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| | The May Report: 6/18/2010: Flashpoint and Tribeca, Robert De Niro's firm; What is up with Analyte Media?; Several mobile app events next week (TBIF, TC Mobile and a beer party); For Weinstein, it is follow the white powder road -- and maybe rehab, plus more....
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| | June 18, 2010
The May Report: 6/18/2010: Flashpoint and Tribeca, Robert De Niro's firm; What is up with Analyte Media?; Several mobile app events next week (TBIF, TC Mobile and a beer party); For Weinstein, it is follow the white powder road -- and maybe rehab, plus more....
Editor and publisher: ron@themayreport.com, ronaldmay@aol.com, www.themayreport.com , 773-525-3944.
If you missed an article, go here: http://www.tmronline.com/A55951/tmrarticles.nsf/vwFullNewsletter
_______________________________
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GP Ventures is focused on mergers and acquisition advisory services for technology companies in sectors such as Electronics, Equipment, IT services, EMS, Software, PCBs, Defense, Distribution.
Some current programs include:
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managed services, data center, IT testing company acquisitions
2) Sell-side program for $68 million Asian Plastics Contract Manufacturer
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Please contact Tom Kastner at GP Ventures (www.gp-ventures.com) for more information:
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Scoop section:
-- Motricity priced and closes down $.74 in first day of trading
-- Clarification by Matt McCall on something in the last report
-- Flashpoint Academy and Robert De Niro'sTribeca
-- Navistar says it has given up on plans to move its headquarters to west suburban Lisle. The company says its decision to locate elsewhere is due to residents of the village who are opposed to Navistar moving into their community.
-- Wall Street Journal blogs: Motricity's Incredible Shrinking IPO
-- Question about Analyte Media and why Julie Springer left and McCall offers his view
-- TechAmerica Foundation Reveals 2010 American Technology Awards Finalists
-- Mobile TECH cocktail Chicago 2 on June 24th
-- The Big Idea Forum - Mobile Soapbox - Come join us: Monday June 21st
-- June 26: RON...FREE BEER....AND YOU'RE NOT BARRED, YOU'RE INVITED!! Re: iPhone App Party!
-- Small Business Expo in Chicago: July 16th UIC Forum
-- [AMC] RIApalooza 3 Early-bird Tickets now available
-- Chicago FBI Field Office will provide a Counter Terrorism Briefing on June 24
-- Tuesday, June 29: Midwest Entrepreneurs Forum (MEF) will, host its Semi-Annual
Entrepreneurial Networking Event in the Western suburbs of Chicago
-- Here's an event we missed: Level 3 Financial Forum
-- Jeff Carter: World War 2 Museum
-- Miscellaneous letters from Bob Geras, Julie Hunt, John Katsantonis, Anonymous, Brian Connolly, Bill Scheurer, Zane Coleman, and Melanie Adcock
-- Report: IPA - International Profit Associates; Beware IPA Scam
[Editor's note: Ron May here. Thanks to my two new friends, Robin Stevenson and Karen Blanchard who sat next to me and my new buddy (five or six months) who has investigated the TIF story that will start Monday morning. We were sitting outside last night at Wilde on Broadway and Robin is friends with Howard Tullman and his wife Judy. I tried as usual to get any dirt on Howard but to no avail. Robin just loves him. Karen works for Glen Tullman at Allscripts. They alerted me to the Tribeca story which is now merged with Flashpoint Academy and the Navistar story. But Monday is the start of a series of reports on the TIF front, not only Steve Levin and Brijus but also the structural issues involved in the way the city handles TIFs. And Monday I may do my "Get your head out of your butt Gerry Roper" report calling for a rational system at the CEC based on high value add activities and core competencies, and not a return to political hackdom.
And on the Weinstein front, multiple sources are coming forward and the theme is follow the white powder road. Much more to come on this.]
______________________________________
The Scoop section:
____________________
Motricity priced and closes down $.74 in first day of trading
Motricity priced
6MM shares priced at $10.
Original deal size was 6.75MM shares at $14-16
symbol is MOTR
Closed at $9.26, down $.74 in the first day of trading
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Clarification by Matt McCall on something in the last report
From: Matt McCall matt@newworldvc.com
Subject: Last Report
Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2010 23:32:52 -0500
To: "ron@themayreport.com" ron@themayreport.com
Ron,
Just to clarify, Excelerate is a separate entity from the i2A and was started by Kapil and Sam Yagan. The i2A is involved as an investor as is Sandbox and others. David and Jason are/were not involved directly in it. So, no messaging or insights on my part.
Matt
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Flashpoint Academy and Robert De Niro'sTribeca
http://www.flashpointacademy.com/news/tribeca.htm
De Niro's Tribeca putting down roots in Chicago
By Mark Caro, Tribune Reporter, 1:33 PM CDT, April 13, 2010, chicagotribune.com
Tribeca is the name of a Lower Manhattan neighborhood, film festival, institute and production company, and now it has a strong Chicago association as well.
That's because the company founded by actor Robert De Niro, his producing partner Jane Rosenthal and her investor husband Craig Hatkoff has taken a 50 percent interest in the Loop-based two-year digital media vocational school Flashpoint: The Academy of Media Arts and Sciences. The school now will be known as the Tribeca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy as it opens a virtual pipeline between the 75,000-square-foot Clark Street facility and Tribeca's New York headquarters.
"It really means amazing opportunities for our students," Flashpoint president/CEO Howard Tullman said, noting that his school was "looking for a strategic partner as much as an investor."
"It's state of the art," Rosenthal said of Flashpoint. "It's really an amazing place. It just happened to be the right fit for what we were looking for."
Tribeca has been in expansion mode of late, overseeing not only the Tribeca Film Festival (launched in 2002 and running Apr. 21-May 2 this year) but also a virtual version of the festival, a cinema, a production facility and an institute involved in community outreach and education. Rosenthal said her company has worked with middle-school and high-school students before, but Flashpoint represents the first such partnership with an institution for more advanced students.
Built out in a high-rise kitty corner to Daley Plaza, Flashpoint welcomed its first students in September 2007 and has seen its enrollment grow from 110 students to the current 450, Flashpoint Dean Paula Froehle said.
"What Howard has pulled together in a very short period of time, it's almost hard to believe," Hatkoff said.
The school takes a contrasting approach to the film program at nearby Columbia College, which offers a traditional four-year liberal arts degree. Flashpoint is a two-year immersive program designed to prepare students, college age or older, for work in the digital media world.
Local-based filmmaker Harold Ramis has close ties to Columbia College, and also appears in Flashpoint's promotional materials. He said he still values a four-year liberal arts education, but he's also impressed with Flashpoint.
"It's a really cool facility," Ramis said. Calling Tribeca an institution that "does things right," he added, "I can't imagine this is a moneymaking enterprise for them, but as a pipeline for talent and well-trained students, it's probably a good thing."
To Rosenthal and Hatkoff, the partnership is less about bringing Flashpoint students into the Tribeca fold than boosting an industry in a state of wild flux.
"I've been in the industry for over 25 years, and I've never seen the industry change more," Rosenthal said. "The jobs and the skills (needed) are changing dramatically, and you need to stay forward thinking. The students that do come out of this program will help us keep our industry healthy."
Hatkoff cited a question posed by a Gates Foundation report: "How do we prepare students for jobs that don't yet exist?" Flashpoint, Hatkoff said, is poised to do just that.
Tullman said he envisions Tribeca Flashpoint students getting involved in various aspects of the film festival, such as working with filmmakers and helping them develop marketing materials and trailers. (Flashpoint students already have done such work on projects such as "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," distributed by Chicago's Music Box Films.)
Rosenthal said the specifics of the interplay have yet to be determined. "It's too soon to say what students at Tribeca Flashpoint will be doing at Tribeca," she said. "If students have the opportunity to work at Tribeca and if we have the opportunity to work with students, that will be fantastic."
mcaro@tribune.com Copyright © 2010, Chicago Tribune
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Navistar says it has given up on plans to move its headquarters to west suburban Lisle. The company says its decision to locate elsewhere is due to residents of the village who are opposed to Navistar moving into their community.
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=7463803
Ravi Baichwal
More: Bio, News Team
May 26, 2010 (LISLE, Ill.) (WLS) -- Navistar says it has given up on plans to move its headquarters to west suburban Lisle. The company says its decision to locate elsewhere is due to residents of the village who are opposed to Navistar moving into their community.
Navistar says some residents who opposed the plan to relocate in Lisle are jeopardizing the company's image, so it is going elsewhere. Navistar says the plan would have brought jobs to the area. But other residents thought it would create pollution, noise and traffic problems.
This is a complicated story that doesn't simply boil down to a big industrial company giving in to residents who don't want development in their backyard. Navistar wanted to consolidate most of its operations in Lisle and build a new research and development facility -- laudable goals even for the community -- it is just that they didn't trust the company to leave it at that.
Related Content
Story: Lisle school changes stance on trucking co. move
Story: Navistar hopes to set up HQ in Lisle
The century-old company known the world over for its industrial engines and vehicles says 7,000 direct and indirect jobs are not going to be protected or created now that it is abandoning its plans to move to a vacant office space, the 1.2-million-square-feet of the old Alcatel-Lucent campus in Lisle, three miles east of the current headquarters in Warrenville.
"It has evolved into a trial of Navistar, more importantly a trial of its supporters, and that is not something we signed up for and that our supporters signed up for," said Don Sharp, Navistar CIO.
It was supposed to be a world HQ for a company with deep Midwestern roots where engineers from company sites in Schaumberg, Downers Grove and Warrenville would work together. Navistar scaled back original plans for a robust testing facility for their diesel engines -- but wouldn't rule out future expansion.
"Really, what we are asking for is put it in writing, that what you are going to bring in here is going to stay that way," said Tom Stefely.
Stefely was part of Citizens for Healthy Development, a community organization of residents living adjacent to the proposed site. They used Lisle's planning and zoning processes to cast doubt on the wisdom of locating an operation with an industrial edge in their backyard, to the point where the company figured it was better to quit.
In a letter to the Village of Lisle Wednesday, the company said, "As this is jeopardizing our image and that of many innocent people who have advocated for us, we will no longer be participating in the planning and zoning commission process."
It was a plan that, after revisions, even had the backing of a nearby school for children with autism who were concerned about noise and emissions.
"The problem with the revised plan is it is not subject to a permanent sense of comfort. Navistar would not agree to commitments with the neighbors," said attorney Mark Daniel.
"This site is perfect for what they want to do," said Lisle Mayor Joe Baroda.
The company originally was going to have over 60 diesel engine testing stations on site, and that was reduced to six in the revised plan. Still, opponents say those run 24/7 and the plant would throw more emissions into the air than is currently allowed.
(Copyright ©2010 WLS-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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Wall Street Journal blogs: Motricity's Incredible Shrinking IPO
http://blogs.wsj.com/venturecapital/2010/06/18/motricitys-incredible-shrinking-ipo/?blog_id=106&post_id=6708
June 18, 2010, 12:04 PM ET Motricity's Incredible Shrinking IPO
By Scott Austin
For a company that has raised more than $400 million in venture capital over the past eight years, Motricity Inc.'s initial public offering sure is a small one.
On Thursday night its underwriters priced the offering of 5 million shares at $10 apiece, for a total of just $50 million in proceeds. That's a far cry from the $250 million it originally estimated to sell when it filed to go public, suggesting sluggish demand.
What's the rub?
For starters, the mobile-data service provider continues to operate deep in the red. It's never been profitable, although its loss in 2009, $16.3 million, did narrow for the first time in years and its revenue rose 10% to $113.7 million. Given that two other unprofitable venture-backed companies have had trouble this week - Broadsoft shares sank 8% on IPO day after pricing low and Solyndra pulled its offering - the market sure seems to be paying close attention to fundamentals.
But probably more meaningful is the fact that Motricity is in the midst of negotiating new contracts with its two largest customers, AT&T and Verizon Wireless, which accounts for most of the company's revenue (79% combined in the first quarter).
Carriers pay Motricity a monthly fixed fee to use its hosted software in order to offer messaging applications, storefronts, mobile Web portals, billing tools and other services. Some of them pay variable monthly subscription fees based on certain measures like the number of wireless subscribers using Motricity's software and the total dollar volume or number of transactions processed.
Motricity has two contracts with its largest customer, AT&T, which accounted for 40% of the company's revenue in the first quarter. One of the contracts, under which Motricity hosts AT&T's MediaMall storefront, is operating under an extension until October, and AT&T has the right to terminate on 90 days' notice. The other, which involves AT&T's Media Net and ATT.net portals, expires on April 22, 2011, but AT&T can terminate the contract without cause with six months' notice.
Likewise, with Verizon, which made up 39% of revenue in the first quarter, a contract under which Motricity hosts various portals expires on July 31. Verizon can "terminate for convenience," Motricity said.
"The failure of any of our significant customers to renew existing contracts on favorable terms, such as Verizon Wireless...would have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and future growth prospects," Motricity warned in its IPO filing.
Of course, Motricity may end up unscathed. But the fact that they rely so heavily on these two carriers, which are notoriously stubborn, is a red flag.
In the meantime, Motricity won't have nearly as much cash to spend as it hoped when first filed to go public. Subtracting out underwriting commissions and discounts of $4.3 million and estimated expenses of $7.9 million from the offering, the company will have raised just $37.8 million in proceeds, slated for investments and acquisitions. It did have $25.4 million in cash and $8.1 million of availabilty under a $25 million revolving credit line at the end of the first quarter, though.
Motricity will gain some more spending money from private equity investor Carl Ichan, who owns more than 16% of the company. In a last-minute move, Ichan is purchasing up to 1 million common shares in the offering (in addition to the 5 million offered by the company).
Motricity's stock is already trading down in the early hours. It could be a tough slog until the company can ensure investors it has AT&T and Verizon locked in.
______________________________________
Question about Analyte Media and why Julie Springer left and McCall offers his view
From: [Name withheld although not requested]
Subject: Ron, baby
Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2010 10:18:06 -0500
To: ron@themayreport.com
Ron:
Hi. You would have no reason to remember me...I met you a few years ago at a show.
Nice to see you still flourishing.
I have quite an interest in Analyte Media. Any news or scoop on why Julie Springer left...pissed off...and where she headed off to?
Not sure if you can answer questions like that.
I have quite a bit of info on them you may want? Who knows.
In any event, look forward to more May Reports.
[Name withheld although not requested]
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Subject: Re: OK, Matt, what's up with Analyte Media and why did Julie Springer leave?
Date: 6/18/2010 3:59:22 P.M. Central Daylight Time
From: matt@newworldvc.com
To: RONALDMAY@aol.com
Company is doing well, scaling nicely. Julie did a great job building out AM's marketing infrastructure and initial growth and wanted to move back to her sweet spot in financial services amongst other sectors from health care.
Matt
On Jun 18, 2010, at 3:38 PM, <RONALDMAY@aol.com<mailto:RONALDMAY@aol.com>> <RONALDMAY@aol.com<mailto:RONALDMAY@aol.com>> wrote:
From TMR, 7/29/2009
My sense is that Matt is telling it as it is there. J. B. and Tony may have the money, but they don't want to walk around acting like every decision is their's or they will lose support of the people who work with them, and if you know J. B., he does not have the "I'm the boss here" attitude that we might see with Flip and even David Weinstein.
Let me leave it there for today. But there will be more. Matt, it turns out, may be a blue blood by marriage. His wife is high society as is demonstrated by the NYT article on their marriage.
http://www.nytimes.com/1992/06/28/style/weddings-ashley-theriot-matthew-mccall.html
And here is a firm on whose board he sits that I did not know about.
http://www.analytemedia.com/board/
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The page for the board is not coming up on my computer.
______________________________________
TechAmerica Foundation Reveals 2010 American Technology Awards Finalists
Subject: TechAmerica Foundation Reveals 2010 American Technology Awards Finalists
Date: 6/14/2010 12:53:25 P.M. Central Daylight Time
From: ed.longanecker@techamerica.org
To: ronaldmay@aol.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TechAmerica Foundation Reveals 2010 American Technology Awards Finalists
June 14, 2010
Contact: Charlie Greenwald at 202.682.4443 or charlie.greenwald@techamerica.org
Anne Caliguiri Savoie at 703.284.5305 or anne.savoie@techamerica.org
Winners to be unveiled at an annual dinner on June 16th
Washington, D.C. - TechAmerica today announced finalists for the American Technology Awards, which bestows the only "Best Of" awards that recognize all technology products and services across the technology industry. Nominations for The American Technology Awards "The Termans" are vetted by industry experts and technology companies. These awards have been named after Frederick Terman, who is widely credited as being the father of Silicon Valley.
"We had a lot of nominations for these prestigious awards, and we congratulate these companies for rising to the finalist ranks," said David C. Thomas, TechAmerica's executive vice president, commercial development. "TechAmerica Foundation is excited to highlight these companies as they continue to influence technology development throughout the rest of the world."
The American Technology Awards will be presented for each of the inclusive segments of the technology industry: Aerospace and Defense; Clean Tech/Green Tech/Smart Grid; Cloud Computing/Software as a Service; Computers and Peripherals; Consumer Electronics; Cyber Security and Authentication; Electronic Components; Internet Services; Measurement and Control Instruments; Medical Devices; Server & Storage Technology; Software; Technology Consulting; Technology Services; and Telecommunications.
The finalists in all categories are listed below:
Aerospace and Defense:
Boeing Defense, Space & Security
Cognitech, Inc.
Systron Donner Inertial
TriQuint SemiConductor
Clean Tech/Green Tech/Smart Grid:
PV Powered, Inc.
Solexant Corp.
VAST Enterprises, LLC
Yulex Corporation
Cloud Computing/Software as a Service:
Moobila Corporation
Ontier Inc.
Peopleclick Authoria
Preparis, Inc.
Computers and Peripherals:
Panasonic Computer Solutions Company
Proton Data Security
Samsung Electronics American Information Technology Division
TANDBERG
Consumer Electronics:
Corning Incorporated
enTourage Systems, Inc.
SRS Labs, Inc.
TANDBERG
Cyber Security and Authentication:
Lockheed Martin
MXI Security
Netwitness Corporation
Sourcefire
Electronic Components:
Altera Corporation
ERAI
Exar Corporation
WiSpry, Inc.
Internet Services:
Aircell
hypios
Local.com
State of Minnesota - DEED
Measurement and Control Instruments:
Lansmont Corporation
Tektronix
Vektrex Electronic Systems, Inc.
Medical Devices:
Access Closure, Inc.
Air Techniques, Inc.
Aspen Medical Products
Regenesis Biomedical Inc.
Server & Storage Technology:
APTARE, Inc.
Falcon Stor Software
Netezza Corporation
Xiotech Corporation
Software:
Access Genetics
Informatica Corporation
Intacct Corporation
Kapersky Lab Americas
QlikTech
Technology Consulting:
Accenture (311 Online)
Accenture (NYC Stimulus Tracker)
Accuvant
SYSPRO
Technology Services:
Capgemini (Procurement-as-a-Service/eProcurement and Sourcing Solutions)
Capgemini (Testing Sources Innovation Lab)
Infosys Technologies Ltd.
Supply Chain Services, Inc.
Telecommunications:
Broadsoft
Cell Trust Corp.
On-Ramp Wireless, Inc.
Roundbox
The winners will be announced on June 16th at TechAmerica Foundation's Eighth Annual Technology and Government Dinner, which has been a premier Washington, D.C. networking event bringing hundreds of industry, congressional and government leaders together at one venue to celebrate the partnership between industry and government.
For more information, please visit www.techamericafoundation.org/thetermans.
About TechAmerica Foundation
TechAmerica Foundation educates industry executives, policy makers and opinion leaders on the promise of technological innovation to advance prosperity, security and the general welfare. Launched in 2009, the foundation is a 501c(3) non-profit, non-partisan affiliate of TechAmerica, the leading voice and resource for the U.S. technology industry. It disseminates award-winning industry, policy and market research covering topics such as U.S. competitiveness in a global economy, innovation in government, and other areas of national interest. The foundation also organizes conferences and seminars to explore pertinent issues with government and industry representatives and to share the foundation's findings. Learn more about TechAmerica Foundation at www.techamericafoundation.org.
____________________________________
Mobile TECH cocktail Chicago 2 on June 24th
Subject: Re: Frank, in plain text, what events, if any, do you have next week?
Date: 6/11/2010 11:50:59 A.M. Central Daylight Time
From: frank@techcocktail.com
To: RONALDMAY@aol.com
Hi Ron,
Our next event is Mobile TECH cocktail Chicago 2 on June 24th. Here is a link to all the details: http://bit.ly/mtcchi2
I'll send you a press pass so don't worry about registering. :)
Hope all is well.
Best,
Frank
On Fri, Jun 11, 2010 at 12:42 PM, <RONALDMAY@aol.com> wrote:
--
Frank J. Gruber V
TECH cocktail & Shiny Heart Ventures
@frankgruber | frankgruber.me
---
What are you thankful for?
http://thankfulfor.com
__________________________________________
The Big Idea Forum - Mobile Soapbox - Come join us: Monday June 21st
From: "Jed Abernethy" jedabernethy@comcast.net
Subject: The Big Idea Forum - Mobile Soapbox - Come join us: Monday June 21st
Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2010 08:33:40 -0500
To: ron@themayreport.com
Ron,
The Big Idea Forum is announcing its 2nd annual "Entrepreneurial Soapbox" to provide local entrepreneurs the chance to discuss their ideas, intellectual property, ventures etc. in a loosely formatted discussion / networking event.
600k presales of iPhone 4 says something......We're showcasing mobile innovation that could represent the "Next Big Thing" in mobile technology among a group of like-minded peers. Lots of innovative opportunities exist in the mobile space- we're interested in helping you vet the pairing of the business models to the ideas.
We've assembled an expert panel to provide industry perspective and candid feedback/commentary on the mobile sector. Audience members will also be asked to provide their feedback via mobile surveys.
Expert Panel:
Steve Subar
President, CEO
Open Kernel Labs
Bruce Simpson
Former President,
Novarra
Andrw Bezaitis
SVP Product Management
Aspect
Mil Ovan
Board Member TBIF, Serial Entrepreneur- mobile / Green Energy
Presenting Companies:
Our presenters are now selected and we 7 exciting mobile ventures that will step up to the Soapbox.
Date, Time Location:
Monday June 21st, 2010
ITA headquarters - 6-9:00pm
$ 10.00 fee to cover the support of TBIF
The format: 6:00pm- 9:00pm
6-6:30 Open networking
6:30 - 8:00 Soapbox presentations
8:00-9:00 Open networking
Interested in Attending? To make this a valuable experience for presenters and attendees we're going to try to keep the audience level at around 50 or so. Please use the following link to ensure you get an attendee slot (please only register if you really plan on attending): RSVP
Thanks for posting....
Jed Abernethy
The Big Idea Forum
www.thebigideaforum.org
____________________________________
June 26: RON...FREE BEER....AND YOU'RE NOT BARRED, YOU'RE INVITED!! Re: iPhone App Party!
From: Bob Geras bob@vcbob.com
Subject: RON...FREE BEER....AND YOU'RE NOT BARRED, YOU'RE INVITED!! Re: iPhone App Party!
Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2010 18:48:33 -0500
To: ronaldmay RONALDMAY@aol.com, Ron May ron@themayreport.com
Cc: karlazimmerman@sbcglobal.net, Ekeegan@edwardkeegan.com, "Elizabeth K. Garibay" lizgaribay@yahoo.com, Kim Grant kim@kimgrant.com
It just triggered a great name for a local bar
"The Chicago Bar Association"
Liz, if you really want a mob, I'll forward this to a few thousand of my nearest and dearest friends. "Be careful for what you wish, you might get it!!"
Bob Geras
On Thu, Jun 17, 2010 at 5:59 PM, Kim Grant <kim@kimgrant.com> wrote:
A Sutro Media author --
Begin forwarded message:
> From: "Elizabeth K. Garibay" <lizgaribay@yahoo.com>
> Date: June 17, 2010 4:26:00 PM MDT
> To: Liz Garibay <lizgaribay@yahoo.com>
> Subject: iPhone App Party!
>
> Friends,
>
> It is with much excitement to announce to you all that I have written an iPhone app based on Tales, Taverns, and Towns, my history of bars project. This edition focuses on Chicago bars and is called Chicago Taverns & Tales. The app will allow you to look up the history of over 100 bars in the city of Chicago.
>
> The app comes out soon and I will be hosting an iPhone App Launch Party on June 26th from 5PM-7PM. Invite is attached. It will be a great night of fun, live music, beer, and history and I will tell you a little more about what you can do with the app.
>
> It would mean a lot to me if each of you could make it out to the event - I would love to get a big crowd out to the bar. This is an open invitation and all are welcome! Please come, bring as many folks as you'd like, and please forward to anyone and everyone that loves Chicago, taverns, and history! Hope to see you there.
>
> Cheers!
> Liz
The party is at Sheffield's at 3258 N. Sheffield, Sat. June 26, 2010
--
Bob Geras
LaSalle Investments
312-440-0040
App Launch Invite.jpg
_________________________________________
Small Business Expo in Chicago: July 16th UIC Forum
From: "Johnson, Tom" tom.johnson@cityofchicago.org
Subject: RE: The May Report: 6/16/2010: Do you remember the scene in the Godfather where everyone gets it? Well, I'm back and this a start. Defense wins in Efoora civil suit -- jury only took 55 minutes do decide on favor of Larry Irwin; Dr. Ronald Michael, Blago
Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2010 10:24:31 -0500
To: 'The May Report' ron@themayreport.com
Ron
Hope your readers are saving the date for our free event with over 35 free small business expert workshops - 1,500 small business owners to network with and over 130 exhibitors!
The biggest Small Business Expo in Chicago is less than 30 days away
July 16th UIC Forum
Being more and more Tech every year - FREE - full day of workshops and now the City Treasurer's Office is offering anyone who puts the small business logo on their site a FREE LINK to one of the biggest business sites in the City - Full details at www.chicagocitytreasurer.com see news and Small Business Ambassadors
____________________________________
[AMC] RIApalooza 3 Early-bird Tickets now available
Subject: [AMC] RIApalooza 3 Early-bird Tickets now available
Date: 6/14/2010 6:28:00 P.M. Central Daylight Time
From: harvey@tillis.com
To: announcements@amcomm.org
Early-Bird Tickets are now available for RIAPALOOZA?3
RIAPALOOZA is back for it's third straight year, and we are working hard to make this one the best one yet.
Friday July 23rd, join your fellow RIA professionals for RIAPALOOZA 3 an invaluable event aimed at exploring and promoting the development of Rich Internet Applications (RIA).
What makes RIAPALOOZA unique is that it is platform-agnostic, instead of focusing on a specific framework or platform, we'll be covering practices and principles that apply across the board. Also, RIAPALOOZA is designated a "Power Point-free" zone meaning we have banished all boring marketing pitches and self promotions to ensure that RIAPALOOZA is loaded with valuable, real-world information and examples.
Save with Early-bird pricing through June 25th at which time we will be posting the full speaker/ presentation schedule.
RIAPALOOZA 3
Friday July 23rd, 2010
9:00am - 5:00 (Followed by RIA on Tap) ? ? ??
Illinois Technology Association
200 S Wacker Drive?
15th Floor
Chicago,?IL?60606
http://riapalooza3.eventbright.com
For details visit our website at http://www.riapalooza.com
Want to speak at RIAPALOOZA 3?
We are still taking submissions for speakers for RIAPALOOZA, the wildly successful day-long event aimed spotlighting Rich Internet Application (RIA) Development. The first two years were phenomenal sell-out events, and once again we are looking to assemble a stellar line-up of speakers.
You can find all the details on submitting a proposal on our website: http://www.riapalooza.com
RIAPALOOZA is a community driven, non-profit event organized through the cooperation between AUG Chicago, the Chicago Area Adobe Users Group, Chicago Silverlight User Group, Chicago Flex, CNUG, The Chicago .NET User Group.
?
AUG Chicago, The Chicago Area Adobe Users Group http://www.augchicago.org
--
Harvey S. Tillis
President
The Association for Multimedia Communications, Inc. (AMC)
P. O. Box 10645
Chicago, IL. 60610
773-276-9320 direct
http://www.amcomm.org
_______________________________________
Chicago FBI Field Office will provide a Counter Terrorism Briefing on June 24
Subject: FBI Counter Terrorism Briefing --- Jihad Use of the Internet, plus more
Date: 6/3/2010 10:54:16 A.M. Central Daylight Time
From: paul.sand@salaresecurity.com
To: ronaldmay@aol.com
The Chicago InfraGard Chapter is pleased to announce that the Chicago FBI Field Office will provide a Counter Terrorism Briefing on June 24 from 8:30-Noon CDT at the FBI Field Office, 2111 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago IL. This briefing will center on three topics: 1) A Counter Terrorism Threat Overview, 2) Jihad Use of the Internet, and 3) the David Headley Case. Note due to potential conflicts with ongoing investigations and activities at the FBI, speakers and briefing topics are subject to change without notice.
The briefing is open to the public, so please pass this information on to anyone who may be interested. Advance registration is required. Register at https://ct-cima.eventbrite.com. Please note that no personal electronics or cellular phones will be allowed into the building and state issued photo id is necessary to gain admittance.
More information about the Chicago InfraGard Chapter and chapter activities can be found at our website: http://www.infragard.net/chapters/chicago
Regards,
Paul Sand, For the Chicago Chapter of the InfraGard Members Alliance
Salare Security LLC
312.994.2336 (direct)
312.852.0145 (mobile)
815.572.8270 (fax)
paul.sand@salaresecurity.com
__________________________________
Tuesday, June 29: Midwest Entrepreneurs Forum (MEF) will, host its Semi-Annual
Entrepreneurial Networking Event in the Western suburbs of Chicago
From: "Jerry R. Mitchell" <jerry@jerryrmitchellandassoc.com>
Subject: The Midwest Entrepreneurs Forum
Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2010 12:01:35 -0500
To: <jerry@jerryRmitchellandassoc.com>
Thought you might be intrested in meeting new people.
Jerry
Great Chicago Well-Known Entrepreneurs Networking / Dinner Event
Description:
Midwest Entrepreneurs Forum (MEF) will, host its Semi-Annual
Entrepreneurial Networking Event in the Western suburbs of Chicago.
Date: Tuesday June 29, 2010
Time: 6:00- 9:00 PM
Cost: $40.00
Location: Yu"s Bistro 658 S State Route 59 Naperville, IL 60540
Restaurant Telephone: (630) 848-6998
Directions Below
We are hosting our June sit down Networking/Dinner event in the Western
suburbs of Chicago.
What is this event?
? A semi-annual get-together of many of the Chicago area's most
successful entrepreneurs, MEFs Board members, international representatives,
a host of budding entrepreneurs, and many of the Midwest area's most
influential business people.
? Enjoy a nice Chinese Dinner.
? Anyone interested in meeting entrepreneurs, and entrepreneurial
supporters such as lawyers, accountants, consultants, academics, and others.
? Anyone interested in working with early stage or entrepreneurial
Companies;
? Entrepreneurs looking for highly skilled management and ways to
enhance their company performance;
? Anyone interested in expanding a personal network;
? Anyone interested in attending a great party!
? Members of the scores of companies who have presented to the group
in the past.
Admission Fee: Cost Online Registration with Credit Card will be $40.00.
Online Registration fees are non-refundable! By registering on line you
agree that you have read this and that you agree.
For Online Registration please go to:
www.MidwestEntrepreneursForum.Org/CalendarEvents.aspx
You will need to select Networking event. You will be sent a confirmation.
We have rented the entire restaurant for our event so when the capacity is
reached we will close registration.
Seats are limited; our suggestion is register early so you are assured a
place at this event.
Dinner MENU:
Appetizers:
Crab Rangoon
Bon Bon Chicken
Szechuan Wonton
Scallion Pancake
Soup:
Chicken Corn soup
Main Entrée:
Honey Crispy Walnut Shrimp;
Twice Cooked Fish;
Orange Peel Beef;
Chicken Pan Fried Noodles;
Sesame Chicken;
Eggplant with Garlic Sauce;
Dry Stir Fried Green Beans;
Variety Mushrooms Oyster Sauce;
Includes: Soft drinks and Tea.
There will be a cash bar (NO CREDIT CARDS) which is not included in the
$40.00 price.
Directions: from Hwy I-88: get off on Route59 South, When you are going
South on Route59 it will be on your left just after New York/Aurora Ave,
(One side of street has one name other side has different name.) There is a
White castle on the North West corner Restaurant is on the South East side
just after you pass New York/Aurora Ave. Across from Fox Valley shopping
center. If you go one stop light past New York/Aurora Ave. (There will be a
Mc Donald's on the West side of Route59) and turn left (EAST) and then
another sharp left you will see the restaurant which faces to "Joann" store
cross parking lots.
For further information send an email to:
mailto:MEF@jerryrmitchellandassoc.com
______________________________________
Here's an event we missed: Level 3 Financial Forum
From: "McLeary, Jon Paul" JonPaul.McLeary@Level3.com
Subject: Level 3 Financial Forum - Event Reminder!
Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2010 14:03:26 -0600
To: "ron@themayreport.com" <ron@themayreport.com>
Ronald -
I wanted to drop you a quick reminder about the Financial Forum event we are hosting in Chicago tomorrow evening (6/17). Paul Savill, Level 3's senior vice president of product development will be in town as well and would love to meet with you at the event.
Let me know if you are able to attend.
Thanks,
Jon Paul McLeary
Media Relations
Level 3 Communications
Office: 720-888-3244
Mobile: 619-851-9694
jonpaul.mcleary@level3.com
WHO: Paul Savill, Senior Vice President of Product Development
WHAT: Level 3 Chicago Financial Forum
Join the local Level 3 Chicago team for a Financial Forum with the trading industry's leading technology partners and learn how firms are using next-generation networks, applications, hardware and proximity to gain a competitive edge.
Paul Savill, senior vice president of product development for Level 3 is interested in speaking with you about the company's initiatives for improving network efficiency within the financial industry - and specifically the Chicago area.
WHERE: Pazzo's
311 South Wacker
Chicago, IL
WHEN: June 17, 2010
4:00 - 5:30pm - Panel Presentation
Panelists include Arista Networks, Palo Alto Networks, Solace Systems and Telx
5:30 - 7:00pm - Level 3 Reception
Enjoy cocktails and hors d'ouvres with the Chicago team
______________________________________
Jeff Carter: World War 2 Museum
From: Jeff Carter jrcarter@me.com
Subject: world war 2 Museum
Date: Tue, 08 Jun 2010 14:26:05 -0500
To: ron@themayreport.com
Ron,
I have been appointed to the www.nationalww2museum.org board of trustees. Here is the link: The National World War II Museum Board of Trustees
I encourage everyone to make a donation to the museum(we are the national museum as designated by an Act of Congress, but don't receive a lot of government money). This year, we had a "$10 for Them" program and now every single veteran from WW2 can enter the museum for free.
The Museum is located in New Orleans, LA. It has a fantastic restaurant with one of the top chefs in America, John Besh. the Museum is still in the process of being built. So far, there are two buildings up, with 4 more that are going to be constructed. One building is going to be dedicated to "Liberation", and will deal with not only the horrors of the Holocaust, but also what happened to the survivors-and how many of those survivors changed the world for the better.
This year, the theme of the museum is the Year of the Woman. WW2 could not have been won without the efforts of women in America. It was much deeper than Rosie the Riveter, and essentially was the foundation for the Woman's Rights movement in the US, and the Civil Rights movement.
If anyone has a WW2 vet in their family, I urge them to take them to New Orleans. The museum is compiling video and oral histories of all the veterans that will sit for them. They archive and digitize them for historians to study. Families can also create an online memento or tribute for a WW2 vet using family photos, and archived photos from the museum.
Jeff Carter
_________________________________________
Miscellaneous letters from Bob Geras, Julie Hunt, John Katsantonis, Brian Connolly, Bill Scheurer, Zane Coleman, and Melanie Adcock
_____________________________
Subject: Fwd: three things
Date: 6/11/2010 3:56:45 P.M. Central Daylight Time
From: bob@vcbob.com
To: RONALDMAY@aol.com
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Sulphone@aol.com
Date: Fri, Jun 11, 2010 at 1:20 PM
Subject: three things
To: vcmaven@gmail.com
Gustav Flaubert :
"To be stupid, and selfish, and to have good health are the three requirements for happiness; though if stupidity is lacking, the others are useless."
--
Bob Geras
LaSalle Investments
312-440-0040
_____________________________________
From: "Hunt, Julie" julie.hunt@cityofchicago.org
Subject: Subscription for the Chicago Publishers Gallery
Date: Fri, 4 Jun 2010 16:25:23 -0500
To: "ron@themayreport.com" ron@themayreport.com
Dear Ronald May:
My name is Julie Hunt and I am writing to you on behalf of the Chicago Publishers Gallery at the Chicago Cultural Center. The Gallery is a permanent display housed on the first floor of the Chicago Cultural Center that showcases the vast variety of publishing ventures that are now taking place in and around the city. It contains a collection of 2300 books from over 100 area book publishers, 75 periodical publishers, and hundreds of Chicago authors. Due to the gallery's prime location in the Cultural Center, which receives nearly 25,000 visitors a month, the publishers in the Gallery receive a great deal of publicity and public interest. You can find out more about it at www.chicagopublishersgallery.com.
I am writing to you to request a complimentary subscription of The May Report--IT news for display in the Chicago Publishers Gallery--or, if you were part of the Gallery when we opened in October 2008 but are no longer, to reestablish our subscription. This is a great opportunity for you to raise the profile of The May Report--IT news by displaying it in a highly trafficked, public area. If you would like to display your periodical at the Chicago Publishers Gallery, please send one subscription to:
Chicago Cultural Center
attn: Danielle Chapman
78 E. Washington St.
Chicago, IL 60602
We would like to thank you in advance for your support of the Chicago Publishers Gallery--and for all you do to make Chicago a great place for publishing. Please do not hesitate to contact me via phone or email at any time with questions you may have.
Best,
Julie Hunt
Department of Cultural Affairs
Publishing Industry Programs
312.742.1584
Julie.Hunt@cityofchicago.org
________________________________________
From: "John P. Katsantonis" <jpkattt@att.net>
Subject: Do you remember the scene in the Godfather where everyone gets it?
Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2010 21:02:09 -0500
To: The May Report <ron@themayreport.com>
"Today I settled all family business."
_______________________________
Subject: Whatever that media demagogue Jarvis says, for the love of God do the opposite.
Date: 6/15/2010 2:05:38 A.M. Central Daylight Time
From: bconnolly@furthermore.com
To: RONALDMAY@aol.com
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/14/business/media/14ftc.html
_____________________________________
Subject: Bill Scheurer wrote on your Wall...
Date: 6/12/2010 12:31:42 P.M. Central Daylight Time
From: notification+phcre6e@facebookmail.com
Reply To: c+241oa260000008vgz6p2s00005jkpk22x0000008vgz6p0000009xvppa1iu1i@reply.facebook.com
To: ronaldmay@aol.com
Junk Score: 2 out of 10 (below your Auto Allow threshold) | Approve sender | Block sender | Block domain |
Bill posted something on your Wall and wrote:
"Ron, missed you at the TechCrunch Meetup last night. Are you up and about?"
_________________________________________
From: "Zane Coleman" zane.coleman@phostech.com
Subject: Please remove email address
Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2010 20:21:41 -0500
To: ron@themayreport.com
Mr. May,
I noticed that in your "May Report: 11/13/2009: Events, cards, and English Bulldog puppies" you posted my email address (zane.coleman@phostech.com).
I kindly ask that you remove my email address. I need to limit the spam that I get and there are many programs and people out there that pull email addresses off of websites.
Thank you,
Zane Coleman PhD
President
Phostech
1342 W School St. Unit 3
Chicago, IL 60657
www.phostech.com
(773) 789-9263
____________________________________
From: Melanie Adcock melanie_adcock@msn.com
Subject: RE: The May Report: 6/15/2010: Motricity, Inc. to price Wednesday night with 6.75 million shares at $14 to $16; Advanced Equities, Inc. and its clients is the largest common stock shareholder will own about 24% after the IPO and will be paid about $2MM f
Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2010 14:55:20 +0000
To: ron@themayreport.com
Dear Ron,
Sounds like all of this gossip has gotten you into hot water! Sounds like you could use a vacation. I think you should go to the beach and work on your tan.
Hope you are feeling better,
Melanie
Melanie Adcock
Cell: 312-833-1825
E-Mail: melanie_adcock@msn.com
Facebook Fan Page: http://bit.ly/MelanieAdcockFacebookFanPage
Bio: http://bit.ly/MelanieAdcockARC
Social Media Video: http://bit.ly/9FBD4a
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/melanieadcock
Twitter: http://twitter.com/melanie_adcock
______________________________________
Report: IPA - International Profit Associates; Beware IPA Scam
http://www.scams.net/community/showthread.php?t=73
Beware Ipa Scam
There is a company called IPA (International Profit Associates, Buffalo Grove, IL) that has been scamming small businesses on a nationwide basis, out of millions and millions of dollars a year.
The company is run by John Burgess, a disbarred felon.
The scam:
IPA (also known as IBA) sends a "business analyst" to small, struggling businesses. They hard-sell a financial consulting & loan acquisition service, with guaranteed results.
A consulting contract is executed (enforceable under Illinois law) with a 24 hour cancellation provision (ostensibly so that you can cancel at any time).
Once the agreement is executed, it is impossible to contact them to cancel before 3 or, 4 "consultants" arrive at the door (aggregate $800 per hour). At that point, if they are turned away, IPA claims $5,000-$8,000 in expenses (the first days consulting & "travel" expenses).
If allowed in, they churn fees at the rate of $800 per hour, during which time they are analyzing how much the company is worth to them cash flow wise; in other words how much they can draw out of credit cards and, accounts receivable.
Once you recognize that you have been scammed, they provide an invoice for their services.
Immediate cancellation = $8,000 fee
One day cancellation = $10,000-$15,000
Second day cancellation = $15,000-$20,000 fee, etc., etc.
They refuse to leave the premises until they are paid, intimidating many business owners (especially women) to charge the cost on a credit card or, write a check. Once they leave & the check is stopped or the credit card charge is attempted to be reversed, the business is sued, -in Illinois.
This forces the small business owner to cave-in or, otherwise hire Illinois counsel.
Many businesses have been bilked out of $50,000 to $100,000. Many owners have lost everything. This is has caused many bankruptcies & the demise of many businesses (and, marriages)
IPA pays politicians to speak at company functions - they employ photos of same to build credibility during their presentations.
I have been "investigating" this company since I was conned out of a claimed $17,000. During this time, I have amassed many "insider" documents including the psychographic profiles that they train their scam analysts to develop when sizing-up a target.
This company needs to be stopped.
It is unbelievable that a company such as IPA can exist in America.
Bart E. Greenhut, Los Angeles, CA
(310) 895-4210
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Report: IPA - International Profit Associates
Bookmark and Share
Print Email
Reported By: (Southern California California)
INVESTIGATION: IPA clients can Feel safe, confident and secure about doing business with IPA - International Profit Associates, commitment to total customer satisfaction, International Profit Associates implemented strategic changes to insure clients business success, focusing on finding ways to help small & medium size companies make improvements to both their short-term and longer-term profitability & creating a secure future. Buffalo Grove Illinois*UPDATE: Rip-off Report Investigation - International Profit Associates recognized by Rip-off Report as a safe business service - IPA pledges to resolve all complaints, 100% commitment to customer service and satisfaction, feel confident and secure when doing business
... Right On, John!
Report & Rebuttal
1Author 2Consumer 1Employee
Respond to this report! What's This?
What's This?
Are you an owner, employee or ex-employee with either negative or positive information about the company or individual, or can you provide "insider information" on this company?
Victim of this person/company? What's This?
What's This?
Are you also a victim of the same company or individual? Want Justice? File a Rip-off Report, help other consumers to be educated and don't let them get away with it!
IPA - International Profit Associates
1250 Barclay Blvd
Buffalo Grove Illinois 60089
U.S.A.
Phone: 847-808-5590
Web Address:
Category: Small Business Services
Submitted: Sunday, March 19, 2006
Last posting: Thursday, April 17, 2008
Rip-off Report Investigation:
EDitor's UPDATE: Positive Rating and Recognition has been given to IPA - International Profit Associates for its Commitment to Excellence in customer service.
Rip-off Report's investigation of IPA uncovers an ongoing commitment to total client satisfaction. This means that clients can expect the company will always work towards finding a mutually satisfactory resolution to any complaints or concerns, more importantly IPA is concerned with the new growth and success of their clients business - and, IPA is listening carefully to what its clients are saying. After all, when becoming creative to make things better, making changes for the benefit of the business sometimes comes hard like any good lesson.
One top executive of the company stated to Rip-off Report, "that IPA's corporate philosophy is based on the premise that IPA will advance itself through first advancing its clients. Their process starts by identifying what clients want, then reinforcing and continuing with its work, which ultimately leads to Client Company Life Cycle Management - what clients needs as they grow from start-up to maturity continuing through exit strategy and retirement for the business owner."
Rip-off Report has confirmed that IPA's approach to business includes a total corporate quality assessment. The result of which, leads to continual dedication to quality operations, client and employee relations, and innovation management. Rip-off Report was pleased to learn that the company's past and current approach to business is focused on its pledge to total commitment towards client satisfaction.
It is our opinion that large and small business owners can feel confident in the fact that IPA has worked with thousands of businesses in Canada and the United States. They are a full business development company and innovators in their field and have successfully helped thousands of businesses by providing new and innovative ideas and solutions for almost every type of business imaginable.
IPA recognizes that complaints posted on Rip-off Report (true or not) are issues that need to be addressed and if handled correctly can be valuable learning opportunities. With the feedback generated by Rip-off Report's Investigation IPA has made organizational changes allowing their clients a more streamlined approach to problem resolution and a total overall commitment to customer experience.
In summary, after our investigation, which included discussions with IPA Senior Management, Rip-off Report is convinced that the company has been and is committed to quality delivery of services resulting in total client satisfaction.
To demonstrate IPA's commitment to client satisfaction, and the rip-off report corporate advocacy program, we recommend you listen to testimonials from real IPA clients. You can listen to these testimonials by clicking on this link, www.ipaconsulting.com/video
Read more about IPA - International Profit Associates Commitment to Excellence and Total Consumer Satisfaction and why consumers should feel safe, confident and secure when doing business with a member of Rip-off Report's Corporate Advocacy Business Remediation & Customer Satisfaction Program. ..yes, a long name for a program that does a lot for both consumers and businesses alike.
Read about Rip-off Report Corporate Advocacy Business Remediation & Customer Satisfaction Program,..A program that benefits the consumer, assures them of complete satisfaction and confidence when doing business with a member business. this program works.
=====================
NOW TO THE ORIGINAL REPORT THAT WAS FILED
=====================
IPA - International Profit Associates ripoff Scam high pressure Buffalo Grove Illinois
DISCLAIMER: The following is my story. My story expresses MY first hand experience and MY opinion about IPA.
It all began when we were cold-called by a "salesman" claiming that a "small business expert" from IPA-IBA, "one of the country's foremost small business consulting firms" was going to be in our area, and would be able to meet with me for a few minutes the following day. We were actually in the midst of a staffing challenge and he promised that he could help us find qualified workers specifically in our industry.
He stated that IPA-IBA was expert at staffing and hiring, organization and increasing profits for small companies. I agreed to meet with the salesman on Thursday afternoon.
Thursday the salesman visited with me and my Controller. He performed a convincing and polished presentation promising that once IPA had "evaluated" our company they would be able to recruit highly skilled and qualified long term employees. Not only that, but they could help us better manage our time, be awarded more bids, increase profits and reduce tax liability.
As a small business owner for 20 years that has struggled with staffing and time management I was intrigued and figured it couldn't hurt to find out what the analyst had to say. I was burnt out!!
We agreed to a "business analysis," for a fee of $950.00 with a 100% guarantee -- if we were not satisfied, we would not have to pay. He made several phone calls and was pleased to inform us that they had one in our area that would be available on Monday at 9:00 am.
Enter Steve McCrillis, Senior Business Analyst, "instant best friend." He was polished, intelligent, composed and had every answer. McCrillis reviewed our business operation. Along the way, he drew us into conversations ranging from shared business experience, always eliciting our input, feeding my ego, finding commonality and engaging our friendship and trust. He was professional yet personable and in two days of meetings picked up on every weak area of our business that we had struggled with. He spoke with all of our employees briefly and gave amazingly accurate profiles of each employee and what their personalities were like and how they were "bleeding" my business.
His "analysis" indicated that our business was in crisis, managing cash badly, had put ourselves in a very compromising tax position and that none of our staff was to be trusted. His voice took-on concern over the immediacy of our impending doom. But, the good news was that IPA was the one company that could save our company! AND, if we worked together, we would, without doubt be a much smoother running operation and I would enjoy more freedom to pursue other outside interests.
At the end of the second day McCrillis asked my Controller if he could have a minute alone with me. (looking back, he didn't want a witness to his manipulation). McCrillis wanted to bring in a Project Manager immediately to help us implement changes and give us a "blueprint" for better managing my company and staff. He also wanted to bring in a tax strategist to better plan my tax liability. The price tag for the tax strategist was a whopping $36,500.00. According to McCrillis a small price to pay based on what his findings were that I could ultimately end up with a HUGE tax liability for this year. I agreed to only having the Project Manager. I told him I was not in a position at this time to hire a tax strategist at that price. McCrillis understood and told me that because he was so concerned for my company that they would send the tax strategist along with the project manager simply for consultation. He assured me that I would not be obligated to the fee for the tax strategist. He simply wanted him to be aware of our situation. I was thrilled, this guy was going the extra mile for me. McCrillis placed a consulting contract in front of me. I executed the agreement with a 100% satisfaction guarantee (McCrillis' verbal assurance, not written in the contract).
Two days later, three consultants - Bill Scheyer, Eric B. Hensen, and Tito DeLeon III, arrived (We had expected 1 consultant; however, in less-noticeable print in the contract, we were obligated to also pay an "account coordinator" $245 an hour.) At this point we thoroughly smelled a rat! I told the three men that I was told only a Project Manager would be sent. I did not want the other two and I was not obligated to anything. They very strongly urged that we needed their services and that we would be sorry if they were turned away. It took us two hours of get nowhere conversation to get them to leave. I told Bill that he needed to get a hold of Steve and his home office immediately and clarify what the agreement was. Bill kept bringing up the contract that I had signed. Unfortunately I had been so enthralled with Steve's promises that I had unknowingly signed for a project manager a consultant and the tax strategist. We told them to leave and come back with a solution to the situation. At this point I still had some hope for Steve's original promise.
Two hours later the three appeared at our office again. They presented me with two invoices - One from IPA for expenses and 20 hours of consulting at $245.00 per hour for a total of $7,757.11 and an invoice from ITA (International Tax Advisors) for expenses and "Initial on site tax consultation and conference and "Lost Opportunity Fee" in the amount of $5,473.12. In the meantime my Controller was faxing the contracts over to my attorney's office. She came back in and I handed her the two invoices. She told the three that the invoices would not be paid and they would need to leave immediately and that this was pure extortion. Bill said that he was sorry that it turned out this way and that he was certain they could help us!! They don't give up. They finally left very slowly, lingering in the parking lot for awhile not sure what to do. When they pulled away they parked across the street for awhile.
This is a highly-engineered, psychological, sophisticated scam operated by sleazy, disreputable people, designed to take the maximum-advantage of vulnerable, honest, unsuspecting small businesses owners.
As a successful businessman, it is a little embarrassing for me to have been duped. But, I believe that I was a victim of a highly-sophisticated fraud.
John
Southern California, California
U.S.A.
________________________________________________
END OF REPORT |
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