The Waukegan News Sun :: Business ::

Playing games is SimplyFun

BY LONG HWA-shu Special to the News-Sun — Sat, 5 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Host a party, play a few games and also make some money. Danielle Williams of Waukegan is having a ball with her spare time business as a consultant for SimplyFun. "It's a family game business designed to enable a family to have more face-to-face fun by playing games together," said Williams.

American workers brace for thousands of job cuts

BY DAVID KOENIG The Associated Press — Fri, 4 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Many more job cuts, likely totaling more than 6,000, are likely at American Airlines as the nation's biggest airline hunkers down and tries to survive record high fuel costs. American notified its flight attendants union on Wednesday that it will cut up to 900 jobs starting Aug. 31, but that appears to be the tip of the iceberg.

FDA approves Abbott's next generation stent

NEWS-SUN STAFF REPORT — Fri, 4 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

ABBOTT PARK -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Abbott Laboratories' next-generation Xience coronary stent system.

Former teacher brainstormed into retail

BY DIANA KUYPER Special to the News-Sun — Thu, 3 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Parents who don't want summer to be a total waste of time for their children may want to visit Brainstorm, an educational retail store for parents and teachers. Former teacher Margie Wilson, 45 and her husband, Chad, started out in a small storefront at Route 45 and Sand Lake Road five years ago, but quickly outgrew the space and built their own store and warehouse at 625 N. Bridgeport Terrace.

American could cut 900 flight attendant jobs

BY DAVID KOENIG — Wed, 2 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

American Airlines says it could cut 900 flight attendant jobs as it reduces flights to cope with record high fuel costs. The Fort Worth-based airline expects to reduce jobs for pilots and mechanics too, but it hasn't released numbers yet.

Visa rescinds debit card rule

BY CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER — Wed, 2 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Consumers can now use Visa debit cards for smaller purchases without entering a personal identification number, the same way they can skip signing receipts. Visa said Tuesday it is no longer requiring merchants to treat its debit cards differently when customers use them as PIN-debit cards, as opposed to signature cards.

Bush administration delaying Medicare fee cut

BY JIM ABRAMS The Associated Press — Tue, 1 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

The Bush administration said Monday it will delay paying doctors for treating Medicare patients in early July to give Congress more time to block a scheduled 10.6 percent fee cut. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will not be making any payments at the 10.6 percent reduced rate until July 15, at the earliest, an agency spokesman said.

State minimum wage rises to $7.75 per hour

The Associated Press — Tue, 1 Jul 2008 04:00 CST

Minimum-wage workers in Illinois are receiving a 25-cent hourly boost in pay, to $7.75 per hour.

This renegade comes in size 6

By David Sharos Special to The Sun — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

The wild, Wild West hasn't exactly come to the Midwest. But Kristi Carpenter thinks there are enough folks around who dig cowboy boots, hats, and leather jackets, and she wants them to spice up their wardrobe.

New Dunkin' Donuts opens in Waukegan

By Long Hwa-shu special to the news-sun — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

A new Dunkin' Donuts shop opened Friday near the intersection of Belvidere and Green Bay roads in Waukegan. It's the 23rd store of the Ali Khoja family. The new 2,400-square-foot store will be open 24 hours a day. In addition to doughnuts, muffins, bagels, sandwiches and coffee, the store with a drive-through carries Baskin Robbins ice cream.

Community Trust opens Lake Villa branch today

BY BETH KRAMER BKramer@scn1.com — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

LAKE VILLA -- Community Trust Credit Union is officially opening its third branch at its grand opening today at 9 a.m.

Smith: REITs could be downright satisfying

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Dear Scott: I recently heard about REITs on a financial radio show. It sounded like an investment that I could be interested in and I wondered if you would discuss this type of an investment and tell me what you think?

Luxury senior cottages going fast in Lake Forest

BY LONG HWA-shu Special to the News-Sun — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

A housing slump? Not at Lake Forest Place, the retirement community, north of Lake Forest Hospital. While site preparation is under way for 32 new cottages, 55 percent of them have already been sold.

Brunswick to close four boat plants, layoff 2,700

NEWS-SUN STAFF REPORT — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

LAKE FOREST -- Brunswick Corp. said Thursday the slumping marine market is forcing it to reduce costs by $300 million, including the closing of four boat manufacturing plants and laying off 2,700 workers.

Libertyville approves Condell master plan

BY ED COLLINS Special to the News-Sun — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

LIBERTYVILLE -- Condell Medical Center received approval of its master plan for developing its 76-acre medical campus at Tuesday night's Village Board meeting.

Restaurant opening gets international attention

By Beth Kramer staff writer — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

The grand opening of Jozino's Pizza and Pub made international television Wednesday. Asianet USA Channel Program Director Biju Zacharia filmed the Waukegan Mayor Richard Hyde cutting the ribbon with owner Varghese Palamalayil. The story is part of a business news slot televised in 94 countries in North America, Europe and the Middle East via satellite.

Hiring hurt by rising fuel costs

By Beth Kramer Staff writer — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

GURNEE - A survey released from a Gurnee staffing company revealed that the rising fuel and material costs are adversely affecting employment.

American Airlines outlines service cutbacks

The Associated Press — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

American Airlines will cut back flying later this year at many airports, including hubs in Dallas and Chicago, as it attempts to cope with record high fuel prices. American said it will reduce departures at its Chicago O'Hare International Airport hub by 28 flights.

Consumer confidence sinks to 16-year-plus low

BY ELLEN SIMON — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

U.S. consumers are the gloomiest they've been since the tail end of the last prolonged recession. Inflation, sinking home values and soaring gas prices have pushed confidence to the lowest level since 1992. Consumers' view of the economic future has never been lower, raising worries that already weak consumer spending could deteriorate further.

Madigan sues Countrywide

The Associated Press — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

CHICAGO (AP) -- Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan contends thousands of Illinois homeowners paid a steep price for Countrywide Financial's "desire to dominate the marketplace."

Grayslake company donates lightning warning system

By Beth Kramer Staff writer — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Lightning strikes 100 times per second, or 8.6 million times a day. The United States gets 20 million cloud-to-ground lightning strikes per year. To warn Grayslake residents, Harger Lightning Protection of Grayslake, recently donated a Strike Guard Lightning Warning System to the Esper A. Peterson Family Aquatic Center.

Walgreen 3Q profit rises on cost controls

BY DAVE CARPENTER The Associated Press — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Drugstore chain Walgreen Co. said Monday its fiscal third-quarter profit rose 2 percent as it focused on cost control and maintained a rapid expansion pace in a difficult retail environment.

If the shoe fits, sell it

By David Sharos Special to The Sun — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Shoes and women just seem to go together, and for shoppers visiting downtown Naperville, Lori's Shoes could easily be a destination spot for those looking for the latest in style and high fashion design.

United Airlines cutting 950 pilot jobs

The Associated Press — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

CHICAGO (AP) -- United Airlines says it will eliminate about 950 pilot jobs beginning this summer as part of a plan to cut 1,600 salaried positions and reduce its fleet.

Shucking corn as a biofuel

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Sandra Guy: A startup company that is renting space at the Illinois Institute of Technology is looking past corn to find biofuels, especially as ethanol production gets much of the blame for skyrocketing grocery prices. "We think we have an alternative to first-generation ethanol processing, which is so dependent on corn," said Mark Lenhart, co-founder and chief operating officer of AlterVia Fuels. Lenhart believes corn ethanol is unfairly being blamed for raising the price of food.

Pet grooming salon opens in Zion Wal-Mart

BY LONG HWA-shu Special to the News-Sun — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

A miniature schnauzer named Mika was sitting neat and pretty after a pampered grooming appointment at Pet Care Specialists. The store in the newly opened Wal-Mart Supercenter at 4000 Route 173 is a grooming salon where dogs and cats get a spa-like treatment.

Ford cuts sales view, delays new pickup 2 months

BY TOM KRISHER The Associated Press — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Faced with a continuing plunge in pickup truck and sport utility vehicle sales, Ford Motor Co. on Friday tried to deal with the mess by delaying production of the new F-150 pickup truck and announcing further factory cuts.

Smith: Conglomerate GE too complex for own good

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Dear Scott: I inherited shares of General Electric when my father died some years ago. I noticed the stock has not been doing well, and I was wondering if you could tell me what's happening and what you think?

Condell to get Blue Cross back

NEWS-SUN STAFF REPORT — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Condell Medical Center will again accept Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois insurance after it is integrated into the Advocate Health Care network. Advocate said Thursday it has reached an agreement with Blue Cross that renews all of its contractual relationships through 2010 and includes all of the Advocate hospitals.

United Airlines to require minimum stays; raise fares

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

United Airlines says it will start requiring minimum stays for nearly all domestic flights starting in October. It is also raising its cheapest fares by as much as $90 one-way.

Zebra Technologies takes the next step

By Sandra Guy Sun-Times News Group — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

VERNON HILLS -- The technology required to find your rental car in a parking lot or to locate an oil-refinery worker in an emergency are the kinds of far-flung applications that Zebra Technologies offers its clients.

Sears targets teens with MTV film

BY ASHLEY M. HEHER The Associated Press — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

First came the decision to stock Skechers, a line of footwear teens favor. Then came the personalized avatar, the virtual identity Sears shoppers could accessorize online. Now, the company is teaming up with MTV to produce a back-to-school movie while adding a line of street clothes and accessories designed by hip-hop artist LL Cool J.

Continental, United join to fight rising fuel costs

The Associated Press — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

DALLAS (AP) -- Continental Airlines says it is forming an alliance with United Airlines to link networks and services worldwide in hopes of offsetting rising fuel costs.

Thirsty reach for tap water

BY TALI ARBEL — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Tap water is making a comeback. With a day's worth of bottled water � the recommended 64 ounces � costing hundreds to thousands of dollars a year depending on the brand, more people are opting to slurp water that comes straight from the sink. The lousy economy may be accomplishing what environmentalists have been trying to do for years.

Hampton Inn under way in Libertyville

NEWS-SUN STAFF REPORT — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Ground was broken last week for a Hampton Inn hotel at 2061 Shell Drive. Owners Frank and Sandy Sun said the 16,000-square-foot, four-story hotel will feature 96 guest rooms in addition to a pool, spa, fitness center and meeting room.

Sun-Times has cash 'to weather worst storms,' CEO says

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

The parent company of the Chicago Sun-Times has enough cash for two to three years of operations despite ongoing declines in advertising revenue, its chief executive officer said Tuesday.

Find a healthier you with ATI Physical Therapy

from submitted reports — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

ATI Physical Therapy is committed to helping people regain their lives after injury or illness. The company, founded in 1996 by Greg Steil, president and CEO, has a mission statement that crystallizes the company's entire philosophy: "To exceed customer expectations by providing the highest quality of care in a friendly and encouraging environment."

Floods could reduce corn supplies, raise prices

The Associated Press — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Floods that have inundated the Midwest could reduce world corn supplies and drive food prices higher at a time when Americans are already stretching their grocery budgets and people in poor countries have rioted over rising food costs.

Smith: Expect Advocate to iron out Condell's wrinkles

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Dear Scott: I read in the News-Sun that Advocate Health Care system is taking over Condell Hospital in Libertyville. Does this mean that Condell will once again accept Blue Cross/Blue Shield patients?

New Abbott research center speeds drug development

BY LONG HWA-shu Special to the News-Sun — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Abbott Laboratories on Thursday opened its $53 million formulation center to speed up the development of potential drugs in its pipeline. The 64,000-square-foot center is equipped with cutting-edge machinery that formulates drugs in tablets and capsules. Several drugs, including those for cancer and Alzheimer's disease, are being formulated at the center for clinical trials.

United to charge $15 for first checked bag

BY DAVE CARPENTER The Associated Press — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Baggage fees are fast becoming an unavoidable part of U.S. flying � the largest two carriers now charge $15 for a first checked bag. United Airlines announced its new fee on Thursday, three weeks after American Airlines set the precedent for the charge.

Is the midsize SUV becoming extinct?

BY TOM KRISHER The Associated Press — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Even in northern Wisconsin, where midsize sport utility vehicles are as common as deer, people are starting to abandon them because of high gasoline prices. It's one of the last places to back away from the class of SUVs, which includes the once-popular Ford Explorer and Chevrolet TrailBlazer.

Senate GOP blocks windfall taxes on Big Oil

BY H. JOSEF HEBERT — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Saved by Senate Republicans, big oil companies dodged an attempt Tuesday to slap them with a windfall profits tax and take away billions of dollars in tax breaks in response to the record gasoline prices that have the nation fuming.

'Fashion mall' development proposed for Lake Plaza

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Vacant since September 2007, the former Pick n' Save in Lake Plaza on Belvidere Road in Waukegan could reopen as a subdivided "fashion mall" under a proposal moving before the city's plan commission.

McDonald's pulls sliced tomatoes over Salmonella concerns

The Associated Press — Mon, 9 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

McDonald's says it has stopped serving sliced tomatoes in its restaurants over concerns about Salmonella food poisoning linked to uncooked tomatoes. McDonald's will continue to serve grape tomatoes in its salads because no problems have been linked to that variety.

Zion Wal-Mart goes green

BY TINA JOHANSSON Special to the News-Sun — Sat, 7 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

The long awaited opening of the Zion Super Wal-Mart store, at least twice delayed, will finally take place June 11 at 7:30 a.m. "People have been coming out here daily, asking, 'When are you going to open?'" said Tim Horan, manager of the Wal-Mart at 4000 Route 173.

Smith: Automakers face serious challenges

Sat, 7 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

Dear Scott: I bought Ford Motor Company stock a while back thinking that we might see a rebound. Can you discuss what's going on with Ford and where you see the stock headed?

Thrifty memories

BY DIANA KUYPER Special to the News-Sun — Fri, 6 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

On July 1 Antioch resident Jennifer Welsh will open The Village Thrift Shop at the same location that for decades was known as Antioch Thrift Shop, 921 Main St. Welsh, 34, recalls as a child hanging out with her grandmother, Wilma Gibbs, 93, who was a volunteer at Antioch Thrift Shop, a not-for-profit shop that benefited the mentally handicapped.

United, flight attendants agree on buyout

The Associated Press — Fri, 6 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

CHICAGO (AP) -- United Airlines and its flight attendants union have agreed to a buyout plan that will enable up to 600 flight attendants to leave the company voluntarily.

Beach Park working on landing hotel

BY TINA JOHANSSON Special to the News-Sun — Fri, 6 Jun 2008 04:00 CST

BEACH PARK -- "We don't cut a big, wide path, but we cut a path," said Mayor Milt Jensen upon explaining plans for a TIF district and new hotel in Beach Park.