Crain's Chicago Business articles from October 2004

Crain's Chicago Business archives from October 2004

Cost cuts drive Hub's profit surge.(News)
October 4, 2004... Byline: BOB TITA Hub Group Inc.'s stock price is up more than 70% this year as the freight forwarder's profits doubled. The gains coincided with an upturn in the freight industry, but Hub's profit growth has more to do with...

CHANGING RULES.(Special Report: Jobs)(Brief Article)
October 4, 2004... Overtime has been in the news of late after the U.S. Labor Department issued revisions in August to the 1938 Fair Labor Standards Act, which governs how employers compensate workers. The new rules guarantee overtime pay to workers earning...

Bargain-hunting boosts First Banks in Chicago.(News)(Continental Community Bank & Trust Co.)
October 4, 2004... Byline: STEVE DANIELS A minor presence in Chicago banking for the last decade, First Banks Inc. raised its profile here with recent deals to buy two troubled banks. The acquisitions of Aurora-based Continental Community Bank & Trust...

Gov't workforce still shrinking in Illinois; Inches up slightly in burbs.(News)(Government)
October 4, 2004... Byline: H. LEE MURPHY During recessions and periods of private-sector job losses, government employment typically has held steady. But conditions in Illinois are very different this time. The ranks of state and federal employees here...

Next week: out new look, new sections.(News)
October 4, 2004... Crain's Chicago Business launches greatly expanded coverage and a new, easier-to-read format next week. The Oct. 11 issue will introduce two new weekly sections: Focus, an in-depth look at business topics, and Life, which brings the savvy...

Grocery makeover: No 'dead center'.(News)
October 4, 2004... Byline: JULIE JARGON Can supermarkets revive their dead zones, the center aisles steadily losing customers to bulk-shopping meccas like Sam's Club and Costco? That's the aim of Marsh Supermarkets Inc. of Indianapolis, planning to open...

State GOP gets nods from union; Service workers an unlikely ally.(News)(Grand Old Party)
October 4, 2004... Byline: GREG HINZ As they hit the campaign trail this fall, most Republican members of the Illinois House will have an unusual ally at their side: a major labor union. Even as it battles to unseat President George W. Bush, the Illinois...

AT MOTO, A GLITCH COULD STEAL XMAS; Hoping new lineup will erase memory of last year's woes.(News)(Motorola Inc)
October 4, 2004... Byline: JULIE JOHNSSON The 2004 holiday shopping season is shaping up as a critical test for Motorola Inc. and new CEO Edward Zander. The Schaumburg cellular telephone maker hopes an array of snazzy new phones will wipe away memories...

City piles up huge trash debt to condos; 'Backed up' on millions in property-tax rebate.(News)(Condominium)
October 4, 2004... Byline: SHRUTI DATE SINGH The city is millions of dollars in arrears-it won't disclose the precise amount-on property tax rebates owed to condominium owners who arrange for private-sector trash collection. The debt appears to be...

Will Aon find CEO, or a buyer? Issue looms as insurance broker hunts Ryan's successor.(News)(Chief executive officers, Aon Corp.)
October 4, 2004... Byline: STEVE DANIELS Patrick G. Ryan's decision to retire as Aon Corp.'s CEO makes a takeover bid for the underperforming insurance company more likely. A special committee of Aon's board is looking for Mr. Ryan's replacement, and a...

Tiny Illinois town big on alternative power; Stelle settled by energy 'pioneers'.(News)
October 4, 2004... Byline: H. LEE MURPHY As oil prices flirted with $50 a barrel last week, the call went up for new energy conservation measures. In the Downstate hamlet of Stelle, that message has been resounding for years among eco-conscious residents....

Domestic violence should be workplace concern, too.(Opinion)
October 4, 2004... Byline: Michael D. Karpeles Managers who think domestic violence is none of the company's business need a wake-up call. Last year, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported victims of domestic violence cumulatively...

Conventions.(Calendar/Datebook)(Calendar)
October 4, 2004... WEEK OF OCT. 4 Oct. 4-6: Digital Consulting Institute, Hilton Chicago, estimated attendance 250. Oct. 4-6: Nanotechnology Conference, Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, estimated attendance 300. Oct. 4-8: Walgreen Co., Hilton Chicago,...

Orbitz to sell for $1.25 bil.(Briefs)(Orbitz L.L.C.)(Brief Article)
October 4, 2004... Travel and real estate heavyweight Cendant Corp. said it will buy Chicago-based travel Web site Orbitz Inc. for about $1.25 billion, making it the second-largest competitor in the online travel industry. Cendant will pay $27.50 a share for the...

Jobs 2012: temps and techs; Chicago employment growth expected to lag as job-skills mismatch widens.(Special Report: Jobs)(Temporary)(Technology)
October 4, 2004... Byline: SANDRA JONES Want to be sure to have a job in 2012? Take up nursing or truck driving. These sure-fire occupations have faced worker shortages for years and the trend is forecast to continue. Food-service workers, computer...

New CenterPoint chief exec aims for business as usual.(News)
October 4, 2004... Byline: ALBY GALLUN As the new CEO of CenterPoint Properties Trust, Michael M. Mullen expects to change business cards, but not much else. "It's going to be more of the same,'' says Mr. Mullen, an 11-year CenterPoint veteran who will...

City to Donald's deputy: Take a little off the top.(News)(Donald Trump)(Brief Article)
October 4, 2004... Byline: ALBY GALLUN Bill Rancic, project manager of Donald Trump's planned 90-story downtown skyscraper, thinks big. A little too big, as it turns out. A three-story coach house the "Apprentice'' star is building in East Ukrainian...

Growth on menu for WTTW hit; `Check, Please!' eyes life as a franchise. Will `average Joe' show work as a brand?(News)(WTTW-TV)(Channel 11)
October 4, 2004... Byline: SANDRA JONES "Check, Please!'' is taking its show on the road. The restaurant review program launched on Chicago's WTTW-TV/Channel 11 has a development deal in the works with San Francisco public TV outlet KQED to produce a...

Lively pubs give lunchtime a buzz.(Jake Melnick's Corner Tap)(Miller's Pub)(Govnor's Pub)(Restaurant Review)
October 4, 2004... Byline: Andrea Hanis Pub meals seem fun in Britain, but for a workday lunch here struck me as crowded, smoky and full of indifferent food. I don't love bars at night, so why would I feel differently at midday? So much for assumptions....

Retrain, rethink, rejuvenate; For the downsized, starting over can be best option.(Special Report: Jobs)
October 4, 2004... Byline: GRETCHEN WAHL Job retraining, the great hope of a dynamic economy that puts too many good employees out of work, too often fails to effectively match able workers to new skills, and then to open positions. But for those who are...

Workers gravitate to growth sectors; By chance or plan, they wind up where the jobs are.(Special Report: Jobs)
October 4, 2004... Byline: SANDRA SWANSON The job market in Chicago hasn't kept pace with nationwide improvements in employment, but there are pockets of strength. Three sectors that have shown notable job growth: hospitals, restaurants, and the shipping and...

Overtime OK, but only in moderation; Firms, workers look for balance.(Special Report: Jobs)
October 4, 2004... Byline: JOHN T. SLANIA Despite the national debate about overtime pay, workers and employers actually agree that there are some benefits to paying people higher wages for working more hours. It's only when things get carried...

Check out a tax credit with benefits beyond your return.(Opinion)
October 4, 2004... Byline: Perry R. Pero Although the leaves are still green and the air still warm, it is none too early to complete the tax planning that will face us at yearend. I recommend that you maximize your tax savings while contributing to your...

DVD discounter touts selection; Internet firm guarantees lowest prices.(News)
October 4, 2004... Byline: JULIE JARGON Deep Discount DVD promises the lowest prices, but selection may be its real edge over bigger rivals in the increasingly crowded DVD sales market. The division of Itasca-based Infinity Resources Inc. started...

MBA job path lined with worry As hiring surges, concerns shift to other work issues.(Special Report: Jobs)(Master of business administration)
October 4, 2004... Byline: CHRISTINA LE BEAU A year ago, Chicago's top MBA graduates were facing troubles usually reserved for undergraduates: waiting months for job offers, even failing to get offers altogether. These days, MBAs have more of an...

Steering patients to top heart hospitals; Insurer's list could grow as more apply to be included.(News)
October 4, 2004... Byline: SARAH A. KLEIN UnitedHealthcare of Illinois Inc., the state's second-largest health insurer, is steering Chicago-area patients to a handful of hospitals it deems superior in the treatment of heart disease. The company's list,...

In med-mal talks, jury cap a no-go; Asset protection for doctors more likely.(News)
October 4, 2004... Byline: SARAH A. KLEIN The thing that doctors and hospitals want most-a cap on jury awards-is off the table in negotiations designed to resolve the state's medical malpractice insurance debate. In the first of a series of meetings...

Job search requires extroversion, introspection; Network hard but take your time.(Special Report: Jobs)
October 4, 2004... Byline: KAREN J. BANNAN In any given year, one in five executives leaves a job, according to researchers at Cornell University's Center for Advanced Human Resource Studies in Ithaca, N.Y. Traditionally, unemployed-or unhappily...

Late News.
October 4, 2004... ORBITZ ACQUISITION PAYS OFF FOR CEO Orbitz Inc. CEO Jeffrey Katz stands to pocket up to $40.7 million when he departs the online ticketer following its $1.25-billion acquisition by Cendant Corp. in November. Mr. Katz will collect $36.4...

Malpractice talks should be open to public view.(Opinion)(Brief Article)
October 4, 2004... New rules on medical malpractice litigation, a matter of spirited public debate and undeniable public interest, will be crafted out of public view. As reporter Sarah A. Klein writes this week, the mediator appointed by Gov. Rod Blagojevich...

Datebook.(Calendar)
October 4, 2004... WEEK OF OCT. 4 OCT. 4: Illinois State Bar Assn. presents Family Law Update: Unconventional Topics. 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Chicago Athletic Assn., 12 S. Michigan Ave. Fee: $115 members, $215 non-members. (800) 252-8908. OCT. 4: Illinois...

ShoreBank pulls back as bad loans pile up; 74% uptick runs counter to peers' performance.(News)
October 4, 2004... Byline: STEVE DANIELS ShoreBank, one of the biggest lenders in Chicago's low-income South and West side neighborhoods, is suffering a sharp increase in bad loans while credit quality at its peers is improving. The surge in bad credit...

Executive Moves.(News)
October 4, 2004... EDUCATION Darcy L. Walker, 55, to executive director of the Sherwood Conservatory of Music, from acting director. FINANCIAL SERVICES Karen Andrews, 45, to vice-president and relationship manager of middle-market banking at Cole...

Encouraging signs at the Chicago Police Department.(Opinion)(Brief Article)
October 4, 2004... Superintendent Phil Cline has demonstrated a steady hand since taking charge of Chicago's Police Department last year, and we have to admit that we've gotten our hopes up as a result. Mr. Cline jumped in the car early on and did some...

Temps hope to add skills, make contacts hed to hold it together.(Special Report: Jobs)
October 4, 2004... Byline: Profiles by JUDITH NEMES Gopi Engineer, 24 Temping at: OWP&P Inc., architecture firm in the Loop Agency: LaSalle Network Why do you temp? I've been out of college for two years and I'm in the process of a career...

Conventions.(Calendar/Datebook)(Calendar)
October 11, 2004... THIS WEEK Oct. 11-13: Professional Pricing Society, Hyatt Regency Chicago, estimated attendance 325. Oct. 11-14: American Oil Chemists Society, Fairmont Hotel, estimated attendance 450. Oct. 12-16: Golf Collectors Society,...

Media connoisseur.(News)(Brief Article)
October 11, 2004... Byline: Dan Weissmann Since opening his Armitage Avenue restaurant in 1986, Charlie Trotter has won seven James Beard awards, hosted two PBS series and written cookbooks including "Gourmet Cooking for Dummies.'' Insomnia means he reads at...

On the Clock: Cancer fighter.(The Business of Life)(Brief Article)(Column)
October 11, 2004... Byline: Anne Ford Vicki Trajcevski, mammography technologist, Northwestern Memorial Hospital Salary: $22 to $35 per hour Years on the job: Four Duties: Takes breast X-rays, placing patient's breast on platform of mammography...

Your Guide to Family Business.(Focus: Small Business)(Brief Article)
October 11, 2004... The family business. It can make you rich. It can make your kids hate you. We've got advice on how to do the former and avoid the latter from family men like Joe Perrino, who built his family's Home Run Inn pizzeria into a six-restaurant chain...

Family (business) portraits.(Focus: Small Business)(Column)
October 11, 2004... Byline: SAMANTHA STAINBURN Running a small business is more complicated when your boss remembers changing your diaper, or your partner still resents the time you grounded her. But there are lots of ways to close the generation gap. We...

I-55 corridor hits brakes; Is warehouse glut a sign that economic engine is sputtering?(News)(Column)
October 11, 2004... Byline: ALBY GALLUN The massive distribution centers along Interstate 55 in Will County-some large enough to cover 10 football fields or more-store everything from steak to stereos. A growing number, however, carry nothing but interest...

Late News.(Brief Article)
October 11, 2004... Australia, Wal-Mart ban `Leisure Suit Larry' Australia is banning imports of "Leisure Suit Larry: Magna Cum Laude,'' a racy video game made by High Voltage Software in Hoffman Estates (Crain's, May 17). Wal-Mart also refuses to sell it,...

Expert Opinion: Which luggage is best suited to frequent air travel?(The Business of Life)(Brief Article)(Column)
October 11, 2004... Byline: Maureen Jenkins "Travelpro, because of the durability,'' says Decarol Deloney-Barrett, a United Airlines flight attendant for 18 years who uses the 22-inch ballistic nylon Rollaboard style (models can be found for around $200;...

Finally, United is talking sense about its future.(Opinion)
October 11, 2004... Last week brought the first encouraging news out of United Airlines since the company landed in bankruptcy two years ago. A new business strategy suggests United executives finally grasp the realities of the airline market. Instead of...

On the move.(People)
October 11, 2004... ARTS Joan W. and Irving B. Harris Theater for Music and Dance, Chicago: Michael Tiknis, 52, to managing director, from president and CEO at Midland Center for the Arts in Midland, Mich. Replaces General Manager Joyce A. Moffatt, 68, who is...

Unrelated matters: Families turn to outsiders; Bringing in non-family managers can create 'an instant conflict'.(Focus: Small Business)(Column)
October 11, 2004... Byline: KAREN J. BANNAN When a family taps an outsider to take over its business, the risks can be daunting for both parties. In fact, 88% of executives at family-owned businesses say relatives will stay in control of their firms over...

Slow Ride to the Top.(Focus: Small Business)(Brief Article)
October 11, 2004... Even the most telegenic heirs can languish in middle management, awaiting a stubborn father's retirement. August Busch IV has been a vice-president at his family's business, Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc., since 1996. While the company has often used...

Families face fast-paced global marketplace; Keyt: tough choices for family managers.(Focus: Small Business)(Column)
October 11, 2004... Byline: MARK HENRICKS Running a business with family members may provide a welcome refuge from the cold corporate world outside. But family businesses aren't immune to the forces reshaping that world-globalization, new waves of technology,...

HOSPITALS BARRING THE PAPA-RAZZI; Want to tape your baby's delivery? Think again: Anxious OBs are saying 'no' to cameras.(News)(Obstetrics )(Column)
October 11, 2004... Byline: SARAH A. KLEIN Many Chicago-area hospitals now forbid parents from videotaping the births of their babies. The bans are being implemented as malpractice insurance premiums for obstetrician-gynecologists rise and the fear of...

Funds for the whole family; Family businesses make many investors nervous; you can ease their anxiety.(Focus: Small Business)(Column)
October 11, 2004... Byline: PAULETTE THOMAS When Madolyn Johnson started her home-accessories business in 1971, it was all about family and home. She encouraged her growing army of direct sales reps to put their families first, just as she had. Her lender...

Crain's redesigned, with busy readers in mind.(News)(Brief Article)(Column)
October 11, 2004... Byline: Jeff Bailey Editor The changes in Crain's Chicago Business this week are more than cosmetic, transforming what was already one of the nation's leading local business publications into an essential companion for business people. ...

The Mini Cooper.(News)(Brief Article)
October 11, 2004... Who makes it: BMW List price: $16,999 Size: 142.8 inches long, 2,679 pounds (vs. 219 inches, 5,268 pounds for Chevy Suburban) Gas mileage: 28 city, 37 highway (manual transmission) Vivid colors: British Racing Green, Purple...

Choosing not to choose; Father prepares his sons to share CEO duties.(Focus: Small Business)(Column)
October 11, 2004... Byline: KATHRYN PETERSON Anthony Terlato never expected that both of his sons would join the family wine-distribution business. He was touched when they did, but it presented him with a dilemma: Which one would succeed him as CEO? ...

Wrigley's curiously strong rival; Battle with Cadbury may spark war for Kraft mints.(News)(Column)
October 11, 2004... Byline: JULIE JARGON Competition between Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. and Cadbury Schweppes plc is hotter than a pack of Big Red, and Kraft Foods Inc. could benefit. Ever since London-based Cadbury acquired New York-based Pfizer Inc.'s Adams...

That'll be $2; A FARE HIKE MAKES MORE SENSE THAN CUTTING CTA BUS AND RAIL ROUTES ALTOGETHER.(News)(Chicago Transit Authority)(Column)
October 11, 2004... Byline: Greg Hinz My buddies at the bus stop aren't going to appreciate this. But there's no ducking. The Chicago Transit Authority ought to raise fares again. Yeah, I know the CTA in January hiked the per-ride charge a quarter, to...

City corruption takes its toll in dollars, dignity.(Opinion)(Column)
October 11, 2004... Byline: Jay Stewart In light of the series of City Hall scandals in the last few months, the question arises: What are the costs of corruption, cronyism and complacency in Chicago? The first cost comes in diminished public service....

Datebook.(Calendar/Datebook)(Calendar)
October 11, 2004... This week OCT. 11: Small Business Development Center at McHenry County College presents Your Customer is Truly Your Boss. 7 to 10 p.m. McHenry County College, 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14, Room B168, Crystal Lake. Fee: $35. (815) 455-8588. OCT....

MUST KRAFT, SARA LEE GO MEATLESS? As suppliers jump into branding biz, maybe it's time to unload Oscar Mayer, Jimmy Dean.(News)(Column)
October 11, 2004... Byline: JULIE JARGON It's a tough time to be in the meat business, and some observers think Sara Lee Corp. and Kraft Foods Inc. should get out while they can. With consolidation in the meat industry and major meatpackers processing...

New Hire: Credit quality key for new Midwest Banc CEO.(People)(Brief Article)
October 11, 2004... Byline: Steve Daniels Job: President and CEO, Midwest Banc Holdings Inc., since Sept. 28. Vitals: 56 years old; bachelor of arts, Harvard University, 1970; 30 years in banking, most recently as CEO of CNB Bancshares. Strong suit:...

City property tax bills to drop.(Briefs)(Brief Article)
October 11, 2004... The Cook County assessor's office said the property tax bills of four out of five Chicago homeowners will go down this year. Assessor James Houlihan's office cited legislation signed into law last summer that caps annual increases in assessed...

I-355 extension unlikely to attract industry to Will; Subdivisions crowd out county hopes for office, warehouse projects.(News)(Column)
October 11, 2004... Byline: H. LEE MURPHY Construction of a southern leg of Interstate 355 is virtually assured after years of debate. Less certain is what economic benefits will follow the new expressway into Will County. The 12.5-mile extension of I-355...

Former country club site brings high price; Developer pays $45 million, nearby towns vie to annex property.(News)(Timber Trails Country Club)(Brief Article)(Column)
October 11, 2004... Byline: H. LEE MURPHY The old Timber Trails Country Club near Western Springs has turned out to be an exceedingly valuable development site. When the Anderson family, which had owned Timber Trails since the mid-1960s, decided in late...

Gov't shorts CHA rehab funding; Housing agency says project remains on track despite capital squeeze.(News)(Chicago Housing Authority)(Column)
October 11, 2004... Byline: SHRUTI DATE SINGH One funding source for the Chicago Housing Authority's $1.6-billion transformation plan has weakened over the last three years, but CEO Terry Peterson says the ambitious 10-year renovation and construction project...

As steel rises, supplier forges a comeback; MFRI's stock climbs 59% as reopened mills order its filters again.(Markets)(Brief Article)
October 11, 2004... Byline: H. LEE MURPHY Rising prices of steel, oil and other commodities are squeezing many manufacturers, but they're giving a boost to MFRI Inc. The Niles-based company saw its stock rise 59% in the third quarter to $5.34, leading the...

Stock Report: Grim reports send manufacturing stocks sliding.(Markets)(Brief Article)(Column)
October 11, 2004... Byline: Bob Tita Glum news on factory orders and manufacturing employment dragged down the shares of some local industrial heavyweights last week. For the week, Peoria-based heavy equipment maker Caterpillar Inc. slipped 1.36% to...

Stop theft-hire your spouse; In doctors' offices, honey-do's can include accounting, collections.(Focus: Small Business)(Column)
October 11, 2004... Byline: IRWIN SPEIZER Behind a great doctor, there's often a sharp-eyed spouse watching over the office finances. Medical training doesn't prepare doctors for critical business tasks like collecting fees from insurers and keeping...

Outsourcer's getting a lift, but for how long?(Markets)(Brief Article)(Column)
October 11, 2004... Byline: Paul Merrion Basics: Operates outsourcing centers, mainly in Asia, for U.S. and European banks and financial services companies. Provides software development at a fraction of the cost of U.S. programmers. 2003 revenue: $107...

For the Record.(Briefs)(Brief Article)
October 11, 2004... United Airlines. The Elk Grove Township-based carrier said that by March, it will reduce its domestic capacity 12% and increase its international capacity 14% to help it return to profitability after four straight years of losses. American...

More turbulence ahead at Boeing; In wake of Air Force scandal, Pentagon widens contract probe.(News)(Column)
October 11, 2004... Byline: PAUL MERRION WASHINGTON-The Pentagon is broadening its investigation of Boeing Co.'s contracting scandal, increasing the potential for more financial and legal hits for the aerospace giant. Recent courtroom revelations of...

Family heirs loom; Waiting for dad to retire: 'If he doesn't trust you at 40, he's never going to trust you'.(Focus: Small Business)(Column)
October 11, 2004... Byline: KATE BEEM Note to Charles, Prince of Wales: Fish or cut bait. You're not getting any younger. Pushing 56 and still waiting for his mum to decide when she'll hand over the reins, the British prince has much in common with some...

Pocketbook Protector.(The Business of Life)
October 11, 2004... Experience a lot, spend a little: We'll get you in and out of the Peninsula for $55 or less. Peninsula martini, left: $12.50 Cigar: $10 to $49 Manicure: $35 Afternoon tea: $24 Chocolate buffet with live jazz: $26 ...

Meet the patients; Introducing kids, clients can be tricky, rewarding.(Focus: Small Business)(Column)
October 11, 2004... Byline: CYNTHIA HANSON A business partnership is rarely an easy relationship, but a parent-child pairing presents unique challenges. "Family practices are fraught with danger,'' says Edward Ruda, president of Ruda Cohen & Associates, a...

Tackling the Edens in European style.(News)(Brief Article)(Column)
October 11, 2004... Byline: Maureen Jenkins Julio Lopez, director of the Tourist Office of Spain in downtown Chicago, moved to Northfield two years ago from Madrid, where commuting meant a leisurely walk. Mr. Lopez, 40, has traded strolls in Europe's capitals...

Motorola eyes Tellabs' prize; 2nd-round pick could take lead role on plum Verizon fiber contract.(Markets)(Column)
October 11, 2004... Byline: JULIE JOHNSSON Motorola Inc. is poised to grab a big chunk of a groundbreaking project at the expense of Tellabs Inc. Industry observers expect Motorola to be named the second supplier of fiber optic gear for Verizon...

Staring down change; Caution: Read this before you mess with your father's business plan.(Focus: Small Business)(Column)
October 11, 2004... Byline: DEE GILL In the 14 years since his father's death, Joe Perrino has turned the mom-and-pop Home Run Inn pizzeria business into a six-restaurant chain and a retail brand with manufacturing and distribution operations. But the...

Dine a world away: Veer off Michigan; Head east of the avenue for Armenian kebabs, Italian spinach salad.(Dining/Restaurant Review)(Bice Ristorante)(West Egg Cafe)(Sayat-Nova)(Restaurant Review)
October 11, 2004... Byline: Anne Moore There are many reasons to be on North Michigan Avenue, and plenty of reasons to detour off it, too: fewer pedestrians, tree-lined streets and scads of restaurants that typically don't have a line of tourists spilling...

LaSalle shifts from selling to advising; 'Consultant' approach aims to boost sales to retail customers.(News)(LaSalle Bank N.A.)(Column)
October 11, 2004... Byline: CHARLES PAIKERT Crain News Service LaSalle Bank N.A. is dropping the hard sell as it works to expand sales of mutual funds and other investments to retail customers. Chicago-based LaSalle and corporate sibling Standard Federal...

Wheaton fund firm, SEC in long tussle; Monetta says it had no obligation to disclose '93 IPO distributions.(News)(Securities and Exchange Commission)(initial public offerings)(Column)
October 11, 2004... Byline: DAVID HOFFMAN Crain News Service A long battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is wearing down a suburban mutual fund company. "It's like fighting Superman without kryptonite,'' says Robert Bacarella, president...

MacArthur's investing genius; Diversified mix yields 26% return in '03, a $914 million gain.(News)(Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation)(Column)
October 11, 2004... Byline: JEREMY MULLMAN The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, long an investment laggard, has diversified its portfolio and morphed into a money-managing juggernaut. The $4.4-billion foundation made $914 million on its...

Corrections.
October 11, 2004... An Oct. 4 story overstated Chicago-based ShoreBank's problem loans. Non-performing loans as of June 30 were $22.1 million, or 2.5% of ShoreBank's loan portfolio. It was a 27% increase from the previous year.

Swank ranks for top hotel; At the 5-star level, good service is a given. So how did the Peninsula eclipse its rivals?(The Business of Life)(Peninsula Chicago)(Column)
October 11, 2004... Byline: MARK SCHEFFLER Three years ago, the Peninsula Chicago arrived with ambitions of being the city's premier hotel. Its Asian pedigree was little known in the Midwest, and just two months after its soft opening in July 2001, it was...

All you need to know: Family business resource guide.(Focus: Small Business)(www.fbn-i.org)(www.ffi.org)(www.familybusinessmagazine.com)
October 11, 2004... Byline: Mark Henricks Family businesses don't attract as much attention from researchers, educators, advisers and authors as other companies do. But resources are out there-university centers, books, consultants and Web sites for...

For b-schools, endowment starts with employment; Good jobs make happy grads, wealthy donors.(Focus: Alumni)(Column)
October 18, 2004... Byline: KEMP POWERS Once considered weak sisters to coastal millionaire factories like Harvard and Stanford, Midwest business schools now rank among the nation's best, based in part on their ability to place graduates in good-paying jobs....

NO-GO ZONES: A Few Dos and Don'ts; Builders get set to live by new city rules that ban a host of eyesores.(News)(Column)
October 18, 2004... Byline: ALBY GALLUN Real estate developers beware: Armed with a new zoning code, Chicago and its famously picky mayor are out to ban building styles seen as a blight on the city. The new zoning codes, which take effect Nov. 1, update...