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Schaumburg Business Association mixes humor with recognition

A comedian, music video and Santa added a splash of humor at the Schaumburg Business Association’s final breakfast meeting of the year Tuesday.

The laughs were part of the theme for the holiday event held at Chicago Improv of Schaumburg at Woodfield Mall. The breakfast also marked the passing of responsibilities as several board members took new positions.

Outgoing Chair Rich Augustine, of R.J. Augustine and Associates, passed the baton to Ray Horn of Melzer, Purtill & Steele in Schaumburg. Augustine served as leader of the organization for the past 18 months during some transitions and changes in leadership. “We’ve been at the cliff, looked over it and now we’re ready to move forward,” Augustine said.

A short comical music video, including pictures of Augustine as a child, put to the popular “Gangnam Style” song was shown. Ben Olson from 3 Monkeys and Aardvark Studios created the video. “The video was perfect for Rich,” said SBA President Kaili Harding. “He is a great business guy, but also someone that you can joke around with — very outgoing and gregarious. He has done a phenomenal job serving the association.”

One of the more serious aspects of the holiday meeting was recognizing and thanking Woodfield Mall general manager Marc Strich, who has been part of the association since it started in 2001. He is leaving after the holidays to take a position at a mall in West Palm Beach, Fla.

Founding President Laurie Stone presented Strich an award for his years serving the association. He was chair of the organization in 2005.

She also thanked his family for their assistance with marketing and membership when the association was just getting off the ground.

“Marc is probably one of the most trusted advisers and a brilliant partner,” Stone said.

Bringing humor into her tribute, she shared a story about the first Taste of Schaumburg formal dinner event in which Strich organized. After the event was over, Strich was so relieved that he rode a bicycle, being given as a prize, through the ballroom and halls of the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center.

In other business, members approved the board of directors and executive committee for 2013. In addition to Horn, executive members include: Chair Elect Scott Stone, Daily Herald; Immediate Past Chair Augustine; Treasurer Sean Sullivan, American Chartered Bank; Ben Olson, 3 Monkeys and Aardvark Studios; Matt Frank, Village of Schaumburg; Jeff Miller, Divine Signs Inc.; Tony LaFrenere, Schaumburg Park District; David Ven Horst, Tenant Advisors Inc.

  Marc Strich, general manager at Woodfield Mall, accepts an award for his years of service with the Schaumburg Business Association. George LeClaire/gleclaire@dailyherald.com
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