Special Advertising Section

Austin Weekly News October 30, 2013

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Fall 2013

Women in Business
Strengthen | Create | Build | Transform | Mentor

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Austin Weekly News October 30, 2013

Special Advertising Section

Building a Business One Brick at at Time

Lori Hannigan 518 N. Lombard Ave. Oak Park, IL 60302

708-848-8631
T uckpointing Building Cleaning Window Caulking Chimney Repairs Fully Insured

Connect. Grow. Share.

ori Hannigan remembers the time she built her rst chimney after being hired by Edward Cross & Son, Inc. in Oak Park. Mr. Cross put her in his garage on a rainy day, mixed mortar and laid out a pattern for a chimney. He started the structure, handed the trowel and bucket of mortar to Lori, said it was all hers and left. She wanted to insure she did the best work possible and therefore decided to start the structure over. When Mr. Cross returned two hours later, he was impressed to nd a chimney about eight courses tall that was both exactly plumb, or aligned, and level. Edward Cross & Son, Inc. has been in business since 1937. After years of dedicated, quality work, Lori became the owner in 1987. She continues to strive for perfection in all her projects and does not expect her staff to complete any task she herself cannot do. Whether it is setting up a forty foot ladder or pulling up a heavy bucket of mortar to the roof of a house, Lori shows her employees she is not just the boss, but a determined laborer and tuckpointer. Consequently, she is proud to have made a name for herself in a male dominated industry.

Lori specializes in chimney rebuilding and masonry repairs. With her attention to detail, Lori and her team use their skills as artists to rebuild and repair old structures to their former glory. She has even worked on many Frank Lloyd Wright homes. The project with the biggest challenge, but that resulted in the biggest success, was rebuilding the large chimney on the Adams Home at 710 Augusta in Oak Park. It involved a large scaffolding system, cleaning all the bricks, and restoring the chimney to the exact same design in order to satisfy the Frank Lloyd Wright Historical Board. Lori helps clients understand the standards of the industry so they know what to expect from contractors in the future. She even teaches her customers about what caused the problems that are being xed. These qualities truly make Edward Cross & Sons, Inc. a unique business.

Women coming together to make connections and grow business opportunities.

To find out more information Contact Dawn Ferencak 708.613.3329 or dawn@austinweeklynews.com Or Visit www.austinweeklynews.com

Connect. Grow. Share.

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Austin Weekly News October 30, 2013

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A legacy that lasts a lifetime

Harris Photography
creating memories
www.harrisphoto.net

anya Harris was always fascinated by cameras. From a young age, she began taking pictures of everything and everyone. She took pleasure in reminiscing as she gazed at framed pictures and albums of her family, so carefully assembled by previous generations. Now as an adult, she still nds it important to have those framed photographs in her home to serve as reminders of happy moments and important occasions. Today, the appreciation for print photography is overshadowed by how quickly a picture can be taken on a phone and instantly sent to friends. At Harris Photography, families can create a legacy that will last a lifetime. Tanya Harris understands and respects her craft. She takes the time to construct a beautiful portrait of your family. Ms. Harris is dedicated to her profession. She attends workshops and classes to insure she keeps up with the latest industry trends. She is also a member of several prestigious photography associations that allow her

Tanya Harris

to constantly learn new techniques. Her passion shows through on any project. No matter the occasion, Harris Photography provides quality boutique photography services that produce photographs you will love for years to come.

773-499-5603 xedfocus24@hotmail.com

facebook.com/photochick40

Deb Sloan, Planning Amazing Events

eb Sloan began party planning at age 17 when she orchestrated a theme event on a whim. The Western themed party was complete with homemade bandanas, hats and Most Wanted posters made from paper bags. It even included a sandbox for guests to pan for gold nuggets, made from spray painted dry dog food, and trade them for food and beverages at the cardboard saloon. Years later, while raising four children, she found herself getting involved in school and neighborhood committees that allowed for creative entertaining and decorations. Ms. Sloan would consistently go with her instincts when making design decisions. Some would say less is more, but Deb Sloan's motto has always been more is better! As the responsibilities of motherhood took up less and less of her time, she decided to pursue her love of event planning professionally by organizing promotional events for local businesses. Her schedule was soon lled with commitments for large events, especially during the holidays, and Stage Rite by Deb was born! Deb Sloan's business offers event planning services for all types of celebrations

from birthday parties to corporate events and promotions. She also specializes in decorating homes, ofces and retailers, no matter how small or large. Ms. Sloan sees each day as an opportunity to create memories for guests with her event planning and decorating skills. The smiles on the faces of satised clients are the reason she loves her job so much.

Stage by Rite Deb

Event planning | Decor Installations

We do event planning and decor installations. Let us know how we can help you with your next project, celebration or party.
Birthday Parties Holiday Celebrations Retirement Parties Confirmation Parties Graduation Parties Business Events, Parties & Meetings Wedding Showers Baby Showers
Deb Sloan | 708 917 2693 | stageritebydeb@aol.com | www.stageritebydeb.com

Deb Sloan

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Austin Weekly News October 30, 2013

Special Advertising Section

ABC Bank, building relationships

Colette Loesher

BC Bank focuses on building and maintaining relationships, says Colette Loesher, President and CEO. Ms. Loesher has been with ABC Bank for nearly 25 years and has 38 years of banking experience. Her extensive professional background and expertise as well as her attention to providing excellent customer service have made her a perfect t for her role at ABC Bank. Prior to her current position, she served as the Banks Senior Vice President and Senior Loan Ofcer. Ms. Loeshers current responsibilities include developing and implementing various strategies and providing overview, direction and supervision on all aspects of operations for ve locations. She is also a member of ABC Banks Board of Directors. Ms. Loesher is committed to improving the quality of life and well being of people in the communities served by the Bank by sponsoring events, supporting local fundraisers and volunteering employees time to non-prot organizations.

Currently she is working with local developers to rehab foreclosed homes in an effort to provide quality affordable housing. It is this commitment to the communities that as resulted in ABC Bank earning the FDICs highest rating for Community Reinvestment for many years. If you desire to do business with a local community bank whose focus is on its customers and communities, stop in to one of the ve ABC Bank locations today, and take the rst step in building that relationship. Accounts and services are in place to help you reach your personal or business goals. ABC Bank has ve locations, four in Chicago and one in Bensenville; 5645 West Lake Street, Chicago, IL 60644, 6400 West Lake Street, Chicago, IL 60707, 9443 South Ashland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60620, 1301 West Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60607, and 2 South York Road, Bensenville, IL 60106. Visit www.abcbank.net to learn more.

Weve been accused of being a little old fashioned, and frankly

we kind of like that.

5645 West Lake Street Chicago, IL 60644 773.854.2900 6400 West North Ave Chicago, IL 60707 773.804.3600 9443 South Ashland Ave Chicago, IL 60620 773.445.9300

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Austin Weekly News October 30, 2013

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State Representative Camille Lilly: people are her passion

CAMILLE Y. LILLY
78TH DISTRICT

State Representative

tate Representative Camille Lilly is a caretaker at heart and people are her passion. Initially she thought about pursuing a career in nursing. Upon discovering she had a low tolerance for pain, not her own, but the pain and suffering of others, she switched for pharmaceuticals, but then decided she had too much personality to be a pill counter. For Camille, it came down to wanting to become a part of access to healthcare. With this in mind she looked at the business side of healthcare and became a healthcare administrator. When thinking about healthcare, she realized that the business side of healthcare is an even bigger part of what makes the system work. Working with doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals, all who try to make people feel better, Camille feels its important that people who lack access to care to have advocates on their behalf. It is important to her that they do not get lost in the system. Camille Lilly has spent most of her career as a healthcare professional. She has worked at Loretto Hospital for 23 years in various leadership capacities and is currently Vice President of External Affairs and Development. In 1999, she teamed up with a group of concerned citizens and business professionals, on the West Side of Chicago, and founded the Austin Chamber of Commerce. Having seen her activity and her commitment to service in her community, it was felt that she would be an asset in the

Illinois General Assembly, which led to her appointment to represent the 78th District in April, 2010. Camille has connectivity. She has a way of assessing individuals, organizations, opportunities and natural synergies that together help all better serve the community and people in general. She hears many great ideas at all levels of government and gets excited about helping ideas come to fruition. She also believes in the power of one person and if you tap into that power you can change the outcome for many. Her abiding faith in God inspires her and gives her the patience to be a good listener ad a strong advocate. As a State Representative, Camille is motivated to helping and being a part of positive change. To help ensure that everyone has access to healthcare and insurance, she is currently involved in support of the Affordable Care Act. She has set up Affordable Care Act presentations and is participating in the enrollment process. For more information on healthcare and coverage contact State Representative Lillys district ofce at 773-473-7300 or email staterepcamilleylilly@gmail.com or the provided following websites: www.HealthCare.gov www.Healthcarereform.illinois.gov www.hfs.Illinois.gov www.EnrollAmerica.org www.GetCoveredAmerica.org

MOVING FORWARD

5755 W. DIVISION | CHICAGO, IL 60651 773-473-7300 | 773-473-7378 FAX

Community Activist to Start Ministry

We provide information to churches, senior residences, block clubs or neighborhood groups.

The following are currently available
College Ministry College Tours Bus tours to local city colleges and universities; State Colleges and Universities; Historically Black Colleges Remaining Tours for 2013 University of Illinois Northern Campus November 11, 2013 Workshops: - Preparation and choosing high schools - High school class selections - Preparation and choosing colleges - ACT and SAT preparation Real Estate Workshops - Reverse Mortgages - Tax Exemptions Estate Planning Simple Wills

onnie McClendon has been a resident and devoted activist within the Austin community for more than forty-ve years. In her years of serving the Austin community, she has worked with political gures, non-prot organizations and the election board, providing a voice for the residents. Ms. McClendon has worked with the 29th Ward Alderman on community issues and events. She assisted with the 15th District Precinct, as a volunteer aide with Explore Scouts. She served as the rst representative of the Austin Community Action Council, for Austin High Schools local council. In this position, she organized the rst out-of-state College Tour. This tour included visiting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). In addition to her dedication to the Austin community, she worked with the North Austin Coalition (NAC) for housing. As part of this organization she helped institute a prescreening process for prospective homeowners eligible for Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Ms. McClendon served as president of her neighborhood

block club for ten years. She worked with the Positive Alternative Project, as well as assisted in other community projects. Ms. McClendon has worked as an election judge for twenty years and deputy registrar for fteen years. Ms. McClendon is a member of Christ Tabernacle M.B. Church. She has served as both a Director of Christian Education and a Sunday School Teacher for over thirty years. Now retired, Ms. McClendon is prepared to embark on a new journey. This journey will reunite her with the Austin community, as an activist. She has combined her professional and spiritual experience to form a Helps ministry. The name of her ministry is God Breathed Ministry, prepared to launch in February 2014. Her ministry will integrate spirituality training and professional knowledge. Participants in the Austin community will gain knowledge from other professionals in the health, business, law, medical and religion. God Breathed Ministry will be hosting a tour to Northern Illinois University on November 11th. The cost of the trip is $15. If interested, contact her directly.

Minister Jane Connie McClendon (773) 889-2767 janemeclendon@att.net

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Austin Weekly News October 30, 2013

Special Advertising Section

Your Door to the World!

Tan Travel provides a personal connection

ydia I. Villanueva-Soto, president and owner of Tan Travel, has being in the travel industry for over twenty years. She has a passion for her clients that the internet or a computer cannot provide. She works with her clients needs, and is committed to providing lasting memories. Lydia works to build relationships with her customers, recognizing they are the bread and butter of my business, and what drives me to work hard every day. The travel industry was at its peak before 9/11 and nowadays travel agencies are few and far between. With the rise of online booking engines, some folks have decided to go that route. But lately shes noticed more and more people are coming back into the agency and asking for her personal opinion. The internet is great for research, but Lydia and her customers know that nothing beats face-to-face communication. Especially when planning something as important as your destination wedding or a dream vacation, you cannot always trust what a computer website might say or not say. Owning a small business has had its ups and downs but I am grateful to our repeat clients and all of their referrals, Tan Travel is here because of that. Our love for the

Vacation Packages Domestic & International Vacations Cruises Destination Weddings Honeymoons

travel industry and the people we have met and continue to serve makes our desire to continue in this once dieing industry even greater. When asked Lydia I. Villanueva-Soto what the favorite part of her job is, Lydia says that number one has to be interacting with her clientsboth old and new. She enjoys getting to know people and learning about them as individuals. Known to her clients as the Travel Therapist she craves conversation and the feeling she gets when clients come back from a dream vacation with thanks and appreciation. For more information, call Lydia at 708386-6363 or visit www.TanTrvl.com.

Find us on OakPark.com or at TanTrvl.com

Follow us on:
Facebook Twitter

708.386.6363
email: lydia@tantrvl.com

Provision Consulting Services

eborah Williams has been assisting local nonprot and faith leaders in documenting their visions since 2004. She is passionate about assisting congregations in addressing the needs of the communities they serve. With the help of Ms. Williams, congregation leaders can maximize their impact by incorporating and registering their churches as nonprot social service agencies. Ms. Williams also utilizes her expertise in technology, her diverse work experience, and her Bachelors Degree in Accounting to help nonprots reach their goals. Through one-on-one consultations as well as group workshops, Ms. Williams is dedicated to creating a growth strategy for the organizations she works with. Her vision is to positively impact the community by helping one agency at a time. For example, she encourages churches to act as safe, nurturing environments for youth during after-school hours. As a graduate student at Concordia University, Ms. Williams aims to receive a Master's Degree in Grant Writing, Management & Evaluation in order to increase and improve the services she offers her clients.

PROVISION CONSULTING SERVICES

Do You Have A 501c3? Are Your Records Up-to-Date? Have You Registered with the Attorney General? Have you Filed the IRS 990s?

FOR NONPROFIT INSTRUCTOR ORGANIZATIONS & CHURCHES DEBORAH WILLIAMS

Deborah Williams

Are you Looking for a Grant Writer?

If you are interested in applying for a 501(c) 3 nonprot organization or already have a 501(c) 3 but need funding, please feel free to contact Ms. Williams at 312-576-1085 to register for Provision Consulting Services.

IF YOUR NEED HELP WITH ANY OF THE ABOVE REGISTER TODAY ONLY $49

Contact us at 312.576.1085 or Email us at CHANGINGAGENERATION2004@yahoo.com

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Austin Weekly News October 30, 2013

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Alice's Restaurant
Soul Food at it's Best

Party Room Available Full Service Catering Book your holiday events now!

Home of the West Side Women

773.921.1100 5638 W. Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60651

Make Connections and Grow Your Business Today

Your Partner in Success Dawn Ferencak Local Advertising Consultant 708/613-3329 Dawn@oakpark.com Illinois Press Association 2011 Sales Representative of the Year

Dawn Ferencak, a uniquely personal approach

awn Ferencak helps her clients make their businesses grow beyond their expectations by truly understanding their needs. She has been with Wednesday Journal Publications for eight years now and still has the same passion for empowering the community as she did when she started. At rst, when I inherited the West Side territory in 2010, I was pretty nervous, she describes, but then realized that the best way was to jump in full force. My rst week on the job, there was an invitation to a bus tour of hair salons in Austin and I called and asked if my son who was eight at the time could come along with me. So we both ended up going and found the people on the bus were so welcoming and engaging. I knew then that the way to connect with the community was for people to know me and trust me. Much more than a 9 to 5 job, her work is a way of life. Dawn is passionate about serving her clients. She knows how important it is to learn their background; why they started their business; what their goals are; what their challenges are; and what drives them to succeed. This uniquely personal approach builds strong bonds of trust. Her clients know that she always has their best interests in mind and as a result they truly consider her

a partner with them in their success. Dawn says that she believes in bringing the best skills, research and products to the table every time she has a chance to help a client. Through her community outreach, Dawn saw the need to offer more support to the West Side community. In 2011, she successfully advocated for this and the Austin Weekly News expanded its coverage to include the entire West Side of Chicago. In 2012 Dawn founded the West Side Business Network and its subgroups, including the Austin Weekly News Business Development Luncheon Group, West Side Women, West Side Men and West Side Bridge, all with the goal of bringing professionals from Chicagos West Side together with those from Oak Park and nearby suburbs to network, grow and discuss challenges. With anywhere from 35 to 100 attendees per meeting, Dawn has successfully sewn another thread across the communities she dearly loves. Watch for more relationship building as Dawn launches the West Side Manufacturing networking group and the Austin Weekly News Foundation for Community Organizing and Journalism. Visit AustinWeeklyNews. com to stay updated.