• Send typed business announcements at least two weeks in advance of the desired publication date to Business Notes, in care of Suburban Life Publications, 1101 W. 31st St., Suite 100, Downers Grove, IL 60515. Business Notes also can be faxed at least two weeks in advance of the desired publication date to Business Notes at (630) 969-0228, or e-mailed to business@mysuburbanlife.com. Items run based on the availability of space.

• The top 10 public accounting and consulting firm Crowe Group LLP, the parent company of Crowe Chizek and Company LLC, has announced the election of Mary Ann Travers of Berwyn as a new partner. For information, visit www.crowechizek.com.

• Vulcan Materials Company’s McCook Quarry was awarded the Rock Solid Gold Award by the Illinois Association of Aggregate Producers for excellence in health and safety. The award recognizes aggregate facilities that set high safety and health standards in the conduct of their operations. The award is given to aggregate operations that scored a 30 or higher on a list of required procedures by the IAAP Safety Committee during the 2007 calendar year. This award makes the second straight year McCook Quarry has operated without a lost-time injury. For information, www.vmcMcCook.com.

• Nicor Gas has announced its new bill design. The new statement contains a number of enhanced features, and its format has changed, making it easier for customers to read and locate pertinent billing information. For information, visit www.nicorgas.com/newbill.