Publisher’s Letter

Letter from the Publisher – August 2012

Last modified on 2013-05-08 20:29:01 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Dear Reader,

“Let’s slow the traffic down”, “This block needs more parking”, “Increased signage will attract new business”, and “Changing a zoning code is the solution”, are all pieces of feedback that those of us trying to attract business to th

e Chicago-land area hear on a regular basis.

My opinion – every area has a very different “personality” and attracts a different type of business that may be looking to call Chicago or its surrounding suburbs “home” as it

relocates. Having grown up in Skokie, and then thrown myself into developing a small business, and working closely with elected officials, I’ve discovered how diverse our community really is. While the culture of our residents is fascinating and so inspiring, I am going to focus this post on the business climate.

For a developing business which is interested in a change in scenery, the most intriguing area may be the far northern suburbs of Northbrook, Highland Park, and the higher end residential and shopping districts. For others (and I am personally biased in this direction), they may want to join the re-emerging business districts in Skokie, Lincolnwood, and Evanston. Certainly, a lot of recent NATO attention may attract a relocating entrepreneur to the busy business and shopping districts of the Loop / Chicago led by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, with it’s new infrastructure investments, and a strong support network in the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. At the far end, we has a diverse south side, home to President Obama, and its many malls, shopping centers, and lower costs of living.

I don’t think that there is any single solution or model we should follow in our focus on economic development. Let’s collect and solicit feedback from the stakeholders, the ones that shop, live, and work in our communities.

I believe that we can come up with the right recipe to attract business and businesses to every area in our community, encompassing all of our business districts. So, if you are thinking of moving your business or considering starting a new enterprise, please consider researching your options. We will find the right spot for you.

To Success,

Shalom Klein

Letter from the Publisher – April 2012

Last modified on 2013-05-15 13:11:14 GMT. 1 comment. Top.

Dear Reader,

Did you hear the public debate that was raging in recent weeks about the presidential elections? Before folding to pressure from the media and the other candidates at the debates, Mitt Romney was arguing that he should not have to rel

ease his tax returns so early in the Republican primary. Governor Romney ended up releasing the returns, and aside for the revelation about his business ventures, a lot of information about his charitable giving (average of 14% of his annual income) was disclosed. Other public officials’ returns indicated a much lower (sometimes even NO) level of charitable contributions.

The Christian Science Monitor ran an interesting article that indicates the typical American gives between 2 and 3 % of their earnings to charity. I don’t believe that that it would be right to generalize and say a certain amount or percentage is the ethical or moral obligation to give, as this is something very sensitive to a family’s earnings and other obligations. The Torah legislated that Jews give 10 percent of their earnings to the poor every third year (Deuteronomy 26:12), and an additional percentage of their income annually (Leviticus 19:910). Hundreds of order cialis years later, after the Temple was destroyed and the annual tithe levied upon each Jew for the support of the priests and Levites was suspended, the Talmud ordered that Jews were to give at least 10 percent of their annual net earnings to tzedaka (Maimonides, Mishneh Torah, “Laws Concerning Gifts for the Poor,” 7:5).

In recent tough economic times, hardest hit are charitable causes and the needy who desperately rely on the services they offer. Of course, this comes at a time when these charitable organizations have to identify ways to expand their services to accommodate a sadly growing clientele. A recent study found that American Jews are coming up short on charitable giving,

Everyone has a cause or way they can support local organizations. I will let others debate the future of philanthropy, but I do think everyone can give 10% of their earnings or help in some other form of charity. As I wrote in a recent blog entry, the highest form of charity is helping one’s fellow earn their own livelihood.

As always, we want to hear about your story, feedback, inspiration, and other comments. If you’d like to be featured in an upcoming issue of Jewish Business News, contact Editor Mira Temkin at mt@thejewishbusiness.com.

To success,

Shalom Klein

Letter From The Publisher – January 2012

Last modified on 2013-05-24 18:00:52 GMT. 1 comment. Top.

Dear Reader,

Over the past two years, I’ve spent many hours at event s hosted by various organizations, businesses, and chambers of commerce – many of them that have a specific ethnic or other agenda-driven focus. In fact, it amazes me how divided

people are depending on where

they live, their level of observance, and of course their political beliefs. BUT… the one issue that unites people from all walks of life, regardless of all their differences is the need to earn a living and put food on the table. I was taught as a child, that the highest form of charity (or “tzedakah” in Hebrew) is helping someone earn their own livelihood.

In this quarter’s issue of JBN, Karen Schwartz talks to some of the Jewish business, media, and elected leadership that make a major difference in our community on a daily basis. Their backgrounds, path to their respective positions, and inspiration are fascinating stories, but the common thread is their commitment to helping and giving back, each in their own way. There are certainly many more that deserve the exposure and recognition, we were only able to fit and reach a small sampling.

As always, we want to hear about your story, feedback, inspiration, and other comments. If you would like to be featured in an upcoming issue of Jewish Business News, contact Editor Mira Temkin at mt@thejewishbusiness.com

To Success,

Shalom Klein

Letter From The Publisher – October 2011

Last modified on 2013-02-12 12:54:46 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Dear Reader,

There are very few things that impact my life and business ventures quite as much as serving on advisory boards, director level positions, and other leadership roles, in both not-for-profit and government organizations. To friends and

family, it is a frequent joke that the best way to locate me on the average night is to look at the community calendar. In August, I was invited to participate in President Obama’s symposium on job creation, a unique honor and opportunity to connect and represent my community with others from around the country in Washington, DC.

In this month’s cover story, Jewish Business News explores the growing trend of US companies that are doing businesses with Israeli companies or forming important partnerships with Israeli businesses. In this day and age, it is more important than ever to be well networked and connected to communities outside of your own. Regional chambers of commerce, ethnic networking organizations, and other community groups are great ways to stay connected, so your job search or small business is not insular in your own tight-knit world.

For the very first time, the Village of Skokie played host to “The Business Event,” a free business and employment expo that brought together 2,700 people from all walks of life and set the tone for the way business can and should be done. I’d like to thank everyone who participated — our political leaders, vendors, volunteers and participants. SO, my words of encouragement are… get involved! Find local opportunities to volunteer, serve, and network!

To Success,

Shalom Klein

Letter From The Publisher – August 2011

Last modified on 2013-05-21 10:08:03 GMT. 1 comment. Top.

Dear Reader,

Can you believe it? We are about to start another year for the kids in school, many businesses (and the U.S. Government) fiscal year, and for us at Jewish Business News Magazine – Rosh Hashanah, the start of the year 5772. Let’s get the year and our business affairs off to a good start.

Whenever I look at my calendar, I start planning for the next appointment, the next day, week, month, or year. This is a great opportunity to not get caught in “crisis mode”, but rather to establish goals and to make sure each day brings you closer to achieving your objectives, whether they are personal or business.

9;ve got big plans here at JBN! Since launching the magazine in January, hundreds of letters, phone calls, and much in person feedback has been received about what YOU would like to see in our publication. Our next issue will be in October, followed by quarterly issues thereafter, which will include new feature ideas, more frequent web content , and other enhancements that provide our readers with the high quality business journalism that has come to be expected from Jewish Business News Magazine.

Looking forward to your continued feedback and wishing our readers a most joyous and prosperous New Year!

To Success,

Shalom Klein

Letter From The Publisher – July 2011

Last modified on 2013-05-10 08:51:43 GMT. 1 comment. Top.

Dear Reader,

For months, I’ve been telling anyone willing to listen that the statistics and data to watch are not unemployment, but rather small businesses, their trends and patterns. Another way to say it is, let’s watch the underemployment in o

ur community. Those numbers are improving, new businesses are opening, and we are seeing small, but noticeable differences, in the retail stores that many of us frequent.

Now, how do we keep the momentum building? On August 25, 2011, Jewish B2B Networking and The Small Business Advocacy Council, will be hosting a FREE all-day business and employment expo in Skokie, IL.

“The Business Event” is expected to draw thousands of attendees, hundreds of exhibitors, and many high-profile speakers. Targeted to both small business owners as well as employment

seekers, the event will offer marketing, visibility, and educational seminars to the small business community from around the Midwest. Registration, exhibitor, and speaker information will be available at www.TheBusinessEvent.com.

Speakers include Steve Bernas; President of the Better Business Bureau, David Snyder; Publisher of Crain’s Chicago Business, and several other leaders in the business, non-profit, and public sector. This will be a great opportunity for small business owners, employment seekers, and entrepreneurs to network, empower, and connect. Stay tuned for more details to follow.

If you know of new start-ups, small businesses, organizations, or other newsworthy information we should share with the community, please email us at mail@thejewishbusiness.com. We welcome your input.

To Success,

Shalom Klein

Letter From The Publisher – June 2011

Last modified on 2013-05-10 09:16:41 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Dear Reader,

A few weeks ago, I was sitting at a local not-for-prot’sannual fundraising dinner. My table was lled with smallbusiness owners and the conversation turned to how busythings were becoming at the ofce. These entrepreneurs were scheduling theirown appointments, doing their own bookkeeping, and, of course, servicingtheir own clients. In other words, business was picking up. In this month’scover story, Mendy Rimler asks, “Is it Time to for Small Businesses to HireAgain?”Hiring people for your business is a risky move, but one that is certainlyimportant if you plan to create a sustainable model and plan for the future. Iam quite condent that small business will be an engine for growth for the21st century.Do you expect your business to grow in the next few months? What plans doyou have in place to handle the changes?Here at Jewish Business News, we are growing – quickly! In just our thirdcredit score

: nowrap; height: 1px; line-height: 1; top: 2599px; word-spacing: -7px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: initial none initial;”>month, we have added new content – including news briefs, a guest columnist,a feature story on small business philanthropy and a book review – along withour regular features on the economy, jobs and networking.We’re looking to feature businesses that stand out in the Chicago area, so if you have a suggestion please email

In November, changes were seen in government on many levels. One of the newly elected state wide officers was Illinois State Treasurer Dan Rutherford, who in just 100 days in office has majorly shaken up the office and implemented changes. This month, Simon Samuels writes about a recent exclusive interview that Jewish Business News had with the Treasurer and talks about his recent investment in Israel.

Very often I am asked to explain the details of what business networking “is”. Networking is not Selling. JBN is a dynamic social network for professionals to connect online and in person, but we are not here to sell each other. Yes, we will make sales to one another as a by-product of networking, but our purpose is to build relationships through networking that lead to new business. According to Webster's dictionary, networking is: the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions; specifically: the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business.

JBN will offer great content to help you sell, but our purpose is to be a place to develop relationships who will introduce you to potential clients and decision makers.

Giver's Gain. This motto is well known to people who are successful networkers. Networking is about giving, not taking. If you go to meetings or contact people online looking to get something from them, it won't work. People will want to do business with you because they are attracted to you. How does this happen? By being a giver. The person who is known to be a giver becomes a star. And it's the right thing to do. How can you start to become known as a giver? Go to your next networking meeting with the primary objective of finding a way to help someone that you meet, rather than how to get something. You'll be amazed at the results.

Letter from the Publisher – May 2011

Letter From The Publisher – April 2011

Every business faces challenges. The frightening figures show that most new businesses fail in their first few years, often because they are undercapitalized. Other business owners struggle with staffing, while still others face fierce competition. But every business owner knows that “Uncle Sam” takes a share of the pie: whether you are a mom-and-pop or a large corporation, all businesses pay taxes.

In the final days of the 2010 legislative session, Gov. Pat Quinn signed into law a bill that raised both personal and business taxes for Illinois residents. In this month’s cover story, “Illinois, Open for Business?” we explore the impact of

those tax increases and whether they will affect Illinois’ ability to attract large and small corporations.

To keep abreast of everything happening in Springfield and Washington, JBN publishes a monthly state and federal legislative update. We encourage you to stay apprised of federal and state action and to realize that there are changes being made daily on the state and federal level that directly affect all of us.

Last month, JBN hosted its first educational panel, “How to Run a Successful Small Business in Illinois.” It was a big success, and I look forward to greeting you at one of our upcoming business events this month.

Letter From The Publisher – March 2011

A few weeks ago, I was sitting at a local not-for-profit’s annual fundraising dinner. My table was filled with small business owners and the conversation turned to how busy things were becoming at the office. These entrepreneurs were scheduling their own appointments, doing their own bookkeeping, and, of course, servicing their own clients. In other words, business was picking up. In this month’s cover story, Mendy Rimler asks, “Is it Time to for Small Businesses to Hire Again?”

Hiring people for your business is a risky move, but one that is certainly important if you plan to create a sustainable model and plan for the future. I am quite confident that small bus

Do you expect your business to grow in the next few months? What plans do you have in place to handle the changes?

Here at Jewish Business News, we are growing – quickly! In just our third month, we have added new content – including news briefs, a guest columnist, a feature story on small business philanthropy and a book review – along with our regular features on the economy, jobs and networking.

We’re looking to feature businesses that stand out in the Chicago area, so if you have a suggestion please emaileditor@thejewishbusiness.com.

Letter From The Publisher – February 2011

For decades, “building a business” meant working long hours, creating value for customers and generating referrals from family and friends.
It still means that, but today small business owners must do even more. In this month’s cover story, “Small Business, Meet Facebook and Twitter: How Small Businesses Are Profiting From Social Media,” Hilary Markow looks at how small businesses are creating Web sites, building Facebook and Twitter presences and becoming fluent in the language of social media.

Here at Jewish Business News, we like to take advantage of our social media opportunities. In addition to the magazine, we’ve got a Web site (www.thejewishbusiness.com), LinkedIn (

www.linkedin.comgroups?gid=3615240), and Twitter (www.twitter.com/jewishb2b) accounts and a Facebook page (www.facebook.com/jewishb2bnetworking). All of these help us connect with you, our readers.
What has your experience been with these new communication frontiers?

JBN is scheduling events, speakers and workshops on social media for the remainder of 2011. If you are interested in finding out more, please email events@thejewishbusiness.com and you will be included on any event notifications.

As always, please let us know how we are doing with the magazine. Send all comments and suggestions to editor@thejewishbusiness.com.

Letter from the Publisher – January 2011

January is a month of opportunities. With the holidays behind us and a new year ahead, the first month of the calendar year is the time to clean the slate and start anew. For business owners, that might mean expanding operations or exploring new markets. For job seekers, the new year represents an opportunity to reinvest in possibilities for professional growth. Whatever one’s goals, January is the time to get out there, meet people and focus on achieving results.

g is my passion. I enjoy putting people in touch and sharing ideas and opportunities. With that in mind, I am proud to present the first edition of Jewish Business News, a monthly magazine dedicated to connecting people, creating business opportunities and building a community for small business owners and their customers in the greater Chicago area.

We hope you enjoy what you see. Please drop us a line with suggestions or comments at publisher@thejewishbusiness. com. We want to make this YOUR magazine.