Crain's Chicago Business articles from October 2005

Crain's Chicago Business archives from October 2005

Conventions.(meetings and trade shows)(Calendar)
October 3, 2005... THIS WEEK OCT. 3-4: JamFair, Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, estimated attendance 1,000. OCT. 4-6: Metalcon International, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, estimated attendance 8,000. OCT. 5-7: Service Employees International...

Panda Express plans to add 23 area eateries; Asian fast-food chain looks to double outlets over next three years.(News)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... Byline: JEREMY MULLMAN Fast-food chain Panda Express plans 23 new locations in the Chicago area by the end of next year, significantly increasing its local presence. The California-based chain currently has 35 area sites. After...

Rewards Network sued by members; Calif. restaurants accuse marketer of usury.(shares and the violation of state law)(loan-sharking operation)
October 3, 2005... Byline: ALBY GALLUN Rewards Network Inc. calls itself a marketing firm, but three California restaurants say the company makes loans in violation of state law. In fact, a lawsuit in federal court in California goes as far as calling...

Caterpillar shifts some production out of state; Rise in timber demand may coincide with move.(timber harvesting equipment)
October 3, 2005... Byline: BOB TITA Caterpillar Inc. is moving production of timber-harvesting equipment this month from its west suburban Aurora factory to a plant in Georgia. The move comes at a time when demand for lumber is expected to rise as parts...

Verizon move cuts Westell's profits.(Annual Meeting)(Verizon Communications Inc.,)(Westell Technologies Inc.)(Column)
October 3, 2005... Byline: H. LEE MURPHY When big telephone companies sneeze, Westell Technologies Inc. catches a cold. This was evident in July when Westell, a maker of components for broadband service, revealed that its biggest customer, Verizon...

Correction.(Corrections)
October 3, 2005... A story in the Sept. 26 issue should have said that UBS Financial Services Inc.'s merged retail division for the Western U.S. will be based in Chicago.

How can I feed my sudoku addiction?(The Business of Life)(Palmgear.com )(sudokusolver.co.uk)(Brief Article)(Column)
October 3, 2005... Byline: Darci Smith Stop scavenging for abandoned copies of the number-ordering puzzles on the el or at Starbucks. Load your Palm with NogaSoft's TopSuDoKu, a Palmgear.com best seller with an infinite number of true random sudoku puzzles,...

Job secrets: Looking when your boss isn't; Prospecting on the sly requires discretion in and outside the office.(Focus: Jobs)
October 3, 2005... Byline: CYNTHIA HANSON Christopher Parin is always looking for a new job-even when he's already got one he likes. Every few months, Mr. Parin, 35, who has an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, reviews job...

Looking Good On Paper.(resume writing rules)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... Byline: Cynthia Hanson The first step in a job search? Creating a resume that sings. Push the length: The one-page rule doesn't apply for mid-career professionals. At this point in your career, you should have enough experience and...

A case against 'no way'; To get a pay hike, show you've gone above and beyond routine duties.(salary hike)
October 3, 2005... Byline: MARK HENRICKS Can you ask for a raise when company policy is not to give them? Sure, but you'll have to make an airtight argument that you're worth more than you're paid-and you might not get it anyway. Only 2% of U.S....

Nepotism done right; Many parents are too cautious about tapping their own networks.(Focus: Jobs)
October 3, 2005... Byline: SANDRA SWANSON Will Isherwood, director of human resources at Itasca-based AIT Worldwide Logistics Inc., has 20 years' experience in personnel and recruiting. Most job seekers would welcome his advice. But in the last five years...

Rave Reviews.(employee references)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... Byline: Sandra Swanson Want to provide an effective reference for a job candidate? Consider these tips from recruiters: Respond only to the questions asked. When you ramble, you do so at the candidate's peril. "You might inadvertently...

On the Move.(Airoom Architects & Builders appoints Samir Abdelmawla as architecture)(Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago appoints Martin Keeney to catering director)(KPMG LLP appoints Shaun T. Kelly as Vice president)
October 3, 2005... ARCHITECTURE/ENGINEERING Airoom Architects & Builders, Lincolnwood: Samir Abdelmawla, 45, to director of information systems, from manager of architecture. CONSUMER SERVICES Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago, Chicago: Martin Keeney,...

Datebook.(Calendar/Datebook)
October 3, 2005... this Week OCT. 4: Structural Engineers Assn. of Illinois presents Torre Repsol Tower. 7 p.m. 410 Club, Wrigley Building. Fee: $40 members, $45 non-members. (312) 649-4600, ext. 200. OCT. 5: Women's Business Development Center presents...

Tasty new entry on Mexican menu; Fresh turn on favorites at South Loop Zapatista.(The Business of Life)(Zapatista)(Puerto Vallarta)(Blue Agave)(Restaurant Review)
October 3, 2005... Byline: VIRGINIA GERST Food fads come and go, but Mexican food stays hot. Here are three restaurants where the south-of-the-border cuisine will warm your heart-or in one case, maybe not. Zapatista 1307 S. Wabash Ave. (312)...

Sports immersed.(Ted A. Beattie chief executive officer of John G. Shedd Aquarium )(Interview)
October 3, 2005... Byline: Laura Bianchi Ted A. Beattie, 60, has been president and CEO of the John G. Shedd Aquarium for 11 years, responsible for 19,000 species of animals, 265 employees and a $38-million annual budget. He often links up with local...

Faux Guacamole.(receipe)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... Guacamole, the popular Mexican dip, is properly made with fresh avocados, lemon or lime juice and seasonings only. To save money on sometimes pricey avocados, mayonnaise or sour cream may be added. Mexicans dub the resulting watered-down...

Quick Study.(The Business of Life)
October 3, 2005... Byline: Laura Bianchi Jim Hanes, 37, track manager, Chicago Indoor Racing, Buffalo Grove Years on the job: 11/2 Salary: $35,000 to $50,000 Duties: Guides executives and employees through racing events for team-building and...

Help wanted (by customer); At top women's shopping destinations, service is more snide than sublime.
October 3, 2005... Byline: LISA BERTAGNOLI We've all been there: In front of a sales clerk who looks you up and down but doesn't help you, or in front of an unstaffed cash register thinking, "Doesn't anyone want to take my money?'' It could be that...

Service Survey: Nice to icy.(The Business of Life)
October 3, 2005... To gauge service and friendliness, we shopped on Tuesday when stores weren't too busy. We dressed stylishly but comfortably. We set a five-minute time limit in which to be greeted and offered help; greetings were immediate unless otherwise...

For marathoners (or not): Restaurants set menus for carbo-loaders.(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... Byline: Lisa Bertagnoli The Chicago Marathon steps off at 8 a.m. Sunday, and it's a safe bet that the night before, the 40,000 participants will indulge in a little carbo-loading. So this week, MK, McCormick & Schmick's and 437 Rush are...

Labradoodles' luxe life A question of breeding, and a trendy raw diet.(Hypoallergenic cross bred variety of dogv)
October 3, 2005... Byline: GRETCHEN WAHL Hypoallergenic. Imported. Popular on the North Shore. Very expensive. Sounds like a beauty treatment, but it's actually a dog. A labradoodle is a mix of Labrador retriever and poodle, bred to combine the...

Some changes are easier to make-and take-than others.(changing names)
October 3, 2005... Byline: Daniel J. Skoda As the last Chicago-based president of Marshall Field's, I obviously have strong opinions about Federated Department Stores Inc.'s decision to change the name of a pre-eminent Chicago icon to "Macy's.'' Though I was...

It's a jungle out there.(headhunter analysis tips)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... Byline: Samantha Stainburn Thinking about consulting a headhunter? Here are some tips for using them: First, interview the interviewer. Before sharing your resume and personal goals with recruiters, ask how long they've been in...

From the hunter to the hunted; Recruiters provide insider info, find unlisted jobs.(Focus: Jobs)
October 3, 2005... Byline: SAMANTHA STAINBURN Marci Lemanski sought out a headhunter earlier this year when she decided to close her advertising business and return to the corporate world. Less than a month after she met with Media Staffing Network...

A bird in the hand and one in the bush; Juggling more than one opportunity? Time for a little candor and tact.(job selection)
October 3, 2005... Byline: CARLEEN HAWN So what do you do when you get a job offer from your second choice while you're still waiting for one from your first? A. Accept. B. Decline. C. Stall. None of the above, says Mark Pierce of...

Cheaters Never Win.(recruiters questions need to be answered correctly)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... Byline: Carleen Hawn Five reasons not to lie to a recruiter about what you make: 1The recruiting industry is small and recruiters talk. They will check your claimed salary with their peers-and yours. 2In many cases, a recruiter...

Can Natural Golf still compete? Firm scales back spending after filing Chapter 11.(News)
October 3, 2005... Byline: KATE RYAN Natural Golf Corp. is back in the game, but whether the company can stay out of the rough remains to be seen. The company has emerged from Chapter 11 as a smaller, leaner, closely held firm after being acquired by a...

Ice cream shops want to chill out in Chicago; MaggieMoo's, Cold Stone and Oberweis could add more than 130 stores by 2010.(News)
October 3, 2005... Byline: JULIE JARGON Sweet Home Chicago is about to get a lot sweeter. MaggieMoo's International LLC, a Maryland-based ice cream chain with two shops in the Chicago area, is planning to open 19 more in the next two years and aims for...

Midwest Banc looking to bulk up; With Fed off its back, firm may pick up smaller banks.(News)
October 3, 2005... Byline: STEVE DANIELS Midwest Banc Holdings Inc. is prowling for deals after raising cash in a recent stock offering and tightening its lending standards as demanded by regulators because of bad loans the company made in the past. ...

California Portillo's Hot Dogs bound; Oak Brook company to open 200-seat eatery near L.A. next month.(Hot Dogs Inc.)
October 3, 2005... Byline: H. LEE MURPHY Three decades ago, California hot dog chain Der Wienerschnitzel expanded into Chicago with a half-dozen restaurants. Within a few years the company was gone, though its distinctive A-frame buildings remain around the...

This Week: Moto's Razr to get thickr for the holidays.(Motorola new handset)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... Byline: Julie Johnsson For the Christmas shopping season, Motorola plans to unveil a slightly thicker version of its popular Razr handset that includes a built-in MP3 player and dual cameras for two-way video calling. Moto says it plans to...

For the Record.(airport expansion lawsuits)(Sara Lee to sell European branded apparel business)(Tribune tax liability appeal)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... The $15-billion expansion of O'Hare was approved by the FAA late last week. But the project came under immediate attack by opponents who filed lawsuits to stop construction. Sara Lee is talking with private-equity firm Sun Capital Partners...

Stock Report: DiamondCluster stock slips 15%.(Markets)(DiamondCluster International Inc)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... Byline: Shruti Date Singh DiamondCluster International Inc.'s stock tumbled 15% last week after the company said sales fell short of expectations and it lost money in the second quarter because of the costs of restructuring its European...

State board OKs casino sales, merger.(Gaming Board clearance for Argosy Gaming Co casinos sale)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... The Gaming Board approved a series of moves last week that will shift casino ownership in Illinois. The Empress Casino in Joliet and Alton Belle Downstate will be sold as part of Penn National Gaming's acquisition of Alton-based Argosy Gaming...

Getting in tune with iPod; Lincolnshire-based office supplies seller Acco catches iPod fever, looks to boost sales, profit.(Acco Brands Corp iPod launch)
October 3, 2005... The maker of Swingline staplers is trying to connect with an iPod nation. Shares of Lincolnshire-based Acco Brands Corp. have been on the rise over the past few weeks since the company announced the launch of five new iPod accessories,...

At Deadline.(Sears headquarters on sale buyer search contract of Royal Imperial Group )(United Way financial help to disaster victims of Katrina)(Pulic utilites regulatory compliance under review by Martin Cohen )(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... Original Sears Tower back on sale block Chicago-based developer Royal Imperial Group has hired Rockwood Realty Associates of New York to find a buyer for the original Sears headquarters in the North Lawndale neighborhood, a Rockwood...

Chicago CPI hike beats U.S. average in August; Transportation, apparel costs mostly to blame.(consumer price index)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... Byline: SANDRA JONES Consumer prices in the Chicago area rose 0.8% in August from July, the biggest increase in four months, fueled by higher transportation and apparel costs, according to a monthly report from the U.S. Department of...

HOLIDAY OUTLOOK GLUM; Even upper-income shoppers may hold back on spending this year, economists say.(News)
October 3, 2005... Byline: SANDRA JONES Becky Watson made a pact with her extended family in an effort to save everyone money this holiday season: no gifts. "I have a lot of nieces and nephews, so what we've decided to do is exchange family pictures...

Feds eye dump cleanup; Far South Side landfill would be Chicago's first Superfund site.(News)
October 3, 2005... Byline: BOB TITA Abbott Laboratories, Caterpillar Inc., Kraft Foods Inc. and the Pritzker family's Marmon Group are among companies that could face millions of dollars in clean-up costs for a Far South Side industrial dump closed more than...

Daley seeking new insurance partners; Near North sale changes game for mayor's brother.
October 3, 2005... Byline: STEVEN R. STRAHLER The federal probe of Chicago corruption has cast a harsh glare on John Daley's insurance practice and forced him to scramble for new brokerage relationships. The family name and 11th Ward connections that...

ComEd seeks biz rate hike; Proposal would raise delivery charge to biggest users 133.(Commonwealth Edison Co)
October 3, 2005... Byline: STEVE DANIELS Commonwealth Edison Co. has proposed a rate hike that would hit Chicago's largest power users far harder than increases proposed for residents and small businesses. In its recent rate request before the Illinois...

UAL cuts flights to key markets; Business fliers expect to see fares increase.(United Air Lines)
October 3, 2005... Byline: JULIE JOHNSSON United Airlines is cutting service in major metropolitan markets such as New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., as it prunes its money-losing U.S. network, marking a major turning point for the beleaguered...

Spotlight: Bear of a task for CUB chief: no utility rate hikes.(People)
October 3, 2005... Byline: Gregory Meyer Job: Executive director, Citizens Utility Board (CUB), the Illinois utility watchdog, since Sept. 22. Vitals: 36 years old; bachelor's degree, University of Notre Dame, 1991; master's degree in political science,...

white sox playoff dollars won't cover all the bases.(Chicago White Sox's revenue)
October 3, 2005... Byline: Jeremy Mullman cashing in White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf is going to enjoy October. According to an estimate by consultancy Sports Corp Ltd., Mr. Reinsdorf's ball club is poised to rake in between $5 million and $22 million...

BRODSKY'S OPTIONS; With CBOE's shift to for-profit status all but certain, the CEO's next move is trickier.(Chicago Board Options Exchange )
October 3, 2005... Byline: KATE RYAN William Brodsky is within reach of his long-sought goal-converting the Chicago Board Options Exchange to a for-profit company. Now what? Conversion would position CBOE to participate in the consolidation sweeping...

Investors load up on battered Hollinger; Hoping for Sun-Times sale, or buying cheap?(Hollinger International Inc.)
October 3, 2005... Byline: JEREMY MULLMAN A stripped-down, scandal-tainted Hollinger International Inc. is attracting large new investors, including some activist funds that helped force out former CEO Conrad Black and his top deputy, F. David Radler. ...

Union blues; SEIU LOSS ON WORKER BILL SHOWS BIZ CAN WIN DESPITE DEMOCRATIC RULE.(Service Employees International Union)
October 3, 2005... Byline: Greg Hinz When the state's fastest-growing labor union asks Democratic lawmakers for a favor on an innocuous-sounding matter, you'd expect the request to be granted forthwith. That, at least, was the hope of the Service...

Need to Know.(employment status)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... 3.6% The average raise companies expect to give their employees this year. 57,300 The number of jobs added in Illinois since the beginning of the year. 6.1% The unemployment rate in the Chicago area in August, compared...

Competition is best way to keep electric rates low.(electricity in hike )
October 3, 2005... A big fight is brewing over electricity rates in Illinois. The various interested parties are positioning themselves in the predictable ways. John W. Rowe, CEO of Exelon Corp., parent of Illinois utility Commonwealth Edison Co., is warning...

At Deadline.(Late News)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... ***** Correction: The original Sears tower is not included in the Sears, Roebuck and Co. headquarters redevelopment being sold by Chicago-based Royal Imperial Group, as reported in the Oct. 3 issue. The adjacent 14-story tower is owned by...

This Week: Garrett Popcorn sells after 56 years.(CaramelCrisp buys Garrett Popcorn Shops )(Brief Article)
October 10, 2005... Byline: Sandra Jones Garrett Popcorn Shops was sold to CaramelCrisp, a Chicago-based partnership founded by real estate developer Lance Chody. Financial terms weren't disclosed. Known for its caramel and cheese popcorn mix, 56-year-old...

. . . he looks for trends.(Interview with Dick Trotter lending officer of CIT Small Business Lending Corp)(Interview)
October 10, 2005... Byline: Sarah A. Klein Dick Trotter, 57 Regional account manager, CIT Small Business Lending Corp. Lending officer for 37 years 28 loans since January Crain's: What do you look for in a pitch? Mr. Trotter: We are looking for people...

She banks on a compelling case . . .(First Choice Bank Lending officer Catherine Magnuson interview)(Interview)
October 10, 2005... Byline: Sarah A. Klein Catherine Magnuson, 32 Vice-president, First Choice Bank Lending officer for four years 20 loans in the last year CRAIN'S: What do you look for in a pitch? Ms. Magnuson: A complete business plan and a...

Don't say stupid stuff to this guy.(Thomas Meyer Midwest comercia Bank lending officer interview)(Interview)
October 10, 2005... Byline: Sarah A. Klein Thomas Meyer, 35 Vice-president, SBA lending in the Midwest, Comerica Bank Lending officer for eight years 35 loans since January CRAIN'S: What do you look for in a pitch? Mr. Meyer: Cash flow,...

She wants to see your homework.(United states Bank lending officer Kathryn Land interview)(Interview)
October 10, 2005... Byline: Sarah A. Klein Kathryn Land, 33 Assistant vice-president, Geneva and St. Charles market, U.S. Bank Lending officer for three years 35 loans in the last year Crain's: What do you look for in a pitch? Ms. Land: We want...

Listener, counselor, lender.(Focus: Small Business)(Interview)
October 10, 2005... Byline: Sarah A. Klein Eva Aquino Vice-president, SBA department Banco Popular North America, Lending officer for 27 years 70 loans in the last year Crain's: What do you look for in a pitch? Ms. Aquino: If I am...

What to read, where to go for more; Tips for small business owners who need a little (or a lot) of cash.(Focus: Small Business)
October 10, 2005... Byline: MARK HENRICKS More small businesses are funded by bank loans than any other method of financing. To an entrepreneur struggling to meet collateral requirements, overcome a lackluster credit history or simply borrow an amount large...

The credit cop.(interview with Louis Figueroa debt officer)(Interview)
October 10, 2005... Byline: SAMANTHA STAINBURN There's the business of lending money and then there's the business of collecting. Louis Figueroa, 49, has spent two decades chasing down debtors, from sporting goods retailers who haven't paid for hockey sticks...

Conventions.(Calendar/Datebook)(Calendar)
October 10, 2005... THIS WEEK OCT. 12-15: Financial Management Assn., Hyatt Regency Chicago, estimated attendance 1,700. OCT. 12-15: Urban Outreach Foundation and Urban Ministries Inc., Westin Hotel O'Hare, estimated attendance 1,000. OCT. 15-17:...

Who says beggars can't be choosers? shopping around.(Focus: Small Business)(Brief Article)
October 10, 2005... Byline: Daniel Rome Levine It's a good time to be a small-business borrower in Chicago. Interest rates are historically low and banks are loosening their terms to compete. And since the 2001 recession, many entrepreneurs have learned...

Banks come a callin' on loan officers.(Focus: Small Business)(Brief Article)
October 10, 2005... Byline: Daniel Rome Levine Every week, Heidi Smithson, a commercial loan specialist and bank manager, gets a call from a recruiter trying to lure her away from Northside Community Bank in Riverwoods. Six months ago, she felt lucky to...

Datebook.(Calendar/Datebook)(Calendar)
October 10, 2005... this Week OCT. 10: Illinois State Bar Assn. presents Update on the Newly Amended Workers Compensation Act. 9 a.m. to noon. Chicago Athletic Assn., 12 S. Michigan Ave. Fee: $90 members, $165 non-members. (800) 252-8908. OCT. 11:...

Navigant in demand on coast; Hurricane-hit areas clamor for insurance consultants.(Navigant Consulting Inc)
October 10, 2005... Byline: SHRUTI DATE SINGH Hurricanes Katrina and Rita are keeping a division of Navigant Consulting Inc. very busy. The devastation of Gulf Coast businesses is driving demand for a service provided by the Chicago consulting firm:...

Northfield nears finish line of blood substitute testing; PolyHeme has longer shelf life and could be used in blood shortages.(News)
October 10, 2005... Byline: H. LEE MURPHY After 25 years of research, Northfield Laboratories Inc. CEO Steven A. Gould says his company is in the home stretch to be the first maker of an approved blood substitute. "We're pleased with our overall progress...

Hurricanes Katrina, Rita jolt local stocks.(Markets)
October 10, 2005... Byline: H. LEE MURPHY Reverberations from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita rippled through local stocks, lifting some and battering others. Expected rebuilding along the storm-damaged coast helped boost shares of wallboard maker USG Corp....

When should I take off for a long fall-color weekend?(The Business of Life)(Brief Article)
October 10, 2005... Byline: Darci Smith Michigan's Upper Peninsula is at its peak now, with prime color meandering south over the next couple of weeks and concluding at the start of November. Wisconsin will also peak within the next three weeks, starting...

Alert Analyst.(Art Lutschaunig of Morningstar Investment Services Inc.)(Brief Article)
October 10, 2005... Byline: Mark Scheffler Art Lutschaunig, 47, is president and chief investment officer of Chicago-based Morningstar Investment Services Inc., where he oversees mutual fund selections and asset allocation methodologies, managing $1.25...

Condo owners can't get enough rent; Report signals risks in downtown market.(News)
October 10, 2005... Byline: STEVE DANIELS A widening gap between rising prices and stagnant rents signals increasing risk in the downtown condominium market. With an estimated 30% of condo buyers making purchases for investment purposes, the monthly costs...

FLAT-FOOTED ON FLU; 'Nobody is prepared' for avian outbreak-and that includes Chicago.(News)
October 10, 2005... Byline: SHRUTI DATE SINGH With rising fears of an avian flu pandemic, state and local officials here have made little headway in preparing to fight a virus that could find a major point of entry at O'Hare International Airport. ...

CBOT offering creating buzz; Rich price doesn't faze many after fast pace set by Merc.(Markets)(Chicago Board of Trade)
October 10, 2005... Byline: KATE RYAN John Huber, principal and portfolio manager at Geneva Investment Management of Chicago LLC, is looking to wager again that the futures industry has a bright future. In hindsight, his investment in Chicago Mercantile...

White to sell 87 hotels; CEO hopes to land more than $1.6 billion.(News)(White Lodging Services Corp.)
October 10, 2005... Byline: JEREMY MULLMAN AND ALBY GALLUN The billionaire White family of Northwest Indiana is seeking a buyer for its hotel holdings, 87 properties that White Lodging Service Corp. CEO Bruce White expects to fetch well over $1 billion. ...

Court ruling a boon for mortgage lenders; Usury law doesn't apply to high-interest home loans, justices determine.(News)(Brief Article)
October 10, 2005... Byline: STEVE DANIELS Mortgage lenders won a big victory with a recent Illinois Supreme Court ruling that a 31-year-old state usury law doesn't apply to high-interest home loans. The state's high court late last month overturned a 2004...

Burnett vet leads alternative ad shop.(People)(Leo Burnett Worldwide Inc.)(Brief Article)
October 10, 2005... Byline: Gregory Meyer Job: President, Arc Worldwide, Chicago-based marketing services unit of Leo Burnett Worldwide. Also took charge of the company in August after CEO resigned. Vitals: 43 years old; bachelor's degree, Stanford...

As the market rises, so does fraud; scam artists.(Focus: Small Business)(Brief Article)
October 10, 2005... Byline: Daniel Rome Levine Banks report more cases of commercial loan fraud to the FBI than any other type of financial crime. Last year, banks lost $1.1 billion to this type of fraud, twice the amount lost in 2001. Most cases involve...

When every pore oozes 'expensive'; An alligator collection that isn't for the subtle.(The Business of Life)
October 10, 2005... Byline: GRETCHEN WAHL An alligator has crushing jaws, a huge body, soulless eyes and armored skin. A glimpse of one in the wild sends a jolt through the human brain: Flee-and fast. But what do we feel once we've achieved safety? That...

Philly takes on Chicago in Treasurys; But CBOT unconcerned about latest challenge.(Chicago Board of Trade)
October 10, 2005... Byline: KATE RYAN A key product for the Chicago Board of Trade is being targeted again by a new competitor. The Philadelphia Stock Exchange (PHLX) says it will launch trading in January in U.S. Treasury futures contracts, and even...

Using accepted standards improves quality of care.(Opinion)
October 10, 2005... Byline: William Moeller Illinois has just enacted a fresh set of medical malpractice reforms that include capping awards for non-economic damages. Debate continues about whether that tactic will help alleviate the pain. Proponents of...

Need to Know.(Focus: Small Business)(Small business assistance)(Brief Article)
October 10, 2005... $311 million: The total amount of SBA-approved loans given to Chicago-area small businesses in the past year. $211.5 million: The total amount of SBA-approved loans given the year before. 47%: The increase in the amount of SBA-approved...

Time to build defenses against avian flu threat.(Opinion)(Brief Article)
October 10, 2005... If Hurricane Katrina teaches any lesson, it's that preparations for disaster must be in place at all levels of government-national, state and local. With the avian flu threat growing more ominous, we urge public health and hospital...

Big Bowl a big deal for CEO Deliveries; Food-delivery service hopes to move in on Dining In's territory.(News)
October 10, 2005... Byline: JULIE JARGON Larry Neibauer doesn't need to break open a fortune cookie to recognize a financial opportunity. CEO Deliveries Inc., the restaurant-delivery service Mr. Neibauer runs with his fiancee, Ralla Wright, added the two...

Top Table.(The Business of Life)(Brief Article)
October 10, 2005... The Signature Room has drop-dead lake and city views, but the Greenhouse comes out on top for its opulent setting, more creative food and superior service.

At Deadline.(Late News)(Ariel Capital Management Inc.)(DeVry Inc.)(Forsythe Technology Inc.)(Brief Article)
October 10, 2005... Peoples claims Cohen bias on Enron case ICC Chairman Martin Cohen should recuse himself from ruling on whether Peoples Energy owes customers money from its past dealings with Enron because he isn't impartial, the utility says in a...

Raises flatlining again in 2006; Salary hikes stuck in mid-3% range.(News)
October 10, 2005... Byline: H. LEE MURPHY NovaMed Inc.'s Scott Macomber figures the federal government's decision 18 months ago to cut Medicare reimbursement rates for cataract procedures will squeeze raises next year for the company's 450 employees. "To...