The Naperville Sun :: Business ::

Bolingbrook's Woodlands is contemporary dining

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Alex Greco's pals in Chicago's high restaurant society thought maybe their buddy's pilot light blew out last year when he set aside other lucrative offers so that he could become managing partner of a new concept eatery in Bolingbrook?

Dow jumps record 936 on bailout hopes

BY ASSOCIATED PRESS — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Wall Street stormed back from last week�s devastating losses Monday, sending the Dow Jones industrials soaring a nearly inconceivable 936.42 points after major governments� plans to support the global banking system reassured distraught investors. All the major indexes rose more than 11 percent.

Bank or credit union? Deciding which works for you

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Chances are you're eligible to join at least one of the more than 8,000 credit unions in the country. But first, take a look at how credit unions stack up against banks on some key issues.

Funeral home saves memories online

By KARA SPAK Sun-Times News Group — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

With a few clicks of her computer mouse, Darlene Stoffa can relive her husband's funeral.

Many choosing to leave life in nontraditional way

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

While few funeral homes offer live-stream Web casts, interest in the technology is rising, part of a Baby Boomer-fueled trend to personalize their funeral services.

Career by chance

By Stephanie Behne Special to The Sun — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Well-wishers seemed to come out of nowhere, but former Naperville resident Adrian Holovaty had smiles and handshakes for all. Holovaty, a Chicagoan since 2004, had garnered national media attention in recent years before setting the area abuzz last summer as the subject of a profile in the Chicago Tribune. Now, a general audience outside the field of Web journalism could understand what he did - and the magazine's cover story solidified his role as a leader in the industry.

Business people

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Peter Dawes has been appointed president of Broadwind Energy Inc. of Naperville's service platform and Jess Collins was named vice president, heavy manufacturing and transportation services.

Alcatel-Lucent report includes layoffs already announced

By David Sharos Special to The Sun — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

A state layoff report stating that 263 people will be laid off from the Lisle and Naperville Alcatel-Lucent locations is not new, a company spokesperson said.

Wild session ends with Dow down 126 points

FROM THE ASSOCIATED PRESS — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Wall Street capped its worst week ever with a wild session Friday that left stocks with a widely mixed finish.

Markets continue slide in Europe, Asia

BY ASSOCIATED PRESS — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

European stock markets slumped further Friday following massive losses on Wall Street and Asia on mounting fears that this week's efforts by central banks and governments to break the logjam in credit markets have failed to ease lending rates between banks.

McDonald's cuts off gay chamber of commerce group

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

After months of pressure from an anti-gay-marriage group, McDonald's Corp. has given up a director's seat and will stop sponsorship of a national gay business organization.

Experts: Steer clear of stocks if college, retirement are near

BY FRANCINE KNOWLES — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

With the market continuing to tank, who should have the least invested in stocks or get out of the market entirely?

Thursday: A year after all-time high, Dow in free fall

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

A runaway train of a sell-off turned the anniversary of the stock market peak into one of the darkest days in Wall Street history Thursday, driving the Dow Jones industrials down a breathtaking 678.91 points -- mostly in the final hour.

Traders: 'We're in the 100-year flood'

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

The Chicago futures markets, where some traders eat fear for breakfast, has become a place of helpless uncertainty.

Holiday trimmings

By MAUREEN O'DONNELL Sun-Times News Group — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Brother, can you spare an Elmo Live doll?

Deals for savvy Santas

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Wal-Mart and KB Toys have each cut prices already on popular toys - ranging from Mattel's Barbie to the Bakugan game - to $10 or less, and Target said it is offering $10 toys as well, ahead of the holiday season.

Business Briefs

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Monarch Landing raises funds for Ike aid

Stock market plunging into pit of despair

By MICHAEL LIEDTKE The Associated Press — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

SAN FRANCISCO -- Could it be just a year ago that jubilant investors were celebrating record highs in the stock market?

State layoff report reflects Alcatel-Lucent layoffs already announced

By Dave Sharos, Special to The Sun — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

A state layoff report stating that 263 people will be laid off from the Lisle and Naperville Alcatel-Lucent locations is not new, a company spokesperson said.

Pursuit of Christmas

By DAVID SHAROS Special to The Sun — Thu, 9 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

The first signs of fall may be in the air, but already folks are beginning to think about Christmas and beating the holiday rush. And with plenty of cold and snowy nights on the horizon, burrowing in on a winter's night with the family and playing a board game of Christmas Bingo or Christmas Trivia sounds like a great way to wile away an evening.

Dow industrials fall over 600 points, below 9,000

BY ASSOCIATED PRESS — Thu, 9 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Stocks plunged in the final minutes of trading Thursday, sending the Dow Jones industrials down more than 675 points, or more than 7 percent, to their lowest level in five years after a major credit ratings agency said it was considering cutting its rating on General Motors Corp. The Standard & Poor's 500 index also fell more than 7 percent.

Meltdown in Iceland

Thu, 9 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

In Washington, certain financial houses are deemed "too big to fail." In Iceland, they are "too big to save." Therein lies a problem for a peaceable country near the Arctic Circle, far north of the world's tension line. Iceland is sliding towards bankruptcy. Its situation is so bad it had to negotiate $6 billion from the Russians after the European Union and the United States declined to help.

Business Calendar

Thu, 9 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Tuesday, Oct. 14

Morning Briefing

Thu, 9 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Restaurant, spa to open in Citygate Centre

Nalco says hurricanes hurt results

The Associated Press — Thu, 9 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Waste and water treatment company Nalco Holding Co. says that disruptions caused by two hurricanes that recently swept through the Gulf of Mexico region will lower the company's earnings for the remainder of the year.

Fed slashes interest rates, but stocks lose

By JEANNINE AVERSA The Associated Press — Thu, 9 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

WASHINGTON -- Wall Street bounced higher and lower Wednesday trying to make up its mind about an unprecedented coordinated interest rate cut by central banks around the world. In the end it settled on a familiar feeling - fear - and plunged again.

Librarian with business sense

By DAVID SHAROS Special to The Sun — Wed, 8 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

For years, the Naperville Public Library has offered a wide array of programs and educational materials to serve its patrons. And in the coming months, they also hope to take care of business.

Stocks plunge into abyss

Wed, 8 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Sandra Guy: Wall Street heard no magic words from President Bush or Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke on Tuesday, so the gloom deepened. Leave it to a Chicago analyst to explain the consequences of the Street's denial that the subprime mortgage mess and housing bubble have become global issues. "The market has to go through this process before it can start healing," said Phil Flynn, energy analyst with Alaron Trading Corp.

Developers turn to rentals in downturn

Wed, 8 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

David Roeder: Despite the collapse of the condo market, construction of rental housing still has committed backers. Lenders see apartments as being on the right side of demographic and economic trends, and the development firm McCaffery Interests Inc. is capitalizing on their interest.

Dominick's owner sees profit rise

Wed, 8 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Safeway, owner of Dominick's grocery stores, said Tuesday its sales remain strong as it offers more everyday bargains, cuts advertising spending and benefits from its gift-card business in a tough economy.

Madigan: mortgage settlement is model for country

By DEANNA BELLANDI Associated Press — Wed, 8 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

A loan modification program that's part of an $8.7 billion national settlement over deceptive mortgage practices will help tens of thousands of borrowers stay in their homes and could be a national model, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan said Monday.

Morning Briefing

Wed, 8 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Countrywide loans end with $8.7M settlement

Kraft says layoffs will affect mostly management

By DAVID SHAROS Special to The Sun — Wed, 8 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Company employees experiencing layoffs might be a sign of the times - but in this instance, the impact here in Naperville might not be so bad.

Program to focus on donor-centered fundraising for nonprofit organizations

Wed, 8 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Whether it's on the street or at a chamber event, one of the great things about Naperville is that almost everyone you meet is involved with a not-for-profit organization in some way. They might volunteer, attend a fundraiser, or serve on the board of directors for one of the many great organizations in our community. We are blessed to live in a community with such wonderful resources, and it is truly wonderful to personally witness the charitable spirit throughout our community, focusing on giving back to those less fortunate.

Stocks tumble as Wall Street worries about financials

FROM THE ASSOCIATED PRESS — Tue, 7 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

The misery worsened on Wall Street Tuesday, with stocks piling on the losses late in the session and bringing the two-day decline in the Dow Jones industrials to more than 875 points amid escalating worries about credit markets and financial sector. The Dow lost more than 500 points and all the major indexes slid more than 5 percent.

Job counselor helps seekers find best career fit

Tue, 7 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

The irony of her name is not lost on Joy Maguire-Dooley. A loss-and-grief counselor by profession, she serves as director of adult services for Lisle Township, spending her days counseling people grappling with the realities of life changes they usually have not sought out.

Mortgage relief deal

Tue, 7 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Sandra Guy: Nearly 11,000 Illinoisans with Countrywide mortgages -- most of them in the Chicago area -- are expected to get help to avoid foreclosure after Countrywide's new owner, Bank of America, agreed to an $8.7 billion settlement with Illinois and 10 other states. Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office helped resolve a lawsuit that alleged Countrywide put people into loans, mostly subprime loans, that the would-be homeowners could not afford.

Kraft to slash 400 jobs

Tue, 7 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Northfield-based foodmaker Kraft Foods Inc. said Monday it is cutting 400 jobs in North America to reduce costs. Kraft spokeswoman Renee Zahery said the layoffs will represent a cut of about 1 percent in the company's North American work force.

Morning Briefing

Tue, 7 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Organization raises funds for Denim Day

Named executor of someone's estate? Expect tough, often thankless job

Tue, 7 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Probate is a court process. The rules and procedures applicable to the probate process are controlled by the Illinois Probate Act. Anyone who takes under the will, every heir and every creditor of the decedent is given rights under the Probate Act. At a minimum, every interested party is entitled to notice of all court filings and information about the estate. Every interested party is entitled to an inventory of all estate assets and accountings of all financial activities and distributions.

Wall Street tumbles amid global sell-off

BY ASSOCIATED PRESS — Mon, 6 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Wall Street suffered through another extraordinary and traumatic session Monday, with the Dow Jones industrials plunging as much as 800 points -- their largest one-day point drop -- before recovering to close with a loss of 370. The catalyst for the selling, which also took the Dow below 10,000 for the first time in four years, was investors' growing despair that the spreading credit crisis will take a heavy toll around the world.

Department of Labor sues Local 150

Mon, 6 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Last year's Local 150 Operating Engineers election won't be over until the Department of Labor and a federal judge say it's over.

Business Calendar

Mon, 6 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Tuesday, Oct. 7

Managing e-mail overload

Sat, 4 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Remember when "You've got mail" alerts were thrilling? The e-mails that now pour into office inboxes and spill onto BlackBerry devices have left some workers feeling so bogged down with online messages that they can find little time to do anything else.

The fish pros

By DAVID SHAROS Special to The Sun — Sun, 5 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Caring for pets when owners are away is pretty straightforward if you own a dog or cat. Most of us can rely on a family member or neighbor to help out, and veterinarians often provide boarding services.

Bailout becomes 'sweet' deal

The Associated Press — Sat, 4 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Millions of taxpayers, thousands of businesses and groups as diverse as solar power developers and natural disaster victims will see tax relief with the House vote Friday to approve and send to the president a $700 billion financial rescue plan.

Bush signs bailout bill

FROM THE ASSOCIATED PRESS — Fri, 3 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

They held their noses and voted ''yes.'' Now lawmakers in both parties -- along with President Bush -- are waiting to see whether their historic $700 billion bailout for the financial industry can stabilize the tottering economy and prevent a broader meltdown.

Some BP workers heading to city

By DAVID SHAROS Special to The Sun — Fri, 3 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

BP says it's progressing with plans to relocate some employees from its DuPage County facilities to Chicago, but that it plans to maintain a presence in Naperville. BP said in May that it planned to move 1,000 jobs from its area locations to the Chicago Mercantile Exchange complex.

Wells Fargo gets Wachovia for $15.1 billion

BY ASSOCIATED PRESS — Fri, 3 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

NEW YORK -- In an abrupt change of course, Wachovia Corp. said Friday it agreed to be acquired by Wells Fargo & Co. in a $15.1 billion all-stock deal, wiping out Wachovia's previous plan to sell its banking operations to rival suitor Citigroup Inc.

Job loss figures hit 5-year high

BY ASSOCIATED PRESS — Fri, 3 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Employers slashed payrolls by 159,000 in September, the most in more than five years, a worrisome sign that the economy is hurtling toward a deep recession.

Bud Light gives up on yucks

Fri, 3 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Lewis Lazare: A major change in Bud Light advertising begins Saturday. For years, Bud Light and its lead ad agency, DDB/Chicago, relied heavily on punch-line humor to popularize the brew. The ads, mostly aimed at a young adult male demo, helped build Bud Light into the behemoth it is today.

Bailout foes flipping

BY ASSOCIATED PRESS — Fri, 3 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Rejected once amid public fury about bailing out reckless financiers, a $700 billion rescue package is getting a second chance in the House as voters anxiously ponder an economic meltdown that could wipe out their ability to borrow, plunder their savings and put them out of work.

Morning Briefing

Fri, 3 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

MaidPro opens franchise in Naperville

Colleges scramble as investment fund freezes

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS — Fri, 3 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

An investment fund that serves about 1,000 colleges and private schools partially froze withdrawals this week amid the credit crunch, forcing colleges to develop new plans to pay bills.

Navistar plant to lay off 252

The Associated Press — Fri, 3 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

WEST POINT, Miss. -- A plant that builds mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles for the military has laid off 252 workers.

Stocks dive on economic reports

Fri, 3 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Pessimism about a protracted economic downturn washed over the financial markets Thursday, sending stocks plunging and further tightening the credit markets. News of declining factory orders and a seven-year high in jobless claims stoked fears that the government's financial rescue plan won't ward off a recession.

BBB: Beware of ticket scams

From Submitted Reports — Thu, 2 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

With the Major League Baseball playoffs under way, the Better Business Bureau is warning sports fans to be on the lookout for fraudulent sellers when shopping for hard-to-get tickets online. The secondary-ticket market for sporting and entertainment events, which includes tickets bought and sold by professional brokers, speculators and season-ticket holders, is a $10-billion-a-year industry.

Business Calendar

Thu, 2 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Tuesday, Oct. 7

Morning Briefing

Thu, 2 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

OfficeMax honors teachers

Company: Regional office good for local gas prices

By DAVID SHAROS Special to The Sun — Wed, 1 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Cheaper gasoline might seem like a pipe dream, but one company says a new office in Naperville might just do that. After a 50-year history of operating out of Gainesville, Ga., Mansfield Oil - a $50 billion privately held oil company - has added a regional office in Naperville.

Playoffs spark excitement for screen printer

By ANGELA BENDER Sun-Times News Group — Wed, 1 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

When the Cubs clinched the division, not only were they winners, but their victory meant Naperville contract screen printer Target Graphics was a winner as well. The company produced the Cubs' National League Central Champion T-shirts for Majestic Athletic. The shirts are sold in retail shops not only in Naperville, but also around the country.

Numbers add up at suburban egg company

Wed, 1 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Lansing-based National Pasteurized Eggs is cracking the subject of contaminated eggs wide open.

Morning Briefing

Wed, 1 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Credit union hosts event to support troops

Crisis throws curve at arenas

Wed, 1 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

First the bursting of the dot-com bubble in the 1990s, then the accounting scandals earlier this decade, forced ballparks and arenas around the country to change their names. Enron Field became Minute Maid Park, and names like PSINet Stadium and CMGI Field vanished.

Wall Street counting on help

Wed, 1 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Wall Street snapped back Tuesday after its biggest sell-off in years amid growing expectations that lawmakers will salvage a $700 billion rescue plan for the financial sector. But the seized-up credit markets where businesses turn to raise money showed no sign of relief.

FDIC wants to temporarily boost bank deposit limits over $100,000

Wed, 1 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Chairman Sheila Bair is seeking authority to temporarily raise deposit insurance limits from $100,000, giving banks liquidity amid a ''crisis of confidence'' in the banking industry.

Stocks surge higher; credit worries persist

BY ASSOCIATED PRESS — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Handbags like no other

By EVA McKENDRICK Special to The Sun — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Midway Airport leased for $2.5 billion

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Midway Airport would become the nation�s first privately-run major commercial airport and stay that way for 99 years, under a blockbuster $2.5 billion deal announced Tuesday that will create a windfall to shore up city pensions and rebuild Chicago�s aging infrastructure.

House rejects bailout: What should you do now?

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

The defeat of the mortgage bailout drove home a point with crystal clarity: Cash is king. If you've got it and wish to spend or invest it, opportunities abound.

Michael Reese hospital files for bankruptcy

SUN-TIMES STAFF AND WIRES — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Michael Reese Medical Center Corp., operator of the 450-bed namesake hospital in Chicago,has filed for bankruptcy protection. The hospital told the state in June that it will close by the end of the year. The city has been trying to buy the 37-acre South Side site to house a $1.1 billion Olympic Village, as part of Chicago's bid to host the 2016 Olympics.

Bars agree to stop serving alcohol after 7th inning

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Bars and restaurants surrounding Wrigley Field on Monday reluctantly agreed today to stop serving alcohol after the seventh inning of potential title-clinching Cubs playoff games, but only after City Hall made a last-minute concession: The prohibition will end if the games go into extra innings.

Reader's owner files for bankruptcy

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Tampa-based Creative Loafing, parent of the Chicago Reader, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Monday in federal court in Tampa, Fla. Sources familiar with the situation at the Reader say they did not expect the filing to have any immediate impact on the paper's operations, though the Reader and the other five alternative weeklies published by Creative Loafing are expected to accelerate efforts to develop their editorial presence online along with increased online advertising.

Morning Briefing

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Hilton Garden Inn opens off I-88

Cubs win victory for local company, too

By ANGELA BENDER Special to The Sun — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

When the Cubs clinched the division, not only were they winners, but their victory meant Naperville contract screen printer Target Graphics was a winner as well.

Business Calendar

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Wednesday, Oct. 1

Bailout discussion continues

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

David Roeder: The two-page proposal arrived Monday on Capitol Hill. It was audacious in its sweep and its demand: Pass this now, or the consequences will be on your head. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and President Bush were desperate to quarantine a financial fever devastating Wall Street.

Consumers caught in credit bind

BY DAVE CARPENTER AND ANNE D'INNOCENZIO — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

When Deb Freitag applied for a credit card so she could replace her roof, her leaky refrigerator and her old dishwasher, she was offered a $1,000 line of credit, not the $5,000 she needed. When Mark Ryan finally scraped together more than enough to buy a home, he found that the mortgage a bank promised him earlier in the year was no longer available.

Passing along fitness bug

By David Sharos Special to The Sun — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

The Center for Disease Control Web site reports that in studies through 2004, two of three people in the U.S. were defined as being obese based on the body mass index formula. And while some might disagree with what the appropriate range of weight should be, there is little doubt that being overweight has contributed to higher mortality rates in the country as well as increasing the cost of health care.

Keeping vacation homes in the family

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Now that autumn has officially arrived, many people have spent fond memories of visits with their family in a vacation property. Perhaps you own a vacation property in Michigan along the water or at Eagle Ridge in Galena on the golf course. Wherever the property is located, one important question is how to keep the vacation home in the family after you have passed on.

Chicago area's first 'green' Jewel-Osco opens

By Sandra Guy sguy@suntimes.com — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

The first "green" Jewel-Osco, complete with a green roof, an indoor air quality system and energy-conserving light bulbs highlighting food displays, is open for business.

Families� life stories go digital

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Sandra Guy: Everett Johnson looks at each day with glee following his double lung transplant two years ago. Johnson�s wife, Cheryl, wanted to create a DVD video for Everett�s 67th birthday to commemorate his recovery and their life together. She wanted the DVD to include family photos, and she wanted to convert to DVD two VHS-era family videos.

WaMu biggest bank to fail in U.S. history

FROM THE ASSOCIATED PRESS — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

NEW YORK---- As the debate over a $700 billion bank bailout rages on in Washington, one of the nation's largest banks -- Washington Mutual Inc. -- has collapsed under the weight of its enormous bad bets on the mortgage market.

Handbags like no other

By EVA McKENDRICK Special to The Sun — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

When Mary Ellen Middleton of Naperville gave her five sisters handmade bags before going on a cruise for her 50th birthday, little did she know that six years later, those cute bags would turn into her full-time job. Middleton is the owner and founder of Oney Designs, a company that lets women design their own handbags.

Bailout deal breaks down

BY ASSOCIATED PRESS — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Urgent efforts to lash together a $700 billion rescue plan for the national economy appeared to be stalling Thursday night, hours after key lawmakers had declared they had reached a deal.

Morning Briefing

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Library to offer financial planning intro

Opa!

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Nothing good comes easily, Kosta Demopoulos says. After a lifetime in the restaurant business, he probably knows what he's talking about. "I believe success, as they say in America ... means progress, and for progress you need to do hard work," said the owner of the eponymous Kosta's Mediterranean Cafe in south Naperville.

Rescue team among the best

From Submitted Reports — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Vulcan Materials Company Midwest Division's mine rescue team, most of whom work at local sites, took fifth place at the 2008 Mine Rescue Contest in Reno, Nevada.

Premium chocolate academy opens in Chicago

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Premium chocolate maker Barry Callebaut opened its first U.S. Chocolate Academy Wednesday in Chicago. Classes -- targeting culinary professionals -- begin next month at the training center, within the company's North American headquarters at 600 W. Chicago.

Business Calendar

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Tuesday, Sept. 30

Worried about the fate of your bank?

By David Roeder Chicago Sun-Times — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

The big sign on your neighborhood bank might tell the time and temperature. But it won't tell you how your bank is weathering the credit crisis.

Morning Briefing

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

American Mailers signs lease renewal

Make sure renting your home beats sale

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

With today's real estate market in a less than an ideal state, many homeowners are considering the option of renting their homes instead of selling for less than they had hoped. There are many financial and tax matters to consider when making this decision.

Dunn Bros. Coffee opens in North Aurora

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Move over, Caribou and Starbucks. Another specialty coffee shop has opened in Illinois, and plans to spread its fresh on-site daily roasting to neighborhoods throughout the Chicagoland area. But for the time being, the St. Paul, Minn.-based Dunn Bros. Coffee is testing its brand in North Aurora, the site of its first store in Illinois.

Argonne work key to alternate dimension?

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

It's all about energy. And, for the scientists at Argonne National Laboratory, it's all about the energy that cannot be seen. CERN, or the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is working together with scientists in a variety of countries to conduct experiments and analyze data at the Large Hadron Collider.

Morning Briefing

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Tellabs conference to be Webcast live

Speed networking for young professionals

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

As an active member of the Naperville community and the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, I often find myself among the youngest of individuals at a networking event, luncheon or even golf outing. While I do enjoy networking (and yes - golfing) with a variety of professionals from different ages and backgrounds, I think it's just as important to be networking within my peer group as well.

National City employees to help those in need

Sun staff — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

The 12 lobbies of National City branches in DuPage County will close from 1 to 5 p.m. today so employees can participate in the company's fifth Community Appreciation Day.

Veteran banker and First Midwest CEO dies

By LARRY FINLEY Sun-Times News Group — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

John M. O'Meara dedicated himself to the growth of his bank, his family and his spiritual self. "He was a very spiritual person," said his son, William O'Meara III. O'Meara, 62, died Sept. 13 at the University of Chicago Medical Center.

Morning Briefing

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Naperville Petsmart store opens Saturday

NCC grad joins board of college

Sun staff — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

James McDermet, senior vice president for Northeast/Atlantic at Starbucks Coffee Co., has joined the board of trustees of North Central College in Naperville.

Diagnosing your bank's health amid the crisis

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

The big sign on your neighborhood bank might tell the time and temperature. But it won't tell you how your bank is weathering the credit crisis. It's up to consumers to hunt for that information. The industry and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., the collector of bank financial reports, don't make the hunt easy. That's unfortunate because the answer would ease the minds of almost all bank customers, as should federal protections.

Certified genius

By David Sharos Special to The Sun — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Teachers, lawyers, doctors and other professionals all require various certificates or licenses to provide their services - documentation that says to their colleagues and the public at large that these people are trained professionals.

Business calendar

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Monday, Sept. 22

High-def makeup

By BETSY VERECKEY The Associated Press — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Makeup sellers seeking to stand out amid crowded cosmetic counters are expanding into a niche once confined to those living under the scrutiny of the lens: high-definition makeup. The cosmetics, once used just for newscasters, models and actors, are becoming more popular among women who want to appear like they would in HDTV: lifelike, flawless and picture-perfect.

People in business

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Gail Niermeyer, Alice Chin, Lindsay Mikita and Sandy Gledhill , all sales associate with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Naperville on 75th Street, have been named top sales producers for August. Niermeyer completed 6.45 transactions for a total of $3 million. Chin completed four transactions for a total of $1.3 million, Mikita completed four transactions for a total of $1.1 million. Gledhill completed $1.15 million in sales. According to Linda Fogarty, branch manager of the office, all four agents are consistent multi-million dollar producers.

Dealership of the future

By Stacey Skotzko Special to The Sun — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Bill Jacobs BMW/MINI President Denise Guardino is a gardener - she says with a smile that she has quite the green thumb. Perhaps this is why she is so enthusiastic about the main component of Bill Jacobs' newest project: a new, 88,000-square-foot BMW/MINI facility that will be more eco-friendly.

Smoking bans forcing gamblers to walk away

The Associated Press — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

At one point during her Saturday evening on Harrah's casino barge anchored here, Tensi Beavers needed a cigarette. But Illinois had recently banned smoking in casinos. So Ms. Beavers did something that is making gambling executives choke on their smoke-free casino air: She walked away from her game.

Lucent lays off 250

Sun staff — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

The Alcatel-Lucent communications technology company laid off about 250 employees from its Lisle and Naperville branches Thursday, according to a company spokesperson.

Morning briefing

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Order of Foresters elects board members

Make a retirement plan, then act

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

With gasoline and milk prices competing to see which can cost more per gallon, the economic news is discouraging lately. Managing day-to-day to costs is a challenge, but what about saving for retirement?

Backup plan

By David Sharos Special to The Sun — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

The adage about "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" is the theme area plumbers are espousing after the deluge of rain that hit the area last weekend. Garbage collection figures to be unusually large this week as homeowners like Stephen Brockman pile soaked carpet at the curbside after his basement took on more water than his pumps could handle.

Alcatel-Lucent branches lays off 250

Sun staff — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

The Alcatel-Lucent communications technology company laid off about 250 employees from its Lisle and Naperville branches on Thursday, according to a company spokesperson.

Business Calendar

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Monday, Sept. 22

Morning Briefing

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

University to hold personal finance event

A legacy merging

By DAVID SHAROS Special to The Sun — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Mergers are often driven by economic factors, from the desire to liquidate merchandise and property to simply knowing when the time is right to make a substantial profit.

Gas prices expected to jump

FROM SUN-TIMES WIRES — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Fuel prices in the Chicago area have stayed below $4 a gallon on average, but according to the AAA Chicago Motor Club, costs are likely to rise because of hurricane season.

Morning Briefing

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Still time to sign up to reconnect gas

An invitation to lunch with DuPage County Board chairman

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

The chamber is excited about our upcoming luncheon Monday, and we wanted to take a moment to invite every member of the community to attend. DuPage County Board Chairman Robert J. Schillerstrom will deliver a keynote address, "A Vibrant DuPage. A Regional Success." The keynote luncheon will take place from 11:30 to 1 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Select Naperville, 1801 N. Naper Blvd. Lunch will be promptly served at 11:45 a.m.

Scientists say better alternative batteries are a must

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Consumers weary of filling up their gas tanks with high-priced fuel should take heart. There is a group of scientists and business leaders working on better battery-powered alternatives. They are meeting this week at Argonne National Laboratory near Lemont.

What to do, and not do, with your money

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

How should investors be responding to the market turmoil in the wake of Lehman Brothers bankruptcy filing, and is their cause to worry about pension funds?

GM unveils long-range electric car, the Volt

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

General Motors Corp. says the rechargeable electric Chevrolet Volt will lead the automaker into its second century. GM unveiled a production version of the car at its centennial celebration Tuesday. Some characteristics of the Volt:

3 questions with a retirement expert

By DAVE CARPENTER The Associated Press — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

CHICAGO -- The housing boom that began in 2000 and lasted a full five years looked certain to set up homeowners for a better retirement. Median home values rose dramatically and millions of Americans felt much wealthier because of it.

Audition to drum

By David Sharos Special to The Sun — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Ringo Starr, Mick Fleetwood, Keith Moon - all world-class drummers with credentials that remain unchallenged.

Morning Briefing

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Wall St. Journal closing Naperville plant

Couples face challenges with planning estate for second marriage

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Our greatest challenge is planning the estate for second marriage clients. The blended family carries with it a number of competing concerns as we prepare wills and trusts to meet their needs.

DOWN 500-PLUS: Dow reacts to Lehman, Merril news

The Associated Press — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

A stunning makeover of the Wall Street landscape sent stocks falling precipitously Monday, with the Dow Jones industrials sliding 500 points in their worst point drop since the September 2001 terrorist attacks. Investors reacted badly to a shakeup of the financial industry that took out two storied names: Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. and Merrill Lynch & Co.

Savings plan for kids

By David Sharos Special to The Sun — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Most parents would agree that when it comes to their children, saving is a skill it is never too early to learn.

A bow-tique for girls

By David Sharos Special to The Sun — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

There's little doubt that if cartoon character Wilma Flintstone had the Pink Hippo in her life, the world would have been completely changed for her daughter Pebbles.

Business people

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Author and professional speaker John Blumberg of Naperville was awarded the designation of Certified Speaking Professional last month at the National Speaker's Association's annual convention in New York City.

Estate planning for all possibilities

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

One of the main challenges in drafting estate planning documents is to plan for all possibilities. That is a difficult thing to do successfully. Therefore, building flexibility into one's estate planning documents is critical. One technique that can be used to add flexibility is to include powers of appointment into the document.