Clear Focus Financial Search Opens Florida Office

Economic rise brings financial recruiting firm to town

CHICAGO (May 2, 2012) -- As the Florida economy and unemployment rates start to improve a hiring demand comes from an increased trend for very specialized talent. Companies are getting smarter about hiring and are searching for talent so unique they are forced to work with recruiters who specialize in a profession which has brought Clear Focus Financial Search to the Florida market.

Clear Focus is a recruiting firm specializing in financial and accounting placement.

"What is unique about Clear Focus is all of us were in the financial industry before moving into recruiting. This makes us very successful in our placements," says Jim Wong, chief executive officer. "Right now Florida's unemployment rate is the lowest it's been in three years, but there is still a lot of work to be done to hold on to those jobs and be certain the job-seekers are finding the right fits."

According to Wong, Clear Focus has a successful placement rate significantly higher than the industry and a guarantee on every placement.

Leading the move to Florida is Kevin Hull. "I am originally from Ft. Lauderdale and am thrilled to be joining in the expansion and to begin working with new talented individuals in my hometown," explains Hull, Division Manager.

While the economy hasn't fully recovered and companies are still doing more with less, openings at Ft. Lauderdale/Miami/Dade businesses are increasing and the fight for talent is heating up. Clear Focus is officially here to help.

About Clear Focus Financial Search
Clear Focus is Chicago's leading accounting and finance search firm providing corporate clients a professional outsource hiring solution. Using a unique consultative approach to develop a heightened awareness of both client hiring needs and candidate talent, Clear Focus delivers a higher value and the right candidate every time. Clear Focus represents large publicly traded Fortune 500 companies and leading privately held entities from a broad range of industries including manufacturing, distribution, health care, consumer products, service, financial services, professional services, retail, real estate, and not for profit. Complete information about Clear Focus Financial Search is available online at www.clearfocusfs.com.

Social Media Expert Gini Dietrich Joins Clear Focus Financial Search's Advisory Board

Chicago, Illinois -- April 19, 2011 -- Clear Focus Financial Search, Chicago's leading search firm specialized in Accounting and Finance, announces the appointment of Gini Dietrich to their Advisory Board. Gini is the CEO of the leading Social Media Marketing/PR firm Arment Dietrich in Chicago.

"Gini brings expert knowledge in marketing, PR, social media and she is a highly successful entrepreneur" remarked Jim Wong Founder of Clear Focus Financial Search. "We are thrilled to have Gini join our Advisory Board to assist us with our overall business, marketing, PR and social media strategy."

About Clear Focus Financial Search
Clear Focus is Chicago's leading Accounting & Finance search firm providing corporate clients a professional outsource hiring solution. Utilizing a unique consultative approach to develop a Heightened Awareness of both client hiring needs and candidate talent, Clear Focus delivers a higher value and the right candidate every time. Clear Focus represents large publicly traded Fortune 500 companies and leading privately held entities from a broad range of industries including manufacturing, distribution, health care, consumer products, service, financial services, professional services, retail, real estate and not for profit. Complete information about Clear Focus Financial Search is available online at www.clearfocusfs.com.

About Gini Dietrich
Gini Dietrich is the founder and chief executive officer of Arment Dietrich, Inc., a firm that uses non-traditional marketing in a digital world.

The author of Spin Sucks, the 2010 Readers Choice Blog of the Year, a Top 42 Content Marketing Blog from Junta42, a top 10 social media blog from Social Media Examiner, and an AdAge Power 150 blog, Gini has delivered numerous keynotes, panel discussions, coaching sessions, and workshops across North America on the subject of using online technology in communication, marketing, sales, and HR.

One of the top rated communication professionals on the social networks, Gini was recently named the number one PR person, according to Klout and TechCrunch, on the channels, and number one on Twitter, according to TweetLevel. She also can be found writing at Crain's Chicago Business, AllBusiness, and Franchise Times.

Clear Focus Financial Search Launches New Affiliated Information Technology Staffing Company

Information Technology Staffing Agency Specializing in Contract, Contract-To-Hire and Direct Hire of IT Professionals in ERP, BI and Infrastructure Roles is Now Affiliated with Clear Focus

Chicago, Illinois -- January 13, 2011 -- Clear Focus Financial Search, Chicago’s leading search firm specialized in Accounting/Finance is pleased to announce their new affiliate company SilverPoint Tech Staff. SilverPoint Tech Staff specializes in the placement of Information Technology professionals on a contract, contract-to-hire and direct hire basis within ERP, BI and Infrastructure roles.

“We are thrilled to offer IT Staffing services to our hiring companies and candidates” says Jim Wong Founder of Clear Focus Financial Search “the interplay between Accounting/Finance and Information Technology in business today merits an organization that is adept at providing a full range of specialized staffing services to address clients changing needs in these sectors."

Furthermore, Mike Wolson Managing Partner of SilverPoint Tech Staff stated “We are excited to expand upon the Accounting/Finance services that Clear Focus Financial Search has provided its customers and look forward to offering outstanding information technology staffing services that meet the same expectations."

About Clear Focus Financial Search
Clear Focus is Chicago’s leading Accounting & Finance search firm providing corporate clients a professional outsource hiring solution. Utilizing a unique consultative approach to develop a Heightened Awareness of both client hiring needs and candidate talent, Clear Focus delivers a higher value and the right candidate every time. Clear Focus represents large publicly traded Fortune 500 companies and leading privately held entities from a broad range of industries including manufacturing, distribution, health care, consumer products, service, financial services, professional services, retail, real estate and not for profit. Complete information about Clear Focus Financial Search is available online at www.clearfocusfs.com.

About SilverPoint Tech Staff
SilverPoint Tech Staff is a specialized Information Technology staffing firm providing clients with Contract, Contract-To-Hire and Direct Hire IT Talent. Delivering IT staffing solutions is our focus. At SilverPoint, we are well versed in the technologies and trends affecting IT and combine that with industry leading consultative recruiting practices. For additional details visit www.SilverPointTS.com.

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Clear Focus Sponsors the Illinois CPA Society

Leading Accounting & Finance Professional Search Firm Becomes Elite Bronze Sponsor of Professional Association.

Chicago, Illinois -- April 7, 2010 -- Clear Focus Financial Search, Chicago’s leading Accounting & Finance professional search firm, is pleased to announce their sponsorship of the Illinois CPA Society. Clear Focus is designated as Elite Bronze Sponsor of the organization. “The Illinois CPA Society has been the leader for furthering the Accounting profession locally in Illinois,” stated Clear Focus founder Jim Wong. “We are proud to support their initiatives and look forward to our partnership.”

About Clear Focus Financial Search
Clear Focus is Chicago’s leading Accounting & Finance search firm providing corporate clients a professional outsource hiring solution. Utilizing a unique consultative approach to develop a Heightened Awareness of both client hiring needs and candidate talent, Clear Focus delivers a higher value and the right candidate every time. Clear Focus represents large publicly traded Fortune 500 companies and leading privately held entities from a broad range of industries including manufacturing, distribution, health care, consumer products, service, financial services, professional services, retail, real estate and not for profit. Complete information about Clear Focus Financial Search is available online at www.clearfocusfs.com.

About the Illinois CPA Society
The Illinois CPA Society (ICPAS), with more than 24,000 members, is a statewide, professional membership organization dedicated to enhancing the value of the CPA profession. Founded in 1903, ICPAS is the fifth largest state CPA society in the nation. ICPAS represents Illinois CPAs in public accounting and consulting, corporate accounting and finance, government and not-for-profit organizations as well as three affiliate member groups: students, educators and related finance professionals.

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Clear Focus Financial Search forms Advisory Board

Leading CFOs and Business Leaders Tapped to Provide Strategic Guidance

Chicago, Illinois -- March 16, 2010 -- Clear Focus Financial Search, Chicago’s leading Accounting & Finance professional search firm, is announcing the formation and appointment of four members to its corporate Advisory Board today. The new members include business leaders from diverse industry backgrounds including leading CFOs. The board will provide valuable perspective and counsel to the executive team at Clear Focus in the areas of business development, market trends and operations.

“The four individuals coming together as our advisory board are not only well respected as leading Accounting and Finance professionals but outstanding business leaders too”, says Jim Wong, Founder of Clear Focus Financial Search. “The members of our advisory board will bring us strategic guidance to help us further our service offering to our targeted markets.”

The newly tapped Clear Focus Financial Search Advisory Board members are:

Gary L. Burge
Gary Burge graduated from Northern Illinois University (NIU) in 1976 with a degree in accounting. Gary obtained his CPA that same year and began his professional career with Haskins & Sells (now Deloitte).

Gary has spent the majority of his career in senior financial positions in the professional services, telecommunications and cable television industries primarily with startup and early-stage growth companies. In addition to his financial background, he has had business experience managing merger and acquisition, information technology and engineering functions at various stages of his career. While helping companies progress from startup into the growth phase of their business cycles, he has had substantial experience raising capital in the debt and equity markets. Career highlights include private equity fundraising for three companies as well as taking three companies public. In addition to Deloitte, Gary has worked for Huron Consulting Group Inc., PrimeCo Wireless Communications Company, Morningstar Inc., 360° Communications Company, Sprint Corporation and Centel Corporation.

Gary is a member of the Financial Executives Institute and the Illinois CPA Society and has been recognized as the NIU Department of Accountancy Outstanding Alum in 2004-2005 and as a Distinguished Alumnus for the NIU College of Business in 2008. He also serves on the NIU Department of Accountancy Executive Advisory Council.

M. Chryss Crockett
Chryss Crockett is a 1987 graduate of the University of Illinois at Urban-Champaign and CPA. Chryss began her career in Public Accounting (Laventhol & Horwath / Grant Thorton). Chryss’s clients included manufacturing, distribution and banking while in Public Accounting. After working in Public Accounting for 9 years, Chryss has held roles as Manager of Corporate Reporting, Director of Finance and Chief Financial Officer.

In industry, Chryss has worked in publicly traded and privately held entities. Chryss has extensive experience in the consumer products, retail, distribution and service industries working for Alberto- Culver, Romano Brothers and Southern Wine and Spirits. Currently, Chryss is the Chief Financial Officer for Cook-Illinois Corporation. Cook-Illinois Corporation is a 2800 employee private school bus contractor operating mainly in Illinois and surrounding regions. As Chief Financial Officer, Chryss is responsible for financial operations and strategic sourcing including accounting, treasury, budgeting, human resources and information technology.

Chryss’s accounting, finance, technology and business expertise includes audit, SEC reporting, activity based costing, budgeting/forecasting, strategic planning, treasury, ERP implementations and establishing a human resource department for a 2800 employee company.

Chryss is a member of the AICPA and ILCPA Society.

Donald W. Pearson
Donald Pearson earned his B.A. in Accounting from Augustana College in 1984, CPA in 1986 and his MBA from the University of Chicago in 2000. Don began his career at Coopers and Lybrand (now PricewaterhouseCoopers, PWC) as an Auditor. Don’s clients included manufacturing, business services, real estate and construction in both the public and private sectors. After seven years in public accounting, Don has held roles as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Vice President of Finance, Controller, Senior Vice President of Business Planning and Director of Internal Audit.

In industry, Don has worked in domestic and foreign owned public companies both at corporate and in operating units. Don has extensive experience in the business services, forest and paper products, mining, construction and manufacturing industries working for Information Resources, Inc., UPM – Kymmene Corporation North America and PM Ag Products Inc. (Unit of Tate & Lyle). Since May 2008, Don has been the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Amcol International Corp. Amcol is a leading international producer and marketer of value added specialty minerals and related products. The company has over 2,000 employees worldwide operating in 26 countries and currently trades on the NYSE. As Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Don is responsible for all financial operations including accounting, finance, financial reporting, forecasting and budgeting, tax, treasury, planning, and banking and investor relations.

Don’s accounting, finance and business expertise include audit, SEC reporting, IFRS, treasury management, strategic planning, forecasting and budgeting, ERP implementations, shared services and mergers and acquisitions.

Michael D. Romano
Michael received his undergraduate degree in 1987 from the University of Notre Dame and MBA from Northwestern University (Kellogg) in 2003. Michael’s professional career includes leading companies, managing operations and business development. Michael has worked in financial services, commercial real estate, distribution, food/liquor/beverage and service industries. Michael has worked in management and business development roles for Van Kampen Merritt, Cushman and Wakefield, E & J Gallo Winery and Romano Brothers. In addition, Michael has extensive international experience working in Mexico for E & J Gallo Winery and Cushman and Wakefield.

Michael’s leadership business experience includes serving as the President of Power Distributing LLC (Illinois Red Bull Distributor) and MTY San Miguel (a Hispanic Food Company). Currently, Michael is the President/COO of Armstrong Aerospace.

Michael serves on the board for several companies and non-profit organizations: Leaders Bank, Red Hen Bread, Armstrong Aerospace, Power Distributing, MT San Miguel, The Gow School and past Chairman of Friends of Orphans. Michael is also a Member of Young Presidents’ Organization.

About Clear Focus Financial Search
Clear Focus is Chicago’s leading Accounting & Finance search firm providing corporate clients a professional outsource hiring solution. Utilizing a unique consultative approach to develop a Heightened Awareness of both client hiring needs and candidate talent, Clear Focus delivers a higher value and the right candidate every time. Clear Focus represents large publicly traded Fortune 500 companies and leading privately held entities from a broad range of industries including manufacturing, distribution, health care, consumer products, service, financial services, professional services, retail, real estate and not for profit. Complete information about Clear Focus Financial Search is available online at www.clearfocusfs.com.