Business Columns
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Jim O’Donnell: Greg Gumbel’s greatest feat might have been surviving Chicago TVJan 04, 2025 10:51 am - WHEN GREG GUMBEL DIED AT AGE 78 two days after Christmas, the national tributes rightfully cascaded. His broadcasting bona fides was impressive if not downright historic....
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Illinois is better prepared for the next recessionDec 29, 2024 5:15 am - For much of the past two decades, Illinois’ recession preparedness was wholly inadequate. But new research from the Illinois Economic Policy Institute and the Project for Middle Class Renewal at the University of Illinois reveals a major shift compared to where our state was during the last two major economic downturns — the Great Recession and the COVID-19 recession.
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2024’s highs, lows for Illinois businesses; getting more highs in 2025Dec 22, 2024 6:04 am - In 2025, Illinois lawmakers must prioritize improving the business environment to foster growth and stability. Anything else will hurt our job creators, which hurts us all.
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Tips, tools and advice for small business ownersDec 22, 2024 5:20 am - Whether you’re a new small business owner or already established, excelling at your craft is only one piece of the pie.
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Foster employee anticipation and excitement as we head into new yearDec 18, 2024 8:48 am - Depending on the industry, some organizations are getting ready for a big year-end surge in business and others are downshifting for a quiet end to 2024. Both employees and organizations reap the rewards that come from supporting employees during the holidays and throughout the year.
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BBB: How to comply with new Corporate Transparency Act — and avoid scammersDec 15, 2024 5:09 am - As the new year approaches, businesses should prepare for significant regulatory changes— and for cybercriminals to exploit confusion around the new transparency laws.
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How does saying ‘no’ to customers help business?Dec 12, 2024 2:17 pm - Whether it comes from a restaurant, hotel or retail store, telling customers “no” is bad for business. As consumers, when we’re on the receiving end of a “no,” it makes us not want to return.
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Cutting through the noise in 2025 to work for small businessesDec 08, 2024 6:30 am - The small business community needs a common sense, meaningful, and robust agenda in 2025. Elliot Richardson says the Small Business Advocacy Council will deliver.
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A memorable experience is not about moneyDec 04, 2024 10:26 am - A quality experience has nothing to do with dollars spent. I was inspired to write this article because of this roll of toilet paper. Ask yourself, before reading the re...
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Rebecca Hoffman: Giving thanks for a pretty amazing 2024Nov 28, 2024 6:00 am - The fourth quarter is always such a busy time. My clients are all working to end the year big and start the new year strong. There are so many projects to be completed. It’s dizzying.I like to pause and reflect on the year and offer thanks for the things that made it good.