Business Capsules appears in every edition of The Business Ledger. If you have information on a new business or your company expands, relocates or wins an award, send your news to Mark Thomton, news editor, The Business Ledger, 1260 Iroquois Ave., Suite 200, Naperville, Ill. 60563 or e-mail it to mthomton@thebusinessledger.com.
Citizens Financial completes GreatBanc conversion
CHICAGO—Citizens Financial Group, Inc., parent company of Charter One Bank and Citizens Bank, reports that it has completed the systems conversion of GreatBanc, Inc., a $1.2 billion bank holding company CFG purchased earlier this year with 10 banking locations throughout the Chicago area. The conversion integrated more than 64,000 customer accounts of GreatBanc and its three community-banking subsidiaries—GreatBank, GreatBank Chicago and First National Bank.
Rhea & Kaiser honored
NAPERVILLE—Rhea & Kaiser Marketing Communications, an integrated marketing communications agency, has received two first-place and three second-place merit awards at the recent Best of NAMA (National Agri-Marketing Association) awards ceremony. Each entry in the national competition was selected at a regional level from among more than 1,000 entries over a six-region area. The annual awards competition recognizes the best work in agricultural marketing communications.
TMA launches Web site
PARK RIDGE—Tooling & Manufacturing Association, a Chicago area association of 1,300 tool & die, mold, machining, special machine, component part, OEMs, related services, and industrial distributor companies, has recently launched a new job board for qualified people seeking manufacturing jobs in the Chicago area. TMA members are looking for skilled help in all areas of manufacturing, but especially for CNC programmers and operators. Resumes which reach the 1,300 TMA members may be submitted via the group’s Web site (www.TMACareerNet.com).
My Chef honored
NAPERVILLE—My Chef Catering has been selected as a 2007 “Best of Weddings Pick” by Illinois readers of The Knot bridal magazine. It was one of only five catering companies in the state to make the list and only suburban caterer that was cited.
WSCCI moves
HODGKINS—The West Suburban Chamber of Commerce and Industry has moved to 9440 Joliet Road, Ste. B.
Smoke-Free Naperville recognized
NAPERVILLE—Smoke-Free Naperville has received the 2006 Community Health Initiatives Partner In Progress Award from The American Cancer Society for its efforts to achieve a comprehensive smoke-free indoor air ordinance in Naperville.
Tasty Catering honored
ELK GROVE VILLAGE—Tasty Catering has received four 2007 NICE Awards—the most of any caterer—from the National Association of Catering Executives. The company received awards for Best Catered Event Under $10,000, Best Picnic, Best Tabletop Display and Best Non-Profit Event Under $25,000.
Common Sense acquires CM Systems
BURR RIDGE—Common Sense Solutions, Inc. has acquired CM Systems, Inc., an authorized reseller of ComputerEase project management software. The merger furthers Common Sense Solutions’ focus on the construction and field service markets by allowing it to provide a full suite of software and service solutions. Common Sense will maintain the CM Systems office and personnel in St. Louis where it will continue to service and support the product line.
Thatcher Technology relocates
NAPERVILLE—Thatcher Technology Group, LLC has relocated to 40 Shuman Blvd., Suite 348. The company has moved to support its expanding staff. The company has more than 25 years of creating and implementing software solutions that fuel growth in direct sales organizations.
DLC acquires The Oaks of Oak Brook
OAK BROOK—DLC Management Corporation, a national owner and operator of open-air shopping centers, has acquired The Oaks of Oak Brook, a 67,143-square-foot community shopping center that is anchored by Tweeter and Panera Bread. Other specialty retailers and service providers at the center include American Express Travel Services, AthletiCo, Pella Windows, Scottrade and Washington Mutual.
Central States Trucking expands
JOLIET—Central States Trucking has acquired 20 acres of land in Joliet to improve efficiency and expand its customer base in the region. The parcel is located near the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe-Logistics Park Chicago. Now operating on the site formerly known as the Joliet Arsenal, the BNSF-LPC is a multi-modal logistics venture that integrates transportation, distribution and warehousing services with surrounding communities.
Alexian Brothers plans expansion
HOFFMAN ESTATES—Alexian Brothers Hospital Network has announced plans to build a $66 million women and children’s specialty hospital.
Openings
WHEATON—Wheaton Eye Clinic has opened its $4.2 million DuPage Eye Surgery Center at 2015 Main St. after a year of construction. Connected to the current Wheaton Eye Clinic, it houses three operating rooms and space for all the ancillary services needed for pre-op, recovery, family waiting areas and necessary support services.
NORTHBROOK—Amherst Partners, LLC has opened at 707 Skokie Blvd., Suite 600. The firm assists middle-market businesses by providing comprehensive merger and acquisition, corporate recruiting, and management advisory services.
ITASCA—Hyatt Place Itasca has opened at 1150 Arlington Heights Road.
ST. CHARLES—Tap House Grill, LLC has opened at 3341 W. Main St.
VILLA PARK—Ayala’s Cocina Mexicana & Bar has opened at 623 W. North Ave.
——compiled by Mark Thomton