Francine Knowles – Page 15

Column: Flossmoor staffing agency and Dolton caterer alter course during pandemic, but say government assistance is essential

January 11, 2021 at 3:18 p.m.

For nearly four years, I've profiled several south suburban small-business owners in this column. With the COVID-19 pandemic still raging and continuing to claim lives and damage the economy, here...

Column: Partnership provides grants for fertility treatments to women of color

December 28, 2020 at 2:18 p.m.

Dana Bingham-Guanilo was so overcome with emotion, she sobbed and couldn't speak. The Rev. Stacey Edwards-Dunn, of Olympia Fields, had just notified Bingham-Guanilo on a Zoom call that she was...

Column: Salvation Army faces shortage of bell ringers and increase in requests for help

December 14, 2020 at 2:09 p.m.

For 15 years Shirley Kurasz and her daughter Cindy Kurasz have made volunteering as Salvation Army bell ringers in the south suburbs an annual tradition. Maria Pacocha has done so...

Column: South Holland bakery shifts to grocery marketing plan during pandemic

November 30, 2020 at 12:32 p.m.

During the past three-and-a-half years, I've profiled several south suburban small-business owners in this column. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to surge, claim more lives and inflict economic damage, here...

Column: Health experts say COVID-19 vaccinators must address ‘trust gap’ in minority communities

November 16, 2020 at 4:30 p.m.

South suburban health care professionals and advocates are welcoming word that COVID-19 vaccines could be available for public use by the end of the year, but they worry many in...

Column: Richton Park restaurant owner understands shutdown, but businesses need another stimulus plan

November 2, 2020 at 11:55 a.m.

During the past three-and-a-half years, I've profiled several south suburban small-business owners in this column. With the COVID-19 pandemic worsening and continuing to claim lives and damage the economy, here...

Caron Jones, occupational therapist with the Cooperative Association for Special Education, works with Marcus Castaneda-Wolaver at Park View School in Glen Ellyn on Sept. 15, 2020. CASE is ranked No. 1 among small employers in the Tribune's list of Top Workplaces, as measured by the consultancy Energage in Exton, Pennsylvania.

From Zoom office hours to drive-thru celebrations, CASE focuses on communication amid pandemic education challenges

November 3, 2020 at 9:07 a.m.

The coronavirus pandemic has created challenges for organizations in every field, but those focusing on education are particularly tested. The Cooperative Association for Special Education has worked to maintain its...

Cafeteria worker Tylar Wilbourn works Sept. 21, 2020, at the Ace Hardware Corp. headquarters in Oak Brook.

Ace Hardware’s concern for employees starts at the top

October 30, 2020 at 7:08 a.m.

When Ace Hardware Corp. staffer Dave Zelis' wife was going through a life-threatening health crisis, Ace President and CEO John Venhuizen reached out to him with a personal note. The...

Column: Health officials expect increase in Affordable Care Act enrollment due to unemployment

October 19, 2020 at 1:24 p.m.

Health care providers and others expect the COVID-19 pandemic to increase the number of people seeking health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act this open enrollment period, which kicks...

Column: South suburban entrepreneurs discuss COVID-19 impact

October 5, 2020 at 7:19 p.m.

During the past three-and-a-half years, I've profiled several south suburban small-business owners in this column. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to claim lives and damage the economy, here is a...

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