a changing world". The Russian version of the site now has 600 pages full of advice and useful information.

The English version of the site was created for American men who either want to help their current Russian wife or are looking for a Russian wife.

I hope everyone can find something useful for oneself on this wonderful website.

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"Healthy" networking

My friend is organizing a fantastic event tomorrow (well, all her events are great but this one is really special): you will learn tips about healthy lifestyle, see fitness demonstration and have FREE healthy lunch. This is also a unique opportunity to network with variety of business professional in downtonw Chicago. You don't need to RSVP, just show up!

June FREE networking opportunities

June will be a great month for FREE networking opportunities:

EURO 2008 - EUROPEAN SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP 2008 IN SWITZERLAND AND AUSTRIA will kick off on June 7. Swiss-American Business Council, Goethe Institute and Austrian Consulate General in Chicago will be organize events around several games (see the schedule below). And each event will be a great opportunity for meeting people, social interaction but also business networking because a lot of the people who are on the distribution list of, say, Swiss-American Business Council are businessmen, entrepreneurs, etc. They will draw a good international crowd to these events so it is definitely worth checking them out!

OPENING MATCH of EURO 2008
Saturday, June 7, 2008
10:30 AM
(Kick-off time 11.00 AM)
SWITZERLAND : CZECH REPUBLIC
LIVE FROM THE ST. JAKOB STADIUM BASEL
Light Hors d’Oeuvres will be served
Cash Bar
Prizes will be raffled off during the intermission
ADMISSION FREE
Lobby, 323 East Wacker Drive, Chicago
RSVP by Friday, May 30, 2008. Email: http://b4.mail.yahoo.com/ym/emadvice.com/Compose?To=chi.culture@eda.admin.ch or call: 312 915 4528

Switzerland : Turkey
on Wednesday, June 11 beginning at 6 :00 PM
Austria : Germany
on Monday, June 16 beginning at 6 :00 PM
Emmit’s Irish Pub
495 North Milwaukee Ave, Chicago
http://www.emits.com/ or phone 312 563 9631
Hosted by the Austrian Trade Commission
Swiss-American Business Council (SABC)

Eleven Minutes – SOCCER short films
on Thursday, June 12
beginning at 6:00 PM
Goethe Institut Chicago
150 North Michigan Ave, Suite 200, Chicago
www.goethe.de/chicago or phone 312 263 0472
Hosted by the
Goethe Institut
Consulate General of Switzerland
Austrian Consulate General

EURO 2008 FINAL
on Sunday, June 29
beginning at 1:15 pm
Goethe Institut Chicago
150 North Michigan Ave, Suite 200, Chicago
www.goethe.de/chicago or phone 312 263 0472
Hosted by the
Austrian Consulate General in Chicago
Please note: all EURO 2008 soccer matches can be viewed live at the Goethe Institut Chicago. For information, see www.goethe.de/chicago or call 312 263 0472.

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Windy City Social

Windy City Social / REP Chicago Power Networking

Date: Tuesday, June 17th

Location: English 444 N. Lasalle, Chicago

Description:Windy City Social and REP Chicago are teaming up to create a networking event that will connect you with other professionals from Chicagoland.

Enjoy the first drink and appetizers compliments of English while your meet and connect with other quality Chicago business people.

Ticket Price $10

More information at: http://www.windycitysocial.com/

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The Instituto Cervantes

The Instituto Cervantes http://chicago.cervantes.es/en/default.shtmhas the same functions and provides the same services relative to the Spanish language and Spanish-speaking countries as Goethe Institut to German language and German-speaking countries (see my earlier posts).

The Institute Cervantes organize Spanish classes and various cultural events. The main activities include:

- Organizes the DELE (Spanish as a Foreign Language Exams).
- Issues official Spanish Language Certificates and Diplomas to our students.
- Organizes Spanish courses: general, skills, enrichment, specific purposes, for corporations, etc
- Offers professional development classes for teachers of Spanish.
- Supports Spanish Language and Culture researchers.
- Promotes cultural activities and events together with other organizations. In Chicago they cooperate with different institutions from Illinois, Spain and Latin America.

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Networking event for singles

Host: Hope Bertram, Kae Scott and Mike Larks
Location: Take 53747 North Southport, Chicago IL, IL 60613 US
When: Saturday, February 9, 7:00 PM
Phone: (773) 871-5555

It's time to come in from the cold and warm up with an impressive list of adult beverages, hang out with friends and meet some new ones. If one of your New Years resolutions was to get out and meet new people, then this is a party you wont want to miss! We are hosting the first of many singles events where Chicago professionals in their 30s and 40s can connect on a social and professional level.

$40 cash at the door will get you:
- Great music
- A fun venue where you can mix with other professional singles
- Appetizers
- Open bar from 7:00pm to 11pm.

Please RSVP to ensure you spot: e-mail at http://us.f539.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=hope.bertram%40gmail.com or give Hope a call at 773 528- 4673 with any questions.

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Chicago Latino Network

Chicago Latino Network, as it is clear from its name is a resourse for all hispanics in Chicagoland. The value that the CLN offers to the community is a weekly newsletter generated with tons of useful information such as: announcements of networking events, career opporunities (i.e. job postings), social gatherings, cultural events (festivals) that are dedicated to Latino community.

You can sign up to receive a free e-newsletter at http://chicagolatinonetwork.com/

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Palatine Business Professional Women

It is often believed that all major networking events happen downtown Chicago, which is not true. For, instance, in my book, "The Legal Alien's Guide", I list more than 30 networking groups which help those in career transition and which get together locally in each Chicago suburb.

The same is true for networking groups for small business owners. The only problem is that it is much easier to find information about a big Chicago based organization than about a small local one. Here is an example of a Palatine group for professional women: Palatine BPW http://www.palatinebpw.org/

The goal of this organization is "To achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education, and information" As it is mentioned on their website, Palatine BPW provides the following opportunities for women:

- The opportunity to stay current on the professional and community issues affecting working women today.
- Development of professional and leadership skills by participating in organization activities and the Individual Development Course offered by locals.
- Networking with other working women in the area, throughout the state and across the country as well as networking with other working women in the community.

Some of the activities that Palatine BPW hold on a regular basis:
- Monthly meeting with guest speaker
- Fundraisers for scholarships
- Career seminars
- Educational seminars for young girls
- Young Careerist competition Outstanding
- Working Woman competition or recognition
- Social outings (plays, ball games, special exhibits and events)

Therefore, this is an example of a "well-rounded" group that offers something for small business owners, those who a looking for a job and those who just want to meet likeminded people at a social event.

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Toy Drive Happy Hour

Charity events are good places to meet various types of people. The atmosphere is usually friendly and networking opportunities are plenty (since a charity event usually attract a decent crowd). In addition you are doing a good thing by supporting a good cause. Here is a charity event that is organized next week by Imerman Angels (http://www.imermanangels.org/, it an organization that connects cancer fighters, survivors and caregivers):

WHAT: Toy Drive Happy Hour
WHEN: December 7, 6 - 10 pm
WHERE: John Barleycorn's, 3524 N. Clark st., Chicago. 2nd floor

Price: $ 10 with a toy, $20 without a toy (I guess toys are for kids fighting cancer) The price includes appetizers, open bar, live music.

For more information contact imermanangels@imermanangels.org

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A networking event in Palatine, IL

If you are located close to a Chicago suburb of Paltine, IL here is an interesting event to attend and network: Plalatine Professional Business Women organizes a dinner meeting on Tuesday, November 13 at Vittorio Del Roma, 154 W Northwest Hwy in Palatine.

You will not only have an opportunity to meet people, network, but also listen to a featured presentation from Tomboy Tools (http://www.tomboytools.com/) by Sharon Storbeck. You will learn about another type of "get together" in America which is good for networking - home parties.

RSVP: by Tuesday, November 6th via phone (847-622-4366) via email (http://us.f539.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=rsvp@palatinebpw.org)

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Union des Francais de L'Etranger

This organization unites all French people living abroad. It has chapter in various countries and cities including Chicago: http://www.ufechicago.org

The Union organizes various events mostly of social nature: galas, dinners, etc. It also has several clubs that fall into three main categories: art, sport and other (under "other" there are various clubs from aviation to architecture to travel) Any member is free to join the clubs.

The Union's website also provides a place for employment related issues: members can post their CVs and employers can post their job offers.

Membership is for a small fee but it is well worth it. it is a unique organization for all French people abroad.

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If you enjoyed the movie "Catch Me if You Can"

A unique event will take place on October 16, 2007 - lunch, presentation and networking with Frank W. Abagnale, the author of "Catch Me if You Can" book, one of the worlds' most famous confidence men portrayed in the movie "Catch Me if You Can" (based on his book) by Leonardo Di Caprio.

Mr Abagnale will give a presentation for business owners on how to reduce the exposure to fraud, forgery, and embezzlement called "Catch the 'Business Initiative" if you can". Mr. Abagnale is quite a personality and I believe his presentation will be of great interest to everyone. In addition there will be a lot of opportunities for networking and this wonderful event is FREE of charge!

When: 11.30 am - 1.30 pm, October, 16
Where: Drury Lane Oak Brook, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, IL

To reserve your spot, please, RSVP by phone: 630-773-0350, ext. 450.

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For moms/women anywhere in USA

Here is a great on-line networking community which is called CafeMom: http://www.cafemom.com/

You can join it for free and enjoy the interaction wherever you are in USA. The membership is FREE and there are 2 useful sides to this network: it provides social interaction opportunities (mostly for moms, obviously) and information on employment opportunities. In terms of the latter not only moms but any women can benefit from the information provided if she wants to work part-time or work from home.

When you sign-up you can join multiple groups on this site: if you are interested only in employment you can join a group called "Staying at home and making money", for instance. And this is just an example because there are loads of other groups within this network discussing job opportunities. Alternatively, you can join any of the social groups in such categories as: home and garden, schools and education, cultures and ethnicity, and many other. You can also find groups by geographic location.

I am sure every mom and most of women will find at least 1 group of interest on this site. If you are new to this country this is a good start to build new friendships!

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Highlife Adventure Club

Highlife Adventure is a club for singles which operates in two locations in USA: Chicago and Indianapolis. If you are new to one of these cities this organization is worth checking out.

It provides activities for singles where they can have fun and meet people in the process.
Their website claims that there are over 2500 members in the Chicagoland area. Each month the club organizes about 50 events in various categories: sports, social activities (dinners, parties, etc.), classes (ex. pottery classes), excursions, etc. When you become a member you will receive a monthly calendar of events and you will choose the ones you would like to attend. There are special events, i.e. "ice breakers", for new members too.

Here are the websites for the two locations:
Chicago: http://www.havefunn.com/chicago/index.html
Indianapolis: http://www.havefunn.com/indy/index.html

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The Japan American Society of Chicago

JAS Chicago is a great organization that puts together various events which will be of interest for wide audiences, not only Japanese and people interested in Japan culture, business, etc. Here is a sample of events for the upcoming 4-5 weeks:

August 23 - Meshi (Business) Cards Exchange - for those interested in general networking for business development
August 30 - a presentation on building global brands in Japan - this one is for those who are specifically interested in this country
September 9 - the History of Chicago at Navy Pier - a tour into the past, present and future of the city which would be of interest for all aliens here, great opportunity for social interaction too.
September 15 - "Sunglasses at Night" Guided Bike Tour of Chicago - fantastic social event for everyone

JAS Chicago also organizes Japanese language courses.

For more information on all events and activities, please, visit http://www.jaschicago.org/

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Unique networking opportunity

The event listed below can be categorised as "general networking" opportunity. You can come for social interaction, meet some business contacts or representatives of the companies/organizations you want to work for. You never know who can show up for this sort of event and since the cost of attending is negligible it's worth checking out:

Cheers to Heroes!
Event Details:
Thursday, August 9th, 2007
Boss Bar -- 5:00 to Close
420 North Clark Street (Clark and Hubbard), Chicago, IL
$10 Suggested Donation at the Door
All Proceeds From Food and Drink go directly to the
Wounded Heroes Foundation!
Contact Info and Other Information:
Anna Sherony -- Wounded Heroes Foundation
847 456-8061 -- http://us.f539.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=annasherony@comcast.net

Celebrity Bartenders Include:
Alderman Brendan Reilly
Robbie Gould of the Chicago Bears
Billy Dec
Anna Davlantes of NBC5
Susanna Homan of The Chicago Sun Times

Wounded Heroes Foundation helps with the "financial wounds" injured heroes face when they come home. They provide care packages to men and women of the armed forces when they're hospitalized. And through charitable contributions, also provides financial and other assistance to them when the military is not equipped or unable to assist.
http://www.woundedheroesfund.net/

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Goethe-Institut

Goethe-Institut is "the cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany with a global reach". Their mission is to "promote knowledge of the German language abroad and foster international cultural cooperation."

This is a great place to learn more about Germany from all angles: cultural, political, etc. They have a lot of informational resources including the library if you are interested in German literature. The Institute provides great German classes if you want to learn the language and it also constantly hires German teachers if you are interested in this kind of job.

They also organize a lot of cultural events: music events, films, art events, etc.

So based on the types of activities and events organized, Goethe-Institute can be a great place to go to for social networking for both Germans and non-Germans. I friend of mine who is not German but speaks German as a 2nd language and visits the Institute often says it's the best place for anyone interested in anything "German".

The website of the Institute in Chicago is http://www.goethe.de/ins/us/chi/enindex.htm but the good news is that it operates in other major US cities as well. To find the website of the Institute in your city, please, go to http://www.goethe.de/ins/us/chi/enindex.htm

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