Chicago Business Elite Community Guide by Townsquare Publications, LLC

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE

PAID Palatine P&DC IL PERMIT NO 2

Waterscapes: Ponds, Fountains & Waterfalls

Patios, Driveways, Courtyards

Landscape Design & Installation

Lighting to Accentuate all Landscaping

Outdoor Fireplaces, Kitchens & Furniture

Rooftop & Balcony Gardens

Tropicals & Seasonal Plantings

Welcome to the third edition of Chicagoland Business Elite Magazine! ®

ur first issue published in June 2007 and was successfully followed up by the second in May 2008. A lot has happened between the CBE debut and the current magazine, as we are all enduring the trying economy of today. A special thanks goes out to contributing advertisers in the 2009 Chicagoland Business Elite® (CBE) Magazine, as each has helped to make this year’s publication possible. As a reader, it is our hope that you will utilize the products and services of these great businesses. We also hope you will take great pleasure in the information lining the following pages. This edition blends updates of reader favorites, such as travel, shopping and unique dining treasures, with new topics in the way of hidden boutique museums, tips on going green in the office and venturing behind the scenes of Chicago public television and radio.

In addition to CBE Magazine’s print publication, readers are also afforded direct access to various multi-media platforms featuring the 2009 edition. This publication, with all of the advertisements and editorial content, is available online 24/7 as a NewView eBook®, downloadable free to computer desktops and most wireless devices, at the Community Profile Network® (www.villageprofile.com). You are invited to frequent this Web site and download the interactive CBE NewView eBook® at your convenience. Whether you have the publication in hand or are perusing it online or via your web-enabled device, we hope you enjoy the third edition of Chicagoland Business Elite® Magazine. Becky Cline, Managing Editor

CHICAGOLAND BUSINESS ELITE® 2009 EDITION 1

WELCOME

4 EDUCATION 8 Reasons Why Companies Should Pay for MBAs

2 CHICAGOLAND BUSINESS ELITE® 2009 EDITION

TRAVEL The Great Weekend Escape

ECO-BUSINESS Go Green in the Office

LODGING Bed & Breakfast Inns Offer a Welcome Alternative to Business Travelers

Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the information in this publication. VillageProfile.com® assumes no responsibility for omissions. Please contact VillageProfile.com® with any additions or corrections for the next edition. Reproduction in whole or in part without the written authorization of VillageProfile.com® is prohibited.

SHOPPING Sizing Up Sales and Excitement

REAL ESTATE/ELITE COMMUNITIES Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs “Edge Cities” Destined for Growth

CEO/President Daniel M. Nugara Executive Vice President Joseph C. Nugara, Sr. Director of Business Operations Michael D. Nugara Publication Sales Manager Don Israel Production Director Joseph C. Nugara, Jr. Production Manager Nick Olah Managing Editor Becky Cline Creative Director Sarah M. Kavanagh Graphic Production Stacey R. Cordero Ad Coordinator Director Stefanie Mikutis Ad Production Coordinator Liz Page Contributing Writers Jeffrey Joseph, Joyce Becker Lee, Cynthia Oakley, Karen Palchick, Dolores Tully, Kyle Waalen, Joe Wallace

12 38

BEHIND THE SCENES WTTW11 and Public Television

RECREATION Recreational Opportunities Off the Beaton Path

14 42

DINING Dining Differently Consuming Creativity

ARTS & CULTURE Like the Unusual? Try a Museum

HEALTHCARE Personal Trainers – Testing your BMI - How Do You Rate?

S BUSINESS Corporate Fitness Efforts: Making Employee Health the Bottom Line

INDEX of Advertisers

CHICAGOLAND BUSINESS ELITE® 2009 EDITION 3

By Kyle Waalen

Everyone needs to get away once in a while. Depending on the available time and finances, the options for a weekend getaway are endless. Whether seeking adventure or a quiet hideaway, people go near and far to escape their everyday lives.

Those looking to stay close to home can book a weekend at The Drake Hotel, which is located on T R

The Magnificent Mile in downtown Chicago. Since the roaring 1920s, The Drake has hosted celebrities, world leaders, and even The Royal Family. Some of the historical figures who have graced the guest list are Princess Diana, Winston Churchill, and Pope John Paul II.

A V E L

Filled with old-world charm and elegance, The Drake Hotel’s majestic setting transports guests into another time and place. The hotel has a total of 535 rooms, which include guest rooms, deluxe rooms, executive rooms, family rooms, and suites. Each room varies in style and offers several different amenities. Drake Deluxe Plus Rooms offer a spectacular view of Lake Michigan, while other rooms display views of the city. Italian marble tubs, antique furnishings and high-style furniture, drapes, and upholstery enhance the luxurious ambience, while Serenity beds, 24-hour room service, a fitness center, and technological advancements add comfort and peace of mind. Four upscale restaurants present decadent delights, and fresh fruit is always provided at the front desk. Although hotel guests never have to leave their rooms to enjoy sophisticated luxury, The Drake Hotel is located near some of Chicago’s finest shopping and entertainment venues. Four shopping centers, famous boutiques, and acclaimed designers are simply a cab’s ride away. For the culturally diverse guests, there is fine

4 CHICAGOLAND BUSINESS ELITE® 2009 EDITION

dining, live theater, and museums nearby, as well. For more information about The Drake Hotel, check out its Web site at www.thedrakehotel.com.

Spend a lazy afternoon out in a boat fishing and communing with nature, or jump on a bike and explore the scenic countryside on one of the many bike trails. Sioux Creek Golf Course and Turtleback Golf Course are only a short drive away. During the winter months, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, and horse-drawn sleigh rides are Vacationers looking to get among the popular diversions. And after an away from the hustle and bustle of city life are invited to visit Canoe Bay in Wisconsin— outdoor adventure, guests can experience the pure pleasure of a relaxing massage. Visit the perfect place for a quiet, romantic retreat. Situated on 280 acres of hardwood forest with three www.canoebay.com for more details. spring-fed lakes, Canoe Bay Resort offers 23 lodging options including rooms, cottages, and the Edgewood Another option for the ultimate weekend villa. All accommodations are fully equipped with a getaway is Las Vegas. Hop on a jet and spend stone fireplace, a private deck, a king-size bed, a a weekend in the entertainment capital of the whirlpool, and a small fridge. Beautiful views of the world. Filled with glitzy shows and exotic hotels, lake and the surrounding wildlife are available with Las Vegas provides the very best in fun and flair. every room. Extreme privacy and natural backgrounds Enjoy one of the many exciting shows, visit the provide relaxation, while the rustic setting and fantastic clubs or join thousands trying their luck tranquil atmosphere make for an ideal weekend. at the slots and tables. Casinos stay open all night long and the party life never stops. While staying at Canoe Bay, there is plenty to see and do. Inside the lodge is a library of current But Las Vegas isn’t just about gaming. During the hardcover books, a fitness center, and Wi-Fi access. day, the city welcomes guests to peruse through a Enjoy exquisite entrees at the Inn where the dress host of unique retail destinations, as well as sample code for dinner is casual elegance. Slow-roasted six some of the finest in dining experiences. Visitors point Berkshire pork with apple cider baked beans; can explore the Strip or catch some rays alongside Jerusalem artichoke soup with a black truffle a hotel pool. Thrill seekers can ride the outdoor sandwich; and Canoe Bay s'mores, featuring roller coaster on top of the New York New York cinnamon graham cake, dark chocolate, and Hotel and Casino or the gripping rides high above homemade marshmallows, are just a few of the at the Stratosphere, which offer riders a delicious choices to satisfy one’s appetite. glimpse of the entire skyline. There are also bus trips to the Grand Canyon, where Besides enjoying the indoors, guests can spend time tourists can take tours of the magnificent natural wonder. outside and explore the grounds of Canoe Bay all year long. Canoe Bay provides everything needed Whether looking to go near or far, for canoeing, kayaking and row-boating on the Chicagoans have plenty of options for resort’s shimmering Lake Wahdoon. weekend getaways. d

L E V A R T

CHICAGOLAND BUSINESS ELITE速 2009 EDITION 5

ECW-BUSINESS

Go Green

here are many ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle in an office environment. Many people participate in green-friendly office initiatives without even realizing it through the use of recycled paper products, energy-saving light bulbs, and Energy Star-compliant computers. Small- and mid-sized business owners who take stock of eco-conscious office alternatives often learn “environmentally friendly” also means spending less money on energy and resources. Here are a few tips you and the rest of your office team can use to save money and go green at the same time.

W Change Your Coffee Break. Paper cups are more expensive over the long haul than buying ceramic coffee mugs. Why continue spending money on paper when you can simply purchase a set of reusable ceramic mugs? You can cut the cups out of your budget once and for all by asking your employees to bring their own. 6 CHICAGOLAND BUSINESS ELITE® 2009 EDITION

W Buy Locally. Mark McCauley of McCauley Design in Barrington says buying office furniture and other supplies from a local craftsman or vendor not only supports your local economy, but it also lowers the carbon footprint of your office. “Products made in China have a greater carbon footprint because they go on diesels across the Pacific Ocean,” says McCauley. “You have to be sure to buy local so that the shipping doesn’t create more CO2.” W Telecommute. In an age where skyrocketing fuel costs force commuters to pay high prices just to make it to the office parking lot, the office manager who gives employees one day a week off from rush hour is sure to be a very popular person. Telecommuting not only cuts emissions and fuel consumption, it also saves additional wear and tear on an employee’s vehicle, delaying the inevitable trip to the repair shop a little bit longer.

in the Office By Joe Wallace

W Buy Green. There are many products made of recycled or reutilized materials you can purchase for the office. Toilet tissue and paper towels made from recycled paper are among the best examples. Do you know which of your local office supply companies sells green products? Before you approve your next office purchase, find out and make the switch. W Lights Out! Most businesses leave security lights on after hours to discourage vandalism or burglary. The need for security can’t be ignored, but motion sensitive lights are an energy-efficient alternative to the “always on” variety. The two biggest benefits of motion sensitive lighting? In addition to lowering the electric bill, the sudden appearance of bright light where it isn’t expected is a great crime deterrent. W Monitor Your Consumption. Susan Foley of Abbey Landscape and Design Concepts in Skokie carefully tracks

her use of supplies. She says for small businesses this is an important part of preventing waste and keeping costs low. “Mostly what we do is make sure that we pay attention to how we use our paper and how we use our energy. The times force you to be more resourceful; you have to keep your costs down to a reasonable level.” The first week of results may surprise you; most people don’t realize how much they consume and throw away. Recognizing how much you consume is the first step toward reducing that amount. When it comes to cutting energy consumption in the office, Foley has a simple piece of advice. “Turn your lights out!” Offices with large windows and good sun exposure will reap the rewards of using that natural light first.

W Work Closer to Home. Foley says she used to take her landscaping business to neighborhoods far from home, but by concentrating her work in locations closer to the office, she saves on fuel costs and makes the most of her work day. Instead of wasting time on long commutes, she can get more jobs done locally. “We used to advertise in far off areas, and it’s not feasible for us anymore. We narrow and concentrate our efforts on business close to our community. When you’re [driving long distances and] doing estimates—and most estimates are free—we figured out the cost of energy versus the payment was not affordable for us. A lot of times what’s good for the environment is good for the business.” W “Conservation Fridays.” Some offices give their employees an extra day or half day off on a monthly basis in order to completely shut down the office or warehouse. The math is simple; no electricity consumption for a half or full day equals a lower energy bill. It also equals higher employee morale and lower demand on the local power grid. W Adopt A Highway. Some offices take Conservation Fridays even farther than simply shutting down for the day. Some offices participate in the Illinois Department of Transportation Adopt-A-Highway program, where crews volunteer to clean a two-mile stretch of road. You can learn more about this great program at www.dot.state.il.us/aah/default.html. W Recycling Partnerships. John Quigley, President and CEO of the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce, says his office formed a unique partnership with a neighboring, business to recycle the huge amounts of printed material that comes to both offices. “Like us,” Quigley says, “they have a lot of delicate information and they brought in a document shredding and recycling company.” The two offices share an account with the shredding and recycling operation. Each office brings separately bagged documents—approximately four reams a week—which is then shredded for security purposes and recycled. Some offices do one or two of these steps already, but consider making an environmentally-aware action plan incorporating more of these measures. You’ll find the benefits effect your bottom line as well as the world around you. d

CHICAGOLAND BUSINESS ELITE® 2009 EDITION 7

SHOPPING

by Jeffrey Joseph

A staple of the Chicago shopping scene, Water Tower Place has maintained a strong presence along the highly competitive Magnificent Mile, and with over 700,000 square feet of retail space, Water Tower Place does not slouch when it comes to size. Open since 1976, Water Tower Place has benefited 8 CHICAGOLAND BUSINESS ELITE速 2009 EDITION

from the steady stream of business that pours in from Michigan Avenue and accounts for the $1.9 billion that the Magnificent Mile generates in retail sales annually. Location clearly augments the ability for Water Tower to succeed. Its eight-level building serves a population of over 1.3 million people, averaging a household income of around $70,000. Stores within the mall include bebe, Hollister, the newly opened American Girl Place, Paiva and a host of others, but besides the abundance of retailers within the building, the site enjoys the business of the quarter of a million people working within a single-mile radius. Boasting the adjacent Hilton Suites Chicago, Foodlife and other dining outlets, and the Drury Lane Theater along Chestnut Street, Water Tower Place makes it possible to sleep, eat, shop and be entertained all within the same establishment, making it a likely shopping destination for years to come. Opened more recently in 1991, Gurnee Mills puts its 1.8 million square feet to efficient use, making it one of the largest

malls in the U.S., while maintaining a strong presence in the market. Though Gurnee Mills serves a slightly smaller trade area population than Water Tower Place at a little over a million people, the average household income is notably higher at around $95,000. Of course, as one of the largest malls in the nation, Gurnee Mills draws in a significantly larger amount of customers than the nearby population and boasts some 23 million shoppers each year. In addition to the mainstays of Club Libby Liu, H & M, Oakley and BCBGMAXAZRIA, Gurnee Mills helps to foster strong relationships with new leasers, as well. In helping to provide seasonal and full-year leases for carts dependent on entrepreneurial need, having an account manager to work closely with business owners, and scheduling a meeting with a Visual Merchandiser, Short-Term Leasing Representative or Mall Manager to help convey products more optimally, Gurnee Mills takes quite a few steps to ensure the success of businesses in its fold. As it continues to grow, those steps make all the difference.

CHICAGOLAND BUSINESS ELITE速 2009 EDITION 9

Not to be outdone by its larger brethren, Stratford Square Mall has undergone a series of renovations to make it more attractive to customers and competitive in the overall market. Acquired by Feldman Mall Properties in 2005, Stratford Square Mall has moved toward adding “excitement” to the mall, the ingredient Larry Feldman felt would help raise the bar for shopping in Bloomingdale. This included a new, all-digital theater on the premises, replacing and upgrading lighting throughout the mall, plans to replace street signage for the mall and further plans to draw in unique sit-down restaurant offerings. For those with an exceptional idea to help enliven the Stratford Square Mall landscape, Feldman Mall Properties continues to reach out to make DuPage County a more enjoyable, exciting destination for Chicagoland shopping. d

SAD, SAD, GOLDSTONE GOLDSTONE & & associates associates 5 South Wabash Avenue 5 South Wabash Avenue Suite Suite 1314 1314 Chicago, Chicago, IL IL 60603 60603 312-372-8625 312-372-8625 www.sadgoldstone.com www.sadgoldstone.com

10 CHICAGOLAND BUSINESS ELITE® 2009 EDITION

CHICAGOLAND BUSINESS ELITE速 2009 EDITION 11

by Joyce Becker Lee

More than 80 years ago, in 1927, Philo Farnsworth transmitted the first television image. Perhaps prophetically, it was a dollar sign. Since that time, television has become basically a money-making media, controlled by commercial interests with the main concern being income generated. That is why public television is so refreshing and important. Public television has traditionally focused on education and enlightenment, producing shows that provoke thought, that entertain, and that teach. Chicago is fortunate to be able to claim a public television pioneer: WTTW, broadcast on Channel 11. The call letters stand for “Window To The World,” indicating an early mission that the station would strive to introduce viewers to a larger, global experience not controlled by the bottom line. WTTW began as the idea of Inland Steel executive Edward L. Ryerson. Encouraged by his friend Ralph Lowell, who had begun such a venture in Boston, Ryerson applied to the Federal Communications Commission for a broadcasting

license for an educational station. Ryerson’s foresight was further proven by his pursuit of a young attorney named Newton Minow to chair the WTTW board. Minow would later become Chairman of the FCC under President Kennedy, labeling general television as a “vast wasteland.” In his position with WTTW, Minow pushed for the medium to pursue educational and enlightening broadcasting. The first WTTW broadcast occurred on September 6, 1955 from its original home in the Bankers Building, covering a 60-mile radius of the Loop. As with other educational tations, public support was needed, and

WTTW, broadcast on Channel 11. The call letters stand for

“Window To The World” 12 CHICAGOLAND BUSINESS ELITE® 2009 EDITION

WBEZ Chicagoans responded, allowing the station to move to larger quarters in the Museum of Science and Industry. Here it was set up as a working exhibit. The station began as a college of the air, the first of its kind, offering credit courses during 43 hours of broadcast time per week. At its 10-year mark, more than 80,000 people had enrolled in courses. Children’s programming has always been a major focus of public television, and WTTW was no exception, offering such fare as the revolutionary Totem Club, which presented a different focus each day. The groundbreaking show also encouraged children to only watch those programs that interested them and to find other stimulating, non-television activities as well—an unusual idea for a TV station. As a member of the PBS system, the station pays dues and receives access to PBS broadcasts, but the scheduling of such shows is at the discretion of the local station. From those humble beginnings and a staff of 54, the station grew to become a national presence. Public support was tremendous, and in the mid-1960s, the station was able to build its current home, a five-acre studio campus at 5400 North St. Louis Ave. According to Julia Maish, Manager of Media Relations, WTTW produces more local programming than any other public station in America—about a third of the total shows presented. National shows are fed from PBS. Maish says the most popular local show seems to be the local restaurant review show, Check, Please!, while Antiques Roadshow is the most-watched national program. Other locally-produced programs include documentaries, political forums, and various series that examine Chicago neighborhoods, sights, and lore. The station, together with its sister radio station, WFMT, now employs around 215 full-time employees and 100 occasional and part-time employees. In addition, hundreds of volunteers help with quarterly pledge drives and special events—critical fundraisers that keep the station afloat. According to Maish, 48 percent of the station’s support comes either directly from members or from pledge drives, direct mail campaigns, and special events. Support also comes from large corporations and foundations that underwrite specific programs. The station also receives help from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), as well as American Public Television (APT). Says Maish, “I don't think our funding sources have changed significantly over the past

several years, although obviously in the current economic climate, it’s become more challenging and we’ve had to become more creative.” She lauds the WTTW mission, saying, “In this increasingly crowded media environment, WTTW viewers seem to have a greater respect for what public broadcasting provides–substantive programming that inspires lifelong learning, from a point of view that is unbiased, credible, and trusted.” Along those lines, WTTW has joined with other area stations and organizations to create Chicago Matters, a public affairs series that connects the groups through the exploration of a single theme. In 2008, the theme was Growing Forward, an examination of the environment and renewable resources, sponsored in part by the Chicago Community Trust Foundation. With a keen eye to the future, WTTW has seen the shift away from stagnant viewing, toward the Internet and other interactive media. Its Web site allows viewers to explore its local and national programming even after shows have passed, with companion sites and extra information that allows the viewer unprecedented access. According to President and CEO Daniel J. Schmidt, “With today’s technology, we truly are the masters of our own media domain. We can get content when, where, and how we want it.” It’s a trend that can only enhance the impact of public television. The station includes a national productions arm, WTTWN, that provides shows for other PBS stations. In 2008, WTTW launched its first national PBS children’s series, WorldWorld. In addition, the corporation was the first public station in America to add V-me, the Spanish-language channel. In fact, V-me is just one of three digital channels, including WTTWD and Create. “The future is making extraordinary content portable and accessible,” says Maish. “WTTW and public stations nationwide are proactive and on board.” And, always the pioneer, WTTW is growing with the trends, furthering its goal to blend education, enlightenment, and entertainment. d

While WFMT is the sister station to WTTW, the Chicago National Public Radio station is WBEZ, located at 91.5 on the FM dial. The station was originally begun by the Chicago Board of Education in 1941, but joined the NPR network several years ago, focusing on talk and jazz. The station is located at 848 East Grand Ave., on Navy Pier, and transmits from the Hancock building. Like any public station, WBEZ is listener-supported. It fills a different niche than that of WFMT, and aside from several syndicated music programs, is more talk-oriented, offering shows on local, national, and international issues, as well as syndicated entertainment shows such as Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me and the popular A Prairie Home Companion. It’s also the home for various syndicated news and human interest shows such as All Things Considered and This American Life. In addition, the station broadcasts a broad spectrum of BBC programs and radio theatre. The WBEZ Web site offers a live stream that allows anyone around the world to listen to the station in real time, along with a blog, podcasts, and RSS feeds. While presenting national news and features, WBEZ is very much involved in the Chicago area. The station strives to explore and present the city’s diverse cultural makeup through the broadcasting of thought-provoking, programs about and to Chicago, the nation, and the world. “As Chicago Public Radio continues to evolve, area residents will have more opportunities to participate, gather, and exchange ideas in order to better our community,” explains Cindy Hansen, Director of Communications at Chicago Public Radio. “It is celebrating this kind of engagement and commitment that gives those of us here at Chicago Public Radio great enthusiasm about our future.”

CHICAGOLAND BUSINESS ELITE® 2009 EDITION 13

By Jeffrey Joseph

14 CHICAGOLAND BUSINESS ELITE速 2009 EDITION

In a city swelling with skyscrapers, nationally beloved sports teams and acclaimed music, some might forget to note the incredible variety of dining options of the Chicagoland area. With such a wealth of options available, Chicagoland diners demand more than mere sustenance; they demand an experience. To that end, here are several gems in the area to try. wBrunch and Sushi with a Fruitful Twist—Orange, 3231 N. Clark St., Chicago The people at Orange decided that breakfast, the meal often-touted as the most important of the day, deserves a bit more creativity. Upon arriving at this restaurant, located just north of Belmont on Clark, one is likely to see a line going out the door toward the street for seating, and with a look at the menu, it all makes sense. From Popeye’s Breakfast, an omelet mixed with spinach, tomatoes, and garlic oil with white cheddar on top, to Orange Rosemary French Toast, an orange-infused French toast decorated with almonds and rosemary cream reduction, and garnished with rosemary, slices of orange, and maraschino cherries, to the Pancake Flight with a theme that changes each week, Orange has no paucity of creativity. Perhaps the most innovative dish Orange offers, though, comes in the form of “frushi,” the melding of fruit and sushi. If the thought of fig wrapped in rice and presented with chopsticks and your choice of fresh-squeezed fruit and vegetable juices sounds tempting, then brunch at Orange is certainly worth a look. wFine Fashion, and Dining, Too—Landmark Grill + Lounge, 1633 N. Halsted St., Chicago Few things inspire a scene like lush furnishings, and Landmark has plenty of gorgeous, mood-inspiring space for dining. With music at just the right level to keep conversation flowing, and house specialties like Live and Let Chai, a martini made with Absolut Vanilia, chai liquor, Captain Morgan, and accents of cinnamon and nutmeg, Landmark’s menu matches its chic furniture’s feel, as well. wCaribbean-Latin Fusion to Funky Live Music —Cuatro, 2030 S. Wabash, Chicago Executive Chef Edie Jimenez, a Chicago native, mixes his Latin roots with Caribbean flavors to outstanding results, earning Cuatro its three-star restaurant rating. To make the evening that much better, look for music acts ranging from single musicians and DJs to full bossa nova sounds that fuse a little grooving and dancing with that renowned food. wChicago-Style Pizza (Pot) Pie—Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Co., 2121 N. Clark St., Chicago When people think of pizza in Chicago, deep-dish pizza dominates the discussion. Almost literally flipping the idea of the deep-dish pizza on itself, CPOG specializes in the Pizza Pot Pie, ready in half-pound and single-pound servings with triple-raised dough, homemade sauce, Boston butt sausage, and whole mushrooms. Despite the more-recognized deep-dish restaurants around, CPOG thrives on its innovative take on what pizza could be. Its location has also weathered historic events, found just across the street from the garage of the infamous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. Local legend suggests that lookouts for the violent event watched from the floor above CPOG. wDrinks, Dinner, and Dancing—Lalo’s Restaurant, 500 N. LaSalle, Chicago Anyone who can appreciate a worthwhile margarita should know about Lalo’s. Though it has several locations, none are franchised; the restaurants stay within the family. What makes Lalo’s really stand out, though, is the salsa dancing, with free lessons from 9:00-10:00 p.m. on Wednesday nights. As they say, “At Lalo’s, the hottest salsa is not always found on our tables.” To watch or to learn, Lalo’s makes for a great dinner and dancing spot.

CHICAGOLAND BUSINESS ELITE® 2009 EDITION 15

wShortest Trip to Asia— Joy Yee’s, 521 Davis St., Evanston Most people think of Chinese or Thai restaurants as quiet calm places or hole-inthe-wall shops; Joy Yee’s is neither. Having recently undergone dramatic renovations to the Evanston iteration, Joy Yee’s provides a high-energy experience with highly attractive food—so attractive that its menu dedicates pages upon pages to pictures of its entrées. The music thumps, the people keep coming in, and the food never disappoints for presentation or for taste. For what may be the best East Asian available, a quick trip to Evanston is the best thing short of a trans-Pacific flight. wFuture Foods, Present Dining— Moto Restaurant, 945 W. Fulton Market St., Chicago Combining passions for science and cuisine, Executive Chef Homaro Cantu’s investigations in molecular gastronomy produce some of the most intriguing foods ever created. Nitrogen-cooled pans offer a new way to prepare simple dishes, while high-end lasers help to cook the inside of a steak while leaving the outside soft—marking a method for consistently providing the perfect steak. Additionally, the chefs at Moto warm heatretaining polymer boxes, place entrées within, and bring, box and all, to the diner to watch it bake right at the table. Moto even provides edible menus that change in flavors regularly. Besides necessitating creative minds, Moto also requires its chefs serve the food, as well, to fully explain its preparation, its intended presentation, and of course, its eminent edibility. All of this coming from a staff with an executive chef, sommelier, and pastry

16 CHICAGOLAND BUSINESS ELITE® 2009 EDITION

By Cynthia Oakley

18 CHICAGOLAND BUSINESS ELITE速 2009 EDITION

o time for breakfast? Coffee, on the run? Mid-day fries and diet coke â&#x20AC;Ś sound familiar? Over the past two decades, the number of overweight and obese adults in the U.S. has continuously been on the upswing. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, approximately 97 million Americans are overweight or obese, a condition that raises the risk of heart disease, hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, cancer, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, and respiratory ailments. Total costs attributable to obesity-related disease in the U.S. approaches $100 billion annually.

CHICAGOLAND BUSINESS ELITEÂŽ 2009 EDITION 19

It is true; Americans love to dine out, and recent studies show that food portions have gotten larger over the years. For example, a bagel 20 years ago was three inches in diameter and contained 140 calories. Today, a six-inch bagel contains 350 calories, an increase of 210 calories! Additionally, an eight-ounce cup of coffee 20 years ago contained 45 calories with milk and sugar. Today, our flavored 16-ounce latte includes 350 calories, nearly one-third of our recommended daily allowance!

Personal Trainers – Not Just A Bunch of Dumbbells* In today’s society, busy executives are turning to in-home personal trainers to achieve and maintain their personal fitness goals. Michael J. Sokol, voted by Men’s Journal as one of “The 100 Best Trainers in America,” offers these 10 reasons for hiring a personal trainer: Personal trainers help you save time through efficiency; they help you to achieve your fitness goals quicker; they act as motivational coaches; they teach you advanced exercise and cardiovascular techniques; exercise is safer as you learn correct form; the likelihood of injury is greatly reduced; a personalized exercise program is introduced based on personal need; a personal trainer helps with nutritional guidance; and they make exercise fun and interesting. A good example is, Miguel Calhoun, ACE, NASM, COTFA certified, Hip Hop X-treme Instructor. Calhoun likes to “get into clients’ minds” to motivate them. Calhoun has designed fitness programs for NBA players’ wives, as well as a famous gospel singer. He comments, “I have worked hard to achieve acceptance and confidence when entering someone else’s home. I keep a text list of clients to send daily refresher messages in order to check on their progress.” In addition to in-home training, Calhoun also choreographs kickboxing and specialty dance classes in Aurora. Personal trainers love what they do. According to Calhoun, “Participating in health and wellness activities allows me to better understand my own family’s challenges. I’m having a great time!”

Bill Cummings, founder of the “Personal Trainer Network” of certified training professionals, believes, “Most people need to make a workout personal in order to achieve results.” Home-based in Chicago and suburban Illinois, Cummings’ goal is to “provide a selection of the most educated, experienced, and certified professional trainers to the public.” He adds, “The recent trend for personal trainers is to work for themselves, specializing in personal, in-home sessions, or working at private personal training studios. Suzanne Gray, founder and President of Right Fit, a sports, fitness, and, wellness facility, is a perfect example. In order to promote the physical, emotional, intellectual, and social well-being of each client, Gray introduced a patented “Up-Right Assessment” and educates clients on the value of proper posture and body mechanics.

What to Look For One-on-One Fitness Personal Training Service, Inc. hires personal trainers with years of extensive fitness and nutrition experience. According to founder Michael J. Sokol, “Our fitness staff is comprised of the best personal trainers in the industry. We look for the top ‘gold standard.’ Our trainers have achieved national certification from organizations such as The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), The American Council on Exercise (ACE), The International Fitness Professionals Association (IFPA), The Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), and the International Fitness Association (IFA).” Michelle Rossfeld specializes in weight loss and exercise programs for women. According to Rossfeld, “Men do not know women’s bodies.” Rossfeld worked at Curves to become ACE certified and has since been featured in magazines as the top female trainer for women. Rossfeld bases her exercise programs on exercise level and personal background. Programs include strength training, core or balance techniques and cardiovascular. “My approach is more no-nonsense,” she begins. “My passion for

* Owned by and used with permission of One-on-One Personal Training Service, Inc.

20 CHICAGOLAND BUSINESS ELITE® 2009 EDITION

health and wellness has allowed me to design client programs averaging monthly weight loss of 8 to 10 lbs. each month, instead of the usual 4 lbs.” In addition to experience and certification, Rossfeld recommends that a good personal trainer must have liability insurance, a desire to answer client questions, as well as the ability to design a personalized program based on individual client needs and objectives.

Fitness Start to Finish Upon hiring a personal trainer, each client participates in an individual body assessment including BWI and flexibility. A good trainer will ask questions regarding lifestyles and goals. One-on-One Fitness trainer, Michael J. Sokol emphasizes, “A crucial element to reaching goals is a positive mental attitude and a willingness to accept challenges and overcome obstacles.” Suzanne Gray agrees. “A personalized program must accommodate a client’s lifestyle, based on their likes and dislikes. Trainers don’t want clients depending on them to keep up with workouts. For a life of ultimate health and fitness, most people need a personal trainer four times a year.” One-on-One Fitness believes, “In order for each client to reach their fitness goals 100 percent of the time, there are three topics that must be understood, with no exception.” 1. Nutrition – Generally requires the consumption of six smaller meals every day containing a portion of protein and a portion of carbohydrates. Proper nutrition accounts for over 60 percent of an individual’s success in reaching their goal. 2. Cardiovascular Training – A basic requirement for every individual three times each week for at least 20 minutes. 3. Strength Training – Generally required at least three times each week. Without strength training, the average individual loses more than a ½-pound of muscle per year after age 25. d

THE

Heartland S•P• A

The Heartland Spa, in Gilman Illinois, is a destination spa nestled in a warm country setting. It is a perfect gift for you or someone you truly care about, which gives you a chance to rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit. You may also choose from a menu of matchless services, such as a massage, facial, body wraps and much more. Whether you want to lose weight, de-stress, enhance physical fitness or escape from the pressures of day-to-day life, The Heartland Spa is clearly your best choice.

Ask about our 5 Night “jump start” / Gift Certificates Always Available

1237 E. 1600 North Road • Gilman, IL 60938

(800) 545-4853 www.heartlandspa.com We are proud to be celebrating our 25th Anniversary as a leader in the wellness industry

CHICAGOLAND BUSINESS ELITE® 2009 EDITION 21

CHICAGO LOOP LOCATION 221 N. LaSalle St., Suite 2300 Chicago, IL 60601 1-877-900-ISBS

I T S O L U T I O N S

Visit our location in The LaSalle-Wacker Tower C O P Y S O L U T I O N S

FA X S O L U T I O N S

SUBURBAN LOCATION 1092 National Parkway Schaumburg, IL 60173 847-882-7500

Make ISBS your one stop solution provider for your entire business!

V O I C E S O L U T I O N S

Why Image Systems & Business Solutions? LIVE ATTENDANTS

DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT SPECIALISTS

Live attendant to answer all your service & supply requests or anything that requires immediate results.

Go paperless with our many software & hardware solutions on any brand of scanner or MFP.

AUTOMATED METER COLLECTION

EXPERIENCED TECHNICIANS

Meter reads, supplies and service requests can be automated.

All ISBS technicians have at least 11-27 years of tenure working on all your office equipment.

FAST ON-SITE RESPONSE Average response under 3 Hours, managed by our state-of-the-art Mobile Workforce Automation.

REMOTE DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM

OFFICE SUPPLIES All of your everyday office supply needs, shipped same day with free next day delivery on most orders.

RDS and @Remote allows our technicians to fix your equipment 35% of the time instantly over data lines. It can collect your meter reads and notify ISBS of your service and supply needs even before you know it!

VOICE & DATA SERVICES

PRINT MANAGEMENT

WE OFFER THE BEST SOLUTIONS

The Print Miser difference. We can combine all of your print, copy, fax & scanning needs into one cost saving program!

Your BOTTOM LINE is our TOP priority! S C A N S O LU T I O N S

Digital & IP voice systems, network management, on and off-site support.

Business solutions from Savin, Panasonic, Lexmark and Hewlett Packard.

INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & OPERATED

P R I N T S O LU T I O N S and more

Corporate By Joyce Becker Lee

Fitness Efforts: Making Employee Health the Bottom Line

ith healthcare costs soaring, many corporations are recognizing prevention as the most effective means of cutting illness and injury costs. With that in mind, many companies are promoting employee wellness through a variety of programs designed to increase fitness while decreasing the need for healthcare. According to the National Business Group on Health, 93 percent of companies it surveyed promote wellness among their employees. The goal of most employee wellness programs is to promote a change in lifestyle, and at the top of the wellness list is employee awareness through education. Lectures, print materials, and group activities may be used to help employees find areas they can improve their health. Such programs might include information on how to recognize potential problems with such conditions as high blood pressure or diabetes. Educational programs help employees recognize their own potential dangers and head them off before medical intervention is required. Such programs may also offer support, helping people quit smoking or control their weight. More and more, exercise is found to be critical not only for physical fitness, but for mental and emotional health as well. To that end, many companies are now incorporating physical activities in their wellness programs. This goal may be achieved in many ways, from company-subsidized gym memberships to actually installing a workout center on site. Other ways to fitness might include company sports teams and regularly-scheduled “walk breaks.” Some companies offer incentives for weight-loss, and may provide healthful food choices at employee cafeterias.

24 CHICAGOLAND BUSINESS ELITE® 2009 EDITION

CHICAGO’S AUDIO/VIDEO RENTAL Since 1966

Complete Delivery and Set Up • Video Projection • Hotel & Restaurant Showings • Power Point and Computer Projection • 8mm, Super 8 & 16mm Film Projectors • Slide Projection • Courtroom Presentation

ESSANNAY SHOW IT www.essannay.com 851 WEST GRAND AVE.

SKYWAY ELEVATOR REPAIR CO., INC. One of Chicago’s Leading PEOPLE MOVERS Transporting You Safely From Floor to Floor

1900 S. Michigan Ave. Ste. M-001 Chicago, IL 60616

Tel: 312-326-4410 Fax: 312-326-8190

w w w. s k y w a y e l e v a t o r r e p a i r. c o m CHICAGOLAND BUSINESS ELITE® 2009 EDITION 25

There is help available to corporations seeking better employee wellness. Area hospitals offer educational seminars on wellness for corporations, with on-staff trainers, nutritionists, and educators. Some businesses seek outside help in constructing a wellness program, outsourcing to companies that can handle all aspects of a program, from education to specific individual and group activities.

By keeping healthy people healthy, you can reduce long-term costs of healthcare. The Midwest Business Group on Health, a Chicago-based nonprofit organization, provides education and resources to a coalition of public and private employers who come together to try out tools and projects on wellness, to share experiences, and to learn the latest trends and management techniques in that area. According to MBGH President and CEO Larry Boress, “It would appear that there is now sufficient experience among employers as well as research in the academic field to support the idea that, by keeping healthy people healthy, you can reduce long-term costs of healthcare.” He recognizes the growing problem of obesity and its resultant health problems, stating that those problems can be headed off with education and awareness. Wellness programs come at a cost, but companies are finding that funding fitness is a worthwhile investment, saving long-term time and money. Boress states, “Focusing on population health rather than just those with chronic conditions, you can keep your population healthier, which will ultimately reduce your costs and increase productivity.”

26 CHICAGOLAND BUSINESS ELITE® 2009 EDITION

AMERICAN PRIDE SECURITY SERVICES INC.

PROVIDING THE BEST IN UNIFORMED OFFICERS

“WE KNOW HOW TO TREAT PEOPLE”

201 East Army Trail Rd. Suite 305 Bloomingdale, IL 60108 Phone 630.893.8385 Fax 630.893.7880 FULLY INSURED

LIC# 122-000995

Visit us on the Web at americanpridesecurity.net

Men of character from every walk of life all working together to build a better world! www.ilmason.org

CHICAGOLAND BUSINESS ELITE® 2009 EDITION 27

For example, Bank of America claims a $6 return on every $2 invested in wellness, through decreased employee absenteeism and increased work output. In Chicago, Quaker Foods has reported that the results of its wellness program for 1,200 employees included 22 percent fewer hospital admission (and shorter stays), as well as 42 percent lower expenses as compared with other corporate divisions. In addition, long-term disability costs were reduced by 40 percent. According to an article by the New America Foundation, at the end of 2007, corporate giant Johnson & Johnson had saved an estimated $15.9 million on healthcare costs through its employee wellness program. That company incorporates a variety of awareness and fitness programs, including the “Move It and Make It Matter” program, where employees were supplied with pedometers and encouraged to take the 10,000 steps per day that is suggested for basic fitness.

“Move It and Make It Matter” program, where employees were supplied with pedometers and encouraged to take the 10,000 steps per day that is suggested for basic fitness.”

Every company can find a way to promote fitness. For example, a business might provide partial or complete funding for such things as employee Weight Watchers memberships, athletic supplies, or entry fees for athletic participation events. A company might hire on-site medical personnel, such as a nursepractitioner who can write prescriptions, to save costs of lost time to go visit a doctor. Some companies even offer financial incentives to employees, hoping to reduce health risks. One popular option is a payroll deduction plan for a discounted membership to a gym. Surveys have found that this is a popular choice, as workers can budget for the amount. In addition, studies have found that since workers feel they are already paying for the program they are more likely to take advantage of it. According to the public policy institute New America, an educational program called “Corporate Athlete” has been implemented by such companies as Pepsico, Merrill Lynch, Procter & Gamble, and Dell. The program, developed by the Human Performance Institute in Florida, relies on education to inspire workers to aim for healthier lifestyles. Survey results by Procter & Gamble show that employees who have taken part in the program are more focused at work, more engaged at home, and have improved their physical energy. The program has been aimed at office workers, but P & G hopes to extend it to line workers as well. At the other extreme, S.C. Johnson, in Racine, Wisconsin, is perhaps an example of an ultimate fitness effort. The company offers employees a 146-acre park complete with sports fields, an aquatic complex, and an indoor recreation center. No wonder it often makes national lists of best places to work. Corporate wellness programs are not just a fad, and in fact may be a necessity for corporate fiscal health. Employees who are fit and healthy miss less work and are more alert and productive. In addition, since expanding health costs require higher deductibles, such programs produce lower healthcare costs, along with less tangible benefits, including reduced stress, better morale and company loyalty, and improved work performance. d

28 CHICAGOLAND BUSINESS ELITE® 2009 EDITION

By Kyle Waalen

E D U C

In this day and age, it is important for companies to remain competitive in the global market. One important way to achieve this is through employee tuition reimbursement for Masters of Business Administration. Sometimes companies need to invest money in their employees in order to make more money. The following are eight reasons why companies should pay for MBAs.

A T I O N

Tuition reimbursement is a good recruiting tool. Human resources can use this employee benefit to entice potential employees during the hiring process. Most good employees are looking to improve their skills and go back to school at some point. When they know a particular company contributes financially to making that goal a reality, valuable potential employees flock to these particular companies. Tuition reimbursement shows the company values its employees and wants them to be the best they can possibly be. This benefit tells employees that the company invests in

30 CHICAGOLAND BUSINESS ELITEÂŽ 2009 EDITION

the personal and professional growth of its employees. It reveals that the company respects its employees and values their skills and contributions. Employees like to know their company considers them to be a valuable asset. Tuition reimbursement promotes overall improvement of company performance. When a companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s employees improve, then the company as a whole improves. A company is only as good as its employees. When employees are trained in the current, state-of-the-art techniques, their work performance improves significantly and, as a result, the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performance improves significantly as well. Tuition reimbursement creates a high employee retention rate. When tuition reimbursement is offered to employees, the company usually has some type of time commitment required of the participating employees. For example, an employee who

is receiving tuition reimbursement may be expected to commit to at least one year of employment at the company. If time commitments are issued, the company must make sure these requirements are practical and fair. Also, most master’s programs take a long time to complete, which means participating employees will stick around for at least the duration of their master’s programs. Tuition reimbursement promotes advancement within the company. Generally, an employee with a master’s degree will earn more than an employee with just a bachelor’s degree. This incentive makes employees want to go back to school in order to better themselves in the company and in life. Tuition reimbursement creates better morale, motivation, and productivity among employees. Employees who are advancing themselves are generally happier and more content at work. This is because they know they are improving themselves and are making themselves more qualified for promotions and advancement. Employees like to know they can advance their careers with the potential of higher pay. It gives them something to aspire to by creating goals and fueling ambition. Tuition reimbursement is a reinvestment into employee know-how, which makes the company more competitive. Highly trained employees benefit a company by increasing the company’s overall performance. When a company’s performance increases, it becomes a major player in the global market. As mentioned before, a company is only as good as its employees. The better the employees, the better the company. The better the company, the more competitive it is in the world marketplace. According to HR Management magazine, “Recent studies show that 75 percent of all companies with more than 20 employees and almost all large employers offer some type of reimbursement benefit. Companies are spending anywhere from $16 billion to $55 billion for employee development.” In order to stay competitive with these other companies, your company should also offer tuition reimbursement packages. Your company can set up certain requirements, such as particular schools and programs, time commitments, etc., which will meet the needs of your unique company. Not all tuition reimbursement plans are the same, and your company should create a plan that will meet the needs of both your company and your employees. Basically, your company needs to ask itself if it can afford not to offer tuition reimbursement. In the long run, the benefits of offering tuition reimbursement pay off. The employees benefit, and the company benefits. This type of plan makes the company stronger and makes employees happy to be a part of it. d

CHICAGOLAND BUSINESS ELITE® 2009 EDITION 31

or travelers weary of the impersonal atmosphere of hotels, the bed and breakfast offers an amazing variety of alternatives. Accommodations accented by the personal touch of the innkeeper create a one-of-a-kind experience and provide a home away from home. In Chicago, these establishments are located throughout the city and suburbs. With a little scouting on the Internet beforehand, the traveler can find the place that provides the location, space, and amenities desired within the appropriate price range. The vast array of bed and breakfasts available include Flemish House of Chicago, located in the Gold Coast area north of the loop, tucked between luxury high rises and centuryold mansions. The 1890 greystone row house has three floors, each with a onebedroom apartment and a studio. All have updated kitchens and baths. The quiet atmosphere of Flemish House belies its proximity to the bustle of Michigan Avenue upscale shopping, Rush Street nightlife, Navy Pier, and the financial district. Other north side establishments include The Wicker Park Inn in the heart of a trendy neighborhood full of interesting shops, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants; Ray’s Bucktown Bed and Breakfast, modeled

after small European hotels and offering a steam room and sauna; and Old Chicago Inn, located in the Lakeview neighborhood close to Wrigley Field and the theatre district. The award-winning Benedictine B & B, located just south of downtown Chicago, is housed in an actual urban monastery where monks offer the same hospitality they have shown for centuries. Two apartments are available. The first, ideal for families, is a six-room garden house with deck and private garden, two bedrooms, and full kitchen. The second, a seven-room loft apartment, has a living room with fireplace, three bedrooms, private entrance, and a breakfast prepared by the monks each morning. Off-street parking is provided for guests in a gated lot. A little further south of the loop, University Quarters Bed & Breakfast & Suites is located a half block from The University of Chicago campus and close to McCormick Place. The updated vintage greystone offers guests a choice of six elegant rooms, two with private baths, and four with shared bath. Each floor can also be reserved as a suite. Commonly shared areas include the living room, study, den, dining room, and two kitchens. Both off- and on-street parking are available. Proprietor Peter Schuler points out, “We offer the amenities of a good hotel with the intimacy, warm hospitality, and personal touch that a hotel cannot provide.” Unusual in concept, Windy City Sailing offers lakefront views from a private yacht with air conditioning/heat, TV, feather bed, fine linens, and robes. The stay includes the entire yacht

By Dolores Tully

32 CHICAGOLAND BUSINESS ELITE® 2009 EDITION

and a two-hour morning sail with captain and crew. Additional sailing time can be added for a fee. Special touches one is apt to find at many establishments include plush towels and linens, Jacuzzi tubs and hot tubs, TV/DVD, Wi-Fi Internet access, and a stocked kitchen or refrigerator. For visitors to Chicago, a real plus is the innkeeper’s knowledge of the city. Some may even provide personalized concierge service. The proprietors generally reside on the premises and will respond to guests’ indication that privacy would be appreciated or that friendly interaction was welcome. Some facilities provide private rooms with a common area where guests can mix and mingle if desired. A great deal of information is available on the Web site of each establishment. Before calling, it’s wise to jot down a list of things that require clarification, such as whether young children or pets are welcome, and whether there is a private bath, Internet availability, designated parking, or access to public transportation. If someone has an allergy, it’s also wise to ask if there’s a resident cat or dog on the premises. Most innkeepers can accommodate special diets, but it’s important to let them know beforehand. When conventions or shows are held in Chicago it may be difficult to find a hotel room, but one is not left without a place to stay. In fact, that is how some people discover the warmth and hospitality of a bed and breakfast for the first time. Flemish House proprietor, Tom Warnke, reports, “Guests often say that it feels like coming home at the end of the day.” d

Harrison House B & B 26 N. Eagle St., Naperville Restored Victorian with brass and iron beds and hand-stitched quilts. Five rooms with high-speed internet connection. Local sights: Riverwalk, Naper Settlement, North Central College.

Harvey House Bed & Breakfast 107 S. Scovill Ave., Oak Park Public transportation is readily available for the half-hour ride to downtown Chicago. Five suites available with oversized baths, workstations, fireplaces. Local sights: Frank Lloyd Wright homes and Ernest Hemingway Museum.

Under the Ginkgo Tree B & B, 300 N. Kenilworth Ave., Oak Park Queen Anne Victorian with stained glass windows. Two guest rooms with private baths and one with shared bath. Local sights: Frank Lloyd Wright historic district, Hemingway Museum. This home is often used as a movie location.

Margarita Inn 1566 Oak Ave., Evanston

Ravinia Guest House Highland Park

More of a small hotel, but with a B&B feeling. Forty-two rooms, private and shared baths available, grand parlor, English library, conference rooms, outdoor roof deck. Local sites: Northwestern University, 24 art galleries, three miles of lakefront with beaches.

English colonial with iron bedsteads, hardwood floors, three guest rooms (two with private bath). Local sights: Ravinia Park Music, Chicago Botanical Gardens, Northwestern University.

CHICAGOLAND BUSINESS ELITE速 2009 EDITION 33

T A T

S by Cynthia Oakley

orthwest suburban Chicago is one of the fastest-growing areas in the Midwest. Comprised of family-oriented communities with nice neighborhoods and tree-lined streets, the northwest suburbs stretch from the DeKalb County line through Cook and DuPage counties. Communities such as Buffalo Grove, Arlington Heights, and Schaumburg offer an average home value between $250,000 and $325,000. To the east is Park Ridge, known for great Chicagoland entertainment, including The Pickwick Theatre—noted as “Suburban Chicago’s Most Beautiful Theatre.” Like the rest of the country, record gas prices, mortgage market turmoil, and the overall economy continue to influence new home sales in the northwest suburbs. In an effort to boost sales, developers have offered new home incentives such as deals on appliances. However, those measures were not enough to

34 CHICAGOLAND BUSINESS ELITE® 2009 EDITION

encourage an influx of new buyers. Consequently, builders are turning to a more attractive incentive–outright price cuts. According to Tracy Cross, President of Tracy Cross and Associates, Inc., “With more developers cutting prices, buyers are more likely to come off the sidelines in larger numbers; a necessary step before the market can recover.” Furthermore, John Adams, President of the Chicago division of Ryland Group Inc., a California-based company, states, “Ryland currently offers a range of incentives, including price cuts in local developments by $10,000 to $12,000, or 8 percent to 10 percent.”

MASTER PLAN COMMUNITIES In order to plan for future economic growth in the northwest suburbs, several communities have initiated plans for what builders refer to as, “Master Plan Communities.” A Master

Plan Community not only includes housing plats, but may also include other amenities such as office parks, recreational parks, and commercial centers. Some city planners also include hotels/motels into their community’s plans. Generally, Master Plan Communities are distinguished by the tremendous number of amenities and conveniences, and the over all enormous land area the community encompasses in the overall plan. For example, because of their sheer size, Master Plan Communities incorporate extensive recreational amenities like lakes, golf courses, and expansive parks with bike paths, and jogging trails. Additionally, general shopping, strip, and/or commercial centers are planned and included in the initial stages by the city and developers, long before ground breaking occurs. Tracy Cross comments, “Master Plan Communities are self-contained social economic platforms with a variety of amenities

CHICAGOLAND BUSINESS ELITE速 2009 EDITION 35

including recreational components and excellent schools. They are attractive and appealing, offering residents a sense of identity and community pride. This is a significant change over stand-alone development.”

COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT As commercial properties generate income for a specific area, one might think banks and financial institutions are more likely to finance commercial projects over residential developments. “Not so,” says Kim Uhlig, Director of Economic Development for the City of Park Ridge. “Financing is tight for developers right now. Retail is stagnant, entertainment has become the focus with the addition of new restaurants in town. “However,” she adds, “Park Ridge has undergone some ‘mixed-use’ expansion. She refers to “T.O.D.,” or Transit Oriented Development, a mix of retail office and residential redevelopments that are highly successful due to their convenient location to Metra. Additionally, commercial development in Cook County seems to be focused on Schaumburg. According to Matt Frank, Economic Development Coordinator for the village, says, “Outside of Chicago, Schaumburg is the leading center of economic development in the state of Illinois. In addition to the 9.5 millions square feet of retail and commercial space, the village has over 12 million square feet of office space and 13.5 million square feet of industrial space.”

36 CHICAGOLAND BUSINESS ELITE® 2009 EDITION

Just like Park Ridge, a number of exciting restaurants have opened their doors in Schaumburg, including the eclectic Dosti Bar and Grill and John Barleycorn. New to the streets of Woodfield is a 30,000 square-foot play arena called Legoland Discovery Center. Legoland is designed for kids ages 2 to 12. The Schaumburg Legoland will focus on entertainment and education with Lego model building, a sit-down dragon ride similar to a train, an adventure trail, and a 4-D cinema incorporating Lego creatures and special effects. According to Adrian Jones, U.S. General Manager for Merlin Entertainments Group, which operates the park, “Legoland is a smaller version of the outdoor Legoland theme park popular around the world, including in California.” Merlin, partially owned by The LEGO Group, is the world's second-largest entertainment company after Disney. According to Matt Frank, AICP, Economic Development Coordinator for the Village of Schaumburg, “Schaumburg has grown to become the retail commercial hub of the northwest suburbs. While much of the commercial development focuses on Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg is characterized by a balanced economy of office, commercial, and industrial development. This balance provides residents and visitors with an opportunity to live, shop and work in the village, thereby contributing to and benefiting from Schaumburg’s economic stature.” d

Screened in patio and private court yard.

Professional interior design featured in great room.

Professionally landscaped private court yard.

Beautiful kitchen and dining room enters to pool room.

West side of home blossoms with spring color.

Backyard view of 1 acre lot.

Front entry and 3 car garage is paneled and shelved.

Backyard view of Pool Room Enclosure.

From your dining room step into the beautiful Cedar finished swimming pool and spa enclosure, features window scapes, skylights, zoned HVAC system. Your private retreat will provide you 24/7 access to exhilarative water Therapy throughout the year. Custom stain glass door exits to screened in patio and private court yard.

Professional landscape embraces brick and cedar exterior.

Spectacular spring bloom on east side of home.

SUN, RAIN OR SNOW YOUR PRIVATE RETREAT IS A STEP AWAY 24/7! CALL REALTY EXECUTIVES CINDY SOUMAR AT (630) 514-1239 FOR AN APPOINTMENT. • Ranch Home • Professional Interior Design • Finished Rec Room Basement • Security System • Anderson Windows • Sprinkler System • Energy Efficient Home

WAYNE, ILLINOIS YEAR-ROUND CUSTOM RESORT HOME FEATURES AN ENCLOSED SWIMMING POOL AND SPA ENJOYED EVERY SEASON,

PERFECT HOME FOR EMPTY NESTERS, CAREER FAMILIES AND GROWING FAMILIES!

By Karen Palchick

38 CHICAGOLAND BUSINESS ELITE速 2009 EDITION

Chicago indeed is a city of great opportunity and variety. Native Chicagoans, long-time Chicago transplants, and those new to the area will find that there is always something new and exciting to do in the Chicagoland area. The list below exemplifies just a few ideas of “off the beaten path” activities to consider the next time you are looking for diversion. A TASTE OF THE UNUSUAL (OR) CLASSIC ENTERTAINMENT WITH A TWIST Founded in the spring of 1974 by choreographer Lou Conte, the Lou Conte Dance Studio is home to Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. Consider participating in a dance class under the teaching of a current or past Hubbard Street dancer or staff member. Offering instruction in modern and jazz dance and ballet, the school makes even the novice feel at home with classes such as slow tap, hip-hop, and African dance, which is accompanied by live music. Lou Conte Dance Studio 1147 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago (312) 850-9766 www.hubbardstreetdance.com/lcds_home.asp Oksana Hites, owner of the River Breeze Studio and Gallery and yoga instructor extraordinaire, opened her business two years ago in a transitional neighborhood exhibiting beautiful European architecture, which is attracting investors of many types. The River Breeze’s vision is to give new and upcoming Chicagoland artists an opportunity to show his or her talent in a unique setting. A calm, peaceful environment can be felt as one enters the gallery, welcoming visitors to view the tranquil artwork and participate in gentle yoga classes, which encourage relaxation and meditation. Look into one of Oksana’s Saturday morning classes and enjoy lunch at any number of the new restaurants in the Aurora area to make a day of it. River Breeze Studio and Gallery 14 W. Downer Pl., Suite 16, Aurora (630) 264-2299

CHICAGOLAND BUSINESS ELITE® 2009 EDITION 39

By spending just 30 minutes in a Russian or Turkish sauna, your metabolism will increase, it will assist with the breakdown of body fats, and you will burn as many as 500 calories. What’s more, sauna use improves circulation and detoxification, and promotes relaxation and rejuvenation, be it the traditional Russian dry cedar sauna or the Turkish wet stone sauna. After the sauna, take the cold plunge; follow it up with a Turkish massage, and a cold drink and bite to eat. Visit the Chicago Sweatlodge or the Division Street Russian and Turkish Baths for a taste of Old World tradition, and keep an eye out for celebrities, as Hollywood idols love this kind of place. Be sure to ask for a Venik Massage to get the “full treatment.” Chicago Sweatlodge 3500 N. Cicero Ave., Chicago (773) 202-1777 www.chicagosweatlodge.com Division Street Russian and Turkish Baths 1914 W. Division St., Chicago (773) 384-8150 Founded in 1991 by Contra-Mestre Marisa, Gingarte Capoeria is the largest capoeira organization in the midwest. For those unfamiliar with capoeira, it is an African-Brazilian form of martial art that incorporates fighting, dance, and gymnastic elements with live music. Gingarte Capoeria offers classes and workshops on capoeira and can be available to perform throughout Chicago. Contra-Mestre Marisa, Gingarte Capoeria 2056 W. 18th St., Chicago www.gingartecapoeira.org Whether your interest lies in ballroom (Sunday afternoons), swing (Sunday evenings), salsa (Wednesday evenings), or country-western (Tuesday evenings), the Willowbrook Ballroom’s 80 years of experience can help you find your comfort zone on the dance floor. Visit its Web site for details of Friday and Saturday night offerings and consider joining in on ballroom dancing lessons the first Sunday morning of each month. Six evenings a week (closed Monday’s during summer, closed Thursdays year-round), you will find the three-tiered stage and 6,000 square-foot dance floor teaming with activity. Come early to participate in dance lessons and stay late to practice what you have learned! Willowbrook Ballroom 8900 Archer Ave., Willow Springs (708) 839-1000 www.willowbrookballroom.com

MORE IDEAS TO CONSIDER Have you ever wanted to do something so out of the ordinary but just have not found the time or courage to step out of your comfort zone? Consider taking trapeze lessons at the Flying Gaonas Gym, a yearround flying trapeze and circus arts school in Chicago and the suburbs, based out of Skokie. They gladly will

40 CHICAGOLAND BUSINESS ELITE® 2009 EDITION

let you take a trial swing to see if you are interested in pursuing lessons, and you can relax because safety is emphasized throughout. The gym’s graduated method of teaching allows students to progress at their own level of skill. Owners Gloria and Julio Gaona are seventh-generation professional circus performers who have performed around the world with Ringling Brothers, Shrine Circus, and Circus Flora; Julio as a trapeze artist and Gloria as a hand walker. In 2001, they were the main attraction of the “Under the Big Top” exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry and since then have offered classes in trapeze and other circus arts, such as hand walking, throughout Chicagoland. Gloria and Julio are no strangers to Chicago’s limelight as they have been featured on CLTV, WGN-TV, NBC/Channel 5, FOX News/Channel 12, Chicago Tribune and Chicago Magazine. Additionally, they were featured guests on “Wild Chicago” and Rachael Ray’s “Tasty Travels” programs. Classes are offered at various locations in the Chicago area, so contact the gym directly for the location most convenient for you. Consider the Flying Gaonas Gym for your next corporate team-building retreat or birthday party. Flying Gaonas Gym (773) 398-9881 www.flyinggaonastrapeze.com Are you an avid hiker? Enjoy history? Just two hours from Chicago you will find incredible views from the Starved Rock State Park, Lodge, and Convention Center majestically overlooking the Illinois River. Acquire a new appreciation for the historical background of the area as you visit the museum and enjoy the trails as you wind through 2,630 acres of thick forest, complete with 18 canyons with breathtaking waterfalls. Make it a “day trip” or stay overnight at the charming lodge or in a rustic cabin in the woods, but above all else, try some homemade fudge while you are there. Starved Rock State Park, Lodge, and Convention Center Rte. 178 & 71, Utica (800) 868-7625 www.starvedrocklodge.com Girls, take a walk on the wild side and visit Flirty Girl Fitness—a high-end exclusive social club for women. This women-only fitness center focuses on fun, feminine, and flirty classes that will help patrons attain fitness goals. The 7,500 square-foot designer studio offers drop-in classes, memberships, bachelorette, and birthday parties plus other private functions. In addition, Flirty Girl Spa offers manicures and pedicures, a sun deck, health café, and be sure to order a signature Flirtini from the lounge. Flirty Girl Fitness 1325 W. Randolph St., Chicago (312) 666-2266 www.chicago.flirtygirlfitness.com

CHICAGOLAND BUSINESS ELITE速 2009 EDITION 41

Joyce Becker Lee

Lizzadro Museum of Lapida

One of the advantages of living in a major metropolitan area like Chicago is the wide variety of fascinating and unusual museums available.

ry Ar t The Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, set in Elmhurst’s beautiful Wi lder Park, was built to resemble a jewel-box, an d features breathtaking artwork created from fab ulous gemstones by both ancient crafters an d contemporary artists. Lapidary is the art of cut ting and polishing stone, and is a hobby tha t has attracted many enthusiasts. The museu m was the dream of lapidary hobbyist Joseph P. Lizzadro, who began collecting interesting sto nes on family trips to the Keweenaw upper pen insula of Michigan. In 1962 he found a home for his collection through an agreement wit h the City of Elmhurst and its park dis trict.

ARTS & CULTURE: Boutique Museums

Today, the museum house s an impressive permanent collection tha t includes exquisite jade pieces dating back to China’s Ming Swedish American Museum Dynasty, as well as Roma n stone mosaics and The North Side neighborhood of Andersonville was once home to Swedish immigrants fascin ating dioramas carved in Germany. The settling in Chicago. Today, that history is celebrated at the three-story, 24,000 squarelower level of the museu m combines artistry foot Swedish American Museum. Here, visitors can enjoy permanent and traveling with earth science, offeri ng visitors a hands-on exhibits, a Swedish library, and meeting and workshop areas. Visitors can take Swedish rock and mineral lesson . The star of the language classes, enjoy concerts and lectures, or admire the art and history exhibits. lapidary experience is arg uably the Castle Liz zadro, a magnificent 18 A separate Children’s Museum of Immigration offers children a hands-on history -karat gold castle boasting diamond windo lesson, complete with a Viking ship, a 20-foot steamer, and a pioneer log cabin ws and based on a slab of Brazilian agate sur to help them learn as they actually experience the Swedish immigrant experience. rounded by amethyst, ma lachite, azurite and van In addition, the museum offers programs, lectures, concerts, and films, and can adium. (www.lizzadromuseum.or be rented for special events. Group tours are available if arranged in advance. g/home.html) The Museum also offers a Nordic Family Research Center with computerized help for genealogy study. (www.samac.org) um am t Muse e National Vietncan r A s n ion, th etera hat art nam V an odd juxtaposit under the idea trans seeking t e i V l a n e m was bor y Vietnam vet AM has Nation and art may seeN VAM, b V V 1 V r 8 N a 9 r 1 o w r, Lake County While Art Museum, war. Began in ive of that wa post-traumatic Discovery M s of ect eat r p t s n r a e useum lp Fo p h e t r a great family Veteran e the stresses h more rt to istoric a s h v ou e e e ting, try this al d s d li n u e lu a r c o t d ic in t t n m a us n lis n help ar t eu , e ound r y m , which features movem nt an a collectio e tograph everything from artistry to the to prese ce behind the e permanent e, poetry, pho ists. One of th area largest Civil W for 00 art D). Th ulptur rising ar re-enactmen c 1 S p s in T n , m been a Il s a P lin o g ( h c oi t r , s. in One of the mos t nd int ore isorde t popular exhi ding pa perience of m bove and Beyo ide of the the Curt Teich stress d bits is s s, inclu x t e A e u Po c r d o st ie a ca l le p rd w ia it m Archives, hom the world’s larg 1,500 ure ent e only memor ing the e to e museu est collection express ibits is a sculpt am. Th cational th n t it of picture ie g po V music, in st h u k ca x in d rd a e e s— d m g m e , ie r or s in d a e than 365,000 irr tag its ho cards, computer-cate most st 00 dog st all w ell, and exhib m.org) gorized into m an 58,0 on, D.C. to li a w h v t s v a e r .n s or o r w e a t than 2,100 m su w g w bj w ec in ( ll ts h a , . presenting a co Was ns of raged mpelling story Wall in ork by vetera ups are encou through postca rds of America tw ro from 1898 hosts ar ical. School g through 1978. r In o t addition, the m is h and useum houses the Lake County History Archives, including phot ographs, land plats, and histories of indi vidual schools Ernest Hemingway Museum in the county. The museum is located in the Arguably the definitive American author, Ernest Hemingway was born and Lakewood Forest Preserve in southwest La raised in Oak Park. That city’s Ernest Hemingway Foundation has developed ke County. (www.lcfpd.or g/discovery_m useum) a unique, fascinating look at the man and his life, including a tour of the author’s childhood home, built by his grandparents in 1890 and meticulously restored by the Foundation to its original grandeur. Nearby is the Hemingway Museum, where many special items, including Hemingway’s childhood diary, are on display. Other special exhibits, both permanent and traveling, highlight the varied and adventurous life of the author. A museum store sells books by and about Hemingway, along with videos and gift items. (www.ehfop.org)

42 CHICAGOLAND BUSINESS ELITE® 2009 EDITION

useum of DuSable M rt, tory erican His seum of Negro History and erA who u African-Am ad fur tr ony M

b e Haitian 61 as The E 1968 after th museum has seen Begun in 19 in ed am n was re r. The remains the DuSable manent Chicago settle theater, but t ea -s er 0 p 5 t 4 rs a fi was the including nting the sions since, ing and prese f African several expan original goal of preserv ts emen o its s and achiev ce n ie fricandedicated to er p ex history of A cultural a d e d an u l cl ca in ri s histo and African exhibit ith artwork Permanent w d s. g n an o ic al er , m es A forc ses, films, an in the armed hosts book signings, clas nts films to Americans se so Cinema pre e museum al Cola Penny artifacts. Th ca African o f o C g le p in eo go e on s tory of p is h e th ’s workshop lectures. Th h it re ildren w de child n u ch t cl n in ai s u q am ac rg) help al progr lemuseum.o er education (www.dusab a. ic descent. Oth fr A f o rming arts in the perfo

Volo Auto Museu m

It’s been said that Am erica has a love affair with the automobile, and no where is that passion more evident than at the Volo Au to Museum. Here yo u can see the Dukes of Hazzard Ge neral Lee, KITT fro m “Night Rider,” and even th e Batmobile, as well as the cars from Miami Vice, Go ne in 60 Seconds, an d Terminator 3. The museum boast s plenty of exhibits and activities for the entire family , including kids’ rides in an Indy 500 car, the Flintsto nesmobile, the Love Bug, and even the Ghostbuster auto . The museum’s Comb at Zone includes realistic ba ttle displays, complet e with sound effects, as well as op erational military ve hicles. Other activities include an tique malls and vintag e car displays. And there ’s even a sales floor for buying and selling. (www.vo locars.com).

Museum of Science and Industry The Museum of Science and Industry, the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere, has been a Chicago landmark since 1933, but really began in 1911 as a dream of Julius Rosenwald, Chairman of the Board of Sears, Roebuck and Company. Rosenwald was inspired by the Deutsches Museum in Munich. In 1926, the 1893 building that housed the Palace of Fine Arts from the World’s Columbian Exposition was targeted as the future home of the museum, but it took until 1933 before the building was ready to open. One of the first exhibits was the popular coal mine, followed in later years by such popular exhibits as Colleen Moore’s Fairy Castle (1949), the U-505 submarine (1954), the Apollo 8 Capsule (1971), the Titanic exhibit (2000) and the controversial Midwest debut of Body Worlds: The Anatomical Exhibition of Real Human Bodies (2005). In 2008, the museum celebrated 75 years of scientific excitement, and will see even more amazing and educational exhibits in the years to come. In fact, Museum President and CEO David Mosena has announced plans for a $205 million Science Rediscovered campaign, stating, “This will allow the museum to carry on our critical vision of inspiring and motivating children to achieve their full potential in science, technology, medicine and engineering.” According to the museum’s Public Relations Manager, Beth Boston, upcoming changes are extensive, including new permanent exhibits such as You! The Experience, which will examine the human body. The first of the new major exhibits opened this summer (2009). Beginning in spring of 2010, Science Storms will explore the extreme weather that has become more commonplace on Earth. Other changes include replacing the Petroleum Planet exhibit with Energy Planet (set for fall, 2010), which will explore our planet’s future energy challenge. Blue Planet • Red Planet (spring, 2011) will explore our own planet’s mysteries as well as those of Mars. Even the “heart” of the museum, the walk-through beating heart, will undergo a renovation to become even more interactive and informative. Says Boston, “By 2011, nearly 90 percent of the museum’s exhibit space will either be brand new or completely renewed.” (www.msichicago.org). d

CHICAGOLAND BUSINESS ELITE® 2009 EDITION 43

INDEX

O F

A D V E R T I S E R S

ABC 7 News .......................................................... Back Cover The ABL Group ................................................................... 11 American Painting Inc. .......................................................... 3 American Pride Security Services Inc.................................... 27 Broad Reach Sailing ........................................................... 41 Cardinal............................................................................. 27 Catered by Design .............................................................. 17 Century 21 Pro-Team - Mike McCatty ................................... 35 Divorce Magazine............................................................... 31 Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa.................................................... 36 Essanay Show It................................................................. 25 Grand Lodge of Illinois A.F. and A.M..................................... 27 The Heartland Spa .............................................................. 21 Infinite Video Productions, Inc. ............................................ 10 ISBS - Image Systems & Business Solutions, L.L.C.......... 22-23 ITEX .................................................................................... 7 Joseph Salerno Designs, Inc. / ITEX .............. Inside Front Cover Alan J. Moltz D.D.S. FAGD................................................... 21 ND Tile & Marble ................................................................ 11 Northeast Illinois Heating & Air Conditioning Corp................. 26 NTA Trade - An IMS Company .............................................. 16 SAD, GOLDSTONE & associates........................................... 10 Scottish Rite Valley of Chicago............................................. 44 Sheri Law Art Glass Ltd................................. Inside Back Cover Shriners Hospital for Children - Chicago ............................... 20 Skyway Elevator Repair Co., Inc. ......................................... 25 SmithBucklin ...................................................................... 26 Team Dog .......................................................................... 41 United Limousine and Sedan Service, Inc. ............................ 33 VillageProfile.com, inc. ........................................................29 Whitehall of Deerfield ......................................................... 19

44 CHICAGOLAND BUSINESS ELITE速 2009 EDITION

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURAL

Gilded Carved Backsplash

ATTENTION DESIGNER! Please make sure there is a .25-inch margin on all sides of this ad Carved and Layeredwhere Glacier Edge no text or logos are present!

SHERI L AW ART GL ASS, LTD. 12551 W.

159TH ST. |

708.301.2800 |

HOMER GLEN, IL 60491 FAX:

708.301.2801

w w w. s h e r i l a w a r t g l a s s . c o m