The SBAC is fortunate to have several bankers in our organization committed to providing capital to small and medium size businesses.  We are truly thankful for the guidance, and opportunities, these folks provide their fellow members.  However, there are too many financial institutions claiming to be catering, and lending, to small and medium size businesses.  The time has come to separate the wheat from the chaff.

The SBAC has introduced Illinois House Bill 3469, which would require all banks doing business in Illinois to report the number of loans made to small businesses to the Illinois Department of Professional and Financial Regulation.  Through this bill, we will achieve transparency and be able to ascertain which banks are actually lending to small businesses and which banks need to do better. 

House Bill 3469

The Illinois Banking Act is amended by adding Section 48.8 as follows: Beginning on January 1, 2012, a banking house, branch, branch bank, or branch office shall report to the Secretary the number of loans made to small businesses as defined in the Small Business Advisory Act.

SBAC members, and especially our policy team, were pivotal in pushing this legislation forward.  We would also like to thank Dan Johsnon-Weinberger, our SBAC lobbyist, for navigating the waters for the SBAC in Springfield.  Again, we are privileged to have such a talented individual on our team. 

Finally, we would like to thank Representatives Sente, Biss and May for sponsoring this bill.   Your leadership on this issue is duly noted.  Please contact your State Representative (you can find him or her at www.ilga.gov) and ask him or her to support the bill.  

Our March Happy Hour is scheduled for Thursday, March 31st. Stay tuned for details.

We are also proud to present the SBAC's first promotional video shot at our August Happy Hour at the Jean Albano Art Gallery.  SBAC member Bennett Spencer, of Spencer Media, LLC, shot and edited this video for us.  Thank you Bennett for this and all you do for the SBAC. 

SBAC Promotional Video

SBAC And SaberGuard Form Strategic Partnership

The SBAC is  proud to announce Saberguard as a new strategic partner.  Saberguard is offering all SBAC members one FREE year of ID Theft protection!

Identify theft isn't just scary - it's the fastest growing crime in America. Indeed, 11 million Americans fell victim to identify theft in 2009. SaberGuard protects you with the identity theft protection trusted by major corporations, health care organizations, financial institutions, and the US government.  If your identity is ever stolen, SaberGuard will do whatever it takes to recover your identity and restore your good standing.

To take advantage of this free one year ID protection go to www.saberguard.com and enter the promotional code "SBACfree" to register.

Free Seminar On "How To Run A Successful Small Business In Illinois" Scheduled For March 8th  

Jewish B2B Networking would like to announce that on March 8th they will be offering a free seminar on "How To Run A Successful Business In Illinois."

This free seminar is perfect for small business owners and entrepreneurs who have been in business for many years or who just opened their doors last month. Small business owner want-to-be's are also encouraged to attend.

Topics Include:

· Legal

· Marketing & Advertising

· Bookkeeping & Accounting

· Small Business Administration

· Legislative Updates

· Insurance

· Taxes

· Technology

The seminar will take place on March 8th from 5:30-9pm at The Skokie Theatre located at 7924 Lincoln Ave., Skokie, Illinois 60077.

To learn more go to www.JewishB2BNetworking.com 

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Sales Sales Results Inc. Webinar Features How To "Get Business From LinkedIn TODAY"  

SBAC member Sales Results Inc. 

would like to teach other business owners how generate business by using LinkedIn.

If you are looking to get more new business faster, LinkedIn is one of the best ways to go. Most people we speak with are "on" LinkedIn, but haven't figured out how to actually get business from it. If you are willing to invest a little time to find out, please watch Sales Results' latest webinar called Tekworking. 

Tekworking2 25

To view Sales Results' most recent newsletter go to

Sales Results March Newsletter.  

Victoria Ross To Host James Maley For Presentation On "Insurance for Small Business"  

Victoria Ross

Victoria Ross will be hosting Mr. James Maley, LUTCF, Regional Marketing Director, Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company on Thursday, March 24, 2011 at 8:00 a.m.

He will be speaking for one hour on the topic "Insurance for Small Business".  Confirmation is needed by Friday, March 18 and can be done by telephone at 847.749.3381 or via email at vross@fintegra.net.

Free QuickBooks Seminar On March 8th 

North Shore Community Bank & Trust presents a free QuickBooks Seminar taking place on March 8th at Now We're Cookin'.

The event will take place from 8 - 10 am at 1601 Payne St., Evanston, IL.

To RSVP contact Laura Gartner at (847) 853-2145 or at lgartner@nscbank.com. Seating is limited so the deadline to RSVP by is March 4th.