Crain's Chicago Business articles from September 2007

Crain's Chicago Business archives from September 2007

Strategy serves CastleArk well; 'Worst-performing asset class' beats benchmark.(News)(CastleArk Management LLC)
September 3, 2007... Byline: STEVEN R. STRAHLER Jerry Castellini is quick to acknowledge that his investment firm's specialty, large-cap growth stocks, has been "the single worst-performing asset class'' since he co-founded CastleArk Management LLC in 1999....

Short-sellers bet InnerWorkings will take a spill; Past missteps of print broker's founders fostering investor skepticism.(Markets)
September 3, 2007... Byline: BOB TITA Some investors are betting against InnerWorkings Inc., partly on a hunch that the entrepreneurs who helped start the Chicago-based printing outsourcing company will live up to their reputation for business blowups. ...

Correction.(Correction notice)
September 3, 2007... TalentDrive Inc. was incorrectly described in an Aug. 27 Business of Life story. It is a Chicago-based resume-sourcing business.

Construction Services.(Focus: Who's Who)(Directory)
September 3, 2007... Jeffrey L. Arfsten Chief operating officer Bovis Lend Lease Inc. Chicago Age: 53 Business: Construction Revenue (millions): $4,819.0 Civic: Boy Scouts of America; Chicago Central Area Committee; Metropolitan...

A Conversation with Money Manager Chuck Carlson; BLUE CHIPS STACKED FOR RECORD RETURN.(Markets)(Interview)(Brief article)
September 3, 2007... Byline: Daniel Rome Levine Chuck Carlson, 46, CEO and portfolio manager, Horizon Investment Services LLC, Hammond, Ind. Experience: Nine years Assets under management: $130 million Crain's: Where are stocks heading? Mr....

ART COLONY; Landmark factories in Pilsen would house artists, architects, dancers and more-but not all are applauding.(News)
September 3, 2007... Byline: ALBY GALLUN Phil Mumford owns a piece of Chicago's industrial heritage: a turn-of-the-century brick building in East Pilsen where Wendnagel & Co. made the rooftop water tanks that once dominated the city's skyline. Twelve...

Hello Moto? Hello? No iPhone-style buzz as new Q, Razr debut; a headache for Zander.(News)
September 3, 2007... Byline: JOHN PLETZ Motorola Inc.'s updated Q9m smartphone hit Verizon stores last week, but there were no lines of eager customers waiting outside. In some cases, the model wasn't even on the shelves for its debut Wednesday. Nor was it...

Change finder; Info junkie.(The Business of Life)(Shorebank Corp)(Brief article)
September 3, 2007... Byline: Laura Bianchi Community development and conservation lending are twin missions for Chicago-based ShoreBank Corp. President Mary Houghton, 66, who co-founded the bank 34 years ago. Where she goes for balance: "I track other...

It's back-to-reality day; A holiday, sort of; for most, Labor Day heralds return to full calendars, formal dress codes.(The Business of Life)
September 3, 2007... Byline: LISA BERTAGNOLI Ah, Labor Day: the final day of hooky before the overscheduled swirl of September, when the bill comes due for weeks or months of summer languor. After a season of casual dress, flexible hours, frequent...

Reschke primed for malls again; Developer building shopping center, outlet.(News)
September 3, 2007... Byline: H. LEE MURPHY Michael W. Reschke, whose Prime Retail Inc. once controlled 60 outlet malls nationwide before imploding four years ago, is about to start building shopping centers around Chicago again. Prime Group-a holding...

Utilities.(Focus: Who's Who)
September 3, 2007... Frank M. Clark Chairman, CEO Commonwealth Edison Co. Chicago Age: 62 Business: Electric utility Revenue (millions): $6,100.0 Professional: Economic Club; Executives' Club; Waste Management Inc.; Harris Financial...

Chemicals and agribusiness.(Focus: Who's Who)(Directory)
September 3, 2007... G. Allen Andreas Former chairman Archer Daniels Midland Co. Decatur Age: 64 Business: Agribusiness Revenue (millions): $36,596.1 Professional: A. C. Toepfer William J. Doyle President, CEO Potash...

Conduct unbecoming an officeholder; Our view.(Opinion)(Rod R Blagojevich)(Brief article)
September 3, 2007... Gov. Blagojevich's conduct in recent months has been more appropriate for a tin-pot dictator than an elected governor subject to the constraints of a state constitution. Like the despots who rule over benighted lands, Mr. Blagojevich has...

Realtors, appraisers in regulator's cross hairs; Possible Rx for mortgage meltdown: naming all parties in real estate deals.(News)
September 3, 2007... Byline: STEVE DANIELS Mortgage brokers, real estate agents and appraisers involved in every home sale in Illinois would be listed in public mortgage documents if legislation now being crafted by the state's top financial regulator becomes...

Transportation.(Focus: Who's Who)(Directory)
September 3, 2007... Kevin E. Benson President, CEO Laidlaw International Inc. Naperville Age: 60 Business: Transportation servicesRevenue (millions): $3,131.9 Professional: TransCanada Corp. Edward Brennan Former lead director...

Banking.(Focus: Who's Who)(Directory)
September 3, 2007... Norman R. Bobins Chairman LaSalle Bank Corp. Chicago Age: 64 Business: Banking, financial services Assets (millions): $124,000.0 Professional: Financial Services Roundtable; Global Hyatt Corp.; Nicor Inc.; Metal...

Business Organizations.(Focus: Who's Who)(Directory)
September 3, 2007... Gregory W. Baise President, CEO Illinois Manufacturers Assn. Oak Brook Age: 55 Business: Membership organization for manufacturers Budget (millions): $3.5 Professional: Economic Club; Executives' Club; National...

CTA explores Block 37 deal; Millions over budget, city talks privatization with Skyway firm.(News)(Chicago Transit Authority)
September 3, 2007... Byline: GREG HINZ The massive subway station under construction at Block 37 is running as much as $150 million over budget, a shortfall that has prompted city officials to move to privatize the project. Sources close to the matter say...

Cultural Institutions.(Focus: Who's Who)(Directory)
September 3, 2007... Ted A. Beattie President, CEO John G. Shedd Aquarium Chicago Age: 62 Business: Aquarium Budget (millions): $40.7 Professional: Chicago Club; Economic Club Civic: Commercial Club; Ohio State University; U.S....

Retail.(Focus: Who's Who)
September 3, 2007... David W. Bernauer Retired chairman Walgreen Co. Deerfield Age: 63 Business: Drugstore chain Revenue (millions): $47,409.0 Professional: National Assn. of Chain Drug Stores; Office Depot Inc.; Lowe's Corp.;...

Non-profits.(Focus: Who's Who)(Directory)
September 3, 2007... Ellen S. Alberding President Joyce Foundation Chicago Age: 49 Business: Charitable foundation Budget (millions): $4.0 Professional: Economic Club Civic: Commercial Club; National Panel on the Nonprofit...

Building employees' nest eggs: a great return on investment; Your view.(Opinion)(Viewpoint essay)
September 3, 2007... Sid L. Mohn is president of the Chicago-based Heartland Alliance for Human Needs and Human Rights. Financial assets such as a savings account, a home, a college degree and other investments are critical in providing economic security,...

Who's who; We know who. Now you will, too.(Focus: Who's Who)
September 3, 2007... Byline: Michelle Evans Of the 731 movers and shakers on this year's list, only 34 were in the inaugural Who's Who in 1989. Year in and year out, mergers, retirements, death and even indictments alter the roster of Chicago's power...

Medical startups-for credit; Northwestern program hopes to attract VC.(News)(Northwestern University)
September 3, 2007... Byline: MIKE COLIAS Swami Gnanashanmugam can't stop the ideas from popping into his head. The fourth-year student at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine envisions an easier way to insert a patient's breathing tube, a...

Food.(Focus: Who's Who)(Directory)
September 3, 2007... Thomas J. Baldwin Chairman, president, CEO Morton's Restaurant Group Inc. Chicago Age: 52 Business: Steakhouses Revenue (millions): $322.0 Brenda C. Barnes Chairman, CEO Sara Lee Corp. Downers...

Insurance.(Focus: Who's Who)(Directory)
September 3, 2007... Gregory C. Case President, CEO Aon Corp. Chicago Age: 44 Business: Risk, insurance brokerage Revenue (millions): $8,956.0 Professional: Economic Club; St. John's University; International Insurance Society;...

Health Care.(Focus: Who's Who)(Directory)
September 3, 2007... Jeffrey S. Aronin President, CEO Ovation Pharmaceuticals Inc. Deerfield Age: 39 Business: Biopharmaceuticals Revenue (millions): Not available Professional: Discover Financial Services; Young Presidents'...

Music to Goose Island's ears; Brewer taps indie bands to promote beer brands.(News)
September 3, 2007... Byline: ROBERT LOERZEL Beer companies routinely sponsor concerts, but Goose Island Beer Co. doesn't have the budget to compete with Miller and Budweiser for arena rock shows. So the Chicago brewery is finding other ways to connect with...

Not for the high-handicapped; Above-average golfers fare better at Oak Grove.(The Business of Life)
September 3, 2007... Byline: H. LEE MURPHY Of all the Chicago-area golf courses that have opened in the past decade, perhaps none has inspired such controversy as Oak Grove Golf Course in the far northwest suburb of Harvard. Its blind shots, extreme doglegs...

Oak Grove golf course.(The Business of Life)
September 3, 2007... 16914 Oak Grove Road Harvard (815) 648-2550 www.oakgrovegolfcourse.com Length: 7,021 yards Course rating: 75 Slope: 142 Head pro: Brian Smith Green fee: $69 at peak times, cart included Tee times:...

Hartmarx adopts a more youthful look; After shedding some suits, it buys Monarchy jeans.(News)
September 3, 2007... Byline: H. LEE MURPHY Best known through its 125-year history as a suitmaker, Hartmarx Corp. has been dropping cheaper lines to focus on luxury products. But that hasn't stopped the Chicago company from expanding its blue jean business....

PLAN CALLS FOR GREENER CARS; State should follow California, cut emissions, guv's panel says.(News)
September 3, 2007... Byline: PAUL MERRION Illinois would join California in significantly limiting air pollution from cars under a plan to be recommended to Gov. Rod Blagojevich by a panel of business, labor and environmental leaders. The group, appointed...

Manufacturing.(Focus: Who's Who)(Directory)
September 3, 2007... David J. Anderson President, CEO Sauer-Danfoss Inc. Lincolnshire Age: 59 Business: Auto parts and equipment Revenue (millions): $1,739.1 George V. Bayly Chairman, CEO Altivity Packaging LLC Elk...

Technology.(Focus: Who's Who)(Directory)
September 3, 2007... Michael J. Birck Chairman Tellabs Inc. Naperville Age: 69 Business: Telecommunications equipment provider Revenue (millions): $2,041.2 Professional: Molex Inc.; Illinois Tool Works Inc.; Tau Beta Pi; Eta Kappa...

School shrink; SCHOOL DAYS ARE FEWER NOW, EVEN AS MAYOR DALEY CALLS FOR A LONGER ACADEMIC YEAR.(Greg Hinz)
September 3, 2007... Byline: Greg Hinz The education establishment sparked a flap a while back when it began teaching "new math'' in the schools. Though academics liked it, most parents never could figure out why eight suddenly was bigger than 11, no matter...

At a glance.(News)
September 3, 2007... The news: Illinois task force favors tough, California-style pollution curbs on vehicles. The background: Gov. Blagojevich challenged outside experts to craft a plan to cut greenhouse gases to 1990 levels by 2020. The controversy:...

Government.(Focus: Who's Who)(Directory)
September 3, 2007... Rod R. Blagojevich Governor State of Illinois Chicago Age: 50 Business: State government Budget (millions): $59,500.0 Charles E. Box Chairman Illinois Commerce Commission Chicago Age: 56 ...

Consumer products & services.(Focus: Who's Who)
September 3, 2007... Steven D. Barnhart President, CEO Orbitz Worldwide Inc. Chicago Age: 45 Business: Online travel company Revenue (millions): $752.0 Civic: University of Chicago Carol Lavin Bernick Executive chairman ...

Crain's picks.(The Business of Life)(Calendar)
September 3, 2007... Byline: Margaret Littman Opening "Soiree Dada" 77 E. Randolph St. (312) 742-8497 www.wneptheater.org 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday Tickets: $20, $15 children The Chicago Cultural Center hosts "Soiree Dada:...

Destination: botswana.(The Business of Life)
September 3, 2007... Byline: Anne Ford GET AWAY: One of the wealthiest and most stable countries on the African continent, Botswana has made its reputation for unspoiled terrain by catering to small numbers of high-end travelers instead of tourist hordes....

English combines pub, American bistro menu; River North spot offers lively after-work option.(The Business of Life)
September 3, 2007... Byline: LAURA BIANCHI English, the fifth and newest venture from Chicago restaurant-lounge group Eat Well Drink Better Inc., is well en route to achieving its gastropub aspirations in River North. Though some dishes need a bit more sorting...

Business Services.(Focus: Who's Who)
September 3, 2007... Gary D. Ahlquist Senior vice-president, managing partner Booz Allen Hamilton Inc. Chicago Age: 54 Business: Management consulting Revenue (millions): $4,000.0 Professional: Economic Club Civic: Children's...

For the record, week ended 8.31.07.(FTR)(health care policy )(Home sales in the Chicago region )(Ace Hardware plans to convert from retailer-owned cooperative to for-profit corporation)
September 3, 2007... Gov. Blagojevich is moving forward with his plan to expand health care programs without approval from lawmakers. He outlined a new program that would provide coverage for people 19 to 21 who are seriously ill, injured or have pre-existing...

CME to shutter pork bellies pit.(Top Story)
September 3, 2007... CME Group's storied futures trading pit for pork bellies, for years one of the exchange's hottest commodities, soon will be history. The pit, which has shrunk since its heyday in the mid-1980s, won't be started up again when the company, formed...

A short trend: the shrunken tie; Seen & noted.(The Business of Life)(Brief article)
September 3, 2007... Byline: Lisa Bertagnoli Honey, who shrunk the ties? According to men's dress standards, ties should end at about a half- or quarter-inch above the waistband. But fashion-forward men are tying their ties in a thick Windsor or...

Wrigley sells less gum for more money; Price hike cuts into volume, marketshare as Cadbury expands.(News)
September 3, 2007... Byline: DAVID STERRETT A price hike is boosting Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co.'s U.S. gum revenues but costing it customers at a time when a big rival is gaining ground. Wrigley's U.S. gum sales rose 6.8% in dollar terms in the four weeks ended...

On the move.(People)(Wildlife Conservation Society appoints Dan Wharton)(Deloitte & Touche Corporate Finance LLC appoints Robert W. Pilcher)(Provena Health appoints Tracey Calver)
September 3, 2007... ARTS/ ENTERTAINMENT Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield: Dan Wharton, 60, to senior vice-president of animal programs at Brookfield Zoo, from director of New York City zoos at the Wildlife Conservation Society in New York. CONSUMER...

At deadline.(presidential candidate Hillary Clinton comes to Chicago )(Medical malpractice suits filed in Cook County )(tax rate on commercial property)(Brief article)
September 3, 2007... J. B. Pritzker, Merc's Duffy to fete Hillary Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton comes to Chicago Oct. 4 for two big-ticket fundraisers. One is being organized by CME Group Executive Chairman Terrence Duffy and the other is...

Dominick's clan gets $75 mil. for real estate; This week.(At Deadline)(Dominicks grocery chain sells its retail poperty to RREEF Real Estate)(Brief article)
September 3, 2007... Byline: Eddie Baeb The DiMatteo family, which founded the Dominick's grocery chain, sold seven retail properties to investment advisory firm RREEF Real Estate. The properties fetched about $75 million, according to a person familiar with...

SPOTLIGHT Leonard Amari; `Putting people in the right spots' at John Marshall.(People)
September 3, 2007... Byline: Lorene Yue Job: President, board of trustees, John Marshall Law School, as of Sept. 14. Vitals: 65 years old; bachelor's degree in political science, Northern Illinois University, 1964; law degree, John Marshall Law School,...

Horizon aims to cash in; Local manager may gain from Sentinel's woes.(News)(Diane Mix Birnberg )
September 3, 2007... Byline: STEVEN R. STRAHLER Diane Mix Birnberg, president of Chicago-based Horizon Cash Management LLC, didn't plan it this way. Starting out in 1971 as a brokerage firm secretary who couldn't type, the New Orleans native built a...

Old kings of coffee losing power; Folgers, Maxwell House victims of cultural shift.(News)
September 3, 2007... Byline: EMILY BRYSON YORK How is it that Maxwell House and Folgers, a decade ago the unrivaled kings of coffee, ended up on the back burner? The short answer is Starbucks-or, more accurately, a cultural shift in how Americans drink...

Hair cutter plans local growth.(News)
September 3, 2007... Byline: PAUL MERRION Competition for a cheap haircut in Chicago is getting stiffer. One of the region's larger chains, Massachusetts-based Fantastic Sams, plans to double the 60 franchised salons it now has in Northern Illinois over...

A red-carpet night awaits film buffs; Taking names.(The Business of Life)(Brief article)
September 3, 2007... Byline: Shia Kapos Angelina Jolie has left town, and shooting of the Batman movie "The Dark Knight'' is winding down, but film news in Chicago is still heating up with the arrival of Muvico, the high-end theater opening Sept. 14 in...

Architecture & Engineering.(Focus: Who's Who)(Directory)
September 3, 2007... Carol Ross Barney Design principal Ross Barney Architects Inc. Chicago Age: 58 Business: Architectural design Revenue (millions): $5.6 Professional: American Institute of Architects; Chicago Women in...

Education.(Focus: Who's Who)(Directory)
September 3, 2007... John L. Anderson President, Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago Age: 61 Business: Higher education Budget (millions): $179.0 Professional: National Research Council Henry S. Bienen President,...

Financial Services.(Focus: Who's Who)(Company overview)
September 3, 2007... Carl S. Allegretti Midwest regional managing partner Deloitte Tax LLP Chicago Age: 46 Business: Professional services Revenue (millions): $8,769.0 (Deloitte & Touche USA LLP) Professional: Economic Club; Illinois...

Law.(Focus: Who's Who)(Directory)
September 3, 2007... Laurel G. Bellows Principal Bellows & Bellows P.C. Chicago Age: 59 Business: Law firm Revenue (millions): Not available Professional: American Bar Assn.; National Conference of Bar Presidents; Executives' Club;...

Marketing & media.(Focus: Who's Who)(Directory)
September 3, 2007... Joseph J. Ahern President, general manager WBBM-TV/Channel 2 Chicago Age: 62 Business: Television Revenue (millions): Not available Professional: Economic Club; Executives' Club; Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce;...

Real estate.(Focus: Who's Who)
September 3, 2007... Michael J. Alter President Alter Group Skokie Age: 46 Business: Real estate development Revenue (millions): $567.0 Professional: Urban Land Institute; Young Presidents' Organization; Economic Club; Chicago Sky...

On the move.(People)(AIROOM INC.appoints Thomas Graham)(Code Hennessy & Simmons LLC appoints Marcus George)(American Medical Assciation appoints Steven W. Churchill)
September 10, 2007... ARCHITECTURE/ENGINEERING AIROOM INC., Lincolnwood: Thomas Graham, 50, to CEO, from chief operating officer. FINANCIAL SERVICES Code Hennessy & Simmons LLC, Chicago: Marcus George, 37, and Ed Lhee, 37, to partner, from managing...

Daley touting city, neglecting work to be done; Our view.(Opinion)(Richard M. Daley )(Brief article)
September 10, 2007... Mayor Richard M. Daley is on the road again, this time to Paris. Trips like this-he's been to Rio de Janeiro, London and Athens in the past year-are meant at least in part to boost Chicago's international profile as it competes to host the...

Destination: Aspen.(The Business of Life)
September 10, 2007... Byline: Anne Ford GET AWAY: Aspen's oaks and cottonwoods are already showing their colors, a couple of weeks before New England's leaf-peeping begins. Through mid-October, drives over nearby Independence Pass, or from Maroon Creek Road to...

The 5th sense: Ad promises more than any gum can deliver; Your view.(Opinion)
September 10, 2007... Byline: Bob Garfield Bob Garfield is editor at large and a columnist at Crain's sister publication Advertising Age. Here's a term that should make you laugh out loud: chewing-gum technology. Yet there is such a thing. Gum science...

Transit funding plan fails in House.(Top Story)(Brief article)
September 10, 2007... The Illinois Senate has been called into session Monday to discuss a potential rescue package for the CTA, Metra and Pace. A spokeswoman for Senate President Emil Jones said only that the session would involve "discussion of a transit issue.''...

For the record, week ended 9.7.07.(FTR)
September 10, 2007... In one of the largest hospital gifts in U.S. history, Chicago philanthropist Ann Lurie pledged to give Children's Memorial Hospital $100 million for the new facility it plans in Streeterville. The $850-million hospital will be named the Ann &...

Florida housing turns heads here; seen & noted.(The Business of Life)(Brief article)
September 10, 2007... Byline: Kevin Davis For Chicago-area vacation-home owners, the real estate slump is spurring a little fear-and some acquisitiveness. Take Naples, Fla., a popular destination for Chicagoans, where owners of second homes or investment...

Rail deal offers city a remedy; Canadian National bid would cut down on train congestion.(News)
September 10, 2007... Byline: BOB TITA Canadian National Railway Co. is angling to buy a suburban rail route that would be a major step toward relieving train congestion in Chicago. The Montreal-based railroad is in talks with U.S. Steel Corp. to buy from...

Asia watcher; info junkie.(The Business of Life)(Sharon R. Barner)(Brief article)
September 10, 2007... Byline: Christina Le Beau Sharon R. Barner, 50, intellectual property chair with Chicago law firm Foley & Lardner LLP, is opening the firm's Shanghai office this year. How she gets her world view: NPR's Supreme Court coverage is...

Design-savvy Bluprint fills void in the Mart; Sleek eatery at last, but some misses on menu.(The Business of Life)(Merchandise Mart)
September 10, 2007... Byline: ALISON NEUMER LARA The Merchandise Mart has been long overdue for a stylish eatery-not to mention a full bar-and newcomer Bluprint, with its mod decor and sleek tableware, delivers with designer points to spare. Yes, those are...

Learn to lead; WISDOM GAINED OUTSIDE THE BOARDROOM.(Focus: Small Business)
September 10, 2007... Byline: Thomas Mucha Human history is a catalog of leadership-sometimes great, sometimes not. Both Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar conquered and ruled huge swaths of their known worlds. Winston Churchill stirred a nation in its...

TOY STORES FEEL THE HEAT; As recalls mount, nervous parents direct their angst at retailers: 'Can I bring my lead-testing kit?'.(News)
September 10, 2007... Byline: MONEE FIELDS-WHITE Catching up on her paperwork one afternoon last month, Martha Burrows looked up as an anxious father burst into her office demanding that she guarantee the safety of a toy in her store, Timeless Toys Ltd. ...

"Festa Italiana,'' Chicago Symphony Orchestra's opening night concert and gala.(The Business of Life)
September 10, 2007... When: 6 p.m. Saturday Where: Symphony Center and Millennium Park, 220 S. Michigan Ave. How much: $500 and up Who'll be there: 700 corporate supporters and individual donors For more info: (312) 294-3185

Playing his tune: CSO strikes it up.(The Business of Life)(William A. Osborn)(Interview)
September 10, 2007... Byline: Mary Cameron Frey William A. Osborn, chairman and CEO of Northern Trust Corp., is chairman of the board of trustees of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, which strikes up its 117th season on Saturday at the 2007 opening night gala....

Learning to lead; We know it's hard, but you can do it. Just read these lessons from outside the boardroom.(Focus: Small Business)
September 10, 2007... Need to know 3: Number of women in Time magazine's 20 most influential leaders and revolutionaries of the 20th century. (Eleanor Roosevelt, Margaret Thatcher and Margaret Sanger, who lobbied to legalize birth control.) 59.1%:...

Beitler wants back in the Loop; Out of the limelight, developer eyes new Wacker Drive tower.(News)(occupation overview of J. Paul Beitler )
September 10, 2007... Byline: EDDIE BAEB J. Paul Beitler is planning a new Wacker Drive office tower, a project that would re-establish the developer as a player in the downtown market. Mr. Beitler aims to construct a 1-million-square-foot office building,...

Jan's plans; IN POWER FOR THE FIRST TIME, REP. SCHAKOWSKY FINDS IRAQ ISSUE CUTS BOTH WAYS FOR HER PARTY.(Jan Schakowsky plans fot the military troops withdrawl)
September 10, 2007... Byline: Greg Hinz It was a good day for U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky. The Evanston Democrat was glorying in the sheer fun of being able to get things done in the majority, of commanding the big microphone, of serving as confidant and top...

At deadline.(Zara plans to renovate its retail store)(Deutsche Bank has hired Eastdil)(coal-fired power plants)(Brief article)
September 10, 2007... Zara inks deal at Chicago Place Spanish retailer Zara plans a store at Chicago Place, part of a renovation that will "de-mall'' the Mag Mile property and convert upper-level floors into a hotel, says Alex Adjmi, a member of the New York...

Spotlight Paul Eppen; Educating potential customers on options.(People)
September 10, 2007... Byline: Brandon Glenn Job: Chief marketing officer, online brokerage OptionsXpress Holdings Inc., since July. Vitals: 44 years old; bachelor's degree in chemistry, DePauw University, Greencastle, Ind., 1985; MBA, University of Chicago,...

Allstate jacks up Ill. auto rates 9.6%; This week.(At Deadline)
September 10, 2007... Byline: Steve Daniels Northbrook-based Allstate has hiked auto-insurance rates 9.6% in Illinois, bucking its largest rivals, which are slashing prices in Allstate's home state. The rate hike was effective Aug. 16, according to a filing...

Drury Lane looks to stage a revival; New exec seeks balance of tradition, 'surprises'.(News)(Kyle De Santis new executive planning for the success)
September 10, 2007... Byline: H. LEE MURPHY The show goes on-with a retooled producing formula-at family-owned Drury Lane Theatres, which has lost two top executives since summer started. In June, Drury Lane founder Tony De Santis, who staged his first...

SHOREBANK TO THE RESCUE; New boss rushing to save thousands from foreclosure.(News)
September 10, 2007... Byline: STEVE DANIELS The new CEO of ShoreBank wants to save thousands of Chicago homeowners from foreclosure. Just three months after taking over the South Side bank, Joseph Hasten is mounting an effort to offer mortgage refinancing...

New York? California? Consider us O-ffended; Taking Names.(The Business of Life)(Oprah Winfrey)(Barack Obama)(Brief article)
September 10, 2007... Byline: Shia Kapos Is Oprah dissing Chicago? ABC-TV promotional spots have been screaming "There's only one place big enough!'' for today's new season premiere of the "Oprah Winfrey Show.'' New York. The ad, which emphasizes...

United unit is up AAR's runway; As carrier mulls deal for maintenance unit, some see likely buyer.(News)(United Air Lines Inc. planning to sell AAR Corp.)
September 10, 2007... Byline: JOHN PLETZ If United Airlines wants to unload the rest of its aircraft-maintenance business, it might not need to look far for a buyer. Just down the road from United's hub at O'Hare International Airport is AAR Corp. of Wood...