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Updated: July 10, 2012 10:52AM
West Suburban Chamber Leader Forum
The next event in the West Suburban Chamber of Commerce and Industry Leader Forum series is sponsored by AT&T and led by the chamber’s Legislative Affairs Committee.
A breakfast discussion with leaders of the state, county and eight west suburban communities will take place from 8-9:30 a.m. July 16 at the William Tell Hotel and Conference Center in Countryside.
Daniel Lipinski, U.S. congressman, 3rd District (and resident of Western Springs) and Andrew Garner, project director of the Cook County Department of Economic Development are among officials scheduled to be present.
RSVP to kristenh@wscci.org or (708) 387-7550. The cost is $15 for breakfast.
Community service part of internship experience
Service learning is nothing new, but for students participating in an internship with Northwestern Mutual’s Oak Brook-based office, The McTigue Financial Group, it ties directly to the firm’s mission to have college representatives grow personally and professionally.
“Our internship program is multi-faceted,” explains Erika Milonas, director of campus recruitment. “We want students to know that this is a career that allows you to have a positive and lasting impact on people’s lives every day, whether that be professionally by helping clients achieve financial security or personally by giving back to their community.”
Since 2008, more than 100 McTigue Financial Group staff and college-level representatives volunteered with residents in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood. This month, college representatives from the Oak Brook district office will once again trade in their business attire for work clothes and join efforts with the Young Men’s Educational Network for the annual Community Service Day. The partnership has helped to create a park for children, a residence for returning college students, a sports court for mentoring community youth, and an urban garden where flowers and vegetables symbolize the future of North Lawndale’s growth and productivity. In addition to the human capital, Northwestern Mutual’s Foundation recognized the McTigue Financial Group with its 2012 Community Impact Award for demonstrating exemplary volunteerism in the community. YMEN received a $50,000 Northwestern Mutual grant to help further its mission to prepare young men in Chicago’s North Lawndale community for leadership by helping them grow in their faith and character, develop a love for learning, and use their talents to serve the community.
To learn more about YMEN and see the impact that Northwestern Mutual’s McTigue Financial Group has made, view the YouTube video <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MoPCB-Jo2Y> .
This year, The McTigue Financial Group is recruiting 50 students for a year-round internship opportunity. The rolling start to the internship means that recruiting efforts are year-round. Students participating in the internship work from one of four locations: 2015 Spring Road, Oak Brook; 650 Dundee Road, Northbrook; 8600 W. Bryn Mawr near O’Hare or 1 N. Wacker in Downtown Chicago. The internship has students working full time during the summer and part time during the school year.
For the 15th straight year, Northwestern Mutual’s internship program is being recognized as one of the top 10 internships in the country, according to Vault Guide to Internship. One in three interns converts to a full-time position with Northwestern Mutual after graduation. Forty-five percent of the company’s field leaders — managing partners and managing directors — are former interns.
To learn more, visit www.mctiguefinancial.com or contact Erika Milonas, director of campus recruitment, at (312) 641-8944.
Local realtor
encourages others to volunteer
When Bill McNamee started volunteering with Meals on Wheels in La Grange, he had no idea the impact it would have on him.
“It puts things in perspective and makes you truly grateful for what you have,” said McNamee. “More importantly, you realize that volunteering even a few hours a week, can make a tremendous difference in someone else’s life.”
In McNamee’s case, 28 disabled and homebound seniors depend on him to get their Friday meal.
“The time commitment is small at just 2 1/2 hours a week, but the personal reward and friendships I have made are so great,” said McNamee.
He encourages others in the community to consider volunteering for the cause.
“We are in great need right now for volunteers to help prep, package or deliver meals,” said Regina Overstreet, who is the La Grange home-delivered meals distribution center manager.
Volunteers can commit to one morning a week for a two- or three-hour shift and can start as early as 7 a.m. or begin as late as 9:30 a.m.
McNamee has volunteered with the charity for four years and has lived in the area for the past 25 years. He is also a full-time Realtor with Smothers Realty Group. Helping others comes naturally to McNamee whether it be delivering meals to the elderly or advising young couples when buying their first home.
To learn about volunteering with Meals on Wheels, contact Overstreet at (630) 460-9708 or roverstreet@cnnssa.org.
To contact McNamee, call him at (708) 588-2060 or email billmcnamee@smothersrealty.com.
Foundation director recognized
If you walked into Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital and asked for the fittest employee, someone might point you to Brett Skeen.
The 40-year-old Naperville man is executive director of La Grange Memorial Hospital Foundation and while he loves fitness, it isn’t the only thing that brings him to the gym.
“I love the sense of community the gym offers,” said Skeen. “You can draw a lot of inspiration from the shared dedication of those around you.
“This is what makes Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital the perfect fit. I am surrounded by a dedicated team of caregivers committed to a healthy lifestyle and healthy relationships.”
For his commitment to Adventist Midwest Health’s mission, Skeen was one of five Adventist Midwest Health leaders to receive the organization’s pillar award at the quarterly leadership development institute.
Beginning in high school, Skeen had a passion for medicine. After graduating from the University of Illinois with a degree in kinesiology, he worked as a hospital associate for two years where his initial interest in hospital development was sparked. He made the jump to development consulting where he worked for a variety of non-profits, including religious organizations, associations, universities, hospitals and secondary schools. He worked in consulting for 13 years, directing fundraising campaigns, and training volunteers for client projects that raised in excess of $175 million.
Despite success, consulting required a great deal of travel and many short-term relationships. Skeen was keen to look for ways to stay close to home and build strong relationships, as well as fuel his passion for medicine, making his current position a great match.
“Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital was founded by the community when community members donated 30 acres of land on Willow Springs Road,” said Ed Gervain, the hospital’s chief operating officer. “That’s part of why we’re so dedicated to the community, because we came from the community.
“Brett is a true ambassador for this organization and understands the community like few people do.”
Skeen never takes credit for himself, but relays everything back to his staff, board members and the foundation’s donor community.
“We offer the mechanics, but the engine is our donors,” said Skeen.
He has been the executive director of the foundation for more than two years, and there is just $750,000 more to raise out of an initial $5 million goal set for 2013.
Coldwell Banker grand opening
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage is having a grand opening party for its Executive Office location at 34 S. Washington St. (the corner of Hinsdale Avenue and Washington), Hinsdale from 4-7 p.m. July 12. There will be champagne and appetizers.
