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No. 1 Flooring Franchise in North America Eyes Statewide Development Opportunity with Aim to Grow to 55 Territories CHICAGO– Floor Coverings International ® (FCI), the No. 1 flooring franchise in North America, with locally owned Mobile Flooring Showrooms® and knowledgeable teams of trusted professionals, announces three newly signed franchise agreements that will bring its services to the greater Chicagoland area. Illinois proves to be a strong development state for the brand, now boasting 13 franchisees, spanning 31 territories. With a newly launched marketing co-op, company leadership continues to see vast growth potential  with aim to add seven franchisees in suburban markets including Bartlett, Batavia, Buffalo Grove, Lemont, and Northbrook among others. Illinois proves to be a strong development state for the brand, now boasting 13 franchisees, spanning 31 territories. 
 Behind the newly signed agreements are growth-minded and community-driven franchisees: Blake Latta, who boasts a 25-plus-year career in sales management and business development. He was ready to break free from the grind of corporate America and signed on for two territories, now open and serving the greater Wheaton and Naperville markets. Mike and Lori Macpherson, a husband-wife duo who bring collective experience in business finance, management, and marketing, are set to open mid-September and serve two territories across Barrington. Thomas Peterson, is a Chicago local with a strong entrepreneurial desire who is set to service the Near North Side Chicago neighborhood later this September. "While I'm grateful for what I've accomplished over my career, I've come to realize that I wasn't exactly on my perfect path," said Latta. "I've recently read two books that have inspired me to make this career change in search of my own Personal Legend, The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo and Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey. Collectively, these have affirmed my decision to pursue franchising and gain freedom in opening my own business. FCI's proven business model , paired with the transferrable skills I've attained from more than two decades of business experience, I'm confident becoming a franchise owner with FCI puts me on my perfect path." With seasoned experts  committed to franchisee support and helping drive strong performance, FCI is growing with both existing owners looking to add additional territories and franchisees seeking to diversify their portfolios in the home improvement space. With franchise inquiries are up 45% year-over-year, FCI aims to award 90 total franchises by year-end, bringing its total operating franchises to 250. "We've set forth aggressive franchise development goals, and welcoming strong franchisees who are able to bring our services to life is paramount to deliver on our future success," said Tom Wood, President & CEO of Floor Coverings International. "Customers are looking for home remodeling capabilities from someone who is local, who they can trust for consistent and high-quality services. Our teams continue to work tirelessly to keep our brand and our franchisees ahead of the curve in providing innovative, personalized, high-quality products and services that deliver on our commitment to an unrelenting focus on customer satisfaction." With the $48 billion flooring industry  expected to rise, FCI is poised to continue its market leadership and growth. Since its launch in 1988, FCI has become the recognized market leader by building a robust network of 225 franchises across the country, serving more than 400,000 happy customers, and is showing no signs of slowing down. The leadership team works tirelessly to keep franchisees ahead of the curve by providing innovative, personalized, high-quality support  with an eye on maximizing unit-level volume. FCI has invested millions of dollars into marketing initiatives to strengthen brand awareness, including 22 marketing co-ops, a national ad fund, brand refresh, new website, etc., and as a result, franchisees are seeing the impact. According to FCI's 2023 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Top 50% of franchises generated $1,800,000 Average Unit Volume for 2022*. With prime territories available,  FCI is actively seeking growth-minded individuals who are involved in their community, boast leadership skills, and are eager to explore the world of franchising. When franchisees invest with FCI, they're investing in an organization with a strong culture, solid systems, and a proven business model backed with 30-plus years of experience in providing exceptional customer service. For more information about the franchise opportunity, please visit https://flooring-franchise.com/  or call 833-432-4669. About Floor Coverings International Floor Coverings International is the #1 Mobile Flooring franchise in North America. Utilizing a unique in-home experience, the mobile showroom comes directly to the customer's door with more than 3,000 flooring choices. Floor Coverings International has 225-plus locations throughout the U.S. and Canada with plenty of opportunity for continued expansion. For franchise information, please visit https://flooring-franchise.com/  and to find your closest location go to www.floorcoveringsinternational.com .

BUSINESS | Floor Coverings International Expands Footprint in Illinois with Three Signed Agreements

No. 1 Flooring Franchise in North America Eyes Statewide Development Opportunity with Aim to Grow to 55 Territories

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Molson Coors is Going Hard on All Things Peace, Love and Mischief with the Release of Peace Hard Tea CHICAGO– Molson Coors Beverage Company today announces that Peace Hard Tea ™ , the highly anticipated line of bold and vibrant hard teas crafted for 21+ consumers, is officially available at local convenience stores and retailers in the Southeast Region of the U.S. The release of Peace Hard Tea marks the latest innovation coming out of Molson Coors' relationship with The Coca Cola Company and is bringing the hard tea consumers have been asking for. 
 Molson Coors is going hard on all things peace, love and mischief with the release of Peace Hard Tea Peace Hard Tea is the ideal drink for those looking to toss norms to the side and harness their main character energy. The hard teas contain 5% ABV and come in three flavors: Freedom of Peach , Really Really Razzy , and  More Peace More Lemon . With fruit flavors so bold, they'll help you keep the summer vibes alive long after Labor Day Weekend. "Spend a little more time offline and make living life your full-time job. Peace Hard Tea is here for when you buck the norms that kill fun," said Joy Ghosh, vice president of Above Premium Flavor at Molson Coors Beverage Company. "With the launch of Peace Hard Tea, we're bringing 21+ consumers the bold and fruit flavored hard tea they've been searching for to shake up the norms of everyday life." With a Peace Hard Tea in hand, summer Fridays are a mindset, not a calendar date, and no one knows how to extend the summer into fall and winter better than the people of the Southeast. Hard tea fans in the Southeast can find Peace Hard Tea at local convenience stores and retailers in 24-oz. single-serve cans perfect for when you can slam your laptop shut at 3:00pm to catch your favorite band play. For more information on where to purchase Peace Hard Tea and when it will be available in your hometown, visit the product locator at www.peacehardtea.com . Drinkers of legal drinking age can share how Peace Hard Tea adds fun to their every day by following @PeaceHardTea on Instagram and Facebook. Please remember to celebrate responsibly.

BUSINESS | Here's the Hard Tea: Peace Hard Tea™ Hits Shelves this September

Molson Coors is going hard on all things peace, love and mischief with the release of Peace Hard Tea

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Transaction combines Subway's global presence and brand strength with Roark's deep expertise in restaurant and franchise businesses. MIAMI–Subway today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by affiliates of Roark Capital. The transaction is a major milestone in Subway's multi-year transformation journey, combining Subway's global presence and brand strength with Roark's deep expertise in restaurant and franchise business models. 
 Subway® Announces Sale to Roark Capital Roark is a private equity firm with $37 billion in assets under management. Roark focuses on investments in consumer and business service companies, with a specialization in franchise and franchise-like businesses, and prides itself on being a trusted partner for management and business owners. "This transaction reflects Subway's long-term growth potential, and the substantial value of our brand and our franchisees around the world," said John Chidsey, CEO of Subway. "Subway has a bright future with Roark, and we are committed to continuing to focus on a win-win-win approach for our franchisees, our guests and our employees." The transaction comes on the heels of Subway announcing its 10th consecutive quarter of positive same store sales . The company will continue to execute its strategy with a focus on sales growth, menu innovation, modernization of restaurants, overall guest experience improvements, and international expansion. J.P. Morgan is serving as financial advisor and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP is serving as legal counsel to Subway. Timing is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. About Subway® Restaurants 
 As one of the world's largest quick service restaurant brands, Subway serves freshly made-to-order sandwiches, wraps, salads and bowls to millions of guests, across more than 100 countries in nearly 37,000 restaurants every day. Subway restaurants are owned and operated by Subway franchisees – a network that includes thousands of dedicated entrepreneurs and small business owners – who are committed to delivering the best guest experience possible in their local communities. For more Subway news visit: newsroom.subway.com. Subway® is a Registered Trademark of Subway IP LLC. © 2023 Subway IP LLC About Roark Capital 
 Roark is an Atlanta-based private equity firm with $37 billion in assets under management. Roark focuses on investments in consumer and business service companies, with a specialization on franchise and multi-location businesses in the retail, restaurant, consumer and business services sectors. For more information, please visit www.roarkcapital.com .

BUSINESS | Subway® Announces Sale to Roark Capital

Transaction combines Subway's global presence and brand strength with Roark's deep expertise in restaurant and franchise businesses.

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This award recognizes Delta Dental's impact and commitment to delivering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected SAN FRANCISCO– Delta Dental of California and Affiliates , the nation's leading dental insurance provider serving more than 45 million members, has been by recognized by Newsweek  as one of ' America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity in 2023 '. Newsweek  and Plant-A Insights Group  identifies America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity  in the United States by conducting a large-scale employer study based on more than 350,000 company reviews. "A diverse workforce is one of our key pillars to success, and we are honored to be recognized by Newsweek  for our efforts," said Brian Sherman, senior vice president and chief people officer at Delta Dental of California and Affiliates . "Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and programs aim to foster a cohesive and welcoming work environment in which every employee feels safe, included, respected and valued to take exceptional care of our customers, providers and each other." In the study, Delta Dental's diversity score is ranked in the Healthcare and Services industry. Other notable health care companies recognized in this category include Abbott, Bayer, Mayo Clinic and Quest Diagnostics. "Most companies these days talk a lot about diversity. It is common to hear employers emphasizing their efforts to recruit and promote people of different ages, races, genders, sexuality and abilities," said Nancy Cooper, Global Editor in Chief at Newsweek . "It is well-documented that workplaces filled with people with different worldviews are more creative, more innovative and generally make better decisions." Delta Dental is dedicated to achieving inclusion and belonging by embracing a diverse workplace. 
 The company's employee-led inclusion communities include Asian Pacific Islander Recognition & Empowerment, Alliance of Black Employees, Latinx & Hispanic Association of Nationwide Talented Employees, Family First, Spectrum for LGBTQIA+ employees and allies and Women@Delta. Delta Dental's core values of Trust, Service, Excellence and Innovation are unified in a shared commitment to embrace different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds to create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better results. Delta Dental is committed to providing consistent, quality access to oral health care, improving education and driving lasting policy changes to address systemic issues. To learn more about what makes Delta Dental of California an inclusive place to work and to join our team, visit our career page . About Delta Dental 
 Since 1955, Delta Dental of California  has offered comprehensive, high-quality oral health care coverage to millions of enrollees and built the strongest network of dental providers in the country. The Delta Dental of California enterprise includes its affiliates Delta Dental Insurance Company, Delta Dental of Pennsylvania, Delta Dental of New York, Inc., as well as the national DeltaCare USA network, and provides dental benefits to more than 45 million people across 15 states and the District of Columbia.* All are members of the Delta Dental Plans Association based in Oak Brook, Illinois, the not-for-profit national association that through a national network of Delta Dental companies collectively covers millions of people nationwide . For more information about Delta Dental of California and Affiliates, please visit deltadentalins.com . *Delta Dental of California's operating areas encompass Alabama, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, West Virginia and the District of Columbia.

BUSINESS | Delta Dental of California Named to Newsweek's America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversit

This award recognizes Delta Dental's impact and commitment to delivering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued

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IT'S BEEN AN EXCITING YEAR FOR OAK BROOK-BASED ACE HARDWARE OAK BROOK–Ace Hardware, the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the world, has already opened over 100 new stores in 2023, and is planning to open more than 170 by the end of the year. Globally, Ace has opened more than 1,100 stores in the past five years, while disbursing dividends of $345 million and providing a 39 percent return for Ace shareholders in 2022. Ace operates more than 5,800 locally owned hardware stores in all 50 states and 60 countries, with global sales topping $22 billion. Ace's unique cooperative business model offers local entrepreneurs not only the ability to become owners of their local store operation, but they also become one of a limited number of shareholders of Ace Hardware Corporation.   "With over 100 new stores already opened for the year, we remain enthusiastically bullish about the continued prospect for new store growth, "said Ace Hardware President and CEO, John Venhuizen.  "I applaud our local Ace owners for the pace with which they've integrated our digital efforts with our physical assets. Seventy percent of Acehardware.com orders are picked up in store and 20% are delivered to customers by our own red vested heroes, thus further advancing the relevance and necessity of our neighborhood stores." Ace's new store growth has been fueled by existing retailers opening additional locations, competitor stores converting to Ace and New Investors opening their first Ace Hardware store.  Interest in owning and operating a local Ace Hardware store continues to be at historically high levels.  Over 200 prospective new Ace retailers will attend the upcoming Ace Fall Convention, September 18-21, in Orlando, FL. Where they will experience best in class products, services and operating methods that have made Ace Hardware the fastest growing convenience hardware retailer in the country. Ace Hardware has continued to earn multiple industry accolades this year, including #1 in Customer Satisfaction for the 16th time in 17 years by JD Power and Associates, ranked #1 in their industry category and #7 overall by Entrepreneur Magazine's Top 500 in 2023, and ranking 5th among the Top 500 largest franchise systems based in the U.S., according to Franchise Times  most recent ranking. About Ace Hardware Ace Hardware is the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the world with over 5,800 locally owned and operated hardware stores in approximately 60 countries. Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., Ace and its subsidiaries operate an expansive network of distribution centers in the U.S. and have distribution capabilities in Ningbo, China; and Santa Catarina, Mexico.  Ace also owns Ace Hardware Home Services, a collection of local service companies with experienced professionals dedicated to helping homeowners complete home maintenance tasks. Since 1924, Ace has become a part of local communities around the world and known as the place with the Helpful Hardware Folks. For more information, visit acehardware.com or newsroom.acehardware.com.

BUSINESS | Ace Hardware Opens Over 100 Stores in 2023 On Track to Open More than 170 Stores Total

It's Been an Exciting Year for Oak Brook-Based Ace Hardware

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SMALL LOCAL BUSINESS COULD WIN $25,000 WITH YOUR HELP - VOTE TODAY! AURORA– The UPS Store Small Biz Challenge  celebrates small business ownership by inviting entrepreneurs nationwide to compete for the grand prize of $25,000, a feature in Inc. magazine, one-on-one mentoring with a well-known entrepreneur expert  and the opportunity to advance to the final round in New York City.    Local Aurora-area semi-finalist, Andie Groff,  is the owner of The Chocolate Shoppe , which offers the Kane County suburbs award-winning chocolates throughout the seasons. The Chocolate Shoppe’s products are 100 percent gluten free, while also catering to other allergy needs. Andie was selected out of more than 2,000  other competing small business owners to advance to the semi-finals, and now she needs the Aurora community’s help to garner votes. Here’s how the competition works. The semi-finalists will get the chance to flex their savvy business skills throughout a series of entrepreneurial-inspired challenges that will be submitted online and judged by a panel including Olympic-gymnast-turned-entrepreneur Nastia Liukin -- and YOU!   Now through Monday, June 12, you can visit Vote now for the 2023 Small Biz Challenge | Inc.com  to check out each semi-finalist submission and vote  for their favorite once per day. BUSINESS  AURORA  KANE

BUSINESS | The Chocolate Shoppe is a Local Area Finalist for The UPS Store Small Biz Challenge

Small Local Business Could Win $25,000 With Your Help - Vote Today for The Chocolate Shoppe!

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ENJOY EPISODES OF 'AN INSTANT WITH CHEF IZARD' ON INSTBRANDS YOUTUBE CHANNEL DOWNERS GROVE–Instant Brands®, a leader of innovative consumer lifestyle brands in housewares and small appliances, announced today that they have signed an exclusive Brand Ambassador agreement with Celebrity Chef Stephanie Izard, Top Chef and Iron Chef winner, to further increase awareness of Instant's portfolio of products, which includes the iconic Instant Pot® and Instant® Air Fryers, as well as Pyrex® and Corelle® among others. "This partnership is a natural fit for me because I truly believe in and use Instant Brands' products. I love how the products are so innovative and I'm excited to bring my unique twist to create fun flavorful meals using our favorite Instant® products," said Chef Stephanie Izard, owner of Girl & the Goat and Cabra restaurants in Chicago and Los Angeles and founder of This Little Goat product line. Earlier this year, the six-episode series 'An Instant With Chef Izard'  was an instant hit on the brand's popular YouTube channel, with more than 4 million views to date. "We are excited to expand our partnership with Chef Stephanie Izard as an exclusive Brand Ambassador of Instant Brands® products," said Ben Gadbois, CEO of Instant Brands®. "We share in Chef Izard's mission of bringing joy to consumers through food so she's the perfect partner to engage and inspire our consumers with exciting new ways to prepare and serve meals at home using our products." As part of the partnership, fans will have the rare opportunity to invite the world-class chef into their kitchen with a live interactive cooking class . Consumers can expect unique recipes, product tips & tricks, fun content and other exclusive experiences designed to help them take their culinary game to the next level. To celebrate this exclusive partnership, Instant Brands is offering customers a free This Little Goat Sauce and Spice Collection  (retail value of $50) with all purchases over $100 on their Direct-to-Consumer site, instanthome.com  while supplies last, making it easier than ever to bring her famous flavors into the home. Additionally, Instant Brands® is announcing a live cooking class to take place in January hosted by Chef Izard, as well as an exciting gift giveaway. The current episodes of 'An Instant with Chef Izard'  can be found on the Instant Brands YouTube  channel, and her easy-to-follow recipes are available on the Instant Brands Connect App  from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. About Stephanie Izard Stephanie Izard, James Beard "Best Chef: Great Lakes" recipient 2013, and 2011 Food & Wine "Best New Chef," is the Executive Chef and Owner of five Chicago restaurants: Girl & the Goat, Little Goat, Duck Duck Goat, Cabra, as well as bakery Sugargoat, and two Los Angeles restaurants - Girl & the Goat LA and Cabra LA. Izard also won the coveted title of "Iron Chef" in 2017 and was the 4th winner of Bravo's Top Chef in 2008. A 2011 James Beard "Best New Restaurant" nominee, Girl & the Goat has been praised by high-profile publications such as Saveur, New York Times, Food & Wine, and Better Homes and Gardens. Little Goat, Stephanie's highly successful follow-up to Girl & the Goat, features classic, Americana cuisine in a diner setting. In March 2016, Stephanie opened her third restaurant, a Chinese- inspired concept called Duck Duck Goat in Chicago's West Loop neighborhood. In 2019, Stephanie's Peruvian-inspired eatery, Cabra, opened on the rooftop of The Hoxton, Chicago and in 2020 Izard opened Sugargoat, an imaginative sweets shop and bakery. Most recently, Izard opened her first two restaurants outside of Chicago: Girl & the Goat and Cabra, both in downtown Los Angeles. Izard also created a retail product line called "This Little Goat," consisting of globally inspired cooking sauces, spice mixes, and everything crunches for home cooks and currently ships her sweets from Sugargoat nationwide in partnership with Goldbelly. Izard's first book, "Girl in the Kitchen," was released in 2011 and her second book "Gather & Graze" was released in April 2018. More information on Stephanie Izard can be found at www.stephanieizard.com  or follow her on Instagram at @stephanieizard. ABOUT INSTANT BRANDS Instant Brands designs, manufactures and markets a global portfolio of innovative and iconic consumer lifestyle brands: Instant®, Pyrex®, Corelle®, Corningware®, Snapware®, Chicago Cutlery®, ZOID® and Visions. With people-first and purpose-driven solutions in mind, Instant Brands is reimagining how people live, eat, connect, and play inside the home—and in the spaces where people gather. The Cornell Capital-backed company is headquartered in Downers Grove, Ill., and employs more than 2,000 people across four continents. Today, Instant Brands' products are in millions of homes worldwide. For more information visit Instant Brands  or join the community at LinkedIn , Instagram , and Facebook . FOOD + KITCHEN DOWNERS GROVE DUPAGE

BUSINESS | Celebrity Chef Stephanie Izard Becomes Exclusive Brand Ambassador for Instant Brands®

Enjoy Episodes of 'An Instant with Chef Izard' on the InstaBrand YouTube Channel

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LOCAL FIRM RECOGNIZED NATIONALLY AND REGIONALLY Naperville (November 17, 2022) – The Collins Law Firm has been recognized both nationally and regionally as a 2023 Best Law Firm by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers. Only 2071 law firms out of 400,000+ in the U.S earned national recognition this year. We are proud to have received the following rankings from Best Lawyers: National Tier 2: Litigation - Environmental National Tier 3: Mass Tort / Class Actions  Regional Tier 1 - Chicago: Litigation - Environmental Regional Tier 2 - Chicago: Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiff Regional Tier 3 - Chicago:        Commercial Litigation       Mass Tort / Class Actions  "We are grateful to U.S. News and Best Lawyers to have included us among the very best law firms in Chicago and the nation," said partner Shawn Collins.  The Collins Law Firm team is pictured above. – Photo Submitted BUSINESS 
 
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BUSINESS | The Collins Law Firm Named a 2023 Best Law Firm by U.S. News and Best Lawyers

Local Law Firm Recognized Nationally and Regionally

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Additional schools in Algonquin and Lincoln Park Cement Goldfish Swim School Status as Largest Water Safety and Swim Lesson Provider in Chicagoland CHICAGO–Goldfish Swim School, https://www.goldfishswimschool.com/ , the country's leading water safety and swim lesson school franchise offering infant and child swim lessons, is pleased to announce two new locations entering the Chicagoland market. A new 9,500 square foot location is under construction in the Lincoln Park  neighborhood of Chicago, and a 10,000 square foot facility is set to open in November in Algonquin . The newest additions to the Goldfish Swim School family, adding to the 13 currently operating Chicago-area schools, make the franchise the largest learn-to-swim lesson provider in the Chicago metro area. The Chicagoland area Goldfish Swim Schools have taught over 133,000 students in perpetual swim lessons and over 3.5 million swim lessons total since opening in the area 2013. As a system, Goldfish teaches over a million unique swimmers and over 185,000 students a week. Each Goldfish Swim School is individually owned and operated, and the Chicagoland schools provide job opportunities to more than 500 full and part-time employees. All Chicagoland Goldfish Swim School locations provide indoor, year-round swim instruction to children ages four months to 12 years-old in a safe, fun and family-friendly setting with highly trained instructors, small class sizes (max 4:1 student to teacher ratio), shiver-free 90-degree pools, and a state-of-the-art water purification system. Goldfish offers convenient scheduling options and families can easily book makeup classes when necessary. Goldfish Swim School is also committed to reaching diverse communities with water safety information and skills. Through Goldfish Gives Back initiatives, Goldfish Swim Schools in the Chicagoland area have received grants from the USA Swimming Foundation's Make a Splash initiative to provide swim lessons to underserved communities as well as raised funds to send dozens of Goldfish team members to build homes and teach the lifesaving skill of swimming in Belize. Goldfish Swim School also offers free water safety presentations to any interested community organization, school, scout group and more to continue to spread the message of the importance of water safety. "We are proud to provide quality swim lessons and the Golden Experience to Chicagoans since 2013, and we are excited to open these two new area schools to help more children learn to be safer in and around the water," Chris McCuiston, Goldfish Swim School Franchise CoFounder and CEO, says. "The importance of swim safety has not diminished over the last decade, and our owners and teams in Chicagoland are committed to going above and beyond to promote water safety so that we can together change drowning statistics and give kids the platform to make waves - in the pool, and in life." Goldfish Swim School franchise locations currently operate in: Arlington Heights Burr Ridge Glen Ellyn Elmhurst Evanston Mundelein Naperville Northbrook Park Ridge Plainfield Roscoe Village St. Charles Wicker Park Goldfish Swim School - Algonquin will open in November 2022 and Goldfish Swim School Lincoln Park plans to begin lessons in early 2023. Families can pre-register for swim lessons for preferred lesson times and dates and book a free trial class at: https://www.goldfishswimschool.com/chicagoland . About Goldfish Swim School Founded by husband and wife team Chris and Jenny McCuiston, Goldfish Swim School provides swim lessons and water safety instruction to infants and children ages four months to 12 years. Classes are offered by specially trained instructors in a safe, child-friendly and fun environment using their research-based philosophy called The Science of SwimPlay®. Headquartered in Troy, Michigan, Goldfish Swim School was established in Birmingham, Michigan in 2006, and opened its first franchise location in 2009. Recently, the brand was recognized by Entrepreneur in its Franchise 500® ranking, Franchise Times' Fast & Serious List, and Inc. Magazine's Top 5000. Goldfish Swim School is currently in the process of expanding franchise opportunities throughout North America, with more than 125 schools open, and an additional 120+ in development in more than 30 states and Canada.

BUSINESS | Goldfish Swim School Expands with 15th Chicago-Area Franchise Location

Now the Largest Water Safety and Swim Lesson Provider in Chicago

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Award-winning Comprehensive Childcare Provider Adds Seven Locations in Illinois, Virginia, and Ohio NAPERVILLE– The Gardner School , an academically focused childcare provider with twenty-four schools in seven states, announced the acquisition of The Compass School , a Cincinnati-based childcare provider serving families in Illinois, Virginia, and Ohio. The Gardner School is majority-owned by Quad Partners , a New York-based private equity firm specializing in education. In addition to The Gardner School, Quad Partners has helped build a number of leading childcare companies including The Learning Experience, Stratford Schools, and Endeavor Schools. "The Compass School's commitment to self-guided, engaged learning in a nurturing environment makes it a natural fit for The Gardner School family," said Scott Thompson, CEO and Founder of The Gardner School. "We will build on its proud tradition of excellence in academics and social-emotional development to provide a premier education for all our students." "I'm grateful to the families we've had the privilege of working with since 1999 and for the trust they've given us as educators and caregivers," said Martin Brill, President and Owner of The Compass School. "Their trust remains in excellent hands with The Gardner School and its approach to self-motivated growth in a safe, nurturing environment. The Gardner School's mission reflects the same core values and beliefs that our students and their families have relied on for 23 years." Daniel Neuwirth, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Quad Partners, said, "Martin and his team at The Compass School have created a remarkable legacy in their communities. We aim to honor and preserve all they have built and hope to provide more families access to such high-quality early childhood education." The acquisition includes all seven locations of The Compass School in Naperville, Illinois; Warrenville, Illinois; Cincinnati, Ohio; Powell, Ohio; Ashburn, Virginia; and Manassas, Virginia. The Gardner School serves students ages six weeks through five years old with a unique learning atmosphere incorporating a careful blend of traditional and Montessori learning styles. With a full suite of enrichment classes, a ten-week summer camp program, and highly qualified lead teachers, The Gardner School facilitates a rich learning environment that stimulates children's physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth. A research-based curriculum supports students' emerging sense of self while encouraging intellectual growth, exploration, and socialization. About The Gardner School Founded in 2004, The Gardner School is an academically-focused preschool for ages six weeks through five years old. Headquartered in Franklin, TN, The Gardner School has schools located in Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, Minnesota, Tennessee, and Virginia. For more information, please visit www.thegardnerschool.com . About Quad Partners Quad Partners  is a private equity firm committed to creating long-term value by investing in and building high-quality education companies. Founded in 2000 by Lincoln Frank and Daniel Neuwirth, Quad has invested in more than 60 education companies, either as platforms or add-on acquisitions. BUSINESS NAPERVILLE DUPAGE

BUSINESS | The Gardner School Announces Acquisition of The Compass School

Award-winning comprehensive childcare provider adds seven locations in Illinois, Virginia, and Ohio

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HOW ONE LOCAL BUSINESS IS GIVING BACK TO THEIR COMMUNITY As a result of Assisting Hands Rockford  owner Paulina Sihakom’s engagement and volunteerism,  she was recognized  in 2014 as one of the “20 People You Should Know” by the Rockford Chamber Of Commerce.  She has been a community member since 1984 and she, her husband, and two children have immersed themselves in the community.  Growing up with her grandmother in Laos spearheaded Paulina’s desire and passion for caring and advocating for the senior community.  As a Laos refugee immigrant herself, she is passionate about helping socially and economically disadvantaged community members improve their lives by connecting them to resources for education and social services in the Rockford area.  “I find it an honor to care for our seniors community members as they have many great life experiences and stories that I can learn and help pass on to my children,” Paulina shares.  “Living in Rockford has many wonderful amenities.  Like all communities, we have opportunities to improve as well for that reason I have served on many various nonprofit boards in Rockford i.e. YWCA Northwestern,  Goodwill of Northern Illinois and the Lao American Association of Northern Illinois.”  Together, with her partner Jennifer Dexter, they bring nearly 50 years of professional experience to Assisting Hands to provide non-medical in-home healthcare in the privacy of a client’s home or Assisted Living Facility, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including overnight care.   Assisting Hands caregivers go through an extensive training program and are also connected in the healthcare community providing further assistance with coordinating services such as rehabilitation, assisted living, palliative care, hospice and even non medical services such as financial, beauty salons, etc. People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.   - Maya Angelou.  Assisting Hands Rockford 5301 E. State Street Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 884-CARE Assisting Hands Rockfor d proudly serves the following counties in Rockford and Surrounding Areas: Boone, Winnebago and parts of McHenry County. BOONE COUNTY Belvidere Caledonia Capron Garden Prairie Poplar Grove WINNEBAGO COUNTY Cherry Valley Monroe Center Roscoe South Beloit Rockford Loves Park Machesney Park MCHENRY COUNTY Harvard Hebron Johnsburg Richmond Ringwood Spring Grove Wonder Lake Woodstock

BUSINESS | Assisting Hands Rockford Provides In-Home Care for Seniors & Veterans and Gives Back

How One Local Business Is Giving to Their Community

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50,000 SQUARE-FOOT FACILITY ONE OF THE ORGANIZATION'S LARGEST OUTPATIENT FACILITIES BLOOMINGDALE–The newly expanded and renovated Northwestern Medicine Medical Office Building  in Bloomingdale, Illinois is now open. The 50,000 square-foot facility at 231-235 S. Gary Avenue is one of Northwestern Medicine’s largest outpatient facilities and features numerous medical specialties all under one roof. The project involved the acquisition of additional space and a complete renovation to house Northwestern Medicine Regional Medical Group  Primary Care and several specialties, including Cardiology, Endocrinology, Orthopedics and Gastroenterology. Additional services include Physical Therapy, and a new MRI in Diagnostic Imaging. The first phase of the project, which featured a new Immediate Care Center , opened in March of 2021.  “Expanding our specialties and size of the staff in this beautifully renovated and modernized facility will help meet the increasing need for high-quality outpatient medical services in the west and northwest suburbs,” said Patrick Towne, MD, president of Northwestern Medicine Regional Medical Group. “The teamwork and collaboration of our care teams under one roof improves the patient experience.” The office building features more than 70 exam rooms which are built nearly identical to promote standardization across the facility. It is helpful for medical providers to be able to walk into any exam room and know exactly where everything is and what to expect. Standardization also helps significantly with flexibility allowing different specialties to use the same exam room depending on volume, which makes the real estate footprint more efficient. In a first for Northwestern Medicine , the renovation of the Bloomingdale Medical Office Building features prefabricated modular exam rooms . More than 70 exam rooms were built as pods off-site  in an assembly-line fashion and delivered nearly complete to the medical office building construction site, where they are slid into place for final connections. The pods were 95% completed at the off-site shop with drywall, insulation, ceiling tiles, cabinets, sinks, electrical wiring, and plumbing. Expansion in the Bloomingdale area will continue in 2022 with the renovation of a building at 245 S. Gary Avenue to house a new Northwestern Medicine Comprehensive Spine Center focusing on spine health, pain management and physical therapy. To learn more about Northwestern Medicine Bloomingdale, visit www.nm.org/locations/bloomingdale-s-gary-ave BUSINESS HEALTH + WELLNESS DUPAGE

BUSINESS | Northwestern Medicine Opens 50,000 Square-Foot Medical Office Building in Bloomingdale

One the Organization's Largest Outpatient Facilities

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