FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEW WITHIN COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE©
OF BARRINGTON BANK &
TRUST COMPANY, N.A
December 2007
COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE® Employees Honored
CAI – Illinois Chapter Presents Linda Schiff “Olympus” Award
BARRINGTON, Ill. (Dec. 17, 2007) – Linda J. Schiff, President of COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE®, has been named winner of the “Olympus” Award by CAI – Illinois Chapter. This award was created in 2001 to honor chapter members who have had a profound influence on the development of the chapter.
“This award recognizes Linda’s participation, leadership and influence in CAI Illinois, which is one of the largest chapters in the nation,” said fellow chapter member and COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE Vice President, Peter Santangelo. “Linda’s dedication and self-sacrifice are a positive example for others, especially for her fellow employees.”
Schiff has been an active member of CAI Illinois for more than a decade. She earned the Certified Manager of Community Associations® (CMCA) designation from Community Associations Institute and Certified Treasury Professional® (CTP) designation from the Association of Finance Professionals and has more than 15 years of experience in commercial business development and portfolio management of community associations and property management companies.
CAI Illinois also recognized three more COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE employees: Stacey Adams, Credit Administration Officer, Anthony Dister, Commercial Loan Officer and Pamela Mullen, Assistant Vice President. All received “Rising Star” Awards. The Rising Star is given to newer committee members who have proven to be an asset to CAI Illinois through their volunteerism.
The honors were bestowed at CAI Illinois’ Annual Holiday Party, held Friday, Nov. 16, 2007, at Meridian Banquets in Rolling Meadows.
Said Schiff of her staff, “I am extremely proud of Stacey, Tony and Pam. We thank them for much of our success, and they certainly deserve this recognition for all their hard work at the chapter level.”
At COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE, Adams is responsible for the implementation and customer service aspects of credit administration services. She holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Northern Illinois University and has a minor in communications. She volunteers on the CAI Illinos Magazine Committee and chairs the E-Newsletter Committee.
Dister is responsible for new business development and portfolio management and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Phoenix. He is a member of the CAI Illinois Membership Committee and Golf Committee.
Mullen, who holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Elmhurst College, is responsible for managing the deposit services banking team. She belongs to the CAI Illinois Trade Show Committee.
“I am very thankful for this award and I recommend volunteering to all CAI Illinois members,” Mullen said.
October 2007
ACTHA Fall Trade Show
May 2007
COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE® President Accepts Appointment
Linda Schiff to Serve on Foundation for Community Association Research Board
BARRINGTON, Ill. (May 1, 2007) – Brad Stetson, Chairman and CEO of Barrington Bank & Trust, is pleased to announce that Linda Schiff, President of COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE®, has been appointed a 2007-2008 President Elect of the Foundation for Community Association Research Board of Directors.
The Foundation for Community Association Research, created in 1975, is a national non-profit organization affiliated with Community Associations Institute (CAI).
The Foundation’s mission is to inspire positive change in the community association industry by illuminating future trends and opportunities, supporting and conducting research and mobilizing resources.
“I am honored to have been appointed as President Elect, and I look forward to working on future endeavors. The Foundation for Community Association Research can provide incredible value to the community association industry and it is my privilege to be able to contribute my industry expertise to different projects that will enhance the communities that we live and work in” Schiff said.
“As a Founder and President of COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE, Linda has always been committed to leading the industry with her experience, education, dedication, and enthusiasm. I am confident she will extend the same level of commitment as Foundation for Community Association Research President,” Stetson said.
April 2007
COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE® Coordinates Arbor Day Planting
Landscaping Renovation Project Benefits Condo Association
BARRINGTON, Ill. (April 25, 2007) – COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE® and Acres Group, a Roselle-based landscaping company, partnered to give Wyndham Club Condominium Association, 1201-1426 Wyndham Court, Palatine, the gift of trees on Arbor Day.
The event was the idea of Linda Schiff, COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE President. “As a card-carrying member of the National Arbor Day Foundation, I wanted to involve COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE in an event that would benefit both our environment and a valued client,” Schiff said.
First, she solicited the participation of a fellow CAI – Illinois Chapter member, Cathy Snyder of ACRES Group. Together, they selected Wyndham Club Condominium Association to be the recipient of the Arbor Day landscaping gift.
Workers from ACRES Group arrived at the property early Thursday, April 19, to tackle the day-long project. They beautified the site by replacing blighted growth near the building’s entrance and around the clubhouse with flower beds, flowering trees, shrubs and sod.
“Acres Group did a wonderful job with the landscaping,” Schiff said. “The added value to the property will have a long-term impact on current residents.”
COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE underwrote the cost of the project and facilitated the installation. When the workers completed the installation, COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE and ACRES Group presented the Wyndham Club Condominium Association property management team with a plaque to commemorate Arbor Day and the event.
Attending the presentation were: Linda Schiff and Grace Lawler from COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE; Cathy Snyder and the work crew from ACRES Group; Joel Garson and Gayle Simon from Hillcrest Property Management.
March 2007
COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE® receives IREM Leadership Award
COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE of Barrington Bank & Trust Co. received the Leadership Award as presented by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) in Chicago. The award was created to recognize an individual or an organization that has displayed a leadership role to enhance the reputation of the real estate industry and included evaluation of various categories including: Professional and Employee Development, Education, Community Service, Legislative Issues, and Goals.
“This is a huge accomplishment and it demonstrates our commitment and expertise in the financial management of the community association market. The success of COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE included the time and dedication of each employee, many of our customers and other friends in the industry. After years of hard work, we know we have made a difference and raised the standards of financial care in our market” said Linda J. Schiff, President and Founder.
The honor was bestowed at the IREM Premier Awards 2007, held Friday, February 23, 2007, at Sheraton Hotel in Chicago.
About IREM
IREM was founded to be the source for education, resources, information and membership for real estate management professionals for over 70 years. IREM is the only professional real estate management serving both the multifamily and commercial real estate sectors. With 81 U.S. chapters, eight international chapters, and several other partnerships around the globe, IREM is an international organization that serves as an advocate on issued affecting the real estate management industry.
February 2007
COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE® Announces Promotions
BARRINGTON, Ill. (Feb. 15, 2007) – COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE®, the leader in community association financial services has announced its internal promotions.
“Our employees have played a key part in our success, and I am thrilled to promote them to these positions,” said Linda J. Schiff, President and Founder.
Anthony Dister was promoted to the position of Commercial Loan Officer. In this new role, Dister will be responsible for relationship management and business development for condominium, homeowner and town home association clients and the property management companies that serve them.
Dister joined Barrington Bank & Trust in February 2002 as Teller Manager. He came to the Bank with three years of experience as a Personal Banker. Since joining the bank, he has served as an Operations Associate and as a Financial Analyst for COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE. Dister has an Associate Degree in Applied Science from Harper College and is a Bachelor of Science candidate with the University of Phoenix.
Mary Theile was promoted to the position of Senior Deposit Services Banker. Ms. Theile is responsible for the implementation and customer service of Treasury Management Services and Depository Portfolios. In this role, she assumes the responsibility of the day-to-day relationship management to assure timely and accurate transaction processing and proactive solutions for COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE’s clients. Mary Theile continues to demonstrate her breadth of financial knowledge in serving clients’ financial needs.
Theile joined COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE in June 2003 as a Deposit Services Associate. Previously, Ms. Theile was a Realtor in the northwest suburbs, a personal banker and trainer at a large bank in Elk Grove, Illinois, an insurance adjuster settling mutli-line claims and a high school teacher for several years.
Vlatka Puljic has been promoted to Credit Administration Officer. Ms. Puljic is responsible for the implementation and customer service of Credit Administration Services including Loans for large capital projects, capital asset acquisitions and working capital for a portfolio of community associations. In this role, she assumes the responsibility of the day-to-day relationship management to assure timely and accurate documentation and payout processing and proactive solutions for COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE’s clients.
Puljic joined COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE in July 2004 as a financial analyst. Previously, Ms. Puljic was an Office Manager at a marketing company and a financial assistant at one of the largest import companies in Croatia, where she was responsible for communication with foreign clients and processing of the import documentation. In addition, she has also taught the English language and literature at a private school in Europe. Puljic has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics from Elmhurst College and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and Slovak language and literature from the University of Zagreb, Croatia.
Fifi Farag has been promoted to the position of Deposit Services Banker and will be responsible for customer service, account documentation and administrative support for deposit portfolios for condominium, homeowner and town home association clients. Ms. Farag has been involved with hundreds of depository customers and a full range of community associations from developer turnovers to historical landmarks in both the suburbs and City of Chicago.
Farag joined COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE as a Deposit Services Associate in February 2006. She has been with Barrington Bank & Trust since 1999, serving as an accountant in the controller department and then as a customer service representative in the operations department.
In addition, she was a Bookkeeper at a large suburban bank and Personal Banker at a bank in Chicago, Illinois for a combined experience of over 20 years. Farag holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Business Administration from Cairo University, Egypt.
COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE professionals specialize in providing customized financial services and sound investment advice to management companies and association boards. With the personal touch of a community bank and the backing of a multi-billion dollar parent company, COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE is uniquely poised to handle any association’s financial needs.
December 2006
Vlatka Puljic named CAI "Rising Star"
Vlatka Puljic, financial analyst for COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE®, has been named a “Rising Star” by CAI – Illinois Chapter. The award is given to newer committee members who have proven to be an asset to CAI Illinois through their volunteerism.
Said fellow committee member and COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE President Linda Schiff, “Vlatka is such a dedicated volunteer. We have her to thank for the success of several events this year. She gives freely of her time and energy, and she deserves to be recognized for all her hard work.”
The honor was bestowed at CAI Illinois’ 15th Annual Holiday Party, held Friday, November 17, 2006, at Meridian Banquets in Rolling Meadows.
At COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE, Puljic is responsible for credit analysis and commercial loan administration. She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Elmhurst College and a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature and Slovak language and literature from the University of Zagreb, Croatia.
“Working with CAI Illinois has been very rewarding,” Puljic said. “It has enabled me to share my knowledge and experiences to create quality programs and services to improve the community association industry. I would highly recommend volunteer work to other CAI Illinois members.”
November 2006
COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE® and Penland & Hartwell, LLC sponsor “Condominium & Homeowners’ Association Law” seminar
COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE®, in conjunction with Penland & Hartwell, LLC, sponsored a free seminar titled “Condominium & Homeowners’ Association Law” on Wednesday, November 8, at The Wayne Hummer Companies, Chicago.
Area board members and property managers of condominium, townhome and homeowners’ associations were invited to attend the event, which consisted of a panel discussion on the following topics: 1) fiduciary duties of the board of directors; 2) analysis of the declarations and by-laws; 3) rules and regulations; 4) new statutes affecting condominium associations; and 5) budgets, loans and assessment collection.
Law firm partners Kathleen Penland and David Hartwell and COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE president Linda Schiff served as the seminar’s guest speakers, presenting their areas of expertise to about 50 attendees, who then had the opportunity to ask questions of the panelists.
“This seminar was a unique way to educate board members on important legal topics. Everyone who attended is now prepared to deal with the most pressing legal issues facing condominium and homeowner associations today,” Schiff said.
At the conclusion of the seminar, there was also ample time to network over free refreshments. “People had the chance to meet each other and learn what other associations are doing,” Schiff said. “Many left with valuable new contacts in the Chicagoland area. Overall, it was a wonderful event.”
About Penland & Hartwell, LLC
Penland & Hartwell was formed specifically to provide full legal services to condominium associations, homeowner associations and cooperatives. Kathleen Penland, David Hartwell and the firm’s other attorneys advise association board members with legal expertise and with business experience that is relevant to the issues associations must address.
March 2006
CAI Illinois Chapter Forms New Committee
Committee Will Serve Low or Moderate Income Community Associations
The volunteer committee will be chaired by Linda J. Schiff, President of COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE. Its goal is to implement a variety of financial counseling programs, including subsidized educational sessions and CAI membership programs.
"This new commitee will open up opportunities to board members and property managers that they might not otherwise have," Schiff said. "Benefits include free financial counseling, reduced-cost or free attendance at seminars, and possible membership in CAI."
To qualify for these benefits, associations must be located in census tracts where individual income is less than 80 percent of the area median income. Property managers who have clients who meet these criteria are also eligible.
For more information on the committee or its programs, please contact Linda Schiff at 847-304-5940 or lschiff@communityadvantage.com.
March 2006
COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE President Accepts Appointment
Linda Schiff to Serve on Foundation for Community Association Research Board
BARRINGTON, IL. (March 13, 2006) Brad Stetson, CEO of Barrington Bank & Trust, is pleased to announce that Linda Schiff, President of COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE, has been named a member of the Foundation for Community Association Research Board of Directors.
The Foundation for Community Association Research, created in 1975, is a national non-profit organization affiliated with Community Associations Institute (CAI).
The Foundations mission is to inspire positive change in the community association industry by illuminating future trends and opportunities, supporting and conducting research and mobilizing resources.
"I am honered to have been chosen as a new director, and I look forward to serving on the board and working on future endeavors," Schiff said. Schiff will fill the remainder of a three-year term, from July 1, 2005, through June 30, 2008.
"As president of COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE, Schiff brings a unique perspective to the board and will be able to increase awareness and understanding of the growing community association marketplace," Stetson said.
When it comes to an associations financial needs, COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE continues to be the market leader in providing customized financial services (including loans, reserve investments and cash management services) to condominium, townhome and homeowner associations, as well as the property management companies that serve them.
As part of Barrington Bank and Trust Company, N.A. COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE customers also enjoy the advantages of being served by a true community bank that provides a broad range of quality financial products, including sophisticated commercial banking, trust and investment, and online banking and bill pay services.
September 2005
MaxSafe Reserve Account
New product provides up to $1.3 million in FDIC insurance coverage
COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE is offering an innovative new product called MaxSafe Reserve, a variable rate investment alternative for reserve funds that provides competitive returns and up to $1.3 million in FDIC security for community associations.
This unique product caters to associations wishing to preserve principal and improve return potential. It provides a means to centralize all reserve investments, facilitating accurate financial reporting, improved internal financial control, increased earnings and maximum safety. With Wintrust Financial Corporations family of 13 banks, COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE can provide up to $1.3 million of FDIC security for associations- all with the convenience of having only one contact person to handle the day-to-day monitoring of accounts, one clear and concise monthly statement and a single 1099 form.
This product was custom-designed to offer benefits that specifically address the unique needs of our association customers and property management companies, said COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE President Linda Schiff. Problems associations face will be minimized with the MaxSafe Reserve account.
With the development of the new MaxSafe Reserve account, concerns about misappropriation of funds, absent accounts, wrong or old signers on accounts, and dozens of account statements will be eliminated. Associations now will have the safety and liquidity (after the initial deposit of $200,000) they need to manage their accounts wisely.
When it comes to an associations financial needs, COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE continues to be the market leader in providing customized financial services (including loans, reserve investments and cash management services) to condominium, town home and homeowner associations, as well as the property management companies that serve them. As part of Barrington Bank & Trust Company, N.A., COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE customers also enjoy the advantages of being served by a true community bank that provides a broad range of quality financial products, including sophisticated commercial banking, trust and investment, and online banking and bill pay services. For more information, contact one of our Trusted Industry Experts at 847-304-5940 or email us at service@communityadvantage.com.
Barington Bank & Trust and COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE are part of Wintrust Financial Corporation, a financial services holding company headquartered in Lake Forest, IL. The company engages in community banking, wealth management, specialty finance, and mortgage origination through its 13 operating subsidiaries, which provide community-oriented, personal and commercial banking services.
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