The Naperville Sun :: Business ::

Planning for the unthinkable

By David Sharos Special to The Sun — Sun, 7 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

The name "Wehrli" represents one of Naperville's most recognized monikers in the city, both as one of the community's founding families as well as for being business owners throughout the area.

Business People

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

On Sept. 12, chef Ben Ornelas , executive chef of Morton's The Steakhouse in Naperville, will appear on WGN TV's News at Noon. The chef will present a variety of Morton's gourmet entrees and pair them with wines that are available at the Sept. 12 and 13 Naperville Wine Festival at Naper Settlement.

Morning Briefing

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

S&P raises Nalco Co.'s credit rating

Aguilera does exclusive deal with Target

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Christina Aguilera has become the latest musical act to release an album exclusively through one retailer. The singer says her greatest hits CD "Keeps Gettin' Better - A Decade of Hits" will be released only at Target.

Piece of the prairie

Fri, 5 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Living in solitude in Naperville are words that are not heard together very often. But for Jean Leverenz, 84, that is exactly how she lives, and she loves it that way.

Morning Briefing

Fri, 5 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Nalco: New product will increase oil production

Naperville firm to build Bolingbrook Crossings

Sun staff — Fri, 5 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

A Naperville company has been selected to build the Bolingbrook Crossings Shopping Center, at Weber Road and Remington Boulevard in Bolingbrook

Angry at work at its worst

Staff and wire reports — Fri, 5 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

What are you looking at?

Study: Merit pay best hope of raise

The Associated Press — Fri, 5 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

NEW YORK -- U.S. workers can expect skimpy raises in their base salaries next year, but top performers might still fatten their paychecks with merit compensation.

Business Calendar

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Tuesday, Sept. 9

If flying is part of your job ...

By Marissa Amoni Special to The Beacon News — Thu, 4 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

About two times each month, Dan Rogowski knows he won't be returning for dinner that evening or the next when he kisses his wife and daughter goodbye and heads off to work. Rogowski is one of many who are required to travel frequently for their work. And lately in the world of air travel there are more downs than ups.

Morning Briefing

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Credit service caters to small business

Airlines cut flights to save on fuel

The Associated Press — Thu, 4 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Many U.S. airlines are proceeding with plans to trim their domestic flight schedules due to the high cost of fuel.

Crabie invention comforts kids with aches, pains

By David Sharos Special to The Sun — Wed, 3 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

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.

Morning Briefing

Wed, 3 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Business wins Best of Naperville Award

Struggling Alcatel-Lucent names new top executives

By Greg Keller The Associated Press — Wed, 3 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

PARIS -- At Britain's BT Group, Ben Verwaayen was lauded for transforming the money-losing phone company into a profitable and aggressive leader in broadband Internet access.

A kinder commute

Tue, 2 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

With the cost of gasoline remaining high, many people have forsaken the horsepower of their cars for the foot power of their bicycles.

Morning Briefing

Tue, 2 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Conference to focus on workers with disabilities

Naperville dentist first woman to lead academy

By David Sharos Special to The Sun — Tue, 2 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Women have been in the spotlight lately. Republican presumptive presidential nominee John McCain chose Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his vice presidential running mate, while Hillary Clinton was just shy of the presidential nomination in the Democratic party.

Putting spin on politics

By Paige Winfield pwinfield@scn1.com — Mon, 1 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

John McCain and Barack Obama want you to cover your car with magnets, flags and windshield covers from their respective Web sites. But neither candidate is selling campaign paraphernalia quite like the spin flags developed by Naperville entrepreneur David Gantner.

New efforts to store wind power

By Ernest Scheyder The Associated Press — Mon, 1 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

NEW YORK -- One problem perhaps more than any other has proven a drag on the long-term prospects for wind power: how do you turn on the lights when the wind isn't blowing?

Fitness opportunity

By David Sharos Special to The Sun — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Naperville's own Nicki Anderson knows a few things about business. A decade ago, the once self-proclaimed "obese" teenager opened her own exercise studio: Reality Fitness. Today it offers clients a personalized approach to fitness, rather than the corporate open gym concept, which many find intimidating.

Business People

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Lia Sophia recently announced top honors for its Excellent Beginnings Program achievers for their outstanding sales accomplishments and professionalism. Those honored include Sunni Caruso of Aurora, Lisa Kasar of Naperville and Wendy Finkel of Naperville.

More breaks for homeowners with new legislation

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

With President George W. Bush's approval of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, homeowners and prospective homeowners will be interested in several of the new provisions that could affect them.

Springbrook Prairie Pavilion signs renewable energy deal

Sun staff — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Besides signing on stores to Springbrook Prairie Pavilion, owners of the 270,000-square-foot commercial shopping development in Naperville also have signed on for 10 million kilowatt hours of wind-generated Renewable Energy Certificates from Community Energy Inc.

Hollywod rings up a record summer haul

BY DAVID GERMAIN Associated Press — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Times may be tough in the real world. But not in Hollywood. As it usually does during economic downturns, the movie business has come on strong, expected to set a summer revenue record of about $4.2 billion from the first weekend in May through Labor Day.

Business Calendar

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Tuesday, Sept. 2

Freedom Commons hosts opening, nears capacity

By Paige Winfield pwinfield@scn1.com — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

The restaurants and retailers of Freedom Commons displayed their wares at the development's grand opening celebration Thursday. Employees of Jason's Deli To Go served up beefeater sandwiches on the sidewalk in front of the storefront, which is due to open Sept. 15.

Kmart may be casualty of Sears' dismal profits

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

After Sears Holdings Corp. reported Thursday a worse-than-expected 62 percent drop in fiscal second-quarter earnings, experts predicted Kmart's extinction and wondered how much longer the retailer will take to hire a CEO. The Hoffman Estates-based retailer cut its full-year earnings forecast because the weak economy is keeping shoppers away from Sears and Kmart stores. Net income in the quarter ended Aug. 2 stood at $65 million, or 50 cents a share, vs. $173 million, or $1.15 a share, a year ago.

Morning Briefing

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Wingstop restaurant lands in Downers Grove

Southwest to cut 190 flights, 44 at Midway

By Lewis Lazare Chicago Sun-Times — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

The sour economy has begun to impact even Southwest Airlines, the only domestic carrier in recent years to consistently turn a profit.

United to lay off attendants

By Lewis Lazare Chicago Sun-Times — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

United Airlines on Wednesday said it will lay off 1,500 flight attendants to cut costs. The news came the same day the Air Line Pilots Association and the airline faced each other in federal court over the issue of pilots calling in sick.

10 questions with an oil-change man

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Bob Fuller knows the oil change business from each end of the dipstick.

Morning Briefing

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Kenmore coffee makers recalled by Sears

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.

Studio to help others unleash their inner artist

By Eva McKendrick emckendrick@scn1.com — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

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.

Morning Briefing

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Seamstress relocates to Naperville

Farm Bureau says crops need rain

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

JOLIET -- While most people will be wishing for clear weather this holiday weekend, Mark Schneidewind is hoping for cloudy skies.

Buyers urged to seize aid for down payment

The Associated Press — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

LOS ANGELES -- Homebuilders are always trying to sell their homes, but these days they have an extra incentive - beating the clock.

Bookstore dream comes to a close

By David Sharos Special to The Sun — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

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.

Freedom Commons celebrates grand opening with tasting event

Sun staff — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Start the Labor Day weekend by kicking off the opening of Freedom Commons between Interstate 88 and Diehl Road in Naperville. And help the DuPage Children's Museum while sampling a taste of the restaurants that landed in the lifestyle center development.

People in business

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage announced that Monica Ditto, Aileen De Leon and M.L. Rana have joined as full-time sales associates in the Naperville 75th Street office.

Career center busy with downturn in economy

By David Sharos Special to The Sun — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

As the economy continues to sputter, people are turning to various resources to help them find leads on new job opportunities or gain the skills they'll need to work somewhere else.

Morning Briefing

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Tellabs names VP of global sales, services

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.

Passing on values important

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

How would you like to be remembered?

Made to create shade

By David Sharos Special to The Sun — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Necessity is the mother of invention. But sometimes, the finished product is so good, the reason for it is forgotten.

Most local Whitehall Jewellers stores sold

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Most Whitehall Jewellers stores in the Chicago area, including a store at Water Tower Place, are being sold to Michael Hill International, an Australian specialty jewelry retailer, according to media statements and reports Friday. Michael Hill International's $5 million purchase of 17 Whitehall Jewellers stores marks Michael Hill's entry into the U.S. market. The purchase price reflects 80 cents on the dollar for Whitehall's inventory, according to a report by National Jeweler Network.

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.

Morning Briefing

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Electrical wire splices recalled

Business Calendar

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Monday, Aug. 25

It pays to be green

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

AURORA -- It's easy to draw conclusions about manufacturing supplier Keson Industries just over Naperville's western border.

Morning Briefing

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Navistar, GM drop deal for truck division

Taking care of business

By Sandra Guy Chicago Sun-Times — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Food follows a circuitous route to get to food pantries and homeless shelters for people in need.

Morning Briefing

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Vulcan Materials wins safety award

Embracing global economy important for future

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

With all the glitz and glamour of the Beijing games, it is readily apparent that globalization is in full force, and there is no turning back.

Noodles & Co. to open new south location

Sun staff — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Noodles & Company, the globally inspired noodle restaurant that serves freshly sauteed Asian, Mediterranean and American cuisine, will open its second Naperville restaurant at 10:30 a.m. Friday east of 75th Street and Route 59 at 2727 W. 75th St.

Navistar, GM drop deal for truck division

The Associated Press — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Navistar International says it�s dropping its immediate plans to buy GM�s medium-duty truck business.

Brides with a purpose

By David Sharos Special to The Sun — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

It's not a bridal shower or even a bachelorette party. But it might save brides a lot of time, and it's almost guaranteed to be a whole lot of fun.

Morning Briefing

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

First Chicago-area Sonic opens today

Waste not, want not

By David Sharos Special to The Sun — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

If you've ever wondered what happens to food whose "sell-by" date has passed, never fear, local grocery stores don't throw it away. The good news is that many area grocery and bakery outlets are making significant contributions to food banks and needy families throughout the area.

Business calendar

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Monday, Aug. 18

The Reading Tree grows with new owner

Sun staff — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Naperville resident Kurt Hodak recently purchased The Reading Tree, a privately owned educational agency with three locations - in Naperville, Downers Grove and Plainfield - according to a company press release.

Don't pitch this napkin

By David Sharos Special to The Sun — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Going green these days attracts most of its attention from fuel-burning devices like cars and airplanes and even backyard lawn mowers.

Law in limbo as citizens ride the roller coaster on estate tax

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Back in 2001, Congress changed the law on estate taxes, creating estate tax exemptions that changed over the years. For instance, in 2008, the exemption from federal estate tax is set at $2 million. If you have one dollar more than that number, your excess will be taxed at 45 percent plus, depending on the amount of the excess.

Tribune axes more than 40 newsroom staffers

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

The Chicago Tribune on Friday laid off more than 40 newsroom employees -- twice the number many people had expected -- as part of the Tribune Co.'s plan to cut $8.8 million in salaries and benefits at the 161-year-old newspaper. The cuts, combined with more than 30 journalists' voluntary departures a week ago, left the Tribune with 80 fewer newsroom positions. The newsroom now has 480 staffers.

Scale of economy headed down

By Martin Crutsinger 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 Thursday represented a setback for those hoping to see signs of better times ahead, and it might keep the Federal Reserve jammed between rising inflation and slowing growth.

Morning Briefing

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Showcase talents in Doggie Olympics

Promotion pitches pennies

Sun-Times News Group — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Thanks to humorous commercials that are part of the new OfficeMax back-to-school ad campaign from the Escape Pod/Chicago, we now know New Yorkers don't like being paid for purchases with pennies. Residents of Minneapolis and its environs, however, displayed no such aversion when the Naperville-based office supplies retailer showed up at the Mall of America last week.

Radio personality puts Aurora estate up for sale

By Karen Goveia Special to The Beacon News — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Across Chicagoland and the Midwest, the thousands of fans of former Chicago radio personality Kevin Matthews are known as "KevHeads."

Business Calendar

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Monday, Aug. 18

Indulging that yen for a deal

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Just a few weeks ago, Irena Mekhtieva left behind life in Montreal, Quebec, trekked 900 miles and made the Chicago area home.

Morning Briefing

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Will County economy holding fast

Bandwidth crisis is Tellabs' gain

By Ted Pincus Special to The Sun-Times — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

There you are, the incoming CEO of a once-high-flier tech company whose stock now languishes at 5 percent of its heyday price in the late '90s. You're taking the helm as the world demand for your dazzling array of products is temporarily soft, pushing revenues below last year's level of $1.91 billion. Profits are skinny. So, what to do for your first act on the big stage?

Morning Briefing

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Rotary Club donates to senior charity

New home design studio opens in Naperville

Sun staff — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Liam Brex, a new custom kitchen and bath design studio, will officially open today with a ribbon-cutting in downtown Naperville.

Students intern at Packer

Sun staff — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Packer Engineering participated in the Students in Technology and Engineering at Packer program for the seventh summer.

Restaurateur looks to suburbs to beat the tax bite

By Sandra Guy Chicago Sun-Times — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

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.

Morning Briefing

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Jo-Ann Fabrics to donate to Heart Association

Stores quiet over card breach

By Joseph Pereira The Wall Street Journal — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

BOSTON -- Most states mandate that companies tell their customers when their credit-card data is stolen from the stores. The laws are designed to give consumers a chance to protect themselves against fraud or identity theft.

We have a contract, don't we?

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Every person deals with agreements. Whether it is my son, Michael, agreeing to mow the lawn for $10 or Boeing selling an airplane for $100 million, in each situation we have parties each giving something to the other pursuant to an agreement. In one scenario we have services (mow the lawn) and in the other we have a product (airplane), but in both there are mutual promises between two parties. If there is a dispute between parties as to the nature or existence of the agreement, the agreement needs to be a valid "contract" before it can be enforced.

Chamber to discuss energy, trade, roads with legislators

Sun staff — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Congresswoman Judy Biggert (R-13th), Matt Davis of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and other business leaders will meet Wednesday with the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce's Legislative Committee.

Shoppers not too proud to stock up on pennies

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Lewis Lazare: Thanks to humorous commercials that are part of the new OfficeMax back-to-school ad campaign from the Escape Pod/Chicago, we now know New Yorkers don't like being paid for purchases with pennies.

Fresh connection

By David Sharos Special to The Sun — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Decades ago the mom-and-pop grocery store was a fixture in most neighborhoods throughout the Midwest. Today, the corporate world has changed that, and while modern supermarkets do carry everything from prescriptions to cold beer, some of the personal touch and attention to detail have been lost in the meantime.

Furniture that lasts

By David Sharos Special to The Sun — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Some say a classic never goes out of date. And for those looking for furniture with solid construction and lasting value, Classic Oak Designs in Naperville offers customers both quality and value.

Those who like to lease new cars face rising costs

By Dave Carpenter The Associated Press — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

CHICAGO -- Just when motorists were starting to adjust to exorbitant gas prices, they face the prospect of much higher costs, fewer choices and a dearth of financing options if they want to lease their next car.

Crash course

By Francine Knowles Chicago Sun-Times — Mon, 11 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 calendar

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Tuesday, Aug. 12

Business offers local, organic baby foods

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

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.

Transfers to noncitizen spouses may be taxable

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

In the current global environment, it is not unusual for one or both spouses to be citizens of a foreign country. Many taxpayers have spouses who are foreign nationals even though the spouse has resided in the United States for many years. If a spouse is a citizen of a foreign country, the ability to transfer unlimited amounts of property tax free to that spouse is limited for federal estate tax purposes. Such limitations ensure that the noncitizen spouse does not transfer the assets overseas without paying estate taxes.

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.