Lombard Chamber of Commerce ~ THIS JUST IN...

Lombard Joins In 'Small Business Saturday' Crusade

2011-11-21T13:40:00.000-06:00

News For You - From the Village of Lombard Website

Posted on: November 21, 2011

Lombard Joins In 'Small Business Saturday' Crusade

The holiday shopping season has begun and Lombard Village President, William Mueller encourages residents to shop big and small this year.

Mueller’s catchphrase “Shop Lombard” is encouraged to Lombard residents and visitors all year long but this holiday season he joins in the second annual “Small Business Saturday” campaign on November 26 to support local independent businesses in our community. The campaign is initiated by American Express to steer dollars toward local merchants and recognize their unique place in the community. It is being supported by towns and cities nationwide.

“Traditionally, the weekend post-Thanksgiving holiday between ‘Black Friday’ and ‘Cyber Monday’ is the two busiest shopping days of the holiday season,” said Mueller. “We want to remind shoppers not to overlook the smaller businesses in town when shopping for holiday gifts. By supporting these shops, we are recognizing their valuable contribution to our community,” added Mueller.

Lombard Chamber of Commerce Not in Favor of Unified Alarm Monitoring

2011-11-16T10:10:00.001-06:00

The Lombard Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry Board of Directors are happy to hear that the Village of Lombard and Lombard Fire Department had recently pulled a consultant’s presentation for the radio alarm network off of the November 17 Village Board meeting agenda. We are of the hope that the Lombard Fire Department would take a second look, and decide against providing fire alarm monitoring in the future.

Upon receiving the same information that area businesses have received, we feel strongly that the Village of Lombard and the Lombard Fire Department should not be in competition with businesses by making Fire Alarm Monitoring a city service. We also believe that local businesses in the Village of Lombard would be adversely affected by any further decision to proceed. For years Lombard has allowed and encouraged private companies to compete for alarm monitoring services. The Chamber Board of Directors believes that consumers benefit from the competition in pricing, as competition helps keep pricing low. A decision to allow the Lombard Fire Department to take over the fire alarm monitoring would take revenue away from private business, as well as increase costs to the consumer. We also feel that the bidding process for the installation of any future system would create a monopoly contract which would, in turn, limit the availability of businesses to select the alarm company of their own choosing, as well as put many of the other fire alarm companies out of business.

Our Mission Statement declares that the “Lombard Chamber of Commerce is committed to promote the positive development of our community and industries and to enhance the business climate for its members and to stimulate economic growth; to encourage retail, professional service, industrial, cultural and civic growth within the Lombard area.”

It is for this reason that the Lombard Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, request that the Village of Lombard and the Lombard Fire Department continue to allow businesses to compete so that consumers receive the best service for the best price. We also ask that The Lombard Fire Department feel no obligation to look at any newer technology, as local area fire alarm companies can, and will, continue to provide the installation and monitoring of fire alarms for our community. If the Lombard Fire Department continues to research the fire alarm monitoring plan, The Lombard Chamber of Commerce will not be supportive of this plan in any way.

What your business card doesn't say

2011-10-25T08:41:00.000-05:00

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)

2011 Illinois Fed/State E-File Seminars

2011-10-12T14:12:00.001-05:00

Advantage Illinois Program to Support Small and Start-up Businesses

2011-10-06T14:35:00.000-05:00

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

2011-10-06T11:35:00.000-05:00

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)

A new lease for suburban retail?

2011-09-12T11:46:00.001-05:00

JOE LEWNARD/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
Michael Ryan, general manager of hhgregg, Schaumburg.

Low rents, prime locations bring new tenants to empty shopping centers

By:John T.Slania
Contributing Writer

The Business Ledger

Is the shopping center half full or half empty?
That is the debate playing out across the Chicago suburbs as long vacant strip malls begin to fill in with new retail tenants.
Retailers are taking advantage of historically low lease rates and available prime locations to move into storefronts vacant since the recession began decimating the retail market in 2008.
Among the retailers and restaurants making a major investment in the suburbs include (read more)

Daily Herald to charge for online subscriptions

2011-08-30T14:25:00.000-05:00

Source: Business Ledger News Services

The Daily Herald will become the first newspaper in the Chicago area to charge regularly for digital access, the company announced today in letters to its readers.

“It is our intention that no one without a subscription will have ongoing access to the Daily Herald newspaper content, dailyherald.com or any other Daily Herald digital platform,” said Douglas K. Ray, chairman, publisher and CEO of Paddock Publications, which operates the suburban newspaper.

“Why is it necessary to charge for digital access?” Ray asked in a staff memo. “We invest significantly in reporters and editors and an infrastructure that provides tailored coverage of local news, suburban business developments, politics and entertainment as well as sports from the pro levels to preps. We believe that what we do has value to our readers and to the community. A new payment structure will enable us to continue to provide the kind of quality local news and the journalism expected from the Daily Herald.”

In making the announcement, Ray also outlined details of a Subscriber Total Access package that will give print subscribers access to Daily Herald content on all digital platforms at a discounted $1-per-week rate, compared to a $19.99 30-day fee that will be charged to digital-only subscribers.

As part of the initiative, the newspaper is introducing an array of new digital products — an iPad application, improvements in its smartphone apps, an app for Android tablet applications due out later in the fall, e-edition replicas of the print newspaper and an electronic newsletter with afternoon headline alerts. Subscriber Total Access members will have complete access to those platforms in addition to the dailyherald.com website. They also will have opportunities to participate in a number of Daily Herald events involving newspaper columnists, reporters, editors and other experts, the company said.

Ray said a number of digital-only features will be added to dailyherald.com and most related digital platforms. Among them are new video features, new blogs, changes in online commenting to create a more civil environment, more interactivity with the audience and opportunities for Subscriber Total Access members to get behind-the-scenes views of the newsroom.

The new policy will take effect Sept. 7. Non-subscribers will be allowed a small number of free page views of content each 30-day period to sample dailyherald.com before access to the site is restricted. This policy will apply to most content, the company said, but some features will be categorized as premium content and restricted altogether.

“As many newspapers are starting to understand, we cannot afford to give away our content any longer online,” Ray said. “The reason is simple, unavoidable economics. Newspapers all over the country are realizing that they cannot rely solely on the income from advertisers to create and sustain the kind of journalism the community deserves, as new media have taken an increasingly larger slice of the available marketing dollars.”

In making the change, the Daily Herald joins a growing list of newspapers that have begun charging for digital content or are considering doing so. Recently, Media News based in Denver announced that 23 of its newspapers will go to a paid-digital subscription model. Lee Newspapers announced early this month that six of its newspapers will adopt a similar approach. Gannett is experimenting with paid content at several of its newspapers.

The New York Times has been the most prominent newspaper to charge for digital access, and recent reports indicate it has 1 million paying digital subscribers.

With the exception of The New York Times, Dallas Morning News and a few others, however, most newspapers charging for digital content are in smaller, non-competitive markets, which makes the Daily Herald venture, in Ray's words, “a bold move.”

“We feel we will be successful, in large part, because of the Daily Herald's pre-eminent market position in the suburbs, our strong brand loyalty and unique content exemplified every day through the quality suburban journalism we do,” he said. “And we also believe being first to market in Chicago is another example of journalistic leadership that has always exemplified Paddock Publications and the Daily Herald. It is a declaration of strength, not simply a 'me too.'”

The Daily Herald is published by Paddock Publications based in Arlington Heights, which also publishes the Daily Herald Business Ledger and Reflejos bilingual publication.

Dr. Jim Carney, DDS Brings Smiles to Jamaica

2011-06-16T08:31:00.000-05:00

In 1979, while in college, Dr. Jim Carney was vacationing in Montego Bay, Jamaica. It was a most enjoyable trip, prompting him to want to return to the country.
But unwilling to merely enjoy all that Jamaica had to offer, he pondered, "What might I be able to do to help the wonderful people of Jamaica?"
A few years later, after completing dental school at the University of Iowa, he responded to an appeal from the Christian Dental Society to offer free dental services in Jamaica. Little did he know at the time just how involved he would eventually become.
Since that time, Dr. Carney, who practices in Lombard, Ill., has made more than 60 trips to Jamaica. He has also (read more)

Whitley: Time is now to rebuild Illinois economy

2011-05-16T14:25:00.000-05:00

By Eric Peterson, Daily Herald Staff Writer

With the economy on the mend, Illinois Chamber of Commerce President Douglas Whitley says now is the time for state legislators to dedicate themselves to reclaiming all of Illinois’ business advantages.

Chief among these are its location and role as a transportation hub, which give state businesses access to markets throughout the Midwest and — through O’Hare International Airport — the world.

Though the last decade was disastrous for the state due to both the economy and its political leadership, a new potential for success is arising, Whitley told members of the Schaumburg Business Association Tuesday morning.

“I’m just tired of being negative about Illinois,” Whitley said at Chandler’s Banquets in Schaumburg. “You know what, we’ve got to put those things behind us. Read More

Thinking About Hiring?

2011-05-10T15:33:00.000-05:00

It's been a tough recession, but maybe you're ready to consider hiring that next employee. Or maybe you've already hired a new employee and didn't realize you can get a tax credit for it?

The Illinois Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit is still available until June 30 and your business may be eligible.

Please join the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Illinois Small Business Development Center at College of DuPage, Choose DuPage, and College of DuPage Business Solutions for an informational seminar about the Illinois Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit, a $2500 credit against withholding taxes.

This 45-minute informational session will highlight the many features of the Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit, how to apply without ever having to leave your office and a Q&A with DCEO staff. You'll also hear from some of the businesses who have already registered for the credit.

9 AM

Wednesday, May 11

Boardroom (SRC 2052), College of DuPage

Parking in Lot College/3

Many jobs have already been created thanks to the Illinois Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit, including a software engineer in Chicago, a welder in Carol Stream, a cosmetology instructor in Bloomington, a cabinet maker in Champaign and a winery specialist in Marion. Your business could be next to join this growing list of new hires.

Please join us to find out how your business can benefit. If you have any questions, feel free to call the Illinois SBDC at (630) 942-2771.

Brand "essence" key to any business

2011-04-11T14:59:00.000-05:00

March 24, 2011 Multi Chamber Lunch guest speaker, Ed Rensi (retired president and CEO of McDonald's USA)

By Richard R. Klicki
The Business Ledger

You may know your brand, but do you know your “brand essence?”
This was the question former McDonald’s CEO Ed Rensi posed to more than 500 local business leaders during a recent luncheon hosted by 18 West suburban chambers of commerce in Woodridge. While a brand says what your business is all about, Rensi said, brand essence is the emotional bond customers and employees have to that brand.
As an example, people will think detergent when someone mentions “Tide.” However, the main reason people (read more...)

The League of Women Voters Sponsors a Candidate’s Forum at Lombard Village Hall in February

2011-02-10T14:08:00.000-06:00

The League of Women Voters will sponsor a Candidate’s Forum on the evening of February 22 at the Lombard Village Hall, located at 255 East Wilson in Lombard. The public is invited to attend the Forum that will begin videotaping at 7 p.m.

The Candidate’s Forum will be moderated by Kathy Brenniman on behalf of the League of Women Voters; League member Corinne Flemm is the event organizer. “The Forum’s format will allow each candidate a three minute introductory statement and a brief one minute statement at the conclusion of their session. Unopposed candidates will be given three minutes for a statement. A timekeeper will keep the candidates on task and keep them within the allotted time frame,” explained Flemm.

The Candidates Forum schedule for February 22 is the following:
7-7:20 p.m. School District 44 Board Candidates
7:25-7:45 p.m. School District 88 Board Candidates
7:50-8:10 p.m. School District 87 Board Candidates
8:15-8:35 p.m. School District 45 Board Candidates
8:40-9 p.m. Lombard Park District Board Candidates
9:05-9:40 p.m. Village of Lombard Board Candidates
9:45-10:05 p.m. Helen Plum Library Board Candidates
The Candidate’s Forum will be shown on the Lombard Channel (Comcast channel 6 and AT&T U-Verse channel 99) up to Election Day on April 5.

Used with permission from the Village of Lombard

Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 Tax Provisions

2011-01-27T13:44:00.000-06:00

By Michael J. Mudroncik, IRS

The Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 was enacted on September 27, 2010. The SBJA contains some tax provisions that take effect this year. Other tax provisions will be implemented during the next several years.
Several of the provisions are designed to encourage investment and provide access to capital for businesses. The following is a list of those specific tax provisions now in effect; additional information will be added to www.irs.gov as it becomes available.
Sect. 2011: Temporary exclusion of 100% of gain on certain small business stock
Expanding on the provisions of Internal Revenue Code Section 1202 and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Small Business Jobs Act provides an additional incentive for investment in qualified small businesses. Under this Act, investors in qualified small business stock can exclude 100% of the capital gain upon sale of the stock. The exclusion under this provision is not an item of tax preference for purposes of the alternative minimum tax.
In order to claim the capital gain exclusion, the qualified small business stock must be:

Acquired after September 27, 2010, and before Jan. 1, 2011, and
Held for at least five years before the stock is sold.

Under current law, the earliest tax year for which this 100% capital gain exclusion can be claimed is 2015. Additional limitations, qualifications and requirements may apply. Capital Gains and Losses has information on reporting capital gains.
Sect. 2012: General business credits of eligible small businesses for 2010 carried back 5 years
The new law allows an eligible small business to carry back general business credits five years. Previously, the credits could only be carried back one year. The carryback is for credits determined in the first taxable year beginning after December 31, 2009.
An “eligible small business” in general is defined as follows:

A corporation whose stock is not publicly traded, a partnership, or a sole proprietorship, and
The taxpayer must have $50,000,000 or less in average annual gross receipts over the three preceding tax years.

Note: The Internal Revenue Service announced that taxpayers affected by recent tax law changes should wait until mid-to late February 2011 to file their tax returns.
Taxpayers (both individual and business filers) filing Form 3800, General Business Credit, are affected, and must wait to file. The delay affects both paper and electronic filers.
Sect. 2013: General business credits of eligible small businesses in 2010 not subject to alternative minimum tax
The new law allows general business credits to offset both regular income tax and alternative minimum tax of eligible small businesses as described in Section 2012 of the Small Business Jobs Act (see above). The provision is effective for any general business credits determined in the first taxable year beginning after December 31, 2009, and to any carryback of such credits.
For more information see business tax credits and the forms used to figure for each credit.
Sect. 2014: Temporary reduction in S-Corporation built-in gain recognition period
Under the Small Business Jobs Act, if the fifth year of an S Corporation’s recognition period ends before their 2011 taxable year begins, then no tax is imposed on the net recognized built-in gain for the 2011 tax year. Built-in Gains are recognized on Form 1120S Schedule D, Capital Gains and Losses and Built-in Gains. The 2011 Instructions for Schedule D, Form 1120S, will be revised and made available on the IRS and Built-in Gains. The 2011 Instructions for Schedule D, Form 1120S, will be revised and made available on the IRS Forms and Publications page in the future.
Sect. 2021: Increased expensing limitations for 2010 and 2011; certain real property treated as Code section 179 property.
An expense deduction is allowed for businesses which choose to treat the cost of certain qualified property, called section 179 property, as an expense rather than a capital expenditure. For qualifying property placed in service during the taxable years 2010 and 2011, the new law increases both the maximum amount of the deductible expense under IRC Section 179, as well as the statutory phase-out amount. The provision also allows an election by a taxpayer to exclude qualified real property from the definition of IRC Section 179 property.
If this election is chosen, it is made in Part 1 on Form 4562, Depreciation and Amortization, and must be attached to the taxpayer’s original tax return. The instructions for Form 4562 contain information on how to complete Part I, Election To Expense Certain Property Under Section 179. Further guidance on Section 2021 is available in Rev. Proc. 2010-47.

Sect. 2022: Additional first-year depreciation for 50% of the basis of certain qualified property
Generally, businesses are allowed to recover the cost of capital expenditures over time through depreciation expense. IRC Section 168(k) allows for additional first-year depreciation, for 50% of the basis, of certain qualified property placed in service after December 31, 2009. The new law extends the additional first-year depreciation deduction to qualified property acquired and placed in service during 2010.
A taxpayer must use Form 4562, Depreciation and Amortization, to report depreciation on a tax return. The Instructions for Form 4562 contain information on how, and when to fill out each of the six parts of Form 4562. The Form 4562 and instructions will be updated in the near future for returns filed in tax year 2010.
More information on depreciation can be found on the following links:

Sect. 2031: Increase in amount allowed as deduction for start-up expenditures in 2010
For taxpayers starting an active trade or business, the new law increases the amount the taxpayer is allowed to elect as a deduction for start-up expenditures under section 195(b) for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2009. Section 2031 allows up to $10,000 as a deduction for start-up expenditures and provides for a dollar-for-dollar reduction of the $10,000 deduction if startup expenditures exceed $60,000. This expense should be claimed as an “Other Deduction” on business returns, such as the Form 1120, 1120S or Form 1065, or as an "Other Expense" on the related Form 1040 Schedules C or F, beginning with the 2010 tax year. The remaining balance of start-up expenditures is deducted ratably over 180 months on Form 4562, Depreciation and Amortization.
Sect. 2042: Deduction for health insurance costs in computing self-employment taxes in 2010
Generally, small business owners may not deduct the cost of health insurance when calculating self-employment tax. Under the Small Business Jobs Act, and subject to specific statutory limitations (i.e. deduction is not available if self-employed individual is eligible to participate in an employer-subsidized health plan maintained by the employer of the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s spouse), business owners can deduct the cost of health insurance for themselves and their family in the calculation of their 2010 self-employment tax.

The 2010 Form 1040 Schedule SE (PDF) and its instructions (PDF) contain directions on how to calculate the credit..

Discover Survey Finds Majority of Small Business Owners Favor Repeal of Health-Care Reform Law

2011-01-20T08:37:00.000-06:00

RIVERWOODS, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--More than half of small business owners favor the repeal of the health care reform law passed by Congress and signed into law by President Obama in 2010, according to a survey from Discover conducted January 10-12. Forty-six percent also say that the current health care reform law will hurt their business.
In addition, 47 percent of small business owners who provide health insurance to their employees said they are considering discontinuing health insurance because the costs are too high – the highest figure since Discover began the survey four years ago. Fifty-one percent of small business owners who offer health insurance to their employees say they are not considering discontinuing the insurance, and 2 percent were unsure. (read more)

HOW EMPLOYERS SHOULD GIVE SEVERANCE TO EMPLOYEES 40 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER

2011-01-13T08:28:00.000-06:00

By Nancy E. Joerg, Esq., Senior Attorney and Shareholder, Wessels Sherman Joerg Liszka Laverty Seneczko P.C., http://www.wesselssherman.com/

- There is much confusion among employers about how to properly give severance to employees who are 40 years of age or older.
AGE DISCRIMINATION AND EMPLOYMENT ACT (ADEA): Employers with 20 or more employees are covered by the Federal law, the Age Discrimination and Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA). The ADEA prohibits age discrimination against employees 40 years of age or older. That’s right – Congress considered a 40 year old employee to be an “older worker” and in need of special legal protections! (Read More...)

Two Important Google Additions you need to make

2011-01-06T15:54:00.000-06:00

We've made these changes on Google to the Lombard Chamber Business Page, and suggest you do the same! It's FREE and is another great way to promote your business!! Take advantage of it today! If you need help, don't hesitate to call us and we'll help guide you through!

Make sure you've claimed your Local Business Page. You've all experienced doing a search on Google and had the map appear with a bunch of business listings. When you click on the 'Places Page', you're given more info on that business like the address, services they provide and reviews. For your Places Page, you want to go through the process of securing your listing. You'll know if you've done this by looking in the top right-hand corner. If it reads 'Business Owner?' you have not claimed your page. If it says 'Verified Business Listing' then you have. They will either call you and give you a pin or send you a postcard to your business address. Once complete, you can update the page with photos, change important contact info, respond to reviews of your business, and receive stats about how many people see this listing and the phrases they used when searching. Do it now!

When searching on Google, you can now see a preview of a Website before clicking on the link to visit the site. In my opinion, this is HUGE! I've already decided not to go to a Website after seeing what it looks like in that preview box. If your site looks cluttered, has lots of colors, or too much text, it might discourage someone from clicking on it. So go look at what your site looks like in that preview box, and if you don't like what you see, change it!

Information credited to: Corey Perlman eBootCamp.com

Businesses buying in on group purchasing trend

2011-01-06T08:27:00.000-06:00

By Katie Morell
Contributing Writer
The Business Ledger

There may be power in numbers, but with the advent of group purchasing sites, that power is now being harnessed to save people large amounts of money.

Want a spa treatment for 75 percent off? Done. What about tickets to see your favorite sports team at 50 percent off? No problem. Maybe dinner at a fancy restaurant for less than $100? Piece of cake.

(Read More)

“This Way to Jobs:” The U.S. Chamber’s depressing new board game

2010-12-21T14:05:00.001-06:00

Play the new online Board Game

"This Way to Jobs"

In Demand Jobs for 2011 and Beyond

2010-12-17T08:30:00.000-06:00

By: Katie Morell
Contributing Writer
The Business Ledger

After three years of being hampered by a recessionary economy, job seekers are tired of guessing which positions are in demand, while hiring managers are sick of turning people away.

In an effort to help the millions of job seekers, Robert Half International (RHI), a staffing firm with a Naperville office, created a cheat sheet detailing the top 11 most sought-after positions for the coming year.

This list is based on the positions we are filling for our clients,” said Fran Liontakis, regional vice president for RHI’s Naperville office. “These are the jobs that were cut during the economic downturn. Now that businesses are seeing an uptick in business, they are not prepared to go into 2011 and are scrambling.

“These positions enable companies to save money and improve profitability. They improve efficiencies and identify revenue opportunities.”

Financial analyst
“This is a person who evaluates financial plans, assists with forecasts and budgets and identifies opportunities to boost budgets,” Liontakis said. “At first glance, they can identify an area in the company that is lagging and advise senior management on how to increase revenue flow.”
According to RHI, salaries will range from $72,750 to $95,000 per year for mid-sized companies and from $81,500 to $109,750 for large companies.
ERP technical developer
“ERP stands for enterprise resource planning, a function that enables companies to improve efficiency and cut costs by effectively managing resources,” said Liontakis, adding salaries will range from $72,250 to $109,500 per year.
“Companies are moving to ERP systems to make sure they are utilizing every piece of the business efficiently. An ERP developer is someone who customizes the system for the organization, based on the company’s needs.”
Business intelligence analyst
Next year, companies will look to pay business intelligence analysts between $82,500 and $116,250 per year, according to RHI.
“Companies really need these types of analysts to guide the decision making process,” Liontakis said. “You can think of these people sort of as consultants. They help high-level decision makers evaluate data and guide processes.
“Although this is usually on a project basis, a lot of companies haven’t looked at these decisions for a long time and need someone on a full-time basis.”
Paralegal
“Paralegals research, investigate and look up case laws,” said LaSonia Michele, a freelance paralegal based in Chicago. “Then we write a memorandum of findings for an attorney. We really support the attorneys.”
Associate degrees are required for most paralegal jobs, according to Michele.
“There are so many laws; a paralegal really needs to think like an attorney,” she said.
Why is this position in such high demand?
“Law is a growing field and it is very broad,” Michele said. “There are so many areas of law, there is always need for paralegals.”
RHI projects 2011 salaries to range from $48,250 to $62,500.

Senior administrative assistant
Liontakis said she isn’t surprised companies are in desperate need of senior administrative assistants.
“The first positions that went away during the recession was those of administrative support because they don’t impact the bottom line,” she said. “Now, managers are finding that it isn’t cost effective to do administrative work.”
According to RHI, companies are looking for individuals with technical skills and staff supervision experience. Yearly salaries are forecasted to range from $32,500 to $41,750.

Data modeler
These days, firms handling more and more data, Liontakis said, increasing the need for data modelers.
“Data modelers analyze data on various trends and process it for the needs of various parts of an organization, from purchasing to hiring,” she said, adding that compensation is expected to range from $80,750 to $11,250 per year.
Mobile applications designer/developer
With a salary ranging from $73,250 to $102,500, these positions are in top demand, said Liontakis.
“Technology didn’t stop when the economy took a dive,” she said. “Now, companies are looking to distribute content and build their brand through mobile applications, which wasn’t the case just a few years ago. This position is one that would help integrate smart phones and tablet computers into business models.”
User experience (UX) designer
A UX designer is someone who helps Web sites and software become more user friendly, according to Gabby Hon, a freelance senior UX consultant in Chicago.
“We really think about the customer’s experience. When they click on a link in a Web site, what happens?” she asks. “It involves testing where we sit people down, give them tasks and find out how difficult or easy it is to use a piece of equipment or a Web site.”
Why is this field growing?
“The recession highlighted the need for companies to focus on the customer’s experience,” Hon said. “Advertising is dead. Consumers want to be treated like people. They want their experience to be a good one, whether it is in person or on a Web site.”
Educational opportunities are hard to come by, as of now, Hon said.
“The field is so young that there are very few good programs out there for UX,” she said. “I assume that will change in the next five years as the field explodes.”
RHI projects 2011 salaries to range from $67,500 to $98,000.

Lawyer
Attorneys with at least four years of experience in the health care, bankruptcy, foreclosure and litigation law fields are in high demand, according to RHI. Projected salaries range from $106,250 to $163,250.

Staff accountant
“Companies need accountants who can do the grunt work,” Liontakis said. “This is the person who can maintain the general ledger, complete reports and get information ready for a financial analyst.”
Salaries range from $42,000 to $55,500, according to RHI.

Senior business systems analyst
A senior business systems analyst looks at existing systems and researches new ways to improve efficiency and day-to-day operations, Liontakis said.
“They specialize in researching new hardware and software to help a company,” she said.
RHI projects 2011 salaries to range from $66,500 to $85,000.

Passage of Police and Fire Pension Reform a Solid First Step in Addressing Crisis

2010-12-02T15:37:00.002-06:00

Pension reform bill offers initial reforms for taxpayer relief

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. [December 2, 2010] - The Pension Fairness for Illinois Communities Coalition, a coalition of municipalities, counties and employer groups around the state, applauds the Illinois General Assembly’s passage of Senate Bill 3538, which is an important first step towards meaningful police and fire pension reform. The Senate passed the bill today after passage in the House on Tuesday and now requires urgent approval by the Governor so it can become effective on January 1, 2011.

SB 3538 will create a two-tiered system for new hires, among other modifications to the pension system, including the following changes:

· Increase the normal retirement age to 55 from 50

· Set a pensionable salary cap at $106,800

· Calculate pensions using an average final salary based upon the highest 8 consecutive years out of the last 10 years

“While not a perfect bill, this legislation is a solid step in the right direction to address the burden of skyrocketing public safety pension costs,” said Ed Zabrocki, Mayor of Tinley Park. “We would like to thank the police and fire unions for taking part in these important negotiations.”

Added Karen Darch, Mayor of Barrington, “We also want in particular to thank Representative Kevin McCarthy, Representative Raymond Poe, Senator Terry Link and Senator Pam Althoff for tackling this urgent issue for Illinois communities and coming up with an initial set of reforms to start lessening the burden on taxpayers.”

“We look forward to the results of the COGFA study called for in the bill that will examine the health of all of the public safety pension funds and lay out a roadmap for recommended improvements,” said Carbondale Mayor Brad Cole. “Hopefully, the focus can then be on making the system more sustainable for the long term.”

The Coalition, however, stresses that this bill is not an end-all solution to the public safety pension crisis, despite providing some measure of current relief for taxpayers, communities and business groups.

In particular, the Coalition is concerned that the penalty language in the bill may produce unintended consequences that will leave some towns simply unable to support public safety and other critical services. Under the bill, the State would be allowed to divert revenue from municipalities, equaling any difference between the municipality’s contribution to the local pension fund and the required actuarial contribution.

“As it stands now, even as taxpayers have increased pension contributions, funding levels have still declined,” said Tim Davlin, Mayor of Springfield. “We are hopeful Senate Bill 3538 will lay the foundation for future comprehensive efforts in order to produce greater fiscal savings our taxpayers need. We appreciate the efforts of Senate President John Cullerton and House Speaker Michael Madigan for their leadership throughout this entire process.”

From the beginning, the Pension Fairness for Illinois Communities Coalition pushed for a comprehensive package of meaningful reforms to address the police and fire pension problems that are burdening Illinois taxpayers and placing towns on the brink of collapse.

###

For more information, please visit: www.pensionfairness.org

SB 3538 – House Amendment #3 passed the House with 95 ‘YES’ votes

2010-12-01T14:38:00.000-06:00

Talking Points – SB 3538

· Senate Bill 3538 accomplishes the creation of a two-tiered pension system for new hires and other modifications. Although we may not agree on all the details, this is a first step toward meaningful reform. For this reason, I ask you to support SB 3538.

· However, we want to be clear - SB 3538 is not an end-all solution to the pension crisis, despite providing some measure of current relief for taxpayers. We still need comprehensive reform in order to produce the true fiscal savings our taxpayers need.

· In particular, the compliance/penalty language in this bill is of great concern to municipalities with unintended consequences that will leave some towns simply unable to support public safety and other critical services.

· As it stands now, it is especially difficult for municipalities, particularly non-home rule municipalities, to keep up with out-of-control pension costs. Even as taxpayers have increased pension contributions, funding levels have still declined.

o The focus should be on making the system more sustainable, and not on enforcement. This includes strengthening the financial health of police and fire pension funds and the potential consolidation of these funds (similar to IMRF).

o Without this, the system will continue to lack critical safeguards and sound management - and no amount of penalties/compliance can fix that.

· We eagerly await the results of the COGFA studies in 2013 which we expect will provide us the information we need to better understand the true nature of the problems and a roadmap for further reforms to the public safety pension systems.

· We also want to stress that the fiscal benefits derived from this bill will quickly disappear if future benefits enhancements are approved by the General Assembly.

· Please make no mistake - SB 3538 will not eliminate the need for tough municipal decisions. Many communities will continue to be forced to raise taxes and make cuts in public safety personnel and other services in order to address skyrocketing pension costs.

· From the beginning, the Pension Fairness for Illinois Communities Coalition pushed for a comprehensive package of meaningful reforms to address the police and fire pension problems that are burdening our taxpayers and placing our towns on the brink of collapse.

· We hope this bill will lay the foundation for much-needed comprehensive reform in the future. Our taxpayers deserve this.

Fire, police pension cutback bill expected to move to House floor

2010-11-30T08:45:00.000-06:00

By CHRIS WETTERICH

THE STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER

Lawmakers are finalizing the details of a bill that would reduce pension benefits for future police officers and firefighters and are expected to move it to the House floor Tuesday.

“I believe this bill is about as agreed (to by both sides) as we’re going to get to,” said Rep. Kevin McCarthy, D-Orland Park, the legislation’s chief sponsor. “This isn’t going to be the panacea … I think both sides received some things they were very happy about.”

The bill was being drafted by the Legislative Reference Bureau Monday morning and wasn’t immediately available, but McCarthy described its contents to the committee.

Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey said while it is time for the General Assembly to act on the issue, benefits for existing employees and retirees also will have to be changed. He wants to see everyone put into a 401(k)-style defined contribution plan.

“We’re debating about what’s going to happen with future employees when we’re not doing any hiring,” Morrissey said. “What about all the existing employees and existing retirees?

Morrissey said there is warfare between citizens who don’t want a tax increase to fund oversized benefits and existing employees and retirees.

“We’re not doing the job we need to do as trustees … for them if we’re suggesting that somehow this bill, if it passes, is going to deal with all of our problems. It’s not,” Morrissey said. “We’re going to have to deal with the fact that we have a system for the existing employees and the existing retirees that’s not sustainable.”

Morrissey told the committee the legislature should realize that barring a vast improvement in the economy, some of the systems will go bankrupt and cities will end up in court. Public officials need to have a plan to reorganize those funds, he said.

“This is a problem nationwide,” Morrissey said.

Pat Devaney, president of the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois, said most of the fiscal problems in the state’s 636 police and fire pension funds stem from cities underfunding them. Devaney said his group is waiting until the bill’s final language is drafted before taking a position. Who’s to blame for the shortfall in some of the systems is a major flashpoint, with the mayors blaming overly generous benefits passed by the General Assembly.

Devaney said he was “incredulous” that Morrissey did not think the bill went far enough.

“They’re solving it (pension problems) on the backs of benefits for future police officers and firefighters,” Devaney said. “Without question, it’s (changing benefits for current employees and retirees) unconstitutional.”

Springfield Mayor Tim Davlin said there probably are “things in there both sides feel are despicable” but said the bill is “a good start where we’re at today.”

Davlin said the coalition of cities seeking the changes would not seek to change benefits for existing police and firefighters. But he hoped the General Assembly would consider legislation aimed at finding more efficiencies in the systems in the spring.

Although no specific figures were available, the city of Springfield could realize savings quickly because the number of police and fire it employs is so low, it will have to hire new employees who would fall under the new system, Davlin said.

“We’re going to reap the benefits faster than any other community,” Davlin said. “We’re going to be doing more hiring than anybody else.”

Chris Wetterich can be reached at 788-1523.

What Senate Bill 3538 does:

-- Changes the standard retirement age for police and firefighters from age 50 to age 55

-- Allows police and firefighters to retire early at age 50, with a 6 percent reduction in their pension for each year they retire before age 55.

-- Leaves intact current provisions allowing firefighters and police to retire with maximum pension benefits of 75 percent of their salaries after 30 years of service. Police will continue to contribute 9.91 percent of their salaries and firefighters will continue to contribute 9.45 percent of their salaries.

-- Caps the maximum salary upon which a pension can be based at $106,800. That number will increase annually at half the urban consumer-price index.

-- Seeks to end the “spiking” of salaries through late-career raises and promotions by basing pensions on the employee’s final average salary, which will be calculated by using an employee’s highest paying eight years out of the last 10 years they worked. Today, police and fire pensions are based on the employee’s salary on their last day of work.

-- Cost of living increases will be based on 3 percent or half the urban consumer-price index, whichever is less. Today, COLAs are an automatic 3 percent.

-- Requires cities to have the systems 90 percent funded by 2041.

-- Starting in 2015, it allows the pension funds to petition the state comptroller to subtract funds from tax money owed to the cities by the state if a city does not make complete payments to the system.

-- Requires the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability to assess the status of the 636 police and fire pension funds. It will also study the feasibility and desirability of pooling those funds together. Mayors believe that the pension funds would be more solvent if they were combined into one or two funds, similar to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, which provides pensions for non-public safety workers in local governments. COGFA’s report is due Jan. 1, 2013.

An Opportunity to Reform Workers’ Compensation

2010-11-23T09:48:00.000-06:00

If someone wrenches his back while hanging holiday lights at home, should his employer be forced to pay compensation just because he aggravated that same injury while at work?

And, is it logical that a state arbitrator’s opinion about the severity of a workers’ compensation injury is more influential than a medical doctor’s opinion and guidelines approved by the American Medical Association?
Of course not.
However, those two scenarios reflect the reality of a broken, biased and needlessly expensive Illinois workers’ compensation system that is overdue for reform.
Finally, some legislators – who have heard the Illinois Chamber’s call for workers’ compensation reform and seen the steady exodus of companies and jobs to states where business costs are lower – are willing to demonstrate leadership in addressing employers’ concerns.
Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) announced last week that he has formed a bipartisan committee, the Special Committee on Workers’ Compensation Reform, which is an important first step in pursuit of meaningful legislation.
The group will conduct two hearings – Nov. 29 in Springfield and Dec. 8 in Chicago – before drafting legislation. The stated intention is to pass legislation out of the Senate before the close of the current General Assembly the first week of January.
It’s vital for the Illinois Chamber and our members to educate the six Senators on the committee – Cullerton, Republican Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont), Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale), William Haine (D-Alton), Kyle McCarter (R-Lebanon) and Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago) – about why strong workers’ compensation reform is absolutely essential for Illinois.
What You Can Do
Now is the time to tell your stories about how a costly workers’ compensation system filled with fraud and subjective decision-making has driven up costs for many businesses and compelled others to relocate out of state.
Until state leaders hear from employers like you, they will assume that the campaign to reform workers’ compensation isn’t a widespread concern. Your letters and e-mails directed to Senators Cullerton and Rodogno are extremely effective ways to build momentum toward real reform.
When you talk with legislators to let them know about your company’s struggles with workers’ compensation, remind them that Illinois has the third-highest workers’ compensation costs in the country, according to the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services’ national benchmarking study. Just four years ago, Illinois was 20th, according to the study. In those four years, Illinois’ workers’ compensation costs have jumped 15 percent while the national average has plunged 20 percent.
You can find more information about the Chamber’s battle for workers’ compensation reforms in the Employment Law Council’s paper “A Case for Workers’ Compensation Reform in Illinois.”

The Illinois Chamber wants to hear about your frustrations with workers’ compensation and collect opinions regarding what you believe should be our priorities for reform legislation. Please send your stories and comments to jaydeeshattuck@gmail.comso the Chamber can share your workers’ compensation experiences with state leaders, the media and others.

Tell us about your most egregious examples of workers’ compensation judgments that have little basis in logic and hurt your business. Talk to us about how much your workers’ compensation insurance has gone up. We are especially eager to have comparative data and practical examples of disparities companies have experienced when comparing Illinois locations with those in other states.

Your input will help make it impossible for political leaders to ignore the need for significant changes in Illinois workers’ compensation statutes.
What Reform Looks Like
The Chamber’s goal is to persuade legislators to draft legislation that reduces workers’ compensation costs. Legislators should put these reforms at the top of the list when they’re considering changes:
In Illinois, employees can claim workers’ compensation if their injury was aggravated in any way by work, even if the injury took place somewhere else.
Therefore, we demand that the workplace must be more than 50 percent responsible for the cause of an injury before a workers’ compensation claim is approved. In fact, when Missouri changed to this standard recently, the workers’ compensation costs for businesses dropped significantly.
The Illinois workers’ compensation system does not follow the AMA guidelines but instead allows an arbitrator to conjure up numbers that are not as medically informed. We must incorporate the American Medical Association’s guidelines for disability, which are the standard for workers’ compensation claims in most states.
The 2005 law authorizing utilization review was designed to prevent the use of unnecessary medical procedures. However, costly procedures and treatments in workers’ compensation cases continue to be a problem because utilization review is inconsistently applied in Commission rulings. California’s experience has proven mandatory utilization review is a better way to control costs.
Wage differential claims create tremendous abuse. It is reasonable to allow changes in wage differential cases for changes in economic circumstances, provide credit for previous wage differential claims and cap benefits to retirement age instead of providing awards for a lifetime.
Illinois law should acknowledge that workers have a responsibility to be alcohol and drug-free in workplaces. Impaired workers are a danger not only to themselves and property, but also to their fellow workers. A number of states, including Missouri, eliminate or dramatically reduce workers’ compensation benefits when injuries are caused by intoxication.
Employers should be able to initially direct choice in physician selections by an injured worker. Employer-directed care helps assure that quality care is provided and that the employee returns to work in a timely fashion.

Now is Our Chance

Businesses are well aware that the Illinois workers’ compensation system has been stacked against employers for far too long. For example, insurance companies often choose to settle cases rather than spend the resources to fight the system, even when employers are eager to challenge the claim. Meanwhile, insurance rates continue to rise and insurance companies continue to exit the state market altogether because they can’t make adequate margin on sales.
It is well known that employers have left the state or have declined to relocate to or expand in Illinois because of the high cost of doing business. Those businesses, and others, might think it logical to have a defeatist attitude when it comes to Springfield politics, and assume that no real reform will take place. To the contrary, the Chamber sees this potential legislation as a genuine opportunity to educate state leaders about the runaway costs associated with workers’ compensation in Illinois and to achieve meaningful change.

Our task is to make sure this round of reforms achieves significant bottom line savings. The last time the state addressed workers’ compensation was in 2005, but those changes proved inadequate and did not lower costs. Meanwhile, our neighboring states offer much lower costs and are successfully luring employers.

We hope you’ll join the campaign to fix a broken system and restore the prospects for job growth in Illinois.

Employers are encouraged to attend the Senate hearings and listen to the proceedings. The first session will be at 1 p.m. next Monday, November 29 in Room 212 of the Illinois Statehouse. The Chamber staff also will provide a briefing for members that day at 11 a.m. at our offices at 215 E. Adams in Springfield.

10 Things the HR Department Won't Tell You

2010-11-12T09:56:00.000-06:00

If everything’s going smoothly, you probably won’t interact with the folks in human resources much between the day you’re hired and your last day with the company. But every day in between, it’s their responsibility to make sure you’re doing your job well. Which means they know a lot more than you might think. We checked in with human resources experts to see what your current employer is keeping tabs on—and how your next employer could be judging you based on a whole lot more than the résumé you submitted.(read more)

Employees Will Shop Less Online But Take Bigger Risks During 2010 Holiday Season

2010-11-10T09:02:00.000-06:00

ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Employees in the US plan to spend less time shopping online from a work-supplied computer this holiday season than they did a year ago, but more of them are engaging in risky online behavior (read more)

Workers’ Compensation Updates, Conference, and Initiatives

2010-10-20T09:34:00.000-05:00

It’s all about jobs.

The challenge for Illinois’ future is to create, keep and grow jobs and employment opportunity even though the state has achieved a reputation for having an anti-business political climate.

Our political leaders can start to turn around Illinois’ economic condition and political reputation by reducing the cost of doing business in this state. Workers’ compensation is one of the fundamental issues that elected officials must address if we are to improve competitiveness and successfully restore jobs.

Yes, there were legislative changes adopted in 2005, but the changes have not lowered costs and are not worthy of being characterized as “reform.” If Illinois’ rankings are to improve significantly, nibbling at the edges and adopting only marginal adjustments are simply not enough.

That’s why the Illinois Chamber has taken the lead in pushing for workers’ compensation reform.

Already, the Chamber has:

Successfully fought the government’s imposition of excessive fees to fund the state’s Workers Compensation CommissionOrganized a conference this month that will give business leaders vital information about the newest workers’ compensation issues.Planned a workers’ compensation reform campaign, which will kick off at the conference and be focused on next session of the Illinois General Assembly.

The Chamber would like your feedback to help us achieve workers’ compensation reform in this state. Let us know about outrageous workers’ compensation cases. Give us guidance on what should be changed at the Workers’ Compensation Commission.

Let’s work together to make Illinois a better place to do business.

Litigation Settlement

Illinois businesses will save millions in assessments and benefit from operational improvements at the Worker’s Compensation Commission in the coming years as a result of the Chamber’s legal victory.

The most immediate benefit for employers and insurers is that the Commission will skip the next three assessments for the Rate Adjustment Fund (RAF) beginning January 2011. This will save businesses about $27 million over the next 18 months.

The court’s settlement order also instructs the Workers’ Compensation Commission to spend $30 million to improve transparency, efficiency and operations. The court retains control of the funds and must approve the state’s requests to withdraw funds. The Illinois Chamber has authority to monitor the use of the funds and has already initiated conversations with the Commission to begin the implementation process, which will occur over many months.

Chamber members are encouraged to offer ideas that would result in more efficient Commission operations. All comments are welcome, but you should know the primary focus of improvements will be directed at modernization of information technology capabilities. The existing systems are obsolete, inefficient and lack modern online functionality.

Workers’ Compensation Conference

Business owners, CFOs, HR professionals and risk managers can stay current with cost, fraud, legal and liability issues at the Illinois Chamber’s second annual fall conference on workers’ compensation. The event will take place Oct. 28 at the Marriott Chicago Oak Brook Hotel, 1401 West 22nd St. , Oak Brook, Illinois. The cost is $199 for members and $249 for non-members. You may register online at www.ilchamber.org.

At this conference, the Chamber will announce the campaign for worker’s compensation reforms that will be pursued during the next session of the Illinois General Assembly. We will:

Make the case for why the next round of workers’ compensation reforms must move forward.Introduce components of the Chamber’s WC Action Agenda.Solicit the input and commitment from conference attendees to help build a compelling case for legislative and governmental action aimed at reducing workers’ compensation costs in Illinois.

Why Reform is Important

Numerous multi-state comparative rankings that measure economic performance have consistently shown Illinois to have low standing when compared with high-growth states.

Chief Executive Magazine ranked Illinois’ business climate 46th in the country in 2010. The ALEC-Laffler State Competitive Index of 2010 ranked Illinois 48th in economic performance and 48th in job creation from 1998 to 2008, trailing only Ohio and Michigan. Only New York and California had more outward population migration than Illinois during the same period, suggesting that 640,000 people envisioned greater economic opportunity existed elsewhere.

Until we enact meaningful reform, the states that border Illinois will continue to flaunt their lower workers’ compensation costs.

For example:

In 2005, Missouri lawmakers enacted reforms and have since seen their costs drop more than 20 percent. Since 2006 the total average increase in Illinois workers’ compensation rates was 16.4 percent, and 6.3 percent in 2009 alone. During the same period, average rates for workers’ compensation across the country decreased 17.1 percent.Thirty states saw average rate reductions in 2008-2009, while Illinois joined only four other states that had an average recommended rate increase, according to NCCI Illinois State Advisory Forums.Indiana (2nd), Wisconsin (14th), Iowa (15th) and Missouri (31st) all ranked higher than Illinois (38th) in the 2008 Actuarial & Technical Solutions, Inc. State Rankings of Workers’ Compensation Comparative Costs for Manufacturers. This is another example of how neighboring states can tout their workers’ compensation cost advantage to Illinois employers and businesses that are planning job expansions in the region.

A number of states that compete with Illinois have addressed or are addressing their workers’ compensation cost issues and employers in those states are experiencing significant reductions in costs. Florida’s workers’ compensation rates fell more than 18 percent in 2009. Florida businesses have seen an average decrease in workers’ compensation costs of more than 65 percent since 2006. Colorado businesses experienced a 16 percent reduction for workers’ compensation in 2009, will see an additional 9.7 percent decrease in 2010 and have seen a 36.2 percent reduction since 2006. Arkansas workers’ compensation rates decreased nearly 20 percent the past two years and Pennsylvania has experienced a 19 percent reduction since 2006 as well.

Economists predict there will be a slow recovery to the current recession, but the economy will turn positive over the next two years. Thus, it is critical for Illinois political leaders to undertake the necessary changes that will position our state to be cost competitive when the recovery occurs.

Member Input and Engagement is Imperative

In order to build the case for reform, the Illinois Chamber needs employers to weigh in with examples of the most egregious workers compensation cases they have experienced. The objective is to establish a substantial record that demonstrates the irrational ills of a workers’ compensation system that has lost touch with common sense and caused employers to despair.

We also need employers with multi-state operations to provide good comparative data on costs, as well as sharing contrasting experiences that demonstrate how Illinois' workers' compensation operations can be streamlined, improved or made more efficient from the employers’ point of view. Contact us via e-mail through the Illinois Chamber’s Employment Law Council at sarahlynnseiz@gmail.com or by regular mail to: Jay Shattuck, Illinois Chamber Employment Law Council, 600 S. Second St. Suite 101, Springfield, Illinois 62704.

Featured Member - ONFX ~ Rudy Espinosa

2010-10-18T08:22:00.000-05:00

How would you describe your line of work?

I like to help small business owners present and market their business online. Every business, small or large, should have a website. It is just as necessary as a business card these days. Your business must have these in place to operate and gain additional clients.

I recently sent out my first newsletter through the Lombard Chamber. I informed members that I now offer small business online marketing or SEO. SEO is short for Search Engine Optimization. If you want your website to appear in Google when someone searches for a specific set of words, I can help you!

If you need assistance marketing to the Latino community, I can help you too. Spanish is my native language. You may want to contact me soon. I have been told on forums recently by the SEO experts that my 2^nd language will present opportunities with low competition. I may become too expensive soon and will walk around with my nose in the air. Just kidding!

How did you become interested in this line of work?

I reserved my first domain name and setup my first website in the mid 90’s. As a kid, I loved to draw. My parents gave me my first computer in the 80’s. So, when I discovered that I could create something online and anyone with a computer (and the internet) could instantly see it --- I was hooked!

What is your favorite part of your job?

Showing off the new website to a client is cool. The only thing better, is the emotional reward when someone expresses their gratitude and appreciation for helping present their business online.

What is your least favorite part of your job?

I sincerely provide more than a client expects. I know it is a business but I take great pride in my work and my relationship with the client. I understand that small business owners have a tight budget. So, it is hard for me to tell someone that I can only provide X amount of services for X amount of dollars.

What does a day in the life of “Rudy Espinosa @ ONFX” consist of?

Wake up

Drink a protein shake

Start work

Eat

Work

Work out

Eat

Work

Eat

Finish work

What would you like your fellow Chamber members to know about you?

I am preparing for “2012”! LOL!

That was a joke (though I am probably the only one laughing), but I do feel like I am training for the so called “2012” event! I have been lifting weights for several years. A few years ago I built a solid 25 pounds of muscle. But 5 meals a day plus 3 protein shakes was too much work. So, I lost 25 pounds since then. My new goal is a six pack. I once tried the Adkins diet, but I gave up after 1 hour. I love bread and I especially love tortillas! For that reason, I do cardio just to look average, LOL! About a year ago, I took up jump roping and I am known as the “jump rope guy” at the gym. Twice a week, I try to play pool volleyball. About 5 months ago, I began Yin Yoga. If there is only 1 thing I could tell my fellow chamber members, it would be to try yoga. It helps many aspects of your life; physically and mentally. It helped me finally break my bench press plateau. I firmly believe it will help me regain the full split that I used to show off when I was a break dancer in the 80’s, LOL! I also read recently in my Esquire magazine, that certain poses help your stature and even help you appear taller. I am barely average height, so I need all the help I can get, LOL! More importantly, I have discovered that I will maintain a healthy back. I am in my mid 40’s and in the best shape of my life thanks to yoga. I urge everyone to try yoga.

Visit the website at www.onfx.com

Featured Member - Mr. Appliance

2010-10-07T11:02:00.000-05:00

It Takes Two To Repair

Chicago Father, Son Open New Appliance Repair Business

Father, son duo, Leroy and Nicholas Litzhoff announce the startup of their full-service appliance repair business, Mr. Appliance® of the West and Northwest Chicago Suburbs. With each other’s support, the pair plans on becoming the community appliance repair expert.

“Mr. Appliance of the West and Northwest Chicago Suburbs will have the personal touch of a locally owned operation,” Leory Litzhoff said. “The technology and systems in place at Mr. Appliance will help us deliver faster, more reliable service.”

Upon purchasing the business, the Litzhoff’s attended a five-day training course on the latest technology and customer service techniques. They plan to create jobs and generate business for their community, as well as provide great service to their customers.

“We follow a professional system at Mr. Appliance. Our service professionals wear shoe covers inside homes and use a menu pricing guide so there are no surprises,” said Doug Rogers, president of Mr. Appliance Corp. “We’re delighted that Leroy and Nicholas have joined us, and we believe their business will be successful because we all operate under the same core values.”

The Litzhoff’s wanted to have a business founded on quality systems and customer services. The way they treat customers is unsurpassed.

“When we started researching for our own business, we wanted something that would give us the opportunity to capitalize on my mechanical aptitude and problem solving skills,” Litzhoff said. “When we found Mr. Appliance, we knew it was the right business for us.”

Mr. Appliance of the West and the Northwest Chicago Suburbs serves Cook, Du Page and Will counties.

Contact information

The Tenaska Clean Coal Project-The Devil is in the Details

2010-09-22T14:39:00.000-05:00

It is expected that the General Assembly will be asked during the November Veto Session to green-light the construction of a power plant in Taylorville, Illinois, being proposed by Omaha-based Tenaska Inc.

Normally, a decision by a private investor to build a power plant in a competitive market doesn’t require the input, review and approval of the Legislature. But in this case, Tenaska Inc. has said it won’t build the plant unless a state law is passed that guarantees Illinois consumers will buy their power – at above-market prices – for the next 30 years.

A few months ago the Chamber Foundation released a study about the benefits of building cleaner-coal technology in Illinois – projects much like the one proposed by Tenaska. In several forward-looking scenarios, the economic benefits of the construction of cleaner coal plants and their operations were very significant – especially when you consider many of the jobs would be created in areas across the state with some of the highest unemployment rates.

Nevertheless, we have decided to oppose the legislation that would enable the facility to go forward. Some people may perceive this as a confusing, contradictory stance since the Illinois Chamber is an outspoken advocate for Illinois coal and champion of energy production facilities. But when they look more closely at the situation, we believe they’ll agree that we’re striking the right balance.

What is at stake
Tenaska represents a throwback to guaranteed rate of return utility policies that Illinois abandoned more than a decade ago in favor of a more deregulated competitive market. A state guaranteed market for Tenaska’s energy production distorts the price of electricity and discriminates against employers. The law would force unnecessarily higher prices on business and governmental customers than on residential customers. It would clearly demonstrate that the state’s political establishment continues to embrace an anti-business bias by disregarding the cost of doing business. This action would likely chill what has been a robust and openly competitive marketplace for electricity because it would show that the political environment is once again unpredictable and unreliable. This special legislation opens the door for more political meddling and mischief.

Progress, but not at any price
We truly believe in the potential for Illinois coal in general and cleaner coal projects specifically. However, the state cannot afford to support cleaner coal projects (or other energy projects for that matter) at any cost to consumers – especially business consumers.

Recently the Illinois Commerce Commission came to the same answer. They gave the Legislature a report on the proposed economics of the facility and came away unimpressed, at best. Key findings for the ICC report include:

Higher electric rates for all – “the cost associated with electricity generated by the [Tenaska plant] is substantially higher than that which is associated with other types of generation facilities.” Who would pay for these higher costs? Illinois consumers would. They would pay through unnecessarily higher rates. Information from the STOP Coalition – which is a group of businesses and business organizations (including the Illinois Chamber) that opposes the legislation – shows that even if the project were built on time and on budget it could cost Illinois electricity customers $286 million more per year. That’s a total cost of more than $8 billion over the 30 years. But it is very likely the costs could be greater. If the expense of building and operating the TEC project are higher than expected, and if certain revenues are lower, Illinois electricity customers could pay much more.

Businesses and government agencies take the brunt of the burden – Because the proposed law would establish a two percent cap on the costs that can be imposed on residential consumers, most of the burden of increased rates would fall on businesses and therefore have a cascading consequence on the Illinois economy. It’s not just the private sector employers that would be affected. Governmental agencies are major energy consumers, and thus all taxpayers – including individuals – would also suffer unnecessary annual increases worth millions.

Crippling Illinois’ competitive electricity market – The ICC’s report also points out that the proposed project “could have a significant adverse impact on the retail competition model adopted by the General Assembly in 1997.” Today, more and more Illinois electric consumers enjoy the benefits of free market pricing and being able to shop among a number of competing alternative retail electric suppliers (ARES) to find the best rates, products and services to meet their electricity needs. Over half of all electricity consumed in Illinois is bought from someone other than the traditional utilities that were historically the sole providers.

The Tenaska project seeks a legislative mandate to force ARES to enter 30-year contracts for wholesale power. Such a requirement would turn the entire competitive electric market paradigm on its head. It would send Illinois back to a cost-plus form of generation investment and likely affect customer choice by chilling what has been a robust competitive market. One of the hallmarks of Illinois's current electric energy marketplace is that retail suppliers are able to purchase the power at the best prices they can find in the wholesale market. Reversing this principle could result in a death spiral for the Illinois retail marketplace as customers attempt to avoid the “Taylorville surcharge.”

It’s more about stable policy than the price
The Chamber is not naïve enough to think that electricity prices will not go up in the next 30 years. Whether the Tenaska plant is built or not, most experts predict that electricity prices will increase as a response to supply and demand factors as well as the potential cost increases associated with government imposed future carbon regulations.

We object to a government mandate to buy Tenaska’s product for 30 years at an established price, no matter what that market says that price should be.

In any event, building Tenaska under this proposal locks the state into a 30-year agreement and directs the burden of higher, uncapped rates on the business community. It’s simply not a good deal for commercial and industrial users, state and local governments, or our members. Perhaps most significantly, if the General Assembly and Governor decide to coddle Tenaska with a throwback to government guaranteed rate of return on investment financing, the “Taylorville Surchage” will undermine a decade of gains achieved by opening the market to competition.

If adopted our political leaders will have once again demonstrated an anti-business bias by telling competitive electricity sellers who have been in this market or contemplate entering the market that Illinois is an unpredictable and unreliable place to do business. The message to business owners who will be forced to pay unnecessarily higher electric bills is that Illinois legislators are insensitive to the fundamental costs of doing business and do not hesitate to impose laws that increase business costs while insulating residential consumers from similar treatment.

Tenaska is working on another coal project in Texas called Trailblazer, which does not rely on billions of dollars in subsidies from government mandated, above market pricing of electricity. Tenaska expects to sell electricity at market prices in the Texas competitive market. But here Tenaska wants the Legislature to require the Illinois Power Authority, a government agency, to purchase its output. What’s good for Texas should be good for Illinois.

What about the jobs?
There are certainly jobs that will be created as a result of the plant. Tenaska’s own estimation is about 2,500 temporary construction jobs and “hundreds” of permanent jobs. But Tenaska has only examined the gross impacts to build and run the plant, not the net impact on jobs statewide. What is often overlooked is the negative job impact of increases in electricity rates. It is an established economic fact that when you increase the expenses of running a business, jobs are lost. Legislators should not be threatening jobs by working to increase the costs of doing business in Illinois.

Hope for the future
No one hopes more than I do that cleaner coal plants find the technological, economic and environmental sweet spot to assure viable operation in our state. Ultimately I believe it will happen. But Illinois government should not be giving a single private company a long-term financial guarantee without regard for the thousands of businesses that use electricity and deserve the benefit of competitive pricing.

Email Doug Whitley: dwhitley@ilchamber.org

Baseball and Chamber Membership

2010-09-03T10:31:00.000-05:00

Did you hear about the father who signed up his son for Little League? He went through the registration process, bought the uniform and equipment needed, and everyone was very excited. But, for some reason, the father never took his son to any of the practices or any of the games. He was then overheard complaining to another father that his son was never given the opportunity to play.

Hmmm.....as unfortunate as this little tale is, it can be a familiar story for members of Chambers of Commerce. Don't let this be your story. Your chamber membership is a great value to your business, and there are weekly updates, text alerts and multiple opportunities to network and make yourself known. Have you taken advantage of any of the following Member Benefits?

Monthly Luncheons
Business After Hours
Educational Seminars
AM Networking (brand new - starts Sept 10)
Business Expo (Oct. 28 - Yorktown Center)
Golf Outing
Lilac Ball
Lilac Time Art and Craft Fair
Multi-Chamber Events
Ribbon Cuttings
Eblasts
Sidebar
Monthly Newsletter
Twitter
Facebook
"This Just In" Blog
Featured Member
Hot Deals
Website Event Listings

Many of these items listed have been made FREE for our members - it's up to you to "pick up the baseball, put on your mitt, and join the game".

If you have any questions about any of these benefits, or your membership in general, please contact us. "Your Business is Our Business"!!

Yvonne Invergo
Executive Director
Lombard Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry
yvonne@lombardchamber.com
630-627-5040
www.lombardchamber.com

Innovative Illinois Competition

2010-08-23T08:46:00.000-05:00

Small Businesses Encouraged to Pitch Entrepreneurial Ideas in 2010 Innovate Illinois Competition

State Joins Chicagoland Chamber to Reward Projects with Market Potential

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today launched the sixth annual Innovate Illinois competition. Innovate Illinois is designed to recognize high-growth businesses in Illinois that have launched or plan to launch an innovative product or service. The four top companies will win a total of $80,000 in cash prizes. The Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center (CEC), an affiliate of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, will be facilitating this year’s program. Applications for the program are due on Friday, September 10.

“Small businesses play a vital role in Illinois’ economy by creating jobs and supporting their local communities,” said DCEO Director Warren Ribley. “The Innovate Illinois competition gives entrepreneurs a leg up in bringing new products and services to market while further promoting innovation in the state.”

Companies interested in applying for the competition must fill out and complete the online application at www.innovateillinois.org. Each application will be reviewed by the Innovate Illinois application committee, and the 16 top scoring companies in each of the three competition areas will be invited to participate in the area semifinals. Applicants will be notified by October 1, 2010 whether or not they are selected as area semifinalists.

The area semifinals competitions will be half day long events held in Carbondale, Peoria, and Chicago. Each semifinalist company will have seven minutes to present their businesses and innovations to a panel of judges in a fast pitch format. The winners of the semifinals will be announced the same day as the pitches. Four companies in each area, two for the early stage and two for the later stage, will move on to the statewide finals which will be held in Chicago in December 2010.

The area semifinals will occur on the following days:

Southern Area Competition– Carbondale, October 13, 2010

Central Area Competition – Peoria, October 20, 2010

Northern Area Competition – Chicago, October 27, 2010

Companies selected for the finals will present for seven minutes before a new panel of judges representing both the entrepreneurial and investment communities at a competition on December 16, 2010. The winners will be announced that evening at the closing reception. There will be one winner and one runner-up awarded for each track. The winners will each be awarded a $30,000 cash prize, while the runner-ups will each be awarded $10,000 cash prizes.

The application deadline for Innovate Illinois is Friday, September 10, 2010. Applicants that move to the semifinals round will be notified by October 1, 2010. For more information about the program, or to access an application, visit www.innovateillinois.org.

SBA Disaster Loans

2010-08-20T09:11:00.000-05:00

WASHINGTON – How do you apply for a U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loan? What are the loan limits? Can the SBA disaster loan help with those losses not covered by your insurance?

Get answers to those and other questions during a webinar on Understanding Disaster Assistance Funding with the SBA hosted by Agility Recovery Solutions on Tuesday, August 24 at 2 p.m., EDT. During the live, interactive webinar James Rivera, SBA’s associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Assistance will explain how the loan program works, how a disaster declaration is made, and the steps to take to apply for a loan.

SBA has partnered with Agility Recovery Solutions to offer business continuity strategies for small business owners via their “PrepareMyBusiness” website (www.preparemybusiness.org). Visit the website to access previous webinars, and to learn more about disaster preparedness.

Since 1953, the SBA has provided more than $48 billion in disaster recovery assistance to 1.9 million homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes in the form of long-term, low-interest loans.

WHO: James Rivera, SBA Associate Administrator, Office of Disaster Assistance

WHAT: The Understanding Disaster Assistance Funding with the SBA webinar will begin with a presentation by Rivera on SBA’s disaster assistance program, to be followed by an online question and answer session.

WHEN: 2:00—3:00 p.m. EDT

HOW: Register in advance for Understanding Disaster Assistance Funding with

the SBA by visiting Agility’s “Prepare My Business” website at

www.preparemybusiness.org/education .

Tom and Eddie's puts out the welcome mat for 'Dressed to the Nines'

2010-08-19T13:45:00.001-05:00

One lucky person will win a weekly burger meal (entrée, side and drink) for the rest of his or her life, and 80 people will win the same for one year at Tom & Eddie’s Grand Opening titled, “Dressed to the Nines.” Doors open to the public at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 27, at 348 Yorktown Shopping Center (The Shops on Butterfield) in Lombard, IL.

Every nine minutes, beginning at 10 a.m. on opening day, a name will be drawn to win a free weekly burger meal for one year. There will be great excitement when, at 9 p.m., the one winner of the free weekly burger meals for life will be announced.

Winners need not be present to win, and they will be notified by Tom & Eddie’s. In addition, winners will be posted on the website, Facebook and Twitter.

The “Dressed to the Nines” theme recognizes Tom & Eddie’s nine signature burgers which are “dressed” indeed with an amazing array of toppings, cheeses and sauces.

For Tom & Eddie’s’ first nine days of operation, any guest who is “dressed to the nines” in formal wear - a tuxedo or evening gown - will receive a free meal (entrée, side and drink). Business attire is not eligible.

Ribbon Cutting

Another proud moment on opening day will be the official ribbon cutting. At 10 a.m., students from the culinary arts program at College of DuPage will do the honors. Tom & Eddie’s salutes and supports these students – the “chefs of tomorrow” - who are first place winners of the American Culinary Federation’s Windy City Chapter Burger Throwdown held in June.

“We serve a terrific burger, and we hope tons of people will try us out on our first day,” said Tom Dentice, executive vice president and co-founder of Tom & Eddie’s. The title on Dentice’s business card is “Chief Fry Guy (Preeminent)”.

That sense of fun is part of every aspect of Tom & Eddie’s. It’s a happy restaurant that serves delectable burgers. The nine signature burgers will be featured, one a day, for nine days of promotions.

As the Boys Scouts’ say, ‘Be prepared’

It’s doubtful whether any restaurant has undergone the rigorous preparation and taste-testing that Tom & Eddie’s put itself through. During the winter, Tom & Eddie’s set up kitchens at the Culinary and Hospitality Center at College of DuPage.

In the space of two months, more than 1,200 friends, relatives, students and members of clubs and organizations were invited to dine free in exchange for filling out a questionnaire. Tweaks and changes were made accordingly. Tom Dentice and Ed Rensi, founders of Tom & Eddie’s, assigned themselves bus-boy duties.

The three days (Aug. 24, 25, 26) prior to the grand opening are titled, “Sneak Peek & Eat.” Construction workers who helped build Tom & Eddie’s and their families are invited to eat for free as are friends and families of the management team, neighbors at Yorktown Mall and others who will attend the “by invitation only” days.

The three days will provide the wait staff time to polish service skills. Rensi and Dentice want everything perfect for the Grand Opening for the public on Friday, Aug. 27.

Between the Sneak Peek & Eat and the winter taste testing days, a grand total of 2,000 people will have eaten Tom & Eddie’s gourmet burgers, and each has provided valuable feedback.

“After a year of meticulous planning and taste-testing, we are proud to welcome our hungry customers,” said Ed Rensi, president and co- founder of Tom & Eddie’s. “Now it’s time to fire up the grill.”

For more information, call 630-960-5900 or visit http://www.tomandeddies.com/

Above photo features The Blue Chip: Fresh 100% Natural Angus burger, ripe avocado slices, Tom & Eddie's roasted garlic aioli, vine ripened tomato & crumbled blue cheese topped with homemade potato chips.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TomandEddies
Twitter: http://twitter.com/TomandEddies
Yelp: http://yelp.com/biz/tom-and-eddies-lombard

Illinois Chamber Endorsement for Governor

2010-08-11T14:26:00.000-05:00

By Mary Crego, Chairman of the Board, Illinois Chamber of Commerce

The relationship between government and business is a key focal point in this year’s race for Illinois governor. An environment conducive to the success of private enterprise must be restored to put Illinois on a path to recovery. Illinois government desperately needs a dose of fiscal discipline. Illinois employers and citizens desire political leadership that restores confidence, stability and the sound economic policies necessary to put the state on a positive trajectory that supports business investment and job growth.

Recently, the Chamber board hosted Governor Pat Quinn and Senator Bill Brady, individually, to discuss the state’s future. Both candidates made presentations and fielded questions from Chamber board members as we contemplated which candidate offers the right solutions for Illinois. The Chamber’s fact-finding process also included an extensive questionnaire answered by both candidates.

The Illinois Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is pleased to report that both major party candidates for governor in the Nov. 2 election recognize how important business and job growth is to Illinois. Both candidates emphasized job creation and economic growth as their highest priorities.

The endorsement process was fair, civil, and thorough. We took care to give both candidates the time they needed and gave appropriate consideration to their policy positions.
The Chamber board – a diverse group that represents businesses large and small from across the state – believes that Bill Brady, the Republican from Bloomington, is the best choice for governor. The Illinois Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors endorses Senator Brady for Governor in 2010. We appreciate the time both candidates devoted to our discussion and the frank dialogue on the critical issues facing the State of Illinois.

Senator BradySenator Brady, a business owner, would bring a much-needed change and a new direction to Illinois government. Perhaps now more than ever before, employers and business owners desire a stable, responsible state government that understands what it takes to retain, create and attract jobs.

Senator Brady’s voting record on business issues has been exemplary. While serving in the Illinois Senate he has earned the Chamber’s Champion of Free Enterprise Award by ranking at the top of the Chamber’s legislative scorecard each of the last eight years. We believe his past performance is the most reliable indicator he will retain an interest in the issues so important to assuring the growth of free enterprise. His top priorities for the state align with the Chamber’s own – create jobs, eliminate excessive taxes and fees and reform the workers’ compensation system. As Senator Brady pointed out during his presentation, it costs much more to start a business and keep it operating in Illinois than it does in neighboring Indiana and many other states. It is but just one of many barriers to job creation in Illinois that he intends to remove.Senator Brady knows we must reduce the cost of doing business in Illinois and make it a priority to restore as many as possible of the almost 450,000 jobs that have left the state in the last 10 years (according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security). The future health of our economy depends upon this growth, as do the citizens of this great state. Without a healthy business environment, Illinois will not create new jobs and the economic vitality of the state will continue to suffer.

Senator Brady is also determined to reform the overly litigious legal environment in Illinois. We applaud Senator Brady for his plans to revamp the state’s archaic tax code and for recommending spending cuts that will force this state to live within its means. We’re impressed that he wants to install administrators with business experience to run state agencies. The Chamber is ready to embrace change because continuing down the same path is unacceptable. We believe Senator Brady understands our state’s challenges and will best serve the interests of our members – the employers – who provide the jobs with incomes that support the well being of Illinois residents and their families.

Governor Quinn We appreciate the Quinn administration has been a welcome relief from the experience Illinois had with the previous governor. The Chamber and its members likewise have appreciated Governor Quinn’s willingness to engage with business leaders, as well as his willingness to serve during a difficult period in Illinois history.

The Chamber board’s endorsement of Senator Brady does not reflect negatively on Governor Quinn’s good intentions or dedication. However, Chamber board members believe that the current challenges facing state government and the Illinois economy call for a significant change. Illinois needs leadership that will champion a new course for job growth while imposing the fiscal discipline that is required today. It is in that context the Illinois Chamber of Commerce fully endorses Senator Brady to be the next Governor of the State of Illinois.

Featured Member - Anna Weselak, Weselak & Associates

2010-07-16T11:16:00.000-05:00

Anna Weselak of Weselak and Associates is a seminar trainer and organizational development consultant. Her client base includes corporate, non-profit and educational organizations. Anna is an independent contractor who customizes training programs to help each client overcome the challenges that they are facing. Seminar topics related to interpersonal relations and communication skill building including: team work, management and supervision, sales, customer service, leadership, dealing with difficult people, employee engagement, time and stress management. She has been trained to facilitate a number of instrumented learning profiles from various publishers to identify individual strengths and opportunities to increase effectiveness.

From a business development perspective, Anna works with clients on visioning, goal setting, strategic planning and action planning. Anna also teaches college and university classes on a part-time basis.

Anna has always been a teacher at heart. As a former public and private school teacher, she met a woman at a Chamber of Commerce meeting in July of 1994 who was giving a program on how to increase your sales by building relationships. As Anna listened to the presentation, she decided that presenting workshops and seminars is what she wanted to do. She met with the woman the following week for lunch and made the decision to start her own business and become a seminar trainer. This year marks Anna’s sixteenth year in the business.

The favorite part of Anna’s job is working with individuals one-on-one or in a group and observing the “ah-ha” moments when they discover something about themselves or other people that will increase their effectiveness. She really loves speaking to groups and leading seminars, workshops and classes. Anna’s least favorite part of her job is “keeping up with the paperwork associated with running the business”.

There is no “typical” part of Anna’s day, as every day is a unique experience. Her day is driven by her goals and filling client requests, which makes every day different. Generally she begins by checking e-mails, following up on inquiries, making follow-up appointments with clients, preparing seminars, meeting potential clients, sending on-line assessments to clients or seminar participants, printing hard copies or sending out electronic reports, and preparing proposals. Anna sets a high priority on attending chamber luncheons, networking events and professional organization meetings which is where she conducts most of her marketing. Anna considers herself a life-long learner who attends professional development events and conferences to stay current with trends and research.

On a personal note, Anna has been a Lombard resident for 36 years. She has learned a great deal from being involved in the community and taking on various leadership roles. These experiences have paved a path of volunteer opportunities that far exceeded her own expectations. As the owner of Weselak & Associates, she has built a company where she can take all that she has done and it to all that she knows in order to help others to be successful in all that they do. Anna would love to work with Chamber members and their organizations to solve their challenges and help them increase their effectiveness.

Anna Weselak
Weselak & Associates
630-889-0626
aweselak@weselak.com
www.weselak.com

Featured Member Illinois Business Systems

2010-07-09T10:00:00.000-05:00

Illinois Business Systems is one of the newest members of the Lombard Chamber, having joined just this past March. President, Rick Mytnik, describes himself as a promoter of the image of his company. He sells “the company” not “the product” by being an Evangelist/Chief Marketer. In the 2 ½ years since he created Illinois Business Systems, he has transitioned it to a 21st century company, and won’t consider his work finished until he has a 100% saturation of the local area. He believes that his company is the best for every business. What makes them different is they do not simply sell copiers. They provide service, support, supplies and products designed to help clients run their business more effectively. He is very proud of the fact that “a live body answers all of our customer calls, not an automated voice system”.

Rick has been in the office equipment industry for the past 30+years, and was finally in a position to open his own company and develop better business sources for his clients. His favorite part of the job is the team building and strategies that he has implemented and then seeing the plans come to fruition. He believes that the growth of the company belongs to all of his staff, not just him as an individual. Rick is not fond of keeping track of the “nitty gritty” details, and would rather work on the business, rather than in the business. He sees small businesses getting caught in the stress and crunch of the economy, and would like to help.

Rick’s day is a busy one that generally begins around 7 am with a strategic networking or leads group. He belongs to no less than 6 of these types of groups, as well as 2 owners groups and a number of Chambers of Commerce. By being a part of all of these groups, he can reach approximately 240 people per week to tell his story. Rick also goes on sales calls, meets with vendors, lawyers and other sales reps. Rick will tell you that he thinks Illinois Business Systems is a well kept secret. They are customer oriented, and treat the client the way they would like to be treated.

Rick lives in Batavia, and has 3 daughters. He admits that he is a “terrible loser” and is very competitive, especially when it comes to sports. “If the sport has a ball, I’m a fan”. Illinois Business Systems sales territory covers Cook, Du Page and Kane counties. Their customer base is composed of a mixture of commercial accounts, municipalities, churches and schools. You can contact them at 630-620-6024 or visit their website at http://www.ilbusinesssystems.com/

Featured Member - Meet Kathleen Roberts

2010-07-01T10:53:00.000-05:00

Potted Petals has been a Chamber Member since July of 2005. Owner Kathleen Roberts says that Potted Petals is a one-stop shop for all your gift giving and decorating needs. Not only do they carry unique and unusual home décor and garden accessories, they can also help you with landscape design or container gardening and planting.

Kathleen has always like plants and flowers and all things pretty, so began work as a floral designer. She then went on to school and earned a bachelors degree in Horticulture from Texas A&M. Not knowing which she preferred more – floral design or horticulture, she decided to open a business where she could do both. Her favorite part of the job is seeing the customer’s reaction when she has achieved or gone beyond their expectations. She does admit, though, that she does not like being the only one in charge of everything that is involved with running a small business, from promoting Potted Petals on down to minding the store.

Kathleen’s day begins with arriving at the store more than an hour before opening. Her time involves sweeping and vacuuming, watering the plants, checking email and returning phone calls. During shop hours she is tending to customers, setting up shop displays, advertisements, bookkeeping, product ordering and planning events or classes. Her shop has been compared to those found in Long Grove or Lake Geneva. Stop on by soon, and check out their large variety of gift and decorative items.

Featured Member - Meet Steve Flint

2010-06-25T10:00:00.000-05:00

*This is the first in a series.

Flint Architects has been a Lombard Chamber Silver member since February, 2009. Owner, Steve Flint describes his Architecture business as leading people through the building process, whether it’s for commercial or personal use. This would include the design of the project, contractors, permit process and construction to the finished end product. The biggest factors, in his opinion, would be to stay on schedule and budget.

Steve became interested in architecture when he was in school and discovered he had a talent for drawing. His sister suggested that he look into it as a career. He initially obtained an Associates Degree, but realized that to actually get licensed in architecture, he would need to pursue the 5 year professional degree, which he finished in 3 ½ years. Steve noted that now a days, someone pursuing an architectural degree would need a Bachelors degree as well as a Masters Degree and 3 years of work experience in the field.

When Steve was asked what his favorite part of his job was, he didn’t hesitate to say that he loved to see a project come to fruition, and to see the client’s enjoyment of the end product. He also really loves the drawing aspect, which is now done by computer. He told us that the least favorite part of the job was meeting with prospective clients, and then never hearing from them again; not even to say that they have gone in another direction.

A day in the life of Steve Flint can vary, of course, but generally he begins his day at 8 AM by updating his Social Media accounts; LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. He’ll then return phone calls and follow up on prospective clients. When his assistant Kimberly arrives, he will update her on the projects of the day. There is some traveling involved, as he will meet with clients from all over the area. He attends Rotary meetings and Chamber Luncheons on a regular basis as well.

Personal Stats:

Married to Diana for 30 years this August
Father to Chad, 20 and Elizabeth, 13

Lombard Rotarian for the last 7+ years
Has served on the Village of Lombard Planning Commission and Board of Appeals
Volunteer at the Lombard/Villa Park Food Pantry
Avid hockey fan, both Wolves and Blackhawks
Enjoys watching his kids’ activities and sports
Lombard Man of the Year 2000

*If you would like you and your business to be featured here, please call the Lombard Chamber office at 630-627-5040 or email us at info@lombardchamber.com

Sweet Time at Sweet Street!

2010-06-11T09:31:00.000-05:00

Sweet Street Candies and Goodies located at 17 West St. Charles Rd. in Lombard recently hosted a Business After Hours event. Guests were treated to a candy buffet bar which featured a delectible selection of chocolate covered fruits and nuts and other deliciousness. The candy buffet bar that we were treated to is just a sampling of what they can do for parties, weddings and showers. Customize the candy to your liking for only $5 per person!

The store features a wide array of candy, most of which will bring back fond memories of childhood trips to the corner candy store.
Mary Janes, Dots, Pop Rocks, Clark Bars, Bulls Eyes, Hot Dog Bubble Gum, and Rock Candy are just a few of the sweet treats you can find.

Don't see what you're looking for? Owner Belinda Mahon will do her very best to find it for you.

Sweet Street will also put together a gift basket for any occasion. For a nostalgic trip down Memory Lane and simpler times, visit Sweet Street.

New Business Tropical Smoothie Cafe

2010-06-04T12:52:00.000-05:00

We recently welcomed new member, Tropical Smoothie Cafe to the Lombard Chamber with a ribbon cutting.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe features healthy wraps, sandwiches and salads made with fresh veggies, gourmet bread, premium meats and cheeses. Their smoothies are all made with real fruit and are full of energy.

Wear flip flops on June 18, be one of the first 500 customers and you will receive a free Jetty Punch Smoothie! While you're there, consider donating a dollar to the their national charity partner, Camp Sunshine

Join their new TSC Text Club! To receive exclusive offers and discounts through text message just text TSC2 to 89074. Recently Text Club members received an offer telling them that in honor of the Chicago Black Hawks Stanly Cup Win, all Smoothies were just $3.00 for that day. All they had to do was show the text message to receive the special offer.

Stop in and say hello to Franchise owners Patrick Bode and Kevin Bartlett soon!

How safe is your information?

2010-05-14T10:22:00.000-05:00

Thank you to Patrick Temesvary of EMC Mortgage Financial for this information

Change Fonts and Save Money!

2010-04-07T08:59:00.000-05:00

By: DINESH RAMDE
Associated Press Writer – Tue Apr 6, 4:17 pm ET

MILWAUKEE – Here's a way you might save $20 this year: Change the font in the documents you print.

Because different fonts require different amounts of ink to print, you could be buying new printer cartridges less often if you wrote in, say, Century Gothic rather than Arial. Schools and businesses could save thousands of dollars with font changes. (read more)

HIRE Act and what it can mean for your business

2010-04-01T10:59:00.000-05:00

The Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act (HIRE), also known as the "jobs bill," is a plan to create jobs by providing a temporary tax break to companies that hire the unemployed.

For more information and also to use a HIRE Act savings calculator to determine the savings for an employer, check out www.paychex.com/hireact/.

Paul Engman
PAEP Employment Specialist II
Glenbard Transition Program
(630) 705-1050

10 Tips to Better Business Card Savvy

2010-03-31T09:42:00.000-05:00

The first graphic impression for most of us is our business card. Your business card and how your present it is a very personal part of executive communication. It’s like a handshake you leave behind. A handsome card, properly presented, makes a tremendous impression.

Here are 10 tips to help you present your card in the most professional manner. (read more)

Is Social Media a Fad?

2010-03-30T10:57:00.000-05:00

Ten easy ways to get more referrals

2010-03-26T08:29:00.000-05:00

A Business Perspective
By Ray Silverstein
The Business Ledger - March 22, 2010

When it comes to sales tools, few things are more powerful than customer referrals. They are simple, effective and absolutely free, yet many entrepreneurs are reluctant to request them. If you are one of them, it is time to rethink your approach.

Every business relationship can potentially lead you to other relationships. These are golden opportunities. Assuming customers are happy with your products or services, why be shy about asking for referrals? In a tough business climate like this one, can you even afford to be? (read more)

Economic Recovery: What is the progress in DuPage?

2010-03-11T16:08:00.000-06:00

By Roger Hopkins
The Business Ledger

In response to the recession, DuPage County is experiencing an increase in small business. According to Employment Management Services, Inc. (EMSI) and the State of Working DuPage County Report, the number of small businesses has grown to 42,476 in 2010, up from 41,165 in 2009 and 32,908 in 2004.

As a result of the downsizing and outsourcing that have occurred, many professionals have opened consulting businesses. Not surprisingly (more)

Adult Quiet Reading Room Now Open at Helen Plum Library

2010-03-09T10:07:00.000-06:00

The exciting renovations of the Helen Plum Library include the addition of a quiet reading area for adults. This room was created to provide access to the adult collection of magazines and newspapers, and to provide a quiet place for library patrons ages 14 and up to read and study. This room will be free from conversations, and pagers and cell phones must be set on “silent” mode upon entering. There will be plenty of outlets for patrons to plug in their laptops, and the new furniture will provide a comfortable spot to relax with a favorite magazine or new mystery novel.

When You Should, Shouldn't Give Out Your Social Security Number

2010-02-25T14:14:00.000-06:00

Karen J. Bannan
Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Some Legitimately Need It -- to Others, Learn to Say 'No'

Your Social Security number is one of the keys to your financial health. It's a unique indentifier lenders use to assess your (read more)

New Restaurant

2010-02-24T14:31:00.000-06:00

There is a new carry-out restaurant in Lombard - Ray's Onion Grill located at 208 E. St. Charles Road - just 2 blocks east of Main St.

Burgers, Chicago-style hotdogs, sandwiches and sides - fast and delicious. They boast that they are the "Home of the Best Burger" and I have to say they may be right!

Catering is available, as well. For an affordable, satisfying meal, go check them out!

The Birth of Kiddie Klub Lane

2010-02-12T08:44:00.001-06:00

Booming Temp Industry a Positive Indicator

2010-02-09T15:35:00.000-06:00

By Katie Morell
Contributing Writer
The Business Ledger

With recent improvements in the economy have come increased opportunities for temporary employment, according to local staffing firms. “We are only a few weeks into the year and yet (read more)

The Allure of Temporary Work

2010-02-09T15:30:00.000-06:00

By Katie Morell
Contributing Writer
The Business Ledger

While some job seekers may steer clear of temporary employment and focus all of their efforts on a full-time position, Eric Buntin, managing director of operations for Randstad, encourages those people to think again.

“Temporary work is a fantastic way to network and (read more)

7 Reasons I Joined the Local Chamber of Commerce

2010-02-02T14:34:00.000-06:00

Tuesday, November 03, 2009
7 Reasons I Joined the Local Chamber of Commerce
by Matt Heinz
Blogging Inovation

Last week I finally joined the Kirkland Chamber of Commerce. I've attended a few events over the past year, but it was time for me to become an active member.

I know in an age of Twitter and LinkedIn and all kinds of alternatives to business networking, joining the local Chamber can sometimes be seen like less of a priority. Many young businesses believe (read more...)

2010-01-25T10:27:00.000-06:00

Economy to climb slowly up hill of recovery

2010-01-21T10:10:00.000-06:00

By Sherri Dauskurdas
Associate Editor - The Business Ledger

Growth in 2010 will be stronger than expected, inflation will remain low and the allocations of economic stimulus will slowly be removed. That is the forecast more (read more)

Lombard Chamber Goes Mobile

2010-01-08T09:41:00.000-06:00

In an effort to stay on the cutting edge of technology, the Lombard Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LACCI)now offers free text message alerts. The Lombard Chamber is partnering with Opt It, Inc., a text message application service provider, to provide this exceptional benefit to our members. Over 285 million people in the US have cell phones. Over 4.5 billion text messages are sent each day in the US. 95% of text messages received are read. Text messages are here to stay!

Our members now have an opportunity to "opt-in" to receive last minute reminders or alerts of meeting changes, Business After Hours reminders, luncheon and event reminders, and other breaking news. This technology is an ideal way for us to compliment all of our current communications.

Lombard Chamber members also have an opportunity to receive a 10% discount if they would like to sign up for Mobile Marketing for their own businesses. Mobile Marketing is the ability to deliver and communicate promotional and brand messages via moblie phones. This is a way for businesses to deliver unique localized content to mobile phones which drives revenue, brings in new customers, generates repeat sales to existing customers and builds loyalty. Text messaging is the most direct, cost effective way to reach their audience and deliver their message. Restaurants, Hotels, Entertainment, Retail and Online Stores can now offer special last minute deals and coupons, and build their marketing lists all at the same time.

"Texting is the new word of mouth"

Recipients forward messages to their friends

To begin receiving text alerts from the Lombard Chamber, text the word LACCI to 46786.

American's Job Satisfaction Falls to Record Low

2010-01-05T12:37:00.000-06:00

By Jeannine Aversa, AP Economics Writer , On Tuesday January 5, 2010, 7:34 am EST
WASHINGTON (AP) -- We can't get no job satisfaction.

Even Americans who are lucky enough to have work in this economy are becoming more unhappy with their jobs, according to a new survey that found only 45 percent of Americans are satisfied with their work.

Read More...

Interesting Website

2009-12-18T11:47:00.000-06:00

Check out this great new website – AlikeList.com. Here you can quickly find the right local businesses to help you save money and time. ALikeList is based on the principle that people trust referrals from friends and family. This site is word-of-mouth referrals at your fingertips! You can create and save your most trusted U.S. businesses, make recommendations and rank them. Go ahead and invite your family and friends, share list and connect each other with business too. You can also connect through your Facebook and/or Twitter accounts. It’s the fastest way to get trusted recommendations whenever and wherever you need them!

www.ALikeList.com

Choral-Aires Perform at Holiday Lunch

2009-12-17T10:18:00.000-06:00

Lombard Community Table

2009-12-03T10:17:00.000-06:00

I attended the Lombard Community Table dinner on Wednesday, December 2. The Community Table began this past August with 2 attendees, and now, just months later, has upwards of 150 attendees. The Northern Illinois Food Bank supplies the food, which is cooked by Sandra Hill of Walk-in Ministries, Outreach House and First Things First infant program. The meals are nutritious, healthy meals that serve people from all walks of life at no cost to them. A goodwill donation jar is on hand for those who care to contribute. There are children, teens, adults and Senior citizens in attendance, and all enjoy conversation and fellowship, which many people don't get, as they generally eat alone. This is a chance once a week to get together and make new acquaintences and share a meal. Volunteers help with the final preparations and serving, then join the diners to eat and converse.

There have been some volunteer local chefs that have given of their time and talents. Last night Rock Bottom Brewery was present, with a large staff that came along to serve the meal sit-down style. The food was professionally prepared, and very delicious! No one left hungry! I encourage people to either volunteer their time to help out at this wonderful community program, or to sit down and join someone new for a meal. The experience will leave you with a sense of goodwill, and the desire to return again. I know I will be back!

Yvonne Invergo
Executive Director
Lombard Chamber

5 Signs You May Be a Bad Coworker

2009-11-13T15:39:00.000-06:00

by Alison Green
Friday, November 13, 2009
provided by: US News and World Report

I get a lot of mail at Ask a Manager from people consumed with fury over habits their coworkers have -- habits that I bet most of those coworkers aren't even aware of.
Here are five signs that you might be the one pushing your coworkers to the limits of their sanity: (Read More)

Connect 4 Lunch

2009-11-11T12:14:00.000-06:00

Have you heard of Connect 4 Lunch? Check it out - it just might be the thing you're looking for!

2009-11-11T10:14:00.000-06:00

Now that the weather is growing colder, State Senator Dan Cronin is once again asking area residents to think about the less fortunate when cleaning out their closets this winter. This year, due to the struggling economy, requests are already coming in for coats from local agencies that provide for those in need. Cronin’s office is sponsoring its 12th Annual Winter Coat Drive, which has collected and distributed over 26,000 coats since it began in 1998, and will now accept donations beginning the first week in November.

“Many people are struggling along with our economy,” said Cronin. “This year my office is already receiving requests for coats from local agencies that help those in need, so we are really trying to get the word out about our drive and have added several new drop-off locations.” To meet these demands, gently used coats, jackets, scarves and mittens are accepted at any one of fourteen locations throughout the area, including the Lombard Village Hall and Cronin’s district office at 313 S. Main Street. These items are then distributed to many organizations that help the needy, such as the St. Vincent de Paul Society, York and Addison Township Public Assistance, Ray Graham Association, Peoples’ Resource Center, veterans’ organizations and local school districts, to name just a few.

Cronin and his staff continue to be amazed by the outpouring of generosity each year as the community responds to this effort. “I never fail to be amazed by the generosity of the public. Over the years we’ve seen groups and individuals hold their own coat drives to contribute to the collection and to make it a success, such as scout troops, churches and civic organizations. And not to be forgotten are the firefighters and village employees who generously provide the drop-off locations where boxes overflow with donated coats.”

For more information on this year’s coat drive, please call Senator Cronin’s district office at 630-792-0040.

Disabled Workers; Employer Fears Are Groundless

2009-11-10T15:17:00.000-06:00

Studies show that hiring the disabled does not lead to higher accommodation costs, worker comp, or sick leave, yet these myths persist (Read More)

This article was submitted by:
Paul Engman
Parents Alliance Employment Project
www.parents-alliance.org

Check It Out!

2009-10-20T08:44:00.000-05:00

The all new 2010 Cadillac Escalade and SRX will be on display at EXPO 2009!

Be sure to stop by to check out these beauties!

EXPO 2009

Friday, October 30, 2009

Westin Lombard Yorktown Center

10 AM to 3 PM

FREE ADMISSION ~ ALL ARE INVITED

Networking Reception ~ Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse

4 PM to 6 PM

FREE to Exhibitors or $25 per person

Tap the world's collective wisdom with social media

2009-10-15T14:42:00.000-05:00

By Brian Tomkins - Business Ledger October 15, 2009

Brian Tomkins is chief of operations for Nextvoice247, a multimedia company that combines traditional marketing and PR techniques with innovative social media strategies. He helps his clients brand themselves and build strong relationships by supplementing traditional marketing techniques with online social media. He utilizes Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, Blogs and other online tools to build communities and connect his clients to their target audience. Contact him at BrianTomkins@nextvoice247.com or follow him on twitter @BrianTomkins.

People ask me all the time, “How do I advertise on social media?” Advertising is part of the equation, but if you go into social media with an advertising mentality, you may set yourself up for failure. Read More...

Ghouls Night Out

2009-10-14T15:42:00.000-05:00

Submitted by:

Kathleen Roberts, Potted Petals

630-620-0448

Emails no longer rule?

2009-10-14T08:32:00.000-05:00

Here is a recent article from The Wallstreet Journal. What's your opinion? Do you agree or disagree?

Are You Getting the Respect You Deserve?

2009-10-12T09:11:00.000-05:00

This article was featured in the Monday, October 12 Business Ledger.

A Business Perspective
By: Ramon Greenwood

No doubt about it, most of us at one time or another can identify with Comedian Rodney Dangerfield's trademark lament, "I don't get no respect."That's not surprising because our need to be appreciated along our career path is not always satisfied. But stop and think the next time you are tempted to moan and groan about not getting respect and appreciation on your job. Read more...

EMPLOYEE GIVES TWO WEEKS’ NOTICE— EMPLOYER TERMINATES RIGHT AWAY— IDES SAYS EMPLOYEE IS ELIGIBLE FOR UNEMPLOYMENT!

2009-10-08T15:25:00.000-05:00

An interesting article was recently posted on the Illinois Chamber Website regarding voluntary resignation of an employee, and their ability to collect unemployment. You can read it HERE

2009-10-08T09:41:00.000-05:00

Read the October, 2009 News and Views Newsletter from the DuPage Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Community Forum

2009-10-05T09:46:00.000-05:00

I attended the Community Forum that was held this past Saturday at the Westin. Tghis is a bi-annual event in which information is gathered from members of the community used to drive the Village Board's Strategic Plan. Over 50 Lombard residents were in attendance, as well as all of our Village Board of Trustees and departments heads from the Village of Lombard. The residents in attendance had replied to one of the over 1500 surveys that were sent out. They were then asked if they would like to participate in the upcoming forum. There was also a group of members from local govermental agencies that serve Lombard, that were on hand to observe the Forum, and were able to glean important information that residents feel is important in planning for the future of Lombard. The observers were from the Lombard Park District, Lombard Chamber of Commerce, School Districts 44, 45 and 88, Lombard Town Centre and the Helen Plum Library.

All participants were divided into groups that included a trustee and a department head. Each group chose a facilitator, and participated simultaneously in 3 group exercises.

The first exercise, "Success Stories" consisted of the groups coming up with and listing successes that they have recognized in Lombard. These successes could be associated with the Park District, Library , Village, Chamber, County etc. Many of the lists were similar to each other, and included such things as the expansion of Yorktown, the building of the Westin, Paradise Bay, Cruise Nights, and the Taste of Lombard. Each group came up with their top 10, which were then grouped according to "type" with all of the other groups, to see where the largest successes were recognized.

The second exercise was called "If I were King/Queen - this is what I would do". To get into the spirit of the exercise, every person in the room wore a crown. The residents were told to come up individually with things that they would like to see in Lombard, as if they were King. The groups then each compiled their top 10 items, which were then once again grouped together with the top 10 from the other groups to ascertain what types of things the residents would like to see. Some of the wishes were a skateboard park, community mono-rail system, (clever, huh?) a new theatre, and a new library.

The third exercise, "The Budget Game" was quite challenging. The groups were presented with a "village" budget. The budget needed to be reduced by 1.2 million. They were given a list of budget choices, and were asked to either cut spending, increase revenues and/or add spending in order to achieve a balanced budget. There were 15 items/areas identified as having possibilites for spending cuts. Each item was described, and had the pros and cons listed. The groups went through each item one by one to discuss the pros and cons, and whether or not they felt that the item should stay as is, or be cut in some way. None of the choices were easy - some involved cutting money to local social services, police or fire protection. Another would require a number of furlough days for Village employees, or reduce hours at the front desk. Groups were also challenged to decide if there should be an increase in revenues. For example, increasing the rate of vehicles stickers or having a referendum to increase property taxes. This exercise really helped all attendees to understand the tough choices that our Village Board is faced with when trying to keep our budget on track.

Over all, the Community Forum is a very worthwhile event, and every Lombard citizen should be involved at one time or another. As Lombard residents, we are very lucky that we have a Village Board that really listens and cares about the thoughts and feeling of it's residents. We have fabulous parks, library and school districts as well as dedicated police and fire fighters.

Even as layoffs persist, some good jobs go begging

2009-10-05T08:36:00.000-05:00

Here is an interesting story from Yahoo News.

North and South

2009-10-02T08:37:00.000-05:00

SOUTH: Have you checked out the Evening Farmer's Market at Yorktown Center - The Shops on Butterfield?

Make It Happen-DuPage and Yorktown Center have worked together to create an upscale, early evening market for DuPage County. It's a really unique concept for a mall, and certain to be beneficial to working families that don't have access to the many morning markets in the area.

This Farmer's Market will feature nearly 25 vendor spaces with items such as pasture raised antibiotic free pork, farm fresh milk, cheeses, fresh fruits and vegetables, squash, gourds and pumpkins, olives, vinegars, jams and jellies, pies, chocolates, salsa and sauces, breads and scones, kettle corn, fresh and dried flowers, loose leaf teas, honey, hand-made soaps and so much more.

There are also samplings from many of the area restaurants such as Egg Harbor, Brio Tuscan Grille, Rock Bottom Brewery and Adobo Grill.

This 4 week test market has 2 weeks left, and will determine the viability of running it for the entire season next year. The market starts at 3 PM and ends at 7 PM, and will be open on October 7 and October 14.

It is located outside at the Shops on Butterfield at Yorktown Center, and located near Forever 21. Check it out - you won't be disappointed!

NORTH: The Lombard Metra Train Station Has a New Look!

Two years ago, the Village of Lombard and Metra entered into an agreement to modernize and update the station in downtown Lombard. Both interior and exterior changes were made, including a new roof, clock tower and the installation of a video security system, plasma television, a book case and washrooms that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

"The Perk" coffee and snack shop is open daily from 5:30 AM to 10:30 AM with fresh coffee, drinks, donuts, fruit and more. Village President, William Mueller told everyone that they "don't need to be taking the train in order to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee, and to stop on by during operating hours".

On October 1, a ribbon cutting was held at the Metra station in honor of the new enhancements. Representatives from Metra, the Village of Lombard, Chamber of Commerce, Lombard Park District and Lombard Town Centre were among those in attendance.

Economic recovery cannot come fast enough

2009-09-30T12:10:00.000-05:00

Jeremy Stoltz, Editor of the Business Ledger, had a good article in yesterday's edition. You can read it here.

EXPO 2009 is coming soon!

2009-09-29T11:31:00.000-05:00

The Lombard Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the members of the planning committee are very excited about this year’s 13th Annual EXPO 2009 which will take place on Friday, October 30, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center.

This event presents a wonderful opportunity to meet a wide variety of Lombard Area Businesses all in one place. Local area restaurants will have samples of their menu items to try, and along with hourly door prize drawings and a Networking Reception held at Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse from 4 PM to 6 PM for exhibitors, EXPO 2009 will prove to be a worthwhile event for all. Admission is free!

Businesses interested in having a booth at the EXPO can call the Chamber Office at 630-627-5040 for more information or go to the chamber website , click on “EXPO” and download an application. Business category types will be limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Social Media Helps Chambers of Commerce "Connect"

2009-09-28T15:44:00.001-05:00

Social Media Helps Chambers of Commerce "Connect"

This article was recently featured in the Business Ledger newspaper. It was written by Brian Tomkins of Nextvoice247.

State of Illinois Cuts MAP Grants

2009-09-28T12:03:00.000-05:00

Approximately one in four Illinois (primarily low income) college students will be left out in the cold come January 1, 2010, because the State of Illinois has cut funding for the Monetary Award Program (MAP) by nearly $200 million. Because of these cuts, students who have been awarded MAP grants this year will now only be getting half the amount they were eligible to receive. Without legislative action in the upcoming veto sessions in October, nearly 138,000 Illinois college students will lose MAP grants pledged to them last spring.

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) has established the web site: saveillinoismapgrants.org to update the public on this issue. They have also created an online: www.thepetitionsite.com/1/saveillinoismapgrant for people to express their opinion to lawmakers.

There is a short window of opportunity in October (during General Assembly’s veto sessions) for lawmakers to address the second semester funding of the MAP grant. People need to let their lawmakers know that it is not OK to balance the state budget by cutting funds to low income students.

MAP Grant Facts:
The mean taxable income of MAP recipients was just $23,558

77 percent of students receiving MAP grant assistance had a household income of less than $40,000 per year

130,000 eligible students did not receive ANY award because the program ran out of funding on May 15

Demand for the need-based Monetary Award Program (MAP) increased nearly 25 percent from last year

The General Assembly’s veto session, which takes place on October 14-16 and October 28-30, is the last opportunity to fund the MAP grant program for the second semester.

Submitted by:
Joseph Orsolini, CFP
®College Aid Planners, Inc
630-469-6776
www.notpayingforcollege.com

Spagno Cafe Ribbon Cutting!

2009-09-23T11:20:00.000-05:00

Spagno Cafe recently held their Ribbon Cutting along with a Business After Hours. Those in attendance were pleasantly greeted with a warm wood and soothing color palette. Spagno has plenty of seating with tables, booths, along with several comfortable conversation armchair groupings. They are fully equipped with WiFi, which will give folks a wonderful atmosphere in which to work, or visit.

Suzanna Toska and her crew provided attendees with a variety sampling of sandwiches, salad and fresh, hot homemade chips, as well as soft drinks. Their menu has a wide variety of items to please everyone. One of the sandwiches we tried was the Bistro Roast Beef that was served on a pretzel baguette. We also tried out the Turkey Avacado PLT. Both sandwiches had us going back for more!

Did you know they even serve breakfast on a daily basis? Try one of their breakfast sandwiches like the Pepperjack Chicken Sausage Panini, or perhaps the Veggie Breakfast Wrap. They also have staples such as Bagels, Muffins, Oatmeal and more.

Oh, and one more thing - they have catering service and they deliver! Try them out sometime soon! They are located at 621 East Roosevelt Road in Lombard with ample parking in both the front and rear. Their phone number is 630-627-8500.