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Geneva optometrist focuses on new technology

Randall Burggraf, an optometrist for nearly 40 years, heads Third Street Eyecare in Geneva, and likely believes the eyes are more than just the windows to the soul.

The eyes can tell you so much more.

That's why he decided to start offering genetic wellness tests for patients.

Doctors in a variety of states, including New Jersey, Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, California, Maryland, Massachusetts and others, have offered these tests, he said.

“I recognize the value and importance of personalized health care that is backed by science,” Burggraf said. “It stands to reason, that your own genetic makeup requires an individual approach that is tied to your own biochemistry. The health care industry as a whole is now taking a new approach to medical care and optometry is a key entry point into the health care system.”

He started offering the tests in mid-June and, so far, eight patients opted for the tests. The tests focus on Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, diabetes, immune diseases, among other diseases and conditions.

Burggraf graduated as doctor of optometry, magna cum laude, at the Illinois College of Optometry. He said he is like other doctors who are dedicated to the latest innovations in technology, health, and patient care.

Burggraf believes the tests offer a proactive approach to health care, so patients could get early detection and prevention of diseases that are caused, or a part of, inherited genetic problems in a person's DNA, he said.

“As an optometrist, I deal with cellular health in the eyes but I am passionate about my patient's overall general health and well-being,” Burggraf said.

“My goal in providing genetic testing is to optimize the health and wellness of my patients and the Fox Valley communities,” he said.

Quinn honored for pro bono work

Arlington Heights resident, Mary Jo Quinn, received the Chicago Bar Foundation's Outstanding Corporate Counsel Award that was presented through the Chicago Bar Association and Chicago Bar Foundation 16th Annual Pro Bono and Public Service Awards. She is head of the Allstate law department's mentoring program and devotes time to pro bono service while also supporting and inspiring others to get involved. She helped build a pro bono program that has resulted in nearly 60 volunteers from Allstate giving over 1,000 hours of pro bono services to Cabrini Green Legal Aid clients, personally accounting for over 100 of those hours. Thanks to Mary Jo's leadership, Allstate is currently the only corporate law department handling clemency petitions, an important expansion of corporate pro bono, the foundation said.

Changes at DuPage CVB

Beth Marchetti now has taken over as the executive director of DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau in Oak Brook. She replaced Skip Strittmatter, who retired after about 20 years in the position. ... Also at the bureau, Georgia Fournier has joined the sales team, and Margo Pasek is the new finance/operations administrator, replacing Sandy Dispensa, who retired at the bureau.

FastTracks

James Pultorak is the new vice president of manufacturing at Klein Tools in Lincolnshire. He replaces Chris Hargan, current senior vice president of manufacturing, who will retire at the end of the year. ... Mark Clouse has been named chief growth officer, a newly created position, at Deerfield-based Monelez International, a global snack company.

Santa Claus, aka Paul Eggert of Aurora, made some appearances last week at the Banana Split ice cream parlor in Aurora. Eggert did three daily visits to help raise funds and toys for the Aurora Salvation Army. ... Vishal Jain, who oversees service center operations, has been appointed Chief Service Officer at Itasca-based Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. ... Moyra Knight has been appointed as the head of corporate and employee communications in the Americas region for Northbrook-based Astellas.

Dawn Tiffany of Libertyville is the new manager at Zengeler Cleaners Peterson Road store in Libertyville. She replaces Barbara Geske, who retired in June. ... Sam Gilliland joins the board of directors of Itasca-based Gogo, an aero communications service provider. He was recently chairman and CEO of Sabre Holdings, a global travel technology company. ... Rodney C. Adkins joined the board of directors for Lake Forest-based W.W. Grainger Inc. He was a senior vice president of corporate strategy and held other positions at International Business Machines Corp.

Jerry Stephens has joined Deerfield-based Market6 as vice president, responsible for Market6's business with Kroger and their suppliers. ... Laila K. Elgandoz of Evanston and Marissa A. Roback of Schaumburg have joined the Audit Department at Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams Ltd., one of Chicago's largest accounting firms. ... Jim Fetty has been promoted to chief financial officer at the Des Plaines-based The Emergency Nurses Association.

Morris G. Bartlett of Bensenville and Rory McVey of Chicago are the new president and vice president, respectively, for the Chicago chapter of the National Marine Corps Business Network, a networking group of Marines doing business with other Marines. ... Theresa Schulz, principal of Downers Grove-based Schulz Properties Commercial Real Estate, has signed up Country House Restaurant, which will lease about 6,300 square feet with an expanded outdoor patio on Maple at Benedictine Drive in Lisle.

• There's more to business than just the bottom line. We want to tell you about the people that make business work. Send news about people in business to akukec@dailyherald.com. Follow Anna Marie Kukec on LinkedIn and Facebook and as AMKukec on Twitter.

Mary Jo Quinn
Beth Marchetti
Skip Strittmatter
Jim Pultorak
Mark Clouse
Marissa A. Roback
COURTESY OF AL BENSONSanta Claus, aka Paul Eggert of Aurora, at right, poses for a selfie with a mom and son at the Banana Split ice cream parlor in Aurora. His appearances helped to raise funds and toys for the Aurora Salvation Army.
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