The SBAC supports small businesses through advocacy efforts, networking opportunities, and cost-savings programs. Keep up to date on all of of this and more when you follow us on Twitter.

Follow us today at @smalbusadvocacy!

Are you aware of SBAC Affiliate Programs?

One of the Affiliate Programs offered by the SBAC is an award-winning and cost effective Multiple-Employer 401(k) Retirement plan through UBS Wealth Management.

Because employees place a high value on retirement benefits and consider a retirement plan to be a vital part of their overall compensation package, it’s important your company can offer a 401(k) retirement plan to recruit the best team players. Additionally, by implementing the Multiple Employer Plan (MEP), your company can save money in fees, auditing costs, document preparation and compliance testing costs.

Head over to the Affiliate Programs page to learn more about the UBS Wealth Management Multiple Employer 401(k) Retirement Plan.

Come on out and enjoy a great night of networking, food and drinks at the SBAC Happy Hour in Evanston/Skokie.

The event will be held on May 24, 2012 from 6-8 pm at Nevin's Pub at 1450 Sherman Avenue in Evanston. Admission is $15

RSVP today to Stephanie at Stephanie@sbacil.org or at 847-757-0026.

Whether you are a tenured businessperson, a new company or independent sales producer, or have always dreamed of starting your own business, you should attend this event!

The American Business Person Expo is the Midwest’s Largest business networking and learning event where thousands of professionals will attend to leverage business and social connections, learn valuable business strategies for growth and expansion, discover cutting-edge marketing and technology advancements to enhance your sales and exposure in today’s fast-paced, no-room-for-error economy.

The American Business Person Expo will be held on May 19-20 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.

SBAC members can save 20% off the weekend pass rate of $35 with promo code SBAC.

For more information and to register, go to www.the2012expo.com.

Make sure to mark your calendars for the SBAC 3rd Annual Golf Outing on Thursday, August 23 at the Highland Park Country Club.

Shotgun start begins at 12:30 pm and a cocktail reception will follow. Prizes will also be awarded including longest drive and closest to the pin.

Price per player is $150.

To register or learn about sponsorship opportunities, contact Stephanie at: stephanie@sbacil.org or at (847) 757-0026.

Did you know your SBAC membership provides you with free access to professional office space when and where you need it? The SBAC Office Sharing Program features office space throughout the Chicagoland area.

If you need a conference room or office space in the downtown Chicago area, take advantage of Jensen Reporting space located on the 5th floor at 205 West Randolph Street, in Chicago. The office offers multiple conference rooms featuring videoconferencing, teleconferencing, and wireless Internet access, along with warm hospitality with snacks and beverages.

Head over to the Office Sharing Program section at the SBAC web site to view available all office locations through Chicago and the suburbs.

Contact Blanca Campos at blanca@sbacil.org to reserve office space or to learn how to add your office space to the mix.

Due to the NATO summit being held in Chicago and related road and business closures impacting the downtown area, downtown SBAC Mini-Meetings scheduled on May 17th have been cancelled.

These Mini-Meetings include:

• Breakfast at Beef & Brandy
• Cocktail Hour at Sullivan's

These events will be rescheduled shortly and posted on the SBAC Events page, and those invited will receive email with new date.

We apologize for your inconvenience.

Safety By Design offers a wide variety of OSHA required training, including:

• Fall Protection
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Slips, Trips and Falls
• Hazardous Communication
• Lockout/Tagout

If your company has ten or more employees, Safety by Design will discount their services 10% for SBAC members.

Safety By Design also offers Health and Safety Training including AHA CPR/First Aid/AED and Bloodborne Pathogens Training for companies with 6 or more employees (with 10% discount for SBAC members).

David A. Ward Sr. President
708-326-3058 or 219-69-9043

Head over to the Strategic Partners section to learn more about Safety By Design and other SBAC Strategic Partners featuring money-saving programs to SBAC members.

If you haven't already, check out the SBAC Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessAdvocacyCouncil.

There you can get the latest news about SBAC events and programs and interact with other members about issues and events important to small business.

The page isn't limited to SBAC members, so spread the word and invite your friends and colleagues to join too (click on the down arrow to the right of the Message button at the top of the page and select Share)!

Join the Small Business Advocacy Council and Jewish B2B Networking, Inc. at our second annual small business and employment event. With over 100 vendors, 5,000 business networkers, and prominent speakers, the event offers a fantastic opportunity to promote your business.

The Business Event will be held on June 14 from 1:00 to 7:00 pm at the Lincolnwood Mall, 3333 W. Touhy Ave.

Go to www.TheBusinessEvent.com for more information about the event.