Wow, a blog!  We have a blog?  Who knew?

Unbelievable, nobody’s posted here since the last time I posted 2 months ago.

Anyhow, how about that for a great meeting last night!!  Very non-traditional, fast-paced, and energetic.  Kudos to Pat, John, Ken, the rest of the board, and anyone who had a hand in the planning.

Stuart

www.squareonepro.com

Mornin’ Y’all- 

Edie’s email yesterday reminded me that I’m a little tardy with an important “thank you” myself. 

Brian Whyers Rules!! 

So, if you haven’t already done so, please support Artistic Digital Services. 

Last month was the 4^th year running that I was lucky enough to help the River North Association with their Annual Meeting.  In addition to other details, our main responsibility was creating a Power Point presentation to highlight the evening’s agenda.  Guest speakers, award winners, incoming board members, etc. were all featured in full Technicolor on the BIG SCREEN as they spoke from the podium. 

Brian produced the entire presentation personally, and he was on-site at the event to ensure that everything went smoothly…and it did!!  Brian’s attention to detail, professionalism, and easy going nature made it a true pleasure to work with him.The magic he creates with a couple mouse clicks (and a handful of late nights) is spectacular!!  Additionally, the fact that he’s handed a 50-hour-project with only 48 hours until the deadline doesn’t seem to faze him at all. 

So, thank you Brian; just like the last couple years, you did a great job this year!  You made me look good, which in itself is appreciated, but in front of a roomful of 200 potential clients is a great coup.

Lastly, I’d be remiss if I didn’t also thank Leslie Stern.  Leslie referred me to a different client in 2003, which ultimately referred me to the River North Association, and they’ve been a great, long-standing client ever since then. 

Have a great weekend everyone!

Go Go Sox!! 

Stuart 

As the country is in a time of crisis, mortgage programs keep disappearing very rapidly!  Currently there are almost 300 lenders from all over the country that have closed their doors.  Additionally, there are about 30 different mortgage programs that have either disappeared or changed their guidelines.   I am urging any self-employed or wage earning borrower who does NOT show income to validate their profession or debt, to begin talks with myself and your CPA or accountant to prepare for  your next mortgage.  If your company shows small amounts of income or a loss, or not enough money to pay your debt every month, you will NOT qualify for a loan.  Even if you have assets and excellent credit, the programs and guidelines have changed significantly. 

I will be happy to sit with any Guild Member or referral at no cost, to go ove a plan for the future.  Please call Edie Jerome of Metro Mortgage at 847 853 7150. 

Congratulations to Scuba Systems owner Nancy Boucha on winning the National Geographic Adventure Magazine Wild Angle Photo Contest!

Nancy’s incredible shot of a Caribbean Reef Shark, with an injured mouth, appears to be smiling right at you. “While on a shark feeding dive in 40 feet of water in Nassau, I was leading a Scuba Systems trip at the time, I was fascinated with this shark. I was able to focus on her, while mostly ignoring the frenzied sharks around me, and I got the shot of a lifetime.” Read the rest of this entry »

Do you make goals, and then never track them?  You’re like most everyone.  Except those companies and business owners that take advantage of advisory boards.  Advisory boards usually meet quarterly for private companies and track the progress toward the predefined goals for the organization.  It’s a great way to keep on track.  If we have enough interest, we could form such a group within the Guild.  If you are interested, please contact Michael Moran, American Chartered Bank, at 312-492-1104, or mmoran@americanchartered.com.  

Most of us are reading about the credit crunch that is coming. For the most part, this only pertains to a small segment of the market…mostly sub-prime individuals (meaning less than good credit individuals, not less than the Prime rate borrowers). For the businesses that are credit worthy, there is plenty of credit available at very attractive rates. Is your company credit worthy? Well generally, good credit companies have a history of positive cash flow and earnings (although some fluctuation is understandable depending on the industry), and the company has built a strong net worth relative to liabilities. The Liabilities to Tangible Net Worth ratio is looked at by many commercial bankers as a strong indicator of a companies long term financial health.

Read the rest of this entry »

Reverse Mortgages often fit a need in the Senior Community.  Metro Mortgage is now offering this service to everyone.  Reverse Mortgages often are the answer for Seniors who are running out of cash, or have limited financial resources.  A reverse mortgage can help an elderly parent or relative live their life independantly, not having to rely on their family or children for financial help.  If anyone in your family or circle of friends is looking for this type of loan Metro Mortgage can help.  Please contact Edie Jerome, President at 847 776 8070 or by email at idoloans13@ameritech.net or through her website www.metromtgservices.com. 

Metro Mortgage offers a program to self employed borrowers to receive a home equity loan at no cost, with little or no documentation needed.  We can eliminate in most cases the need to provide tax returns, paystubs, or w-2’s.  Also, assets are not needed!  This is a quick and easy process, which everyone should do. There is a yearly cost of 50.00, but putting this in place before you need it, is key.  The payment is interest only with no prepayment penalty.  Use your credit line for those slow months, to stabilize your cashflow.  This is ABSOLUTELY free, so please pass it on to friends and relatives who need quick cash! Call or email  Edie Jerome at Metro Mortgage for more information and free counseling for your mortgage needs!  idoloans13@ameritech.net or www.metromtgservices.com

Why make an unproductive trip to the bank? 

Remote Image Capture (RIC) allows you to make deposits at the bank without ever leaving your office! With RIC, you will be able to scan images using a check scanner that connects to your PC and send images of checks directly to American Chartered Bank via a secure Internet site. You will no longer have to deposit checks at the Bank in person, through the mail, at an ATM, or via Deposit Pick-up.

The potential benefits to utilizing RIC are significant:

• Deposit pick-up is eliminated
• Special trips to the bank to make deposits are no longer necessary
• Deposit preparation is more efficient and streamlined
• Research and inquiry capabilities are expanded as you’ll always have an image stored on your computer of every check deposited

 Please call Michael Moran, American Chartered Bank for more details at 312.492.1104.

EXECUTIVES GUILD, LTD.
118 N. Clinton St, Suite 307
Chicago, IL 60660
Phone: 312-604-5018

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 5, 2007

One success builds on another ! This year capitalizes on last !

The Executives Guild, Ltd. announces The 2007 Member Showcase, Wednesday, October 24, 2007, at the Skokie Banquet Conference & Expo Center, 5300 W. Touhy Avenue, Skokie, Illinois (Touhy Avenue just west of Edens Expressway) Our featured guest is known to all in the world of Chicago business and finance, Len Walter, Business/Financial Editor, WBBM Newsradio 780, Chicago. Read the rest of this entry »