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BUSINESS JOURNAL O F
The
M I D C E N T R A L
AUGUST 2015
Answer Lady I L L I N O I S
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BUSINESS JOURNAL
August 2015
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YOUR
CALENDAR
Saturday, Aug. 1
Northside Baptist Church.
Decatur Frontiers Club, 10:30 a.m., Decatur Club.
Tuesday, Aug. 18
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.
Monday, Aug. 3
Decatur Noon Lions Club, Diamonds Family Restaurant, 2959 N. Oakland Ave. Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club, 158 W. Prairie Ave. Women’s Progressive Club, 6 p.m., Greater Northside Baptist Church.
Wednesday, Aug. 19
Tuesday, Aug. 4
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, 3909 W. Main St. Decatur AMBUCS, noon, Decatur Club. Noon Kiwanis Club, Decatur Club. Noon Sertoma, Decatur Club.
Wednesday, Aug. 5
Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce Breakfast, 7 a.m., Decatur Club. Scheduled speaker is Tim Gleason, city manager for the city of Decatur. Decatur Golden K Kiwanis Club, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Facility.
Thursday, Aug. 6
Early Bird Kiwanis, 6:45 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Metropolitan Rotary Club, noon, Decatur Club. Lincolnland AMBUCS, 6:30 p.m., Independence Pointe Building, 2715 N. 27th St.
Friday, Aug. 7
Decatur Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.
Saturday, Aug. 8
Decatur Frontiers Club, 10:30 a.m., Decatur Club.
Monday, Aug. 10
Decatur Noon Lions Club, Diamonds Family Restaurant. Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club. Altrusa International of Decatur, 6 p.m., location varies
Tuesday, Aug. 11
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 AMBUCS, noon, Decatur Club. Noon Kiwanis Club, Decatur Club. Noon Sertoma, Decatur Club.
Decatur Golden K Kiwanis Club, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Facility.
Thursday, Aug. 20
Wednesday, Aug. 12
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. Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce Awards Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Grand Palace, Heartland Community Church.
Decatur Golden K Kiwanis Club, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Mount Zion Chamber of Commerce Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Mount Zion High School. Scheduled speaker is Travis Roundcount, Mount Zion School District superintendent. Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Facility. Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours, 5 p.m., McKinley Court Care Center, 500 W. McKinley Ave. Decatur Real Estate Investors Association, 6:30 p.m., Perkins Family Restaurant, 2999 N. Monroe St.
Decatur Frontiers Club, 10:30 a.m., Decatur Club.
Thursday, Aug. 13
Monday, Aug. 24
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. 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, Aug. 14
Decatur Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.
Saturday, Aug. 15
Decatur Frontiers Club, 10:30 a.m., Decatur Club.
Monday, Aug. 17
Decatur Noon Lions Club, Diamonds Family Restaurant. Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club. Women’s Progressive Club, 6 p.m., Greater
Friday, Aug. 21
Decatur Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.
Saturday, Aug. 22
Decatur Noon Lions Club, Diamonds Family Restaurant. Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club.
Tuesday, Aug. 25
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 Board of Directors, 5:30 p.m., Decatur Public Library, 130 N. Franklin St.
Wednesday, Aug. 26
Decatur Golden K Kiwanis Club, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Facility. Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours, 5 p.m., Symphony of Decatur, 2530 N. Monroe St.
Thursday, Aug. 27
Early Bird Kiwanis, 6:45 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.
Friday, Aug. 28
Decatur Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.
Saturday, Aug. 29
Decatur Frontiers Club, 10:30 a.m., Decatur Club.
Monday, Aug. 31
Decatur Noon Lions Club, Diamonds Family Restaurant. Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club.
Tuesday, Sept. 1
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, Sept. 2
Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce Breakfast, 7 a.m., Decatur Club. Decatur Golden K Kiwanis Club, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Facility.
Thursday, Sept. 3
Early Bird Kiwanis, 6:45 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Metropolitan Rotary Club, noon, Decatur Club. Human Service Agency Consortium, noon, Central Christian Church, 650 W. William St. Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours, 5 p.m., Brinkoetter and Associates, 1610 E. Pershing Road. Metro Decatur Home Builders Association, 6 p.m., Beach House. Lincolnland AMBUCS, 6:30 p.m., Independence Pointe Building.
Friday, Sept. 4
Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.
Saturday, Sept. 5
Decatur Frontiers Club, 10:30 a.m., Decatur Club. 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.thebusinessjournal.com
August 2015
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FROM THE EDITOR It was a good day. At least that’s what everyone told me as I joined the 21st Century last month and got a smartphone. The switch was a family adventure that everyone felt compelled to witness. I’m guessing it was worth the trip since they’re still talking about the variety of emotions I showed as I endured question after question, leaning a lot on my son to interpret exactly what was being asked. They found an ally in the saleswoman, Alyssa, who I’m convinced asked some questions for the enjoyment of my wife and kids. Just so we are clear. I’m not afraid of change (within reason) or technology. I just wasn’t interested in getting rid of a cellphone that, until recently, did exactly what I needed it to do – make and receive calls and text messages. I have the same attachment to my duct tape covered wallet and a van that I know has seen better days. I also fear that having a smartphone will turn me into a phone zombie. You’ve seen them. Those people who feel they have to be looking at something on their phone at all times. They drive me crazy. In the end, the switch came down to my desire to have a better camera and a screen that doesn’t display pictures the size of a postage stamp. For you young ones, a postage stamp is that small thing you put in the corner of a letter. A letter is … Oh, never mind.
BUSINESS JOURNAL 3
BUSINESS JOURNAL OF MIDCENTRAL ILLINOIS
Volume 21
Issue 8
601 E. William St. Decatur, IL 62523 217.421.7976 217.421.7965 (fax) 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
August2015Contents
ADVERTISING: The deadline for ad and ad copy for the September issue is Aug. 17. Call 217.421.7953 for rate information. STORY IDEAS: Email sperry@herald-review.com or call 217.421.7976
Standing FEATURES Biz Bites
6
Business Clips
18
Fred Spannaus
17
Free Time calendar
10
9
Health calendar
20
Liz Reyer
15
Office Coach
15
Professional Profile
SUBSCRIPTIONS: To order additional copies, call 217.421.7931
8
SCORE counselor
18
Wendy Gauntt
10
Big Brother
Got questions?
Farm Progress Show visitors come seeking solutions to all of their agricultural needs. Getting them where they need to go on the Progress City grounds often falls to the dedicated group of volunteers from Holy Cross Lutheran Church who staff the grain bin-shaped information booths. Page 8
Assume all online activities are monitored
23 Daily routine 10 habits of the really rich
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
August 2015
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YOUR
COMMUNITY
Optimism, leadership defined McElroy ALLISON PETTY
Business Journal Writer
DECATUR – Community leaders reeled from the death of Mayor Mike McElroy, remembering him as an unfailingly genuine person and passionate advocate for Decatur. McElroy, 63, died after apparently suffering a heart attack while driving his vehicle south on 22nd Street on July 17, causing the vehicle to crash. Macon County Coroner Michael Day said in a news release that McElroy was brought to St. Mary’s Hospital emergency room in full arrest and pronounced dead at 8:38 a.m. “It’s safe to say, city and staff, our community is heartbroken,” McElroy Mayor Pro Tempore Julie Moore-Wolfe said at a news conference in the Decatur Civic Center. Moore-Wolfe will fill the position for up to 60 days, at which time the council will make a decision about a permanent mayor, City Manager Tim Gleason said. The mayor, often called by his nickname “Tuna,” served on the council since 2003 and as mayor since 2009, when he was elected to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former Mayor Paul Osborne. McElroy unsuccessfully sought a state Senate seat in 2012, losing to Andy Manar. He was re-elected to another four-year term as mayor in April, defeating three challengers with nearly 47 percent of the vote. McElroy was vice president of Skeff Distributing Co. A graduate of St. Teresa High School, he lived in Decatur for most of his life. From 1970 to 1989 he lived in Danville, where he owned several businesses and was managing partner in a liquor store chain. He and his wife, Lynn, have one adult son. McElroy was known for his friendliness, a quality that many remarked upon in remembering him. “You knew exactly what you were getting from him. He was very forthcoming,” Councilwoman Dana Ray said. “He was a lovable guy, and he will be greatly missed.” He became a source of perpetual optimism about Decatur, often speaking about what he saw as its bright future with developments such as the Midwest Inland Port and $91 million Lake Decatur dredging project that began last year. Gov. Bruce Rauner described McElroy a champion for the city, as well as a friend to Rauner and his wife, Diana. “‘Tuna’ was a strong advocate for
Decatur who was always excited and honored to show off his wonderful community to anyone who visited,” Rauner said in a written statement. “His passion for the community was infectious – he loved working for the people of Decatur.” Councilman Jerry Dawson, a fellow St. Teresa graduate, met McElroy when he was in high school. He described the mayor as someone who was generally so fun and positive that people always wanted to run into him. Their friendship stretches back to the days when McElroy lived in Danville, and Dawson remembered that McElroy’s visits home became an event because so many people looked forward to seeing him and enjoying his wit. “In my mind, I can just picture these certain nights when he was just on a roll. Everybody around him ... He was just fun to be around,” Dawson said. But along with his lighthearted nature, McElroy nurtured a sense of civic pride, Dawson said. He cared deeply about the city and wrestled with significant council decisions. He was “proud as a peacock” of developments such as the downtown streetscape enhancement, but McElroy never sought credit for himself, Dawson said. He simply rejoiced to see the city doing well. As for the mayor’s legacy, Dawson said it could not be limited to something as tangible as a building or infrastructure. McElroy worked hard to change negative attitudes about the city, both in other communities and from its own residents, and those efforts will live on. “We’ve had some really fine mayors, and they all have their different styles, but nobody can say that he didn’t have Decatur’s best interests at heart in every decision that he made,” Dawson said. Moore-Wolfe said the city turned around under McElroy’s leadership, pointing out significant moves that occurred in the past six years: a new facility for the Decatur Police Department, major investments in the city’s sewer and water infrastructure, downtown enhancements, the Midwest Inland Port. “I know he’s smiling down on all of us right now and pointing out all the great things that are going on. We won’t have him sitting here with us Monday nights, but he’ll be helping from above,” she said. Above all, Moore-Wolfe said McElroy was thrilled to lead the community he loved so much. She was with him at the opening of the new center for the Boys & Girls Club of Decatur. A group of young girls, about 5 years old, approached and reverently asked McElroy if he was the mayor. He grinned widely and said, “Yes, I am.” “He was just so proud to be mayor. That’s all he wanted to do,” she said. “He
wanted to give it his all. He loved just being out there with the people.” Coalition of Neighborhood Organizations President Sue Lawson said McElroy’s death is a great loss for the neighborhood groups, who could count on his support and attendance at many events. Not long after McElroy was elected, Lawson said she contacted him about a problem that residents were having with a city department. She asked if there was anything he could do, not expecting that he would personally visit the couple. But that’s what he did. “They were so impressed. They were so shocked. The mayor came to them to hear what the complaint was,” she said. “That’s the way he was.” Evelyn Hood said he offered consistent help and support to the African American Cultural and Genealogical Society of Illinois Inc., of which she is the founder and CEO. Most recently, he spoke at the reopening of the society’s museum and promised Hood that he would look into helping with its accessibility needs. “We’re going to miss him, and we’re going to miss the contributions that he has
made to the city. I believe that he really thought the city is getting better and its on its way up,” she said. Councilwoman Lisa Gregory was elected in April but lived near the mayor and knew him for many years. She said he supported her candidacy, offering guidance and advice while also accepting that they might sometimes disagree. Watching McElroy speak about the city’s recent progress and his confidence in its success was very encouraging, she said. “The city today lost a very good friend,” she said. “He truly cared about the city, and he wanted nothing but the best for our citizens. He had a heart of gold.” Former City Manager Ryan McCrady worked under McElroy for six years. He said the mayor was his friend in addition to his boss. “He loved this community and its people more than I can ever express,” said McCrady, who in January became president of the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur and Macon County. McCrady praised McElroy’s unwavering commitment to making Decatur great,
CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
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August 2015
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BUSINESS JOURNAL 5
Continued from page 4
saying he served the community not only as mayor, but in many other ways. “Decatur is a better place because of Mike McElroy, and I am a better person for having known him,” he said. Gleason, who assumed his position March 23, said he respected and appreciated McElroy very much in the four months they worked together. Those sentiments were widely shared, as Gleason said he began receiving condolence messages from around the state Friday morning. “He loved Decatur,” Gleason said. “His focus was this community.” Councilman Pat McDaniel described McElroy as a “super salesman” for Decatur who could not be replaced. “We had disagreements, the mayor and I, but he had a great sense of humor,” said McDaniel, who challenged McElroy in the recent mayoral election. “We always respected each other, and I appreciated that.” Councilman Bill Faber praised McElroy’s decision to allow residents to speak and ask questions as each item on the council’s agenda was considered at meetings. “No other mayor has offered that type of access to communication with our citizens,” Faber said. “His gesture of allowing and listening to our citizens talk has enhanced and strengthened this local
Business Journal, Theresa Churchill
Mayor Mike McElroy loved being out with the people. In one of is last official appearances as mayor on July 15, McElroy helped cut the ribbon on the newly renovated Walter E. Smith Center of the Boys & Girls Club of Decatur.
democracy.” Former Councilman Larry Foster, whose term ended in April, said McElroy was not much of a politician in the sense of letting others’ opinions dictate his actions. He did what he thought was best for the community. “He was the biggest cheerleader for the
BANQUET
GUIDE
city,” Foster said. “He was so dedicated; it’s going to be hard to fill his shoes.” Macon County Sheriff Thomas Schneider said it was impossible to find a more genuine individual than McElroy, who was approachable and friendly but also not prone to sidestepping the issues. He was no-nonsense, a straight-talker
Featured Business:
who would not just tell people what they wanted to hear, Schneider said. “He cared so much about his community and he truly, truly believed in everything that Decatur was about,” Schneider said. “He was Decatur. We are going to miss him more than you can ever imagine.”
Decatur cLuB
158 W. Prairie Ave., Decatur
Accommodates: 300 people
Contact: Jeff Ingle
Banquets & weddings
Decatur civic center
429-4200 #1 Gary K Anderson Plaza, Decatur
Accommodates: 2 to 3,000 People Assistance with catering, cash bar, & Dj Service available
DOHertY’S PuB & PinS Accommodates: up to 80 seating - 150 capacity
Contact: Shelly Gregg 422-7300 242 E. William St., Decatur Contact: 428-5612
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HicKOrY POint BanQuet FaciLitY Accommodates: 225 w/additional seating on veranda Award-winning cuisine
Mt. ZiOn cOnventiOn center Accommodates: 1,100 people
727 Weaver Rd., Decatur Contact: Tina McCarnen 421-6657 1410 Mt. Zion Pkwy, Mt. Zion Contact: 864-5424
Mt. ZiOn LiOnS center
1595 W. Main St., Mt. Zion
Accommodates: up to 300 people
Contact: Sharon Spinner
Choose your own caterer, bring your own food Ask about our “value-added service”
ScOviLL BanQuet FaciLitY Accommodates: up to 225 people Award-winning cuisine
864-3100 mtzionlionsclub.com 3909 W. Main St., Decatur Contact: Kevin Brewer 421-7470
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BUSINESS JOURNAL
August 2015
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BUSINESS Now open
Anna Thai is open at 253 N. Main St., bringing to Decatur the experience and expertise that have made My Thai in Champaign and Siam Terrace in Urbana so popular. The owners are the married couple behind those two successful eateries, Worapot “Addy” Tangmunarunkit and Ratana “Anna” Darawankul, who say good service is as much a priority for them as good food. “We take pride in serving up delicious, authentic Thai cuisine with only the freshest ingredients and also with a smile,” Tangmunarunkit said. The restaurant features a fresh sushi bar, a 10-foot waterfall that greets visitors as they enter, and two party rooms. The location was previously home to Jasmine Thai and before that to Da Franco’s Pizza. Hours are noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4:30 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. For more, find the business on Facebook or call (217) 542-5962. nnn Dollar General recently opened a new store at 3180 E. Mound Road.
Expanding
May, Cocagne & King, P.C. is merging its Monticello accounting office with Prairie Financial Group, Inc., a Monticello tax, accounting and consulting firm owned by David S. Brown.. Brown has been named partner in charge of MCK’s Monticello office. Brown has owned and operated Prairie Financial Group, Inc. for the past 16 years, with a specialization in the tax and accounting needs within the farming and agricultural industry. He will succeed Alan King, who is retiring after 38 years as the partner in charge of the Monticello office. Andrew Thomas, managing partner of MCK, announced the merger. MCK will be relocating its Monticello office to 8 Opal Drive and can be reached at (217) 762-7717 or (217) 762-3136.
nnn Land of Lincoln Credit Union recently opened branches in Normal and Springfield. Both are firsts for the Decaturbased business in their respective counties of McLean and Sangamon. The Normal location is just off Veteran’s Parkway at 115 Susan Drive, Unit I in the Patriot Center. The Springfield location is at 300 South Grand Avenue West. nnn Royal International Buffet has opened a second location in Decatur. It is located at 695 W. Pershing Road, the former home of Dragon Buffet, giving customers living on the north and west sides of the city a shorter drive. “It’s much more convenient for many people than driving all the way out east,” owner Tiffany Zhou said . Zhou has operated a restaurant in the former shopping center anchored by Rural King since 1999 with that store undergoing its last major remodel/expansion in 2011. Each location opens daily at 11 a.m. and closes at 9:30 p.m. with one exception. The Pershing Road location is staying open until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Find the business on Facebook or call the new store at (217) 877-8887.
On the move
Decatur Jewelry and Pawn isn’t going far, but owner Perry Lewin said its recent move will make a huge difference. The store is now located at 1065 W. Pershing Road, a bit closer to the corner of Pershing and Oakland Avenue than the place it called home for nearly 23 years. “I didn’t realize how big of a move it would be,” Lewin said. “It does create a sense of excitement for our staff and customers.” The move triples the size of the store to 15,000 square feet from 5,000 square feet, Lewin said. Its firearms department will be expanding, a larger selection of jewelry will be offered, and its payment process streamlined along with streamlining the
BITES
intake of gold, silver and jewelry, he said. The new location offers more space for parking, Lewin said. “We will have a larger product mix with more room to display it,” Lewin said. The business used tax increment financing incentives to help in the expansion and add more to its plans, Lewin said. “The savings enabled us to expand more than we thought we would,” he said. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Call (217) 875-6625. nnn In addition to Decatur Jewelry and Pawn, the building at 1065 W. Pershing Road has space to add Aten’s Midwest School of Aiki Jujutsu and Kickboxing. Headmaster Ron Aten moved the school from Blue Mound, where he was police chief for 32 years before retiring in 2006. He has been teaching martial arts in Macon County for over 40 years. Aten has been looking for an opportunity to move into Decatur. Classes target men and women age 13 and above teach skills such as discipline and self defense, Aten said. “What we teach works,” Aten said. “It’s technical, so it’s not an easy art.” He is looking for students with an interest to learn the martial arts and about its history. Call (217) 827-2860. nnn Al Schelling was looking for a place in Decatur to buy for his State Farm insurance business. Schelling thinks the new location at 2398 E. Wood St. is the right fit. Schelling ‘s rented. “It’s no different than renting an apartment or owning a home,” said Schelling, whose rented office has been on North Water Street. “I knew I wanted to keep a Decatur zip code.” The building he bought is across from Nelson Park, and Schelling is glad to see the improvements being made there. “The Nelson Park project makes this location better,” Schelling said. “The area looks a lot more attractive. It is a very busy area.”
217-429-4444 | www.DunnCo.com |
The building, which had been home to a sewing/alterations business for many years, has been remodeled inside and out, he said. With the move, Schelling was able to add more private offices for staff members. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. Call (217) 428-6742.
New owner
Advanced Disposal has acquired Ross Disposal Services, which is based in Decatur. The acquisition includes residential and commercial customers in Decatur. Advanced Disposal, a privately-owned business based in Florida and serves customers in 17 states, already operates a collection facility and Valley View Landfill, said Dan DeWaard, the company’s region vice president. The addition further expands its services in the area, he said. Call (217) 429-0020.
Closing
The owner of a longtime bird supply store in Decatur is retiring. Vickie Warner has owned Backyard Birds at 2920 S. Mount Zion Road for 19 ½ years, but she said the time has come for her to retire. “I wanted to go out on a high note,” Warner said. “We’ve had our best year.” Warner has enjoyed running the store, which sells bird feeders and other natureinspired gifts. She has met friends with similar interests. “I never thought it would be over 19 years,” said Warner, who had previously worked in management for Kmart. Warner planned to have the business closed by the end of July. 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.
August 2015
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BUSINESS JOURNAL 7
Boys & Girls Club unveils Walter E. Smith Center THERESA CHURCHILL
Business Journal Writer
DECATUR – Khylee Carson, who will be a second-grader at Robertson Charter School, is too young to remember Walt Smith, who retired in 2012 executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Decatur after 32 years with the organization. But the 7-year-old will never forget making the final snip at a ribbon-cutting to unveil a newly renovated building called the Walter E. Smith Center. “It felt great,” she said. It also feels better jumping rope in the gym and playing foosball in the game room since $142,000 in upgrades were completed in time for the start of the club’s summer session June 2. Gym improvements included replacement of the floor and bleachers and the addition of air conditioning, while
the game room received a paint job designed to appeal to an important segment of the club’s membership: preteens and teenagers. “Walt used to always say the club is a place for hope and opportunity,” said Bruce Jeffery, former program director under Smith and executive director since 2012. “Each young person who comes through these doors has the opportunity to be whoever they want to be and to be successful, however, we have expectations of them in return, to go to school and stay out of trouble.” Board members Kit Paulin and Priscilla Palmer paid tribute to Smith, who was on hand for the festivities. Palmer said she grew up with Smith near the club, which has been at 859 N. Jasper St. since 1983 and praised him for being there for the children when labor strife hit Decatur in 1993, twin tornadoes
struck in 1996 and terrorists attacked the East Coast on 9/11. Caleb Davis, among club “alumni” who attended the ribbon-cutting, said he feels fortunate to have grown up under Smith’s watchful eye and to have experienced Jeffery’s leadership. “They made sure I stayed on the right track,” he said. Davis, 23, graduated from the University of Missouri at Columbia in 2014 and just completed his first year teaching at Muffley School. Funds for the recent renovations to the Boys & Girls Club came from Archer Daniels Midland Co. and an anonymous donor, Jeffery said. “We’re hoping to host some tournaments and are researching starting a volleyball team,” he said. “By the end of the school year, we hope to have the rest of the building updated, too.”
Hobby Lobby moves to mall Larger space holds expanded inventory CHRIS LUSVARDI
Business Journal Writer
FORSYTH – Denise Johnston has kept an eye out for when the new Hobby Lobby store would open at Hickory Point Mall in Forsyth. After finding out when the opening would be, Johnston was eager to be one of the first shoppers through the doors when the store opened July 6. Hobby Lobby sells a variety of paper for cards Johnston likes to make, so she said it will be worth the drive to the mall from her home in Bethany. “I’ve been watching when I’ve been driving by,” Johnston said. “It’s really going to add to this area. It will be great.” In moving from its former location on Pershing Road in Decatur, the store at the mall gives Hobby Lobby the additional space it has been seeking, store manager Jack Mead Jr. The mall store features 63,000 square feet of craft and home decor items, which Mead said is about 20,000 square feet more than the old space. The Oklahoma City-based retailer’s more than 650 stores across the country average about 55,000 square feet. “We needed a bigger store,” Mead said shortly after the new store opened. “We’re happy to have a big store.” More than 70,000 products are sold in each Hobby Lobby store. Its departments include floral, fabric, needle art, custom framing, baskets, home accents wearable art, arts and crafts, jewelry making, scrapbooking and paper crafting supplies. The hope is the new store will draw more traffic to all the stores at the mall. Hickory Point Mall general manager Cathy Mitteer said Hobby Lobby has a different mix of products than what shoppers
usually expect to find at an anchor store. She said construction moved smoothly, and they’re excited to have it open. “It’s a lot of square footage for the mall, so it will be one of the larger draws,” Mitteer said. “I think the community’s excited about it as it’s a new, neat look for customer shopping.” The new Hobby Lobby store was built in part of the space J.C. Penney formerly occupied before closing just more than a year ago. Another of the shopping center’s anchors, Sears, also closed last year, but that space remains vacant. Mitteer said the Sears space remains part of the center’s redevelopment plans but nothing has been finalized. Hobby Lobby will be open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Unlike other stores at the mall, the Hobby Lobby in Forsyth will be closed Sundays like all of the retailer’s locations. In addition to Hobby Lobby, other stores are moving in elsewhere at the mall. An Auntie Anne’s Pretzels opened last month. “These two great additions to our center give our shoppers even more reasons to find everything they need at Hickory Point,” Mitteer said. Auntie Anne’s is known for its warm, freshly baked pretzels served right out of the oven. Its pretzels are served with mustard along with sweet and savory options, in addition to its menu that includes pretzel dogs, cinnamon sugar pretzel bites and more. Auntie Anne’s is in the center court area near Von Maur. Another new store is drawing closer to its opening as Dr. G’s BrainWorks is in the hiring phase. Hickory Point Mall will be its third location, featuring various games aimed at early childhood development through seniors that test problem solving and critical thinking.
Business Journal, Jim Bowling
Walt Smith, former executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Decatur, speaks during a ceremony commemorating renovations and the new building name, Walter E. Smith Center, at the Boys and Girls Club of Decatur.
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Business Journal, Jim Bowling
Meet Kathy Carter Hometown: I grew up on a farm, where my family still resides, in Mount Pulaski. Family: Husband, Wayne T. Carter; three sons (Derrick, Joshua and Jeffrey); and three grandchildren. Occupation: Office manager for local State Farm Insurance agent Carole S. Brooker. Education: Graduate of Mount Pulaski High School and Lincoln Land Community College. Hobbies/interests: I love watching the St. Louis Cardinals, gardening, crafts and spending time with my grandkids. My first job: Walking beans and detasseling corn. Why I do what I do: I like working with people. Community involvement: I was active with the Hess Park baseball board and was sponsorship chairman for six years. I was a baseball coach, too. At Stevenson Grade School, I was active with the PTA and PTA board, serving as fund raiser chairperson for two years, vice-president and then president. Also, I was active with Franklin School PTA board. Next, I was active
Farm Progress Show information booth coordinator
with the MacArthur Soccer Booster Club and MacArthur Baseball Booster Club. I volunteer at the American Legion Post 105 and in the Auxiliary. I am very active with my church, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, where I serve on the church council. I am completing my third year as council secretary. I’ve been in charge of our annual ham and bean dinner, held every October, for the past six years. How did your group get involved with the Farm Progress Show? I went to a meeting about the volunteer opportunities available at the Farm Progress Show and came away thinking it would be a good opportunity for the members of my church. They agreed, as long as the job didn’t involve serving or cooking food. We’ve staffed the information booth at all six Decatur shows. What does the information booth coordinator do? I am in charge of the Decatur Farm Progress Show’s seven information booths. I find the volunteers needed to staff the booths during the three days of the show. During the show I am in contact with my volunteers by a walkie-talkie. When they
need something, such as more programs, I deliver them. I also make sure they are comfortable. If they have any questions that come up that they can’t answer, they contact me and I find the answer. What keeps you coming back year after year? We all enjoy working with the people. How do you get your team prepared for the show? I have a meeting for the volunteers to let them know what to expect and we also spend time leading up to the show studying the program to get ourselves familiar with the exhibitors’ locations. We also attend a meeting on the Saturday before the show at Progress City to find out about new things that are happening. It takes a team of about 75 volunteers to cover all the shifts – about 45 are needed each day — during the three days the show is in town. Describe a typical day? I get up at 4 a.m., get ready and leave the house to meet the volunteers at our church around 6 a.m. We arrive at Progress City at 6:30 a.m. Before the show opens up at 8 a.m., the volunteers are busy getting the programs ready, as each visitor is provided with a program.
I am busy during the day answering questions, helping with lost and found, golf cart problems, etc. We do whatever it takes to make the show run as smooth as possible. Then, at the end of the day, the booths are closed and the volunteers leave around 5:30 p.m. We’re a little tired, but we feel appreciated. Some of us go out for dinner and talk about how the day went and some of the strange and funny things that happened. What is the biggest challenge when it comes to manning the information booth? After six shows, we’ve gotten pretty good at this, so some of the things that might have seemed hard the first couple times aren’t hard any more. One of the challenges that never goes away stems from all the international visitors to the Farm Progress Show. Sometimes an international visitor comes to us with a question or needing help and it takes a few minutes for us to understand each other. What is the most popular question you are asked? It’s a tie. “Where is the bathroom?” and “Where is the food?”
August 2015
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The Arts
Anne Lloyd Gallery: “Playland,” by Doug Goessman. Opening reception 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14. Call (217) 423-3189. www.decaturarts.org Gallery 510: Watercolor paintings by Shirley Buescher. Opening reception from 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14. Call (217) 422-1509. Blue Connection: Millikin University faculty, alumni and student art work. Opening reception 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14. Call (217) 428-0112 . www.millikin.edu/blueconnection Decatur Airport: Watercolor paintings by Michael Delaney. Decatur Public Library: Watercolors and acrylic paintings by Sharon Zimmerman.
Watch or play
USTA/Ursula Beck Pro Tennis Classic, Aug. 3-9, Fairview Park Tennis Classic. Players from around the world converge on Decatur to compete. www.ursulabecktennis.com Decatur Games, an Olympic-style tournament taking place from Aug.10-20 at venues across the city. For more information, call Rachael Bishop at (217) 429-3472 or stop by the Decatur Indoor Sports Center. Macon Speedway. Dirt track racing at its very best every Saturday night. Special events include the Herald & Review 100 on Wednesday, Aug. 26. maconracing.com
Music
Decatur Municipal Band: Weekly concerts featuring contemporary and traditional music Sundays from 6-7 p.m. in the Fairview Park Large Pavilion and Mondays from 7-9 p.m. in Central Park. Blues in Central Park: Thursday, Aug. 20,
Calendar of events
For a complete list of events, go to www.herald-review.com/go/ Southern Hospitality. Vendors open at 6 p.m. Band plays from 7-10 p.m. Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra presents its annual Labor Day Pops concert at 6 p.m. in Nelson Park. Decatur Celebration Kick Off Concert featuring Home Free, a country a cappella band and champions of NBC’s The Sing-Off, and LoCash Cowboys, 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, at the Decatur Civic Center Arena. www. decaturcelebration.com Farm Progress Show presents country artist Craig Morgan on Wednesday, Sept. 2, near Richland Community College. Gates open at 4 p.m. with Morgan taking the stage at 6:30 p.m. Get tickets at etix.com or at richland.edu.
On Stage
Little Theatre-On the Square: “The Addams Family,” through Aug. 9; “The Princess and the Pea,” Aug. 1, 4 and 6-8; and “Driving Miss Daisy,” Aug. 12-23. For tickets, call (217) 728-7375. www.thelittletheatre.org.
Charity events
Family Fun Run/Walk, to benefit the Macon County Obesity Prevention Coalition, at 9:45 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, in downtown Decatur. Cost is $10 or $30 for a family or team. For more information call Brandi Binkley at (217) 423-6988 ext. 1114. Tour De Paws, to benefit the Animal Shelter Foundation and Scovill Zoo, at 7 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, in Nelson Park.Event
features 25-, 43- and 61-mile bike rides and a Family Fun ride. For more information, go to www.dmcasf.org. Zoo-rific Evening at Scovill Zoo, to benefit upcoming renovations at the zoo, at 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22. Enjoy animal encounters, specialty drinks and hors d’oeuvres, an auction and music. Cost is $75 per person. Call (217) 422-5911. Run United, a 5K run to benfit United Way of Decatur & Mid-Illinois, at 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22. Race begins in Fairview Park and concludes with a party in the Fleet Feet Sports Decatur parking lot. uwdecatur.org Dog Days of Summer, to benefit Homeward Bound Pet Shelter, from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at The Beach House. Includes appetizers and music by Kid Kaddilac and the Continentals. Cost is $20. For more information call Kelly Gagnon at (217) 875-1910. Silas Martin Memorial Concert, featuring The Great Romance, at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Decatur Civic Center. A portion of the proceeds will to to Alex’s Lemonade Stand to fund research of a cure for pediatric cancer. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at the Decatur Civic Center ticket office or at www.decaturciviccenter. org.
CHRIS LUSVARDI
ECATUR – Although the start of the D Farm Progress Show is quickly approaching, Matt Jungmann remains confident a major expansion can be completed in time. In the end, the effort will be worthwhile for all involved, the show’s manager said last month during the Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce Ag Cafe luncheon at the Beach House restaurant in Decatur. Plans are to add an area with three new streets to the southwest side of Progress City, providing enough space for about 100 new exhibitors. “We’ve got to get it done by show time,” Jungmann said. “We’ll get it done.” The anticipated expansion is adding a level of excitement to the show as it adds more space to accommodate more than 600 exhibitors across the entire site and enables more demonstrations to be done,
Jungmann said. The show has been held in Decatur every other year since 2005. It runs from Tuesday, Sept. 1, though Thursday, Sept. 3, this year. Unmanned aerial vehicle, or UAV, operators this year will have space south of the exhibit field to demonstrate how the latest technology can benefit farmers, Jungmann said. Those type of additions are really what continues to drive interest in the Farm Progress Show, he said. “It’s these kind of things that adds the buzz to the show,” Jungmann said. If the weather and other factors cooperate, Jungmann expects close to 200,000 visitors for the three-day event. About 160,000 people are expected for a typical show, but he said attendance was down to 120,000 last year in Boone, Iowa, as most of the final day was wiped out due to thunderstorms. In addition to the new work that is being done, Jungmann is hopeful that field demonstrations, the main tradition of the Farm Progress Show, can go on without a hitch. So far, Jungmann remains more confident about the growth of the corn for the demos than he was two years ago, when the crops
information, go to www.cmofil.org or call (217) 423-5437. Movies in the Park: Watch a moving on a huge inflatable screen on Aug. 12 in Fairview Park. The show begins at dusk.
Misc.
The Rock Springs Nature Center hosts a long list of mini camps, family adventures and classes. 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. Decatur Celebration, Aug. 7-9 in downtown Decatur. Scheduled to headliners are Kool & the Gang, Blues Traveler, Blackberry Smoke, Lonestar, Deana Carter, En Vogue, Vanilla Ice, Unspoken, Moriah Peters and Vince Vance & the Valiants. Hot dog eating contest, Macon County Pageants, and much more. www.decaturcelebration.com Carry on a Decatur tradition with Cruisin’ Nights on Eldo at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15. Live bands in the Donnely Automotive parking lot during. For more information, call James Pinckard at (217) 972-9049. Pony Express Days, Aug. 13-16, Pony Express Grounds, Mount Zion. Carnival, live music and more. Labor Day Parade, 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 7, downtown Decatur. Got an item you’d like considered for publication 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.
For the kids
Children’s Museum of Illinois is host to a variety of activities including, summer camps. Family Science Sunday on Aug. 9, Dino Dig on Aug. 12, and more. For
Farm Progress Show back in Decatur Business Journal Writer
BUSINESS JOURNAL 9
I F YO U G O The Farm Progress Show, the “Super Bowl of Agriculture,” makes its sixth appearance at Decatur’s Progress City USA on Sept. 1-3. For details go to www. farmprogressshow.com
weren’t ready in time to be harvested during the event. The expansion will be funded by Penton, the Farm Progress Show’s parent company. It shows the commitment the company is making, which can benefit the entire Decatur area, said Greg Florian, Richland Community College vice president of finance. “It’s always a challenge to get bigger,” Florian said. “It’s exciting to have those challenges. The show still brings the whole community together.” Florian said Richland will do what it can to support Penton to complete the expansion. The work will be done with a new leader overseeing the project as Rick Wild replaces Mark Lovig as the show’s operations manager.
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TECH
TALK
The lack of privacy in the Internet Age Nearly everything you do on your computer and online leaves traces. That makes it relatively easy to see what your employees are doing, if you want to. However, it also means others can see what you are doing, as well. You should assume anything you do, especially online, could be shared with others.
Data hacks
The most obvious concern is having your data exposed because a large corporation or website falls victim to a hacker attack. These hit the news regularly. These hacks are usually driven by financial motives, so they go after credit card and financial data. Once you find out, change passwords and, if necessary, get replacement Technology credit cards. In some cases, personal information is obtained for darker reasons: recent hacks of adult dating sites Ashley Madison and Adult Friend Finder threaten to expose secrets their members never intended to share.
Wendy Gauntt
Social media
You’ve probably seen Facebook posts warning about their Messenger app’s privacy terms, which give Facebook the right to use your microphone and camera without warning. Facebook says this is necessary due to Android terms and conditions and is not intended to invade your privacy. Nonetheless they have permission to watch and listen, so there is potential for abuse. In fact, many apps ask for permission to access your camera and phone. Facebook hit the news because it is so popular. The dramatic warning posts quickly went viral. Have you ever wondered how Facebook is so good at suggesting “People You May Know?” Facebook Messenger uses your phone’s contact list to match phone numbers with other users. Even if you don’t use Messenger yourself, Facebook can make suggestions when it finds your number on your friends’ phones. If you haven’t turned off location awareness options, Facebook will tell your friends when you are nearby, using the
“Nearby Friends” feature. This feature logs all your locations, which means your phone contains a detailed record of everywhere you have been. Facebook isn’t the only invader of your privacy when it comes to location tracking. Google Maps does the same. LinkedIn is another site that leverages as much information as it can get. Unless you have your settings turned to private, anyone you look at will know that you browsed their profile. That’s how you can see who browsed yours. On a related note, you may not realize that if you browse a company website from work, that company can likely see that someone from your organization was at their site. Be careful surfing competitor sites! Photo sharing sites can be one more source of unplanned privacy issues. Many offer automatic sync to your phone. Watch out what you sync. If you browse these sites, you’ll discover photos that people never intended to share — racy or embarrassing pictures, or photos of their credit cards and drivers licenses.
Google Chrome
If you think your phone is the only place your conversations could be recorded, think again. Google Chrome, an alternative to Internet Explorer, has a module installed that can listen to whatever your computer microphone picks up. It is turned off by default, but hackers have found bugs in the software. This allows them to activate this feature without your knowledge. Google is not planning to remove this feature, so the only way to be sure your conversations are private is to stop using Chrome.
Advertising
Free webmail sites, notably Google’s Gmail, read your email in order to provide relevant advertising. Facebook uses your personal information to do the same. Websites use cookies to keep track of browsing history and serve up ads as you surf the web, so you may find that the products you look at on one website show up in ads as you browse other sites. This is all automated, so live human beings aren’t making this happen, but the records of what you are seeing and why are all out there in massive data sets (which could of course be hacked).
Monitoring employees
As an employer, it is your right to know what’s being done on your network
and your equipment. You can monitor as much or as little as you like. With the right tools, you can watch all traffic going to and from the Internet. You’ll find out which employees surf the Internet for business, and which ones are wasting valuable company time. Internet filters can even pick up traffic like personal email and instant messaging. If you are concerned about a specific employee, you can install undetectable software on their computers that will take screen snapshots every few seconds and record every keystroke typed. This allows you to see everything that happens on the PC being monitored. Keep in mind that many people use personal cell phones to access popular services like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, etc. If they are using your wireless network, you can see this traffic. However, if they are using their cellular data plan, you have no visibility or control over what they do.
Credit cards and other financial information could be stolen, passwords could be hacked, and personal details of your life could be made public. There are tools to help you be anonymous. A service called Tor bounces your Internet use between multiple servers to hide the origin. There are other private VPN services that promise to do the same. These come at a cost though. Your Internet service will slow down noticeably due to the extra traffic required to hide your activity. Your best bet? Don’t do anything online you wouldn’t want made public. You just never know. Change your passwords from time to time, and don’t reuse the same ones repeatedly. Keep a close eye on sync and privacy settings for apps you use on your phone. And lastly, always, always keep a close eye on your credit cards and bank accounts for unauthorized activity.
Protecting yourself
Wendy Gauntt is president of CIO Services LLC, a technology consulting company that specializes in small business solutions. Go to www.cioservicesllc.com for more information, ideas and free resources.
You need to accept that every website is hackable, so any transactions you do online could potentially be made public.
August 2015
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BUSINESS JOURNAL 11
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LAND OPPORTUNITIES
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August 2015
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BUSINESS JOURNAL 13
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YOUR
CAREER
Remembering newsman Bob Fallstrom Herald & Review mainstay since 1949 MARK TUPPER
Business Journal Writer
DECATUR – For more than 66 years, Bob Fallstrom brought life to the stories of Central Illinois. But on July 9, a little more than two weeks after his retirement as the Herald & Review’s community news editor, Fallstrom died of complications following emergency surgery. He was 88. A father of six, sons Douglas, R.B., Jerrold, Rolf and Erik, and daughter Kristin Hargrove of Decatur, survive. Fallstrom was preceded in death by his wife, June, in 2000. Fallstrom served in several capacities during his long and distinguished career at the Herald & Review. He was a sportswriter, sports editor, lifestyle editor, general assignment reporter and had become a mainstay as the paper’s community news editor. He unashamedly called himself the paper’s “good news editor,” and was proud to tell positive stories about any achievement by a citizen of Central Illinois willing to share their tale. “My theory is that if someone calls, I don’t care who it is, I will do the story if I possibly can,” Fallstrom said recently in describing his mission. “People have told me I can’t say yes to everything, but why not? It’s supposed to be a paper for the people. “I am proud of the fact that I have concentrated on a lot of people who had never gotten in the paper before or afterward. They say you can’t say yes to everyone, but yes you can. That’s been my motto all along.” Managing Editor Dave Dawson, whose desk was within reaching distance of Fallstrom’s, routinely witnessed Fallstrom make good on his motto. “I will miss hearing his daily telephone conversations, most of them polite,” Dawson said. “Sometimes, the caller wanted him to do something that Bob considered negative, and he would tell them, ‘I’m sorry, I only write good news.’ “I will also miss, in the tradition of former opinion page editor Dick Icen, hearing Bob curse at his computer when it did not do his bidding.” Fallstrom forged a career that spanned nearly 70 years in newspapers despite the fact that college journalism school was not a part of his resumé. He was born and raised in Dixon, the hometown of President Ronald Reagan. Following high school, Fallstrom went to work as an usher at the local movie theater where the manager heard him dreaming out loud about working at a newspaper. The theater manager helped Fallstrom land part time work at the Dixon Evening Telegraph, where on Saturdays during World War II he typed military briefs. After a stint in the Army, where he was stationed as a clerk at the Pentagon,
Bob Fallstrom sits in the conference room named after him at the Herald & Review.
Fallstrom returned to Dixon and rejoined the Evening Telegraph before getting a lead on a job opening in Decatur. “I never went to college, and the Herald wouldn’t take anyone who didn’t have a college degree,” Fallstrom said. “But they took me. I broke the rule, and I’ve been here ever since.” Lured by the irresistible offer of $67.20 per week, Fallstrom’s first day of work at the Herald & Review was Jan. 3, 1949. He reported for duty on the second floor of the former Herald & Review offices on the corner of North Main and North streets. He began as a sportswriter, but advanced quickly once legendary sports editors Howard Millard and Forrest Kyle retired. For more than 30 years, Fallstrom’s name was synonymous with Central Illinois sports. He was known for managing a sports staff that at one time covered 100 high schools in 22 counties. His column, which he wrote five or six times a week, was called, “Once Over Lightly,” a name he felt was appropriate for an opinion piece delivered in his unique and concise writing style. Always, though, it was anchored in opinion and often it raised the ire of his readers. “I came up with some outlandish things because I wanted people to read it,” Fallstrom said. “And I’d predict the outcome of games, which I usually had wrong.”
Fallstrom didn’t see it coming in 1982 when Herald & Review Editor Tom Blount decided to shake up his staff of newsroom managers. During a three-month experiment, Blount shipped Fallstrom to the other side of the newsroom, making him the lifestyle editor, a move that placed him far outside the comfort zone of sports. “When I got a taste of lifestyle, I thought, ‘Wow, this is good,’ ” Fallstrom recalled. “All of a sudden I had Friday nights off and weekends were more manageable. My wife and I even took dance lessons.” Blount now lives in North Carolina and retired at age 76 after a 60-year career in journalism. He believes his “experiment” revitalized Fallstrom. “It went well,” Blount said. “I remember Bob telling me, ‘I really enjoyed myself. If the lifestyle editor’s position opens, I’d take it.’ And when it did, he did. And the rest is history. “Given the fact that Bob remained a staff member of a daily newspaper for more than 65 years until (nearly) 89, I believe the experiment was one of the best things that ever happened to Bob.” As Fallstrom’s longevity soared, he became the Herald & Review’s unofficial human time capsule, often stepping in to write what he called “obituary tributes” when noteworthy citizens passed away.
Business Journal, Jim Bowling
His understanding of history and knowledge of the people who made an impact in Central Illinois made him the perfect person to tell their final tale. “Bob Fallstrom was a constant at the Herald & Review and a great source of institutional knowledge,” Dawson said. “Sitting next to Bob was like sitting next to a talking encyclopedia. Ask him a question about Central Illinois history, and it was a good bet Bob knew about it or witnessed it. That’s a great resource for any newsroom to have.” As the years wound on, Fallstrom was slowed by a variety of physical maladies, the list of which he would recite if asked. Frail and a veteran of more hospital visits than he could count, Fallstrom walked with the aid of a cane. “I prefer to call it a walking stick,” he once wrote. “That sounds more gentlemanly.” While his devotion to the job has consumed much of his life, he found time to travel extensively, visiting seven continents, about 25 countries and camped in all 50 states. He was the co-founder of the Juvae Jazz Society, co-founder of the GM Square Neighborhood group, past president of the Macon County Historical Society and an inductee into the Decatur Athletic Council Hall of Fame as well as the Illinois Amateur Softball Association Hall of Fame.
August 2015
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People skills a must for workers dealing with customers Q: A supervisor who reports to me has a lot of behavioral problems. “Anna” is disruptive and domineering with both her staff and her peers. She even sends me emails telling me how to do my job. I have received several requests from customers asking that she be removed from their accounts. On the positive Office Coach side, Anna has excellent technical skills and is willing to take on the most difficult assignments. After six years here, she knows a lot of company history. Anna sometimes acts rather manic, so I think she might have bipolar disorder. She has shared with me that she was married five times and had issues with a difficult mother. During the short time that I have been managing this group, I have tried to remain low-key and create a nice work atmosphere. However, Anna is becoming increasingly troublesome. How should I handle this? A: Technically talented folks with dreadful interpersonal skills should never be placed in jobs where relationships matter. Allowing Anna to supervise others and interact with customers was a poor decision for which you cannot be blamed. But
Marie McIntyre
even though you did not create this problem, it is now yours to correct. Unfortunately, you are compounding the initial error with two mistakes of your own. First, you appear to be acting more like a psychologist than a manager. You have absolutely no business assigning Anna a diagnosis or exploring her marital and family history. As her boss, your job is to focus on her workplace behavior. Second, your choice of a “low-key” management style is simply wrong. Remaining in the background is fine when you have competent, reliable employees, but with someone who is “domineering and disruptive”, you need to be front and center. Otherwise, she will do whatever she pleases, and you will lose all credibility. If you are new to management, then this challenge represents an important learning opportunity. Talk with your boss or human resources manager about the appropriate steps to follow and ask how they can assist you. Ultimately, your objective is to place Anna where she can tackle technical problems without alienating customers or terrorizing the staff. nnn Q: For six years, I worked in a small law office with a woman who clearly did not like me at all. “Gladys” was the attorney’s secretary, and I was a paralegal. Three years ago, I left the office on good terms after receiving an offer from a much larger firm. My new job worked out well until the firm lost its largest client. I was laid off,
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.
along with many other employees, and given a glowing reference letter. I was also provided with outplacement services. When the outplacement counselor called my former employer for a reference, Gladys answered the phone. She said the attorney was unavailable and offered to answer any questions. She described me as a “legal assistant,” not a paralegal, and apparently had a rather negative attitude. Now I’m concerned about what Gladys may say to potential employers. I know the attorney would give me a favorable reference, but she might not allow anyone to talk with him. I have considered calling him myself, but I’m not sure what to say. A: The good news is that interviewers almost always give the greatest weight to your most recent work experience. Some may not even bother to contact your previous employer. However, anyone who does check needs accurate information, so circumventing Gladys would be a wise move. Explain to the attorney that you would appreciate a personal reference because he is so familiar with your work. If he will agree to write a letter, that may satisfy some employers and reduce the number of inquiries. For phone calls, see if he
can provide a direct number that goes to voice mail. You might mention that Gladys was confused about your position and request that “paralegal” be specifically stated in the reference letter. But discussing her crabby personality could risk retaliation, so there’s nothing to be gained by bringing that up. nnn Q: After four years in my current job, I have decided to look elsewhere and am working on my resume. Previously, I spent several years doing temporary assignments for various companies. I’m afraid this will make me look like a job hopper. What would you suggest? A: This problem can be simply solved by showing your temp experience as a single period of employment. If you worked for an agency which sent you to different assignments, just list the agency as your employer and detail your projects under that heading. If you were an independent contractor, use the same approach, but describe it as a period of self-employment. The good news is that employers almost always give the greatest weight to the most recent job. So after four years of stability, you are unlikely to be perceived as flighty. Marie G. McIntyre is a workplace coach and author. Send questions and get free coaching tips at www. yourofficecoach.com, or follow her on Twitter @ officecoach.
When co-workers want you to solve their problems Q: People keep coming to me to help them solve their problems. Usually it’s work-related, but sometimes about personal concerns. I’m flattered, but feel a bit burned out by it and it takes up lots of time. How can I handle this? A: Setting the right limits is important to avoid time drains and inappropriate dependencies.
Liz Reyer
The inner game
Take a step back: Why do you think people come to you? On the work side, do you have a particular expertise that is broadly useful? Do you encourage “repeat business”? Or are you a pushover in terms of people offloading their issues to you? Next, consider what level of advisory
role would actually be appropriate. If you manage people, problem solving is within your job description. If a friend is coming to you, that implies certain boundaries that may be more extensive. Another way to say this is, “How much should you — and do you want to — help others?” It’s important to understand what you get out of being asked, too. Some people get an ego boost from riding in on a white horse. While this may be overstated in your case, if you’ve got some of the savior syndrome going, you may be fostering dependence among your coworkers. Finally, consider other resources that might be available when you start cutting the cord with folks. It’ll be easier for you and them if you can offer suggestions on ways for them to solve their own problems or get help from someone else.
Outer game
To extricate yourself from this situation, expect people to take responsibility for solving their own problems. This may require expanding your coaching skills
W E E K LY T I P S Get weekly career tips from Liz Reyer at www.thebusiness-journal.com.
so that people define their own issues, identify their own options, think through barriers and move forward. These skills will serve you well even on topics where you want to stay more involved. Also, the empowerment that comes through this type of approach is much more helpful to the other party, compared to being spoon-fed solutions. You may also need to learn to say “no” more often. Think about situations where you wish you hadn’t gotten involved, and figure out how to spot them in the future. Then practice alternatives to letting someone take your time. It all comes down to being clear — you don’t have time, you don’t have the expertise, you’re not comfortable discussing that at work. Whatever the reason, deliver it in a kind and direct way. Now, if this is feeding your ego, you’re
part of the problem. In that case, find other sources of self-esteem so that you don’t continue to be everyone’s problem solver. Regardless of the root causes, it may be hard to break the habit. Be patient with yourself, and with others, because they’ve got habits, too. You could be straightforward about it, that you’ve seen this pattern and it’s been taking over your time. And, while you like helping people, you need to start setting limits. This may help you enlist others as allies, rather than confusing them because you’ve suddenly changed the rules.
The last word
Help people help themselves, and get out of the dependency trap! You’ll have more time and healthier relationships. 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.
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BUSINESS
Macon family finds fun raising alpacas BOB FALLSTROM
Business Journal Writer
MACON – Barb Collins smiled as the 2-week-old alpaca galloped in a circle and her family members rolled in the dirt and sauntered to the fence to check out the visitors. “They make me smile every day,” she said. “They are so much fun to watch.” Collins and her husband, Jim, operate an alpaca farm near Macon in association with their daughter, Kristy Schmahl, and her husband, Matt, of Decatur. Nineteen alpacas are in their care. Alpacas, from South America, principally Peru, are in the camel family and facially resemble the camel. Classified as livestock, the alpaca is not as tall as a camel, not as bulky as a llama and weigh 150 to 200 pounds. The female conceives in 11½ months. Life expectancy is 15 to 20 years. “We have a breeding farm and also sell the fiber” Jim Collins said. Shearing is once a year, usually in May, with a yield of four to six pounds from each alpaca. The soft, luxurious fiber is used in making knitted and woven items such as clothing, blankets, hats, scarves and gloves. “We’ve been in the alpaca business for
Business Journal, Jim Bowling
Barb Collins owns and operates All Things Possible Alpaca Ranch in rural Macon with her husband, Jim.
a year and a half,” Barb Collins said. “I’m a retired registered nurse, including 30 years at Decatur Memorial Hospital. I’ve been wanting to do this for 10 years. We checked
out alpacas at shows in Heyworth and Chillicothe, then purchased stock at a farm in Tiskilwa.” The decision came about when Barb
Collins retired. The next day, their house was hit by lightning. “Maybe that was a sign,” she said. The farm’s name is Anything Is Possible. So alpacas are a perfect fit. Twice a day, the alpacas eat a special mixture of grain containing copper and zinc. They snack on grass and hay. The food is processed in a three-chamber stomach. “Each alpaca has a distinct personality,” Barb Collins observes. “And each alpaca has a name. The baby’s name is Star, short for Splendor in Starlight. Our farm is similar to a horse breeding farm. We’ve been here 24 years, have been married 40 years. We give the alpacas excellent medical care.” The Collins family is animal-oriented. Jim Collins is a former harness horse driver. Kristy Schmahl is a professional dog sitter and rescue dog volunteer. Kristy and her husband have part ownership in four of the alpacas. These creatures have become big business. The Alpaca Owners Association Inc., based in Lincoln, Neb., has more than 10,000 members and 230,000 animals in its registry. The Illinois Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association is located in Marengo.
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Business succession plans vary greatly I offer four short stories for your summer reading pleasure. These vignettes are all true. However, in three of them I altered names and a few details.
will allow. She is haunted by the knowledge that her elders had no confidence in her.
Story 1
Over in Ohio, 40-year-old Justin grew up watching as his father founded and expanded a health care finance agency. Beginning in a one-room office, the organization now has several dozen employees and offices spread around three states. Rex’s father, the CEO on the cusp of retirement, is a recognized and beloved pillar of the community, a familiar face at fundraising events and civic activities. He is in every sense a good and gracious person. And this dad loves his son without limits. He loves him so much that he created a position for him as special advisor on governmental affairs. Having worked his entire career in his father’s organization, the son acts as if he is entitled to inherit the CEO chair when his dad retires. Devoted to his son, Dad is oblivious to the situation, but Justin’s colleagues are not. They resent Justin’s rise and see favoritism behind every corner. They fear that Justin may indeed take over the firm, and some of them have resorted to sabotaging Justin’s work. As of this writing, the situation is unresolved.
This story is the unadulterated one, true in every detail. A few miles south of Ludington, Mich., sits Bortell’s Fish Market, attracting long lines of tourists and locals throughout the summer season. German immigrant Uriah Bortel opened the business in 1898 as a commercial fishery. Somewhere along the years they ceased Human Resources fishing, opened a roadside market, and added an L to their name. The firm is now managed by Kris Bortell, Uriah’s great-great grandson. That’s right, this business has been in the same family for five generations. When you stop by Bortell’s you’ll notice the sixth generation of Bortells, two preteens, taking orders behind the counter. No way of knowing if they’ll inherit the market, but 117 years of history says they might. Not all intergenerational handoffs go as smoothly.
Fred Spannaus
Story 2
Out west in Montana, Jeannie owns several thousand acres of productive ranchland, but she controls not an inch of it. Shortly after World War II, her parents and her aunt started the ranching business, growing it into a booming success. Jeannie was an only child, and the aunt was childless. They wanted the land to stay in the family, and Jeannie was their only heir. But there was a problem: they simply didn’t trust Jeannie. They didn’t think she had the ability to manage anything, let alone a multimillion dollar livestock and wheat operation. Before they died, they set up a complicated legal structure with Jeannie as the nominal owner and all decisions made by trustees appointed by a bank. Jeannie cannot so much as purchase a mower blade without first obtaining permission from the trustees. Now in her late 60s, Jeannie is very wealthy and very frustrated. She collects the profits and gives some of them to charity in whatever amounts the trustees
Story 3
Story 4
Now in his late 20s, Tom works as server in the small-town Missouri restaurant where I met him. It was a slow night, so he chatted for a while, talking amiably about his town and its attractions. He mentioned that evening food service is his second job. His first is as a daytime auto mechanic. His father owns a local manufacturing firm employing some 50 people. I asked Tom if he was in line to work in, or someday own, his father’s company. “No,” he replied instantly. “You see, Dad and I are a lot alike, and that’s a big problem. We are both bull-headed, so we could never agree on how to run the business. Cats and dogs. It’s better for both of us if I make my own way in the world.” Why do I tell these stories? They illustrate the joys and the dangers of combining parenthood with career development. Sometime, perhaps as early as next month, we will explore the questions that need to be asked before a business is passed from one generation to the next. 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 phone at (217) 425-2635.
Nominees must be 50 years of age or older as of November 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 September 14, 2015 online at www.thebusiness-journal.com. Nominations also may 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 or anna.hanes@lee.net 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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ASK Q: What are some simple things I can do to make sure my customers are satisfied? A: Business owners like to think of themselves as providers of great customer service. For small business owners in particular, it’s quite possibly your biggest differentiator. After all, how often is it that you walk into a national chain restaurant and are greeted by name, handed your favorite drink, and made to feel like part of the family? Recently on a trip out West, my husband and I ate at a great little Italian restaurant in Seattle. The owner treated us like we were old friends. Consequently, we made two more trips back to his restaurant in the two days we were in town. Likewise, one of our favorite restaurants in Decatur goes out of its way to make sure they have exactly what we want when we walk in the door. That, along with their overall friendliness, is why we go there several times each week. Great customer service is also about knowing how to handle problems and responding to and resolving issues, something which agile small businesses can often excel. If customer satisfaction is your goal, then great customer service will get you there. The Illinois Small Business Development Center’s Weekly Connection lists three simple things you can do to
Jerry Butler has joined Air King as its director of service. David S. Brown has been named partner in charge of May, Cocagne & King’s MonBrown
Beck
ticello office. Lt. Shane and Jeanette Jensen have joined the Salvation Army of Macon County as associate corps officers. Natalie Beck has joined the Decatur Family YMCA as director of financial development.
Promotions
Smith
Heidi Smith has been promoted to the position of branch manager of First Mid-Illinois Bank and Trust’s Decatur banking center at 100 S. Water St. Ron Little has been promoted to executive director of Kemmerer Village Inc.
Achievements
First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust was named Community Bank of the Year by the U.S.
THE
SCORE
GOT A QUESTION ? To learn more about customer service 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) 424-6296.
embed customer service into your business philosophy and day-to-day operations. Listen and learn. Listening is key to effective customer service and it can also help boost your profitability. Through everyday customer interaction show you are listening to your customers by taking notes or repeating back what your customer has said. Listen to their words and tone. Observe their body language. Provide them clear and concise communication. Ask clarifying questions to gain understanding before you provide a response. If you can’t respond immediately, be sure to provide a timeline for response and make a note in your calendar to do so. Follow up, confirm the resolution, and check for customer satisfaction and completion. If you don’t have a reason for face-toface interaction with a customer, look for ways to stay in touch and show you are
BUSINESS New staff members
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CLIPS
Small Business Administration. Wes and Susan Dalberg of the Salvation Army of Macon County have been promoted to the rank of major.
Announcements
Ralph Besand retired from Cain Food Industries Inc., ending 56 years in the baking industry. Joseph R. Dively of First Mid-Illinois Bancshares Inc. has been elected to the IlliBesand Dively nois Bankers Association’s Board of Directors. Macon County State’s Attorney Jay Scott presented Exemplary Citizen Awards to Charles and Ashley Durbin, Marshall J. Edwards, Tegan Halkitis, Donald Hill, Cristal Johnson, James Killings, Codie Miller, Tyler Procarione, Robert Shafer, Terri Wallace and The Howard G. Buffett Foundation. The awards celebrate those who helped to make the community safer by assisting law enforcement. 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.thebusinessjournal.com and click on the Submit a Business Achievement link.
COUNSELOR
listening and eager to keep the lines of communication open. For example, follow up with a customer after a sale to prove to your customers that you want to hear from them. Hand out in-store or post-sale surveys to find out what they’d like to see from your brand and stay active on social media. Customer service is, after all, about meeting the needs and expectations of the customer as defined by the customer. By soliciting feedback and using that information to inform your business you will find new ways to ensure your business is relevant to them and hopefully open new lines of profitable opportunity. Treat customers the way you want to be treated. Remember, how you and your staff communicate with your customers is just as important as what you communicate. Remember that your customer wants to see the sunny side of you and your business. How are customers being greeted? Putting them at ease and making them feel comfortable sets the tone for the rest of the transaction. Demonstrate that your customers are valued. Let them know you think they are important. Your sincerity makes them feel good about you and the organization. Ask how to help your customers. Find out what they want. It is important that each customer encounter
makes them feel satisfied. Don’t challenge disgruntled customers. Listen and reassure them that you’ll act on their complaint and follow through until resolution. Help customers. Make it easy for them to locate or obtain the information they need. Answer their questions in a timely manner. Customer service doesn’t stop: Remember to carry through on your customer service goals wherever your business has a presence. This means online and offline. More than ever, social media is a systematic part of your customer service model, so if you have a presence on sites like Facebook or Twitter, be sure you are actively listening, engaging, monitoring and responding to your customers online. —Bethany Wetherholt
Meet a SCORE counselor
Canuel
Roger Canuel retired as director of information technology for the Libman Broom Co. in Arcola. His counseling specialties are IT and general business startups. He has been a SCORE counselor for nearly eight years.
August 2015
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Bed bugs are making themselves at home
BUSINESS JOURNAL 19
H E A LT H
Don’t let ‘em bite
EMILY STEELE
Business Journal Writer
DECATUR – Beg bugs, an infestation that was a occasional problem in some hotels, is now hitting closer to home for some Central Illinois residents. “When I first got here, it was rarely heard of,” said Tina Rice, the property manager for Wabash Crossing apartments. That was in 2010, now along with apartment complexes, hotels and homes nationwide they have to treat for sporadic cases of bed bugs which are easy to get and hard to get rid of. Some of these home infestations may be attributed to increased sales of secondhand furniture and upholstery items that might be concealing unwelcome hitchhikers. The bugs can hide in mattresses, box springs, bed frames, night stands, curtains and even picture frames. “Most often if we have a case, it’s from used furniture,” Rice said. The Macon County Health Department does not track bed bug infestations. The state defers to local municipalities for pest disputes. For example, in 2014 Chicago passed an ordinance requiring tenants and landlords work together to control bed bugs. The Illinois Safe and Hygienic Bed Act does regulate infested objects and states “If any material or component of used bedding appears to be soiled, malodorous, or infested, that material or component cannot be reused, sold, or distributed for use in any bedding product.” However, this act is an unfunded mandate, meaning the DPH does not have money to register bedding sellers and distributors and cannot enforce the law. Decatur dermatologist Dr. Debra Babich said bed bug bites go untreated or are taken care of by a family doctors, but she’s been seeing more lately. “I’ve had a handful of cases in the past several years, it’s increasing in frequency,” Babich said. She has to narrow down the culprit, because most patients coming in with pink welts don’t know if they’re from bed bugs, mosquitoes or fleas. She said bed bugs like bare skin where shirts ride or up the neck or upper back. If someone sleeps on their right side, a line of welts may show up on their left side. “They’ve heard of bed bugs, but no one thinks they’re going to get it, they’re too clean to get it,” Babich said, adding that there’s a stigma that comes with bed bugs. The tiny insects can get into any home whether it’s from the luggage of someone who travels for a living or via previously
Business Journal, Jim Bowling
Manager Jack Ackles, left, and technician Matt Groves of Nelson’s Termite and Pest Control Inc., use a spray to eliminate and prevent the return of bed bugs while performing a bed bug treatment.
B E D B U G B I T S These tiny, flat brown insects can survive more than a year without feeding allowing them to wait long periods for a host and survive transportation. Habits: Bed bugs hide by day and emerge at night to feed on human blood, attracted by exhaled carbon dioxide and the warmth of our bodies. Where they live: mattresses, box springs, bed frames, night stands, curtains, baseboards, window frames, picture frames, electrical switches and outlets.
owned furniture. Babich will send patients home with some prescription strength hydrocortisone for the itch and a recommendation to start checking hiding places in their bedroom or call an exterminator. At Wabash Crossing, Rice said Orkin does general pest prevention treatments throughout the complex, with every unit checked at least every three months. They also put out fliers to educate residents. “We take it case by case and educate
The bite: Many people show no signs of the small, painless bites. Others have redness, swelling and intense itching. The bites can appear as a line of swollen spots. Signs: Bites or blood smears on bedding may indicate an infestation. The appearance of brownish black specks – their droppings – or amber-colored shells – their shed exoskeletons – are also signs. – Source: Illinois Department of Public Health
as much as possible so we don’t have an epidemic,” Rice said. It costs Wabash Crossing $750 to professionally treat one apartment for bed bugs. And in order to be thorough, they treat any adjacent units as well. The tenants also have to get rid of the secondhand furniture the pests came in on. Nelson’s Pest Control treats homes and apartments for bed bugs several times a week. “I bet this year we probably have done
75 to 100 of them at least,” said manager Jack Ackles. Ackles said the number of cases has grown annually over the past five years, and that’s not counting the number of people who call but decide to treat an infestation themselves. He said when they first started getting a lot of calls about bed bugs, it was for high-end homes where people who traveled a lot. “Now, it’s to the point that buying used stuff is a big thing, you can bring them in on any type of furniture,” Ackles said. He said treating a small one-bedroom apartment can range in price from $260 to $600. That’s because bed bugs are hard to get rid of. Treatment involves a crew of two employees spraying down the infested room over several hours. “It’s a very thorough, more thorough than any other kind of insects,” he said. Clients also have to clear out furniture and heat all clothing and bedding in the dryer to kill off any bugs or eggs to prevent them from coming back “Everybody and anybody can get them,” Ackles said.
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Community health calendar Support groups
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. 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. Grief support group, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, St. Mary’s Hospital, Room G24. For information, call Jaimie Smith at (217) 544-6464 ext. 45268. Breastfeeding support group, 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 10 and Aug. 24, Baby TALK, 500 E. Lake Shore Dr. To register, call Flo Folami at (217) 464-2334. SHARE support group, 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10, 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, Aug. 11, St. Mary’s Hospital, Assisi Conference Room.For more information, call (217) 853-1655.
Facing Cancer Together, 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, 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, Aug. 13. To register, call (217) 876-4377. Brain tumor support group, 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, Cancer Care Center of Decatur, Education Classroom, 210 W. McKinley Ave. to register, call (217) 876-4750. Postpartum emotional support group, 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17, St. Mary’s Hospital, Assisi Conference Room. For more information, call (217) 464-2334. Breath of Life support group, noon Tuesday, Aug. 18, St. Mary’s Hospital, Room 561. Speakers available to answer questions from those with breathing problems. For information, call (217) 464-2603. Diabetes support group, 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, DMH Specific Performance Enhancement Center, 2122 N, 27th St. Call (217) 876-4249. Parkinson’s disease support group, 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, 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, Aug. 20, Mari-Mann Herb Co., 1405 Mari Mann Lane. Call (217) 429-1555. Us TOO prostate cancer support group, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, Cancer Care Center of Decatur, Education Classrooms, 210 W. McKinley Ave. Register online or call (217) 876-4750. Widowed support group, 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 27. Monthly dinner gathering. For location or to register, call (217) 428-7733.
Classes
Happiest Baby on the Block-Magic? for moms, 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, St. Mary’s Hospital, Assisi Conference Room. For more information or to register, call (217) 464-2334. Real Dads Rock!, 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, St. Mary’s Hospital, Assisi Conference Room. For more information or to register, call (217) 464-2334. Infant CPR, 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10, Decatur Memorial Hospital OB Classrooms. Register online or call
(217) 876-3100. Cardiopulmonary rehab nutrition, 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, Decatur Memorial Hospital, Classroom C. A dietician-led program on heart healthy eating with an emphasis on reading labels. For more information, call (217) 876-2496. New Brother/Sister Day Camp, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, Decatur Memorial Hospital, OB Classroom. Children ages 3-10 learn what to expect with the arrival of a new baby brother or sister. Cost is $15. Registration required by calling (217) 876-3400. Childbirth experience and newborn care and breastfeeding basics, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, Decatur Memorial Hospital, OB Classroom. Registration is required. Register online or call (217) 876-3400. Cardiopulmonary risk factor education, 1:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, Decatur Memorial Hospital, Classroom C. Call (217) 876-2496.
More
Central Illinois Strongman Classic, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, DMH Specific Performance Enhancement Center, 2122 N, 27th St. to register, call (217) 876-4249.
Did you know? Digging into a delicious ice cream sundae can be heavenly on a warm day. But such decadence sometimes comes with a price, most often in the form of a painful ice cream headache. Ice cream headaches, commonly referred to as brain freeze, occur when the cold ice cream moves across the roof of the mouth and back of the throat. Scientists are not quite certain what causes ice cream headaches, but some suggest that it involves cold ice cream temporarily altering blood flow. This constriction and expansion of blood vessels can cause pain. Once the body adapts to the change in temperature, the pain should subside. nnn Consuming excessive amounts of sodium not only affects your health but also may affect your appearance. A diet that’s rich in sodium has long been linked to a host of health problems, including high blood pressure, stroke, kidney disease and stomach cancer. But consuming too much sodium also leads to increased water retention, which can cause weight gain and make men and women appear puffy and bloated. According to the American Heart
Association, the recommended daily sodium intake is 1,500 milligrams. But the AHA notes that the average American consumes more than double that amount on a daily basis. While sodium is an essential nutrient, the human body does not need a lot of it to reap its benefits. Bread, processed meats and soups are some of the major contributors of dietary sodium, so men, women and even children, who the AHA notes are far more likely to develop high blood pressure as adults if they consume a high-sodium diet as a child, should study packaging on these items to ensure they aren’t overloaded with sodium. nnn The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that roughly 30 percent of the population complains of chronic back pain in a given year. Lower back pain is a problem that plagues millions of people and can lead to lost hours of work, poor quality of life and reduced mobility. In fact, according to Global Burden of Disease 2010, low back pain is the single leading cause of disability worldwide. People spend around $50 billion each year on back pain treatments.
Payroll Processing I Workers' Compensation I General Liability Insurance Unemployment Insurance I Payroll & Tax Management
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MONEY
American credit cards getting safety upgrade NEW YORK (AP) — A big change is happening inside your wallet. U.S. banks, tired of spending billions each year to pay back fleeced consumers, are in the process of replacing tens of millions of old magnetic strip credit and debit cards with new cards that are equipped with computer chips that store account data more securely. By autumn, millions of Americans will have made the switch from the old magnetic strip cards. That 50-year-old technology, replaced in most of world, lingers on the back of U.S. cards and is easily copied by thieves, leaving people vulnerable to fraud. Roughly half of all credit card fraud happens in the U.S. even though the country only makes up roughly 25 percent of all credit card transactions, according to a report by Barclays. This entire switch is a massive undertaking. Roughly half of all U.S. credit and debit cards will be replaced by the end of the year. Tens of thousands of individual merchants need to upgrade their equipment to allow for chip transactions instead of “swipe-and-sign” ones. If the stores aren’t ready, they could be on the hook to cover the cost of fraud. Here’s how the new cards work and how the switch could affect you at the checkout counter:
What’s different?
The biggest difference between your old card and your new one is the metal
chip embedded on the front, which means your personal data is much safer. The chip assigns a unique code for every transaction made on your card. Even if a thief acquired that code, it couldn’t be used to make another purchase. Chip cards are also harder to duplicate, although it’s not unheard of. Overall, the chip cards are more secure than magnetic cards, which are vulnerable because once thieves get a copy of your credit card information, it can be quickly copied onto counterfeit cards. Chip cards have been common in Europe for more than decade, and they’ve been standard in other parts of the world for some time. “The chip technology is designed to prevent copying of the card,” says Ellen Richey, vice chairman of risk and public policy at Visa.
When will I get one?
At this point, the majority of magneticstripe credit cards have been replaced with chip cards. Banks are in the middle of issuing chip-based debit cards, with Bank of America starting late last year and Chase and Citi starting this summer. Regional and smaller banks are also rolling out these cards to their customers, most of them starting later this year. All chip cards also come with a magnetic strip in case chip readers aren’t available. However, if a merchant does accept chip cards for purchases, you
small banks, would often pay out of pocket to cover any fraud that happened on their customers’ payment cards. The American Bankers Association estimated that bank account fraud cost the industry $1.74 billion in 2012, the most year the data is available.
How do I use it?
Associated Press
U.S. banks, tired of spending billions a year to pay back fleeced consumers, are in the process of replacing tens of millions of old magnetic strip credit and debit cards with new cards that are equipped with computer chips that store account data more securely.
should use that option every time because it’s more secure.
Who’s behind the change?
The change is mostly coming from banks and payment processing companies — Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Banks have wanted a more secure form of payment because they have generally been on the hook for any fraud that happens on their cards. Originally the banks were relying on their own software and data from the payment networks to catch fraud at the point of sale in the U.S., but it became clear something more was needed, Richey said. Banks, particularly
Instead of swiping your card at the checkout, you’ll insert it into a machine with a slot like those on ATMs. Your card will stay in the slot until the machine tells you to remove it. Unlike magnetic strip cards, chip cards need to be left in the machine for a few seconds to work.
Anything else changing?
The new cards won’t work quite the same way they do in Europe, but they’re a step closer. The type of card being rolled out in the U.S. will still need a signature when you pay for something. Eventually what will be used in the U.S. is what’s used in the rest of the world, known as “chip and PIN.” It would work similar to your ATM card now. You would insert your card and enter a fourdigit password to approve the transaction. Security experts believe this is a very safe way to pay for things. Signing for a credit card purchase provide near-zero security since signatures vary and are rarely checked.
Businesses face card reader deadline
JOYCE M. ROSENBERG AP Business Writer
New credit and debit cards with computer chips are putting the squeeze on small businesses. The cards being rolled out by banks and credit card companies are aimed at reducing fraud from counterfeit cards. As chip cards are phased in, magnetic stripe cards, which are easier for thieves to copy, will be phased out. Businesses of all sizes face an Oct. 1 deadline to get new card readers and software that can handle chips. Most estimates of transition costs for small companies vary from the low hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars due to the wide range of equipment used. If businesses don’t meet the deadline set by companies including MasterCard, Visa and American Express, they can be held liable for transactions made with phony chip cards. The switch to new chips in credit and debit cards poses a threat for small companies because they can’t get the volume
discounts on the new equipment that big retailers get. And they don’t have in-house tech experts to install the new systems. “This is one of the biggest nightmares merchants are going to face,” says Michael Kleinman, owner of Mason Eyewear, a store in Brickell, Fla., and Centurion Payment Services, a company that processes credit and debit card payments.
Tip of the iceberg
The card readers shoppers see are just one part of a payment processing system. They’re connected to software in a merchant’s computer system that receives the transaction information and sends it to a payment processor. The processor then posts a charge or debit to the cardholder’s account and a credit to the merchant’s account. The simplest card readers used in stores and other small businesses are likely to cost at least $100. The machines will also read magnetic stripes and some also handle what are known as contactless payments made with services like Apple Pay or
Google Wallet. Most software prices start at several hundred dollars, but can run into the thousands for more complex systems. Many companies have computer systems that do more than handle payments — they also manage inventory and customer and vendor information. Businesses like restaurants and those with multiple locations are likely to have the most complex systems and the highest expenses. Dickie Brennan & Co., which operates four New Orleans restaurants, expects to pay more than $25,000 to replace card readers and software, says Derek Nettles, the company’s information technology director. The company won’t raise its prices to pay for the switch; instead, it’s delaying an upgrade of its security camera system. “We’re not happy about the additional expense,” Nettles says.
It’s not plug and play
Changing card readers and software isn’t something many small business owners, even tech-savvy ones, will be able to do on their own. They’ll need to hire technology
consultants who can charge as much as $100 an hour or more to install the system and ensure it works. Even with Kleinman’s expertise in payment processing as owner of Centurion Payment Services, it took him five hours to install two card readers and software. And he was on the phone getting technical support from his vendor while he did it. Although the new system works, there are glitches that keep him tinkering. For example, sometimes the system has trouble accepting certain cards. “Most people are definitely going to need to hire somebody to do it,” Kleinman says. It may make sense for companies with combined payment, inventory and other systems to separate the payment part to make them less vulnerable to hackers, says Scott Shedd, a technology consultant with WGM Associates in Scottsdale, Ariz. But that will add more costs, says Avivah Litan, an analyst with Gartner Research. “If you want to use this opportunity to secure your systems, it could cost you thousands,” she says.
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BUSINESS JOURNAL 23
10 things wealthy people do every day LOU CARLOZO
Tribune News Service Writer
o, what do the well-to-do do daily? That S is, besides ask the butler to clear the tablecloth with one of those chrome, crumbscraper things? It’s true that money can’t buy many things — but some things can buy money, and wealthy people practice them daily.
They keep their cool
To write his 1937 book “Think and Grow Rich,” author Napoleon Hill studied the habits of more than 500 wealthy people. He learned that those who overreact make a poor impression. As Hill wrote in another essay, “Remember that silence may be much more effective than your angry words.”
They maintain a daily to-do list
Tom Corley, the president of Cerefice & Company accounting firm in Rahway, N.J., conducted a self-styled, five-year study on wealthy and poor people. His results appear in the book “Rich Habits: The Daily Success Habits of Wealthy Individuals.” When Corley asked about to-do lists, 81 percent of rich people said they kept them, compared
to 19 percent of those in poverty. Twothirds of wealthy listers complete 70 percent or more of their daily tasks.
They don’t watch TV
The wealthy make productive use of time, as Corley relates on his “Rich Habits” website. Only 23 percent of the rich watch more than an hour of TV a day, compared with 77 percent of the poor. That leaves time for wealthy folks to do other things that broaden their financial horizons, such as reading. Ah yes, but what?
They read the Financial Times
Go ahead, make fun of those salmon-colored newsprint pages; the Financial Times crowd is laughing all the way to the bank. In February, Harvard’s Nieman Foundation ran an article on the Financial Times’ supposed struggles. Its website ranks only 44th in the U.S. business news category, the article stated, but it appears some folks are counting the wrong numbers. The piece also cites FT’s own stats, which estimate average subscriber income at $250,000, while 13 percent of readers are millionaires.
They network
Like poor Cubs fans, rich people tend to hang out with each other. They also dedicate time to widening their circles of acquaintance and influence, whether through business organizations, LinkedIn or groups that attract ambitious, entrepreneurial minds.
They follow healthy diets
It’s hard to get your moneymaking brain in high gear if you feed it Twinkies and Diet Coke all day long. And the sad news is that diets of low-income people are getting worse, while those of high-income people are improving, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association Internal Medicine.
They educate themselves
Audio books. Avid reading. TED Talks videos. Whatever the forum, wealthy folks are absorbing more knowledge, according to Corley. His research showed that 63 percent of wealthy listen to audio books during commute to work versus 5 percent of poor people.
They invest
This might sound like a no-brainer — if you’re rich, you have plenty of money to invest, right? But the wealthy track and pour much more money by percentage into pensions and insurance, whether actively or passively, on a daily basis.
They avoid gambling
For some people, playing the market might seem like a gamble. But for the wealthy, temptations such as the lottery and casinos are less pronounced, says a study from the University at Buffalo Research Institute on Addictions. The institute found that the poorer the neighborhood, the higher the risk for problematic gambling.
They rise early
The early bird gets more than the worm, it seems. “Take 100 millionaires from across the world, and I’ll bet you not one of them sleeps in,” wrote Murray Newlands, a startup adviser, investor and entrepreneur. “The majority of these individuals are up at 6 or 7 a.m. slaving away while the rest of us are still eating pancakes.”
Not all debt is created equal LARRY FRANK
Tribune News Service Writer
People tend to lump all debts together, yet they are not all equal. Knowing the distinction between a good debt and a bad one can help you make better financial decisions. Not that long ago, when people needed extra large sums of money, their home equity was their go-to source of loans. After the housing crisis, they almost went the way of the dodo bird. Then, the new popular source to borrow from became 401(k)s, because: “What’s the harm? I’m just borrowing from myself.” (For the record, don’t borrow from your 401(k). It costs you terribly in the long run.) Instead of getting yourself into nasty debt spiral when you need to resort to your retirement savings, you should understand the nature of your loan. The key is to know the difference of good debt, necessary debt and bad debt. Good debt grows your value over time. A mortgage is an example of good debt. It is for an asset — your house — that serves your shelter needs, contributes to your net worth and tends to appreciate. But this scale can get tipped into bad debt when, for example, you have a mortgage you can’t afford or you try to bet your chances to buy and sell in a short time. There is necessary debt for things that improve your station in life. A student
loan, for example, is a necessary debt to fund your education, which builds earnings potential. A car loan for transportation to get you to your job is another example — but again, borrowing excessively for a luxury car tips the scales to bad debt. Debt for consumption is bad. Consumer goods almost always go down in value. Examples of bad debt: clothing, vacations and food. Paying months or years into the future for something you consumed yesterday is not how you get ahead financially. If you have debts, regardless of the source, retire them as soon as you can with higher payments than an installment plan or credit card minimum calls for. Two debt-reduction strategies are useful: 1) the snowball approach where you pay off the smallest balance first, then move on to the largest and 2) the roll-down method where you put extra funds toward the balance with the highest interest rate first. The latter gives you psychological boost as you see the number of loans dropping, while the former saves you more on interest. The more you pay, the sooner that monkey is off your back and the less you pay on interest. And, more importantly, the sooner you are debt-free, the sooner you can start saving. You can’t get ahead until you have liquid savings and investments.
THE BEST ACCESSORY w w w. d e c u . c o m / p l a t i n u m
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