Commissioner's Corner
Greetings from the new Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection.
By: Norma Reyes
Happy New Year! 2009 marks a time of transition and reorganization for the Department of Consumer Services. We are excited to announce that as of January 1, 2009, Consumer Services has merged with another city department, the Department of Business Affairs and Licensing. The new department is called the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. I have been appointed to assume the role of Commissioner.
The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection is responsible for providing services to both businesses and consumers. Our mission is to promote and ensure a fair and vibrant marketplace for businesses and consumers. We will support businesses' efforts to grow and succeed by providing information and services. And we will protect consumers and businesses from unfair and deceptive business practices, working to ensure the safety, accuracy and equity in products and services offered to the public.
One important goal of merging the two departments is to pool resources, so as to reduce customer wait times and complaint response times. For the next six to seven months, we will be reviewing business processes and considering where we can make positive changes. We are committed to continued efforts to streamline our business practices and improve customer service. We look forward to hearing from you as we go through this process.
2009 Convention & Tourism Bureau Events
The Chicago Convention &Tourism Bureau is working hard to attract new shows and conventions to Chicago. According to the Bureau, in 2007 (the most current year available), McCormick Place events alone attracted 2,270,551 visitors. This is nearly 30,000 more than in 2006. We hope to see those numbers exceeded in both 2008 and 2009.
Below, I have listed upcoming events in the first few months of 2009 where taxi service will be in high demand. These events are great opportunities to easily find fares and showcase Chicago's professional and responsive taxi service.
ProMat 2009
Produced by the Material Handling Institute of America
Jan 12 - 15
McCormick Place South
Attendance: 42,000
Mid-American Horticultural Trade Show
Jan 14 - 16
McCormick Place West
Attendance: 11,500
79th Annual Chicago Boat, RV & Outdoor Show
McCormick Place North
Jan 14 - 18
Attendance: Public Show - estimated 50,000
Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co
Central Regional Meeting
Jan 15 - 17
Sheraton Chicago
Attendance: 1,200
ASHRAE Winter Meeting
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Air-Conditioning Engineers
McCormick Place South
Jan 24 - 28
Attendance: 1,500
American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education
Feb. 6 - 9
Hyatt Regency Chicago
Attendance: 2,300
Chicago Auto Show
Feb. 13 - 22
McCormick Place West
Attendance: Public Show - Estimated hundreds of thousands of visitors over the 9-day show.
At the same time that we say goodbye to 2008 and the Department of Consumer Services, it is with a renewed sense of purpose that we greet 2009 and the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. As you set annual goals for your business, either as a taxi driver or taxi medallion owner, please keep in mind the many events happening at McCormick Place and throughout the city. Planning to work on these dates is a strategic way to increase your revenue while providing a needed service.
