So many people have been asking me for names of local contractors who are great at what they do but don't cost a year's worth of groceries (Okay, it depends on how much you spend on groceries!) that I decided to give you the inside scoop. All these people are members of Northern Illinois Business Connections, the business networking group I founded eighteen months ago.

While a handful of contractors have come and gone, there remains at least fourteen women and men who are experts in their fields. Try them out and tell me realtorjennie@aol.com what you think! If you have a favorite contractor in a field not mentioned, please shoot me an e-mail with their contact information!

CPA Accountant Agnes Brassfield abbrassfield@aol.com

Business Lawer Robert Shipley robert.shipley@shipleylawgroup.com

Financial Planner/Investment Adviser Dan Fisher dan@fisherfinancialgroupllc.com

Handyman/Carpenter/Electrician Dennie Leonard marianne621@comcast.net

Dog Sitter/Walker Joy Stern joystern@markerman.com

Alternative Energy Mark Swartz tmc@aztecgold.biz

Plumber/Sewer Repair Scott Laing scott@insinkinc.com

Carpet/Hardwood Floor/Upholstery Cleaning Ken Brown ken.assured@comcast.net

Ford Automobile Salesperson Michael Ayoub mikeayoub2000@yahoo.com

Home Inspector Mike Hanna hannainsp@sbcglobal.net

Marketing/Social Networking Earl Sabes esabes@comcast.net

Real Estate/Bankruptcy/Probate Attorney Dale Daemicke ddaemicke@msn.com

Bath and Kitchen Resurfacing Bonnie Lamondi mm.chicago@sbcglobal.net

Residential Realtor for Buyers/Sellers/Investers/Renters Jennie Spallone realtorjennie@aol.com