Skyware Global is one of the largest design/manufacturers of antenna systems.  It is not only a VSAT and DTH powerhouse and one of the most established satellite engineering groups in the world, but also has become the first global provider of complete ODU systems. This organization has an expanded product set, first class engineering capabilities, manufacturing operations and global logistics to provide satellite communication solutions for the world.

Skyware Global is the only supplier with a wide range of antennas and outdoor electronics (DTH, Consumer Broadband, VSAT, Enterprise).  It is the only manufacturer of both steel and SMC antennas, the only premier supplier for all satellite bands from C to Ka, the only antenna systems supplier with manufacturing on 3 continents and the world’s only complete ODU provider.

Founded in 1946 and based in the stockyards of Chicago’s West Side, ATF began as a supplier of surplus World War II military fasteners. From this humble beginning the company has grown and transformed itself into a global manufacturer of precision cold-formed and machined components and assemblies.  ATF has steadily enhanced its manufacturing capabilities, building a reputation for innovative products, superior quality, highly capable processes and best-in-class customer service.  Today, ATF is a leader in the design and manufacture of tight-tolerance metal components, assemblies and engineered fasteners.  The company remains a family business built on entrepreneurial passion and team spirit.

In early 2009, ATF began interviewing several Chicago banks to replace its long-standing banking relationship which was being adversely affected by the challenges in the automotive industry.  Although ATF had not initially contacted Wintrust, in 2Q09 Wintrust completed two creative equipment financing arrangements and began to provide treasury management solutions for related family businesses.  Through these dealings, ATF recognized Wintrust’s entrepreneurial approach, commercial lending capabilities, and dedication to the middle market.   ATF then invited Wintrust to participate in the bid for its full banking relationship.  Wintrust and its experienced commercial lenders put together a customized loan package that quickly gained the attention of the ATF management team.   In December 2009, ATF and Wintrust (through the collaboration of North Shore Community Bank and Wintrust Business Credit) closed on a comprehensive credit facility including full cash management services.   ATF now has the financial support to continue to be a market leader and innovator.

In the fall of 2009, the Visual Pak Companies’ management team began a search for a new banking relationship that would provide the companies with the resources for expansion, recognize the companies’ accomplishments and provide the strong relationship element the company once enjoyed with its former bank.  After an extensive search, they selected Wintrust through the collaboration of North Shore Community Bank and Wintrust Business Credit.  Now the company has the resources necessary to continue its expansion plans with one of Chicago’s finest banking institutions.

Since 1983, Horizon Steel (www.horizonsteel.com), a Chicago based steel service center with operations in Shelby Township, Michigan, has been providing exceptional customer service and support, competitive pricing, and superior products and processing to customers. These years of experience have allowed them to develop relationships with customers, and provide material solutions that improve their businesses. As part of a continuous quality assurance initiative, Horizon Steel is ISO 9001:2000 certified and maintains an onsite ISO/IEC 17025:2005 accredited laboratory. Our highly skilled production staff can efficiently handle a variety of steel manufacturing processes including slitting, shearing, edging, blanking, and leveling. To meet customer’s needs, Horizon Steel continuously adds products and services to their portfolio, establishing the company as a premiere supplier to a global customer base.

So, what financial institution had the mettle to serve the needs of Designed Alloys? Wheaton Bank & Trust and Wintrust Business Credit developed a flexible program that included full Treasury Management services and more than $9.6 million in credit (with a revolving line of credit and term loans for equipment and real estate).

For over twenty years, CHAMPRO Sports (www.champrosports.com) has manufactured high performance equipment for America’s athletes. Using the best and most experienced factories in the world, CHAMPRO Sports maintins specifications and performance standards that meet, and often exceed, the heavily advertised brands. CHAMPRO Sports doesn’t use professional athletes to endorse their equipment. Teams and athletes use CHAMPRO equipment because it performs better. But that wasn’t enough for their big bank.

“Even when businesses believe they have financing lined up, it can fall apart, as Champro Sports, a $25 million-a-year sports clothing and products company, discovered last September.  “We had what we thought was a verbal agreement to increase our credit line from $8.5 million to $10.5 million to handle growth in our business,” President Bill Hunt said. But the bank, with whom Champro had a 20-year relationship, declined to follow through, Hunt said.  He turned to North Shore Community Bank (and Wintrust Business Credit), which last month provided the million credit line. “It gives us breathing room and allows us to continue to grow our business,” he said.

- The Chicago Tribune, April 12

As the owner of Mickey Finn’s Brewery (www.mickeyfinnsbrewery.com), Brian trusts his bank to help him achieve his goals. With 70 employees and today’s economy there are business challenges that come up. But, his bank is there to help when he needs it the most. “Libertyville Bank would never do things like the big banks,” said Brian. “The big bank took away my line of credit and then offered me two checking accounts I didn’t need.”

Now distributing their popular Amber Ale at retailers in and around Libertyville, Mickey Finn’s is a local establishment that draws people from Chicago, Milwaukee and surrounding suburbs.

These containers are designed to reduce the number of needle stick injuries, which is important to the healthcare industry. According to the result of the largest international study of the sharp containment systems, the Daniels Sharpsmart System achieved a 33% average reduction in total needle stick injuries in hospitals where it had been introduced.

In addition to a $5 million Revolving Credit & Term Loan facility, Daniels counts on Village Bank & Trust for full Treasury Management Services.

CFHC provides comprehensive, accessible primary health care to the communities of South and Southeast Chicago, regardless of individuals’ race, religion, language, gender, age, income or their ability to pay. CFHC serves more than 17,000 patients in more than 51,000 medical and dental visits and 16,000 social services visits a year.

Robertson Worldwide also manufactures a broad line of drivers for LED lighting devices and ballasts for HID lamps. Robertson has the most complete line of Energy Star ballasts for the fluorescent lamp market and is compliant with all industry energy efficiency programs.

Making sure that they are the leader tomorrow is a prime component of the Robertson work ethic. So they went looking for a bank that matched that ethic. They found Elk Grove Village Bank & Trust and Wintrust Business Credit.