Latest News from The Chicago Network

July 10, 2015

Quote of the Week

"If I had done what people advised and expected of me,
I would never have broken the glass ceiling."

- Sally Blount (2011)

Dean, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University

News at the Network

MELLODY HOBSON ANNOUNCED AS 2016 WOMEN IN THE FOREFRONT LUNCHEON SPEAKER

As President of Ariel Investments, Mellody Hobson (TCN member since 2000) is responsible for firm-wide management and strategic planning, overseeing all operations outside of research and portfolio management. Beyond her work at Ariel, Mellody has become a nationally recognized voice on financial literacy and investor education. She is chairman of the board for DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc., as well as director of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. and Starbucks Corporation. In 2015, she was named to Time magazine's annual list of the one hundred most influential people in the world. Please save the date and join us for the 2016 Women in the Forefront Luncheon featuring Mellody!

TCN Members in the News

CHRISTIE HEFNER DISCUSSES NEW BEAUTY COMPANY

When Christie Hefner (1979) was CEO of Playboy Enterprises, women comprised more than 40 percent of her executive team. If she could do that, a reporter for Bloomberg TV asked her in a recent interview, why can't more of the country's tech companies diversify their executive ranks? Christie, now chairman of Hatch Beauty, conceded there is no one "silver bullet to fix it," and she echoed what many have said about how women need to raise their hand more, take more overseas positions and accept more promotions even when they may not feel 100 percent ready.

"It's embarrassing to be in the only westernized economy that doesn't have paid family leave and flex scheduling, and that disproportionately helps women," Christie Hefner said. Read more...

SALLY BLOUNT ON TAKING RISKS IN BUSINESS

Sally Blount (2011), Dean of Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, wrote an op-ed in Fortune on why it is important for women to take risks in business.

"The truth is: Life is full of uncertainty, especially in 2015 as we face unprecedented rates of technological, social, and economic change. Each decision we make - as individuals and organizations - either reinforces the status quo or seeks to forge a new path forward. And in today's world, sticking with the status quo can be even riskier than striving for change. Read more...

THE NORTHRIDGE GROUP REPORTS ON CUSTOMER SERVICE IN SOCIAL MEDIA

Northridge CEO Therese Fauerbach (2004) was quoted in a Fortune article that featured the Northridge Group report, "The State of Customer Service Experience 2015." The report suggests big brands don't meet consumer expectations when it comes to answering inquiries on Facebook, Twitter and other channels. About two-thirds of the 1,000 consumers surveyed by the Northridge Group report they've had to reach out at least twice to get an answer.

"Nearly half of consumers plan to use social media for customer services issues the same or more than they currently do. There are clearly opportunities for companies to provide excellent customer service on all channels, including social media. Consumers want to use social to resolve problems, but the experience is inconsistent compared to other channels." Read more...

MONDELEZ INTERNATIONAL BRINGS "OREO THINS" TO THE U.S.

Oreos are getting a skinny new look, and its maker says the new cookie is a "sophisticated" snack for grown-ups that isn't meant to be twisted or dunked. Mondelez International says it will add "Oreo Thins" to its permanent lineup in the U.S. starting next week. During a conference call in April, Mondelez CEO Irene Rosenfeld (2008) had noted the success of the Thins in China and said the company would make them available "around the world." Read more...

VENTAS SHARES RISE FOLLOWING OPERATIONS SALE

Ventas (Debra Cafaro (2007)) shares rose after the company agreed to sell the majority of Ardent Health Services' hospital operations to Sam Zell's investment firm, Equity Group Investments. The transaction values the operations company at about $475 million, Chicago-based Ventas said. Read more...

CATHY KENWORTHY FEATURED

Cathy Kenworthy (2015), CEO of Interactive Health, participated in an interview with Crain's Laura Bianchi for "The Take-Away." In the interview, Cathy revealed her wellness philosophy as well as her favorite fitness activities and brain food. Read more...

GOOGLE MOVES TO THE WEST LOOP

Google's ( Margaret Georgiadis (2007)) move to a new Chicago office late this year will cap a remarkable four years for both the former Fulton Market Cold Storage building and the longtime meatpacking district that surrounds it. This building is one of Chicago's most buzzed-about office developments in years. Read more...

ENTREPRENEURIAL LESSONS FROM JULIE SMOLYANSKY'S DAUGHTERS

Julie Smolyansky (2007), CEO of Lifeway Foods, was highlighted in a Chicago Tribune article, which revealed her children's lemonade stand is more elaborate than the stand she ran as a child with her brother, now chief financial officer of Lifeway Foods.

"What a great way to learn entrepreneurship and capitalism," said Julie Smolyansky. "When we were kids, it was just squeezing some lemons or mixing a powdered drink." Her two young daughters were well beyond that last year with their Lincoln Park operation. "They had a pretty fancy stand. They had signage. They had organic lemonade," she said. They also included a charitable component, with sales benefiting Every Mother Counts, which supports maternal heath. "That's something that my generation didn't quite do yet." Read more...

ALLSTATE TAPS BIG DATA FOR THE CITY HALL

Which of Chicago's restaurants are most likely to be the site of foodborne illnesses and should be targeted for a closer look? How can the city identify establishments likely to sell untaxed cigarettes? This week, the Chicago Tribune explained how AllState (Kathy Mabe (2014) and Stephanie D. Neely (2007)) is tapping big data to answer these questions for City Hall. Read more...

TONI PRECKWINKLE ON THE OBAMACARE RULING

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle (2011) applauded the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to back federal subsidies for Obamacare.

"President Obama's Affordable Care Act has been a godsend to those of us in the public health business," Toni Preckwinkle said in a statement. "Thanks to the ACA, we are moving toward long-term financial sustainability for the Cook County Health and Hospitals System. More than 180,000 patients are now enrolled in CountyCare, the county's managed Medicaid plan, greatly exceeding our 2015 enrollment goal of 156,000. Now, for the first time in its history, our health system has more insured patients than uninsured patients." Read more...

JEANNE GANG AND CAROL ROSS BARNEY APPOINTED TO LEADERSHIP COMMISSION

Jeanne Gang (2006), President and Principal of Studio Gang Architects, and Carol Ross Barney (1986), President of r-barc, were featured in this month's issue of the Chicago Architect, which highlighted their appointment by Mayor Rahm Emanuel to the leadership commission for Great Rivers Chicago, a project with the Metropolitan Planning Council ( MarySue Barrett (1997)) to develop a long-term vision for Chicago's riverfront. Read more...

TIGERMAN MCCURRY ARCHITECTS FEATURED

Tigerman McCurry Architects (Margaret I. McCurry (1988)) is designing the new education center at the Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve in Niles, Michigan. The 5,000-square-foot building features light-filled twin wings, Flora and Fauna, that are designed to allow for multiple views of the surrounding nature. Bowstring trusses expose the structural system, while corrugated metal siding slides across the curved roof and down the sides of the wings. Geothermal wells will be used to contribute to the building's sustainability. Read more...

LOGAN SQUARE YWCA CELEBRATES NEW SPACE, MORE SERVICES WITH GRAND OPENING

On June 27, YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago ( Dorri McWhorter (2015)) officially opened the doors to its new Cynthia B. Lafuente Center in Logan Square. This is the result of a $125,000 bequest from former Chicago Finance Exchange member Cynthia Lafuente. This donation will allow the organization to expand its critical sexual violence and support services as well as its economic empowerment services into Chicago's northwest-side neighborhood. Read more...

ROHINI DEY ON VERMILION AND RELAUNCH

Rohini Dey (2008), Founder & Owner of Vermilion Restaurants, was featured in several media outlets, including:

Chicago Tribune: Vermilion Owner Rohini Dey: What its Like to Tape a Reality Show Read more...
CNBC: CNBC Squawk Box Interview Read more...
CNBC: Consumed Business Profile: Vermilion Read more...
CNBC: Consumed Deleted Scene: Vermilion 4 Star Review Read more...

Women on Boards

NEW FLYER INDUSTRIES ELECTS PHYLLIS COCHRAN TO BOARD

New Flyer Industries, the leading manufacturer of heavy-duty transit buses in the United States and Canada has elected Phyllis Cochran (2009), Former President & CEO, Navistar Financial Corp., to the Board of Directors. New Flyer is the industry technology leader and offers the broadest product line of transit buses, including drive systems powered by -- clean diesel, natural gas, diesel-electric hybrid, electric trolley and battery-electric. New Flyer is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Phyllis serves as the chair of the audit committee.

CONNIE DUCKWORTH JOINS ADVISORY COUNCIL

Connie Duckworth (1994), CEO of ARZU Studio Hope, has recently joined the Women's Initiative Policy Advisory Council at the Bush Institute. The Women's Initiative at the Bush Institute works within the Institute's areas of policy engagement to improve access to education, health care, and economic opportunity for women and children. In addition, the Initiative has its own programs and projects. Read more...

BOARD OF DIRECTORS OPPORTUNITY FOR GRANT MORGAN ASSOCIATES

From Blythe McGarvie (2011):

Grant Morgan Associates is currently seeking a strategic, seasoned professional with expertise in finance, accounting, and treasury to join the company's Board of Directors. In addition to providing fiduciary and strategic oversight for shareholder value and long-term financial performance, this person will also serve as the Chair of the Audit Committee. This person will be expected to provide strategic guidance with respect to the financial management, capital structure, and financial reporting of the company. This Board member will be expected to attend five meetings per year at the company's corporate headquarters. Read more...

New Roles

ERNST & YOUNG NAMES NEW VICE CHAIR AND CENTRAL REGION MANAGING PARTNER

A former managing partner at the Chicago office of Ernst & Young will now head the accounting firm's central region, the first time a woman has been appointed to that position. Kelly Grier (2009) takes over from Rick Fezell as vice chair and central region managing partner. Based in Chicago, she will oversee more than 8,000 auditors, consultants and tax professionals spread across 15 states, with nearly 2,700 of them in Illinois. Read more...

Awards and Announcements

FRAN EDWARDSON TO RETIRE IN 2016

Fran Edwardson (2007), CEO of the American Red Cross of Chicago & Northern Illinois, announced that she will be retiring in early 2016. Fran has led the nonprofit organization, which currently serves more than 9.5 million people in 21 counties in Northern Illinois, for more than a decade. This Red Cross region is one of the largest within the national American Red Cross network.

"I am tremendously grateful for the opportunity to have led the Red Cross in our community for the last ten years," said Fran Edwardson. "It's truly been the capstone of my career. A strong Red Cross, made up of skilled and committed volunteers and a robust network of government, community and funding partners, is vital to the well-being of our communities. We have grown to become one of the most well-respected and innovative Red Cross regions in the country. I feel confident in making the decision to retire now, when the organization is healthy and vibrant and a seasoned leadership team is in place.'

"The American Red Cross plays a critical role in the well-being of the people in our region and has been a long-standing partner to United Way," said Wendy DuBoe (2013), President and CEO of United Way of Metropolitan Chicago. "Fran has been a strong leader and committed community partner, and has guided the Red Cross to even greater impact in our communities during her tenure."

Fran plans to remain in her current role until a successor has been identified. There will be a national search to identify qualified candidates for this important role. Read more...

Click here to see Crain's coverage of Fran's retirement.

ANN DRAKE RECEIVES NORTHWESTERN'S SCHULZ AWARD

Ann Drake (2000), CEO of DSC Logistics, has been named the 2015 recipient of the David F. Schulz Award for Outstanding Service in Transportation and Infrastructure from the McCormick School of Engineering and the Transportation Center at Northwestern University.

Ann was selected for the Shulz Award based on the many dimensions of her leadership in logistics, transportation advocacy and education, support of transportation research and study at Northwestern, and commitment to advancing the role of women in transportation and logistics.

She received the Shulz Award at the biennial Lipinski Symposium on Transportation Policy and Strategy, June 22. The 2015 Symposium focused on the topic, "Paths to Economic Competitiveness: Advancing Supply Chain Performance in the Chicago Hub."

The Symposium, named in honor of former Congressman William O. Lipinski, and focused on transportation topics of importance to the Chicago Metropolitan Area and the nation as a whole, featured presentations from senior elected officials in transportation from across the country and business leaders and other experts from the region and nation. Read more...

INTERACTIVE HEALTH BRINGS ON NEW FINANCIAL PARTNER

Interactive Health, the largest independent provider of integrated workplace wellness solutions to organizations in the United States, recently announced that it has signed an agreement to bring on a new financial partner, FFL, a San Francisco-based private equity firm managing more than $4.5 billion in assets.

"I am excited and proud to work with the entire team at FFL," said Cathy Kenworthy (2015), President and CEO of Interactive Health. "Their commitment to creating value through company growth and operational excellence, and their understanding of the healthcare sector and shared desire to improve individual
outcomes make them a terrific partner for our company and our clients. I'm confident FFL's resources and knowledge will help us attain our next level of success."

Click here for the full press release.

CRAIN'S CHICAGO BUSINESS RECEIVED 12 AWARDS

Crain's Chicago Business ( Lisa Emerick (2014)) received 12 awards for editorial excellence from the Alliance of Area Business Publications, the leading international association composed of metro business publications. The honors included nine gold awards. Read more...

SAINT XAVIER STUDENTS AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS

Four Saint Xavier University (Christine Wiseman (2012)) students from the School of Nursing have been awarded scholarships for $2,500 each from the Blue Island Community Healthcare Foundation for the 2015-2016 school year. The students are Katherine Clark, Brian Conrad, Roxana Flores Oliva, and Melissa Jeka. The students and SXU are grateful to Blue Island Community Healthcare Foundation for its generous gift.

LYNN CUTLER TO SPEAK AT THE WOMEN'S CAUCUS OF NACo'S 80TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Lynn Cutler, Senior Policy Adviser, Holland & Knight, LLP (2006), has been asked to speak at the Women's Caucus of the National Association of Counties in Charlotte, NC. The conference will take place from July 10-13.

Lynn founded the Caucus with Ann Richards. Both were both County Commissioners at the time: Ann in Texas and Lynn in Iowa. Lynn will talk about her friendship with Ann; a friendship that continued until her death in 2006, as well as the importance of women in local government. Ann and Lynn were both the first women elected. Read more...

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHER COLLABORATES WITH ARZU

Famed National Geographic photographer Steve McCurry and ARZU (Connie Duckworth) collaborated on "The Afghan Young Women's Photographic Initiative" teaching teen girls in Bamyan Province to create and edit photographs of subjects as seen through their eyes. Girls were selected from ARZU's English and Computer classes to participate in a five-day course taught by a professional Afghan woman photographer from Kabul. Given the success of this pilot, phase 2 will commence this fall. The photographer's objective is to mount a traveling exhibit. Ideas of venues that might be interested in displaying this exhibit for public viewing are welcome.

A selection of the photographs can be seen on McCurry's Tumblr blog.

CONNIE DUCKWORTH AT THE THIRD ANNUAL INVESTMENT NEWS WOMEN'S FORUM ON LEADERSHIP

Connie Duckworth spoke at the third annual Investment News Women's Forum on leadership on June 23 in New York. The topic of conversation was Social Enterprise as Transformational Global Force.