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The British-American Business Council, Chicago (BABCC) is proud to announce Aon Corporation and BigHand as recipients of the 2009 British Consul General Awards. Aon Corporation is the recipient of the large company award; BigHand is the recipient of the small company award. The award recognizes organizations that have made significant contributions to trade and commerce between the United Kingdom and the United States.

The awards will be presented at a BABC Chicago dinner, sponsored by Baker & McKenzie LLP, the Boeing Company, Wells Fargo International, and InterContinental Chicago on September 15, 2009, 6-10 p.m. at the InterContinental Chicago.

Aon Corporation, the leading global provider of risk management services, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, and human capital consulting, with 37,000 professionals worldwide, is being honored because of its standing in the Chicago and US business markets and its global outreach. Its unique products and innovative service have resulted in a creation of jobs that support international operations between the UK and the US. This together with its investments in production facilities and operations in the UK and US, promoting internationalization, makes the company truly deserving of the Award. In addition, Aon's exemplary leadership and commitment to communities where its colleagues live and work and its leadership in state and local programs that publicize the importance of international business demonstrate the company's commitment to the communities and countries in which it operates, Aon has been a long time supporter of the BABC for many years, including the creation of the Aon Award, awarded to the BABC Chapter with the fastest growing membership. Most recently, Aon's support of Chicago’s bid to host the 2016 Olympic Games has not only benefited Chicago, but has also demonstrated the international vision of the Company. Steve McGill, Chairman and CEO of Aon Risk Services, will be receiving the award on behalf of Aon Corporation.

BigHand, which develops and supplies the market leading voice productivity application for the professional services community, is being honored as an outstanding emerging company for its rapid growth, technical innovation, and its excellence in customer service. Used by over 800 organizations worldwide, BigHand software helps businesses get more done by allowing professionals to record, edit and send voice files or verbal tasks to office based support, and access round-the-clock outsourced services. Voice tasks, instructions and dictations sent on-the-go via BigHand then instantly enter the office workflow, and are tracked via status updates, priorities and alerts. It is available via both Smartphone and Desktop Editions. BigHand’s client base extends to Accounting, Property and Healthcare sectors, and is a Microsoft Gold and a Blackberry ISV Partner. Steve Butterworth, CEO and President of BigHand, will be receiving the award on behalf of BigHand.

“I am pleased to congratulate this year’s recipients,” remarked Saul T. Caisman, President of the BABC Chicago. “Despite the difficulties and challenges facing the worldwide economy, Aon Corporation and BigHand continue to set high standards for leadership, innovation, and strengthening the UK/US partnership.”

Past recipients of the British Consul General Award include George W. Buckley, Wm. Wrigley Company, Manpower, Inc. and TradingPartners (2008); Tate & Lyle and Neogen (2007); Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated and the British School of Chicago (2006); RR Donnelley and Gripple, Inc. (2005); Dyson, Mintel International Group Ltd and Newark InOne (2004); and Robert Culshaw, former British-Consul General Chicago, (2003).

Established in 1990, the British-American Business Council, Chicago (BABCC) endeavors to broaden trade and commercial goodwill between the United States and Great Britain--the largest 250 members, who are successfully doing business in the U.K. and U.S. Members of the Council enjoy a variety of networking, educational and social opportunities to expand contacts, gather data, build expertise and increase profits. For more information on the Annual British Consul General Awards Dinner or the Council, please visit www.babcc.org or call Chris Brenkus at 312-755-0836 or e-mail Chris at cbrenkus@babcc.org.
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