Epi-Works, A Home Grown Start Up

EpiWorks is the exclusive producer of several advanced layers and processes that are tailored for optimal performance in particular applications. EpiWorks products are geared toward enabling higher performance integrated circuits (ICs) for the communications industry, leading to cell phones with longer battery life and high-speed Internet access for the home and office.

But EpiWorks is more than a manufacturer of high-quality epitaxial wafers; it's a next-generation epitaxial design and manufacturing company that brings expertise with epitaxy, device design, and manufacturing under one roof. Working closely with its customers, EpiWorks develops the semiconductor solutions that keep you a generation ahead.

The wireless and wireline communications industry has an insatiable hunger for bandwidth.

Epitaxial devices are the key to feeding that hunger. EpiWorks pushes current materials and device technology to the highest performance limits and is at the forefront in developing the breakthrough solutions that will drive the compound semiconductor industry to new heights.

Quesnell J. Hartmann, Ph.D.– Co-Founder, CEO, Director. Co-founded EpiWorks in 1997. Has led the company through the historical telecom downturn into a high growth, prof­itable enterprise.

David A. Ahmari, Ph.D.–Co­Founder, EVP & Director. Co­founded EpiWorks in 1997.

To watch the entire interview with the Epi-Works founders CLICK HERE

SPERRY VAN NESS TO OFFER RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY SERVICES

· SVN Forges Strategic Alliance with GreenPoint Partners to Deliver Sustainability Solutions For Commercial Real Estate Owners and Users

IRVINE, CA – OCTOBER 14, 2010. Sperry Van Ness International has joined the GreenPoint Network, an alliance of real estate firms dedicated to helping clients achieve profitable sustainability. SVN Advisors in over 150 offices nationwide will receive training and resources to help clients identify energy initiatives that reduce operating expenses, increase building values, and capture financial incentives. GreenPoint’s engineers will perform energy audits and implement energy efficiency projects and solar installations.

“In the U.S., commercial buildings account for nearly 40 percent of total energy consumption and over two-thirds of electricity consumption,” said Sperry Van Ness CEO Kevin Maggiacomo. “And over the next decade, energy costs will likely be the fastest-growing component of building operating expenses. If a building consumes more energy than its peers, it will attract fewer tenants and trade at lower valuations. Through our partnership with GreenPoint, SVN Advisors can make an impact that not only increases a client’s bottom line, but is also good for the planet.”

Said GreenPoint CEO Dustin Gellman, “Energy efficiency and renewable energy are a real estate play. Green building retrofits impact cash flows, and real estate professionals can help property owners better understand the financial impact of energy initiatives on asset performance. We are delighted to work with Sperry Van Ness, an organization with a legacy of progressive thinking and innovation in the real estate industry.”

Sperry Van Ness Advisors will begin offering sustainability services beginning October 2010. The suite of services includes energy audits, competitive procurement, project management, incentives acquisition, and LEED certification. For more information, visit: www.SVNgreen.com

About Sperry Van Ness International

Founded in 1987, Sperry Van Ness is has approximately 900 advisors in more than 150 locations throughout the U.S. Sperry Van Ness delivers results for clients through a proven business model that provides advanced marketing and technology tools. Based in Irvine, Calif., the firm provides brokerage, consultation, asset management, property management, leasing, accelerated marketing, and auction services. Sperry Van Ness transactions total more than $11 billion annually in office, multifamily, retail, industrial, self-storage, hospitality and land transactions. For more information, please visit www.svn.com

Midland States Bank is on the Grow!

Leon J. Holschbach serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the bank and its holding company Midland States Bancorp, Inc. and is Vice Chairman of both the bank and holding company boards. He serves on the bank’s Asset / Liability Committee, Trust, and Loan Committees. Mr. Holschbach shares his vision and values in this unique and interesting interview. Since taking the helm at Midland he has overseen the growth of the bank from assest of just under 400 million to aproximately 1.7 Billion. Not a bad record considering that it all happened in less than three years! Prior to joining Midland States Bank in August 2007, Mr. Holschbach held the positions of: Regional Market President, Community Bank Group at AMCORE Bank from 2000-2007; President/CEO/Director AMCORE Bank North Central N.A. from 1997-2000; and President/Director Citizen’s State Bank from 1979-1997. He received his B.A. in Economics from University of Wisconsin in 1975. To watch the entire TV interview with Leon J. Holschbach CLICK HERE

L.A. Gourmet

Lauren and Annie Murray, the "L" and "A" of L. A. Gourmet Catering are sisters born and raised in the heartland of Central Illinois. Often referred to simply as the Murray girls.

The sisters have always been challenged by their entrepreneurial spirits. The daughters of a hard working business couple, they realized the importance of integrity and outstanding customer service at a young age.

Entering College, Lauren dreamt of a fast-track career in corporate finance and Annie aspired to be the Chef of her own gourmet restaurant. In the spring of 2003, there was a change in plans when the sisters realized that Annie's love for cooking and flair for presentation and Lauren's attention to detail and panache for event planning could be united to create the premier catering company in Central Illinois.

Lauren graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she earned a degree in Food Science and Human Nutrition with a concentration in Hospitality Management and a minor in Business Administration. Lauren represented the University of Illinois at the 2006 National Restaurant Association's Salute to Excellence Gala as a future leader in the hospitality industry.

Annie also received her Bachelor's degree in Food Science and Human Nutrition from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, with a concentration in Hospitality Management. Annie was an active member of many student organizations while at the U of I, including three years as the President of Illinois' Culinary Club and three years in the University of Illinois' Student Alumni Association.

Since l.a. Gourmet’s kitchen opened in September of 2006, the sisters have been honored to play part in the special events of Champaign and Urbana. After only two years of service, Lauren and Annie were honored by the University of Illinois' College of ACES as 2008 recipients of the Outstanding Young Alumni Award. Each year, the staff at L.A. Gourmet has executed countless unique events from cocktail receptions to bar mitzvah’s and hundreds of custom designed weddings with a modern twist on the traditional dish. Serving meals from fifteen guests to five thousand, the kitchen and wait staff is well prepared for an evening as simple or elaborate as your needs require.

Lauren and Annie's passion for food and entertaining is evident in their motto- "Eat well.Entertain often. Impress always." To watch the entire TV interview with Lauren and Annie CLICK HERE