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Bosses tend bar at Rolling Meadows chamber event

Sue Ward gave her bartender some high praise.

"He was the best server I ever had," said Ward, with a sly smile.

Then a co-worker chimed in: "You want that Christmas bonus, don't you?"

Ward wouldn't find any faults in Nick Wienold, a newbie behind the bar at The Stadium in Rolling Meadows Wednesday night.

Yes, he got her order (a bourbon neat) right. But he's also her boss.

Wienold, the president of Bear Construction, catered to employees like Ward, an executive assistant, during the "Celebrity Server" fundraiser for the Rolling Meadows Chamber of Commerce.

Also playing bartender were Jeff Palombo, sector vice president and general manager of the land and self protection systems division of Northrop Grumman, one of the largest military contractors in the country; Scott Stone, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Daily Herald Media Group; and Vic Geevarghese, engineering manager of Methode Electronics, Inc.​

The four juggled orders and banter with customers. They also were rivals, vying for the most tips.

Palombo was the returning winner.

"The secret is I work with a group of folks who are extremely generous and supportive of the community," he said.

Stone's strategy? Friendly service.

"It just goes to show you how the newspaper supports the community," said Stone, admiring the turnout.

The annual event was expected to raise more than $2,000 in two hours from tips and a raffle, said chamber Executive Director Linda Liles Ballantine.

It also acts as a networking opportunity for area businesses.

"It's always very upbeat, extremely upbeat," she said.

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