Cook County networking

Events that help those in the business world network with each other, such as political meetings, chamber events, business outings and job fairs. Deadline is two weeks before event date.

Jan. 28

Mount Prospect Power Net: 7:45 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, American Chartered Bank, 111 E. Rand Road, Mount Prospect. Mount Prospect Chamber Thursday Networking Group. (847) 398-616.

Luncheon Networkers of Schaumburg: 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, Pilot's Pete's, 905 W. Irving Park Road, Schaumburg. BNI affiliated group provides a structured and supportive system of business relationships. Visitors welcome. RSVP to Norb, (847) 359-3900. networkingatlunch.com.

Midwest Brokers and Business Intermediaries annual conference: Thursday, Jan. 28 and Friday, Jan. 29, Fountain Blue Banquet and Conference Center, Des Plaines. Event titled, "M&A Toolkit for Transaction Success in 2010." For conference and registration information, visit MBBI.org or call (847) 882-8230.

Lake County Young Professionals: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, Cubby Bear North, 21661 N. Milwaukee Ave. Lincolnshire. Network with other young professionals, ages 40 and under, from several Lake County chambers of commerce and the College of Lake County. $20 in advance; $25 at the door. Register at buffalogrovechamber.org.

Business Connections Breakfast Meeting: 7:30-9 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. Have breakfast, network, and hear updates from the Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce's villages and chamber committees. Free to members and prospective members. Registration required; visit LakeZurichAreaChamber.com or call (847) 438-5572.

Jan. 29

Chocolate & Champagne Networking Event: 4-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, Hilton Chicago/Northbrook, 2855 N. Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook. $15 before Friday, Jan. 29; $25 at the door. Entry fee includes a glass of champagne, chocolate, light appetizers and cash bar. Call (847) 541-7799 or buffagogrovechamber.org/whatshappening.

Jan. 30

eBay Shopping Made Easy and Safe: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane, Rolling Meadows. Learn the ins and outs of eBay. For registration or information, call (847) 259-6050.

INSPRA annual conference: 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, Aramark Building, 2300 Warrenville Road, Downers Grove. Illinois Chapter of the National Public Relations Association host the annual Midwest Education Foundations Conference. Deadline to register is Saturday, Jan. 30. (815) 464-3275 or inspra.org.

Candlelight Bowl: 6:30 p.m.-midnight Saturday, Jan. 30, Elk Grove Bowl, 53 S. Arlington Heights Road, Elk Grove Village. Join the GOA/EGC for bowling, dinner, raffles and more. $30-$60 per couple. Register at (630) 773-2944 or greaterohare.com.

Feb. 2

Buffalo Grove Area Chamber: 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2, Arboretum Club, 401 W. Half Day Road, Buffalo Grove. Richard Keyworth discusses "Emergency Preparedness. Informal networking, lunch and program at noon. $18 members; $25 nonmembers. (847) 541-7799 or buffalogrovechamber.org.

ProNet: 7:15 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2, Ravenswood Bank, 320 E. Northwest Highway, Mount Prospect. Mount Prospect Chamber Tuesday Networking Group. (847) 398-6616.

BNI: 8-9:30 a. m. Tuesday, Feb. 2, Walker Brothers, 767 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich. Networking group of noncompeting professionals that help members grow their business through quality referrals. Call John, (847) 228-5883.

The Momentum Network: 7-8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2, Nest Cafe, 800 S. Route 59, Bartlett. Network and grow your business through quality referrals. For information, call Dawna Watson, (847) 917-0046.

Rolling Meadows Chamber of Commerce Meadows Success Union: Group two: 7:45-9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2, Weichert Realtors, 1440 Hicks Road, Rolling Meadows. Tony, (847) 398-1963.

CHAMP'S Networking Stare and Stripes Group: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2, Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce, 311 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. Tony, (847) 398-1963.

IAAP Northwest Suburban Chapter: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2, Crowne Plaza Hotel, 2875 N. Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook. International Association of Administrative Professionals meets. Speaker Jerilyn Willin talks on "How to Make a Presentation without Passing Out." margaret cipar@wellsfargois.com.

Feb. 3

Introduction to Microsoft Excel: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1-2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, or 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Get started with Microsoft Excel, which can be used to create professional spreadsheets and charts. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

Career Counseling Assistance: By appointment noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 3, March 3, April 7 and May 5, Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. Individual, 30-minute career counseling appointments. Appointments are required. To reserve a session, call (847) 438-3433, e-mail infodesk@eapl.org or visit eapl.org.

Feb. 4

CHAMP'S Networking Blue Group: 7:30-8:34 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce, 311 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. Tony, (847) 398-1963.

Rolling Meadows Chamber of Commerce Meadows Success Union Networking: Group one: noon-1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, Rolling Meadows Chamber of Commerce, 2775 Algonquin Road, Rolling Meadows. (847) 398-3730.

Barrington Area Professional Women: Meets 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, Makray Golf Club, 800 S. Northwest Highway, Barrington. Leslie Roberts of Carlisle Collection is featured guest. $35 for members; $40 for guests. R.S.V.P. to Claudia Stearns at (847) 439-5155 before Monday, Aug. 31.

Power Networking Group: 8 a.m.-9 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, Franco's Cucina Italian Bakery & Deli, 1550 Bourbon Parkway, Streamwood. Open house and networking. Noncompete group, one member per business category, dedicated to sharing business referrals and helping its member businesses grow. (630) 837-5200. streamwoodchamber.com

CHAMP'S Networking Blue Group: 7:30-8:34 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce, 311 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. Tony, (847) 398-1963.

Rolling Meadows Chamber of Commerce Meadows Success Union Networking: Group one: noon-1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, Rolling Meadows Chamber of Commerce, 2775 Algonquin Road, Rolling Meadows. (847) 398-3730.

Feb. 8

Motivation Makeover: 2-3:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 28, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Av. Learn smart goals and schedules to support your job search from Roberta Glick, Jewish Vocational Service at "Motivation Makeover for Job Seekers." Register at (847) 392-0100.

Feb. 9

Super-Couponing Swap: 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Trade coupons, spend time with other coupon lovers and share stories of great deals. (847) 459-4100 or www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

CHAMP'S Networking Red Group: 7:15-8:45 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce, 311 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. Tony, (847) 398-1963.

Super-Couponing Swap: 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Trade coupons, spend time with other coupon lovers and share stories of great deals. Call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

BG Networkers Group: 7:30-9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9 and Feb. 23, chamber office, 50 1/2 Raupp Blvd., Buffalo Grove. Continental breakfast served. Guests welcome. (847) 541-7799 or buffalogrovechamber.org.

Feb. 10

Job Seekers Group: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood. Support, advice and motivation for the job seeker from licensed career counselor. (847) 827-5551 or dppl.org.

Computer File Management: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1-2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, or 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Learn to use Windows Explorer to manage files. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

BG Home-based/Sole Proprietors Professional Group: 11 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Feb. 10, chamber office, 50 1/2 Raupp Blvd., Buffalo Grove. Network and discuss issues that affect your business. All home-based business professionals invited. (847) 541-7799 or buffalogrovechamber.org.

Lunch & Learn Series: Noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, chamber office, 50 1/2 Raupp Blvd., Buffalo Grove. Program, "Ask an Attorney- Their're off the Clock!" Free to Buffalo Grove Chamber members; $10 visitors. (847) 541-7799 or buffalogrovechamber.org.

Feb. 11

Advantage Networking Group: 7:30-8:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, Rise 'N Dine Cafe, 102 S. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling. Hosted by the Wheeling/Prospect Heights Chamber of Commerce. No cost to attend-free coffee. Breakfast optional individual checks off the menu. (847) 541-0170 or info@whphchamber.com.

Financial management workshops: 7:15-8:45 p.m. Thursdays Feb. 11-March 4, Living Christ Lutheran Church, 625 E. Dundee Road, Arlington Heights. Seminars designed to aid people in the community who are seeking help with issues related to finances including time management, be it week to week or more long term. Open to all community residents. Free. For information/registration, call (847) 577-7133 or LivingChristLutheran.org.

Feb. 17

Dynamic Networking: 1:30-3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. Focus on how to turn a networking opportunity into a dynamic force at "Dynamic Networking" with Bob Podgorski. Group networking, one-on-one, social and casual networking topics are included. Free. Register at (847) 392-0100 or ahml.info.

Feb. 18

International Association of Administrative Professionals: 5:45 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, Double Tree Hotel, 5460 N. River Road, Rosemont. Monthly networking dinner. Reservations, required. iaap-greaterohare.org or Pat at goc iaap publicity@yahoo.com.

BG Chamber Business After Hours: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, Affinity Healthcare, 1450 Busch Parkway, Buffalo Grove. Network with member of the Buffalo Grove business community. Refreshments served. (847) 541-7799 or buffalogrovechamber.org.

The Chamber of Biz 6 Plus: 3:30-6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, Holiday Inn Express, 1550 E. Dundee Road, Palatine. "What Every Employer Needs to Know" Seminar. Representatives from I.D.E.S. and the Illinois Small Business Development Center discuss issues effecting business including being prepared for business risks and how to thrive and not just survive. $10 before Thursday, Feb. 18; $15 for late registration and at the door. (847) 541-7799 or buffalogrovechamber.org.

March 3

Career Counseling Assistance: By appointment noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, March 3, April 7 and May 5, Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. Individual, 30-minute career counseling appointments. Appointments are required. To reserve a session, call (847) 438-3433, e-mail infodesk@eapl.org or visit eapl.org.

April 7

Career Counseling Assistance: By appointment noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, April 7 and May 5, Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. Individual, 30-minute career counseling appointments. Appointments are required. To reserve a session, call (847) 438-3433, e-mail infodesk@eapl.org or visit eapl.org.

May 5

Career Counseling Assistance: By appointment noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 5, Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. Individual, 30-minute career counseling appointments. Appointments are required. To reserve a session, call (847) 438-3433, e-mail infodesk@eapl.org or visit eapl.org.

Ongoing

Meadows Success Union: This is a networking group of business professionals sponsored by the Rolling Meadows Chamber of Commerce who refer business to each other. Meetings are held at the Rolling Meadows Chamber of Commerce offices, 2775 Algonquin Road. For meeting information for the various MSU groups, call (847) 398-1963.

CHAMP'S: This is a networking group of business professionals who refer business to each other. Meetings are held at the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce offices, 311 S. Arlington Heights Road. For meeting information for the various CHAMPS groups, call (847) 398-1963.

Small Business Resource Group: Rolling Meadows Chamber of Commerce members meet on a monthly basis to provide selected business topic education to small business owners and answer questions from small business owners regarding business issues by its panel of business experts. Free to new and established business owners. For more information, call (847) 398-1963.

Dynamic Link: Professional women who meet to share new leads, networking opportunities and valuable business tips, meet at Egg Harbor Cafe in Arlington Heights 7:15-8:30 a.m. Thursdays. Call Margaret Hay, (847) 895-8022 or mhaypchef@aol.com.