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Business Briefs

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Urban League hosts networking event at Phillips Park center

Personnel File

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Dreyer Medical Clinic of Aurora has welcomed new health providers to their staff.

Gas prices could fall to about $3

By Francine Knowles Chicago Sun-Times — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Gasoline prices are expected to continue dropping this Labor Day weekend, and could fall to about $3 a gallon before the end of the year.

Cetera named Beacon News managing editor

Beacon News staff — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

A veteran Beacon News writer and editor has been named to the newspaper's top editorial position.

Personnel File

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Beth Reissenweber , CPA, CMA, of LaGrange has been named vice president for finance of Aurora University . As chief financial officer of the university, she is responsible for recommending and implementing policies and strategies to assure the university's increasing financial strength. Reissenweber is a member of the senior administrative team and serves as treasurer of the university's Board of Trustees. She also oversees the directors of financial resources, human resources, budgeting, and student accounts, and the controller, along with purchasing, risk management and the book store operations. Reissenweber came to AU from Roosevelt University where she served as associate vice president, finance, and assistant treasurer. Before Roosevelt, she was the controller for the Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago. A Certified Public Accountant and Certified Management Accountant, Reissenweber earned an MBA in marketing from Indiana University and a bachelor's degree from Elmhurst College.

Gas prices could fall to near $3 by end of year

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Gasoline prices, which have declined steadily for more than a month in Chicago and nationally are expected to continue dropping this Labor Day weekend, and could fall to near $3 a gallon before the end of the year, unless Hurricane Gustav decides to rain on the consumer party.

Kendall has state's lowest poverty rate

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Kendall County has one of the state's highest median household incomes and the lowest poverty rate, according to U.S. Census data released Tuesday.

Business Briefs

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Motorcycle Run to benefit child advocacy center

CVS finds its inner Beauty

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Sandra Guy: Cosmetics and skin-care shoppers may soon see a new boutique, Beauty 360, selling 32 brand-name product lines previously found in department stores. The surprise? The Beauty 360 concept is the brainchild of CVS Pharmacy. The Beauty 360 shops will be located next to certain CVS drugstores with high-sales cosmetics and beauty departments, said Cheryl Mahoney, vice president for beauty care for CVS.

Pat Cassidy officially joins WLS lineup today

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Robert Feder: It's official: Pat Cassidy is on the payroll and on the air at news/talk WLS-AM (890). After a series of guest stints last week, the longtime Chicago radio star signs on full-time today at the Citadel Broadcasting station, appearing with midday host Jerry Agar from 9 to 11 a.m. But all indications point to Cassidy soon joining Don Wade and Roma's morning show in a new role that's still being finalized.

Hello again, Sonic, my old friend

BY ANDRE SALLES Staff Writer — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Hello Sonic, my old friend. I've come to talk with you again. I'm sure you remember me. That year I spent in Tennessee? That's right, that was me. I worked for a daily paper called the State Gazette, covering education. I'd do two stories a day, and my bosses would praise my work ethic. Ah, those were the days ... Anyway, I lived right next to you. Being a poor boy from the East Coast, I'd never even heard of Sonic. , but as I passed the gleaming '50s-inspired logo every day, driving to and from work, your clarion call eventually became too much for me to ignore.

Now on the Hallmark aisle: Gay marriage cards

FROM THE ASSOCIATED PRESS — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Most states don't recognize gay marriage -- but now Hallmark does. The nation's largest greeting card company is rolling out same-sex wedding cards -- featuring two tuxedos, overlapping hearts or intertwined flowers, with best wishes inside. ''Two hearts. One promise,'' one says.

Hi-Lite 30 drive-in to get send-off

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

If you followed the saga of the Hi-Lite 30 drive-in two years ago, you may remember Mike Kerz. Well, Mike Kerz definitely remembers the Hi-Lite, and on Aug. 31, he's hosting a memorial tribute at his new drive-in theater, about an hour away from Aurora.

Country girl/city style

By Marissa Amoni Special to the Beacon News — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Katie Rosenwinkel's work life couldn't be more different from her home life. During the day, the 25-year-old entrepreneur mixes business with glamour as the new owner of Salon Two Nine in North Aurora. She swaps her heels for boots when she returns home to her 250-acre farm in Somonauk.

Business Calendar

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Monday, Aug. 25

BusinessBriefs

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Chipotle hosts 'free' day before Oswego opening

Residents revel in Yorkville's new stores

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

If it weren't for the arrival of stores like Kohl's, Super Target and most recently Marshalls, which opened this week, Tonika Flowers says she'd be searching for another community to live in, not Yorkville. Flowers is no shopaholic, but she is someone who needs to buy goods, clothes and supplies close to home.

Oil prices fall by more than $6

The Associated Press — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Oil prices tumbled more than $6 a barrel Friday � the biggest one-day percentage plunge in nearly four years � after a rebounding dollar and a Russian troop pullback in Georgia sparked another frenzied sell-off.

Personnel File

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Edward Hospital in Naperville has announced recent administration promotions.

Hoop dreams coming down

By David Sharos Special to The Sun — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

In the 1990s, hoop dreams were alive and well here in the metropolitan area as driveway basketball poles appeared by the hundreds, and Chicagoans rejoiced in the magic of the Chicago Bulls. Now those poles are showing their age.

Personnel File

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Rush-Copley Medical Group in Aurora welcomes two new physicians to its practices.

Business Briefs

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Outdoor styling is topic at Green View Green View Nursery in Oswego will hold two free seminars on Saturday, Aug. 23 about accessorizing your outdoor space for fall. They will be held at 1501 Ogden Avenue West and are open to the public. The schedule is:

Personnel File

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Carrie M. Buddingh recently joined the Gierach Law Firm in Naperville as an Associate. Buddingh holds a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Iowa and a Juris Doctor degree from The John Marshall Law School. The firm represents clients in areas of estate planning and administration, real estate, business and commercial law.

Business Briefs

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Marshall's opens today in Yorkville

Business Calendar

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Today

Sonic gets big welcome

BY ERIKA WURST ewurst@scn1.com — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

After months of anticipation, fast food junkies were in SONIC heaven Tuesday as the drive-in restaurant made its Chicago area debut in Aurora. Dozens of cars were filled with patrons waiting for a chance to pull into a stall and order treats from the speaker-equipped menu boards.

SONIC drive-in opens today

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Fox Valley residents will get their first taste of SONIC Drive-In's famous Cherry Limeades, Tater Tots and Extra-Long Cheese Coneys starting today.

Market corrections are normal, short-term

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

It happens every time the stock market drops: Investors question their strategy, their luck and their timing -- all in an attempt to determine what went wrong and what they should have done differently. But if you, as an individual investor, really want to know how to respond to today's market decline, you need to look back at yesteryear.

Exchange club sets meeting dates, plans fundraisers

special to the beacon news — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

The Exchange Club of Greater Kendall County will meet from noon to 1 p.m. Aug. 26 at Stonefire Restaurant in Yorkville, Route 47 and Kennedy Road. The featured speaker will be Teresa Porter, Director of Community Relations for CASA Kendall County.

A new pencil box for fewer bucks

By Cheryl V. Jackson The Chicago Sun-Times — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Perhaps the best lesson in home economics this fall will be learned before school bells ring as parents struggle to keep the cost of resupplying their returning students down. Retailers are responding to the back-to-school realities of a down economy by offering inexpensive school supplies and some innovative ways to shop, said Steve Olsen, vice president of merchandising for Office Depot's supplies division.

Some new items to check out

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Help at home

Don't forget to raid those clearance racks

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Brenda Bromfield buys pretty much everything on clearance or at deep discounts throughout the year, taking advantage of deals, then stocking the loot away until needed.

Business Calendar

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Business Calendar

Panel wary of uneven tariffs

By Paige Winfield sun-times news group — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Without a free trade agreement with Colombia, it's cheaper for Warrenville-based Navistar to outsource production of buses and trucks to Brazil and then transport them to their northwestern neighbor.

Motorists turn to carpooling to cut costs

The Associated Press — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Robert Gilliland didn't think much about carpooling until gas prices got out of control. Now, he's happy to trade his motoring freedom for $120 in weekly savings. Each day, Gilliland picks up two riders on his way to work and again on his way home.

Business Briefs

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

DLR Group design honored for Oswego learning center

Consumer prices up, job market strained

The Associated Press — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Inflation is running at the fastest pace in 17 years, the job market is under further strain and foreclosure filings are surging. A raft of gloomy economic data on Thursday represented a setback for those hoping to see signs of better times ahead.

State jobless rate hits 7.3%

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

If you need a clue as to how bad the unemployment situation is in Illinois, consider 33-year-old Kevin Champagne. He was among roughly 1,000 people who showed up Thursday to apply for 240 part-time jobs at a Target store that will open in Morgan Park this fall. Some 3,000 people are expected to apply by the time Target finishes the three-day job fair Saturday at Apostolic Pentecostal Church of Morgan Park.

30-year mortgage rates steady for third week in a row

BY FRANCINE KNOWLES — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Rates on 30-year mortgages remained at the same level for a third week while rates on other types of home loans posted small declines, mortgage company Freddie Mac reported Thursday.

Glitch hits Netflix: Technical woes limit DVD shipments

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Netflix Inc. said Thursday that major technical problems over the past three days have severely limited the number of DVDs it could send out. The unspecified problems affected all of the Los Gatos, Calif.-based company's 55 shipping centers and marked the biggest disruption in service since Netflix launched its DVD-by-mail subscription business nine years ago.

Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan to pay fines

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Morgan Stanley on Thursday became the latest banks to reach settlements with New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo and other regulators as part of a investigation into the collapse of the auction-rate securities market.

Coming revolution in accounting

BY TED PINCUS theopincus@hotmail.com — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Bean counters at public companies in Chicago and elsewhere are preoccupied with soft markets and tight credit, when perhaps they should be focused on an even bigger problem: a seismic change in their own ground rules.

Personnel File

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Linnea Windel , president/CEO at Visiting Nurse Association of Fox Valley , has been awarded a national Fellowship program focused on leading the country's health care system into the 21st century. Windel is one of twenty nurses nationwide selected as a 2008 Robert Wood Johnson Executive Nurse Fellow. In the three-year program, Windel will have an opportunity to undertake a leadership project to benefit VNA. The scope of her project is to design a health care program for senior citizens which coordinates their health care, resulting in improved access to care and quality of care. Windel has been with VNA of Fox Valley since 1988, and has served as its President/CEO since 1999. She is a national speaker at various health care conferences, as well as a member of the VNA First Board, the Visiting Nurse Associations of America Governmental Affairs Committee, and Kane County Public Health Advisory Board.

Business Briefs

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

An "Immigration Law Breakfast" hosted by the Greater Aurora Chamber of Commerce will be from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on Thursday at Long Island Sound Banquets, 1920 E. New York St. in Aurora. Andrew Sagartz of CALMEC Global Law Group will present "Immigration Law -- What All Employers Need to Know." Sagartz specializes in Immigration Law and will also take questions on the topic. Cost is $25 for members, $35 for non-members. Call (630) 897-3751 to register.

Retail sales drop for first time in 5 months

By MARTIN CRUTSINGER The Associated Press — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Retail sales fell in July, the weakest performance in five months, as shoppers shunned autos and other big ticket items.

Beacon's the best, national news group says

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

The Beacon News has been named the top suburban newspaper in the United States for 2008 by a national news association.

Drivers spending less time traveling

The Associated Press — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

As summer vacation season kicked in, Americans got out of their cars, driving 12.2 billion fewer miles in June than the same month a year earlier. The decline, which came while gas prices were peaking, was the biggest monthly driving drop in a downward trend that began in November, according to a federal report.

Looking out for aging boomers

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

With baby boomers entering the golden years the Chicago Park District is spending $35 million to make its facilities more accessible. While the improvements will benefit those disabled since birth and people injured in accidents, the plan also addresses the challenges others face as they age, said Larry Labiak, the Park District's disability policy officer.

Demand for suburban office space way down

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

David Roeder: Demand for office space in the suburbs is at its weakest in six years. The poor economy is the main reason, but other factors include problems that hit close to the homefront for consumers, such as the mortgage crisis and even high gas prices.

Sharing space keeps rents low for local artisans

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Sandra Guy: Independent retailers are opening stores in today's tough economy by focusing on niche markets with one-of-a-kind concepts. The Andersonville Galleria, which showcases the importance of support for the arts and friendly property owners, is slated to double the space it rents to homegrown artists in time for Christmas and the winter holidays.

Business Buzz

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Chiro One Wellness Center will host a grand opening of its new Yorkville facility at 4 p.m. Thursday at 942 N. Bridge St. The event includes refreshments, door prizes, free chair massages and free spinal screenings. Call (630) 553-8380.

Homeowners owing more than property worth

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

David Roeder: Declines in Chicago area housing prices became steeper in the last 12 months, with many buyers carrying mortgages worth more than the homes they live in, according to research from the online real estate data company Zillow Inc.

Denny's, IHOP trying to reclaim breakfast

The Associated Press — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

After watching more customers stream into drive-throughs for a quick morning meal, family dining restaurants such as Denny's and IHOP are telling their fast-food competitors to back off breakfast.

Barks beat economy's bite

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Sandra Guy: Why would retail businesses be closing and vacancies left begging in the fastest-growing community in the Chicago area? At least 14 businesses have closed and two others have moved away in recent months in an area bordered by Cermak on the south, Roosevelt Road on the north, State Street on the west and Indiana Avenue on the east.

Turbulence for United CEO

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Lewis Lazare: If Glenn Tilton didn't know it already, the United Airlines CEO and chairman now surely realizes he's got a major labor-relations problem. But it's a problem Tilton looks to be addressing, initially anyway, by hanging tough.

2 scammed Orthodox Jews, stole $100M: feds

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Two owners of a Chicago real estate investment firm cheated investors out of more than $100 million by exploiting connections in the Orthodox Jewish community, federal authorities charged in criminal and civil lawsuits filed Monday.

Beating the tax bite

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Sandra Guy: Native Chicagoan Keene Addington plans to open eight new Flat Top Grill stir-fry fresh-food eateries in the next 18 months, but only one will be in downtown Chicago. The Loop site, in the old Carson Pirie Scott & Co. building at 1 S. State, is expected to open late this year. The entrance will be at Wabash and Monroe.

Car insurance premiums going up for Illinois drivers

STAFF REPORTS — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Car insurance companies in Illinois, facing higher medical bills and disappearing returns from investments, are looking to policyholders to boost their profits.

United spots hit new heights

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Lewis Lazare: Achieving greatness usually requires a lot of hard, smart work. That is certainly the case with United Airlines' five new "It's Time to Fly" commercials that will air over the next couple of weeks during the Beijing Olympic telecasts.

Stocks fall moderately; oil prices fluctuate

FROM ASSOCIATED PRESS — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Stocks ended higher Monday but well off their peaks after the price of crude oil pulled off its lows and the Federal Reserve said more banks are tightening lending standards.

Course links Elmhurst students to South Africa

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Sandra Guy: Ammar Haq had never paid attention to the message underlying a neighborhood's lack of banks and proliferation of currency exchanges until he took an honors course at Elmhurst College. "You don't see one bank for miles," said Haq, a 22-year-old senior majoring in biology, describing a class tour of a bank-less Chicago neighborhood. "You see storefront churches and fast-food places and currency exchanges." Haq, who grew up in Lombard and whose parents are from Pakistan, took the eye-opening tour as part of the course "Prophets: Visions of Social Justice."

Study stresses key to comfortable retirement: save

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

How much money above Social Security benefits do workers need annually after they retire to enjoy their same pre-retirement standard of living?

Denny's, IHOP try to reclaim breakfast

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

After watching more customers stream into drive-throughs for a quick morning meal, family dining restaurants such as Denny's and IHOP are telling their fast-food competitors to back off breakfast.

Guitar man

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Most college-bound students don't have extra cash on hand to purchase a high-end guitar.

Web designer takes road less traveled

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Over the years, Brandon J. Yaniz, a fifth-generation business owner on the 100 block of East Chicago street, has seen a number of merchants come and go -- some of them family members. "My family has owned businesses on this street in Elgin for four generations before me, including a shoe store and a bar," Yaniz recalled. A 28-year-old self-described computer "geek," Yaniz in 1999 would choose a business name suggesting his career choice: Cyber Pathways.

Time to dump financial planner?

BY ASSOCIATED PRESS — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Telephone calls began flooding in to financial planners early last month as the pain of June 30 account statements hit home. For many clients who had relied on advisers to steer them through a turbulent market, steep drops in the value of their portfolios came as a double-digit shock.

It pays to be green

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

AURORA -- It's easy to draw conclusions about manufacturing supplier Keson Industries on Aurora's East Side.

Business Calendar

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Tuesday, Aug. 12

As phone books multiply, so do consumer hang-ups

The Associated Press — Sat, 9 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

It's been a fixture on kitchen counters, refrigerator tops and junk drawers for decades. But today, the Yellow Pages is a bit too ubiquitous for some, with phone books published annually in the U.S. outnumbering the population by two to one.

Drug prices skyrocket

BY ASSOCIATED PRESS — Sat, 9 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Pharmaceutical companies are increasingly hiking the prices of specialty medications by 100 percent or more -- sometimes much more -- attracting scrutiny from lawmakers who have pledged to lower health care costs. Drug prices have historically outpaced those of other consumer goods, with the average price of medicines most-often prescribed to seniors rising 7.4 percent last year, according to the advocacy group AARP. But several hundred medications have seen prices jump much, much higher -- and their numbers appear to be growing.

Stocks rebound from tough week

BY TIM PARADIS — Sat, 9 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Wall Street rebounded smartly Friday, shooting higher as a surge in the dollar and another plunge in oil prices eased some of investors' worries about losses at mortgage finance company Fannie Mae. The Dow Jones industrials soared more than 300 points, more than wiping out a big loss from the previous session, and all the major indexes had their best weekly gains since April.

Business Briefs

Sat, 9 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

DeMask Marketing named agency for FMC Solutions

Julie Miklos: Always on the prowl for sales on supplies

Fri, 8 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Julie Miklos, 40, of Chicago is the mother of two boys, Matty, 8, and Danny, 9. She is a super saver and shared her tips for back-to-school saving: "First, I keep my sons' supply list with me in my purse the entire summer. You never know when you are going to run across a good sale."

Telecommuter saves by phoning it in

Fri, 8 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Tamra Craig isn't losing sleep over nightmarish gas prices. The Near South Side Chicago resident has been able to avoid the daily and costly drive to her job in Schaumburg by telecommuting.

Sara Lee bakes up price hike

Fri, 8 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Food and beverage giant Sara Lee Corp. said it will continue to pass off rising commodity and production costs to customers. It expects a $500 million price increase this year, including the 5 percent hike it put on meats last month.

Advanced Elmo sure to be red-hot holiday toy

Fri, 8 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

He talks, has some serious moves and most likely will be near impossible to find come the holidays. The 2008 version of the talking Elmo doll, which is scheduled for release Oct. 14, is listed as one of Wal-Mart's top 12 toys for the 2008 holiday season.

Horseshoe Casino eyes showbiz jackpot with new Venue

Fri, 8 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

A sound investment at a casino? That appears to be the case with the new $70 million concert theater that opens tonight at Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Ind., offering Chicago area concertgoers a chance to see big-name acts. Bette Midler's sold-out show tonight is the official debut offering at the 2,500-seat facility, called The Venue.

Retailers face tough back-to-school time

By ANNE D'INNOCENZIO The Associated Press — Fri, 8 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

NEW YORK -- With the benefits of their stimulus checks dried up, Americans are focusing even more on necessities like detergent and milk.

Business Briefs

Fri, 8 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

O'Donnell Commercial brokers real estate offices in St. Charles

Crash course: How to save money while on campus

Thu, 7 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Live like a student while you're in school, so you don't have to live like one after you graduate.

Business Buzz

Thu, 7 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Alden Gardens of Waterford Assisted Living Community will host a Hawaiian Luau Party from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at its facility, 1955 Randi Drive, Aurora. The event will include a Hawaiian buffet, live entertainment and a performance of traditional Hawaii dances. Call (773) 286-3883 ext. 543.

No 'must-have' school item for kids this fall

Wed, 6 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Sandra Guy: It's a back to basics back-to-school year in electronics shopping, because there is no "must-have" item this year, experts say. "We haven't seen one product that teenagers are gushing over. Most of the text-messaging products and miniature computers have already been on the market for a while," said Kathy Grannis, spokeswoman for the National Retail Federation in Washington, D.C.

Personnel File

Thu, 7 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Marcello Cancelli has been named the new manager for ROX CITY Grill in St. Charles, as announced by Ginger LoGalbo-Irps, general manager of the Hotel Baker where the restaurant is located. Cancelli most recently served as the general manager/wine director at Sopa in Highwood, and held similar positions over the past 11 years at Restaurant Michael in Winnetka, Brazzaz in Chicago, Carlos' Restaurant in Highland Park, and North Pond Caf� in Lincoln Park. He also earned an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine. A native of Brazil, Cancelli is fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese. He currently resides in St. Charles.

Cubs may be bleacher bums on Wrigley parking garage

Thu, 7 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

It looks like the Cubs may never build the 400-space parking garage adjacent to Wrigley Field promised to area residents in exchange for a 1,791-seat bleacher expansion. Cubs Chairman Crane Kenney said the building planned for a triangular parcel adjacent to the stadium has been "completely re-designed" by Tribune Co. CEO Sam Zell's real estate team to include more retail and office space at the expense of parking.

Retailers amp up promotions for back-to-school

Thu, 7 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Retailers preparing for a difficult back-to-school season are getting creative in their attempts to entice shoppers into the stores - aggressively introducing new products, slashing prices and amping up marketing in the battle for parents' bucks.

These handy gadgets make campus life easier

Wed, 6 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Notebook PCs made for the back-to-school college market are usually as boring and practical as a pair of brown back-to-school pants. ASUS bucks that trend with the new ASUS eeePC 1000H . . . a compact Windows XP subnotebook with a comfortable screen, an Intel processor, 80-gig hard drive and up to eight hours of battery life.

Personnel File

Wed, 6 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

The following physicians have recently joined the medical staff of Delnor Hospital in Geneva.

Potbelly plan going belly up in Aurora?

By Marissa Amoni Special to The Beacon News — Tue, 5 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

A proposed Potbelly might not be peddling soup and sandwiches in downtown Aurora after all. Timing seems to have put a question mark on what seemed like a done deal a month ago.

New spin at Motorola

BY SANDRA GUY — Tue, 5 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Sandra Guy: Motorola's new co-chief executive and head of its mobile phone unit, Sanjay Jha, said Monday he will make important decisions on the Schaumburg-based cell phone giant's maligned software technology platforms in the next 90 days and aim to quickly launch the kinds of handsets that consumers demand. Jha, 45, will earn base pay of at least $1.2 million, receive a bonus of $2.4 million and get an ownership stake in a new, stand-alone Motorola handset business.

Business Calendar

Tue, 5 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Wednesday, Aug. 6

New energy source is blowing in the wind

By Patrick Ferrell pferrell@scn1.com — Sun, 3 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

They tower high above the corn in eastern LaSalle County, where their giant wings soon will spin almost as gracefully as a heron flying a few feet above water. At 262 feet tall, the 66 wind turbines will generate enough energy to power 30,000 homes when they are brought fully online by September or October.

Suit against eSlate maker withdrawn

BY DAN CAMPANA dcamPana@scn1.com — Mon, 4 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

A Supreme Court ruling on whistleblower lawsuits has prompted attorneys to withdraw a case against the maker of eSlate voting machines, the system used in Kane County.

Medicare at risk for fraud

By Hope Yen The Associated Press — Mon, 4 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

WASHINGTON -- The government is putting millions of Medicare dollars at risk by authorizing fictitious sellers of wheelchairs, prosthetics and other medical supplies to submit reimbursement claims with only limited review, congressional investigators say.

Suit alleges Amoco responsible for cancer at Naperville facility

Sun-Times News Group — Sun, 3 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Ten years after lawsuits began pouring in against oil-giant BP Amoco regarding more than 20 employees of its Naperville research center developing a variety of deadly cancers, lawyers for the families of the victims think they are getting closer to a trial.

Carwash delivers at-home service

By David Sharos Special to The Beacon News — Sun, 3 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

In an effort to generate broader sales and make life as convenient as possible, more businesses are bringing services right to their customers. Baby sitters pick up and deliver; family photos can be shot in a traveling studio outside the house; and food options have expanded so much that even groceries can be brought to the front door.

BusinessCalendar

Sun, 3 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Tuesday, Aug. 5

Debit card use rising; lifts Visa, MasterCard

Fri, 1 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

As Americans see their home prices plunge, bills climb, and credit lines shrink, they are swiping their credit cards less and their debit cards more -- and Visa and MasterCard are still raking in the fees.

Couple's B&B a Naperville destination since 198

Fri, 1 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Many people work from home, but it is quite different when your home is your work. That is the case for Neal and Lynn Harrison, who own the Harrison House Bed and Breakfast in downtown Naperville.

Personnel File

Fri, 1 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

John N. Blair, M.D. , a board certified pediatrician with Dreyer Medical Clinic since 1975, was named recipient of the 2007 Dr. John W. Dreyer Award of Excellence . He was chosen from individual nominations submitted to the Dreyer Medical Group board of directors, with their final selection based on a global assessment of key areas of physician performance. Dr. Blair currently sees patients at Batavia, Plainfield, and West Aurora with Attention Deficit and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorders and learning and behavioral problems. Dr. Blair received his undergraduate degree from Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind. and a medical degree from Indiana University, Indianapolis. He completed an internship at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Ind. and a residency at Indiana University Medical Center in Indianapolis. Dr. Blair also completed a mini-fellowship in Behavioral Pediatrics at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass.

Business Briefs

Fri, 1 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Delnor receives nursing designation

Debit card offers a safer way to receive payments

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Terry Savage: The check may no longer be "in the mail" for thousands of Chicago area recipients of Social Security and Supplemental Security Income. They can now choose to receive their monthly benefits electronically through a new Direct Express Debit MasterCarddebit card account, which the Treasury Department is announcing today. The new payment card will be safer and easier -- especially if you don't have a bank account. Your benefit amount will be deposited electronically into your Direct Express account every month.

Elburn asks residents to rate cable service

BY LINDA GIRARDI Special to the Beacon News — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

ELBURN � Residents are being given an opportunity to give input on their cable television service.

Piano store owners may face criminal charges

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

NAPERVILLE -- DuPage County prosecutors will decide whether criminal charges will be filed against the owners of a now-defunct Naperville piano store accused of defrauding more than 100 of their customers.

Personnel File

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Leroy A. Molinari has been hired as Building Inspections Supervisor for the Village of Montgomery . Molinari has 20 years experience in Illinois municipal government, most recently serving as Deputy Director of Community Development in Des Plaines. Molinari will head the Building Division in Montgomery with responsibility for building inspections and plan review, and supervision of a staff of four.