Chicomm Blog

Julie Shannon has witnessed many changes during her long career in the communications industry.

Before becoming a member of the Chicago Communications team in April, She spent 28 years serving in many different capacities at Miner Electronics: purchasing, receiving, dispatching, invoicing, and even doing payroll.

Since the merger of Chicago Communications with Miner Electronics in early 2021, personnel from the two companies have enjoyed the benefits of combining forces. 

A great example is account executive John Schoon, who brings a wealth of experience to the Chicago Communications team from his background working with public safety organizations to optimize their communications systems.

How do you know if multi‑channel two‑way radios are the right choice for your team’s communication needs? And what do you need to know about them to make sure they’re working optimally?

Although Bob Gonsiorowski just joined the Chicago Communications team in 2021, he brings almost three decades of experience in communications and electronics to his position as Director of Indiana Operations. 

Bob spent 28 years with Miner Electronics, which Chicago Communications acquired on April 5, 2021. As one of the people ensuring a smooth merger process, Bob devotes some of his workday to the details of combining the two companies while also overseeing operations at the Munster, Indiana, office.

Public safety depends upon people like Alek Shvartsburg, a committed field technician responsible for maintaining 911 communications dispatch centers, including the busy Cook County Sheriff’s Department.

Alek describes some hair‑raising adventures as a technician, including climbing a 20‑story building to work on an antenna and coping with a broken elevator in the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower).

Preparing Your Communications System for Changes in Illinois law

With high‑profile law enforcement cases in the news and a new law requiring Illinois law enforcement departments to utilize officer‑worn body cameras, it’s important to understand the evolving law and how it affects public safety and 911 communications.

Introduction

Public safety is at the heart of SouthEast Emergency Communications (SEECOM), a consolidated emergency 911 communications center located in Crystal Lake, Illinois, that serves a rural and suburban population.

After SEECOM experienced challenges and additional expenses connected with its radio tower communications, the consolidated dispatch center found an opportunity to upgrade its communication system to STARCOM21 with the help of Chicago Communications.

Like many members of the Chicago Communications team, Barb Wittenkeller has been with the company for decades, starting her career here in 2002.

Barb likes to keep things organized, and believes in prioritizing customer service. “I will help a customer right away, and I make sure their issue is handled, whatever it may be,” she says.

Keeping Things Organized

Barb spends a lot of time handling invoicing. She’s also the person who works with the sales team on orders and service billing, and greets customers on the phone and in person. She’s also responsible for entering credit card payments and arranging electronic deposits.

She keeps Chicago Communications offices working smoothly by ordering and maintaining office supply inventory, and is also one the company’s two notary publics.

When it comes to secure communications, two‑way radios have an edge over cellphones. But hacking is an unfortunate reality in today’s world, as the online world has experienced some high‑level attacks by experienced hackers (Think Google, Yahoo, LinkedIn, NASA). Because of these dangers, public safety departments using two‑way radios need to be aware of the dangers of hacking — and learn how to avoid it.

Talk about experience. 

Shop Supervisor Emory Ludtke has spent his entire adult life working in communications, beginning with military service at age 17. 

He has been with Chicago Communications for 30 years since the company acquired MetroCom in 1991. 

Emory speaks with pride about the team of experienced technicians that he leads at Chicago Communications, calling them “the BEST co‑workers around.”