Most Active Articles 2009-11-24T02:38:09.924-05:00 Business Exchange Business_Exchange@businessweek.com urn:com:businessweek:bx:topic:most-active:chicago-business Michael Arndt marndt561 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:9902157132417811739-abfe774c009aa7256c7d12d2aa98004d 2009-10-21T18:39:56.382-04:00

In August 2004, Thomas Schlegel, vice-president for product development at toymaker Radio Flyer, and Robert Pasin, the company's chief executive and grandson of its founder, made a difficult decision. The two stood together looking over the latest...

In August 2004, Thomas Schlegel, vice-president for product development at toymaker Radio Flyer, and Robert Pasin, the company's chief executive and grandson of its founder, made a difficult decision. The two stood together looking over the latest... http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/oct2009/id20091021_277440.htm Michael Arndt marndt561 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:6063229997523661677-c9836b31886a9331c262f1d3c587e3fc 2009-10-13T16:35:07.409-04:00

Sales growth is dropping sharply at McDonald's Corp., the first sustained slowdown since the burger chain staged one of the most celebrated turnarounds in corporate history seven years ago. After defying the recession for months, McDonald's started sputtering in the spring as the broader economy perked up. Monthly sales increases at McDonald's restaurants open at least a year averaged 3% over the past three months, less than half the nearly 7% pace of the past two years.

Sales growth is dropping sharply at McDonald's Corp., the first sustained slowdown since the burger chain staged one of the most celebrated turnarounds in corporate history seven years ago. After defying the recession for months, McDonald's started sputtering in the spring as the broader economy perked up. Monthly sales increases at McDonald's restaurants open at least a year averaged 3% over the past three months, less than half the nearly 7% pace of the past two years. http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/article.pl?article_id=32491&seenIt=1 Michael Arndt marndt561 1 1 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:982275582582406826-01401b95d81b5908d89a4ba27f591424 2009-10-14T16:42:35.733-04:00

Read the 5 key observations by accounting firm Blackman Kallick of their most recent survey of Chicago area business leaders on the state of the local and national economy.

Read the 5 key observations by accounting firm Blackman Kallick of their most recent survey of Chicago area business leaders on the state of the local and national economy. http://blog.winningworkplaces.org/blog/winning-workplaces/0/0/optimism-and-pessimism-in-latest-blackman-kallick-survey-of-chicago-area-business-leaders Mark Harbeke mharbeke724 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:5028277417160578178-674ef494d7ac1bae5ffb0c793f08598c 2009-09-10T10:34:06.486-04:00

(AP) — Navistar International Corp. and Caterpillar Inc. on Thursday announced a joint venture to begin selling commercial on-highway trucks outside North America. The 50-50 joint venture, NC2 Global LLC, will manufacture and distribute trucks in international markets, with an initial focus on Australia, Brazil, China, Russia, South Africa and Turkey, Navistar said.

(AP) — Navistar International Corp. and Caterpillar Inc. on Thursday announced a joint venture to begin selling commercial on-highway trucks outside North America. The 50-50 joint venture, NC2 Global LLC, will manufacture and distribute trucks in international markets, with an initial focus on Australia, Brazil, China, Russia, South Africa and Turkey, Navistar said. http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=35412&ba=1 Michael Arndt marndt561 1 0 1 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:13656685779406365736-b1876b4ef6d37cfff9c65a4ee71822aa 2009-09-27T16:00:42.148-04:00

OAK BROOK, Ill. — McDonald's Corp. said Thursday that its board has raised its quarterly dividend 10 percent to 55 cents. It will be paid on Dec. 15 to shareholders of record as of Dec. 1. The increase brings its yearly dividend to $2.20 and its total quarterly dividend payout to about $600 million.

OAK BROOK, Ill. — McDonald's Corp. said Thursday that its board has raised its quarterly dividend 10 percent to 55 cents. It will be paid on Dec. 15 to shareholders of record as of Dec. 1. The increase brings its yearly dividend to $2.20 and its total quarterly dividend payout to about $600 million. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g_A0tDBer94hNsbfRLfRnjuZJc6gD9ATTHMG3 Michael Arndt marndt561 1 1 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:10582294966448232281-a856a5f6f2614b1a3eeb4bc19d9fa7aa 2009-09-30T12:00:07.387-04:00

The recipe for Vegemite, a salty brown yeast spread famous in Australia, remained unchanged for more than 80 years. Then Irene Rosenfeld became chief executive of Kraft Foods Inc. This summer, a milder version of Vegemite appeared on store shelves across Australia. Ms. Rosenfeld had almost nothing to do with the reformulated taste, its new packaging or its rollout -- which says a lot about how she has tried to transform Kraft since taking over as the food giant's CEO in 2006.

The recipe for Vegemite, a salty brown yeast spread famous in Australia, remained unchanged for more than 80 years. Then Irene Rosenfeld became chief executive of Kraft Foods Inc. This summer, a milder version of Vegemite appeared on store shelves across Australia. Ms. Rosenfeld had almost nothing to do with the reformulated taste, its new packaging or its rollout -- which says a lot about how she has tried to transform Kraft since taking over as the food giant's CEO in 2006. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125426900142051099.html?mod=wsjcrmain Michael Arndt marndt561 1 0 0 1 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:16896572751548266358-a3bdc8db5c96ae05a25dcc576b3da907 2008-10-20T20:14:48.223-04:00

is a report produced by Dr. Raghuram G. Rajan, former Counsellor of IMF and at present Professor at Chicago Business School. The report incorporates a number of useful suggestions. Although one may have differences of approach with certain aspects, the

is a report produced by Dr. Raghuram G. Rajan, former Counsellor of IMF and at present Professor at Chicago Business School. The report incorporates a number of useful suggestions. Although one may have differences of approach with certain aspects, the http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?r1649267388&f=9791 53 53 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:3294520249386282968-0b421de80a8496524b69407e8b16e2c6 2009-03-07T16:01:00.000-05:00

Crain's Chicago Business. Tom Wilson's war. Crain's Chicago Business, IL. Tom Wilson's plan to turn auto ... isn't giving up — even in the

Crain's Chicago Business. Tom Wilson's war. Crain's Chicago Business, IL. Tom Wilson's plan to turn auto ... isn't giving up — even in the http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/retirementradar/~3/CNbYsqnymm4/url 20 20 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:15684474738125518901-f261dcb5f6a9e89f94c76d13406c1f67 2009-09-08T20:52:10.543-04:00

A small number of Chicago businessmen led by Mesirow Financial's James C. Tyree submitted a bid today to buy the Chicago Sun-Times and its sister publications, the company that owns the newspapers announced. Tyree's group, called STMG Holdings LLC, is willing to acquire Sun-Times Media Group in a deal worth about $25 million, according to Sun-Times Media, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March.

A small number of Chicago businessmen led by Mesirow Financial's James C. Tyree submitted a bid today to buy the Chicago Sun-Times and its sister publications, the company that owns the newspapers announced. Tyree's group, called STMG Holdings LLC, is willing to acquire Sun-Times Media Group in a deal worth about $25 million, according to Sun-Times Media, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March. http://www.suntimes.com/business/1758407,sun-times-media-bid-tyree-investors.article Michael Arndt marndt561 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:1583185301585312264-2f977a82c8231519b75588e645674d55 2009-09-07T11:46:10.194-04:00

Cadbury PLC's quick rejection of Kraft Foods Inc.'s surprise 10.2 billion pound ($16.73 billion) takeover offer sets up what could be a drawn out struggle for the iconic U.K. confectioner, which has long harbored bigger ambitions of its own. Kraft's cash-and-stock bid was disclosed early Monday and swiftly rejected by the Cadbury board, which said the bid "fundamentally undervalues" the company. Cadbury said its board is confident in the company's "standalone strategy and growth prospects as a result of its strong brands, unique category and geographic scope.''

Cadbury PLC's quick rejection of Kraft Foods Inc.'s surprise 10.2 billion pound ($16.73 billion) takeover offer sets up what could be a drawn out struggle for the iconic U.K. confectioner, which has long harbored bigger ambitions of its own. Kraft's cash-and-stock bid was disclosed early Monday and swiftly rejected by the Cadbury board, which said the bid "fundamentally undervalues" the company. Cadbury said its board is confident in the company's "standalone strategy and growth prospects as a result of its strong brands, unique category and geographic scope.'' http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125230432582989903.html Michael Arndt marndt561 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:10509390539146849262-ea1283d820ee24656901dfe741bbf755 2009-09-03T12:26:22.553-04:00

(Crain’s) — Sun-Times Media Group Inc. appears to be near a deal to sell the struggling media firm. Lawyers for the company have been crafting a “sale motion,” formally asking the federal Bankruptcy Court judge to allow a sale of the firm’s assets,...

(Crain’s) — Sun-Times Media Group Inc. appears to be near a deal to sell the struggling media firm. Lawyers for the company have been crafting a “sale motion,” formally asking the federal Bankruptcy Court judge to allow a sale of the firm’s assets,... http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=35353&ba=1 Michael Arndt marndt561 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:10472157239394659542-4cd4986dc6fd8e1930eae8cdfcb0daa2 2009-09-01T09:38:43.559-04:00

James R. Loewenberg needed an image upgrade. The Chicago-based building designer/developer—he is president of Loewenberg Architects and co-CEO of Magellan Development Group—had been pilloried for erecting high rises that were unimaginatively ugly.

James R. Loewenberg needed an image upgrade. The Chicago-based building designer/developer—he is president of Loewenberg Architects and co-CEO of Magellan Development Group—had been pilloried for erecting high rises that were unimaginatively ugly. http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/aug2009/id20090831_751185.htm?chan=innovation_architecture_top+stories Michael Arndt marndt561 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:9001457485664536116-19813b91fb5dac6cc7696d8166ac45fb 2009-08-25T14:27:53.673-04:00

(AP) — A New York hedge fund snapped up the Creative Loafing newspaper chain during a bankruptcy auction Tuesday and promised to keep its six free alternative weeklies running as normal. And the new owner moved to add journalists to its board, including a former top Tribune editor. Atalaya Capital Management bid $5 million for the Chicago Reader, as well as alt-weeklies in Atlanta; Washington, D.C.; Charlotte, N.C., and Sarasota and Tampa, Fla.

(AP) — A New York hedge fund snapped up the Creative Loafing newspaper chain during a bankruptcy auction Tuesday and promised to keep its six free alternative weeklies running as normal. And the new owner moved to add journalists to its board, including a former top Tribune editor. Atalaya Capital Management bid $5 million for the Chicago Reader, as well as alt-weeklies in Atlanta; Washington, D.C.; Charlotte, N.C., and Sarasota and Tampa, Fla. http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=35241&ba=1 Michael Arndt marndt561 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:5423537278954412118-4f253b54fad2a61df967d6172f9ca6bd 2009-08-04T13:42:56.752-04:00

Mayor Richard Daley says he would support preferential treatment in city contracts to gay and lesbian business owners

Mayor Richard Daley says he would support preferential treatment in city contracts to gay and lesbian business owners http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-council-wrapup-30-jul30,0,2773417.story Jim Ellis jellis611 1 1 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:4385887648798670026-b7475937327e90bc8a7ccdf143c3cd11 2009-08-21T17:43:12.946-04:00

(Crain’s) – Tribune Co. made it official Friday, announcing an $800 million deal to sell the Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field and a 25% stake in Comcast SportsNet to the Ricketts family. Tribune will retain a 5% stake in the assets, as expected, which means the overall transaction is valued at about $845 million, Tribune said.

(Crain’s) – Tribune Co. made it official Friday, announcing an $800 million deal to sell the Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field and a 25% stake in Comcast SportsNet to the Ricketts family. Tribune will retain a 5% stake in the assets, as expected, which means the overall transaction is valued at about $845 million, Tribune said. http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=35225&ba=1 Michael Arndt marndt561 1 0 0 1 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:2046739741526932338-ec083bdcc4dd0238460f26e41539fda4 2009-08-19T18:00:16.055-04:00

Many times being big and diverse with business is a good thing for a city. It buffers the local economy from industry-specific slowdowns, and it gives people more options for careers. Fred Hoch lives and works in big and diverse Chicago, but sometimes he wonders if the city would be better off if it were more like San Diego or Austin—smaller places defined by a growth industry like biotech or semiconductors.

Many times being big and diverse with business is a good thing for a city. It buffers the local economy from industry-specific slowdowns, and it gives people more options for careers. Fred Hoch lives and works in big and diverse Chicago, but sometimes he wonders if the city would be better off if it were more like San Diego or Austin—smaller places defined by a growth industry like biotech or semiconductors. http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/next/archives/2009/08/many_times_bein.html Michael Arndt marndt561 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:8138494143985661573-a51492f3271c01b4b4ab375b4fea7db3 2009-05-04T17:55:11.444-04:00

(Crain’s) — Mead Johnson Nutrition Co. will establish its new corporate headquarters in north suburban Glenview with $2.7 million in financial aid from Illinois, state officials said Monday. The company was spun off from New York-based pharmaceutical giant Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. in February. Mead will bring 50 mostly executive and management positions from its existing headquarters in Evansville, Ind., to Glenview, including CEO Steve Golsby

(Crain’s) — Mead Johnson Nutrition Co. will establish its new corporate headquarters in north suburban Glenview with $2.7 million in financial aid from Illinois, state officials said Monday. The company was spun off from New York-based pharmaceutical giant Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. in February. Mead will bring 50 mostly executive and management positions from its existing headquarters in Evansville, Ind., to Glenview, including CEO Steve Golsby http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=33930&ba=1 Michael Arndt marndt561 6 6 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:2697931105701695774-0a482f2e57dd423924e5be86c85421c7 2009-03-22T10:42:11.125-04:00

The housing collapse is wreaking havoc in the real-estate business. Brokerages are merging, realtors are jumping ship and, in one case, Chicago cops had to be called to break up a shouting match between two executives.

The housing collapse is wreaking havoc in the real-estate business. Brokerages are merging, realtors are jumping ship and, in one case, Chicago cops had to be called to break up a shouting match between two executives. http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/article.pl?articleId=31508 Brandon Copple bcopple390 9 9 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:618978471470328678-a3cc41671a8aab716c5a8be13bc7bc6e 2009-08-11T06:55:11.237-04:00

Claims the Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health during an exclusive interview for MeettheBoss.com. Dr. Terry Mason, Commissioner for Chicago’s Department of Public Health (CDPH), famously started his tenure by telling City Hall to shape up – but he soon discovered that waistlines weren’t the only thing that needed to be leaner. Poor organization meant grants were not being used effectively, and service delivery to the public was subsequently below par. “We had an organization that was a bunch of castles trying to exist in one kingdom, and each castle had its own siloed operation and it duplicated a lot of things,” says Dr. Mason in an interview for MeettheBoss.com.

Claims the Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health during an exclusive interview for MeettheBoss.com. Dr. Terry Mason, Commissioner for Chicago’s Department of Public Health (CDPH), famously started his tenure by telling City Hall to shape up – but he soon discovered that waistlines weren’t the only thing that needed to be leaner. Poor organization meant grants were not being used effectively, and service delivery to the public was subsequently below par. “We had an organization that was a bunch of castles trying to exist in one kingdom, and each castle had its own siloed operation and it duplicated a lot of things,” says Dr. Mason in an interview for MeettheBoss.com. http://www.transworldnews.com/NewsStory.aspx?id=109153&ret=AccountSummary.aspx Sophie Crossman scrossman043 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:7496104375623753421-edeccfa6e94042b9bd3a19eb5fbcb7c3 2009-04-17T15:06:54.076-04:00

(Crain’s) — Allstate Corp. CEO Tom Wilson’s words have come back to haunt him as the insurance company’s operations have caught the attention of a New York regulator. Northbrook-based Allstate has been asked by the New York Insurance Department to immediately divulge its role in using credit default swaps, according to a Wall Street Journal report. The New York agency was tipped to Allstate’s use of the controversial product through an opinion piece authored by Mr. Wilson that ran in Thursday’s New York Times.

(Crain’s) — Allstate Corp. CEO Tom Wilson’s words have come back to haunt him as the insurance company’s operations have caught the attention of a New York regulator. Northbrook-based Allstate has been asked by the New York Insurance Department to immediately divulge its role in using credit default swaps, according to a Wall Street Journal report. The New York agency was tipped to Allstate’s use of the controversial product through an opinion piece authored by Mr. Wilson that ran in Thursday’s New York Times. http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=33743&ba=1 Michael Arndt marndt561 6 6 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:12061278539608106671-17c1884f866ebba6930600ee6e0e2fed 2009-08-04T13:20:17.255-04:00

Chicago Mayor Richard Daley supports giving preferential treatment in city contracts to gays and lesbians

Chicago Mayor Richard Daley supports giving preferential treatment in city contracts to gays and lesbians http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2009/07/daley-backs-business-setasides-for-gayowned-firms.html Jim Ellis jellis611 0 0 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:18103697968629509100-0b6289f56f1db2b96e8ec8c03da34076 2009-03-25T10:09:59.444-04:00

McDonald's highly publicized rollout of its McCafe specialty coffee line is more than halfway to completion and winning over coffee lovers along the way. More than 7,000 — or a little more than half — of U.S. stores now sell the espresso-based...

McDonald's highly publicized rollout of its McCafe specialty coffee line is more than halfway to completion and winning over coffee lovers along the way. More than 7,000 — or a little more than half — of U.S. stores now sell the espresso-based... http://www.qsrweb.com/article.php?id=13831&na=1 Michael Arndt marndt561 6 6 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:11285202712320725629-077b35673d3e8c826b5e9b121af2fe70 2009-03-23T10:54:36.333-04:00

Chicago home sales fell more than 40% - compared to a 5% rise nationally - in February, according to the Illinois Assn. of Realtors. The median prices in the Chicago area and the city fell more than 23%.

Chicago home sales fell more than 40% - compared to a 5% rise nationally - in February, according to the Illinois Assn. of Realtors. The median prices in the Chicago area and the city fell more than 23%. http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=33410 Brandon Copple bcopple390 5 4 0 1 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:8406548755287439225-05553d4a32493982eb4d20e143a7c2e3 2009-03-30T10:25:34.371-04:00

AskMen.com has come up with a list of ten of the hottest new restaurant openings in 2009. This list is dated (December 2008). Some of the projects are no longer active. Charlie Trotter and the Elysian...

AskMen.com has come up with a list of ten of the hottest new restaurant openings in 2009. This list is dated (December 2008). Some of the projects are no longer active. Charlie Trotter and the Elysian... http://www.bestofthebestdiningchicago.com/?p=1221 Michael Arndt marndt561 5 5 0 0 urn:com:businessweek:bx:article:5913056448527245902-288529ac2aaa90e6dfc7478eea289f9f 2009-06-21T22:16:49.213-04:00

A sign advertises the new McDonalds burger range on March 21, 2007 in Anaheim, Calfornina. McDonald's have introduced the Angus Third Pounder range as part of their new image to include a new generation menu complete with salads and healthier food...

A sign advertises the new McDonalds burger range on March 21, 2007 in Anaheim, Calfornina. McDonald's have introduced the Angus Third Pounder range as part of their new image to include a new generation menu complete with salads and healthier food... http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-biz-mcdonalds-angus-mcd,0,4936254.story Michael Arndt marndt561 1 1 0 0