Tuesday, October 25, 2011

What your business card doesn't say

Nick Keseric (our Sept. lunch speaker)
The Business Ledger

In some parts of the world when the business card is handed out as well as when being received, there is a great deal of honor and reverence. If you ever had the opportunity to do business in some of the Asian markets, you would witness the etiquette along with the protocol when exchanging business cards. Then I think back to some of my own past actions when handing out business cards and the difficulty it would be to differentiate myself shuffling out my business cards or a Las Vegas card dealer (read more)

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Advantage Illinois Program to Support Small and Start-up Businesses

CHICAGO – October 5, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today launched the Advantage Illinois program that is designed to provide Illinois businesses and entrepreneurs with access to the capital they need to start new companies and expand existing business. Advantage Illinois will leverage $78 million in federal funding that will allow businesses to bring innovative ideas and new products to market and accelerate job creation and economic growth in Illinois.
"Advantage Illinois will help Illinois businesses of all sizes increase innovation and competition, and expand and create good-paying jobs," Governor Quinn said. "In order to boost our economy, create jobs and compete in the global marketplace, we must provide businesses and entrepreneurs with the tools they need to grow."
The Advantage Illinois program is comprised of (read more)

Chambers find they're more relevant in a down economy

By Erik Martin

Contributing Writer
The Business Ledger

Businesses aren’t the only entities that feel the pinch during an economic downturn. The federations that help promote those businesses — better known as chambers of commerce — also experience pressure when things turn sour.

But by staying attuned to the needs of members, trimming the fat, and beefing up the perceived value of belonging, chambers can survive and thrive in any economic climate, experts say.

Case in point: The Illinois Chamber of Commerce, which represents 385 of all local chambers across the state and has approximately 3,000 business members. (read more)