2015 Business Forum Recap

Choose DuPage with CBIZ and Rathje & Woodward, LLC hosted the annual DuPage County Business Forum at Medinah Country Club in Medinah, Illinois on November 18.

This event brings together business owners and decision makers in DuPage County to discuss important business issues and trends.

John Carpenter, President & CEO of Choose DuPage, opened the breakfast and networking event with a welcome message and warm introduction of DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin. Cronin first won election to office in November 2010 after serving in the Illinois General Assembly for 20 years. As County Board Chairman, he’s led the effort to reduce the size, scope and cost of local government. Since 2011, Chairman Cronin has cut the DuPage County budget by more than $30.5 million without raising property taxes or compromising service.

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

Margo Markopoulos, Acting Director of the Office of Trade & Investment for the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, was also a guest speaker at the forum. Markopoulos provided background on the Office of Trade and Investment. OTI provides assistance through the Illinois STEP Program.

Click here to download the presentation.

Metro Chicago Exports

Thomas J. Hulseman, Managing Director of the Chicago Metro Exports provided an overview of the MCE Grant Program and its application process.

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Keynote Speakers

CBIZ Benefits and Insurance Services

Our keynote speakers were Clare Schultz, Group Sales Account Manager, CBIZ Benefits and Insurance Services, and Mark J. McAndrew, Attorney, Rathje & Woodward, LLC.

Schultz oversees and coordinates all aspects of the employee benefits package for her clients. She consults with business owners on their benefits program by reviewing current plan designs and supplying carrier comparisons, plan recommendations and contribution strategy analysis. Clare collaborates with her clients to develop the most appropriate strategy specific to each company. She is significantly involved in the renewal process and leads employee education programs.

Schultz’s presentation topic reviewed the Affordable Care Act, changes in patient care, and reducing employer cost.

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Rathje & Woodward, LLC

Mark J. McAndrew concentrates his practice in commercial transactions, employment law, and commercial and products liability litigation. He serves as corporate counsel for many profit and not-for-profit companies, working closely with clients to plan for and eliminate legal issues before they arise. Mark is a frequent lecturer at continuing legal education seminars and in-house programs for clients and he has authored numerous articles for legal publications.

The presentation covered proposed changes for the Fair Labor Standards Act and the expansion of employee rights in the workplace.

Click here to view the presentation.