Save Lives, Save Money

Yesterday, at the Builders Association breakfast in Rosemont, we learned that on-the-job safety won't just please OSHA—it'll dazzle your accountant.

Safety procedures save money  for construction companies, says Assurance Safety Consulting's John Schumacher. A lower Experience Modification Rate(tracks and predicts accidents) can save firms thousands  on insurance (without switching to Geico). But to do this, you have to advise employees and subcontractors on relevant topics, like fall prevention and proper lifting.

Seyfarth Shaw's Mark Johnson and Builders Association's Michael Schulze  surround Ryan Cos'Lynn Treat, whose firm was named Best of Class at the '09 Safety Awards for companies with 70k-250k employees. Lynn says Ryan Cos. is working on projects for Delta Dental, Cisco and Wheaton Christian School, but he wishes there were more financing available.

Last night  was CREW Chicago annual Dine-Around, when groups visit each others' homes to bond and have fun. Development Mgmt. Associates LLC's Martha Spatz,  Jenner & Block LLP's Ruth Schoenmeyer, Vedder Price's Pearl Zager,  and Mauge's Ginna Ryan met at Pearl's Oak Park home. The recession didn't prevent a nice meal including wine, cheese, grilled chicken and triple berry pie.

Sight on Site LLC's Jana Langston, Woodbridge Advisors' Laurie Smith, and Polsinelli Shughart LLC's Kimberly Enders  discussed changing jobs, new developments, studying abroad in college, and how to dress as a professional woman. We'd say beaded necklaces are a good option these days.

Design Industry Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) created a new auxiliary board recently aimed at getting professionals under 40 involved. The up-and-comers are working on sponsoring the June 16 annual Guerilla Truck show in the Fulton Market District. Business Office System's Jennifer Kinser, RJA Design's Jake Theisen,  and Virchow Krause & Co.'s Tiffany Haslow are among the organizers.

DIFFA's Karen Hyland, Gensler's Bradon DeWitt,  and freelance interior designer Catrina Won are fundraising for the event, where 15-foot trucks are parked in the neighborhood to display and sell the work of design professionals and promote neighborhood orgs. Proceeds benefit the Foundation's $200k annual grant budget. DIFFA  has already found a DJ and several truck sponsors for the event.