To keep your money safe, it pays to check out your bank
Several clients who have come in for reviews recently have asked the question, "Is my money safe?" They weren't referring to the no-load mutual funds and exchange-traded funds that make up their portfolio. They were asking about their checking, savings and certificates of deposit held at various banks. These questions stem from the rash of banks that have been closed by the state's Office of Financial Regulation and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. I went to www.fdic.gov to find out more about how to best answer this question.

Business Briefs

Crabie invention comforts kids with aches, pains
Being a little crab seems like a label one might attach to a cranky child or pouting teenager. But in the world of Jenni Kotecki, the crabbier the world is, the better. A graduate in studio art from North Central College, Kotecki, 36, is a stay-at-home mom with a vision.

Studio to help others unleash their inner artist
Like getting a cup of coffee or reading the newspaper in the mornings, Lian Xu hopes that her new art studio, The Art Room, becomes a part of a relaxing routine for Lisle residents. The Art Room, at 6462 College Road, has opened its doors to people of any age looking to improve their artistic abilities, talk about art and meet other artists.

Bookstore dream comes to a close
Almost 30 years ago, John and MaryAnn Gross had a dream to own a Christian bookstore. And while that dream eventually came true – they opened two stores – it will come to a close soon.

Hoop dreams coming down
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.

Business Briefs

Business Briefs

Restaurateur looks to suburbs to beat the tax bite
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. Why more suburban sites than those in Chicago? One consideration is the 11.5 percent sales tax that Chicago restaurants must charge inside a taxing district.

Business offers local, organic baby foods
In January, Naperville residents Farah and Doug Apicella launched Fresh Family Organics, an enterprise devoted to producing and distributing clean, safe, locally generated food for babies. Tasting events and other concerted marketing efforts began earlier this summer, and the word is starting to get out.