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O F
M I D C E N T R A L
APRIL 2015
Filling the gap
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BUSINESS JOURNAL
April 2015
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YOUR Wednesday, April 1
Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce Breakfast, 7 a.m., Decatur Club, 158 W. Prairie Ave. Scheduled speaker is U.S. Rep Rodney Davis. Decatur Golden K Kiwanis Club, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility, 3909 W. Main St. Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Facility.
Thursday, April 2
Early Bird Kiwanis, 6:45 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Metropolitan Rotary Club, noon, Decatur Club. Human Services Agency Consortium, noon, Central Christian Church, 650 W. William St. Metro Decatur Home Builders Association, 6 p.m., Beach House, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr. Lincolnland AMBUCS, 6:30 p.m., Independence Pointe Building, 2715 N. 27th St.
Friday, April 3
Decatur Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Black Chamber of Commerce First Friday Luncheon, noon, Main Street Church Tea Room, 2000 N. Main St.
Saturday, April 4
Decatur Frontiers Club, 10:30 a.m., Decatur Club.
Monday, April 6
Decatur Noon Lions Club, Diamonds Family Restaurant, 2959 N. Oakland Ave. Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club. Women’s Progressive Club, 6 p.m., Greater Northside Baptist Church.
Tuesday, April 7
Forsyth Rotary, 7 a.m., Homewood Suites by Hilton, 333 W. Marion Ave., Forsyth. Kiwanianne Club of Decatur, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur AMBUCS, noon, Decatur Club. Noon Kiwanis Club, Decatur Club. Noon Sertoma, Decatur Club. Mount Zion Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., Marina’s Nails, Hair and Spa, 2024 S. Mount Zion Road.
Wednesday, April 8
Decatur Golden K Kiwanis Club, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Mount Zion Chamber of Commerce Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Crawford’s Pizza and Pub. Scheduled speaker is Todd Garner. Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Real Estate Investors Association, 6:30 p.m., Perkins Family Restaurant, 2999 N. Monroe St.
CALENDAR
Thursday, April 9
Early Bird Kiwanis, 6:45 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. GFWC Decatur Woman’s Club, 11:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Senior Resources Network, noon, Keystone Meadows, 1455 W. Mound Road. Decatur Metropolitan Rotary Club, noon, Decatur Club. Decatur Area Women’s Network (DAWN), 5:30 p.m., Decatur Club. Lincolnland AMBUCS, 6:30 p.m., Independence Pointe Building. Mount Zion Lions Club, 6:30 p.m., Lions Club Community Center. Decatur Camera Club, 7 p.m., Rock Springs Environmental Center, 3939 Nearing Lane.
Friday, April 10
Decatur Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.
Saturday, April 11
Decatur Frontiers Club, 10:30 a.m., Decatur Club.
Monday, April 13
Decatur Noon Lions Club, Diamonds Family Restaurant. Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club. Altrusa International of Decatur, 6 p.m., location varies.
Tuesday, April 14
Forsyth Rotary, 7 a.m., Homewood Suites by Hilton. Kiwanianne Club of Decatur, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Building Construction Trades Council, 10 a.m., IBEW Local 146 Hall, 3390 N. Woodford St. Decatur Area Society for Human Resource Management, 11 a.m., location varies. Decatur AMBUCS, noon, Decatur Club. Noon Kiwanis Club, Decatur Club. Noon Sertoma, Decatur Club.
Wednesday, April 15
Decatur Golden K Kiwanis Club, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Facility.
Thursday, April 16
Early Bird Kiwanis, 6:45 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Metropolitan Rotary Club, noon, Decatur Club.
Friday, April 17
Decatur Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.
Saturday, April 18
Decatur Frontiers Club, 10:30 a.m., Decatur Club.
Monday, April 20
Decatur Noon Lions Club, Diamonds Family Restaurant. Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club. Women’s Progressive Club, 6 p.m., Greater Northside Baptist Church.
Tuesday, April 21
Forsyth Rotary, 7 a.m., Homewood Suites by Hilton. Kiwanianne Club of Decatur, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur AMBUCS, noon, Decatur Club. Noon Kiwanis Club, Decatur Club. Noon Sertoma, Decatur Club.
Wednesday, April 22
After Hours, 5-7 p.m., Physicians Choice Wellness/APEX Network Physical Therapy, 1045 N. State Highway 121.
Thursday, April 30
Early Bird Kiwanis, 6:45 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Metropolitan Rotary Club, noon, Decatur Club.
Friday, May 1
Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Black Chamber of Commerce First Friday Luncheon, noon, Main Street Church Tea Room, 2000 N. Main St.
Decatur Golden K Kiwanis Club, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Facility.
Decatur Frontiers Club, 10:30 a.m., Decatur Club.
Thursday, April 23
Monday, May 4
Early Bird Kiwanis, 6:45 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Christian Women’s Connection, 11:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Metropolitan Rotary Club, noon, Decatur Club. Mount Zion Lions Club, 6:30 p.m., Lions Club Community Center. Decatur Camera Club, 7 p.m., Rock Springs Environmental Center.
Saturday, May 2
Decatur Noon Lions Club, Diamonds Family Restaurant. Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club. Women’s Progressive Club, 6 p.m., Greater Northside Baptist Church.
Tuesday, May 5
Decatur Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.
Forsyth Rotary, 7 a.m., Homewood Suites by Hilton. Kiwanianne Club of Decatur, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur AMBUCS, noon, Decatur Club. Noon Kiwanis Club, Decatur Club. Noon Sertoma, Decatur Club.
Saturday, April 25
Wednesday, May 6
Friday, April 24
Decatur Frontiers Club, 10:30 a.m., Decatur Club.
Monday, April 27
Decatur Noon Lions Club, Diamonds Family Restaurant. Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club.
Tuesday, April 28
Forsyth Rotary, 7 a.m., Homewood Suites by Hilton. Kiwanianne Club of Decatur, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Building Construction Trades Council, 10 a.m., IBEW Local 146 Hall. Noon Kiwanis Club, Decatur Club. Noon Sertoma, Decatur Club. Coalition of Neighborhood Organizations, 5:30 p.m., Decatur Public Library.
Wednesday, April 29
Decatur Golden K Kiwanis Club, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Facility. Mount Zion Chamber of Commerce Business
Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce Business Expo VIP Preview Party, 5-7 p.m., Decatur Civic Center. Decatur Golden K Kiwanis Club, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Facility.
Thursday, May 7
Early Bird Kiwanis, 6:45 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce Business Expo, Decatur Civic Center. State of the City Breakfast, 7 a.m.; Expo, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Taste of Decatur, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Decatur Metropolitan Rotary Club, noon, Decatur Club. Human Service Agency Consortium, noon, Central Christian Church, 650 W. William St. Metro Decatur Home Builders Association, 6 p.m., Beach House. Lincolnland AMBUCS, 6:30 p.m., Independence Pointe Building. To submit items for Your Calendar, contact Scott Perry at (217) 421-7976, at sperry@herald-review.com, or click the “Submit an Event” link at www.thebusiness-journal.com
April 2015
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FROM THE EDITOR I’m one of the lucky ones. My employer still provides access to health insurance, life insurance and a retirement plan with a contribution match. All I need to do to claim these benefits is agree to dress up like a newspaper a few times each month and walk around town promoting our products. OK, that’s not true. But if it was a requirement, I don’t think I’d have a problem
BUSINESS JOURNAL 3
BUSINESS JOURNAL OF MIDCENTRAL ILLINOIS
Volume 21
Issue 4
with it. I fear the day the company says I’m on my own to do the homework and find providers of these services. While I have a general understanding of money stuff, there’s a lot I don’t know. And if I’m not sure what to do, I tend to do nothing. Sometimes that’s a good thing. But when it comes to money, inaction can be costly.
601 E. William St. Decatur, IL 62523 217.421.7976 217.421.7965 (fax)
If you are the same way, you might consider taking advantage of the free Money Smart Week activities taking place April 18-25. I can’t promise you will come away from these casual sessions equipped to be the next Bill Gates or Warren Buffett, but it’s a good start.
PUBLISHER: Julie Bechtel GENERAL MANAGER: Gary Sawyer EDITOR: Scott Perry ADVERTISING: AnnaMarie Hanes
Scott Perry, editor Business Journal of Midcentral Illinois
COVER PHOTO: Jim Bowling
April2015Contents Standing FEATURES Biz Bites
New life Investment spurs intersection growth
5
Business Clips
11
Fred Spannaus
12
14
Free Time calendar 17 Health calendar
21
Liz Reyer
16
Office Coach
16
SCORE counselor
11
Wendy Gauntt
19
4
S wartz Properties A chance opportunity to manage some apartments being built by her brother served as the foundation for the business Cathy Coulter has grown into one of the region’s largest property management companies. Page 9
Brain food Bistro serves as chef training ground
ADVERTISING: The deadline for ad and ad copy for the May issue is April 14. Call 217.421.7953 for rate information. STORY IDEAS: Email sperry@herald-review.com or call 217.421.7976 SUBSCRIPTIONS: To order additional copies, call 217.421.7931
The Business Journal of MidCentral Illinois is printed monthly and is a publication of Lee Enterprises, Inc. Information published is the responsibility of the author and does not reflect the opinions of The Business Journal of MidCentral Illinois. To submit articles, mail typewritten and 500 words or less to: The Business Journal, 601 E. William St., Decatur, IL 62523. Articles will not be returned. Any editorial content or advertising published is the property of Lee Enterprises, Inc., DBA The Business Journal of MidCentral Illinois. Herald & Review All rights reserved for entire content.
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BUSINESS JOURNAL
April 2015
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YOUR
COMMUNITY
Business Journal photos, Jim Bowling
The area around Grand Avenue and Illinois 48 has experienced some resurgence with the recent addition of the County Market, the expansion of the Akorn Inc. manufacturing facility and the renovation of MacArthur High School.
Revitalized intersection shows great promise Developers, businesses express interest in area ALLISON PETTY
Business Journal Writer
DECATUR — Six years ago, Ryan McCrady was preparing to move to Decatur to start a new job as city manager. As he drove through the city scouting for a place to call home, one spot caught his eye for the wrong reasons. Weeds and boarded-up buildings marred the intersection of Oakland and Grand avenues. McCrady said to himself, “Wow, we’ve got to do something with that.” Today, that area looks very different, with city officials saying it has experienced a resurgence and could soon see even more positive change. A new County Market store opened to much fanfare in January. Pharmaceutical manufacturer Akorn Inc. is working on a multiphase expansion of its facilities. MacArthur High School has undergone dramatic renovations. “Traffic brings other traffic. Retail brings other retail,” said McCrady, who is now president of the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur and Macon County. “Neighborhood improvements raise the price of poker, so to speak. When someone cleans up their property, you kind of look at yours, you’re like ‘Hmm, I need to do something with mine, too.’ “It happens, and you can see it happening. It generates momentum and optimism in a neighborhood, too.” Smaller businesses are locating or expanding in the area as well. Patrick Hoban, economic development officer for the city, said he’s received more inquiries about potential retail space in the area since County
Jim Cloney saw the area as an ideal location to expand his businesses, Falcon Multimedia and DVD Memories Preserved.
Market opened. “I really do think, from what’s gone on there, that you’re going to see continued development head north up Oakland,” he said. The Decatur City Council in May 2013 voted to establish a tax increment financing district for the area that includes County Market as well as the triangle of land to the north and some property to the northeast on Oakland. TIF districts are meant to provide incentives for development in places where it would not otherwise occur, and city officials say that area definitely fit the bill. A number of vacant houses were demolished, and the city used money from an Environmental
Protection Agency grant to provide some help with assessment and cleanup. Assistant City Manager Billy Tyus said potential developers have expressed interest, not only in the TIF district but adjacent properties as well. “It’s an area that is growing, and in a lot of instances with economic development, growth spurs more growth,” he said. Jim Cloney is an example of the kind of investment that city officials would love to see spread through the area. In 2013, he bought a former chiropractor’s office at 1358 N. Oakland Ave. to become a new home for his businesses, Falcon Multimedia and DVD Memories Preserved. The building had sat vacant for years, so its
price was right. It was close to Millikin University, where Cloney has done business and hired some students as interns. The two-level house had potential, but the kind of potential that might take some squinting to see. “When we first came in, you really had to have some vision,” Cloney said. “I could see that it was a good-size space, but the way it was set up was just not going to work, plus it looked like something out of the ‘70s.” He gutted the entire first floor, took out walls, added a sound studio, painted everything. The outside of the building got a royal treatment, too, with landscaping, fresh paint, lighting and a handsome sign. When he moved in, Cloney said he ran into some problems with people dumping garbage in his parking lot. Since he cleaned up the space, however, those issues mostly subsided. “It’s definitely a decision I’m glad I made,” he said of the move. Another longtime small business with plans to invest in the area is Krekel’s West. Owner Todd Teel said he has purchased property to the north of the current location in Colonial Mall, with the aim of opening a freestanding store with a drive-through. Construction could take place later this year or early next year. Teel said he’s been working in the West location, which has been open for 30 years, full time since 2006. Since then, he said he has noticed that the area around the store has “bloomed,” something he said he expects to continue. “I think this area is really starting to improve,” Teel said. “I think it’s starting to brighten up with new businesses coming in, County Market, the remodeling of MacArthur High School. I think everybody’s on the same page as far as wanting to brighten up Decatur.”
April 2015
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BIZ Now open Matt Crawford has achieved his goal of opening a second Crawford’s Pizza & Pub location. The restaurant at 170 Debby Drive in Mount Zion has opened in the renovated former Mary Belle’s building. Most of the interior was redone as Crawford saw it as the space he wanted to expand the business. “We tore out everything,” said Crawford, who runs the business with his wife, Hilary, along with the original one in Maroa. “It was quite the process, but it turned out the way we wanted.” Menu items include pizza, breadsticks, calzones, fried appetizers and a full bar, Crawford said. It has seating for 175 people, which he said is more than the Maroa location. The space includes 16 televisions and video gaming machines will be added, Crawford said. In addition to dining in, Crawford said customers can carry out orders along with delivery initially being offered to the Mount Zion and Long Creek areas. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 10:30 to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Call (217) 864-1691. nnn Susie Flynn has grown tired of looking other places for the jewelry that she is interested in. So Flynn has opened Beading Hearts
BUSINESS JOURNAL 5
BITES
Club at 2695 N. Oakland Ave., Suite 4 in Decatur to fill what she sees as a void in the area. The shop sells finished pieces in addition to offering classes and open beading opportunities, she said. “We had to travel out of town,” Flynn said. “It’s a passion for me.” Flynn’s specialty is wedding jewelry. Classes include working with polymer clay and precious metal clay using silver, bronze and copper. Open beading will be on Thursday evenings and will be a chance to share ideas with others while working on projects. “It’s nice to get feedback from the other artists sitting there,” Flynn said. The store will have three work areas, Flynn said. Customers will have an opportunity to put what they want in a wish book for others looking to find a gift for them. Hours are noon-5 p.m. Wednesday and Friday, 2-8 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Call (217) 413-1968. nnn Moweaqua is now home to a new rentable events space, The Perfect Place, at 119-121 N. Main St.. The business was launched by Shawn Conlin in partnership with the building’s owner, Stoney Falk. Conlin, who owns the Perfectly Picked antiques, consignment and gift store in the village, says she hopes to illustrate what renters might be able to do with the
space, which can accommodate groups up to 30. “The Perfect Place has been very well received so far,” said Conlin. “We need a space like this.” To book your event, call (217) 620-3330. nnn Decatur has a Christian bookstore once again with the opening of the Word of Knowledge Christian Bookstore in the Small Business Expo of Decatur Plaza MidTown, 1113 N. Water St. Apostle Jessie R. Bates, co-owner of the shopping center, pastor of abundant Life Christian Center and leader of the Ambassadors for Christ street ministry, added the business to fill a void created when Hoerr’s Berean Bookstore closed in Brettwood Village. “We felt like the community needed a store like this,” Bates said. The new bookstore carries materials representing a variety of Christian denominations, including Bibles, Sunday and vacation Bible school curricula, greeting cards, DVDs, church stationery, oils, shofars and more. A 10 percent discount is available for pastors. The store manager is Letycia Copeland. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more, call (217) 620-3102, go to www.jessierbatesministries.org or find the business on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.
New owner The Pizza Factory of Decatur Illinois, Inc. at 397 W. First Drive in the South Shores area of Decatur has reopened after new owner Josh Crawford wanted a month to make a few changes inside the store. “We did a few simple things that I thought were necessary to change the image,” Crawford said. Changes include a new menu with the addition of bacon instead of bacon bits, grilled chicken salads, sandwiches, glutenfree pizza crust, tomatoes and bottled water, he said. Crawford said the focus remains on carry out and delivery with an expanded service area. The Pizza Factory will now deliver to Moweaqua in addition to Decatur, Macon, Mount Zion and Harristown. Crawford is taking over the business from his father, Mark, who ran it for over 35 years. Josh Crawford said he and his brother, Matt, gained valuable experience from being around the store for so long. “We grew up in here,” Josh Crawford said. “We know the pizza business well.” Hours are 10:30 a.m. to midnight Sunday-Thursday and 10:30 to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Call (217) 428-4400. nnn Billionaire investor Warren Buffett is now parked at the heart of Decatur’s
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CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
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BUSINESS JOURNAL
April 2015
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Council selects Tim Gleason as new city manager ALLISON PETTY
Business Journal Writer
DECATUR – Tim Gleason had just marked his one-year anniversary as city administrator when a powerful tornado devastated the small town of Washington, Ill. Decatur City Council members praised his experience handling a crisis when they announced Gleason as their selection for the next city manager, but they said he had other skills to offer, too. Gleason worked for more than 20 years in law enforcement and also brings management experience from a stint in state government. “When you face something like that in a community, it could be a fire or flooding or whatever, you want to feel that you have someone who has the Gleason strength and the stamina and the ability to make things happen at that time,” Mayor Mike McElroy said. “I think that was an important part to me, because he really proved (that). Quite frankly, I’ve heard from other people about him before this even came up, about what a great job he did.” The council formally approved Gleason’s hiring at its March 16 meeting, with an effective start date of March 23. He was given a three-year contract with a $155,000 annual salary, McElroy said. Gleason, 49, replaces former City Manager Ryan McCrady, who stepped down in December to become president of the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur and Macon County. McCrady served as city manager for six years and was praised by city officials for his transparency and financial skills while navigating the recession and other economic challenges. The selection came after a four-month search by the council in which discussion and interviews were conducted entirely in closed meetings. Northbrook-based consulting firm GovHR USA assisted in the search process and in screening the candidates, six of whom were interviewed by the council Feb. 24. Gleason said he is very excited about the position, which will allow him to remain close to family in the Peoria area. He grew up in Morton, is familiar with Decatur and said he was impressed by the council and city clerk during interviews. “It’s one of those opportunities that checks all the boxes,” he said. “I really do think this is going to be a good fit. I’m leaving a good thing in Washington, and that’s with the very conscious decision that I’m stepping into something better.” Gleason served in the Army as a military police officer from 1984 to 1987. He worked for the Pekin Police Department from 1989 to 2010, retiring as a lieutenant. Attending school at night, he earned a bachelor’s degree in management in 1995
and master’s of public administration in 2007, both from the University of Illinois at Springfield. He worked in management for the state from January 2010 to November 2012, with most of that time spent as chief executive officer of Illinois Correctional Industries. He also served as deputy director of human resources and management operations at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Even while he served as city administrator, Gleason continued as an adjunct professor teaching criminal justice, criminal investigation and community policing at UIS. He will move to Decatur with his wife, Becky, and their 11-year-old daughter, Bekah. Gleason and his wife both have two adult children from previous marriages. In his free time, Gleason said he enjoys fishing and generally being outdoors. He also reads a lot, and named the Bible as a book that influences his leadership and management style. But that doesn’t mean he’ll be doling out Old Testament-style justice on the third floor of the Decatur Civic Center. “I’m really easy to get along with until somebody gives me a reason not to,” he said. Washington Mayor Gary Manier said Gleason probably gained 10 years of experience in the year since Nov. 17, 2013, when the EF-4 twister destroyed more than 1,000 homes in a city of about 15,000 people. Manier said Gleason is authoritative and compassionate, and he has a strong work ethic. In addition to rallying city staff during the difficult months after the storm and during the rebuilding process, he said Gleason has dealt with difficult personnel issues and has been a “godsend” from a financial perspective. Asked what Decatur residents should know about Gleason, Manier said, “Give him a hard time early on and just keep challenging him. He’ll rise to the occasion each time.” Tazewell County Sheriff Bob Huston recalled walking into the city of Washington’s command center at the police station about an hour after the tornado hit. He described a scene full of energy, with police, fire and street department heads, as well as elected officials and Illinois State Police officers. Gleason was in the middle of it all. “He was taking care of elected officials; he was taking care of making sure the police had everything they needed, working with the street department,” Huston said. “He seemed to be making sure that everything was together.” Huston has known Gleason since the late 1980s or early 1990s, when they took a class together at UIS. He said the Decatur City Council must have seen in
Gleason what he saw: a decisive, honest, intelligent and hardworking person. Huston said Gleason has a full resumé with education and experience, but he also has “intangibles,” things that can’t be learned in books. Those include a lot of personal character and a good sense of ethics. “I believe there’s nothing he couldn’t do if he put his mind to it,” Huston said. “If he wants to do something, I think he could be anything he wants to be.” Tazewell County Administrator Wendy Ferrill said she was sad to learn that Gleason was leaving Washington. Before her current position, Ferrill also worked closely with Gleason as the village administrator of Morton. She said he is level-headed, self-assured and maintains a positive outlook. She described Gleason as a huge asset to the community, and said Decatur is very lucky to be gaining him. “I think that Tim maintains very good working relationships. I haven’t heard anything negative about him whatsoever,” she said. “All my interactions with him have been wonderful.” During his time in Washington, Gleason helped negotiate a wellness program with the employees in the three unions that represented city employees. Under
T HE
the program, employees can receive a 25 percent reduction on their premiums if they receive a yearly physical that includes a blood test and don’t use tobacco. The city does not learn the results of the test, but it helps employees to be more informed about their health, Gleason said. “You’re probably never going to be able to measure the success of that,” he said. “But if I can take some 25-year-old Public Works (employee) or some 30-yearold policeman and they know what their current health condition is, maybe that changes the mindset and in their mid40s or at 50 they’re not staring at Type II diabetes or cholesterol. I’m actually very proud of that one.” Councilwoman Julie Moore-Wolfe said Gleason mentioned the program when the candidates were asked to name something they were proud of. It would have been easy to talk about his experiences during the tornado, but he didn’t. “I think that says a lot about his character,” she said. “We had great candidates, but he was just exceptional.” The other council members echoed her sentiments. All said they supported the choice of Gleason and that the process of choosing him was fairly smooth.
Richland Theatre presents
RELUCTANT DRAGON directed by Michelle Stephens
April 24, 25, 26 FRIDAY 6:30PM | SATURDAYY 110AM & 3PM | SUNDAY 3PM Richland Community Colleg College | Shilling Auditorium
PURCHASE PUR CHASE TICKET TICKETS AT THE DOOR Intended for a young audience Admission: $5 or 5 for $20 *Meet the dragon after the show!
Free Alumni Pizza Reception April il 26t 26th: Reception begins at 2pm before the production for Alumni and their families f in the Shilling Salons. Please RSVP prior to Aprilil 23, 2015, 20 to Tricia Cordulack, tcordulack@richland.edu or 217-875-72 75-7211, ext. 203.
April 2015
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BUSINESS JOURNAL 7
Local ministries announce merger plans THERESA CHURCHILL
Business Journal Writer
DECATUR – The Northeast Community Fund and Good Samaritan Inn are homegrown ministries that had a lot in common from the get-go. Each is a response by Decatur church people to a local need, Northeast a food pantry serving the needy since 1969 and the Good Samaritan a soup kitchen that’s been feeding the hungry since 1982. The two organizations will share more and more in the coming months with the announcement last month they will be joining forces. Agency leaders signed a memorandum of understanding Feb. 20 to begin the process of consolidation with a goal of completing it by mid-November. Jerry Pelz, founder and executive director of Northeast, and the Rev. Stacey Brohard, the Good Samaritan’s executive director since 2013, said clients won’t notice any difference in service other than that the level may increase as collaboration cuts costs and potentially boosts income. Northeast, for example, has already taken over picking up food from grocery stores and other local vendors for both agencies, which are already looking at volume purchasing. Other possibilities include a single volunteer coordinator and grant writer, establishing a permanent farmer’s market at the former Newsstand building the Northeast Community Fund acquired last year and classroom space for job skills training on the second level of the Northeast complex at 825 N. Water St. The Good Samaritan Inn’s building at 920 N. Union St. is now home to two such programs, Mercy Kitchens culinary arts training and Mercy Gardens training, the latter of which is being offered in partnership with
Continued from page 5 automobile business. His giant holding company, Berkshire Hathaway Inc., announced it had completed its acquisition of the Van Tuyl Group, which includes the Decatur dealerships Miles Chevrolet, Crown Nissan of Decatur and Crown Toyota Scion. Van Tuyl, which has 78 independently operated dealerships and more than 100 franchises spread across 10 states, is the largest privately held dealership group in the nation. It’s sale price was not disclosed. The dealership group has now been renamed Berkshire Hathaway Automotive and will be headquartered in Dallas. But Pat Dawson, owner of Miles Chevrolet, said all local names will stay the same. He said all employees and management teams will stay in place and praised the Berkshire Hathaway takeover as “very exciting” for all the dealerships involved. “If you are familiar with Mr. Buffett, you know he likes to buy companies that are rock solid with good management,” Dawson said. “And he’s long-term, he’s not in anything for short-term gain, he’s in
Business Journal, Jim Bowling
Good Samaritan Inn Executive Director the Rev. Stacey Brohard, left, and Northeast Community Fund Director Jerry Pelz have announced that the two agencies are merging.
Decatur Is Growing Gardeners. “Operating under the same umbrella is a way for both of us to grow and to be even stronger than we are now,” Pelz said. The Northeast Community Fund offers clothing and household items, in addition to food, plus a microfinance program and family
case management that help people attain self-sufficiency. Brohard approached Pelz in December with the possibility of merging in hopes of addressing people’s needs more holistically, as each agency provides different services. “The timing is right,” he said. “Both of us
are debt-free and doing well.” Brohard said the two organizations have been collaborating in small ways since he became the Good Samaritan’s director, with the soup kitchen trading smaller cans of food for restaurant-size cans the food pantry sometimes receives.
for the long haul. He feels our dealerships are going to be strong here in Decatur for a long time.”
local had sent a letter to Hoffa asking him to intervene and give it another chance. Now Hoffa has written back and done just that: his letter says Local 279 shall retain its current membership and he orders new leadership elections. Once a president, vice president, secretary-treasurer and a four-seat executive board are in place, the trusteeship will be dissolved.
They will continue to work alongside Waite’s Dry Cleaners, which uses it as a pick-up and drop-off spot. Work is being done to renovate the building to fit the florist’s needs with much of the space having been an empty warehouse. Lori Barrett feels confident in their ability to begin using the space more effectively. “It’s everything we need,” she said. Barrett, who has owned the business the past five years, has mixed emotions about closing the Pershing location. “This is where we got our start,” she said. “It’s been here 25 years.” The Secret Garden is open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Call (217) 362-8081, although the old phone number will remain active at (217) 875-9038.
Still together
In a dramatic turnaround, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters general president, James P. Hoffa, set aside the results of a January ballot and saved union Local 279 in Decatur. The 600-strong membership of Local 279, which has faced financial difficulties, is under the control of a trustee appointed by Hoffa. The trustee, Dennis Morgan, had warned workers their local couldn’t continue and said the membership ought be be split between two locals in Springfield and Champaign. A ballot to agree the split was held Jan. 24 but the results amid a low turnout were divided: votes representing one half of the membership said yes to joining Local 916 in Springfield, but votes representing the other half rejected joining Local 26 in Champaign. No one was sure what the future of Local 279 would be and many thought it was doomed. But members trying to save the
On the move
The owners of The Secret Garden in Decatur wanted to find a larger space to operate than their longtime location could provide. The florist and gift shop ran out of room at its Pershing Road store, co-owner Lori Barrett said. “We really need more space,” Barrett said. “Before Valentine’s Day, we had four or five designers tripping over each other. We did not have an inch more to grow.” To find a place to grow, Barrett and her husband, Michael, already were operating an Express location in the spot they found could be suitable to expand. Now the Secret Garden has moved all of its operations into the building at 664 W. Eldorado St.
Biz Bites highlight businesses that are opening, closing, expanding … you get the picture. If you have information for our Biz Bites column, contact Tony Reid at treid@herald-review.com, Chris Lusvardi at clusvardi@ herald-review.com, Theresa Churchill at tchurchill@ herald-review.com or call them at (217) 421-6979.
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BUSINESS JOURNAL
April 2015
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Mayor sees bright future for Illiopolis Brewery, karate school, minimall new to area TONY REID
Business Journal Writer
ILLIOPOLIS — Illiopolis Mayor Sam Rogers doesn’t see so well after a bout with eye disease. But his vision for the village close to his heart is solidly 20/20 and full of bright hope. Which is quite surprising when you consider Illiopolis was at the center of one of the worst industrial disasters in the history of Central Illinois on April 24, 2004. An accident sparked a massive explosion that claimed the lives of five workers and left three others with serious burns and injuries. It also spelled the end of the Formosa Plastics Corp. plant and its 140 jobs. And when a small town loses a major employer like that and the spin-off retail effects flowing from all those paychecks, it’s easy to imagine its prospects going up in smoke right along with the chemical plant. Rogers begs to differ, however. He said Illiopolis has taken some hits – once it had three gas stations, two car dealerships, two grocery stores and two hardware stores – but he prefers to look on the bright side. “We’ve still got a Monsanto seed corn production facility and we’ve got one big grocery store, we’ve got a gas station, we’ve got two restaurants and a bar with pizzas,” said Rogers, whose eyesight is darkened by a disease called retinitis pigmentosa. “And you like Chinese food? We’ve got a Chinese restaurant, too, and they opened up after Formosa.” There is also a new shopping minimall, a karate school being housed in fixed-up old retail space downtown and a microbrewery is busy rehabbing another building from yesteryear; the brewery plans to open by the end of the year. Rogers said entrepreneurial types are raising a glass to the Illiopolis’ business climate and realizing the value of a village close by Interstate 72 and within 30 minutes of Decatur, Springfield, Lincoln and Taylorville. Traffic counts clock 12,000 vehicles a day zipping by on the busy interstate. “So we’ve got a nice location and we’ve got good amenities, like a good school district,” added the mayor, his eyes ever on the prize of luring in new development. “I always say we’re like a diamond in the rough out here; just look at all those cars passing by everyday ... we’ve got so much business potential.” The 36-acre Formosa site offers plenty of potential, too. All the pipes, tanks and buildings have been cleared away to leave an open greenfield site.
Business Journal file photo
The fire continues to burn the day after April 23, 2004 explosion at the Formosa Plastic Corps. plant in Illiopolis.
Business Journal, Danny Damiani
Sam Rogers, mayor of Illiopolis, sits with memorabilia from the town including items from the high school before consolidation, a bottle from a local doctor, an Illiopolis police car and a piece of railroad track from the former Formosa Plastics Corp. plant.
Rogers isn’t sure what will happen to that area, but he said its been cleaned up and is ripe for development, especially for any development that needs lots of water. “The village used to supply Formosa with a million gallons of water a day and we’ve got five wells here and plenty of water,” said Rogers. “And we’ve got railroad access, too.” The village is aiming to create a tax increment financing district to further spur growth and has been busy tidying up downtown: owners of dilapidated buildings have been bought out and the wrecks torn down to create clean spaces. Under Rogers, the village has a targeted list for cleanup and the idea is to improve the overall streetscape for the 900 residents of Illiopolis while also creating a better impression for visitors. Tina Spangler, the assistant manager at Johnson’s Market (the big grocery store the mayor mentioned) said people who discover the revamped Illiopolis tend to want to stay if they relish smalltown living. “When I moved here everybody waved at you,” said Spangler. “My husband would be like ‘Who was that?’ and I am like ‘I don’t know, just everybody waves at you here’ ... Illiopolis is a friendly place.” And one that has caught the eye of 26-year-old Candice Rathbone who moved to the village four years ago and now lives there with fiancee Kirby Oller. They are getting married in June and are the proud parents of a 5-month-old daughter, Allison. Oller works in Decatur but Rathbone, who likes small towns,
wanted their home to be in Illiopolis. “I heard great things about the village
and they’re true,” she said. “We love this place and we love Sam, too; you know, the other day we had snow and he was out there shoveling our sidewalk. I couldn’t believe that. You go to a city like Springfield and you won’t see their mayor out there shoveling snow.” Especially a mayor with low vision who shovels by sense of touch and yet managed to clear the whole block. Rathbone isn’t sure what the future will hold but, given her choice, she’d like to raise her family in Illiopolis and grow old there. “And we’ve got pretty good cemeteries, too,” said Rogers, ever the village booster, and they both laugh.
April 2015
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YOUR
BUSINESS JOURNAL 9
BUSINESS
Swartz Properties’ success built on reputation Property management company evolves from chance opportunity NICOLE HARBOUR
Business Journal Writer
DECATUR – When 23-year-old Sarah Conley began searching for her first apartment last year, she already had an idea of whom she wanted to rent from. “I had done a lot of research,” said Conley, an office manager in downtown Decatur. “I had leukemia when I was younger and both my hips had to be replaced in 2007, so I needed an apartment that was on the ground floor or had minimal stairs, and I also needed to be able to do laundry within the facility.” As she began combing through apartment units on Coulter the Internet, Conley said one company, Swartz Properties, stood out above the rest:. “Swartz has a wonderful reputation,” she said. “I have siblings that have rented from them and been happy, and I really loved (the Swartz Properties) website. I was able to do some virtual tours of their apartments, and I loved that.” Taking some apartment tours in late 2014, Conley fell in love with a unit in South Shores, and by the middle of January, her dream of having her own apartment became a reality. “I’m extremely happy with my apartment,” said Conley. “Swartz was really quick at finding me exactly what I was looking for. It’s a huge apartment and the location is great. The rent rate was perfect, too, and although I’m in a building with other people, it feels very private and my apartment feels like a small house to me. It’s been wonderful.” Stories like Conley’s have provided a strong foundation and reputation for Swartz Properties over the years. Founded in 1978 by Cathy Coulter, the daughter of Carl Swartz and the granddaughter of J.J. Swartz Co. founder John Jacob Swartz, the property management company began as a small, onewoman operation. “When I started out in 1978, it was just me,” said Coulter, who discovered her niche in property management shortly after graduating college. “In 1977, when I was about 22 or 23, I went to work for my father and my brother (David Swartz) at J.J. Swartz Co., which is a remodeling contractor business. I was working for them and my other brother, Tom, was building apartment buildings and as he was building them, we were getting the management of them. And then one day Tom looked at me and said, ‘You know, I think you’ve found
Business Journal photos, Jim Bowling
Chris Tuttle started her career with Swartz Properties in 1991 as a receptionist. She was recently promoted to executive vice president, putting her in charge of the company’s acquisitions, sales and brokerage on the apartments the company manages.
The first apartments owned by Swartz Properties were the Columbus Apartments at 3825 E. Camelot Circle. The buildings were purchased by Swartz in 1978.
your calling in life.’ … I just happened into it.” Beginning with 24 apartment units, Coulter was determined to build a strong business, and three years later, she was well on her way with more than 300 apartment units and two employees to help her. By 1993, with more than 1,000 apartment units under contract, Swartz Properties was recognized by the Illinois Department of Housing and Urban Development and awarded the management contract
for the Belvedere Centre Plaza, a 122-unit, nine-story high rise targeted at lowincome elderly residents. And in 1995, the company experienced even more growth as it expanded into office, condominium and single-home management, as well as consulting. Coulter, who owns the company with her husband, Bart, attributes a lot of the Swartz Properties’ early success and growth to good customer service and being in the right place at the right time.
“(A lot of the early growth) came from the apartments my brother, Tom, was building in Country Trails,” she said. “We were getting properties based on the people who were purchasing those apartment buildings at the time. And word of mouth also helped. “There really wasn’t a property management company in Decatur at that time. … It was just the right time.” Today, managing more than 2,500 apartment units, single-family homes and condominiums, as well as more than 150,000 square feet of commercial real estate throughout Decatur, Blue Mound, Forsyth, Mount Zion, Clinton and Springfield, Swartz Properties is busier than ever. “People hire us to do full-service management,” said Coulter, a certified commercial leasing specialist, real estate managing broker and certified property manager. This includes securing qualified tenants, rent collection, bill payment, leasing, addressing any needs the tenants may have, performing all of the apartment maintenance and producing monthly income and expense reports for the property owners. In return for the managerial services Swartz Properties provides, the company receives between 7 percent and 10 percent of the property’s gross income. The percentage depends upon the number of units, location, condition of the property and the amount of rent collected.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
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Continued from page 9 “I think our owners are extremely pleased with the services we provide,” said Coulter, “and the company’s growth has been fantastic. It’s come and it’s gone, but we’ve had a pretty steady growth the entire 37 years we’ve been in business.” Property owner Brian Townsend, who’s relied on Swartz Properties to manage his 12-unit apartment building on 35th Court since 2006, said he couldn’t be happier with the services the company provides. “My family owned Culligan Water in Decatur, and I used to be able to run the (apartment building) as a sideline business without it really interfering with my main business, but the apartments started taking up too much time,” he explained. Seeking out a property management company, Townsend knew exactly who to turn to. “I had known the Swartz name all my life,” he said. “They have a wonderful reputation, and so I contacted them and they’ve been handling all of the facets of running the apartments ever since. They have sharp people and good, quality people in all aspects of their business, and I don’t have to worry about anything.” Currently the largest property management firm in Decatur, Swartz Properties is going strong, but the company has faced its share of challenges. “Swartz has definitely seen the ups and downs of the economy over the years,” Coulter said. “That’s one thing about what we do. We definitely have an ever-changing rental market; it goes up and down, and we’re probably the first ones to see a change in the economy. If there’s something globally that happens, ADM and Tate & Lyle and Caterpillar are either bringing a lot of people in, which is great for our business, or if something’s on a downturn in the world economy and they’re having to lay people off, we see it immediately.” Another challenge Swartz currently faces is aging housing stock and the maintenance it requires. With some of Decatur’s largest apartment complexes and communities dating back to the 1980s, the maintenance can be tricky. “We’re thankful we have probably the most top-notch maintenance supervisors and employees that understand the apartments and the maintenance that goes along with them,” Coulter added. “That’s another reason why people hire us, too, because they know that we have the knowledge and wherewithal (to care for the buildings). Every day we’re doing maintenance in 30- and 40-year-old buildings.” While a lack of new construction in Decatur can be viewed as a negative, Coulter said it can also be looked at as a blessing. “The population in Decatur in the last couple of decades has declined,” she said. “When your population declines, your demand goes down, so we’re glad the rental supply has not significantly
“Our ultimate goal is to continue to provide quality housing and professional property management services for our area. It’s been a crazy 37 years, but it’s been great.” — Cathy Coulter, Swartz Properties
Business Journal photos, Jim Bowling
Maintenance worker Gary Turner paints an apartment in the Country Trails Apartment complex.
a company I wanted to work with for a long time,” said Tuttle, a real estate management broker and commercial leasing specialist who started with Swartz as a receptionist in 1991. From handling all of the company’s new acquisitions, sales and brokerage on the apartments Swartz Properties manages,
Swartz Properties’ newest acquisition is the Huntley Ridge Downtown Apartment Homes. The apartments buildings at 522 S. Church St. were purchased in October.
increased because then you’d have a problem with low demand and high supply. Even though nothing new has been built, our supply of housing stock technically has still gone up. And the reason for that is, if someone can’t sell their house, they’ll call us and put it in our rental pool. So now you have someone coming in to rent, and they not only have the choice of the apartment building but also the choice of a single-family home.” And while the topic of new rental development occasionally comes up in Decatur, Coulter said it could pose some major challenges. “We’ve had people look into new construction, and I think on a very small scale, it’s probably OK,” Coulter explained. “But the problem with new construction is you have to get a return on your investment, so you have to charge a rent that’s high enough to get that return on your investment. And that rent is going to be significantly higher than what the market rent in Decatur is now. Swartz Properties Executive Vice President Chris Tuttle said in spite of the everchanging economy and rental market, there’s no other job she’d rather be doing. “I started at Swartz through a temp agency, and I knew right away that it was
in addition to communicating with property owners and interacting with clients, Tuttle has her hands full, but still finds excitement and joy in her job each day. With occupancy rates of about 95 percent in the units Swartz manages, as well as 480 new apartment units and a small strip mall in Springfield, Swartz Properties hopes to continue growing, but its focus of strong customer service remains the same. “Our ultimate goal is to continue to provide quality housing and professional property management services for our area,” said Coulter. “It’s been a crazy 37 years, but it’s been great.”
April 2015
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BUSINESS JOURNAL 11
BUSINESS CLIPS New staff members
Karla Miller has been named director of marketing at Hickory Point Bank. Angel Haney has joined Mr. John’s School of Cosmetology, Esthetics and Nails as the director of its Jacksonville campus. John MacIntosh has joined Promax Construction as a sales professional and project manager for residential and commercial work. Christina Springman has joined Decatur Earthmover Credit Union as a mortgage loan originator.
Promotions
Nick Taute has been promoted to head golf professional at South Side Country Club. Michael W. Atwood has been named president of the First State Bancorp of Monticello Inc. and a member of the company’s board of directors. Mark Bemis has been promoted to president, Archer Daniels Midland Co. North America. Chris Cuddy is president of the Corn Processing business unit, Todd Werpy has taken on an expanded role as chief
Atwood
Haney
Hendricks
technology officer and Vikram Luthar has been named senior vice president, strategy. Bemis, Cuddy and Werpy are in Decatur, while Luthar has offices in Decatur and Chicago. Chris Tuttle has been promoted to executive vice president Swartz Properties.
Achievements
Jeff Hendricks, a docent at Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield, has earned his Master Volunteer Ranger designation from the National Park Service. Mark Williams of Coldwell Banker HonigBell received the company’s Rookie of the Year award and the International Sterling Society Award from Coldwell Banker
MacIntosh
Springman
Nationwide. Busey received the Financial Literacy Award from the Illinois Bankers Association. Heinkel’s Packing Co. earned two grand champion products, a kids’ choice award and a best of show award at the Illinois Association of Meat Processors Convention Product Show. Partners In Education recently celebrated Dale Colee as its tribute honoree, Lindsey Erwin as its outstanding educator and St. Mary’s Hospital as its outstanding business partner. Aubree Riebe, Stephen Gibson, Jason Jacobs, Jason Navratil and David and Harriett Sadowski were selected as as 2015 Heartland Heroes
by the American Red Cross.
Announcements
Alida Graham, Macon County Juvenile Justice Council coordinator, has been selected to serve as a member of the board of directors of the Illinois Association of Juvenile Justice Councils, and Keyria Rodgers, special projects director for the State’s Attorney’s Office, has been named an advisory director for the association.
Business Clips are abbreviated versions of paid Business Achievements which appear on Mondays in the Herald & Review. For more information about Business Achievements, go to www.thebusiness-journal.com and click on the Submit a Business Achievement link.
We fix
H
LES
M E E T A S C O R E C O U N S E L O R
Reinhart
Dennis Reinhart retired as vice president of commercial loans from Regions Bank. His area of specialty is bank credit/financing with emphasis on real estate. He has been a SCORE counselor for three years.
Williams
Reader Profile: n 72% read The Business Journal monthly. n 17% are 34 and under.
GOT A QUESTION
For more advice on marketing in tough economic times, to request one-on-one counseling, or to submit a question for the “Ask the SCORE Counselor” column, contact SCORE Chapter 296, Millikin University, 1184 W. Main St., Decatur, IL 62522 or call (217) 424-6297.
with the conversation. Maintain a data file of networking information and update it as soon as possible after every contact. “Make note of their interests, what you’ve shared with them, and when to contact them next,” Cook says, adding that regular follow-ups are essential. “People have short memories and may forget that you exist and more importantly, that you’re the best person to help them with their business needs and problems.” Finally, while valuable business contacts can happen anytime and anywhere, don’t leave your strategy to chance. “Identify the people you want to make contact with, whether prospects or potential marketing alliance partners, and make carefully researched efforts to build relationships. This approach takes more time on your part, but it gets results.” — Bethany Wetherholt, SCORE counselor
Tuttle
BUSINESS JOURNAL
ASK THE SCORE COUNSELOR : In today’s tough economy, how can I Q get the word out about my business without spending a lot of money? A: Word-of-mouth is one of the most effective (yet inexpensive) forms of marketing in any business climate, but people can’t spread the word about you and your small business if they don’t know who you are. That’s where networking comes in. Whether it’s through a professional association for your industry, a local business group, a conference, or even a casual conversation, networking offers a valuable forum for prospective customers and colleagues to learn about you and the services or products you provide. Successful networking is more than simply exchanging introductions and business cards. In fact, professional marketing coach Charlie Cook at www.charliecook.net says that most people waste the few precious moments they have with new and existing contacts by focusing on themselves. “It’s better to spend most of that time asking questions and collecting information,” he says. “Then you can make quick assessments as to whether they would have any interest in the solutions you provide.” Cook recommends that every entrepreneur should have a succinct “elevator speech,” a 30-second description of the problems his or her business solves. After that, the focus of the networking conversations should be entirely on the person(s) you are talking to, their primary business concerns, problems they want solved and unmet business needs. As the conversations unfold, you may find areas that overlap with the solutions you provide. “If not, you can still make an impression by referring them to other people in your network who can help,” Cook says. “They’ll see you as a problem solver and will be more likely to provide you with referrals in return.” Remember that networking doesn’t end
Taute
217-429-4444
dunnco.com
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April 2015
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Drug testing can create more questions than answers This is the last of three columns about pre-employment drug testing. In February’s issue, you read that testing usually takes place after a decision to hire and before a binding offer of employment. A lab checks urine for the presence of drugs. Most tests look for five types of drugs: amphetamines, cocaine, PCP, opiates and marijuana. Then in March, you learned that all drugs are not alike when it comes to urine tests. Marijuana can remain in the body’s sysHuman Resources tem for up to two months, but many other drugs are undetectable after two days, including meth, heroin, speed, codeine, morphine and ecstasy. A few employers test for alcohol, which is also gone in 48 hours. And some synthetic drugs cannot be detected at all with today’s testing methods. So, knowing all that, we must now face the underlying question: Why test for drugs at all? Employers generally give three answers. First, they say that drug testing is a measure of reliability. People who use drugs, they assert, are less likely to show up on time and ready to work every day. And, honestly, it stands to reason that heavy drug users (and people who are addicted to anything) are less apt to focus their energies on work. But consider this: If employers want to check for reliability, there are any number of validated assessment tools on the market that look at candidates’ histories and attitudes. They are far better than drug testing at predicting who will be reliable, and they are also less expensive. Second, employers say they want to eliminate candidates who engage in illegal activities. They have a point. All of the “five-panel” drugs are illegal. Using them, or even possessing them without a legitimate prescription, is against the law. Without a doubt, drug testing is a way of finding persons who break the
Fred Spannaus
law – if they break specified laws within a specified time frame. So, for example, applicants who use meth will get caught, if their use is within 48 hours of the test. It’s obvious that drug tests don’t look for other types of illegal activities, only the use of certain substances. And, in fact, a new Illinois law prohibits employers from asking about criminal convictions until after the final interview or screening process, not on the application form. And it’s totally forbidden to ask about arrests. The third response from employers is their strongest argument. They need employees who aren’t impaired. They need people who are fully alert and completely functional, not those who are under the influence of mind-altering substances. This is a matter of safety as well as productivity. This is a critical concern. Employers are absolutely justified in their concern about impairment. But there’s a problem. The problem is that drug testing doesn’t really measure actual impairment. It only looks for the mere presence of certain drugs in the urine. A candidate who smoked pot last week is not impaired today, but a person who drinks to excess every day is likely to be impaired 24/7. But most drug tests will eliminate the occasional toker and give a pass to the heavy drinker. My advice to employers is this: Think about why you do pre-employment drug testing. What ends are you trying to achieve? Then consider this: Are there more accurate and more effective ways of achieving those same ends? Drug testing can serve a valid purpose, to whittle down a huge stack of applications to a manageable number. It’s a way of decreasing the number of candidates. That’s important in times when the pool of qualified applicants far exceeds the number of positions. But when the supply of applicants is limited, does it make sense to use a screening tool that isn’t directly related to the ability to do the job? Is it a good business practice to use a test that may in fact eliminate some of the better applicants? Fred W. Spannaus, principal of Spannaus Consulting, is a senior professional in human resources. He loves feedback to his columns. Fred can be contacted by email at spannaus@ameritech.net or by phone at (217) 425-2635.
BUSINESS JOURNAL Reader Profile: n 72% read The Business Journal monthly. n 17% are 34 and under.
2015
Nominees must be 39 years of age or younger as of July 1, 2015. You may nominate more than one person, and you may nominate yourself. Nominees can either work OR live in Macon County. Nominations must be submitted by April 24, 2015 online at www.thebusiness-journal.com. Nominations may also be submitted via mail in care of The Business Journal, 601 E. William St. Decatur, IL 62523 or e-mailed to: sperry@herald-review.com Nominator’s Name: _______________________________________________ Nominator’s Work Phone:___________________________________________ Nominator’s E-mail:_______________________________________________ Nominator’s Mailing Address: ________________________________________ Candidate’s Name: _______________________________________________ Candidate’s Gender: M F Candidate’s E-Mail: __________________________ Candidate’s Mailing Address: ________________________________________ Candidate’s Work/Home Phone: ______________________________________ Candidate’s Age:_________________________________________________ Candidate’s Occupation & Company:___________________________________ Awards/Honors Candidate has Received: ________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Why You Think He/She Should be Selected: ______________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ (217) 421- 6920 • 601 E. William St., Decatur, IL 62523
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BUSINESS JOURNAL 13
217 / 450-8500 Buy Sell Lease
2350 Mt. Zion Rd
Bldg for Sale// NOT Business Great Visibility Good Traffic Counts Call for more info!
Former Hostess Bakery FOR SALE OR LEASE
135 E Prairie
Business Condo Downtown Owner/User or Investment One of a kind! Hurry, this won’t last
Wildwood Center, Mt. Zion
3180 N. Woodford Ave. Suites for Lease 500-1,200 Square Feet Just Listed!
1520-1530 McBride Ave
2003 N 22nd St
Steel Building with 22’ clear span. (Approx 19,000 Sq Ft.) For Lease or Purchase.
2980 N Main
40,000+ S.F. 9 dock door & trailer parking
JUST LISTED! 110 Wildwood Dr. Multi-Tenant building. 95% full. New metal roof & new parking lot soon 1.74 acres & high visibility
For Lease, Secure Warehouse Space Fenced, 1500 & 3000 S.F. Available
1200 & 1500 SF offices available Could be leased as one unit Good traffic count & visibility
1900 E Eldorado
1255 N Main St.
This is a fantastic office building with great traffic & visibility. 5000 Sq Ft finished up & down. Reduced to $385,000
University Plaza
2 Units Available for Lease Close to Milikin University CALL for DETAILS
Great Corner Lot Lots of traffic and visibility ONLY $99,000
Former Bank Facility
Inland Port Industrial Park
Just Listed! Rt. 51 Forsyth 2500 Sq. Ft., High Visibility Drive thru tube system stays
Pre-leasing for 2015 100,000 - 500,000 Square Feet Close to ADM, CAT, US 72 & Midwest Inland Port
1070 W Southside Dr. New
Park 101 Industrial Park Bldg #1
849 S Rt 51, Forsyth
Professional Building with one unit Available. 1050 sq ft. Available
225 S. Main St. - Suite #200• Decatur, iL 62523
Office & warehouse spaces 1800- 14,000 SF Available Close to ADM, CAT, I-72 & the Midwest Inland Port
(former Eyemart) 1500-3000 sq ft for LEASE.
Professional & Confidential Service
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YOUR
CAREER
Restaurant provides main course Culinary students manage, cook at Bistro Five Thirty Seven RACHEL RODGERS
Business Journal Writer
DECATUR — Those entering the Restaurant Fundamentals classroom at Richland Community College would not find any whiteboards or rows of desks, let alone students sitting behind them scribbling notes from a lecture. Instead, onlookers would see a cozy grouping of dining tables cloaked in black linen and adorned with centerpieces and silverware. In fact, the space doesn’t look at all like a classroom. Bistro Five Thirty Seven plays a dual role at the college, serving as a culinary laboratory for a small collection of students and as a restaurant for community members. After about $1 million and a year of construction, the Culinary Arts Institute student-run restaurant was completed during the summer and officially opened its doors in September. “The students get front of the house and back of the house experience all rolled into one class,” said Chef Brian Tucker, director of the Culinary Arts Institute. Rather than a normal classroom setting, the students can directly apply the knowledge they have received throughout their tenure in the culinary program through a real-world situation, Tucker said. “They have to react in real time to the demands of a restaurant,” he said. Students operate Bistro Five Thirty Seven, named for the college’s district number, for lunch and dinner on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Throughout the semester, they trade off from four different cooking stations in the kitchen as well as management and customer service roles at the head of the restaurant. Four students completed the course in the fall and another four enrolled in the spring. Student workers help to fill the gaps, and Tucker said he hopes to have about 10 students each semester once the course develops. Planning to graduate in May, 19-year-old Hayden Hale will leave the college with restaurant and barista experience having worked in the Richland Coffee House and Bistro Five Thirty Seven. “I feel like we tend to learn more when it’s hands on and when you can put all the components together, and I think that gives us a leg up more than other people get,” Hale said. “Getting a job is always hard, but I feel like I’m ready to take it on.” The restaurant menu changes three times each semester, with the final menu crafted by the students. Those in the fall class
Business Journal photos, Jim Bowling
Restaurant fellow Michael Crawley and student Jenny Porter head toward the dining area while working at Richland Community College’s Bistro Five Thirty Seven.
I F YO U G O WHAT: Bistro Five Thirty Seven WHERE: Richland Community College, One College Park WHEN: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays For reservations, call (217) 875-7211 ext. 537
Culinary arts students serve customers at Bistro Five Thirty Seven.
created a menu with dishes including tomato fontina soup, braised short ribs, blackened trout and avocado sorbet. “Being creative in the kitchen is always a good thing, and any great chef has to be
able to craft their own food,” said Michael Crawley, a recent Richland culinary graduate who helps oversee the students and the restaurant. Tucker said the restaurant serves as one of
several project-based learning opportunities available to students to prepare them for a job in the culinary field. Students also work different events such as the Partners in Education Partners’ Salute Luncheon, Decatur Memorial Hospital’s Hearts Around the World dinner and the annual culinary institute scholarship dinner. Last year, a group of students also helped develop the college’s own coffee brand titled Professor Bean’s Brewed Awakening produced by Marquis Beverage. Tucker said he plans to continue the project with students, creating a new roast to add to the brand. “I learned a lot of things and gained a lot of sense through the program,” Crawley said. “It gave me a great foundation for cooking, I learned a lot of different career outlets, and I’m confident in a restaurant setting.”
April 2015
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BUSINESS JOURNAL 15
Local job market struggles with skills gap RACHEL RODGERS
Business Journal Writer
DECATUR—Though the Central Illinois area has several thousand job openings, positions remain unfilled from a lack of qualified applicants. In addition to consistently having one of the highest unemployment rates in the state, Decatur serves as one of many communities struggling with a skills gap, a disconnect between what skills job seekers offer and what the employer needs. “There’s a large number of jobs in our region, several thousand jobs that are going unfilled,” said Robyn McCoy, executive director of Workforce Investment Solutions. To address the issue, Workforce has deployed several programs and tools to assist unemployed and dislocated workers to receive the skills and training needed to find employment. Through a Rapid Response grant from the state Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, McCoy said they have been able to offer employers incentives for hiring dislocated workers and providing them with on-the-job training. While the individual goes through the training, Workforce can fund 50 to 75 percent of the person’s salary. “This offsets the wages and lessens the burden on employers while trying to close that skills gap,” she said. The agency facilitated about 20 on-thejob training contracts over the last year with employers, accumulating north of 75 contracts in the last few years. “It’s exciting that not only are employers interested in on-the-job training, but they’re hiring,” she said. “That’s what’s important. I think we are starting to see a positive upswing.” Employment specialist Dana Miller said the jobs in high demand for the area include health care practitioners and technical occupations, transportation and certified driver’s license workers, logistics, customer service and retail occupations. In the Central Illinois region, health care occupations led the list of job postings with about 1,300 open positions, followed by transportation and material moving occupations at 1,200, according to February data from the Conference Board Help Wanted OnLine. Targeting the fields most in-demand for skilled workers, Workforce has partnered with Richland Community College and implemented several educational training programs geared toward preparing individuals for certifications in manufacturing, logistics, nursing, surgical technology and CDL truck driving. About 200 qualifying individuals have gone through the educational programs, the majority of whom have finished their instruction and transitioned directly into employment.
Adrian Fowler, far right, prepares for a test while working in the grinding room at Richland Community College. The college is adding five grinding stations to the room as part of the expansion of the welding lab.
Business Journal photos, Jim Bowling
Curt Happe, collision heavy truck and automotive technology program coordinator, shows Stephen Decatur Middle School students how an oil change would be performed on a truck during the Eighth Grade Career Fair at Richland Community College. The college recently expanded its automotive technology program.
“This year, we’ve really focused on health care, manufacturing and logistics,” McCoy said. “We’re trying to put people with high demand skills in the pipeline so they’re ready to go to work.” Those serviced by the agency also take a computerized skills assessment to identify what job openings they would best qualify for, and they also go through boot camp workshops that teach resume building, interviewing and job search techniques. The assessment can help to identify a training plan for the job seekers as well as help them to better market the skills they already have, program manager Karen Allen said. “Some job seekers have the skills but are unable to articulate that in a resume or an interview,” she said. “It’s one thing to say it on a resume, but it’s another to be able to actually validate those skills.” The number of unemployed individuals in the area work force has decreased throughout the year, which could be attributed to several factors, said Ron Payne, a labor market analyst with the Illinois Department of Employment Security. In January, the Decatur metropolitan area jobless rate totaled 8 percent and had an unemployed population of about 3,950, a decrease of 1,925 over the year. Since the start of the 2014, the labor force has decreased by about 2,400 people. The combination of factors for the drop include individuals stopping their job search, retirements and overall population loss, he said. “Because manufacturing plays a vital role in the area and the average age of those workers is higher than in other sectors, retirements could be a big factor,” he said.
The Decatur area’s average unemployment rate was 8.7 percent in 2014, 12.2
percent in 2013 and 10.7 percent in 2012. Last year, the height of the jobless rate was 11.4 percent in January with a low of 7 percent in December. Throughout the year, Decatur had the largest over-the-year rate decreases in the state and, at times, the largest decrease among all metros in the nation. The overthe-year amounts by which the rates decreased had not occurred in the area since the early 1980s.
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Preparation can help with difficult conversations As I was looking through questions for this column, I was struck by how many of them highlighted the need for conversations about problems or concerns. This isn’t new. It’s a common theme in the Outer Game portion of the typical column. So what’s the big deal? We all have conversations, right? We talk to people every day about myriad of topics. Yet, conversations related to sensitive issues, differences of opinion or conflict remain a point of anxiety for many. For example, imagine a situation where you think to yourself, “I’ll just have to talk to her.” Maybe you’re being left out of the loop with information you need. But you’re
Liz Reyer
afraid you’ll come off as antagonistic, insecure or not a team player. Preparation can help, as can nimbleness in the moment … more about that later.
Be clear
First, be clear on your objective for the conversation. What behavior change are you seeking? If you can’t articulate it, you won’t achieve a shared expectation. If you say, “Do your share,” there’s ambiguity. If you say, “Get items 1, 2 and 5 on the project plan done on time,” it’s crystal clear. As you think through the upcoming conversation, remember to use “I” statements so that you’re not putting the other person on the defensive. Think about the likely responses from the person you’ll be talking to and plan your comments to accommodate their style. If you’re really uncomfortable, get some practice. Just as if you were giving a presentation, get in front of a mirror and say the words out loud. Even better, get a friend to practice with you. Practice it
W E E K LY T I P S Get weekly career tips from Liz Reyer at www.thebusiness-journal.com.
with the conversation going well, but also see what it’s like to get heavy pushback.
Be transparent
Now the time has come. What do you do if it just isn’t going well? This happens, and it’s not the end of the world. Maybe your delivery is coming off all wrong. Stop and be transparent. Try telling the other person, “this is coming out all wrong … let me try again.” This bit of humanity may help get them more on your side. Maybe they’re getting angry. Instead of being intimidated or upset, try being curious. Asking, “What is it about what I’ve said that is making you mad” could open up a whole new level of discourse. Stay flexible, go with the conversation, and don’t get too hung up on whether it’s going right. The point is that
you’re talking about important things. End the conversation on a positive note, thanking the other person for their engagement, even if you need to also acknowledge that it was a tough conversation. Then learn from it. What worked? What would you do differently next time? Keep in mind that this is just another skill, and there are resources that can help you. Watch people you know who are effective, even learn from people in novels or movies. Seek out training resources at work or online, or find books about communication. This isn’t just a work skill. As you become a more accomplished communicator, you’ll see professional benefits, but it’ll also carry over to improve other aspects of your life. It’s worth the effort. Liz Reyer is a credentialed coach with more than 20 years of business experience. Submit questions or comments about this column at www.deliverchange. com/coachscorner or email her at liz@deliverchange.com.
Be truthful, but wait to respond to job offer Q: I recently applied for a job in another department. When the manager called to offer me the position, I explained that I couldn’t accept immediately because I was waiting to hear about a possible opportunity with an outside company. Although she seemed to understand, the next day I received an email withdrawing the offer. I thought it was Office Coach best to be truthful, but now I wonder if I said too much. What do you think? A: Like many job applicants, you need to learn the difference between being honest and blabbing everything you know, think or feel. When you said “I’m waiting to hear about another opportunity,” the hiring manager heard “Your position is my second choice.” She then decided to hire someone who would be more excited about the job. If you were to reenact this scenario, a truthful, but more circumspect, response might go something like this: “That’s great! I’m so pleased to have been selected. I do have a few specific questions, but I’m pressed for time right now. Would it be possible for us to talk again tomorrow?” You could then contact the other company and explain your predicament. If this
Marie McIntyre
produces an immediate offer, your problem is solved. But if not, you would still have the option of accepting the first one. Q: If someone asks you to assist with a task that is outside the parameters of your job description, what should you do? A: That totally depends on who asks, why they are asking and what your manager expects. Some people spend so much time helping others that they get in trouble for neglecting their own duties. Others refuse to pitch in and assist co-workers who legitimately need their assistance. But one thing is certain: if the request comes from anyone in your management chain, the only acceptable response is “Happy to help!” Q: My manager is the boss from hell. “Cheryl” chews out employees on a regular basis, blames the staff for her mistakes, and takes credit for others’ accomplishments. She disagrees with everything I say and rejects any idea that I propose. I believe the only reason I’m still employed is that my results make her look good. All the executives above Cheryl have a similar leadership style, so they aren’t any help. The real surprise is that this is a nonprofit religious organization. It’s hard to believe that a church group would tolerate such an evil manager. I plan to quit as soon as I find another position, but that hasn’t been easy. Do you have any advice? A: Sadly, history has clearly demonstrated that having a religious affiliation does not necessarily make one a good person. Although spiritual leaders might logically be expected to become inspirational managers, that is not always the case. So
W E E K LY T I P S Can’t get enough advice from the Office Coach? Get weekly column updates at www.thebusiness-journal.com.
Cheryl is not an anomaly. Based on your description, however, this problem seems to extend well beyond your nasty boss. If everyone in management shares these traits, the higher-ups may be trying to replicate themselves by promoting people with similar personalities. In that case, you are probably working in a toxic organization. Since this poisonous culture is unlikely to change, your best hope is to accelerate the search for a more normal place to work. In the meantime, reduce your stress by disengaging emotionally. Focus on your tasks, avoid arguing with your boss, and don’t bother making suggestions that will inevitably be rejected. Remember that as soon as you exit this sick little world, nothing these people do will matter in the least. Q: About a year ago, a totally incompetent person was hired to head our IT department. “Kyle” has demonstrated time and again that he doesn’t know what he’s doing. Although several people have complained, our manager doesn’t seem to understand the problem. When I went over her head to the president, he refused to discuss the issue. On my last performance review, I received a lower rating because my boss said I was unwilling to assist Kyle, even
though I have tried to help him see his mistakes. The whole situation has become so frustrating that I feel sick every day at work and can’t stop thinking about it when I’m at home. Now I’m at the end of my rope and don’t know what to do. Should I continue to escalate the problem or just give up? A: If you want to sacrifice your career for the sake of a better IT department, that is certainly your prerogative. So far, however, your martyrdom doesn’t seem to be accomplishing much. Kyle might be a complete train wreck, but management apparently doesn’t see it. Even worse, your efforts to depose him appear to have backfired. Kyle continues to screw up without repercussions, while you are feeling sick at work, obsessing at home, displeasing your boss and getting a bad review. So who is winning this contest? On top of that, your lowered rating indicates that management now considers you part of the problem. Although this may not seem fair, it’s a clear sign that you need to change your strategy. Having provided evidence of Kyle’s incompetence, you must accept the fact that you have done all you can do to influence the situation. To prevent further career damage, just work cooperatively with Kyle and hope the higher-ups recognize his failings. Marie G. McIntyre is a workplace coach and the author. Send in questions and get free coaching tips at www.yourofficecoach.com, or follow her on Twitter @ officecoach.
April 2015
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YOUR The Arts
Anne Lloyd Gallery: “Still,” paintings by Ben Cohan. A meet the artist reception from 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, April 10. Call (217) 423-3189. www.decaturarts.org Gallery 510: Jewelry by Barbara Hodges. A meet the artist reception from 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, April 10. Call (217) 422-1509. Decatur Airport: Works by Barn Colony Artists. Decatur Public Library: Paintings by Ron Bartanen. Blue Connection: “Super Sassy Spectacles,” by Katie Florczyk, a new book published by Bronze Man Books. After 5 Live from 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, April 10. Call (217) 4280112. www.millikin.edu/blueconnection Perkinson Art Gallery, Kirkland Fine Arts Center: Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree Senior Exhibitions.
Music
BANQUET
Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra, faculty pops spectacular, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 18, Kirkland Fine Arts Center. For tickets, call (217) 424-6318. Decatur Civic Center: Matthew West, The Live Forever Tour, with special guest Colton Dixon, 7 p.m. Saturday, April 4. Head East and Sena Ehrhardt, 8 p.m, Saturday, April 25. For tickets, go to www.decaturciviccenter.org or call (217) 422-7300. Elling Swings Sinatra featuring Kurt Elling, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 11, Kirkland Fine Arts Center. For tickets, call (217) 424-6318.
FREE
TIME
Calendar of events
For a complete list of events, go to www.herald-review.com/go/ On Stage
Little Theatre-On the Square: “Annie Jr.” April 10-12. For tickets, call (217) 728-7375. www.thelittletheatre.org. Pipe Dreams Studio Theatre presents “Venus in Fur,” April 10-12 and 17-18. For tickets, call (217) 424-6318. “Intergalactic Nemesis,” 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 2, Kirkland Fine Arts Center. For tickets, call (217) 424-6318. Millikin University Department of Theatre and Dance presents “The World Goes ‘Round,” April 24-26, at Albert Taylor Theatre and “Equinox, A Concert of Dance,” May 8-9, at Kirkland Fine Arts Center. For tickets, call (217) 424-6318. “You Ought to be Dancing,” spring dance recital by park district students, Saturday and Sunday, May 1 and 2, Decatur Civic Center Theater. For tickets, call (217) 422-5591.
Charity events
Kids Rock, to benefit Bright Start, from 9:30 a.m. to noon, Saturday, April 11, at Macon Resources, 2121 Hubbard Ave. Includes a performance by children’s entertaining Jeanie B!, face painting, interactive
GUIDE
vendors and activities. Cost is $6 in advance. Call (217) 875-1910. Putt Putt for Shelter Pets, to benefit the Decatur and Macon County Animal Shelter Foundation, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at Overlook Adventure Miniature Golf Course. Corks and Forks, a night of wine and food samples to benefit the Decatur Area Arts Council, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, April 23, at the Decatur Conference Center and Hotel. Cost is $50. For tickets, information call (217) 423-3189. Walk A Mile in Her Shoes, a men’s march against violence, to benefit Growing Strong Sexual Assault Center on Saturday, April 25. Features a walk from Growing Strong, 270 W. Prairie Ave. to Central Park. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., with the walk at 10 a.m. Cost is $35 per person, or $25 per person for teams of four or more. After party from noon to 2 p.m. at the Gin Mill. Call (217) 428-0770. Trivia Night to benefit Decatur Underground Theatre, 7 p.m. Saturday, May 2, at Doherty’s Pub and Pins. Cost is $10 per person, with maximum team size of eight members. Participants encouraged to dress
Featured Business:
BUSINESS JOURNAL 17
as their favorite movie characters. Call (217) 791-1966.
For the kids
The Rock Springs Nature Center hosts a long list of mini camps, family adventures and classes during the month. So many, in fact, that there are too many to list. Go to www. maconcountyconservation.org and click on the Programs and Activities tab for a complete listing. Scovill Zoo: Critter Egg Hunt, 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 4; World Penguin Day and Earth Day, noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, April 25. Kite Day at Sinawik Park, 1-3 p.m. Saturday, April 25. Children’s Museum of Illinois: Music Around the Museum, 9:30 to 10 a.m. Fridays; Family Book Bash, 10 a.m. Friday, April 3; Fairy Tale Ball, 6-8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, April 9-11; Family Science Sunday, 2-4 p.m. Sunday, April 12. www.cmofil.org Call (217) 423-5437.
Misc.
Master Gardeners’ Plant Sale, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2, Macon County Fairground. For more information, call (217) 877-6042. Got an item you’d like listed in the Your Free Time calendar? Send the information to Scott Perry at sperry@ herald-review.com or 601 E. William St., Decatur, IL 62523.
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Big Brother relationship a blessing for both Caterpillar employee takes state’s top honor THERESA CHURCHILL
Business Journal Writer
DECATUR — Alan Fedrigon, 54, of Shelbyville and Deonte Drake, 12, of Decatur have shared the best of times and the worst of times. One of the worst came after Deonte’s 19-month-old brother, Zyonne Cooper, was struck and killed by a passing SUV on June 13, 2013. The pair went the next day to the scene of the hit-and-run in the 2500 block of East Garfield Avenue to be together, just as they had been seven months earlier in Mattoon at the funeral of Fedrigon’s mother. “I was there for him, and I knew he’d be there for me,” Deonte said. A gathering last month, by contrast, was one of the best times, as Fedrigon’s coworkers at Caterpillar Inc. and staff from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Illinois surprised the pair with a cake to celebrate his recent selection as the Big Brother of the Year for Illinois. “It’s hard to embarrass me, but I think you’ve done it,” said Fedrigon, senior engineering project team leader at Caterpillar
“
Business Journal, Jim Bowling
Deonte Drake talks about his Big Brother, Alan Fedrigon, after Fedrigon was surprised with a cake at the Decatur Caterpillar Inc. plant for winning the Illinois Big Brother of the Year award.
and Big Brother to Deonte since he was a third-grader at Franklin School. Shirley Powell, Deonte’s grandmother, said her grandson has been able to stop
taking medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and that the seventh-grader is doing well at Stephen Decatur Middle School, thanks to his
five-year relationship with Fedrigon. “It didn’t happen instantly, but over the years it’s been phenomenal what’s happened,” Powell said. Fedrigon, who is married but has no children of his own, said Deonte has filled two needs in his life, one to give back to the community and the other to be a father. Deloris Brown, principal at Stephen Decatur, took Deonte out of school and drove him to Caterpillar for the celebration. Deonte wasn’t told anything before that, Powell said, or “he’d have texted Alan.” The pair like to spend their time together fishing, going to University of Illinois football and basketball games, shopping for school supplies and eating at Red Lobster. But Fedrigon keeps a special place in his heart for what Deonte did at the graveside of his mother, Marjorie Fedrigon, at Calvary Cemetery in Mattoon on Nov. 21, 2012. “He sat in front of the casket and bowed his head for a few moments,” Fedrigon remembers. “Then he came over and put his arm around me and gave me a hug. “And I cried.”
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April 2015
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TECH
BUSINESS JOURNAL 19
TALK
Does your work flow smoothly? When it comes to your business processes, do you have challenges with accountability, inconsistency, missed steps, quality control and delegation? If so, you are like just about every other business out there, but you can choose to be better. There is a category of software known as “workflow automation” Technology software that will help you address all these issues.
Wendy Gauntt
What is it?
Workflow software enables automation of your business processes. You use the software to outline steps involved in your key business processes, including who is involved, what they have to do, and when. Then the software notifies everyone involved based on the timing and steps that you’ve defined. If implemented correctly, everyone knows their assigned activities, they receive reminders if they run behind, and managers can easily check whether their team is on task. Even complex processes become easy to manage.
How it works
Workflow software can be set up for just about any business process. As an example, let’s look at the hiring process. Once you’ve identified the need to hire a new staff member, there are many steps that must take place. For example, once the position is approved, you’ll need a job posting and you’ll start screening resumés. If you break it down into a workflow, it might look something like this: Manager approves new/replacement position Manager (or maybe HR) updates the job description HR posts the job to an online job board HR waits for resumés to come in HR screens resumés as they arrive; if approved they forward them to the hiring manager The hiring manager screens the resumé; if approved they notify HR to schedule an interview There will be many more steps regarding the interview itself, additional screening steps, sending an offer or rejecting a candidate. These steps may seem obvious, but when several people are involved, it’s easy for steps to be missed or delayed. Using workflow software ensures that each step gets the attention it should, and then communication flows smoothly from person to person as steps are completed. It also ensures that you follow a consistent
process every time you hire someone, which reduces the risk of any HR liability.
How to choose
There are many software solutions out there. You may even have workflow capabilities built into software you already own. If you have something already, take a look. Having workflow integrated with software you use is far simpler than setting up a brand new application. Ease of use is a critical component. Check out how easy (or hard) it is to set up a new workflow. Don’t just watch a demo; try it out yourself. Processes can be complex, but it shouldn’t take a programmer to configure them. Look into reporting, to make sure you can easily see workflow statuses and manage your processes. See if your workflow software can link directly into other software tools that you use, so that your team doesn’t have to constantly switch between applications. It must allow complex logic: a single chain of events, multiple chains with multiple people, different paths for approvals versus rejections, time-based activities such as reminder notices, etc., as well as any combination of these items. Activities should be linked to positions within the company (e.g. president, HR manager, operations manager, etc.) instead of specific people. Many packages have extra features, which include anything from project management to file storage to forms management. If these features have value for you, weight them accordingly during the selection process.
Keys to success
The hardest part of rolling out workflow software is the nontechnical side: you have to clearly and accurately define your business processes. The more time you invest in setup, the better the software will work for you. It works in reverse, too: because the software requires very detailed, very specific definition of your business processes, it’s a great opportunity for process improvement. Don’t limit yourself to doing what you’ve always done when there might be a better way. Get off to a good start by selecting only one or two processes. If you try to do more, you’ll get bogged down and overwhelmed. Pick the one or two processes that right now are the most painful, and work on getting those set up perfectly. Many vendors offer training. Take them up on it. Involve key members of your team. Make sure they call support if they run into issues they can’t solve. Ask for advice and best practices. Most processes you set up may have your own personal flair but they are not unique, so the consultants you work with are bound to have good suggestions and experience that can benefit you. After you’ve been through the workflow process a few times, regroup and see if further
changes need to be made. Keep tweaking the process until it runs as smoothly as possible. Once you have those first processes nailed, pick the next two or three that will provide the most benefit. Repeat what you did with the first few processes: carefully review the steps, involve the team, get advice from your consultants, and keep tweaking the process until it’s smooth.
You want these to be perfect too. The more you do, the easier it will be to continue expanding into new areas. Still on the fence about workflow? Take a moment and imagine what your business would be like if all your processes were this streamlined. Wendy Gauntt is president of CIO Services LLC, a technology consulting company that specializes in small-business solutions.
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YOUR
H E A LT H
Easing the suffering Millikin professor, husband saving lives in Nigeria THERESA CHURCHILL
Business Journal Writer
DECATUR – Florence Folami grew up the second of 14 children in the town of Imesi-Ile, Nigeria. Living in Champaign for the past 24 years hasn’t erased the memory of poverty any more than that of the people who encouraged her to overcome it. “Looking back (at) how people have helped (my husband and me) move up in life, we just feel that we have to do something to give it back,” she said. What they did was establish Cross of Christ Ministries in their home country, starting with a church in 2006 and continuing with a 10-bed hospital last spring, with plans to open an orphanage this summer. Her husband, Blessing Adeoye, moved back to Nigeria to take the lead on the church while Folami , associate professor of nursing at Millikin University in Decatur, directs the health center longdistance. “When we go home we see things happening that are not supposed to be happening, especially with the health care system,” Folami said. “People were dying from diseases that could be easily prevented.” Malaria and typhoid fever were among the examples. She said people in Nigeria frequently go to faith healers because regular medical care is so expensive. Cross of Christ Health Center in Akute provides services regardless of ability to pay and they include obstetrics/gynecology, ophthalmology, general surgery, nutrition counseling and health screening. Folami ‘s staff includes two doctors, one nurse supervisor/midwife, three registered nurses, a pharmacist and a lab technician. She remembers going to another church six years ago to examine a member of Cross of Christ Church who had been in labor for three days. There was no glove Folami could put on her hand to check the woman’s progress, no monitor to check the baby’s heart rate nor was there
Folami educates patients about disease prevention during a community health fair last summer outside the health center.
any clock or watch to check the mother’s pulse. She wound up taking the woman to a hospital, where she underwent a successful Caesarean section that cost $2,000. “The baby was big and the position was very wrong,” Folami said. “Me and my husband and our church came up with the money because you have to pay it.” She said the orphanage will be next to the hospital and house five children to start. “You see kids who don’t have anybody to take care of them because their parents have died from HIV or malaria or some other thing,” she said. “They just need someone to love them and somewhere to live.” Folami has a doctorate in public health from Walden University in Minnesota and two master’s degrees, one in public health from the University of Illinois and one in nursing from Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais. She has been a professor at Millikin for the past eight years. Another outreach Cross of Christ Ministries added in 2014 includes instruction in household budgeting, money-generating activities such as beadwork and making soap, and microfinancing, for example, making small loans and having people pay them back. “If I’ve learned one thing in life, when you give people a chance, they can go anywhere,” Folami said.
Submitted photos
Florence Folami, associate professor of nursing at Millikin University, stands beside the sign outside her new 10-bed health center in Akute, Nigeria, that she and her husband opened last May. AT LEFT: Cross of Christ Health Center staff take blood samples during a community health fair last July in southwestern Nigeria. The focus of the event was preventing diabetes, typhoid fever and malaria.
April 2015
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BUSINESS JOURNAL 21
Community health calendar Support groups
Helping Hands Bereavement for Children, 3:30 p.m. Thursdays, Cancer Care Center of Decatur, 210 W. McKinley, Ave. Register online or call (217) 876-4750. TOPS Club IL 49 Decatur, 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Main Street Church of God, 2000 N. Main St. (enter from Garfield Street). Support group for Real People seeking Real Results with weight loss. For more information, go to www.topsclub.org or call Chris Granda at (217) 521-2420. Grief support group, 12:30 p.m. Friday, April 3, St. Mary’s Hospital Conference Room 561. For information, call Jamie Smith at (217) 454-6464 ext. 45268. Facing Cancer Together, 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, Cancer Care Center of Decatur, Education Classrooms, 210 W. McKinley Ave. For cancer patients and their families. Register online or call (217) 876-4750. Pink Link breast cancer support group, 6 p.m. Thursday, April 9. To register, call (217) 876-4750. Breastfeeding support group, 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 13 and April 27, Baby TALK, 500 E. Lake Shore Dr. To register, call Flo Folami at (217) 464-2334. SHARE support group, 7 p.m. Monday, April 13, St. Mary’s Hospital, Room G18. Support group for those who have
experienced the death of a baby during pregnancy, at birth or early infancy. For more information, call (217) 464-2045. Epilepsy support group, 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, St. Mary’s Hospital, Assisi Conference Room. For more information, call (217) 853-1655. Diabetes support group, 11 a.m. Thursday, April 16, DMH Specific Performance Enhancement Center, 2122 N, 27th St. Call (217) 876-4249. Parkinson’s disease support group, 1:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1360 W. Main St. For information, call Kathy Broaddus at (217) 820-3096. Lyme-MTHFR support study group, 6 p.m. Thursday, April 16, Mari-Mann Herb Co., 1405 Mari Mann Lane. Call (217) 429-1555. Brain tumor support group, 10 a.m. Saturday, April 18, Cancer Care Center of Decatur, Education Classrooms, 210 W. McKinley Ave. Register online or call (217) 876-4750. Postpartum emotional support group, 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 20, St. Mary’s Hospital, Assisi Conference Room. For more information, call (217) 464-2334. Breath of Life support group, noon Tuesday, April 21, St. Mary’s Hospital, Room 561. Speakers available to answer questions from those with breathing problems.
For information, call (217) 464-2603. Widowed support group, 11:30 a.m. Thursday, April 23. Monthly lunch gathering. For location or to register, call (217) 428-7733. Renewal bereavement support group, 6 p.m. Monday, April 27, Cancer Care Center of Decatur, Education Classroom, 210 W. McKinley Ave. Register online or call (217) 876-4750. Us TOO prostate cancer support group, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, Cancer Care Center of Decatur, Education Classroom, 210 W. McKinley Ave. Register online or call (217) 876-4750.
Classes
Breastfeeding class, 7 p.m. Thursday, April 9, St. Mary’s Hospital, Assisi Conference Room. For information or to register, call (217) 464-2334. In BeTWEEN for Girls, 10 a.m. Saturday, April 11, Decatur Memorial Hospital, OB Classroom. For girls ages 9-12. Registration required online or by calling (217) 876-3100. Infant CPR Class, 7 p.m. Monday, April 13, Decatur Memorial Hospital, OB Classroom. Register online or call (217) 876-3100. Happiest Baby on the Block-Magic?, 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, St. Mary’s Hospital, Assisi Conference Room. For information
or to register, call (217) 464-2334. Real Dads Rock!, 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, St. Mary’s Hospital, Assisi Conference Room. This class enriches the father-tobe with skills to be confident in his major role in the care and birth of the new baby. Call (217) 464-2334. Cardiopulmonary risk factor education, 11 a.m. Friday, April 17, Decatur Memorial Hospital, Classroom C. For more information, call (217) 876-2496. Newborn care and breastfeeding basics, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, Decatur Memorial Hospital, OB Classroom. Register online or call (217) 876-3400.
More
Sexual abuse survival and motherhood, 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 20, St. mary’s Hospital, Assisi Conference Room. For information, call (217) 464-2334. World Health Day, hosted by the Decatur Health Coalition, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, April 9, Grace United Methodist Church. Features screenings, demonstration and presentations by various health experts. Healthy Kids Day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 25, Decatur Family YMCA. A national initiative to improve health and well-being for kid and families. For more information, call (217) 872-9622.
Trackers, health apps used to boost care HACKENSACK, N.J. (AP) — That phone app keeping track of your exercise and meals might keep you out of the hospital one day. Why give your doctors permission to incorporate data from fitness trackers and health apps into electronic patient records? Well, they might spot signs of an ailment sooner and suggest behavioral changes or medication before you land in the emergency room. They also might be able to monitor how you’re healing from surgery or whether you’re following a treatment regimen. “Right now we only see our patients for about a 15-minute visit in the office, and it’s a very constricted view,” said Dr. Lauren Koniaris, a specialist in pulmonary critical care at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey. “This really globalizes the view of their health status, so that we’re really in contact with them on a much more daily if not hour-to-hour basis. It’s almost like a virtual house call.” At Hackensack, a handful of patients at risk for heart failure are asked to use a fitness tracker to count steps walked and flights climbed. They are also asked to record what they eat, by photographing the product’s bar code, for instance, using a phone app that has a database containing nutrition information on thousands of food items. Using Apple’s new HealthKit technology, data from the various trackers and apps gets automatically transferred to
the Epic MyChart app on the iPhone. From there, the information goes to the hospital’s records system, which also comes from Epic. Hackensack wants to expand to more patients and start tracking blood pressure and sleep quality, too. But the hospital first needs to ensure that teams are in place to review the glut of data coming in. More broadly, there are consumer privacy and security issues to address, along with questions about whether these trackers and apps really improve patient care. The University of California, San Francisco is studying which gadgets are reliable and whether that reliability extends to patients with extreme conditions. Then they have to figure out what information is really meaningful, not just noise. Many doctors and hospitals see potential. The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., uses Fitbit trackers to monitor hip-replacement patients for a month after surgery. Health workers get data on daily steps and can tell when patients have trouble walking, a hundred or more miles away. The Ochsner Health System in New Orleans is turning to wireless scales and blood-pressure devices to help reduce readmissions for chronic diseases such as heart failure. “If we’re going to succeed in improving health, we have to get patients more engaged in their care,” said Dr. Richard Milani, a cardiologist at Ochsner.
St. Patrick School Registration Pre-K 3 to 8th Grade Wednesday, May 6, 2015 2:00pm to 7:00pm School Cafeteria
Walk-ins Welcome
412 N. Jackson St. Decatur, IL 62523
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BUSINESS JOURNAL
April 2015
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Financial Health Fair to kick off Money Smart Week RACHEL RODGERS
Did you know?
Business Journal Writer
ECATUR — Adopting smarter financial D decisions starts with making small changes, and individuals looking to tighten their budgets can learn about different saving avenues during the upcoming Macon County Money Smart Week. In its fifth year in the county, the week is designed to improve financial literacy for all ages through workshops hosted by area organizations. The week spans from April 18 to 25. Money Smart Week was established by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago in 2002 as a public awareness campaign for consumers and has expanded to campaigns in about a dozen states with events occurring in about 40 states. A new addition in the area this year, the program will kick off with the Financial Health Fair from 10 a.m. to noon April 18 at Eisenhower High School. The fair will include several sessions on topics ranging from maintaining a healthy credit report and cooking on a budget to cutting the cost of one’s power bill and avoiding consumer scams. Events for children and young adults looking to finance college also will be available.
The fair aims to alleviate any apprehension individuals might have about seeking better financial habits, said Stephanie Pyles, Macon County Money Smart Week chairwoman and sales manager at Busey Bank. “We’re hoping to lessen the pressure for people,” she said. “They might be insecure about walking into a class in a smaller setting like a bank, and we want to take away that nervousness or embarrassment they might feel.” One of the biggest financial misconceptions community members have is that large-scale changes are needed to make a dent in their household budgets, Pyles said. “You don’t have to win the lottery to change your financial situation; it’s the little changes that can make an impact, like learning to weatherize your home or cook on a smaller budget,” she said. “It might not seem like much at the time, but on a yearly basis,
The Importance of Branding
When you flip a penny, you have a slightly higher chance of it landing as tails. The head side of the coin is heavier and more likely to end up on the bottom. 2.5 million pennies would weigh about as much as a tyrannosaurus rex. You could fit 877 billion one-dollar bills inside the Willis Tower in Chicago. The motto “In God We Trust” first appeared on U.S. coins in 1864. However, it was not until 1955 that a law was passed, which stated that thereafter all new designs for coins and currency would bear that inscription. The $100 note has been the largest denomination of currency in circulation
it can mean large dollars.” Other concerns present with different age groups in the community that Pyles hopes to address include making wise decisions with pay day loans and taking on debt, as well as increasing consumer education younger individuals are exposed to. “We hope people can walk away with habits and tools they can immediately put
A
Carolyn Ridenour President & Marketing Director
132 S Water St. Ste. 418 Decatur, Illinois 62523
217-428-9950
www.cmsdecatur.com
Sources: moneysmartweek.org, Bureau of Engraving and Printing
into use to improve their household budget,” she said. Pyles said more than 20 organizations are involved with the week of events, including area banks, credit unions, the Macon County State’s Attorney’s Office, the Girl Scouts of Central Illinois and Richland Community College. A full listing of local events can be found at www.moneysmartweek.org.
Employment Services
Q Why Change a Logo? After a business name is established, the next step is to have a logo designed. A logo is meant to last for many years but sometimes a rebranding is needed. My business, Creative Media Services, Inc. (CMS) just recently repositioned itself. We have a new vision and we want to communicate it to a new audience in this marketplace. CMS has grown and it was necessary to launch a new campaign that would appeal to the new market. It was also important to us to remain relevant with our services while remaining current with our clients’ demands. Our font has changed as well as the design of the logo. One thing that has stayed consistent was our colors and business name. Since our inception (2001), CMS has grown to include many more services; which includes web development, SEO, Pay-per-Click, and other online services. The older logo did not portray that image of being tech savvy in the marketing field. There are several other reasons a company may need to rebrand themselves. It could be the company is moving to expand geographically or internationally, the name of the business is shared by an unsavory business or individual and it is necessary to make sure there is no connection, they can’t identify what the company does or stands for, or your business has expanded beyond its original scope. If you would like to discuss the positioning of your business, please contact us. We would be happy to review your needs.
since 1969. If you had 10 billion $1 notes and spent one every second of every day, it would require 317 years for you to go broke. On the $100 note, the hands of the clock on the hall are set at approximately 4:10. There are no records explaining why that particular time was chosen.
Heather Sawyer Account Representative
655 W Pershing Rd Decatur, IL 62526 (217) 872-7400
decaturil.expresspros.com
Owners Lee Best Brian Lockwood
Q
Is your company reluctant to hire full time employees due to the ACA insurance requirements?
A
The penalties for not offering insurance versus the cost of premiums often results in a decision to hire part-time workers. Since the ACA took effect, there has been significant restructuring of jobs to less than 30 hours per week. To keep costs down, employers are managing more employees with irregular work schedules. The continuity of workflow is unfavorably affected. Further, the quantity of candidates for part-time employment is a narrowed field. Express is a cost effective solution. We can provide a client with full time workers on our payroll while protecting that client from premiums or penalties under the Affordable Care Act. Express has taken steps for ensuring that the requirements of the ACA’s employer mandate are satisfied. We indemnify our clients under our staffing agreement for all taxes, penalties, and other liabilities arising from Express’s obligations as the employer under the ACA.
April 2015
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BUSINESS JOURNAL 23
How to choose a good financial adviser GREGORY KARP
Tribune News Service Writer
Some financial advisers are riddled with conflicts of interest, making extra cash for themselves when they put your money in bad investments. Hidden fees and sales commissions can secretly gobble up thousands of your hard-earned dollars. That said, advisers deserve to make a living, too, and hiring a good one can put you on a path to prosperity and help you meet your savings goals. Recently, consumers moved closer to getting better financial protection after President Barack Obama called for stricter standards for brokers and others who recommend retirement account investments. Conflicted advice, featuring back-door payments and leading to poor investment returns, costs consumers about $17 billion a year, according to the White House Council of Economic Advisers. “Consumers may not even realize how much money is being skimmed off the top of their retirement savings by biased advice and mystery fees,” said Richard Cordray, director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. “Sometimes bad advice can be even worse than no advice at all.” In short, the proposed rules coming from the U.S. Department of Labor would require advisers to make investment recommendations that are in their clients’ best interest. That’s right. Federal action was required to explicitly enforce what reasonable people would think is obvious: Financial advisers should give advice based on what’s in your best interest, or what the industry calls a fiduciary duty. “The first thing to look for is an adviser who’s a fiduciary. Of course, nobody knows that,” said Michael Garry, a feeonly financial planner in Newtown, Pa., and author of the book, “Independent Financial Planning: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding and Choosing the Right Financial Planner.” “I meet with prospective clients and they say, ‘Well, they should all be like that.’ Except, they’re not,” he said. One of the biggest reasons to hire an adviser is to provide guidance on your retirement planning, often involving rolling over a 401(k) from an old job into an individual retirement account. But comprehensive advice can go beyond nest-egg planning into insurance, tax planning, estate planning, college funding, even budgeting and debt management. Here are key do’s and don’ts for hiring a financial pro. Do the legwork. Ideally, you would do your initial research, whittle a list to three advisers and make appointments to meet in person. That might sound like too much work for some, but you should at least have substantial phone calls with three.
“A lot of times, you know right off the bat whether it’s someone you want to work with,” Garry said. If you need names to get started, consider directories at napfa.org plannersearch.org and garrettplanningnetwork.com. Beware of those free chicken-dinner seminars that some advisers host to attract clients, advises the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. “The true goal may be to sell investment, insurance or financial products at the seminar or in follow-up calls,” the agency said. Don’t fall for false promises. In asking about an adviser’s philosophy, be comforted by words like “goals,” “diversified” and “index mutual funds,” and be alarmed by “guaranteed,” “hot stocks” and “beat the market.” “If anybody tells you they can beat the market or they have some algorithm for trading, I would run from that,” Garry said. Do gauge a comfort level. This is a person you are likely to deal with in times of stress — a downturn in the market, a cash crunch, fear of losing a job. “A lot of times you’ll be talking to your adviser when things are not going well,” Garry said. “You want to be able to go to that person and have an honest conversation.” Do you feel like you’re being coached or sold to? Does the adviser use jargon or explain things clearly? Don’t assume advisers are equally qualified. The scary truth is anyone can call himself a financial adviser; it’s not a regulated designation. So details are key. Ask about experience, especially with people in your circumstances. Ask about education, employment history and what licenses and certifications they hold, advises the Securities and Exchange Commission. A CFP, or certified financial planner, is one of the more respected designations. “I’d generally look for a CFP designation. Maybe a background in accounting or finance or maybe a financial planning major,” Garry said. Learn what professional designations mean at finra.org and check out the interactive research tools and calculators at finra.org/investors/toolscalculators/. The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors offers a questionnaire you can use to help choose an adviser (Comprehensive Financial Advisor Diagnostic) and “Pursuit of a Financial Advisor Field Guide,” both downloadable at napfa.org. Do ask about compensation. Your adviser deserves to get paid, but it’s key to know how — to identify any conflicts. Fewer conflicts arise among fee-only planners, meaning they only get paid what you pay them, not from investment or
insurance companies paying kickbacks. It’s often a percentage of your assets under management; 1 percent is reasonable. Many good advisers are paid on commission, but you need full disclosure. Others are paid hourly or on a per-project basis, such as developing a onetime comprehensive financial plan. Don’t confuse fee-only with fee-based. “Saying they’re fee-based is really misleading and wrong,” Garry said, noting that the majority of fee-based advisers are commission-based. Do some reconnaissance. Ask the adviser for client references and a copy of his Form ADV, which has information about how the adviser is paid and any disciplinary actions. Ask to see Part 1 and Part 2 of the ADV. Also look up the adviser in the SEC Investment Adviser Public Disclosure Database, adviserinfo.sec.gov and do a FINRA Broker Check at finra.org. You can also check with your state insurance regulator, naic.org, and your state securities regulator, nasaa.org “You should look them up and let them know you looked them up,” Garry said. Do ask whether you are a typical client.
Part of finding a good fit is finding an adviser accustomed to dealing with people like you. If they cater to millionaires and you have $100,000 in assets, how much attention do you think you will get? Also, ask whether you will deal directly with the adviser or a junior associate. Don’t tune out. Consider a financial adviser more of a coach than a hired pro who does the work for you. “I think the actively engaged client gets more out of it,” Garry said, adding that he suggests clients come in at least once a year for a review. Go robo? Another choice is to get automated advice online from websites collectively known as robo-advisers. They are cheaper than human advisers, but the question is how well their algorithms apply to your specific planning needs. If you have a relatively simple and typical situation, they could be worthwhile. Many experts say the jury is still out on the quality of robo-advisers, but if you want to try them, examples are Wealthfront, Betterment, Vanguard Personal Advisor Services, FutureAdvisor, LearnVest, Personal Capital and SigFig.
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