Op2mize will provide SBAC members with either a free lease abstract or a free facility energy assessment.

Op2mize will provide the SBAC with a 5.0% rebate on all business transactions generated through the SBAC.

In 2004, a two-week tour of “next-generation” real estate developments throughout Asia ignited the vision for delivering a new bundle of real estate services, one that harnesses the knowledge of the past with the unprecedented power and needs of the future. Today, Op2mize provides comprehensive real estate transaction and advisory services to property owners and space users by bundling traditional fundamentals with best practices in innovation and sustainability, thus creating optimal value for each of our clients.

Additional expertise in governmental incentives consulting, engineering, and advanced technology tools such as facility modeling and computer simulation enables Op2mize to develop solutions that optimize operational efficiency in conjunction with real estate utilization and investment. Op2mize is a Cisco Systems Registered Partner, a Citrix Solutions Advisor, a DQI Trailblazer, a LEED AP, and is actively involved in the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR), the Association of Industrial Real Estate Brokers (AIRE), Realcomm, the Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE), and the Society for Manufacturing Engineers (SME), among others.

Contact Information:
Geoffrey Kasselman
(847) 813-9898
E-mail: gkasselman@op2mize.com

Check out their Strategic Partner listing:
http://www.smallbusinessadvocacycouncil.org/benefit/op2mize-will-provide...

Op2mize will provide SBAC members with either a free lease abstract or a free facility energy assessment.

Op2mize will provide the SBAC with a 5.0% rebate on all business transactions generated through the SBAC.

In 2004, a two-week tour of “next-generation” real estate developments throughout Asia ignited the vision for delivering a new bundle of real estate services, one that harnesses the knowledge of the past with the unprecedented power and needs of the future. Today, Op2mize provides comprehensive real estate transaction and advisory services to property owners and space users by bundling traditional fundamentals with best practices in innovation and sustainability, thus creating optimal value for each of our clients.

Additional expertise in governmental incentives consulting, engineering, and advanced technology tools such as facility modeling and computer simulation enables Op2mize to develop solutions that optimize operational efficiency in conjunction with real estate utilization and investment. Op2mize is a Cisco Systems Registered Partner, a Citrix Solutions Advisor, a DQI Trailblazer, a LEED AP, and is actively involved in the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR), the Association of Industrial Real Estate Brokers (AIRE), Realcomm, the Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE), and the Society for Manufacturing Engineers (SME), among others.

Contact Information:
Geoffrey Kasselman
(847) 813-9898
E-mail: gkasselman@op2mize.com

Check out their Strategic Partner listing:
http://www.smallbusinessadvocacycouncil.org/benefit/op2mize-will-provide...

For the last 5 weeks of her life, Mary suffered. Her dementia had progressed to the point where she was violent and forced to be hospitalized. She was in tremendous pain and suspicious of those trying to help her.

Mary had forgotten who her daughter was, even though her daughter spent 4 or 5 hours with her every day. She could no longer remember how to talk on the phone, or do almost any other ordinary activity.In her last weeks, she started to refuse to eat or drink, thinking that she was being poisoned.

The hospital started her on a course of pain relief and asked Mary's children if they should start with a feeding tube or IV for nourishment and hydration.
Luckily, Mary’s children had the benefit of a statement Mary had written during her life that covered this situation. Mary had been clear that she did not want her life extended under these circumstances and her children were able to instruct the hospital not to take life prolonging measures but to keep her as comfortable as possible.

Many children are not as lucky. In spite of the publicity around the now famous Terri Shiavo case, where family members fought for 7 years about life ending issues, some people still have not given much thought to living wills or advanced directives.

Of equal importance is that studies have shown that standard advance directive forms do little to influence end-of-life decisions without informed, thoughtful reflection about your wishes and values, and personal communication between you and your likely decision-makers.

For full article, visit our SBAC Blog at: http://www.smallbusinessadvocacycouncil.org/blogpost/sbac/2012/1/%E2%80%...

Alan G. Orlowsky, CPA, JD
Orlowsky & Wilson, Ltd.
250 Parkway Dr., suite 150
Lincolnshire, Il. 60069
(w) 847-325-5559
(c) 847-975-9771
(fx) 847-205-4558
www.orlowskywilson.com

Chicago, Illinois (I-Newswire) January 27, 2012 - GroupHelix, www.GroupHelix.com proudly announces their newest client solution for Dignitas, a Chicago-based wealth management firm that goes beyond the traditional investment management model, through its exclusive and full-service life management platform. Dignitas www.mydignitas.com provides client-centric financial services across all wealth disciplines: Wealth Strategies, Family Office and Life Management.

GroupHelix, a custom provider of digital strategies and solutions that intertwine the web, social media and mobile marketing with lead generation and CRM tools into a single custom platform; has created a unique and strategic approach to Dignitas’ social media presence on Facebook. Dignitas interactive Facebook page www.facebook.com/DignitasMFO is able to obtain more “Likes” and leads by utilizing GroupHelix’s lead capturing tools.

Dignitas’ Facebook page leverages the social media platform by engaging visitors with relevant and interactive content. Visitors are incentivized to click the “Like” button and stay up-to-date on how to keep their life optimized through information sharing, original Dignitas’ research, and expert interviews profiled on the site. All first time users to the Dignitas Facebook page will experience a welcome and have access to Dignitas content after the “Like” button is clicked.

"Group Helix provided Dignitas with a social media strategy and solution that aligned with our branding and marketing efforts. With their tools and assistance, we were able to leverage technology and quickly and efficiently increase our digital presence on Facebook." said Haydee Caldero, Principal at Dignitas.

Congratulations to SBAC Member, Marc Blumenthal, for being selected as an Illinois Super Lawyer for 2012 in the area of Franchise/ Dealership Law!

Mr. Blumenthal's clients find him extremely accessible. Whether the task is transactional work, litigation, mediation or arbitration, Mr. Blumenthal's skilled legal service inspires confidence. Mr. Blumenthal has been named an Illinois Super Lawyer on several occasions: in 2007 and 2012 for Franchise/Dealership law and in 2008 in the Corporate Counsel edition.

The Law Office of Marc N. Blumenthal is conveniently located in Chicago, very close to both the state and federal courthouses and serves business clients throughout Northern Illinois, and in many other states.

Contact a respected and reliable Chicago franchise business attorney.
To schedule an appointment at the Law Office of Marc N. Blumenthal, call 312-641-0616.

Visit his website at: http://www.blumenthalfranchiselaw.com/

Adalyze Technologies, a business and technology consulting/custom development firm, offers SBAC members a complimentary IT consultation and up to a 10% discount on all other IT development services and solutions.

Adalyze will provide SBAC members 5% off fixed projects <$100K and Time & Material Projects; 7.5% off projects from $100.1K to $250K; and 10% off projects >$250K. Adalyze will help support the future growth of SBAC by providing up to a 5% rebate. Further, Adalyze will pay a 2% cash referral on all non-SBAC projects.

For questions, contact: Jay Dainas, SVP of Marketing
phone: 312.450.3083
e-mail: jdainas@adalyze.com

Founded in 2009, Adalyze Technologies is a Chicago-based business and technology consulting firm specializing in the custom design, development, and management of robust information technology services and solutions tailored to meet and exceed the needs of our corporate, entrepreneurial, investor, and healthcare clients. Adalyze offers all engagement models , including turnkey, hybrid and dedicated resources, at flexible pricing options.

Adalyze provides top quality and cost effective (including offshore development) technology solutions to your everyday problems using the latest methodologies, process, and technologies:

•Application Development
•Web Development
•Mobile Development
•Systems Integration
•Business Intelligence/Analytics
•Prototyping

Adalyze's consultants work directly with your company to provide assistance for even the most complex technology need, so you can make better informed decisions and improve profitability:

•Portfolio Management
•Systems Architecture
•Staff Augmentation
•CTO Advisory Services

Adalyze has a broad range of experience in various technologies and platforms from web and mobile technologies to database architecture, business intelligence, and integration.
Platforms: Microsoft, LAMP, WAMP, iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows Mobile, Web

It is refreshing to look into a new year with high ambitions, a clean slate, and a proactive attitude towards everything you are hoping to accomplish within the next 12 months. Often times people look to their mentors, industry leaders, or other influential people to mimic the positive characteristics they demonstrate. This is a great way to make strides towards your goals, however it’s only half of the story.

So what’s the other half? Mistakes. Whether they are yours, your mentor’s, or even mistakes common to people in general, learning from them rather than making them can protect you from the setbacks they are sure to bring about.

Check out the full article at our SBAC Blog:
http://www.smallbusinessadvocacycouncil.org/blogpost/sbac/2012/1/5-commo...

Welcome to the first SBAC Wellness Newsletter!

As part of our efforts to provide you with information about self-care in January we encourage you to start making small changes in your daily routine now to help you reach your long-term goals. This first e-newsletter includes articles about nutrition and health, health care costs, and easy exercises that fit easily into most lifestyles. After you have had the opportunity to review the content below, we hope you will opt-into the SBAC Monthly Wellness Newsletter.

As the health care debate rages on, there seems two constants when it comes to health insurance: The insurance premiums of small businesses continue to rise and the majority of insurance company profits are made by increasing the rates for small/mid-market businesses. The SBAC and a strong coalition of business groups have fought hard to pass legislation permitting small business owners to come together and, through the power of critical mass, stabilize insurance premiums and bring transparency to the process. We ran out of time last legislative session but are back and determined to bring health insurance cooperatives to Illinois.

House Bill 3976
House Bill 3976 was recently filed in the Illinois House of Representatives. Supporters of a health insurance cooperative believe that last year's legislation was perfectly acceptable, which is likely the reason it passed the House and was co-sponsored by 16 State Senators. However, in an effort to tackle some of the objections raised during the last legislative session, a new and improved bill has been filed. Representative Karen May has sponsored House Bill 3976 and Senator Kwame Raoul will be our Senate co-sponsor.

MAKING 2012 YOUR BEST YEAR

Join J.D. Gershbein as he shares his most valuable social media tips At Connect. Inspire. Grow. The mission of “Connect. Inspire. Grow.” Networking Events is to connect likeminded professionals that will inspire each other from their experiences and allow them to grow their success. They provide professionals with information on how to get started on their goals and make the most of their opportunities, as well as inspire business owners to grow their current business.

Date: Tuesday, January 31, 2011
Time: 6:00pm - 9:30pm
Location: Dana Hotel
660 North State Street
Chicago, IL

To sign up: http://tinyurl.com/856wt8s

Google Demystified – The Google Search Engine is changing. Learn what’s new and what to do. A conversation with Avery Cohen

Find out how to change your SEO strategy.

• Learn what parts of SEO are still relevant

• Learn how the search engines are shifting

• Learn why engagement strategies are more important than ever

As Google changes so should your tactics for getting found on the Internet. Join Avery Cohen, President and Founder of Metrist Partners as he outlines what new steps to take for your 2012 SEO and digital marketing.

Avery Cohen, Founder and President of Metrist Partners, helps marketers use interactive media to gain actionable insights into customer needs. At Metrist Partners, Avery has helped companies rethink their brand experience, optimize web sites and troubleshoot drops in traffic or conversion rates on web sites.

Metrist Partners have developed expertise in web analytics, search engine optimization, search advertising, email marketing, test design and social media. Clients include Advertising Age, Crain’s Chicago Business, and Peapod.
The evening includes a tasting of organic, small batch, craft distilled single-grain white whiskeys, aged whiskeys, brandies, liqueurs and vodka complements of KOVAL Distillery. Lite supper is included.

Win a FABULOUS prize from 800-CEO-READ – The newest edition of The Hundred Best Business Books of All Time

Meet other committed entrepreneurs and small business owners through open mingling, personal introductions and small group breakout sessions.

Big Ooga is a socially responsible B2B organization devoted to raising happy, healthy companies. We stand for the ethical treatment of each other and the continuous growth and development of Chicago area entrepreneurs. Join us as a member and all First Tuesday events are Free!

Date: First Tuesday, February 7
Time: 6 – 8 pm
Place: Catalyst Ranch, 656 W. Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60661
Why: Smart People, Great Information