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Economic Development Council of the Southwest Suburbs 2007 Award Winners
Metal-Matic, Inc. Plant manager, Dave Pratt, attributes much of the plant’s success to training. “Our customers and stock holders have high expectations of us and we strive for excellence in our manufacturing techniques,” says Dave. “Training is a vital component in making sure we meet this goal.” To ensure a well-rounded, flexible workforce, employees are trained to perform their own jobs and also receive cross-training on other tasks. “This lets them get a bigger picture of what goes on in the plant and helps them do their own jobs better,” says Dave. Workers participate in training activities including machine operations, quality control, safety, and communications throughout the year. Metal-Matic is certified to the TS-16949 quality system standard. This standard is recognized worldwide as a mark of excellence and is generally required to do business in the automotive and many other equipment manufacturing sectors. A thorough and well-documented training program is central to this certification and ensures consistency in the workforce.
Lori and Company Jewelers When Lori Pettavino opened her business in 2002, she had over 20 years experience working in a jewelry store. In her former position, she was responsible for designing and creating jewelry, handling repairs, engraving pieces, purchasing inventory, and dealing with customers. “I had a good background in all aspects of the business,” says Lori. Lori decided to open her own store and entered a professional partnership with her mother, Barb Spellman. Lori and her mom did all the work to get their store ready—everything from painting to organizing the display cases. Their first year was difficult as they lost a great deal of street traffic due to area construction. However, with hard work and a focus on personalized service, their business grew. In the five years since opening, Lori and Company Jewelers has tripled its inventory and expanded its product lines to include fashion jewelry, crystal and purses. In addition to jewelry sales, approximately one-third of their business comes from jewelry repairs. Lori does custom design work and is able to create one-of-a-kind pieces for her customers. “Someone comes in with an idea, and we can offer suggestions to make something original and beautiful,” Lori says. Often customers want to have an heirloom piece that belonged to a mother or grandmother made into something more modern. Lori and her staff keep up with the latest trends by attending national jewelry shows to ensure they are offering unique pieces that can’t be found anywhere else. “I love it when someone comes in and says we’re not like a typical jewelry store,” says Lori.
First Midwest Bank As vice president and regional manager for small business banking for First Midwest Bank, Tony Denovellis handles small business development for 50 of the bank’s branches in Illinois and Northwest Indiana. Eight years ago, he was on the team that developed the bank’s Small Business Solutions program that specifically meets the needs of the small business community. The program offers services to assist business owners with cash flow management, accounting, risk management, fiduciary and employee benefits, financial planning, and financing. Tony manages eight loan officers who have all been specially trained to work in the Small Business Solutions program. “Their key function is to serve our small business clients,” Tony says. Tony oversees a loan portfolio that ranges from $12-15 million per month. He and his team work with business owners to obtain financing for all aspects of their company. “We do a lot of start-up financing,” Tony says. “We also do lending for equipment purchases and other acquisitions.” The maximum loans the small business unit handles are $250,000 and the average loan size is $72,000. The Small Business Solutions program focuses on relationship banking and Tony works closely with his clients to ensure their needs are being met. “The best part of my job is watching companies grow and graduate to the next level,” Tony says. “It’s exciting!” Tony has long been an advocate for small business. He regularly gives presentations at business organizations on how to obtain financing. He is a member of the Oak Park Avenue Mainstreet Association in Tinley Park, and has served as president of the EDCSS for the past two years. “Small business is what’s driving the economy,” he says. “If you work hard, and love your job, good things will follow.”
Bertucci's Restaurant Paul and Eleni Kousis purchased Bertucci’s Corner Restaurant in 1996. This local tavern had been a fixture in the Bridgeport area since the 1930s but it had started to get a little run down. Paul had worked in the restaurant business for nearly 20 years and believed with his experience and lots of hard work, he could turn the business around. Paul and Eleni offered top-quality southern Italian food and treated their customers like family. “We’re on a first-name basis with many of them,” Paul says. The business thrived and Paul and Eleni began to think about opening another restaurant. Over time, they noticed that many of their customers were coming from the south suburbs, so they decided to add a location in Palos Hills. They opened the second Bertucci’s Restaurant in 2003. Since then, they’ve grown so much they’ve tripled the number of employees that work for them. Along with the restaurant’s familiar name, Paul and Eleni brought Chef Victor Alcaraz to their suburban location. He has created new menu items and unique specials that give diners a memorable dining experience whenever they come in. This past spring, Paul and Eleni also added a patio for eating outdoors in warm weather that has been very popular with customers. Paul says one of the biggest challenges he faces is keeping prices reasonable as the cost of their ingredients continue to rise. “We keep our prices as low as possible,” Paul says. Customers welcome the excellent value they receive and keep coming back. “We appreciate our repeat business and want all our customers to feel like part of the Bertucci’s Restaurant family,” says Paul.
G & S Mechanical, Inc. G & S Mechanical is a commercial contractor that provides processed medical, gas, heating and air conditioning, steam, condensate, and refrigeration piping. The company specializes in the installation of medical and laboratory gases, so the majority of their work is in hospital and educational settings. Some of their clients include Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, John Marshall Law School, The University of Chicago, Loyola University Medical Center, Northwestern University and Little Company of Mary Hospital. G & S Mechanical was originally founded in 1886 as The Gallagher & Speck Elevator and Piping Company. In 1991, the company sold off the piping business and G & S Mechanical, Inc. was born. Mary Lou Gutrich purchased 60 percent of the company’s stock in 2004 and purchased the remaining stock in 2006. At the time, she had two pre-school children at home. “Some people thought I was crazy to do it then. But I made the commitment and went forward,” Mary Lou says. The gamble paid off and the business grew. Currently, G & S Mechanical does approximately $3,000,000 in gross revenue per year. The company is certified as a WBE contractor with the State of Illinois’ Central Management Services and recently completed a government contract job on the Elgin Toll Plaza project; and is currently awaiting certification from the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council which will allow her to expand her business in the corporate, government, and education arenas. Mary Lou appreciates that the government has set aside special awards for small businesses. “They work with you and are committed to helping small business owners succeed,” she says. |
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2007 Training Excellence Award
2007 Entrepreneur of the Year Award
2007 Business Advocate of the Year Award
2007 Small Business Person of the Year Award
2007 Government Contractor of the Year Award
