The May Report: 11/14/2011: Part I (of 2): 2011 Chicago Innovation Awards: The ten winning products and services were: Red Frog Events; Navman Wireless’ Qtanium; Illinois Tool Works’ Global Capless; Tripp Lite’s SRCOOL12K Portable AC unit; Elkay’s EZH20; World Bicycle Relief’s Buffalo Bicycles; Appolicious; Callibra’s Discharge 1-2-3 Composer; Trustwave’s Trustkeeper; and Narrative Science plus many of the up and comers look strangely like a list of investments by Lightbank; Krahl construction officials indicted and somehow they were tied to the building that housed the Syncubator, and more.

Editor and publisher: Ron May, ron@themayreport.com, ronaldmay@aol.com, www.themayreport.com , 773-525-3944.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Scoop section:

PART I
– The Pritzker Group Completes Add On Acquisition
– Tuesday, November 15: i.c.stars TechBash Event
– 10 New Products, Services Recognized at Chicago Innovation Awards
– Ex-owner, execs of Krahl Construction indicted
– Callibra, Inc. dba Discharge 1-2-3 is Named Winner of 2011 Chicago Innovation Award
– Chicago Based Start-Up, Narrative Science, Named a 2011 Winner of Chicago Innovation Awards
– Wednesday, November 16: BNC Tech Pitch: DriShade and H.E. System Technologies along with interview of Troy Henikoff
– Wednesday, Nov. 30: MIT-EF lunch meeting: What’s your Mobile Strategy? Did you know that 40% of mobile phone users regularly browse the web on their mobile phones?
– Affidavit of Donna Simpson in the “Connolly case” — this was in response to a request for a TRO against Connolly brought by Craig Nelson, which is now a case being prosecuted by the State’s Attorney against Craig Nelson and the trial is Nov. 21st
– The Brian Connolly Criminal Case
– John Jonelis: Latest articles: An evening with legendary international investor, Loren Bukkett and FOUNDER IDEATION BOOTCAMP, An interview by John Jonelis with JASON JACOBSOHN
– Today, Nov. 14th, is the deadline for the discount for MIT-EF members to register for the Great Lakes Entrepreneurial bash

PARTII
– Bob Bock: Thank You For Attending, Enjoy A HUGE Discount To Be Part Of The Next Event!
– Wednesday, Nov. 30: Chicago Booth Marketing Roundtable – “Legal and Regulatory Issues Affecting Marketing and Advertising Professionals”
– Wednesday, Nov. 30: EDC luncheon: Research & Manufacturing Can Cooperate in Illinois Luncheon
– Tim Trummer: Some thought’s on Ron’s book writing plans
– An email I missed from Tarkus Murphy: From the Information Superglacier™ to the Carolinas
– Buzz Bissinger: Joe Paterno, Arrogant to the End
– Maureen Dowd: Personal Foul at Penn State
______________________________
The Scoop section:

PART I
_______________________
The Pritzker Group Completes Add On Acquisition

The Pritzker Group Completes Add On Acquisition
ronaldmay@aol.com
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A portfolio company of

Has acquired select assets from KOL Bio-Medical, a specialty distributor of medical devices.

Clinical Innovations develops, manufactures and markets state-of-the-art medical devices that improve healthcare outcomes for clinicians and their patients worldwide. With particular emphasis on healthcare solutions for women and their infants, Clinical Innovations employs high quality standards in every aspect of business to make advancements in technology and bring innovative ideas to life. Since its founding in 1993, Clinical Innovations has consistently expanded its worldwide presence, becoming the market leader in several product categories, including the Koala® Intrauterine Pressure System and the Kiwi® Vacuum-Assisted Delivery System. With ISO13485 certification and strong relationships with top worldwide medical distributors, Clinical Innovations has the systems and infrastructure in place to promptly respond to market trends and customer suggestions.

The Pritzker Group is a private investment firm representing Pritzker family interests. Its reputation is built on strong management partnerships and a focus on excellence. Led by Tony Pritzker and J.B. Pritzker, the firm has completed more than 50 transactions, with its primary focus on middle-market companies headquartered in North America. The firm seeks transactions with total enterprise values between $50 million and $400 million. The Pritzker Group offers several unique advantages as an investor and partner with management teams, including its “family” approach to owning and investing in businesses, long-term strategic investment focus, proprietary/permanent capital base, decades of investment and operating experience across a wide range of industries and substantial global relationship network to support the performance of its portfolio companies. The firm’s unique family heritage supports a culture that embraces long-term partnerships. The Pritzkers and their team have developed a reputation as high integrity, value-added partners and operators.

Anthony N. Pritzker – Managing Partner (Los Angeles)
J.B. Pritzker – Managing Partner
Richard B. Griffin – Partner (Los Angeles)
David J. Rosen – Partner
Jonathan Kron – Private Equity Counsel
Michael J. Barzyk – Vice President
Jonathan E. Maschmeyer – Vice President
Adam V. Milakofsky – Senior Associate
Sean M. Gillis – Associate
Rosemary H. Han – Associate

Los Angeles, California
11111 Santa Monica Boulevard
Suite 1650
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Phone: (310) 575-9400
Chicago, Illinois
111 South Wacker Drive
Suite 4000
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (312) 447-6000
______________________________
Tuesday, November 15: i.c.stars TechBash Event

i.c.stars TechBash Event
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from Iman Jalali – TrainSignal iman@trainsignal.com
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date Fri, Nov 11, 2011 at 6:44 PM
subject i.c.stars TechBash Event
hide details 6:44 PM (0 minutes ago)
Hi Ron,

There’s a great CIO/CTO event that’s hosted by i.c.stars, a Chicago workforce development organization, on Tuesday November 15th at Excalibur:

icstars.org/techbash/2011

TrainSignal is a presenting sponsor and I’d love to see more of Chicago’s tech community represented at this great event.

Thank You
_________________
Iman Jalali
Director of Sales & Marketing
TrainSignal – IT Training Products
www.trainsignal.com
p. 224-836-6204 (direct)
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/imanjalali
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Stealx
Inc. Magazine’s Fastest Growing Companies – 2008, 2009, 2010 & 2011
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10 New Products, Services Recognized at Chicago Innovation Awards

www.businesswire.com/news/home/20111108007344/en/10-Products-Services-Recognized-Chicago-Innovation-Awards

November 08, 2011 09:30 PM Eastern Time

10 New Products, Services Recognized at Chicago Innovation Awards

10th Annual Ceremony Also Honors Miles White, Beau Wrigley and Second City

CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The 10th annual Chicago Innovation Awards recognized the 10 most innovative products and services introduced in the Chicago region during the past year.

“The recognition of and support for innovation in the Chicago region is growing fast and living up to its promise as the most powerful economic engine of the new economy.”
.
Also honored at ceremonies Tuesday night at the Harris Theater:
• Miles White, chairman and CEO of Abbott Laboratories, who received the Visionary Award. Abbott has won more Chicago Innovation Awards than any other firm.
• Beau Wrigley, fourth-generation leader of the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, who received the 2011 Distinguished Innovator Award. Under his leadership, the company grew to $6 billion in sales from $2 billion and expanded its reach to 180 countries, assisted by his highly innovative approach to bringing new products to market.
• Second City, the Chicago-based leading brand in improv-based sketch comedy, whose owner and CEO, Andrew Alexander, accepted the Spirit of Innovation award; the troupe entertained at the awards event.
The ten winning products and services were: Red Frog Events; Navman Wireless’ Qtanium; Illinois Tool Works’ Global Capless; Tripp Lite’s SRCOOL12K Portable AC unit; Elkay’s EZH20; World Bicycle Relief’s Buffalo Bicycles; Appolicious; Callibra’s Discharge 1-2-3 Composer; Trustwave’s Trustkeeper; and Narrative Science.
They represented the full range of innovation in the Chicago region and the diversity of its economy. The winning products included Tripp Lite’s breakthrough approach to cooling data centers and networking environments to Red Frog Events’ way of combining high-energy athletic events and good humor. The region’s burgeoning high-tech innovation community was represented by Trustwave’s cloud-based security system, while World Bicycle Relief uses a low-tech approach to bring transportation and small business opportunity to the developing world.
“The Chicago Innovation Awards shine a bright light on the creative spirit of the Chicago region,” said Thomas D. Kuczmarski, the awards’ co-founder (with local journalist Dan Miller) and senior partner and president of the innovation firm Kuczmarski & Associates. “The recognition of and support for innovation in the Chicago region is growing fast and living up to its promise as the most powerful economic engine of the new economy.”
This year’s awards drew more than 400 nominations, a record, and more than 1,400 attended the full-house event.
Recognition of the region’s vibrant start-up community came through the Chicago Innovation Awards’ expanded Up-and Comer Program, in partnership with J.B. Pritzker and Matt McCall of the venture capital firm New World Ventures.
The Up-and-Comers recognized were: Power2Switch; Tap.Me; FeeFighters; Alltuition; Nexvu; Eved; GiveForward; Clean Urban Energy; Excelerate Labs; and Technori.
The awards’ Gold Sponsor was Wrigley and Silver Sponsors were Comcast Business Class, Cisco, Disney Institute, Spigit, Google and Edelman.
For additional information on the Chicago Innovation Awards and tonight’s winners, please visit www.chicagoinnovationawards.com.
Contacts
Edelman
Ann Glynn, 312-240-2650
ann.glynn@edelman.com
________________________________
Ex-owner, execs of Krahl Construction indicted

www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/article/20111111/CRED03/111119945/ex-owner-execs-of-krahl-construction-indicted

Ex-owner, execs of Krahl Construction indicted

By: Ryan Ori and Dave MatthewsNovember 11, 2011

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(Updated 4:50 p.m.)

(Crain’s) – A federal grand jury has charged the principal owner of now-defunct Krahl Construction and eight other people in connection with an alleged scheme to defraud clients that resulted in losses of $9.4 million, the U.S. attorney’s office in Chicago announced Friday.

The indictment names John Paderta, 52, who was Krahl’s president and majority owner, and six former employees of the company, which shut its doors in January 2010 after the FBI raided its Near West Side offices.

Between 2005 and 2009, the defendants inflated the costs of renovation projects, which resulted in overbilling clients, according to the indictment.

The alleged scheme cost “Company A” $9 million in losses on a renovation project at 350 E. Cermak Road, the indictment says. While the identity of Company A is not disclosed in the indictment, the property is owned by Digital Realty Trust, which played a key role in uncovering the scheme.

Related story: Data center firm says it told feds of Krahl allegations

The alleged scheme also cost “Company B” $400,000, the indictment says. That company manages an office/industrial building in Bolingbrook known as Tallgrass, according to the indictment.

The Tallgrass development is owned by Philadelphia-based BPG Properties Ltd., according to the BPG website.

“You know, BPG was made aware of the investigation of Krahl back in 2010 and we were contacted by the FBI, and we cooperated fully,” says Joe Neverauskas, senior vice-president of BPG. “We applaud the efforts of the federal grand jury and all the agencies involved in this.”

The U.S. attorney’s office is seeking the forfeiture of what it describes as kickbacks received by two men who were not employed by Krahl Construction. It seeks the return of about $645,000 from Scott Solano and about $119,500 from Timothy Scannell.

Mr. Solano, 40, of Burr Ridge, a project manager first for “Company C,” which managed 350 E. Cermak, and later for Digital Realty Trust, was charged with one count of mail fraud.

Mr. Scannell, 48, of Chicago, was charged with one count of mail fraud. He was an employee of “Company B,” which manages a property in southwest suburban Bolingbrook known as Tallgrass Corporate Center, the indictment says.

Mr. Scannell was previously a vice-president in Chicago with Philadelphia-based BPG Properties Ltd., which owns Tallgrass. He is no longer with the firm, according to the BPG website.

Mr. Paderta, 52, who owned about 85% of Krahl, was charged with one count of mail fraud. The former Burr Ridge resident now lives in Fontana, Wis., according to the indictment announcement.

Mr. Paderta’s lawyer, Rick Halprin, said he had not seen the indictment and could not comment on the specific allegations but that Mr. Paderta will plead not guilty.

Other former Krahl employees indicted were:

Thaddeus Stepniewski, 50, of Lisle, the company’s former chief financial officer, on 15 counts of mail and wire fraud.

Doug Harner, 47, of Chicago, executive vice-president and part owner, on 15 counts of mail and wire fraud.

Scott Mousel, 48, of New Orleans and formerly of Lisle, a Krahl project manager, on five counts of mail fraud.

John Bak, 37, of Ringwood, a project manager, on one count of mail fraud.

Heather Ellis, 34, of Midlothian, a project manager, on one count of mail fraud.

Erin Scott, 36, of Clarendon Hills, a project manager assistant, on four counts of mail fraud.

“Scott Mousel was nothing but a very hard working project manager,” says his lawyer, Thomas Anthony Durkin of Chicago-based Durkin & Roberts Attorneys & Counselors. “He did not set policy at Krahl Construction nor did he design any schemes; he simply showed up, worked hard and did his job.”

Chicago-based lawyer Jack Friedlander, who represents Mr. Stepniewski, said, “I intend to prove that my client is innocent.”

Lawyers for Messrs. Bak, Solano and Harner and for Ms. Ellis declined to comment. Lawyers for Mr. Scannell and Ms. Scott did not immediately return messages Friday.

What do you think?
Jeff F. wrote:
I think the mail fraud charge is in line with what was happening at Krahl in relation to an over billing scheme. Mail fraud, in answer to Meera M’s comment is a law that prohibits the carrying out of a fraud or illegal act being done thru the mail or I believe even by fax. I wonder when the conspiracy charges will come.

What happened at Krahl was a combination of greed, lazyness, ignorance, arrogance and an overall stupidity not only of construction methods and means but of how to carry out a ethical business

In my almost 6 years with Kahl, they were constantly late paying subs, billing owners and paying vendors. It got so bad that it got to be common to be told lie as to why things did not happen on time, why items were missing or other coordination problems on the job.. I believe it got to the point where so many bills were submitted to owner/clients that they would at times be confused and due to the great deal of numbers and dates, not dollar amounts, that over billing and other payment irregularities commonly took place. I personally would urge any past clients of Krahl look closely at their old bills and I would ask the U S attorney to look into Krahls past hospital work for signs of overbilling and other irregularities since often times these institutions were getting state and federal monies.
Construction and the associated industries within it are honorable and ethical types of work. It is the low lifes like the Krahl higherarchy that drags it down.
Read more: www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/article/20111111/CRED03/111119945/ex-owner-execs-of-krahl-construction-indicted#ixzz1ddPHhaNy
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Callibra, Inc. dba Discharge 1-2-3 is Named Winner of 2011 Chicago Innovation Award

Callibra, Inc. dba Discharge 1-2-3 is Named Winner of 2011 Chicago Innovation Award

news.gnom.es/news/callibra-inc-dba-discharge-1-2-3-is-named-winner-of-2011-chicago-innovation-award

CHICAGO, Nov. 11, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ – Callibra, Inc. dba Discharge 1-2-3 of Schaumburg, IL has been named one of the ten winners of the 2011 Chicago Innovation Awards for their Discharge 1-2-3 Composer™.

The winners were announced at an event held at Chicago’s Harris Theater on Tuesday, November 8, with more than 1400 people attending. The Chicago Innovation Awards, celebrating its 10th year, is the Chicago region’s foremost recognition of the most innovative new products or services brought to market or to public service each year.

The Discharge 1-2-3 Composer, utilizing patent pending technology, allows Emergency PhysicNEWS.GNOM.ES fast “point and click creation” of custom patient instructions in multiple languages. The efficiency of the product can reduce physician time on this mundane task as much as 1 1/2 hours per physician, per shift, while breaking down language barriers between emergency departments and patients. Emergency Medicine clinicNEWS.GNOM.ES need to create patient instructions on a “patient specific” basis as much as possible without compromise of time. Patient Discharge Instructions inform the patient what their diagnoses were, educate them about their illness, provide clear guidelines for how to continue their care at home, and most important, when to seek further medical attention. The Discharge 1-2-3 Composer has already been licensed by leading Information System Vendors as an exclusive component for creation of patient Discharge Instructions and is available separately as well. The software functions the way clinicNEWS.GNOM.ES think facilitating a speed and ease of use that is simply unsurpassed. ClinicNEWS.GNOM.ES rave about the usability and the improvement in patient understanding.

“The new products and services brought to market in the Chicago region each year represent the most important economic engine driving the new economy,” said Thomas D. Kuczmarski, Co-Founder with Chicago journalist Dan Miller of the awards. “The economy is challenging but each nominee believes the simple truth that a powerful new product will find a rewarding market and each has the courage to pursue their vision.”

“We are extraordinarily proud to be a winner of the Chicago Innovation Award. To be recognized as one of the Top 10 innovators in the Chicago area from such a talented and diverse field of more than 400 nominees is an amazing accomplishment,” said Dr. Christopher Galassi, CEO and Technical Director of Callibra, Inc. “Chicago is a city built on innovation and allows us great opportunity”.

Callibra, Inc. will join the other winners of this year’s Chicago Innovation Awards in ringing the opening bell of the NASDAQ stock market in New York City on November 15, an opportunity provided by TechAmerica, a sponsor of the Awards. “It is one way of carrying the message of Chicago innovation to other parts of the nation,” said Luke Tanen, Director of the Awards.

There were more than 400 nominees for the 2011 Chicago Innovation Awards, representing an increase of more than 60 percent over the past two years.

The complete list of this year’s Chicago Innovation Award winners can be found at www.chicagoinnovationawards.com.

The Chicago Innovation Awards is a civic event, free-of-charge to all involved, and supported by sponsors including Wrigley, Google, Cisco, Comcast Business Class, Edelman, Spigit, Disney Institute, and others.

About Callibra, Inc:

Headquartered in the Chicago suburb of Schaumburg, IL, Callibra, Inc. develops health information technology software for emergency departments, hospitals, urgent care, and clinic settings. Since its launch in 2002, the company’s products have achieved rapid and eager acceptance by leading healthcare organizations nationwide. Discharge 1-2-3 instructions contained in the software are also available as separate documents for use in other systems from vendors such as Epic, EDIMS, and PICIS to name a few. Instructions are professionally written to be comprehensive, highly accurate, clear and understandable. Discharge 1-2-3 software is certified as an ONC-ATCB 2011/2012 EHR Module and meets “Meaningful Use” requirements for electronic discharge instructions, patient education and medication reconciliation. Discharge 1-2-3 instructions and document technology products are used in hundreds of hospitals for tens of millions of patient discharges annually.

SOURCE Callibra, Inc.

www.discharge123.com

Callibra, Inc. dba Discharge 1-2-3 is Named Winner of 2011 Chicago Innovation Award | Chicago Press Release Services – Chicago’s leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.
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Chicago Based Start-Up, Narrative Science, Named a 2011 Winner of Chicago Innovation Awards

www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chicago-based-start-up-narrative-science-named-a-2011-winner-of-chicago-innovation-awards-133534788.html

Chicago Based Start-Up, Narrative Science, Named a 2011 Winner of Chicago Innovation Awards

CHICAGO, Nov. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Narrative Science has been named one of the 2011 winners of the Chicago Innovation Awards. “To be named a winner of the 2011 Chicago Innovation Awards is a fantastic honor,” commented Narrative Science CEO, Stuart Frankel. “There are so many companies exploring exciting things here in Chicago and we are so grateful to the awards committee for recognizing the truly innovative work that we are doing at Narrative Science. It speaks to their understanding of the groundbreaking business impact that our product is having in the marketplace. Our technology platform supports and enhances the understanding of large amounts of data through the creation of narrative content.”
(Logo: photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111109/CG02735LOGO)
The winners were announced at an event held at Chicago’s Harris Theater on Tuesday, November 8, with more than 1,400 people attending. The Chicago Innovation Awards, celebrating its 10th year, is the Chicago region’s foremost event that recognizes the most innovative new products or services brought to market or to public service each year. There were more than 400 nominees for the 2011 Chicago Innovation Awards, representing an increase of more than 60 percent over the past two years.
Frankel also thanked Narrative Science’s customers for having the vision to be early adopters of the Company’s technology. “Our customers are the true innovators and have worked with us to refine and improve our technology.” Narrative Science can work with many different types of companies including media companies, data subscription services and companies that have proprietary data and a need to better understand and communicate insights from their data to their customers and employees. “We are here to help our customers tackle the challenges of large amounts of data by providing insights in an easy to read and easy to understand format.” Narrative Science will join the other winners of this year’s Chicago Innovation Awards in ringing the opening bell of the NASDAQ stock market in New York City on November 15.
ABOUT THE COMPANY:
Narrative Science, a Chicago-based technology company, turns data into stories and insights. Our proprietary artificial intelligence platform produces reports, articles, summaries and more that are automatically created from structured data sources. With amazing speed and quality, narratives are created in multiple formats, including long-form articles, headlines, Tweets and business reports. Narrative Science’s technology solution helps customers save time and money by combating data overload, time constraints, cost restrictions and scale issues. Our products help customers discover the insight that is hidden in their data and allows for the creation of new content at a scale that is simply unreachable given human resources alone. Founded in late 2009, the company was initially conceived at Northwestern University’s Schools of Engineering and Journalism and is now headquartered in downtown Chicago. Narrative Science is funded by Battery Ventures, SV Angel and Northwestern University’s endowment fund. To learn more, go to www.narrativescience.com.
info@narrativescience.com

SOURCE Narrative Science
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Wednesday, November 16: BNC Tech Pitch: DriShade and H.E. System Technologies along with interview of Troy Henikoff

Contact Business Network Chicago for event and ticket information.
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BNC “TechPitch” November 16, 2011
Chicago, IL

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Event Details

BNC “TechPitch”

Two startups pitch to an audience of angel investors, venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, bloggers and other tech enthusiasts.
If you are an early-stage tech company and want to present at “TechPitch”, contact David Carman at: 312-943-6376 or dcarman@BNChicago.com

Presenters:

1. DriShade has invented a razor-thin patent-pending umbrella backpack that combines the traditional backpack with the umbrella in a stylish way. No more forgetting your umbrella and getting caught in the rain or needing a hand to hold your umbrella. The company is in discussions with Tumi and Victorinox. To see a video of the product and people’s reactions at the ASD/AMD Merchandise Show in NY, go to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oulm_mDPtSU

2. H.E. System Technologies (www.hesystemtechnologies.com ) has developed the Hedex4, a high output, liquid-cooled, natural gas compressor with Super/Smart technology. This fueling-station technology significantly improves on natural gas compression and filling CNG-powered vehicles. The worldwide market for natural gas currently approaches 16 million vehicles with projected growth of 25% per year.
Interview:

Troy Henikoff is a serial entrepreneur who has successfully built 5 technology companies in Chicago over the past 25 years. In January of 2011, he sold his latest venture, SurePayroll, for over 100MM. He is a co-founder of Excelerate which mentors startups, a board member of the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center, a faculty advisor to Hyde Park Angels, a faculty coach to the New Venture Challenge at the U. of Chicago GSB, a charter member of TIE Midwest, and an adjunct professor of entrepreneurship at Northwestern University. In addition, Troy is an active angel investor who has invested in 12 Chicago startups.

Details:
Date: Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Time: 5:30 – 8 p.m.
Location: Perkins Coie, 131 S. Dearborn, Suite 1600

Admission price: $20 online, $30 at the door. (Price includes appetizers & drinks.)

Registration link: nov2011bnctechpitch.eventbrite.com
(Online registration ends at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 16, 2011. Price does not include registration fee.)

Evening Agenda:
5:30 – 6:00 p.m. Registration & Open Networking

6:00 – 6:30 p.m. 2 companies pitch their ideas
6:30 – 7:00 p.m. Interview

7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Open Networking

“TechPitch” is hosted by the law firm of Perkins Coie (www.perkinscoie.com). Perkins Coie represents great companies across a wide range of industries and stages of growth from start-ups to Fortune 100 corporations.
For more information about BNC, visit our website at: www.BNChicago.com

To learn about the BNC Venture Capital Group, go to: www.BNChicago.com/VC

Become one of our Fans: www.Facebook.com/BusinessNetworkChicago
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Wednesday, Nov. 30: MIT-EF lunch meeting: What’s your Mobile Strategy? Did you know that 40% of mobile phone users regularly browse the web on their mobile phones?

How to Use and Build Mobile Applications w/o Programming Skills for Your Business
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The Global Entrepreneurial Network: Connect. Inspire. Succeed.
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CONTINUING SPONSOR

MEMBERSHIP

For information on
becoming a member:
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Upcoming Events
November 17 – Combined Program with other entrepreneurial organizations
Holiday Party
January – Advanced Manufacturing
February – Economic Forecast
March – IL Math & Science Academy Business Competition Final
April – Fair — Pair
May – Whiteboard Challenge
June – Networking and Fun

Does your business have an App? Do you know how to leverage mobility to gain more customers, and support employees?
Educational Programming for the Busy Entrepreneur
How to Use and Build Mobile Applications w/o Programming Skills for Your Business

Wednesday, November 30, 12:00-1:30 pm
What’s your Mobile Strategy? Did you know that 40% of mobile phone users regularly browse the web on their mobile phones? By the year 2013 there will be more mobile web traffic than PC’s – so is your business leveraging what mobility for the following?
Customers
Employees
Advertising
Social Media
In this lunch and learn, we will explore what some of the top apps are to reach out to your customers, support employees and streamline accessing new prospects.
We will also provide a toolkit for learning how to optimize your website, email campaigns and tools to create your own mobile app without any programming skills required!
Register Now When
Wednesday November 30th
12:00 – 1:30 pm
Where
Law Offices of Ungaretti and Harris
70 W. Madison
Chicago, IL 60602
Cost
Free for members.
$10 advance payment for guests.
Register Now
For details, visit www.mitefchicago.org
________________________________
Affidavit of Donna Simpson in the “Connolly case” — this was in response to a request for a TRO against Connolly brought by Craig Nelson, which is now a case being prosecuted by the State’s Attorney against Craig Nelson and the trial is Nov. 21st

Donna Simpson
X
Inbox
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from B Matter bmatter111@yahoo.com
reply-to B Matter
to “ron@themayreport.com”
date Fri, Nov 11, 2011 at 10:04 PM
subject Donna Simpson
mailed-by yahoo.com
signed-by yahoo.com
Important mainly because of the people in the conversation.
hide details 10:04 PM (4 hours ago)
1. My name is Donna Marie Sekulich. I am at
least twenty-one
years of age. I
reside at 111 East Chestnut Street, Chicago, Illinois, and I am duly licensed
to practice law in the State of Illinois.
2. I have personal knowledge of the facts contained
herein.
3. On May 24, 2011 I attended the annual meeting of
homeowners of the 111 East Chestnut Condominium Association(“CA”). This meeting was held in the
Hospitality Room on the 9th floor
of the Building. Shortly after the announcement of the newly elected members to
the Board of Directors for the CA, the Board members moved to a conference room
on the 10th floor
for a Board executive break-out session. At approximately 8:00 pm a heated
discussion ensued between some board members. The then Board President Craig Nelson rose from his chair situated at one
end of the conference-room table and charged with clenched fists toward
Defendant Brian Connolly who was seated calmly at the opposite end of the
table. I expected physical violence to ensue. Yet another Board Member
interceded. Stood in front of Craig Nelson so as to block him from the
Defendant.
4. Further, Affiant sayeth not.

Comments: Donna AKA “Donna
Simpson”
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The Brian Connolly Criminal Case [sic: The people of of the state of Illinois vs. Craig Nelson]

The Brian Connolly Criminal Case
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Ron, Here is the contact information for Michael / Michael Boucher Ph: 773-852-4810
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John Jonelis: Latest articles: An evening with legendary international investor, Loren Bukkett and FOUNDER IDEATION BOOTCAMP, An interview by John Jonelis with JASON JACOBSOHN

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Ron,

You may be interested in the new article at www.CoreInsightStory.com/blog/ Featured is an interview with legendary international investor Loren Bukkett at the recent Technori event. The title is “The Young Entrepreneurs.”

John
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
THE YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS

12Nov

An evening with legendary international investor, Loren Bukkett

by John Jonelis

I’m standing beside the iconic figure of Loren Bukkett at a Technori Pitch event in Chicago. Everybody’s seen him on the news but this guy blends into to any crowd. Unassuming. Cheap rumpled suit. A hundred percent Midwestern. I knew his wife before they got hitched-she almost posed for one of my paintings but somebody stopped her-probably Bukkett himself. He shakes my hand absentmindedly and tells me not to call him “mister” as he scans the milling crowd in the lobby of the Chase Auditorium.

“I don’t see anybody over 30 here,” he says. Then his famous grin. “Except for you, John.” He grins some more.

I shake off the fact that he still knows my name. Total recall, I guess. “What brings you here, Loren? I didn’t think you invested in new ventures.”

“The ticket’s only ten dollars and the pizza’s free.”

“You flew to Chicago for free pizza?” In what, his private jet? I know this guy’s frugal, but c’mon.

He stops scanning and looks me square in the face. I feel the power of intelligence behind that casual persona. There’s a reason people hang on this guy’s every word. You don’t make that kind of money getting lucky at the racetrack, so I’m all ears when he answers my question: “Think about it,” he says, “Did you notice something unusual about the last two stock market corrections?”

“Yeah. Everything tanked. Fast and hard.”

He looks at me from beneath his bushy brows. “Do you recognize the importance of what you just said? Markets drop all the time. In the long run it doesn’t even matter. Tell me about the recent correlations with commodities and derivatives.” He waves a hand. “Of course, the big exchanges are right here in Chicago, so you know all about that. What do you see happening?”

The crowd gets loud and thick as I try to recall what I once knew about correlation coefficients. Finally, I blurt out an answer. “Just about everything dropped the same time, even the Futures.”

“You’ve put your finger on it. Correlations are all very close to one right now. That’s what’s so significant. Now look at all these kids. Do you suppose their startup companies move with the broader markets? What’s their correlation?”

“So you’re shopping diversification.”

“For public consumption, I’m just enjoying myself. Have you tried this pizza?”

I’m doing zero carb so I look around the room to distract myself from the food. I hear this place holds 500. Looks like they’ll fill it. The crowd presses around us. Buckkett’s been recognized. A 20 something asks for his autograph, which he grants. Some people form a line. I gesture to him and push my way through the bodies. He follows me through a door and up some stairs to the projection room. “Thought it’d be quieter up here,” I say.

Bukkett looks around at the equipment. “This is nice. Any chairs?”

I push a couple to a place where we can see the stage then decide to prod him for inside information. “Listen Loren, some of these startups are only asking for a quarter million. Isn’t that kinda small for you?”

He glances at me-a look bordering on pity. “You actually mean to say you don’t get it?” He pauses but I have no answer. “Don’t ever forget what I’m about to tell you: These kids are the future of capitalism in this country. If I see something worthwhile, I’m glad to fund it. The good ones always go through several rounds. When we’re in one of those, we’re with it all the way to IPO or buyout, or we adjust the management team and fold it into the portfolio.”

“A 100% stake? What’s that come to?”

“You figure it out.”

Looks to me like he’s talking millions, then the stage introductions start. I was right-every seat taken. Last month was standing-room-only so they moved to this beautiful auditorium. Clay Neighbor is onstage priming the audience, saying what a special place Chicago is to do business. We all know that. He gets a round of applause.

John Paski gets in a plug for the next Chicago TechWeek. At least half the audience raises their hands when he asks who’ll attend in June. That one will be on two floors of the Merchandise Mart. Cripes. 500+ speakers, 200+ sessions. Website www.techweek.com

Seth Kravitz-Tech guro and driving force behind Technori is speaking. He’s set up a Q&A method using text messaging. The audience gets to vote on what questions get asked.

Time for the presentations. Fifteen minutes each. I ask Loren for his take on what he hears.

LockBoxer

Jennifer Morehead – jmorehead@lockboxer.com

The company helps people create a home inventory and price their possessions. Type in your items, upload photos, and prices automatically post to your list from the company database. That’s valuable for insurance, for sales, and for the taxman who audits your giving. It places a hard valuation that stands scrutiny.

We hear about the recent WSJ profile of the company and the monetization plan. Their site links to the Salvation Army and Google. Major insurance agents are signing up for a pilot project to launch in January. Lockboxer is secure like a safety deposit box-that’s where they got their name.

I poke Bukkett. “Loren. Loren. What do you think?”

He leans over to me. “This gal is comfortable, even though the tech booth people fouled up her video. I like the idea. Home inventories are a terrible nuisance. Have you ever done one? There’s competition out there but that just proves how good the idea might be.”

BankBadger

Brian Busche

Want to teach your kids to understand money? Want to make banking fun? Want a simple way to do it? In this online bank, the parents are the bankers and control all aspects of the experience.

They use Badges instead of dollars and each badge can represent any amount the parents choose. The format avoids legal restrictions so kids under 13 can participate. Wow, I wish this was around when my kids were small.

It’s is a freemium model. They source parent’s names through Facebook. When one million users sign on, they’ll launch a premium service, perhaps with a stock market.

Bukkett: “Look at this one. He’s bootstrapping so far. It’s is a minimally viable project that’s already up and running. He’s letting it evolve. That’s how these kids are beating the big companies.”

Utellit

rishi@utell.it

Text and social media are dominating communications and they’re here to stay. Utellit enhances text messaging with voice. “Shoutouts” take the place of “Tweets.” Not only that, the system converts voice to text and posts it on Facebook. Other features make the app fun, including full-motion cartoons.

So I’m thinking, hey, I can text and I don’t need to fool around with that tiny virtual keyboard. Sounds good to me.

Bukkett makes no comment. I don’t know if that means he’s not interested or already in.

jumprope

www.jumpropetheapp.com

Loren sends me out for pizza and when I get back, he’s smiling.

Bukkett: “Look how fast these kids move. They’re launching this thing tonight. Great pitch-Don’t you get sick of waiting in lines? These guys make it possible to cut in line and the price depends on the length of the line. It’s mobile, social, local, and free to download. It interfaces with Facebook, Twitter, and email. Think this one might go?”

I can’t believe Loren Bukkett asked me a question like that. “You just like it ’cause it’s free.” That raises a laugh out of him.

Berst

Matt & Kaleb Foster. Email: team@berstapp.com Website: berstapp.com/

Where are your friends? Want to know? Want to text your group and share photos from your phone? Imagine a social media site that’s mobile and aggregates Twitter and Facebook with GPS. With Berst, you STAR members to your private group or use the search function to form an elastic group on the fly. At a sporting event, text chat becomes group chat. This one’s both Android and iPhone ready with Windows and Blackberry coming. It’s already in the App Store.

Bukkett: “This falls into the category known asl the creepy app because it keeps track of where you are. Young people don’t seem to mind it but the old folks do. They don’t like to be hunted.”

WizOra

Dan Devias, founder.

This company started at the recent Chicago TechWeek. The winner of the Bloomberg tech competition, it already has thousands of followers. It asks you five basic questions and pulls personal info from your social media sites, then feeds you recommendations for food, fun, savings and more. You rate the restaurants and see ratings posted by others. Over time, the software learns everything about you and gives highly targeted recommendations. It’s web based, with mobile on the horizon.

Loren taps me on the shoulder. “See how creepy it gets? Their asset is the knowledge of everything about you.”

“So you don’t like it?”

“I wouldn’t put it that way. Never let personal bias stifle dollars.”

Junto

Marcy Capron, Joe Poeschi, Matt Wanske, founders@thejun.to

Junto is the everyman incubator. It helps non-techs apply, fund and build their venture. Is your idea any good? Are eager users waiting? Can you build it? Can you get funding? What do you do next?

Junto helps you identify a minimally viable product then connects you with a community to crowdsource R&D, testing, mentorship, and funding. The community votes on ventures and funds them. It takes the risk out of a startup.

Most applicants are MBAs with good business plans. Junto helps these not-technical clients round out their offering. This company launched just nine hours before the presentation. They already have three startups. Junto doesn’t take equity from users, but rather a 5% share of the profits.

Speechless, I turn to Bukkett.

He nods and gives me a knowing look. “You help companies write plans and get funded, don’t you? This could run you out of business.”

We slip out into the pleasant evening air. Loren invites me for a hamburger. We wind up at Uno for a deep dish and beer.

The next Technori Pitch is Nov 29, 2011, 6:00 PM – 8:45 PM, Chase Auditorium. Sign up early-it’s bound to sell out. www.technori.com/

That’s what I heard. What did you hear? Comments welcome.

John Jonelis

Find Chicago Venture Magazine at www.coreinsightstory.com/blog/ Comments and re-posts are welcome and encouraged. I cannot guarantee accuracy but I give you my best. This is not investment advice – please perform your own due diligence. © 2011 John Jonelis – All Rights Reserved.

1 Comment
Posted by John Jonelis on November 12, 2011 in Chicago Ventures, Events, Technori
Tags: Angel Investor, Entrepreneurs, Funding, Invention, New idea, Pitch, Presentation, Startup, Tech, Venture Capital

FOUNDER IDEATION BOOTCAMP

28Oct

An interview by John Jonelis with JASON JACOBSOHN -

FOUNDER INSTITUTE IS COMING TO CHICAGO. Over 100 entrepreneurs signed up for Ideation Bootcamp, an intensive evening of learning and interaction. Jason Jacobsohn, the Director of the Chicago chapter, was kind enough to stop for a quick interview: In case you don’t know Jason, he’s one of the sharp knives in the drawer and a really nice guy.

Q-Ideas for new ventures are accelerating in Chicago at an amazing pace. Two VC firms recently launched. What do you offer an entrepreneur that’s different?

A- I think our approach is unique. Founder Institute is global. It’s a network of both startups and mentors and mentorship is crucial. It’s the main driver to help young entrepreneurs launch meaningful and enduring technology companies. Mentors share their real world experiences around specific topics. FI is a curriculum-based program from startup to fundraising. Each session is taught by three seasoned tech entrepreneurs. The goal is for each founder in the program to learn the good, the bad, and the ugly of starting a business from seasoned entrepreneurs. Another distinction is that we’re actually more interested in people than ideas. Ideas are everywhere but the real question is, are you ready to turn it into a business. Our model enables us to take on an entrepreneur at a much earlier stage than typical incubators or accelerators. We encourage pre-seed ventures.

Q-Tell me about tonight’s speakers.

A-We consistently draw great talent and I feel really good about that. Tonight we feature Sal Cilella and David Roth. Sal is a partner at gravitytank www.gravitytank.com/pov Sal’s an accomplished interaction designer who specializes in leading teams. First on the agenda-creating a compelling consumer experiences and bringing measurable value to clients. David is founder and managing partner of Get Stirred Up www.getstirredup.com/index.php He focuses on the branding side of innovation and works with both early-stage and established companies. Both the B2B and B2C arenas. David gained a lot of notoriety as a co-founding of the popular restaurant franchise, Cereality Cereal Bar & Cafe, which serves only cereal.

Q-Who attends these events?

A-Any aspiring technology entrepreneur might come with ideas. But a serial entrepreneur might show up with a blank slate. We believe the ideas will come-again, we believe in people first, technology second.

Q-Can you give an overview of tonight’s event?

A-Ideation Bootcamp is an educational opportunity. We put together people that can provide expert advice-people with real-world practice. The evening begins with talks by leading startup founders. We design the talks to teach the components of good and bad startup ideas. We also cover basics like how to better craft a 30-second pitch. Then it gets interactive. Attendees share their ideas with both experts and peers and get constructive feedback.

Q-What’s the next step?

A-Many of those who are here tonight will attend the first semester of the full program right here in Chicago. We have a nice turnout. Lots of aspiring technology entrepreneurs. Valuable insights. Excellent speakers. A great opportunity to let more people know that Founder Institute is coming to Chicago.

Contact Jason at jason.jacobsohn@founderinstitute.com

Find Founder Institute at founderinstitute.com/

That’s what I heard. I invite you to share your comments.

Find Chicago Venture Magazine at www.coreinsightstory.com/blog/ Comments and re-posts are welcome and encouraged. I cannot guarantee accuracy but I give you my best. This is not investment advice – please perform your own due diligence. © 2011 John Jonelis – All Rights Reserved.
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