Entrepreneur Julie Savitt Wins Business Technology Makeover

CHICAGO, January 8, 2010 – Julie Savitt, owner of AMS Earth Movers, Inc., in Lake Bluff, Ill., has won the $35,000 business technology makeover, a competition sponsored by the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) in a collaborative partnership with corporate sponsors including Microsoft, Comcast, Techcare, Market M, Synergistic Networks, Directions Training Center, MXOTech and Chicago Office Technology Group.

Savitt was named the winner last evening (January 7) at a reception held for aspiring entrepreneurs at the WBDC, 8 S. Michigan Ave.  Judges, who interviewed the five finalists just prior to the announcement, were representatives of the various sponsors. Nearly 100 women entered the competition billed as “A New Year, A New Makeover.”

AMS Earth Movers (www.ams-earthmovers.com) is a construction material hauling company whose primary service is the hauling of aggregate, brick, broken asphalt, soil, and contaminated soil to and from job sites in the greater Chicago area.

“The judges were moved by Julie’s compelling business start-up story as well as her incredible entrepreneurial spirit,” said Hedy Ratner, co-president with Carol Dougal of the WBDC. “She sees obstacles as opportunities and owns an already profitable company that could benefit immensely from the technology assistance.”

Held November 11-December 18, 2009 the competition was open to any small business in Illinois who had been in business for at least two years and had a minimum of two work stations.  Applications were judged on the strength of the business, current business need, the financial strength of the company and the business owner’s explanation of how a business technology makeover would increase the business’s productivity.

Cisco Recognizes Techcare, LLC for Cisco Channel Customer Satisfaction Excellence

CHICAGO, January 25, 2010 - Cisco Systems is pleased to recognize and congratulate TECHCARE, LLC. (USA) for achieving Cisco Channel Customer Satisfaction Excellence.

Customer Satisfaction Excellence is the highest distinction a partner can achieve within the Cisco Channel Partner Program. TECHCARE, LLC. (USA) will be recognized for Customer Satisfaction Excellence so that Customers, Cisco personnel and partners will be able to identify you as having achieved outstanding customer satisfaction as part of Cisco's worldwide assessment process.

Customer Satisfaction Excellence is a core value we both share and a key driver of our current and future success.  Thank you for your commitment to the success of your customers.