Business Briefs

Elgin Community College has added a second job fair for 2009. As with the ECC Job Fair held earlier this year, the college has waived the $275 registration fee for participating businesses.

The ECC Fall Job Fair will take place on Friday, Nov. 13, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Spartan Events Center on the main campus.

"While there are signs the recession is ending," said Peggy Gundrum , director of career services at ECC, "unemployment is a lagging indicator. There are businesses that want to hire, but they're watching all their expenses very carefully. That's why we've taken these steps to help the community's businesses and unemployed residents better connect with each other."

Participating businesses will be given a display table and two chairs. Employers must provide their own tablecloth, company banner and/or display, giveaways, recruiting materials and employment applications.

Businesses wishing to participate should return an application form to ECC by Nov. 1. For more information or to make a reservation, contact the ECC Career Services Department or visit www.elgin.edu/jobfair.

Nearly 50 members of the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce attended a "Do-It-Yourself Marketing" workshop recently at the Hilton Garden Inn in St. Charles. The member-only event was developed by the Chamber staff and Chamber member-presenters for businesses seeking low- and no-cost marketing ideas, suggestions and advice.

During the half-day workshop, participants had the opportunity to visit up to six of the eight marketing "topic tables" available -- developing a basic marketing plan, writing press releases, using MS Outlook as a marketing tool, promotional products and giveaways, Chamber marketing opportunities, social media, direct mail and print advertising.

"Our members are always looking for help to market their businesses and in this economy we are trying to provide this service at an event everyone can afford," said Lori Hewitt, the Chamber's President and CEO. "This event was done at a cost of just $10 to our members and they were able to visit six presenters who all had great tips and strategies for low- and no-cost ways to better promote and market your businesses."

For more information, visit www.stcharleschamber.com .

Play N Trade Video Games opened this month at 1938 W. Fabyan Parkway in Batavia next to Trader Joe's. Dan Moore and his wife, Lisa, run the gaming store that boasts 10 32-inch screens so gamers can try before they buy. The store has games for everyone from old-school Atari and retro Nintendo 64 and Sega to PlayStation 3.

Moore, a former airline pilot, said the gaming franchise is family friendly and was attractive as one of the few businesses doing well in today's market. The shop is on Facebook and offers a "Players Club" for serious gamers.

The grand opening will be at 10 a.m. Nov. 7. Call 630-482-9500.

Chiro One Wellness Centers are hosting their fourth annual Share the Abundance Food Drive to collect nonperishable food items to be given to the Greater Chicago Food Depository. From Nov. 2 through Nov. 23, donations of nonperishable food items will be accepted at local Chiro One Wellness Centers. Chiro One has centers in North Aurora, 110 Hansen Blvd., 630-701-1450; and St. Charles, 546-F S. Randall Road, 630-443-0400. Suggested items include canned foods, dried foods, boxed food or food, such as peanut butter, in plastic containers.

Comcast is accepting nominations from high school principals and guidance counselors to nominate their high school seniors who have a grade point average of 2.8 or higher for the 2010 Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship Program.

These $1,000 scholarships are awarded annually to students who have met the qualifications. Home-schooled seniors also are eligible for this program. The deadline for nominations is Dec. 11. Winners will be notified by the end of January. For more information about the scholarship, visit www.comcast.com/scholarships. For more information about the foundation and its programs, visit www.comcast.com/inthecommunity .

buybuy Bab y has opened its new 34,000-square-foot superstore at 301 N. Randall Road. Hours are 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

The Batavia store is the third store in Illinois. buybuy BABY is also located in Downers Grove and Schaumburg.

Its extensive selection includes an assortment of premier infant and toddler merchandise in categories including furniture, car seats, strollers, feeding, bedding, bath, health and safety essentials, toys, learning and development products, clothing and a unique selection of seasonal and holiday products.

For more, visit www.buybuybaby.com .