Good Morning Chicago,
So, it is finally warm in Chicago, the Tech community is going through a hiring surge and Built in Chicago is just getting started. A quick note of congratulations to all companies and individuals who were named 2011 CityLights Awards Winners, including our own members TapMe, Groupon and Tribeca Flaspoint Media Arts Academy.
Design the official Built in Chicago Logo! In keeping with our mission, Built in Chicago has teamed up with Chicago-based CrowdSpring to engage designers in a contest to create a badge that members can display on their company websites. These logos, along with the previously submitted member logos, will be reviewed together in the evaluation process. Thank you to Brad Gerstein for leading this effort.
We need your company’s logo on Built in Chicago. Please send your company logo to Maria Katris and we will include it on the site. This is just the beginning of aggregating data on the awesome digital tech companies in town. Don’t be left out.
And, this week’s Featured Members are all about Media. Please visit the home page and get to know them, learn what makes them tick and start networking. Oh, and, if your company has at least 10 employees on Built in Chicago (with an uploaded photo) we will feature them, and your company, in next week’s email. Start inviting members.
Member Highlights
TapMe in the WSJ Venture Wire.
The IVCA held a luncheon where Mayor-Elect Rahm Emanuel shared his vision for creating the right conditions to make Chicago an attractive place to live, and work. The Mayor-Elect promised to work on the infrastructure to attract the BEST talent. Therefore, we need to continue investing in local companies, increase commercialization of research, provide mentorship/support for entrepreneurs and...innovate and execute. Sounds good to me.
Kevin Willer blogged about the local entrepreneurial pulse--he is really going door-to-door and sharing his learnings. Entrepreneurs take notes.
SunShine BenBelkacem shared an awesome written, and visual, summary of a recent TiE Midwest Charter Member dinner with Jai Shekhawat and Bob Zieserl on “Timing Your Exit”. Entrepreneurs, this is a must read—the highlights of a dialogue among serial entrepreneurs, experienced investors and leading community advocates.
Kudos to Nick Cronin and Joshua Hernandez for taking the time to share their lessons learned from the Excelerate process (one was accepted and one was rejected). They both shared great insights and advice for entrepreneurs on either side of the fence. Please send them a note, provide your input and apply their feedback to your own company.
E&Y announced the Entrepreneur of the Year Midwest Finalists. Congratulations to the BIC members who made the list.
Awesome Videos
Beyond the Pedway's Featured Interview with Bo-Fishback, Co-Founder of Lightbank-funded Zaarly
Interview with Mark Achler, Senior V.P. New Business Redbox
Hiring People Before You Have a Job For Them, with Phil Tadros
Community Events
J.B. Pritzker is the keynote speaker for the Crain's Annual Entrepreneur Luncheon on June 2, 2011. For those of you not aware, J.B. has been the most passionate, and vocal, advocate for building the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Chicago. He played an important, early role in the creation of the Illinois Venture Capital Association, the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center and the Illinois Innovation Accelerator Fund. And, during the day, he invests in local companies through New World Ventures and The Pritzker Group. Register today.
The Chicago Innovation Awards is now accepting nominations! The Chicago Innovation Awards recognizes the most innovative new products and services brought to market in the Chicago region. And, to celebrate the start of the 10th annual Chicago Innovation Awards, BIC members are invited to attend the Chicago Innovation Awards Kick-Off Cocktail Reception on June 7th. Register today.
IVCA to Host IVCA’s Home Grown Successes: Serial Entrepreneurs on June 14th from 11:30-1:30.! Panelists include serial entrepreneurs Brian Hand, Eric Lunt, Al Warms and Alex Zoughlin! Register today.
TechWeek, the nation's newest technology and innovation festival and conference, in Chicago July 22-29, 2011. Over 200 speakers, 60 sessions across 10 tracks and 100 exhibitors. Confirmed speakers include co-founder and Executive Chairman of comScore Gian Fulgani, OKCupid CEO Sam Yagan, Viewpoints Network CEO Matt Moog, GrubHub CEO Matt Maloney and speakers from Google, oDesk and Rapleaf. View the event info for more details and to register.
Interesting Job Openings (Yes, we are working on a job board!)
Forbes Travel Guide is looking for a Director of Interactive Marketing to build and maintain the integrity and brand management of Forbes Travel Guide via traditional channels as well our new website, launching later this summer. The DOM will oversee all public relations strategy and management with outside firms; and will be responsible for building FTG-focused, integrated digital marketing campaigns, and have strong client relationship management skills. The Director will be required to grow and maintain a robust online audience via multiple mediums. Send your resume to [email protected] or contact Jayne Griswold if interested.
Beyond Credentials is coming to Chicago for Excelerate Labs summer session. We're looking for development (ruby + java, but if you're interested in our business/team, that is more important) and design help that could very easily lead to full time employment quickly. GREAT opportunity to work with our team as we engage some of the best mentors on the planet. Send a message to Andy O'Dower if you are interested.
Sittercity is hiring software engineers and also has a tech lead / manager role available. Sittercity is a great place to work and we are growing fast. I look forward to hearing from some local PHP / LAMP enthusiasts! Send a message to Eric Kingery if you are interested.
Thanks you all for your continued support in growing Built in Chicago.! We are excited at the potential of working with each and every one of you. Please invite more of your friends, write a blog post, add a video or join a Group discussion.
Have a great weekend,
Maria Katris
Executive Director, Built in Chicago
https://www.builtinchicago.org/profile/MariaKatris
