International Profit Associates

International Profit Associates (IPA) utilizes telemarketing techniques to sell business management consulting services to small and mid-sized businesses. According to it's website, the firm, which is headquartered in Buffalo Grove, has 1800 employees and over $150 million in revenues. John Burgess, one of the firm's founders, is the CEO of IPA. In June 2000, INC. Magazine reported that Burgess had been convicted of attempted grand larceny and disbarred in the 1980's. The magazine also cited a 1999 law suit against IPA brought by the Illinois Attorney General on behalf of former employees who alleged that they had not been reimbursed for expenses or paid the commissions due them. That suit was settled and the employees claims were submitted to arbitration. Burgess gives to both national and state candidates and has supported candidates from both parties. In March of 2002 John Burgess made a $50,000 campaign contribution to former Governor Rod Blagojevich but his campaign returned the money in August of that year after reporters questioned Mr. Burgess' past. In 2009, Attorney General Lisa Madigan indicted IPA stating that the company and John Burgess practiced wide-scale fraud.

From 1993 to June 30, 2002, John Burgess and International Profit Associates gave $167,000 to candidates for Illinois statewide constitutional and legislative office, 77% of which was contributed to Democrats.

Last revised June 2011.