My grandmother’s education stopped after third grade. At least her formal education. She came to this country from the Azores as an immigrant at just 10 years old. Since she didn’t speak English; she gave up school to work in a factory by her home. Despite her challenging childhood, she is one of the smartestContinue reading
On March 8, 2019, Naperville Woman’s Club (NWC) held its annual philanthropy celebration to recognize 15 local charities and agencies for their tireless efforts in making our community a better place. NWC presented checks totaling $49,100, a 17{c041bec6d9ed93c692e2796704d5a7ba8e28982eb813f65c9daba57dcb2d46af} increase over 2017/18, and awarded another $5,000 for three scholarships to students pursuing degrees in education, humanContinue reading
Savant Capital Management, a nationally-recognized, fee-only wealth management firm headquartered in Rockford, with additional locations in Chicago, Downers Grove, Hoffman Estates, Naperville, St. Charles, and Wilmette, is pleased to announce that a division of the firm, D3 Financial Counselors, has been recognized as one of Chicago’s best financial advisors for 2019. D3 Financial Counselors wasContinue reading
One of the many positive outcomes from reading or listening to great book, it frequently triggers self- reflection or action. As I make my way through, Dare to Lead, I’m reminded about the importance of living organizational values versus just paying lip service to them. Clear values within an organization builds trust. I think we can all agreeContinue reading
I’m currently listening to Dare to Lead by Brené Brown. Although I always take away great nuggets from her work, one recently stood out and struck me as particularly brilliant, “Be clear, be kind. Be unclear, be unkind.” Although I had to process the statement to fully grasp the concept, once I did, I thought about theContinue reading
Illinois Governor JB promised a new day in Springfield during his inauguration speech on Jan 14. While recognizing that there are serious challenges ahead, he proclaimed that everything is not “broken”. It won’t be easy, but let’s confront this challenge with honesty. Our obligations as a state outmatch our resources. Our fiscal situation right nowContinue reading
This month, I celebrate 5 years at the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, a 112-year-old organization. Some regard this chamber as an institution, while others view it as an “old” organization with fading relevance. I know this because shortly after taking the position, that was the feedback I received. So how do you reenergize and rethink anContinue reading
ef·fi·cient adjective achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense. I’m often among busy women discussing all the responsibilities and roles in their lives. I have heard the question “How do you make time for __________?” Fill in the blank. Yoga, massage, cooking, date night, girl’s night, reading, blogging, movies, etc. Honoring your need for self-careContinue reading
For those of you that are Chicago Bears fans, this past Sunday was a heart breaker for sure. With little time left in the game, Cody Parkey hit the uprights and the Bears lost the game. My family was furious. They yelled at Cody, aka the television, begging the Bears to get rid of him as heContinue reading
Anita Knotts, Senior Vice President, Calamos Wealth ManagementQ: Describe your company and what you do.A: I’ve been in the industry for over 25 years. For the past 16 years I’ve been with Calamos Wealth Managementwhere I’ve helped high net worth clients reach their lifelong goals through financial planning and investment management. In addition, I overseeContinue reading
