My Chef named nation’s top
small business by U.S. Chamber
NAPERVILLE—My Chef Catering has received the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award. Owned by Bill and Karen Garlough, the catering firm was honored at America’s Small Business Summit 2007 in Washington, D.C.
The award is designed to honor businesses that excel in a financial performance and business history, staff training and motivation, community involvement, customer service and business planning. My Chef received excellent marks in each category, but was especially noted for its dedication to community and for its employee retention numbers. My Chef designates up to 2 percent of gross sales annually to support charities and non-profits, and, in a industry with high-turnover, the firm has managed to retain numerous employees for nearly 10 years.
“My Chef Catering has earned this distinction by showing remarkable dedication to its employees, customers, and community,” said Thomas J. Donohue, chamber president and CEO. “(Owners) William and Karen Garlough and their team deserve this recognition for the innovative and caring ways they conduct business everyday.”
DLC acquires 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. The center 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.
DuPage Children’s Museum honored
NAPERVILLE—The DuPage Children’s Museum has received a national $15,000 Universal Design for Learning Award from VSA arts and the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) for its support of exhibits and initiatives that demonstrate learning standards for inclusive practice. The museum has also marked its 20th year in operation.
V3 recognized
WOODRIDGE—V3 Companies, contractor for the Village of Lake in the Hills, has received an American Public Works Association’s Public Works Project of the Year for 2007 award for the Willow Lake Restoration.
Inland expands southeast
OAK BROOK—The Inland Real Estate Group of Companies, Inc. has announced the formation of Atlanta-based Inland Atlantic Development Corporation, a new company focusing on the development of retail centers in the southeastern states. Inland Atlantic will be led by the personnel who oversaw the development division of the former Inland Retail Real Estate Trust, Inc., a real estate investment trust recently sold to Developers Diversified Realty.
Inter Ocean marks 110 years
ELMHURST—Inter Ocean Cabinet Company, a custom architectural woodworking company, has marked its 110th anniversary. The company, founded in 1897, is one of the longest established architectural woodworking contractors in the Midwest. The company builds and installs architectural woodwork for office, hotel and retail store interiors.
Stevens & Tate honored
LOMBARD—Stevens & Tate Marketing has received six SAMMY awards, recognizing outstanding achievement in advertising, public relations and merchandising in the home building industry.
Pentasource relocates
NORTHBROOK—Pentasource, Inc. has relocated to its offices at 618 Academy Drive. Founded in 1991, Pentasource provides manufacturers with the expertise to purchase components and finished goods at a lower cost.
Naper Settlement recognized
NAPERVILLE—Naper Settlement and the Naperville Heritage Society have received five awards from the Illinois State Historical Society. The 2007 Calendar of Events, the 2005 Annual Report, the Heritage Hall of Honor invitation and program, and Treasures magazine all received an Award of Superior Achievement. The exhibit, “History Shapes Art: Naperville through the Youthful Eye,” received a Certificate of Excellence.
Tech Image honored
BUFFALO GROVE—Tech Image has been named the “Best Boutique PR Agency to Work For” by The Holmes Report in its U.S. competition for the second year in a row. This annual award recognizes public relations agencies that realize great people make a great agency, and create an atmosphere to attract and keep top talent. Tech Image is the first boutique agency to win this award two consecutive years in the seven years it’s been given.
CDH recognized/plans new Pavilion
WINDFIELD—Central DuPage Hospital has been named a Solucient “Top 100 Hospital” and has announced plans for a new bed pavilion. The Pavilion, to be located on the southwest corner of the campus, will also feature a 150-seat conference center, a state-of-the-art medical library with extensive resources for patients, families and the community and 108 additional parking spaces. The planned 202 private rooms can be expanded to 226 to accommodate future growth.
Casey marks 30 years
PALATINE—Casey Automotive, an auto repair facility, has marked its 30th anniversary. The firm also has locations in Arlington Heights and Streamwood as well.
20/20 relocates
ELK GROVE VILLAGE—20/20 Communications has marked its 19th anniversary and is moving to a larger facility at 188 Seegers Ave. The firm specializes in shooting and editing DVD projects as well as still photography for instructional marketing purposes.
NAPERVILLE—Financial Strategies & Solutions Group has moved to 1754 North Washington Street, Suite 120.
Openings
ST. CHARLES—Netrion Global Solutions, a software development and consulting service, has opened at 451 Dunham Road, Suite 200.
OAK BROOK—Evergreen Private Bank has opened at the corner of 22nd Street and Route 83.
ST. CHARLES—Bicycle Heaven, a retail & rental shop for bikes and accessories, has opened at 308 W. Walnut St.
——compiled by Mark Thomton