About Simon Samuels

Simon Samuels is a freelance journalist living in Wilmette, IL. His works have appeared in many community and ethnic publications. To respond to this article, email Simon at simons@thejewishbusiness.com

Village of Lincolnwood Proclaims "Business Event" Day

April 16, 2012 By Simon Samuels Leave a Comment

At the April 3’rd meeting of the Village of Lincolnwood board of trustees, Mayor Jerry Turry recognized the efforts of Skokie resident (and JBN Publisher) Shalom Klein in helping to stimulate small business and economic development. The Mayor issued

resolution praising his efforts and proclaiming June 14, 2012 as “The Business Event Day”. Klein later addressed the meeting and answered questions from the trustees about the free event, taking place in Lincolnwood, and the ways that people can get involved in the organization. Registration for the event is at www.TheBusinessEvent.com

The full text of the resolution follows:

WHEREAS, small businesses represent 99.7 percent of all employer firms in the United States, employ just over half of all private sector employees and pay 44 percent of total U.S. private payroll; and

WHEREAS, unemployment currently averages 8.3 percent representing over 12.8 million Americans that are out of work and seeking work; and

WHEREAS, Jewish B2B Networking, under the direction of Mr. Shalom Klein, was founded in June 2010 to connect and empower small business, service the needs of individuals in transition, and develop programming that has successfully brought together thousands of individuals, put over 127 people to work in this tough economic climate; and

WHEREAS, the Village of Lincolnwood remains committed to economic development, bringing new businesses to our community, and creating an environment friendly to small businesses which make up 98 percent of Illinois employers; and

WHEREAS, the Jewish B2B Networking Organization deserves our support and we invite our community to join their upcoming free business and employment expo, The Business Event, which will be held in the Lincolnwood Town Center, June 14, 2012 – an event that is expected to draw over five thousand business networkers, 100 exhibitors, and 30 employers, with workshops dedicated to assisting small business owners and job seekers.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I Gerald C. Turry, President of the Village of Lincolnwood do hereby proclaim June 14, 2012 as the

BUSINESS EVENT DAY

And congratulate the Jewish B2B Networking organization for their continued service to the small business community, the Village of Lincolnwood, and all of its citizens. Their efforts and commitment exemplify the spirit of our community and we wish them success in all their future efforts.

DATED this 3^rd day of April, 2012

Beryl Herman, Village Clerk

Gerald C. Turry, Village President

Filed Under: Business in Chicago

“Women Unchained” Targets ‘Get' Abuse

March 21, 2012 By Simon Samuels 1 Comment

Underscores Need for Protection, Community Education

“Women Unchained,” the much-talked-about documentary about women whose husbands refuse to give them a ‘get,’ a Jewish divorce; what can be done to prevent ‘get’ abuse, an

d why it matters to Jews of all backgrounds, drew a packed house to Spertus Institute in its Chicago premiere on March 11. Followed by a panel discussion, speakers included Rabbi Gedalia Dov Schwartz, head of the Beth Din of America, one of the nation’s most prominent rabbinical courts; attorney Sharon Shenhav, director of the International Jewish Women’s Rights Watch, and the film’s director, Beverly Siegel.

According to traditional Jewish Law, a divorcing woman must obtain a ‘get’ from her husband in order to remarry and avoid the stigma of ‘mamzer,’ illegitimacy, on her future children. Further, for the ‘get’ to be considered kosher, or valid, a man must give it of his own free will. A woman’s dependency on her husband to confer the ‘get’ creates a power imbalance that often fuels extortionate demands on the wife and her family.

Stressing the need for community education, Siegel said, “The problem of ‘get’ abuse primarily affects Orthodox women and Jewish women in Israel, but the issue of the ‘get’ is not just an Orthodox issue or an Israeli issue. It’s a Jewish issue, and we all need to understand how it can affect us and our children and grandchildren.”

Rabbi Schwartz endorsed pre-nuptial agreements to prevent ‘get’ abuse, specifically the agreement made available free of charge through the Beth Din of America. He also sited his use of annulment when possible to free a woman who is unable to get a ‘get,’ based on the Jewish-legal precedent of a mistake in the original marriage contract. Annulment in Jewish law does not affect the status of children born of the annulled marriage.

Ms. Shenhav urged rabbinical leaders in America and Israel to do more to help women without pre-nuptial agreements who are being held captive for vengeance or extortion by ‘get’-withholding husbands. Citing a Jewish divorce rate of more than 25%, putting many men in a position to extort their wives for a ‘get,’ she said, “the rabbis have tools (to combat ‘get’ recalcitrance), but the problem is, they aren’t using them.”

Panel moderator Emily Soloff, American Jewish Committee’s National Associate Director of Interreligious and Intergroup Relations, cited the results of a recent study of ‘agunot,’ women unable to get a ‘get.’ The study identified some 460 ‘agunot’ in America in the past five years, but acknowledged that the number underrepresented the problem and its financial impact on the Jewish community in terms of social services required to redress their plight.

“Women Unchained” raises issues such as how decisions divorcing Jewish women make today — do I get a ‘get’ or not get a ‘get,’ and what kind of a ‘get’ should I get? — can affect the ability of their children to marry within the traditional Jewish community and in Israel, where matters of personal status

for all Jews is governed by traditional Jewish Law.

The impact of ‘get’ refusal on women who are victims of emotional abuse and domestic violence is also addressed.

Synagogues, sisterhoods, and groups concerned with women’s rights in Judaism are encouraged to sponsor film programs followed by discussion surrounding these issues. Accompanying study guides are available.

Produced by Siegel and Leta Lenik, the 60-minute film is narrated by Mayim Bialik with an original score by Grammy-winning guitarist C Lanzbom. Women Unchained is available through National Center for Jewish Film (www.jewishfilm.org). Information on upcoming public screenings is available on the National Center for Jewish Film website or on Facebook at Women Unchained – The Documentary.

Filed Under: Business in Chicago

Educated Consumers Result in Fewer Complaints Says the Better Business Bureau

February 1, 2012 By Simon Samuels 1 Comment

buy cialis online

alt=”" width=”300″ height=”240″ />Inquiries for Business Reviews to the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and northern Illinois (BBB) jumped by over 16-percent in 2011, a sign consumers are taking the initiative to investigate companies before doing business with them.

“We are very pleased the BBB has become a greater resource for consumers who are following our advice to check out free BBB Business Reviews before signing a contract or making a purchase,” says Steve J. Bernas, president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicagoand Northern Illinois. “If consumers would consistently do this simple first step, there would be fewer upset and dissatisfied shoppers.”

The total number of inquiries fielded by the BBB in 2011 was

4,482,760, a marked increased over the 3,853,476 in 2010. Visits to the BBB website, www.bbb.org/chicago, increased by 40-percent.

“The reason for the inquiry increases,” explained Bernas, “is the intensive education campaign the BBB has sponsored through its use of billboards, radio, print, online advertising and public events.”

Complaints to the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois dropped by nearly 5,000 in 2011 compared to the 55,528 handled in 2010.

The top 10 types of businesses receiving complaints for northern Illinois in 2011 were: Department Stores, Financial Services, Insurance Companies, Auto Repair & Services, New Car Auto Dealers, Airlines, Collection Agencies, Retail Florists, Used Car Auto Dealers, and Restaurants.

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As a private, non-profit organization, the purpose of the Better Business Bureau is to promote an ethical marketplace. BBBs help resolve buyer/seller complaints by means of conciliation, mediation and arbitration. BBBs also review advertising claims, online business practices and charitable organizations. BBBs develop and issue reports on businesses and nonprofit organizations and encourage people to check out a company or charity before making a purchase or donation.

Filed Under: Business and Employment Updates

“The Business Event Day” Proclaimed by Skokie Mayor

August 15, 2011 By Simon Samuels Leave a Comment

Jewish B2B Chairman and Founder, Shalom Klein, addresses the Skokie board of trustees meeting on August 15

At the August 15′th meeting of the Village of Skokie board of trustees, Mayor George Van Dusen recognized the efforts of Skokie resident (and JBN Publisher) Shalom Klein in helping to stimulate small business and economic development. The Mayor issued a resolution praising his efforts and proclaiming August 25, 2011 as “The Business Event Day”. Klein later addressed the meeting and answered questions from the trustees about the free event, taking place in Skokie, and the ways that people can get involved in the organization. Registration for the event is at www.TheBusinessEvent.com

The full text of the resolution follows:

WHEREAS, Small businesses represent 99.7 percent of all employer firms in the United States, employ just over half of all private sector employees and pay 44 percent of total U.S. private payroll; and

WHEREAS, unemployment currently averages 9.1% representing over 13 million Americans that are out of work and seeking work; and

WHEREAS, Jewish B2B Networking, under the direction of Mr. Shalom Klein, was founded in June 2010 to connect and empower small business, service the needs of individuals in transition, and develop programming that has successfully brought together thousands of individuals, put over ninety two people to work in these tough economic climate; and

WHEREAS, the Village of Skokie remains committed to economic development, bringing new businesses to our community, and creating an environment friendly to small businesses which make up ninety eight percent of Illinois employers; and

WHEREAS, this Skokie based organization deserves our support and we invite our community to join their upcoming free business and employment expo, The Business Event which will be held in Skokie, August 25, 2011 – an event that is expected to draw over two thousand business networkers, one hundred exhibitors, and thirty employers, with workshops dedicated to assisting small business owners and job seekers.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE VAN DUSEN, Mayor of the Village of Skokie do hereby proclaim August 25, 2011, as

THE BUSINESS EVENT DAY

and congratulate the Jewish B2B Networking organization for their continued service to the small business community, the Village of Skokie, and all of its citizens. Their efforts and commitment exemplify the spirit of our community and we wish them success in all their future efforts.

Dated this 15^th day of August, 2011

George Van Dusen, Mayor
Marlene Williams, Village Clerk

Filed Under: Business in Chicago

The Man with the State's Checkbook

May 29, 2011 By Simon Samuels

A conversation with Illinois State Treasurer Dan Rutherford

Illinois State Treasurer Dan Rutherford recently invested $10 million of the State's portfolio in the Israel bonds

On the average day, the man attends between five to ten events, meets dozens of people, has regularly scheduled media appearances, is responsible for $15 billion in investments, and manages a staff of close to two hundred employees. Meet Dan Rutherford, the banker for the State of Illinois.

Background

Treasurer Rutherford was born on May 26, 1955 in Pontiac Illinois. Rutherford began his career as a Legislative Assistant in Springfield following his graduation from Illinois State University, where he served his school, community and fellow students as Student Body President. Always the outdoor adventurer, Dan had traveled through six continents, before turning 30 years old.

While on a business trip to Japan in 1984, Rutherford became familiar with the ServiceMaster Company. One year later, he joined the Downers Grove, Illinois-headquartered Company as an executive. Dan eventually became responsible for expansion of the company's businesses internationally, licensing services in Chile, Brazil, Honduras, Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Guam, Venezuela, South Africa, Spain, and a host of other countries. He continued in a variety of positions at ServiceMaster until resigning the position in late 2010.

In 1993, Rutherford was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives. Rutherford eventually rose to the position of Assistant Republican Leader. Following 10 years of service in that body, Rutherford was elected in 2003 to represent Illinois' 53rd district in the Senate. In 2006, then Senator Rutherford launched his first statewide campaign in a bid to unseat popular Secretary of State Jesse White. That year, he lost by 28 percentage points to White, who also is of Jesse White Tumbling Team fame.

Facing off in a tough election to succeed Alexi Giannoulias, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, as Treasurer, Rutherford campaigned around Illinois, holding hundreds of events, and raising millions of dollars. On November 2, 2010, he won the election and became the State of Illinois Treasurer.

Promises & Plans

“I promised the people of Illinois and the taxpayers when I was inaugurated, that I would search for ways to streamline and cut costs,” Rutherford said marking 100 days in office. “We have found ways to save thousands of dollars, and more importantly, instill trust that office holders can do the right thing.”

As one of the State’s constitutional officers, the Treasurer is required to have a residence in the State’s Capitol. Rutherford says that he was unable to find a suitable residence, so he requested a waiver to temporarily reside at a variety of discount hotels at a reduced rate. “The most economic option for the tax payers,” Rutherford added.

An avid conservationist, Rutherford planted 18,000 trees and shrubs on his own property to promote reforestation and has been very vocal about expanding recycling programs.

“Until recently, I didn’t know what the Treasurer’s office does,” said Samuel Kelly, grocery store owner in Highwood. “It is important that the State invests every nickel properly, much like every business owner.”

When visiting Rutherford’s office, you may see him quickly typing out a Facebook update or posting a birthday video on YouTube. “I pledged transparency when I took this office, and enjoy keeping my friends and fellow citizens of Illinois updated on my job in office,” says Rutherford who posts most messages

himself, with rare help by staff.

Treasurer Rutherford recently announced the state’s purchase of $10 million worth of bonds from the State of Israel as a portion of the treasury’s sovereign bond holdings. “State of Israel bonds is a secure investment with an outstanding track record; they produce a strong rate of return and Israel has never defaulted on payments of principal or interest,” Rutherford said.

In praising the purchase, Israel Bonds president and CEO Joshua Matza noted, “The state of Illinois has been a loyal, consistent purchaser of Israel bonds. We are gratified by the state's continued recognition of Israel bonds as dependable securities, as well as the fact that Israel bonds represent an investment in a sister democracy with shared values and ideals.”

The State of Israel has offered stable investment return for more than a half a century. Israel began selling bonds in 1951; in that time, the country has raised $32.4 billion worldwide to transform its economic landscape into a global technology leader. Bond revenue has helped Israel build more NASDAQ companies than any other country outside of North America. The country has established a high concentration of high-tech entities similar to Silicon Valley, and major corporations like Intel, Microsoft, Motorola, and Google have built facilities there. Rutherford added, “I’m pleased to have another secure and high return investment for the state’s portfolio. After thorough review from financial experts, this is not only a very good financial move, but a stable diversification of our portfolio.”

Although it won't begin saving the cash-strapped state any money until after 2014, officials are again pushing a plan to merge the state's two fiscal offices. Rutherford said he is backing the latest attempt to combine the treasurer and comptroller because one office would cost less to operate. “We need to be scrutinizing every dollar spent and looking throughout state government for savings, and this is a great place to start,” the Treasurer, who could lose his job due to the merger, said. Rutherford says technology has changed since the positions were created in the 1970 state constitution.

Relationships

“I maintain an excellent working relationship with Governor Quinn and our other elected officials in Illinois, regardless of what political party they belong to,” said Rutherford, who claims confidence in being able to work together with the Democrats who control the Senate, House, and Governor’s office in the State.

Even in his first term as a State Representative, Dan Rutherford always had someone at his side ready to take pictures of his meetings with constituents. “Dan is a real people person,” a former State Senator said.

And, while he has not yet visited Israel during his world travels, Rutherford said that he hopes to make the trip and visit the country which now has Illinois’s largest dollar amounts of sovereign bonds. “I have always been a friend to Israel, now it is truly a privilege to have another safe investment in our strong ally”.

JBN Magazine Publisher, Shalom Klein, Illinois Treaurer Dan Rutherford, & former State Senator Art Berman pose in front of the Governor's Mansion in Springfield

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It’s clear that Dan values his relationship with the Jewish community in Illinois. Jewish Business News Magazine will be closely watching how this new state official tackles the many financial challenges that the state is facing right now and at the same time stands up for what he believes in. We plan to follow up next year and to report on his progress that so directly affects all small businesses in Illinois.

Filed Under: Business in Chicago