Business Columns
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Should condo board member use work email for association matters?Jan 14, 2026 2:23 pm - Is it a good idea for a condo board member to communicate about association matters using their work e-mail?
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Why do we have bad times at restaurants?Jan 14, 2026 8:40 am - I have written many articles critical of restaurant owners and staff. It is important to understand that things happen, and it’s not always the restaurants’ fault.
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Painting brick buildings a popular trend, but not with preservationistsJan 14, 2026 4:00 am - Painting over brick is way to bring older buildings “back to life” and give a downtown streetscape a new look, but historic preservationists advise against it.
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Who is qualified to inspect gas fixtures?Jan 13, 2026 12:35 pm - You occasionally discuss how home inspectors inspect gas-burning fixtures. In my opinion, home inspectors are not qualified to inspect gas appliances.
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Tips to make this your best business year yet: How smart planning sets you up for successJan 10, 2026 1:30 pm - It’s the start of a new year, a perfect moment for small businesses to hit refresh and set the stage for growth.
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‘Til debt do us part: Planning for your business to not go as plannedJan 10, 2026 12:45 pm - Across suburban Chicago, many people will start new businesses this year, and many of them will have more than one owner. While starting a business is relatively easy, keeping it free of conflict is much more difficult. That is why taking affirmative steps to protect both the owners and the company is paramount.
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Commercial real estate in 2026: How the market is taking shapeJan 10, 2026 12:30 pm - As the new year begins, the commercial real estate sector is continuing to take shape amid shifting economic conditions and evolving business needs.
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Economic outlook: What to expect in 2026Jan 10, 2026 12:30 pm - President Donald Trump’s reelection in 2024, the tariff shock in 2025, and geopolitical events along the way have left investors wondering what comes next.
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Environmental groups celebrate signing of energy reformJan 09, 2026 12:49 pm - Amid warnings of impending energy shortages, Gov. JB Pritzker on Thursday signed a wide-ranging energy reform package into law aimed at bolstering the state’s power grids after years of negotiations.
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Can condo board discontinue unit owner forum at meetings?Jan 05, 2026 1:30 pm - Our board of directors just issued a statement saying that it will no longer include a homeowner's forum at the beginning of board meetings. Is this legal?