Jewish Business News - January 2012

In This Issue:

The Value of Being Honest in Business

Why Punishment for Being “Overqualified”?By Andrea D. StorzPage 3

By Moshe KleinPage 8

By Karen SchwartzPage 4

Celebrates First YearBy Mira TemkinPage 6

ChiCago’s Jewish Movers and shakersgive their

PrediCtions for 2012

www.TheBusinessEvent.com

FREE EVENT

Lou LangState Representative

Illinois House of Representatives

nancy Rodkin RoteRingMayor of Highland Park

MaRc S. SchuLManPresident of Eli’s Cheesecake

dR. Steven. B. naSatiRPresident of the Jewish United Fund

Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago

Jan SchakowSkyU.S. Congresswoman

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CONTENT FROM THE PUBLISHER

3 eMPLoyMent crime and Punishment By Andrea D. Storz

4 coveR StoRy chicago’s Jewish Movers and Shakers give their Predictions for 2012 By Karen Schwartz

6 coMMunity congratulations, Jewish B2B networking on one amazing year! By Mira Temkin

8 in My oPinion the value of Being honest in Business By Moshe Klein

9 FeatuRed netwoRkeRS

9 BuSineSS ethicS the obligation of Partners Republished from the Business Ethics Center of Jerusalem

10 SMaLL BuSineSS FoRecaSt cautious optimism is the theme By Jewish Business News Staff

12 LegiSLative uPdate By Blanca Campos, Small Business Advisory Council

14 JoBS BoaRd

on the cover:Photos courtesy of iStock Photography

Publisher: Shalom Kleineditor: Mira Temkin contributing editor: Moshe Kleincontributing writers: Karen Schwartz, Andrea D. Storz creative director: Michael Borkovecadvertising/Sales coordinator: Leah Alpert advertising Sales: Janis Mason distribution coordinator: Levi Gottlieb

Check www.thejewishbusiness.com for updates.

© 2012 Jewish Business News. All rights reserved. Reproduction in part or whole without permission is prohibited. Editorial, publishing and advertising offices: 3564 W. Dempster St., Skokie, IL, 60076, Phone: (888) 477-4466.

Dear Reader,

Over the past two years, I’ve spent many hours at events hosted by various organizations, businesses, and chambers of commerce – many of them that have a specific ethnic or other agenda-driven focus. In fact, it amazes me how divided people are depending on where they live, their level

of observance, and of course their political beliefs. BUT… the one issue that unites people from all walks of life, regardless of all their differences is the need to earn a living and put food on the table. I was taught as a child, that the highest form of charity (or “tzedakah” in Hebrew) is helping someone earn their own livelihood.

In this quarter’s issue of JBN, Karen Schwartz talks to some of the Jewish business, media, and elected leadership that make a major difference in our community on a daily basis. Their backgrounds, path to their respective positions, and inspiration are fascinating stories, but the common thread is their commitment to helping and giving back, each in their own way. There are certainly many more that deserve the exposure and recognition, we were only able to fit and reach a small sampling.

As always, we want to hear about your story, feedback, inspiration, and other com-ments. If you would like to be featured in an upcoming issue of Jewish Business News, contact Editor Mira Temkin at [email protected].

To Success,

Shalom Klein

Jewish Business News Welcomes These New Businesses:Steven Schwartz, aaa north Suburban insurance agency4730 w. dempster St., Skokie, iL 60076, [email protected] auto, home and life insurance; all AAA Motor Club services.

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Bobby dubin, Second Street Bistro (inside Stashs)1825 Second Street, highland Park, 847-432-6550 Upscale American food with a twist; featuring organic, locally grown ingredients and BYO.

Best [email protected] An Illinois not-for-profit organization, focuses on creating opportunities for sustainable, competitive employment in the community for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

2 Jewish Business news - A publication of Jewish B2B Networking, Inc. www.thejewishbusiness.com

eMPLoyee Regardless of what you do professionally, the current economic cli-mate affects us all. During these turbulent times, anyone generating an income is fortunate. The number of unemployed is problematic, but the number of people underemployed is becoming an equally se-rious problem. Being underemployed means the inability to find full time work in a chosen field, accepting a substantially lower salary, or taking a position without benefits. Here’s how to cope:

• If you’re not happy with your salary, or want more of a challenge, make yourself more of an asset to the company - find ways to get the company to recognize the additional skill you bring to the table – excel in your work and ask for extra assignments.

• After a reasonable amount of time, request consideration for a position where your skill set can be better utilized and appreciated.

• As a result of doing your work faster, use any extra time you have to network. Talk to people in other departments and foster relationships that might prove to be valuable in the future.

• People who experience underemployment often feel desper-ate to change jobs – be careful! Hiring managers can sense desperation. Accepting any offer that may come your way without fully considering the pros and cons can lead to another ill-suited position.

• Convincing a hiring manager you are a strong fit for a more senior position can be difficult when underemployed. Show your dedication, passion and work ethic by keeping current in your industry - attend classes or conferences, network, etc. Check all the benefits your company might offer, in-cluding continuing professional development training.

hiRing ManageRToday’s hiring manager shares celebrity status. After all, everyone’s trying to be noticed by someone who can offer a job worthy of their experience and skills. However, employers rarely hire the over-qualified candidate; these individuals are often overlooked for being more skilled.

Employees should be recognized for his/her value, regardless of the

CRIME AND PUNISHMENTBy Andrea D. Storz

continue on Page 12 CRIME & PUNISHMENT

K e s h e t i s a p a r t n e r i n s e r v i n g o u r c o m m u n i t y , s u p p o r t e d b y t h e j e w i s h u n i t e d f u n d / j e w i s h f e d e r a t i o n

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steve and debbie harasteve and jennifer hartensteinpeter and catherine Kanarisdavid and ronda Kaufmanscott and nancy Lanemark and bari LevinLarry and claudia Lubinrobbie and Kelli mehrholzandy and nancy millsjoseph and mary miroballimike and dana pinseldavid and Karen rappaportmark and adriane reismanami and aviva robinson michael and wendy rosen

marc and amy rosenbergfred and marilyn rudinmichael and cari sacksstuart and jill saltzbergeli and ahuva sambermarc and Kim schwartzgreg and Kathy solkstephen and ellen stamlerLonnie ungerLinda wagnermark and marilyn egel-weissalvin and flora Lee weissjordan and michelle wolfallan and caryn Zelingerted and elisa Zusman

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3Jewish Business news - A publication of Jewish B2B Networking, Inc.www.thejewishbusiness.com

Chicago’s Jewish Movers and Shakers Give Their

PREDICTIONS FOR 2012By Karen Schwartz

How will Chicago-area small businesses fare in 2012? Will the flagging economy continue to affect financial performance? Jewish Business News reporter Karen Schwartz asked some prominent Jewish Chicagoans what they foresee in the coming year.

Lou Lang, State Representative, Illinois House of Representatives Lou Lang has represented the 16th District since 1987. He was appointed to the Illinois House in 1987 by the Niles Township Democratic organization to fill a vacancy when Lang mentor,

representative Alan Greiman, became a judge. He serves as Deputy Majority Leader of the Illinois House of Representatives.

What is the outlook for Illinois small businesses in 2012?For two years, I chaired a job creation task group and we traveled the state seeking jobs for individuals. We have to put people to work, expand job opportunities and cut through red tape to encourage entrepreneurship. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. We also have to provide money for people to start businesses, whether it’s through loans or grants. There are people out there who just need a little financial support to hire other people.

What impact will the upcoming elections have on small businesses? Every election has an impact, but it’s difficult to predict how the business climate will be different in 2012. We should look for political leaders who are willing to invest in the economy and grow the economy. I am a pro-business growth Democrat. The government of the state of Illinois needs to do whatever it can to support small business.

nancy Rodkin RoteRing, Mayor of Highland ParkElected mayor in April, 2011, Nancy Rodkin Rotering served on the Highland Park City Council from April, 2009 until her mayoral election, as well as on the city’s planning and environment commissions. A Highland Park native, Mayor

Rotering earned her B.A. in economics from Stanford University, an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, and a law degree from the University of Chicago.

Is 2012 a good time to open a small business in Highland Park?We have a very inviting and nurturing business climate in Highland Park. One of our greatest priorities in 2012 will be attracting new businesses to Highland Park as well as helping our existing small businesses grow. This business development effort is being coordinated with the city’s Business and Economic Development Commission, Highland Park Downtown Business Alliance, the Chamber of Commerce, the Highland Park Retail Merchants Association, and a group of business district alliances, including the Ravinia Business District Alliance and the Briergate Business Alliance. We’ve had some new stores open, including new gelato stores, ArrivaDolce, and Frost and Charming Charlie, in the old Border’s as well as two new restaurants, Benjamin and M. We have a lot of other prospects for new stores.

Is there legislation that will affect small businesses in Highland Park? Illinois is faced with financial challenges and is starting to shift funds. It affects Highland Park because our resources are diminished. On January 1, the PRPP (personal property replacement tax) will cut our budget by tens of thousands of dollars as the state squeezes us financially, and it makes it more challenging to sustain the things we need to do to support our businesses.

What else is happening in Highland Park that affects the business community?Highland Park has a new Facebook page, and I send out regular


e-mails to residents and businesses. In addition, we’re going to be working with IDOT to get new signage so people can easily find the nine business districts in Highland Park.

MaRc S. SchuLMan, President of Eli’s CheesecakeEli’s Cheesecake World is a 62,000 square-foot state-of-the-art bakery, visitor’s center, retail store, dessert café, and corporate headquarters located on the northwest side of Chicago.

Do you think Mayor Emanuel’s election has helped small businesses in Chicago?Chicago is definitely a good place to do business. We were grateful for Mayor Daley’s support and look forward to the support Mayor Emanuel will provide. He clearly understands us and has put a big priority on job creation. Since Rahm Emanuel took office, we’ve been promoting internally, and hiring new people from the neighborhood from Wright College, putting people into entry-level jobs. We’ve also hired refugees, and more people with disabilities.

Has any legislation helped you as a business owner?On the national level, there were tax benefits in 2011 that helped us buy some equipment. It’s a great time of opportunity for small businesses, though capital may be hard to come by in an environment like this. But family businesses are critical to our economy and work hard to make sure they survive in these tough economic times.

dR. Steven. B. naSatiR, President of the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan ChicagoDr. Steven B. Nasatir is a graduate of the University of Illinois, has a M.A. degree from Roosevelt University and a Ph.D from Northwestern University, and has traveled

the world in his commitment to the Jewish and humanitarian causes. In 2011, he received the Julius Rosenwald award, the highest award presented annually by the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago.

There are many Jews in the Chicago area who are hurting financially. Are you hopeful that 2012 will bring about an improvement in the economy that will help more small businesses prosper?Hopeful, yes, but for that to happen, I would be pleasantly surprised from what I see happening in the community. The Federation assisted 45,000 Jews for the fiscal year ending June 30. This economy is so severe, and I don’t see any reason to believe that this coming year,

things will be back to normal. People are asking for more financial assistance, jobs…the impact of this recession is very deep.

Is there anything you’d like to bring to people’s attention?People might be surprised to find out the number of Jews they know who are unemployed and going through tough times. We know from talking to rabbis that they’re overwhelmed with these types of requests. It would be great if people were a bit more sensitive to the challenges that their friends and neighbors face. The tail on this economic downturn is going to be long, and when the economy picks up, there will be folks whose lives are going to be different and their retirements are going to be different.

Jan SchakowSky, U.S. Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky was elected to represent Illinois’ 9th Congressional District in 1998, after serving for eight years in the Illinois State Assembly. In her seventh term, Schakowsky serves in the House Democratic leadership as Chief Deputy Whip and is

a member of the Steering and Policy Committee as well as a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, where she serves on the Subcommittee on Health and the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.

How is national legislation affecting Chicago-area small business owners?In the 111th Congress, 16 tax cuts were passed into law affecting small business owners, and the White House released in the spring its small business agenda on how to help small businesses. In addition, the Democratic leadership has been having small business events featuring speakers from federal agencies to help small businesses learn about getting capital. There is free equipment from the GSA (General Services Administration) that small businesses need to know about, and small businesses can get into the export business if they have the know-how to do so.

What would you say about the small business climate for 2012?We’re going to have a debate about extending the payroll tax, which applies to employees and employers and affects small businesses. We need a strong advertising campaign encouraging people to shop at small businesses. There are so many advantages: they’re in your neighborhood, you can have a real relationship with them, and you know you’re going to get quality work. The Democratic Caucus had a hearing recently on small businesses with speakers who talked about just how important small businesses are to the local communities.

A journalist and business writer for more than 25 years, Karen Schwartz has written for the Chicago Tribune, Crain’s Chicago Business, LA Times, and many other publications. She also writes marketing communications for in-dividuals and organizations. She can be reached at [email protected].


Congratulations, Jewish B2B Networking on One Amazing Year!By Mira TemkinCome meet with business professionals and small business owners for networking.

This was the first post. Shalom Klein expected only 20 people at his initial networking event in June of 2010. Instead, 75 people showed up. From these humble beginnings has grown a vast organization

of business professionals and small business owners. As a grass roots organization, Jewish Business to Business Networking, has taken off like wildfire.

“The outcome was great,” Klein said. “People were already doing business with people they met that day.”

As Jewish B2B looks back on the past year, we can do so with great pride. Our growing organization now boasts over 15,000 members in our directory, networking events are held in Chicago, St. Louis and Detroit and web, tele-seminars as well as employment clinics are offered as community outreach. The website, www.JewishB2B.org, allows members to register for events, create a directory profile, search for jobs and post blogs. Jewish Business News, now publishing quarterly, reaches more than 15,000 people each issue. But most important, Jewish B2B has helped over 100 people get jobs!

Shalom Klein believes in making connections Networking is Shalom’s passion and he has taken it to an art.

“I believe we’ve tapped into the small business community,” Klein said. His events attract a diverse crowd, about 80 percent looking to connect business to business, and about 20 percent looking for jobs.

“The goal is stimulating the Jewish small business community by encouraging people to do business with each other and create new business opportunities,” he said.

Because of Shalom’s involvement on the executive committee of Jewish Vocational Service, Jewish B2B Networking has also been working with JVS and other organizations on joint programming. This effort has resulted in a series of Employment Clinics Seminars for those job hunting.

Yes, Shalom has a day job. He serves as Vice President of MK&A and MKA Receivables, handling small business collections.

Jewish B2B Hosts Monumental Networking Event To keep the momentum going, Jewish B2B held “The Business Event,” a free business and employment expo last August, which attracted almost 3,000 attendees. Also in attendance were U.S. Congressman Robert Dold, U.S. Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, State Senator Louis Lang and Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen.

This year’s expo is scheduled for June 14, 2012 at Lincolnwood Town Center. Check out www.thebusinessevent.com for details and registration information.

Jewish B2B Helps Create New Opportunities for Job Seekers Utilizing speed networking and other networking formats, Jewish B2B events make meaningful connections for those looking for employment.

Deb Weiner had just moved back to Chicago when she heard about JB2’s speed networking event downtown. Looking for a job in the non-profit sector, Deb attended and met Susan Levin-Abir from Keshet, who was impressed with Deb’s enthusiasm and background. Keshet was looking to fill a new position for a marketing and community outreach manager. Deb had several interviews and was subsequently hired. “Because Jewish B2B created these kind of events, I had an opportunity to meet face-to-face with people who were hiring. It was great to network within the Jewish community.”

After more than 20 years in the asset recovery business, Steven Schwartz was looking for new opportunities. He came to several JB2B networking events and met Pete Fenner, AAA Midwest Recruiter, who talked to him about opening an independent AAA office. This appealed to Steven because it would give him an opportunity to offer customers both AAA membership services as well as auto, home and life insurance. Now that his office is opening this month in Skokie, Steven also uses the Job Board on the Jewish B2B website to recruit his own staff.

“I’ve met so many new people through Jewish B2B Networking and reconnected with others, said Steven. “It’s a magnificent organization.” Mira Temkin is a Highland-Park based copywriter with both advertising and editorial expertise. She can be reached at [email protected].


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“In all realms of life, it takes courage to stretch your limits, express your power, and fulfill your potential. It’s no different in the financial realm.” - Suze Orman

“I’ve found no greater satisfaction than achieving success through honest dealing and strict adherence to the view that, for you to gain, those you deal with should gain as well.” - Alan Greenspan

“I want nothing that doesn’t belong to me, but I want everything that does.” – Moshe Klein

It’s a new year and in my opinion, it’s a good time to remind ourselves as small business owners how important it is to manage and grow our businesses, both with financial and moral integrity. Here are some thoughts that might be worth mulling over.

Keep commitments. Contracts keep both parties honest, and every project has its own contract provisions that require a keen awareness of the project’s demands. But that is insufficient. To be ethical in keeping commitments, it means that our businesses had to develop the reputation in the past that we kept our word. A promise made must be a promise kept, though it’s an old cliché, it’s essential for succeeding in business.

Be honest in business dealings. Honesty is an essential part of integrity. Let me share something that has guided me over the years. It originates with Mahatma Gandhi, the Indian leader who helped India gain its independence from England through nonviolent means. He said, “There is one honest man for every hundred that claim to be honest.” The point of this maxim is that most of us know what is right, but few of us actually put it into practice. In being honest, we should not only avoid the sins of commission, but also sins of

omission. I have to remind myself that not telling the client everything is not being totally honest.

Honor the Sabbath. It is customary in the accounting business to work 18 hour days, seven days a week. Sundays (the Christian Sabbath) are now workdays in many places. Sometimes it is very challenging for my firm not to work on Saturday (the Jewish Sabbath). In my own mind, I have substituted 24–7 with 35–6. By working six days and honoring the Sabbath, somehow our productivity and outcome increases. When I do the right thing, my watch gives me 35 hours. When I don’t goof off, I won’t even get 24 hours. But the gift of time, as I call it, is real to me when I keep the Sabbath day holy.

Knowing what is right, what is expected of us, and what to do is not difficult. The challenge is to put into practice what we know. I wish you all much happiness and prosperity in the year ahead and always.

The Value of Being Honest in BusinessBy Moshe Klein

Moshe Klein is an accountant and small business consultant. His firm, Moshe Klein & Associates, Ltd. is based in Skokie and services clients throughout the United States. To respond to his column, write to: [email protected].


Obligation of PartnersQ. When my friend and I began our partnership, I anticipated our contributions would be equal. But I’m contributing a greater share of effort. Can I take a greater share of the profits?

A. Partnerships are a most practical, durable form of business relationships and have been since ancient times. When two people work together, they share risk as well as take advantage of their own specialized abilities. The Talmud has a concise expression for working in tandem. When explaining why a partner is not allowed to unilaterally break off the relationship before the stipulated time, the sage Rava states succinctly, “The luck of two is better.”

When Jewish commerce flourished in medieval times, partnerships became an immensely popular arrangement. In responsa literature, there was a highly developed legal theory of partnerships. Shmuel stated: Two people who mingled funds for a business; if one invested one hundred and the other two hundred, the profits are shared equally.

The business logic behind Shmuel’s statement is that in most partnerships, the efforts of the partners are a much more important contributor to success than the amount of money initially invested. So, unless there is an explicit stipulation to the opposite, the intention was to split profits equally.

Naturally that doesn’t mean that one partner can shirk responsibility and leisurely share in the profits of his hard-working partner. One of the great medieval authorities, the Rashba writes that if a partner contributes only minimal efforts, this is considered a fundamental breach of the partnership agreement, and the partner is not entitled to a share of the profits. He is, at most, entitled to a modest salary for his work. But, if one partner invests efforts or resources that are clearly above and beyond what is called for in the agreement, he may be entitled to extra payment for his efforts. But he does not get a larger share of profits.

Who could have known, when Apple Computer was founded by two friends, that being a brilliant programmer/engineer like Stephen Wozniak would become virtually a standardized input, whereas being able to imagine the future market would become the main source of profitability? In other industries, the opposite happened: the market went to people who could move forward with solidly designed products. When you and your partner went into business together, you in effect purchased equal shares of stock; your increased contribution cannot change that reality.

On the other hand, if you really believe that your contribution is the key to your business’ success, then you have the right to go off on your own. Assuming you didn’t define a specific term for your partnership, it can be broken off at any time.

However, as long as you continue doing business under the original understanding, and each partner continues to contribute his best efforts to advancing the business, changes in the conditions of the partnership can be made only by mutual consent of the partners.

Locate these and other business networkers and create your own profile online at

www.jewishb2bnetworking.com/directory

Beverly LevyOwner Freebies Steals and Deals with Beverly Levy on AM 560 WIND My motto: Help people find the best products and services for little or no money.My work: Weekly two minute feature as a resource to beat tough economic times.What sets me apart: A two minute spot featuring free websites for almost every aspect of life.

Rabbi Moshe KatzDirector, Chicago Torah NetworkMy motto: This is not the kind of learning you did in Hebrew School!My work: I make Jewish tradition meaningful, relevant and inspiring.What sets me apart: I think learning about Judaism should be fun!

Jason A. ChessAssociate Managing Director,The Private BankMy motto: I provide proactive ideas to help middle market business owners.My work: I help middle market business owners improve their banking relationship.What sets me apart: Along with commercial lending, improving Treasury Management relationships is my niche.

Business Ethics is reprinted with permission. To find out more about business ethics and Jewish values for the workplace, visit the Business Ethics Center of Jerusalem at www.besr.org


Cautious Optimism is the ThemeBy Jewish Business News Staff

Cautious optimism is the theme of our forecast this month.

The Euro is falling apart. Unemployment, while down still remains double what it should be for a healthy economy. Gas prices are down also, but remain high enough to be a tax on our economy. GDP growth is forecasted to limp along at something near 2% - nothing to get excited about.

So why are we optimistic? It’s an election year. If the best way to judge the future is by looking at the past, our elected officials will do all they can to hold things together as long as possible – or at least through November.

According to the Federal Reserve:Overall economic activity increased at a slow to moderate pace since the previous report across all Federal Reserve Districts except St. Louis, which reported a decline in economic activity. District reports indicated that consumer spending rose modestly during the reporting period. Motor vehicle sales increased in a number of Districts, and tourism showed signs of strength. Business service activity was flat to higher since the previous report. Manufacturing activity expanded at a steady pace across most of the country. Overall bank lending increased slightly since the previous report, and home refinancing grew at a more rapid pace. Changes in credit standards and credit quality varied across Districts. Residential real estate activity generally remained sluggish, and commercial real estate activity remained lackluster across most of the nation. Single family home construction was weak and commercial construction was slow. Districts mostly reported favorable agricultural conditions.

Hiring was generally subdued, although some firms with open positions reported difficulty finding qualified applicants. Wages and salaries remained stable across Districts. Overall price increases remained subdued; some cost pressures have eased.

Manufacturing activity grew at a steady pace across most of the country, with all Districts other than St. Louis reporting increases in orders, shipments, or production. Chicago, St. Louis, and San Francisco reported positive results in metals and fabrication, while Cleveland saw flat steel production and Philadelphia noted decreased demand for primary metals. Cleveland and Chicago reported increased auto production year over year, but Boston noted signs of slower auto component production.

Overall residential real estate activity increased, but conditions were varied across Districts. New York, Boston, Cleveland, and San Francisco reported flat activity. Atlanta and St. Louis indicated decreased sales. Residential construction remained sluggish. Single-family home construction remained weak, while multifamily

construction picked up in New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Chicago, and Minneapolis.

Commercial real estate markets remained sluggish across most of the nation. Boston, New York, Chicago, Minneapolis, and San Francisco indicated roughly unchanged activity. Chicago and Minneapolis experienced modest to moderate increases. New York and Philadelphia noted generally weak conditions; Richmond and St. Louis reported slow activity, although industrial construction picked up.

Stable employment levels or subdued hiring were mentioned by New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Atlanta, Chicago, and Dallas. Assessments of labor market conditions were mixed in Richmond and St. Louis, while labor markets showed some signs of reduced availability of labor in Minneapolis.

Our message to small business owners remains unchanged. We advise continued fiscal restraint relative to inventories and debt. Attention must remain on margin improvement and overall cash flow increases for long term business strength and stability.

YU Torah Mitzion Kollel of Chicago

Presents

Jew in the Modern WorldA two part series bringing prominent Jewish professionals to Chicago toshare their unique life experiences with our community

YU Torah Mitzion Kollel of Chicago

Presents

Jew in the Modern WorldA two part series bringing prominent Jewish professionals to Chicago toshare their unique life experiences with our community

Part I

Giving Over Greed: The Unraveling of a Ponzi Schemewith Alan Sakowitz Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 8:00pm

Alan Sakowitz, attorney and author of Miles Away, Worlds Apart, shares the lessons learned from his uncovering of a $1.4 billion Madoff-like Ponzi scheme in South Florida

Skokie Public Library5215 Oakton Street in Skokie

Part II

Going Hollywood, Living Torahwith Barry WeissTuesday, February 28, 2012 at 8:00pm

Barry Weiss, entertainment executive and member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, shares his journey from Arie Crown Hebrew Day School to the Academy Awards

Gidwitz Place and Friend Center1551 Lake Cook Road in Deerfield

JEW IN THE MODERN WORLDYU Torah Mitzion Kollel presents

Prominent professionals and their uniquely Jewish life experiences

Registration Required - Limited Spots AvailableTickets $10 per session/$18 for both

Contact us NOW to make your reservations: [email protected] | 773-973-6557

Community Partnership of Yeshiva University Center for the Jewish Future - RIETS in affiliation with Kollel Torah Mitzion


January Networking Meeting Where:Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center9603 Woods Drive, SkokieWhen:Thursday, January 12, 2012 - 5:30pm January Employment Clinic: Age Discrimination Where:Congregation Or Torah3800 Dempster St., SkokieWhen:Sunday, January 22, 2012 - 1:00pm Networking & Bowling Where:The Alley / Highwood Lanes210 Green Bay Rd., HighwoodWhen:Wednesday, January 25, 2012 - 6:00pm February Networking MeetingWhere:Bank Leumi1 N. LaSalle St. Suite 200, ChicagoWhen:Thursday, February 9, 2012 - 8:00am

The Importance of Agenda Setting for Sales & Networking Where:Webinar - participate by phone or computerDetails provided upon registrationWhen:Tuesday, February 14, 2012 - 12:00pm February Employment Clinic: Right Fit For The Job / Right Fit For Me Where:Congregation Or Torah3800 Dempster St., SkokieWhen:Sunday, February 19, 2012 - 1:00pm Open House & Networking at Dream Kitchens Where:Dream Kitchens799 Central Avenue #230, Highland Park(847) 433-2400When:Wednesday, February 22, 2012 - 6:00pm Open House & Networking at Gallery Swarm Where:Gallery Swarm (inside Olson Rug)2902 North Clark St., ChicagoWhen:Tuesday, March 6, 2012 - 6:00pm

Result Based Lead Generation Where:Teleseminar - participate by phoneDetails provided upon registrationWhen:Tuesday, March 13, 2012 - 12:00pm March Networking Meeting Joint Event with What’s Happening Community Newspapers Where:Costco Wholesale2900 Patriot Blvd., GlenviewWhen:Wednesday, March 21, 2012 - 5:00pm Open House & Networking at Suits 20/20 Where:Suits 20/207651 N. Caldwell, NilesWhen:Monday, April 2, 2012 - 6:00pm

For more information and to register, www.jewishb2bnetworking.com/events

Jewish B2B offers a full line-up of various networking events, in the city and suburbs, in the morning and after work. Do join us and make important new connections for your business and career.


StateThe SBAC continues to aggressively push for policies that will benefit small and mid-market businesses. With over 400 businesses and professionals in the organization, we have discovered through the power of critical mass, these businesses can have a very loud voice. During the last legislative session, the SBAC drafted the Small Business Contracts Act (HB 3186), a law which mandates that all state agencies establish a goal of awarding 10% of their procurement contracts to small businesses. That bill was passed and signed into law by Governor Quinn and has now moved into the implementation stage.

State Representative La Shawn Ford (D-Chicago), Chairman of the Small Business Committee of the Illinois House, recently convened a hearing that brought all state agency procurement chairs to the table. With only 2% of state procurement contracts currently going to small businesses, the dialogue centered on the agencies’ plans to meet the 10% requirement goals.

Health insurance continues to be a driving force in our advocacy efforts. Currently, only 31% of business owners with 10 or fewer employees can provide insurance to their employees. The cost of health insurance is impacting our economic growth. As business owners, it can be the X-factor which sways a company away from hiring.

The SBAC Health Care Committee along with other dedicated business organizations, including Jewish B2B, have formed a strong coalition in support of HB 3236, the Health Benefit Purchasing Co-op Bill. This legislation would enable small businesses to create their own non-profit health insurance co-ops, which would be operated, and governed by, advocates and representatives of the business owners, and employees, enrolled in the co-operatives. Small business owners would finally have the opportunity to stabilize, and eventually bring down, the costs of health insurance. The SBAC is determined to push for and get HB 3236 passed in this coming legislative session.

Federal: Payroll tax extensionMany lawmakers from both parties agree that Congress should extend the 2 percentage point cut in the payroll tax. The partisan conflict now lies on how to cover the cost. The payroll tax cut extension will cost $185 billion in lost government revenue. The latest Democratic plan calls for a 1.9% surtax on income over $1 million, as well as other provisions to cover the cost. Republicans oppose the plan because they say it will increase

the tax burden on small-business owners, a contention the White House rejects as false.

Although economists disagree about the stimulus effect of the tax cut, at a time when folks are struggling, the tax cut is hugely popular among voters. Failure to pass a measure would mean a larger tax burden for Americans in 2012 -- $1,000 on a family earning $50,000. Hence, politicians run the risk of being hammered in the polls if it expires.

The clock continues to tick and the pressure is increasing to reach an agreement or face the public wrath over higher taxes in the coming year. Senator Dan Coats, an Indiana Republican, said the chamber will “eventually pass” an extension. “Both sides are committed to passing this, so in the end there will be some different mix of cost offsets agreed to,” he said.

Provided by the Small Business advocacy council

The Small Business Advocacy Council is a non-partisan group with over 160 members, including law firms, real estate brokers, accounting firms and others.

By Blanca Campos, Vice President

position. The underemployed person has been hired to do a job, and if the job can be accomplished in less time with greater results, where is the downfall?

If an underemployed worker demonstrates additional skill that can be utilized – take advantage, but in a fair and ethical way. This additional skill should be positively acknowledged, along with compensation negotiation.

The hiring manager knows when someone is overqualified. If the decision is made to hire this individual, check in with this employee periodically. Perhaps things have changed – maybe this overqualified, underemployed employee can be transferred to another position or given more responsibility.

All of us should be respected for what we bring to the profes-sional table. Everyone faces personal, financial challenges at some point, from depleting savings for a crisis to helping a sick family member to age discrimination. These few scenarios may force us to become underemployed. Stop punishing those of us who do what we have to for survival sake. Underemploy-ment will most likely happen to most of us as a result of today’s economic instability – even hiring managers.

CRIME & PUNISHMENT FRoM Page 3

Andrea Storz owns a successful job counseling business, teaching clients how to create a more productive job search. 847-917-4141.


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Development Manager, Chicago, ILThis individual will work to achieve fundraising goals, developing relationships by engaging new sponsors, and keeping a strong connection with current donors.

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Ritual Director, Northbrook, ILThe Ritual Director will report to both the Cantor and the Ritual Vice President of the congregation.

Vice President of Lending, Chicago, ILResponsible to lead and manage the day-to-day operations of lending program, program administration, marketing, underwriting, risk management, construction process management, product development, policy oversight and development and social impact and compliance reporting.

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Kosher Cafe, Chicago, ILWe are looking to open a kosher cafe and are seeking an entrepreneur minded person to develop and create the space and run the operation. The right candidate should have some experience with the dining/catering business. Income will be taken from net proceeds of the business.

Find out more about these jobs and over 100 more online atwww.jewishb2bnetworking.com/jobs


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Jewish Business News - January 2012

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