11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Lower level Atrium, College of Business Building
6:00 – 7:30 p.m. - Brown Ballroom, Bone Student Center
In this tough job market, it is vital to distinguish yourself from other qualified candidates competing for the same position. Build confidence and learn how to showcase your skills before, during, and after an interview with Eric Hoss, author of “Removing Doubt in an Interview: A Better Way to get the Job you Want.” In addition to Hoss’ presentation, you will have the opportunity to network with industry professionals over dinner.
To register visit www.illinois.erecruiting.com or call the Career Center at (309) 438-2200. Business professional attire is recommended. This event is free and open to all students. Students are asked to bring a student I.D.
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., various rooms, College of Business Building
Various rooms, College (PDF) Instructions on how to register!of Business Building
Put your interview skills to practice by participating in a 30-minute mock interview. Each session includes instant feedback and coaching from real-world recruiters.
To register visit www.illinois.erecruiting.com or call the Career Center at (309) 438-2200. Business professional attire is recommended.
Chairman and CEO of Mesirow Financial
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Braden Auditorium, Bone Student Center
Jim Tyree's talk (mp3 file)
llinois State University graduate James C. Tyree serves as chairman and chief executive officer of Mesirow Financial, a diversified financial services firm headquartered in Chicago. Mesirow Financial is an employee-owned, private company with more than 1,100 employees in 30 locations across the country, Puerto Rico, and London. With over $32 billion in assets under management, the company is well capitalized and has been consistently profitable, with revenues for fiscal year 2008 reaching a record $492 million and capital of $246 million. Tyree's entire career has been with Mesirow Financial. He joined the firm in 1980 as a research associate and quickly rose through the ranks to be named president in 1990, chief executive officer in 1992, and chairman and chief executive officer in 1994.
Tyree’s vision is to build a firm that offers clients a range of high-quality financial services. To accomplish this, he has assembled a team of experts in investment management, investment services, insurance services, investment banking, consulting, and real estate. During his tenure as CEO, he led Mesirow Financial to exceptional levels of growth in all areas of the business. Over the past 20 years the firm has grown both organically as well as through over 50 acquisitions. Acquisitions of firms such as Stein & Company, a premier real estate organization, Near North Insurance Brokerage’s Chicago office, and Dann Insurance, two leading insurance agencies, and the U.S. Corporate Recovery practice from KPMG, have strengthened Mesirow Financial’s ability to serve clients with a variety of needs.
Throughout his career, Tyree has served on more than 50 corporate, civic and not-for-profit boards of directors. In 2007 he was appointed to the board of PrivateBancorp Inc., a publicly held commercial bank.
Tyree provides active leadership and participates in numerous organizations in support of healthcare, education, and children. In 2000 Mayor Daley appointed Tyree as chairman of the Board of City Colleges of Chicago, an organization with seven colleges and over 113,000 students. In addition Tyree is the chairman for the Chicago-land Chamber of Commerce and currently serves on the boards of The Executives’ Club of Chicago, Illinois State University Foundation, Roosevelt University, Illinois Education Foundation, University of Chicago Medical Center, and Big Shoulders Fund.
Tyree was chairman of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International from 2006 to 2008 and continues to serve on its executive committee and board of directors. In addition Tyree has held various leadership positions with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Illinois Chapter. He is member-at-large of its executive committee, a life member of its board of directors, and was named its 2004 Person of the Year.
A native Chicagoan, Tyree grew up on the South Side in the Beverly neighborhood. Tyree, his wife, Eve, their daughter, Jessica, and twin sons, Matthew and Joseph, reside in Chicago.
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Old Main Room, Bone Student Center
Meet Jim Tyree and network with industry professionals, community members, and campus leaders. Business casual attire is recommended.
Both the keynote address and networking reception are free and open to the public.
2:00 – 4:25 p.m. - (rotating sessions) Brown Ballroom, Bone Student Center
Making a smooth shift from student to professional is a big challenge. There are so many questions and unknowns. A team of sixteen College of Business alumni and Hall of Fame Service Award winners return to campus to provide insights and advice to students through eight mini-seminars featuring topics selected by current College of Business students. Each seminar will be repeated four times during the afternoon event. These sessions are designed to encourage interaction between the two co-hosts and audience members. A networking break between sessions two and three will provide an opportunity for students to speak one-on-one with the presenters. Extra credit slips will be given to students completing at least two sessions. The Thursday afternoon Transition Seminars are free and open to the public.
Schedule:
2:00 –2:25 p.m. Session 1
2:30 – 2:55 p.m. Session 2
Networking break
3:30–3:55 p.m. Session 3
4:00 –4:25 p.m. Session 4
Transition seminar topics and presenters:
What specific steps can I take to turn my entry-level job into a rewarding career?
Do I really need an MBA? If so, how do I decide when to get it?
What are five essential money management tips every new graduate should know?
What should I look for when negotiating job offers and comparing benefits packages?
What are five great tips for carrying on conversations in a networking setting?
What essential steps should I take to be fully prepared for a job interview?
Corporate image and expectations vs. personal image and lifestyle—What do I need to know?
How do I find and make the most of the mentor/mentee relationship?
7:00 p.m. - College of Business Building
The following speakers hosted by College of Business student organizations, will give individual presentations at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 2. These events are free and open to the public.
“Information technology means business: Create real wealth combining technology with business”
LaVerne Council ’86 MBA
Corporate Vice President and CIO, Johnson & Johnson
Room 357, College of Business Building
Hosted by Pi Sigma Epsilon, Financial Management Association, American Marketing Association and Business Information Systems Club
“The law of karma in business: Build success one good deed at a time”
Andrew Jackson ’80 BUA
President, BravoTECH Inc.
In 1996 Andrew C. Jackson co-founded Bravo Technical Resources, Inc. (BravoTECH), a business technology, professional services, and IT staff augmentation firm. BravoTECH now services the entire United States from its headquarters in Dallas. Jackson is involved in business and community organizations. He has been in the Texas Association of Business since 1986, serving as chairman of the Dallas chapter and chairman of the Fort Worth chapter.
Jackson is on the associate board of SMU Cox School of Business, Metroplex Technology Business Council, and is the CEO of Netweavers. He is also an active member in the Technology Executive Networking Group, Society for Information Management, the National Association of Computer Consultant Businesses, and was an active member of the American Electronics Association. Jackson has been involved in the North Texas chapter of the National Kidney Foundation, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Jackson received his bachelor’s degree in 1980 from Illinois State University and currently resides in Colleyville, Texas with his wife, Patty, and their two children.
Room 366, College of Business Building
Hosted by Beta Gamma Sigma, Beta Alpha Psi, MBA Association and Sigma Iota Epsilon
“The road ahead for Illinois: Politics, government, and business”
Dan Rutherford (‘78, BUA)
Vice President, ServiceMaster Company, and Illinois State Senator
Room 139, College of Business Building
Hosted by Delta Sigma Pi, Business Administration Association, Toastmasters, and International Business Club
“Focusing on the important tasks: Achieving extraordinary results with basic management and personal skills”
Stefanos “Scottie” Venable ’86 Finance
Managing Partner for The PrivateBank, and Lieutenant Colonel for the U.S. Army Reserves
In 1998 Scottie received a master’s in business administration and became a vice president with LaSalle Bank in Chicago running financial operations. In 1999 Scottie was activated in the U.S. Army and deployed to the European Province of Kosovo. After a successful tour of duty, Scottie then returned to LaSalle Bank running their global purchasing and accounts payable functions.
Upon his second return from duty in December 2007, Scottie joined Bank of America as a senior vice president, continuing his role as the organization’s lead for global offshore operations. This past September Scottie moved to The Private Bank assisting in the start-up of commercial operations leading from an asset base of $4 billion to over $9 billion.
Scottie has been married to his wife, Deborah, for 10 years and they have three children: Valeria-Jean, Joshua and Zachary.
Room 244, Schroeder Hall
Hosted by Gamma Iota Sigma, Organizational Leadership Club and Collegiate Entrepreneur’s Organization
“Decoding generational differences: The business model of the future”
James Schlesser ’74,’76 M.S.,
Partner, Deloitte Tax LLP
Room 238, Schroeder Hall
Hosted by Student Accounting Society, Society for Human Resource Management and Sports Marketing Student Association
Vern McGinnis
Retired Vice President of Strategic Planning and Corporate Services, GROWMARK
Jack North
Retired Senior Executive Vice President of Financial Services, State Farm
In 1998 North was asked to join the president's office as a senior vice president. He had numerous responsibilities during his nine years in the president's office/chairman's council, retiring as a member of the office of the chairman.
North served on several non-profit boards. He is currently a board member of the Timber Pointe Charitable Foundation and a member of the foundation board at Second Presbyterian Church in Bloomington. North is the president of the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame board of directors, a reflection of his long time commitment to advancing women's athletics. He remains an avid Redbird fan.
Jack earned his bachelor’s degree in education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and his master’s degree in education from Slippery Rock State University. His commitment to the insurance industry is also reflected in his CLU and CHFC designations.
North and his wife Kim are the proud parents of Corey, an Illinois State graduate, who is currently a State Farm agent in Peoria. Their daughter Shelby is a first grade teacher in Plainfield.
Sharon Rossmark
Retired Assistant Vice President of Agency Distribution, Allstate Insurance
Sharon Rossmark is an innovative business leader with a thirty-year proven track record in the areas of sales strategy, implementation, change management, and process management.
She has extensive expertise in developing breakthrough strategies to drive revenue from independent contractor distribution systems. She is also the named inventor on six corporate patents. As assistant vice president of agency distribution for the Allstate Insurance Company, she led a $30 million division responsible for business support of the organization’s 14,000 exclusive agencies.
Rossmark led a cross-functional team to develop a turn-key process to reduce new agency expenses by 30 percent, which saved over $2 million in its first year. She also headed up the development and introduction of a new agency deployment model to strategically place agencies for market optimization. Rossmark is recognized for pioneering the establishment of Allstate’s first research and development location to serve as an enterprise resource and customer-facing laboratory to re-engineer, test, and evaluate new approaches to the retail insurance environment.
She is a past board member of the Allstate Foundation and is currently on the boards of the Sinai Health System and the College of Business Advisory Board of Illinois State University. She also currently serves on the Katie School of Insurance Board, the Oakton Community College Educational Foundation Board Investments Committee, and is a board member for the Chicago Human Rhythm Project.
Rossmark is a graduate of Illinois State University and holds a MBA from the University of Illinois—Chicago. Sharon and her husband currently reside in Northbrook.
Hosted by the MBA Association
On Friday, Dan Murphy will be presenting a keynote address along with three break-out sessions hosted by representatives from COUNTRY Financial, ADM, and the YWCA. This is an opportunity for students, alumni, and working professionals to gain expert insight as to how communication impacts business’ day-to-day operations. In addition, enjoy breakfast and the chance to network with featured presenters.
Leadership Day Keynote Presentation and Breakfast - "The Challenges of Global Business Leadership"
Dan Murphy
Vice President of Global Purchasing, Caterpillar Inc.
8–9:15 a.m.
Brown Ballroom
Interactive Leadership Workshops
9:30–11:20 a.m.
Participants can complete two of three seminars offered.
“Communicating effectively across generations”
“Effective strategies for balancing personal and professional responsibilities”
“Increasing awareness and sensitivity in a global business environment”
11:20–11:50 a.m.
Brown Ballroom
The College of Business is grateful for the support provided by the following Business Week 2009 sponsors:
Nicor Gas
Mesirow Financial
Country Financial
Archer Daniels Midland
State Farm Insurance Companies
AFNI, Inc.
Brian & Beckie Christensen
Caterpillar
Citizens First National Bank
Clifton Gunderson
Heritage Enterprises, Inc.
Hub International
Saint Francis Medical Center
US Bank
Widmer Interiors
Do you enjoy making things happen? Are you looking for relevant work experience and a chance to develop leadership skills that will truly set you apart from the crowd when interviewing with potential employers? Join the Business Week 2010 Team! Information about the available opportunities will be distributed at each Business Week event or can be picked up in the dean’s office, located on the fourth floor of the College of Business Building.
Joining the Business Week 2010 Steering Committee
Timeline:
Tuesday, April 7
8:00 – 8:45 a.m.
College of Business Building, Room 412
Learn about the steering committee opportunities at an informational breakfast meeting with the Business Week 2009 officers.
Tuesday, April 14
Business Week 2010 Steering Committee job applications due in the dean’s office.
Tuesday, April 21
Business Week 2009 Steering Committee positions announced.
Position descriptions:
President—Employed in the dean’s office for 10 hours per week during fall and spring semesters. Responsibilities include coordinating the planning and execution of Business Week in conjunction with the dean’s staff and the Steering Committee.
Vice president/IMC coordinator—supports the work of the president and collaborates with the dean’s staff to coordinate all marketing and communications related to Business Week.
Campus IMC Coordinator—Actively promotes Business Week events throughout the University by communicating with registered student organizations and faculty members in other colleges across the campus.
College of Business IMC Coordinator—Ensures effective promotion of Business Week events to faculty, staff, and students within the College of Business.
Secretary—Manages all record keeping, organizational, and communication duties to insure smooth operations during the planning and execution of Business Week.
Catering coordinator—Plans and oversees all food-related needs for numerous Business Week events in collaboration with the president, dean’s staff, and caterers.
Participation coordinator—Assists the president and Business Week Steering Committee by welcoming guests to various events, assisting the catering coordinator as needed, and actively building interest among students in attending events and serving on the Business Week Committee the following year.
Career Center coordinator—Collaborates with Career Center personnel to plan, promote, and host mock interviews and the Monday night event with employers.
Alumni Day Coordinator—Works in conjunction with the dean’s staff to plan, promote, and oversee the Thursday College of Business Hall of Fame luncheon, afternoon transition seminars and evening alumni presentations.
About Business Week
Since the mid-1970s, the College of Business at Illinois State University has sponsored Business Week to foster students’ appreciation for the array of skills required in a dynamic global business environment. Through a week-long series of events, corporate and industry leaders interact with students, share specialized expertise, and explore important issues and cutting-edge developments. Business Week allows speakers to address topics such as educational preparation, leadership, service, etiquette, networking, goal setting, and career advancement. All of the activities and speakers were chosen by the Business Week Committee using input from students, faculty, and alumni.
Business Week 2009 Committee
Student executive members:
Vanessa Contreras—President
Kelli Pribel—Vice president/IMC coordinator
Meghan Buddemeyer—Secretary
Mallory Guymon—Secretary
Kaitlin Petersen—COB IMC coordinator
Lauren Kroes—Assistant COB IMC coordinator
Rachel Cobb—Campus IMC coordinator
Rachel Frazelle—Assistant Campus IMC coordinator
Ben Tiffany—Career Center coordinator
Kym Forsythe—Career Center coordinator
Zec Jagmin—Alumni Day coordinator
Sabrina Stout—Alumni Day coordinator
Michael Kasper—Catering coordinator
Victoria Miller—Catering coordinator
Howard Gross, Participation coordinator
Sarah Farrell—Participation coordinator
Angela Getty—Leadership Day coordinator
Jatan Vyas—Leadership Day coordinator
Faculty members:
Christine Knuth—Assistant to the Dean for Student Services
Amy Humphreys—Assistant to the Dean for Constituent Relations
Maureen Roach—Senior Assistant Director of the Career Center
BJ Newmister—Associate Director of the M.B.A. Program
Norris Porter—Director of Development
Chuck McGuire—Interim Dean of the College of Business
Student ambassadors:
Kyle Barber
Sandeep Basnet
Lindsey DiFiore
Natasha Imbrogno
Ken Kamentsev
Sarah Schmitt
Jessica Smith
Andrew Vuong
Special thanks to our Business Week R.S.O. Representatives
© 2009 College of Business, Illinois State University • An equal opportunity/affirmative action university encouraging diversity.• Privacy Statement • Comments: • http://www.cob.ilstu.edu • Campus mailbox 5500, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois 61790
