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Business Journal o f
M i d c e n t r a l
December 2014
I l l i n o i s
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BUSINESS JOURNAL
December 2014
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Your
calendar
Monday, Dec. 1
Decatur Christian Women’s Club, 11:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Metropolitan Rotary Club, noon, Decatur Club. Decatur AMBUCS, 6 p.m., Decatur Club.
Decatur Noon Lions Club, St. Nicholas Grille, 101 S. Main St. Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club, 158 W. Prairie Ave. Women’s Progressive Club, 6 p.m., Greater Northside Baptist Church.
Friday, Dec. 19
Tuesday, Dec. 2
Decatur Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Noon Women’s Network, 11:45 a.m., Decatur Club.
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. Prairieland Kiwanis, 9:30 a.m., Decatur Civic Center. Decatur AMBUCS, noon, Decatur Club. Noon Kiwanis Club, Decatur Club. Noon Sertoma, Decatur Club.
Monday, Dec. 22
Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club.
Wednesday, Dec. 3
Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce Breakfast, 7 a.m., Decatur Club. Presentations by Decatur Leadership Institute participants. 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, 5-7 p.m., Neuhoff Media Decatur. Mount Zion Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours, 5:30 p.m., Decatur Jewelry & pawn, 940 N. State Highway 121.
Thursday, Dec. 4
Earlybird Kiwanis, 6:45 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Metropolitan Rotary Club, noon, Decatur Club. Human Service Agency Consortium (HSAC), noon, Central Christian Church, 650 W. William St. Thursday Noon Toastmasters, Greater Decatur Y, 220 W. McKinley Ave. American Business Women’s Association (Amacita), 6 p.m., location varies. Lincolnland AMBUCS, 6:30 p.m., Easter Seals’ Building, 2715 N. 27th St.
Friday, Dec. 5
Decatur Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Black Chamber of Commerce First Friday Luncheon, noon, Main Street Church Tea Room, 2000 N. Main St.
Monday, Dec. 8
Decatur Noon Lions Club, St. Nicholas Grille. Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club.
Tuesday, Dec. 9
Forsyth Rotary, 7 a.m., Homewood Suites by Hilton. Kiwanianne Club of Decatur, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Prairieland Kiwanis, 9:30 a.m., Decatur Civic Center.
Tuesday, Dec. 23
Forsyth Rotary, 7 a.m., Homewood Suites by Hilton. Decatur Building Construction Trades Council, 10 a.m., IBEW Local 146 Hall. Noon Kiwanis Club, Decatur Club.
Tuesday, Dec. 30
Decatur Building Construction Trades Council, 10 a.m., IBEW Local 146 Hall, 3390 N. Woodford St. Decatur Area Society for Human Resource Management, 11 a.m., Doherty’s Pub and Pins, 242 E. William St. Central Illinois Ad Club, 11:30 a.m., Decatur Club. Decatur AMBUCS, noon, Decatur Club. Noon Kiwanis Club, Decatur Club. Noon Sertoma, Decatur Club. Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., Richland Community College Workforce Development Center.
Wednesday, Dec. 10
Decatur Golden K Kiwanis Club, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Mount Zion Chamber of Commerce Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Mount Zion Convention Center. Mount Zion pastors are the scheduled speakers. Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Real Estate Investors Association, 6:30 p.m., Perkins Family Restaurant, 2999 N. Monroe St.
Thursday, Dec. 11
Earlybird Kiwanis, 6:45 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. GFWC Decatur Woman’s Club, 11:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Senior Resources Network (formerly Mature Resources Network), 11:45 a.m., Keystone Gardens, 1455 W. Mound Road. Decatur Metropolitan Rotary Club, noon, Decatur Club.
Decatur Area Women’s Network (DAWN), 5:30 p.m., location varies. Lincolnland AMBUCS, 6:30 p.m., Easter Seals’ Building. Decatur Camera Club, 7 p.m., Rock Springs Environmental Center, 3939 Nearing Lane.
Friday, Dec. 12
Decatur Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.
Monday, Dec. 15
Decatur Noon Lions Club, St. Nicholas Grille. Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club. Women’s Progressive Club, 6 p.m., Greater Northside Baptist Church.
Forsyth Rotary, 7 a.m., Homewood Suites by Hilton.
Friday, Jan. 2
Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Black Chamber of Commerce First Friday Luncheon, noon, Main Street Church Tea Room, 2000 N. Main St.
Monday, Jan. 5
Decatur Noon Lions Club, St. Nicholas Grille. Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club. Women’s Progressive Club, 6 p.m., Greater Northside Baptist Church.
Tuesday, Jan. 6
Tuesday, Dec. 16
Forsyth Rotary, 7 a.m., Homewood Suites by Hilton. Kiwanianne Club of Decatur, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Noon Kiwanis Club, Decatur Club. Noon Sertoma, Decatur Club.
Wednesday, Dec. 17
Decatur Golden K Kiwanis Club, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Christian Women’s Network, noon, Decatur Club. Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Facility.
Thursday, Dec. 18
Earlybird Kiwanis, 6:45 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.
Forsyth Rotary, 7 a.m., Homewood Suites by Hilton. Kiwanianne Club of Decatur, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Prairieland Kiwanis, 9:30 a.m., Decatur Civic Center. Decatur AMBUCS, noon, Decatur Club. Noon Kiwanis Club, Decatur Club. Noon Sertoma, Decatur Club.
Wednesday, Jan. 7
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. 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
December 2014
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From the editor What’s in your wallet? I found myself asking that question a few weeks back after thinking I had lost mine during a late-night stop in Salem. Fortunately, it turned up a few hours later in a spot both me and my wife had each checked a couple times. What a relief. I really don’t want to break in a new wallet while mine obviously has many good years of use ahead of it. What if I hadn’t found it? What then? Would I know who I needed to call to report the cards and identifications missing? On the positive side, I used some of the previous day’s travel time actually sorting through my wallet. (It’s a long trip to Carbondale.) So I knew what was in it.
BUSINESS JOURNAL 3
BUSINESS JOURNAL
OF MIDCENTRAL ILLINOIS
Volume 20
Issue 12
601 E. William St. Decatur, IL 62523 217.421.7976 217.421.7965 (fax)
On the negative side, I didn’t have the opportunity to take out the things I knew would be better off left at home until called into action. With all the concern about identify theft, it’s better to travel light and know what
PUBLISHER: Julie Bechtel
you have than to carry a card you might use once or twice a year.
GENERAL MANAGER: Gary Sawyer
So I ask you again. What’s in your wallet?
EDITOR: Scott Perry ADVERTISING: AnnaMarie Hanes
Scott Perry, editor Business Journal of Midcentral Illinois
December2014Contents Standing features Biz Bites
Cover photo: Scott Perry
6
10
Fred Spannaus
9
Voters speak
Free Time calendar 25 Health calendar
28
Liz Reyer
30
Office Coach
30
Professional Profile 12 SCORE counselor
10
Wendy Gauntt
24
SUBSCRIPTIONS: To order additional copies call 217.421.7931 Advertising: The deadline for ad and ad copy for the January issue is Dec. 15. Call 217.421.7953 for rate information.
5
Business Clips
STORY IDEAS: Email sperry@herald-review.com or call 217.421.7976.
Generations of service Scott State Bank has been led by five generations of the same family. That’s a pretty amazing streak. But family members working side by side is part of doing business in Central Illinois. This month we celebrate local family-owned businesses. Special Section
Who’s in, who’s out after Election Day
26 Health care Year two of the health care mandate
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
December 2014
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YOUR
COMMUNITY
Group seeks info for marketing, branding plan CHRIS LUSVARDI
Business Journal Writer
DECATUR — Efforts are under way to develop a new community marketing and branding plan as part of an initiative to change the perception of Decatur, internally and externally. Two meetings were held last month, the first on having mostly young professionals in attendance, to evaluate what makes Decatur a marketable community. The Economic Development Corporation of Decatur and Macon County along with Grow Decatur is working with DCC Marketing to develop the plan. “We need something to hold as a singular message,” said Katherine Smith, DCC general manager. “We’re looking for a common unified message as to what makes us who we are. It’s a huge challenge. That’s why we need input.” As part of the process, Smith said surveys will be conducted within Decatur and a targeted area within about a 100-mile radius.
“Outside of that, we don’t think people will have as much of a perception,” Smith said. “It is where we can gain the most
Hobby Lobby moving to Hickory Point Mall RYAN VOYLES
mall, as longtime anchor store J.C. Penney closed this spring. Another anchor store, Sears, announced in September plans to DECATUR — Hickory Point Mall is set to gain a new anchor store next year from a close this month. One lingering question is how the mall familiar Central Illinois business. Mall officials announced last month that will deal with Hobby Lobby’s choice to be craft store Hobby Lobby is slated to open at closed on Sunday, which it does for family and religious purposes. A lease with the the mall by September, with renovation of mall generally requires a store to be open the 60,000-square-foot store targeted to throughout the week, though Westerson begin early next year. said Hobby Lobby could have negotiated “We are delighted to welcome Hobby Lobby to the outstanding lineup of retailers that the store remains closed on Sunday in their lease. at Hickory Point Mall,” said Cathy MitWhile Forsyth is gaining a popular crafts teer, mall general manager. “We know our store, the city of Decatur will soon be on shoppers will be very excited about this the lookout for something to replace the new addition.” Hobby Lobby that is currently in Pershing The Hobby Lobby will move into the space formerly occupied by J.C. Penney on Plaza and is expected to close. Patrick Hoban, Decatur’s economic the mall’s north side. Group marketing director Amber West- development officer, said while he could not put a number to the expected loss of erson said the store shows mall owner’s CBL Properties is committed to the success tax revenue, it is expected the loss of the of the mall and bringing in a diverse num- business will be felt. “Overall, we can definitely say we’ll be ber of stores for customers. disappointed to see them go,” he said. “But “We’re always looking to bring in new this could be a new opportunity to bring in business that will attract customers, and a business.” Hobby Lobby is that type of business,” Aside from a new hobby and crafts store, she said. Hoban said he could imagine a sporting Officials did not say whether the busigoods or hardware store going into the Perness received any tax or other incentives shing Plaza location. for moving to Forsyth from its current The Hobby Lobby in Decatur did Decatur location on Pershing Road. not receive tax credits or incentives, The Hobby Lobby announcement provides some good news for the 36-year-old Hoban said. Business Journal Writer
insight from.” The goal at the end of the process will be to develop a strategic playbook with
goals that can be assessed, DCC President Kara Demirjian Huss said. “We’ve done this for many organizations,” Demirjian Huss said. “It’s a system we go through that we’ve vetted in a number of different places.” The group will look at how other communities have gone through similar processes, but Smith said differences will be kept in mind. “We are in the process,” Smith said. “This isn’t done yet.” Smith asked the group to pick and discuss what it sees as Decatur’s key assets and value descriptors. Among the top assets were cost of living and location. Another was the Midwest Inland Port, which is a concept being developed to market and highlight the potential of the area’s transportation network. Value descriptors included innovative, giving and charitable, hard working and welcoming. Smith said time is of the essence in developing the plan and moving the process forward. She hopes to have plans to share with the group in the coming months after meeting with key stakeholders within the community.
December 2014
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BIZ Now open A new store in Decatur is intended to help various area organizations. Thrift Appeal Resale Shop at 965 N. Water St. accepts and sells a range of items including clothes, furniture, appliances and books, manager Carlotta Taylor said. “The donations will help different groups,” Taylor said. Donations can be dropped off or picked up for free, she said. For clothes, Taylor is especially interested in offering nice, affordable items that people can wear for occasions such as job interviews. “We want to keep the prices down on everything,” Taylor said. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Call (217) 429-0833. nnn A new Mount Zion-based business says it’s got the goods for consumers looking for convenient shopping for organically-raised fruit and vegetables. Soy City Organics Co. lets you choose from fresh-packed boxes of fruit and vegetables on its website, soycityorganics.com, and then the boxes are delivered right to your door. The business is the brainchild of Delaina Gates-Carter, a marketing consultant and yoga teacher who loves organic produce herself. “I am a believer in organic foods and I try to buy as much as I can locally but it is hard, it’s not always available,” said GatesCarter. “I try to grow my own as well, but you can’t do that year-round. So I just started reaching out to some distributors and I finally found one who said ‘OK.’ ” Weekly deliveries cover the Decatur, Harristown, Warrensburg, Macon, and the Mount Zion area. For more information, call (217) 521-5772. nnn Penny McCullough of Decatur doesn’t want pet owners to have anything to worry about when they can’t be with their animals. McCullough, who is an experienced pet owner, started pet sitting for others a few years ago and saw the potential to turn it into a business. So in establishing Penny’s Pet Care, she plans to visit with the pet and owner in their home before taking a job. McCullough said it works well for the pets to stay in the comfort of their home instead of coming to her. She wants to learn about them and their routine ahead of time. “I do this to give owners peace of mind,” McCullough said. “The people go away. The owner worries about their pets.” She wants to make sure the animals, including dogs and cats, are cared for and safe, allowing them time to get out and play if need be. “They don’t have to worry about their pets,” McCullough said. More information is available at www.pennyspetsitting.com or call (217) 791-2445. nnn Julie Stowers opened In The Wind Creations in Oreana to satisfy multiple needs.
BITES
It’s an outlet for her artistic talents and a way to make a living, while offering residents of northeastern Macon County easy access to a small gift shop. “I’ve been oil painting all my life,” she said. “I also have equipment to do sublimation and can make personalized gifts.” Stowers actually started her business in her Argenta home last year, but didn’t move on to a storefront until a couple months ago after recovering from a rare fungal infection of her lungs. Also a survivor of an abusive relationship, Stowers has created her own line of reflection name prints and is donating $2 from each sale to Dove Inc. The business reflects her love of riding motorcycles and shares an address with Do It For The Biscuit dog grooming at 214 W. South St. in Oreana. In The Wind Creations opens at 11 a.m. Monday through Saturday, closes at 4:30 p.m. Thursdays and 6 p.m. the other days. For more, find the business on Facebook, go to www.inthewindcreations.com or call (217) 972-3171.
On the move
Midland States Bank has moved its Decatur Wealth Management office into its new home at 240 S. Main St. inside the Old City Hall Building. Its office, led by Ron Drane, had been operating in the Decatur Club since June. “Our expansion into Decatur compliments our focus of building long-term client relationships,” said Eric Chojnicki, president of Midland’s Wealth Management Group. “Ron and his team have tremendous experience and share the same customer driven, personal service philosophy for which Midland is well-known.” Midland’s Wealth Management Group has assets under administration of more than $1.1 billion and serves a wide range of customers in the areas of investment management and financial planning, administration of 401(k) plans and other retirement accounts, insurance products and trust administration services. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Arrangements can be made to meet with clients beyond those hours as needed. Call (217) 412-8586.
New owner
BUSINESS JOURNAL 5
A longtime Decatur retail insurance broker has joined forces with Itasca-based insurance brokerage and risk management services firm Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Gallagher recently acquired Bennett & Shade Co., which was founded in 1906 in Decatur. The acquisition will allow the company to increase the resources it offers clients nationally and internationally, said Chris Behnke, Gallagher’s Central Illinois area president. “We can bring resources to accounts no brokerage firm outside of St. Louis and Chicago can,” Behnke said. “We are excited to increase our footprint in Decatur
by bringing Jeff Shade and his team into our group.” Shade will continue to operate in Decatur under the direction of Michael Pesch, head of Gallagher’s Midwest region retail property/casualty brokerage operation. Bennett & Shade provides commercial property/ casualty, employee benefits, risk management consulting and personal lines insurance services. Behnke said working with such a large company that is listed on the New York Stock Exchange will be a benefit. Gallagher has operations in 30 countries and offers client-service capabilities in more than 140 countries through a network of correspondent brokers and consultants.
Making changes
The Main Hangar Restaurant inside Decatur Airport will no longer serve breakfast on weekdays as it shifts its focus to other aspects of the business. It will continue to offer a full breakfast menu and buffet Saturdays along with lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Breakfast during the week never seemed to be a destination for the area, owner/general manager Christopher Cooper said. “We have tried several different marketing and sales strategies over the years and nothing seemed to get the business in for breakfast like we needed,” Cooper said. “We need to use those resources and
employees in other areas of the restaurant that need more attention.” New hours of operation 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.
Coming soon
The Salvation Army is receiving donations for its new family thrift store at 2901 N. Water St. from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The store is set to keep the same hours when it opens this month with 17,000 square feet of display space. The Salvation Army hasn’t had a thrift store in Decatur since it closed one three years ago in Fairview Park Plaza after a decade of operation there. Captain Robin Rutledge said weekend collections at the Brettwood Village Kroger earlier this year were very successful. “We get great donations from Decatur,” she said. The Decatur store will be the Salvation Army’s fifth thrift store in Central Illinois, the proceeds of which support the agency’s Adult Rehabilitation Center in Springfield. 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.
freshmen 10th,2015
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December 2014
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A look back at election 2014 GOVERNOR
Republican Bruce Rauner claimed victory in his race to break the Democratic stranglehold on Illinois politics, besting Gov. Pat Quinn and possibly changing the political dynamic in the capital city. “This is a victory for every family in Illinois. Are you ready for a new direction?” Rauner told a cheering crowd at a Chicago hotel on election night. “This election is about bringing back our great state.” “Change is on its way,” said Rauner’s running mate, Evelyn Sanguinetti of Wheaton. In a bitter contest that saw an estimated $100 million in spending, Rauner won 101 of Illinois’ 102 counties. Cook County was the only holdout. Quinn’s defeat ends a career that began as a political reformer and rabblerouser who ultimately ascended to lead the government he had long criticized. Rauner, a venture capitalist who reported $60 million in income last year, dumped more than $27 million of his own fortune into his bid, flooding the airwaves with claims that Quinn is unsuited to serve another term after six years at the helm of the nation’s fifthlargest state. After fighting with Big Labor over pension reform and facility closures during his six years in office, Quinn found the traditionally Democratic unions on his side as he sought to keep Republicans out of the power loop in Springfield for another four years. Quinn spent much of the campaign season talking about one of those questions, raising the minimum wage, as a way to drive a wedge between the wealthy Rauner and his message of helping the middle class. Rauner labeled Quinn as a failed leader and criticized the longtime Chicago pol for supporting an extension of the 2011 temporary income tax increase. Rauner promised things would be different if Illinois had a Republican in charge after 12 years of single-party rule by Democrats. But, he’ll also face a Democrat-controlled General Assembly grappling with major financial problems. “The voters have asked for divided government,” Rauner said. “This is an opportunity for us to come together on a bipartisan basis to solve the problems facing Illinois families.”
STATE OFFICES
While Rauner is using the days following the election to travel the state thanking voters and assembling a transition team, the two candidates for the open state treasurer seat were still waiting for the winner of their race to be declared. That announcement came 15 days later, with Democrat Mike Frerichs edging out Republican Tom Cross.
Bruce Rauner won 101 of the state’s 102 counties on his way to defeating Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn last month.
The races for the remaining state offices were much less dramatic, with Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka and Secretary of State Jesse White easily winning another term. Topinka is the lone Republican of the bunch.
STATE LEGISLATURE
There were no changes in who will represent Macon County in the legislature. Sen. Andy Manar and Rep. Sue Scherer, both Democrats, each won their respective races, while Sen. Chapin Rose and Rep. Bill Mitchell, each Republicans, were uncontested in their re-election bids.
CONGRESS
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin is going back to Washington, D.C., for another term, but it will be in the recently unfamiliar role of minority party member. Republican’s claimed control of the chamber for the first time in eight years, while strengthening the majority they already held in the House. The power shift is certain to complicate President Barack Obama’s final two years in office. Republican Rodney Davis won his second term representing the 13th
Congressional District, which includes Macon County. “We stood here two years ago talking about what we were going to do when we took this team to Washington, D.C., and how we were going to work together and govern, and I stand here to tell each and every one of you again we accomplished that goal,” Davis said during his victory speech. Davis said his first priority when he returns to Washington would be passing an appropriations bill, as well as addressing infrastructure needs.
MACON COUNTY
County voters decided they preferred the new incumbent treasurer over the old one. Macon County Treasurer Edward Yoder, a Republican, handily defeated former county treasurer Democrat Steve Grimm. Grimm, who served as treasurer from 2003 to 2010, had said he initially had no interest in getting back to the treasurer’s office, but he changed his mind after what he perceived as a sharp decline in the effectiveness of the office since his departure. But Yoder dismissed those claims,
Associated Press
saying he worked to bring the office into the 21st century, with online payments and new equipment to better handle money coming in to the county. In the races for county board, all five incumbents who had challengers retained their seats. Jerry Potts, D-Decatur, will continue to represent District 3. Jay Dunn, D-Decatur, and Greg Mattingley, R-Decatur, will continue to represent District 4. Mervil Jacobs, R-Decatur, will continue to represent District 5. Incumbent Phillip Hogan, R-Dalton City, and newcomer John D. Jackson, R-Dalton City, will represent District 7. While one name will change when the new board convenes later this year, the makeup of the board will remain 11 Republicans and 10 Democrats.
MORE TO COME
Already having election withdrawals? No need to worry. There’s another election just a few months away. A general consolidated election is set for Tuesday, April 7, and will include the selection of school board members and various village, city, park and library board members.
December 2014
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BUSINESS JOURNAL 7
217 / 450-8500 Buy Sell Lease
2350 Mt. Zion Rd
Bldg for Sale// NOT Business Great Visibility Good Traffic Counts Call for more info!
Business Condo Downtown Owner/User or Investment One of a kind! Hurry, this won’t last
135 E Prairie
3180 N. Woodford Ave.
Former Hostess Bakery FOR SALE OR LEASE
Former Ace Hardware Building
1520-1530 McBride Ave
2470 Wakefield (new listing) 6 unit Apt Building in South Shores JUST LISTED! Won’t Last! $379,000
2350 E. Logan
Inland Port Industrial Park
8,240 Square Feet 1 Dock and 1 Drive-in Overhead Doors For Lease or Sale
Pre-leasing for 2015 100,000 - 500,000 Square Feet Close to ADM, CAT, US 72 & Midwest Inland Port
40,000+ S.F. 9 dock door & trailer parking
200 Spitler Park Plaza Dr, Mt Zion Asking price $975,000/ $8.00 sq ft. 12,900 square feet on 3.99 acres
Suites for Lease 500-1,200 Square Feet Just Listed!
For Lease, Secure Warehouse Space Fenced, 1500 & 3000 S.F. Available
2003 N 22nd St
Steel Building with 22’ clear span. (Approx 19,000 Sq Ft.) For Lease or Purchase.
AUCTION
DEC 11th at 3:30 pm
1900 E Eldorado
This is a fantastic office building with great traffic & visibility. 5000 Sq Ft finished up & down. Reduced to $395,000
3198 E. Mueller Ave. (former StripMasters)
Just off Brush College Rd. 8,000 sq. ft. Zoned M-2, 1.75 Acre Lot
MERRY CHRISTMAS
1201 E. Wood St. 15,000 Square Feet Former Grocery & Liquor Store Lots of Parking. Only $369,000
998 ½ W Harrison Ave FOR LEASE
Park 101 Industrial Park Bldg #1
40 x 60 Office/Shop 12’ Eave Height 12 x 10 O.H.Door
225 S. Main St. - Suite LL• Decatur, iL 62523
Office & warehouse spaces 1800- 14,000 SF Available Close to ADM, CAT, I-72 & the Midwest Inland Port
to the families of our buyers, sellers, tenants & friends. May GOD bless you all!
Professional & Confidential Service
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BUSINESS JOURNAL
December 2014
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Your
business
Business world is awash in buzzwords KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A news release announces a “differentiated value proposition.” A consultant offers to share her “key learnings.” A business trumpets its “executives’ core competencies: the ability to scale businesses and improve execution.” Huh? Communication leads the list of most wanted skills in business, but communication is falling way short. We are awash in a world of buzzwords, jargon and nouns turned into verbs. We incentivize, synergize, actualize, globalize, operationalize, utilize and — even this — bucketize. We pluck low-hanging fruit, promise deliverables and proclaim a new paradigm. “If you use words like that, you’re not thinking about the reader or the listener. You’re thinking about yourself or your boss,” said Annetta Cheek, board chairman of the Center for Plain Language, a national nonprofit group formed to promote clearer communication in business and government. Cheek would like to see contracts, product instructions, regulations and laws written in clear, concise language that most people can understand. But that’s a wish, not reality. And that worries Tracy Russo, an associate professor of communication studies at the University of Kansas, who regularly battles fuzzy
words and convoluted phrases. “We miscommunicate when we use a term that has a specific meaning to us but means something different to someone else,” Russo said. “And many words can convey a range of meaning.” Such as? “Empowerment” is used widely in company mission statements to convey the notion that workers have the right or ability to make decisions and do their work without extensive direction. In practice, management can think it means one thing, while employees see it as something entirely different. “Innovation” is claimed by many organizations. In some cases, it truly describes having the newest discovery. In others, it’s just another way to say they’re keeping up with product or social changes. Even “ASAP” can have different interpretations. In some places, it means to drop everything and do it immediately. In others, it means to do it as soon as it fits in with everything else on one’s plate. In any organization, any industry or profession, there’s always a learning curve to figure out exactly what words or phrases mean. “If you’re new to an environment, you’ll soon adopt the practices of people around you,” said
BANQUET
GUIDE
Buzzwords/9
Featured Business:
Fresh office phrases take root Some buzzwords are too sticky to shake off. Some are too clever to want to lose them, at least not right away. The recession and Dilbert-style office “cube farms” have spawned some truly clever terms, some of which might have staying power. One that could last is “mancession,” coined to characterize the higher-percentage job loss among men than women, though the recent tide of public-sector layoffs now seems to be taking a toll on women. Also likely to survive long term is “staycation,” a vacation when you don’t go anywhere. The outlook is murkier for “furcation” and “fakation,” irreverent references to time off because of a furlough. “Permatemping” has definitely entered the vernacular. It describes workers who move from temp job to temp job without landing a “job-job,” a full-time position, with benefits. Some applicants aren’t getting job-jobs because they have “jobstoppers” such as tattoos, piercings,
green hair or other reasons some employers disqualify them from consideration. Many job hunters become “frugalistas,” or careful spenders. If they’re not, they may have a “moneymoon,” a period of happiness after buying something before remorse sets in. The workplace continues to be a rich lode for words and phrases that communicate in a fun and descriptive way — once you’ve been clued in to their meaning. Some favorites from the office: Prairie-dogging: When heads pop up over cubicle walls. Bobbleheading: When employees’ heads nod when the boss talks. Blamestorming: When something goes wrong and a scapegoat is sought. Clockroaches: Employees who watch the clock. Plutoed: When a project or person is lowered in status. Adminisphere: Management.
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 Contact: Shelly Gregg
Accommodates: 2 to 3,000 People Assistance with catering, cash bar, & Dj Service available
422-7300
Decatur conference center & Hotel Accommodates: 2,000 people 55,000 sq. ft. functional space, food service available
DoHertY’S PuB & PInS Accommodates: up to 80 seating - 150 capacity Full food & beverage service available
HIcKorY PoInt BanQuet facIlItY
4191 U.S. 36 West Contact: 420-8711 242 E. William St., Decatur Contact: 428-5612 727 Weaver Rd., Decatur Contact: Tina McCarnen 421-6657
Accommodates: 225 w/additional seating on veranda Award-winning cuisine
Mt. ZIon conventIon center Accommodates: 1,100 people
Mt. ZIon lIonS center Accommodates: up to 300 people 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
1410 Mt. Zion Pkwy, Mt. Zion Contact: 864-5424 1595 W. Main St., Mt. Zion Contact: Sharon Spinner 864-3100 mtzionlionsclub.com 3909 W. Main St., Decatur Contact: Kevin Brewer 421-7470
December 2014
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BUSINESS JOURNAL 9
Sometimes job seekers need advice from ‘Mama Lisa’ Buzzwords he moment I heard about Mama Lisa, I T wanted to meet her. It was at our annual Decatur SHRM conference, late October of this year (SHRM being the Society of Human Resource Management, where we HR types hang out in hopes of earning credits toward recertification). Being HR types, we were bemoaning the low quality of today’s jobseekers. Each had a story worse than the one Human Resources before. “Oh, we had a young applicant come in wearing pajamas.” “Why, that’s nothing. We had a guy misspell his own name.” “At our place they come in high.” And on and on. Mary Coffman of Meda Pharmaceuticals raised her hand. “When that happens at our place, we have this person who mothers them, goes into her ‘Mama Lisa’ and tells them exactly what they need to do to get a job.” What a concept. Instead of complaining about applicants, helping them fix the problem? Acting, rather than whining? I
Fred Spannaus
cornered Mary at the snack table. “Who is this Mama Lisa?” A few days later, I entered Meda Pharmaceuticals on East Eldorado and encountered the human energy machine known as Mama Lisa, aka Lisa Gleghorn, HR administrative assistant. Lisa often staffs the front desk, and hence meets a few jobseekers. “People need help,” she said in reply to my first question. “A lot of them haven’t applied for work in years. Some have never worked. They just don’t know the protocol.” And Mama Lisa? “I don’t do that with everybody. I feel the water first. I don’t want to embarrass someone who just can’t afford to dress up.” But when they can afford to look better, and choose not to? Then, “I do my Mama Lisa thing.” She pulls them aside. Sometimes she waits until after they leave and picks up the phone and calls them. “You need to apply online. No computer? Let me give you directions to the library.” “Listen. Pull up your pants, put on a nice shirt. Look better next time you go looking for work.” “Go by yourself. Don’t have your grandparents bring you.” (Yes, that actually happened). “Listing ‘played basketball’ as previous experience is not going to get it. Fix up that resumé and let me see it when you’re done.” (Another true story).
Domain Names And Marketing
“It’s not good just to cross out your old address. Redo that resumé.” “Are you serious? You’re coming for an interview like this?” “You’re not going to get a job here, and let me tell you why. Listen to me, and then I’ll send you to a temp agency where you can get some experience. That’s how I started.” With applications now online, Lisa does her Mama Lisa act less often. But from time to time, people who have been laid off drop by, hoping to get a paper application. And their appearance sometimes is, well, lacking in polish. “People need to understand something,” she told me. “The interview begins the second they walk in the door.” We teach work ethics in our schools and in our job training programs. Good and capable instructors preach the gospel of attitude and appearance. God bless them, every one. They do a lot of good. But I’m guessing that Lisa Gleghorn, with her straightforward advice, dispensed from an actual employer at exactly the right moment, has steered countless applicants toward successful job searches, if not at Meda, then at the next company they try. Fred W. Spannaus, principal of Spannaus Consulting, is a senior professional in human resources. He loves feedback to his columns. Fred can be contacted by email at spannaus@ameritech.net or by phone at (217) 425-2635.
Carolyn Ridenour President & Marketing Director
132 S Water St. Ste. 418 Decatur, Illinois 62523
217-428-9950
www.cmsdecatur.com
John Murphy, who founded the online MBAJargonWatch site after he was exposed to rounds of buzzwords, first in business school and later in an online business startup. “You want to feel like you belong. You want to use the terms they use.” And that’s a point that most wordsmiths make: Jargon isn’t necessarily bad. “Good jargon is used within a specific group when it helps members of the group communicate more efficiently,” Cheek said. “When everybody in the group knows exactly what the word or phrase stands for, they don’t have to use larger groups of words to explain it to each other. It’s like a secret language that insiders understand.” But she warns, “When it’s used outside the group, others don’t know what you’re talking about. Good jargon becomes bad jargon when it’s used outside the insider circle.” Plain-language advocates see no reason to use “core competencies” when “what we do best” would be so straightforward. And why make people try to figure out what exactly is a “differentiated value proposition”?
Employment Services
Q Does a domain name need to be the same as the business name? A Yes and no. It is difficult to find good domain names and it is not an easy task
to find one that will fit a business name perfectly. So, ideally the answer would be yes but not necessarily due to the availability of them. It is important to have a domain name that has a positive spin to it…you would not want to use the word unreliable in the domain name. It conveys a negative impression and lacks credibility. Keep the domain name simple and as short as possible. This helps people to remember it and to pass it on to someone else. Don’t use hyphens or numbers in the domain name. Keep it in singular form because plurals just complicate things. Don’t use initials and acronyms. You cannot assume people “know” what that means. Choose something that is easy to pronounce and spell. Be careful with some words as they are spelled differently nationally and that can affect SEO. Again, let’s keep it memorable. Brand names such as Google.com and Facebook.com fit in well with the exact match domain names and it really helps if your site is going to participate in Pay Per Click (PPC) advertising. This prevents from having to bid for traffic because the public is clicking on it naturally/organically. And one last thing…how does it sound when you say the domain name? Does it roll right off your tongue? If not, don’t use it. If you’d like for us (CMS) to research and recommend some domain names for your business, please call us. We look forward to the opportunity to visit with you about your needs.
Continued from 8
Heather Sawyer Account Representative
655 W Pershing Rd Decatur, IL 62526 (217) 872-7400
decaturil.expresspros.com
Owners Lee Best Brian Lockwood
Q
Should a business contact multiple staffing companies when they have an employment need?
A
Has your staffing provider built a relationship with you? Do they understand the work you do? Do they know what it takes to be successful in your organization? If the answer to these questions is yes, then trust a single provider to meet your needs. For short-term assignments, calling several suppliers requires you to review candidate information and conduct interviews to make a final selection. Time is money. If your staffing provider understands your business they will know which of their associates can meet your needs. Permit them to just send associate(s) to work. You will learn more about a worker during the first few hours on the job than you could through an interview. Express offers a 4-hour guarantee in case an associate doesn’t work out. It rarely happens. For long-term or permanent positions, do you want the best candidate or the first available? A good staffing provider will take the time to identify associates with the skill set and personality traits you desire. When offering a position through competing staffing firms you turn your search into a race for the finish. The most qualified candidate may not be found. Don’t mistake efficiency for effectiveness. Hiring should be a collaborative and deliberative process that only partnering with a single staffing provider can offer.
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Business
Hittmeier
Lawrence
New staff members
Shawna Lawrence has re-joined the Herald & Review advertising team as the advertising sales manager for retail and outside classified sales. Kacy Patterson and Rebecca Kingery have joined BKD LLP as audit associates. Bethany Presutti and Charlotte Ryan have joined the firm as tax associates.
Presutti
Kingery
Walters
advertising department. BKD LLP has announced the promotions of Brittany Walters to manager and Jesse Mumm to senior associate.
Achievements
Dale Edgecombe of Decatur Mutual Insurance Agency is the recipient of the Inner Circle Club Award from Pekin Life Insurance Co. Sam Scott of Scott State Bank in Bethany Promotions Cayla Hittmeier has been promoted to dig- was recognized as an Outstanding Member ital sales specialist in the Herald & Review’s of the Community Bankers Association of Illinois during the association’s convention
Ask
the
score
: How can a small-business owner Q ride out the current economic downturn? A: Broad economic slowdowns can often trickle down to small businesses, including those in relatively stable industries or geographic locations. Individuals tend to cut back on discretionary spending while corporations curb routine activities, delay major purchases and shelve new initiatives. For many small businesses with limited resources, these and other factors often combine to pressure bottom lines past the breaking point, creating a domino effect of other dilemmas such as a credit crunch or layoffs. A downturn doesn’t have to spell disaster for your small business, however. Good financial management practices will help you weather even the worst of economic times, and you’ll be ready to capitalize on new opportunities that come along when good times return. Begin with the basics. Even when times are terrific, no small business can survive without good recordkeeping, budgeting, cash flow monitoring and credit management. Consult your bank. Lenders can tap their vast experience in economic cycles to advise you on issues specific to your business and industry. Depending on your projected long-term expenses, consider arranging a line of credit in case a cash flow gap occurs. Be on good terms with your creditors. Falling behind on payments is never the answer, even if it’s “just this once.” Creditors will be more amenable to renegotiating terms to small businesses they consider to be conscientious and reliable. Watch your receivables. You need to stay on top of any outstanding debts to your company, particularly problem accounts. Be firm, but also willing to negotiate where appropriate.
counselor
G O T A Q U E S T I O N For more ideas on getting through rough economic times, request one-on-one counseling or to submit a question for the “Ask the SCORE Counselor” column, contact SCORE Chapter 296, Millikin University, 1184 W. Main St., Decatur, IL 62522 or call (217) 424-6297.
Scrutinize your spending. Rather than arbitrarily slashing your budget, strive to spend only on those things that have a justifiable positive effect on your business. That will make it easier to redirect money to areas that enhance business performance. Step up your review of financials. Assessing your reports weekly or biweekly rather than monthly will put you in a better position to make informed decisions. Similarly, a monthly or quarterly review of your business plan enables you to adjust your strategy and direction to changing market conditions. Keep marketing in the mix. Look for cost-effective ways to keep your company visible to current customers and potential new markets. They may be ready to restart their spending long before the headlines proclaim an end to the economic crisis.
Meet a SCORE counselor
Milt Brahier retired as president and director of First National Bank of Decatur. His counseling specialties include business startups, financing, business plans, credit and collections, and financial analysis. Milt has been a SCORE Brahier counselor for nearly 13 years.
Ryan
clips
Scott
Edgecombe
in Chicago. The Decatur Park District received the Partnership and Good Sportsmanship Best of the Best Awards from the Illinois Association of Park Districts. The awards recognized its partnership with Millikin University and the outstanding leadership of Staley Striders Coach Mike Landacre. FirsTech Inc. has successfully completed the Type 2 examination under Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements No. 16. Ricky Pirtle of Peerless Cleaners Inc. has completed the Water Damage Restoration
Mumm
Patterson
Technician and Applied Structural Drying courses at Hydro Lab, Noblesville, Ind.
Announcements
Jim Schwarz has been appointed chairman of the Friends of St. Mary’s Hospital Leadership Council. Douglas Lee has joined council.
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.herald-review.com/ app/secure/businessach/
BUSINESS JOURNAL Reader Profile: n 72% read The Business Journal monthly. n 17% are 34 and under.
Everyone at ProEmp & Associates would like to thank all our clients, fellow employees, and friends for making 2014 a successful year and wish everyone a happy and prosperous new year. If we can help make 2015 better for you with any of our services . . . payroll, workers’ comp, liability insurance, unemployment tax, payroll tax management, or employee benefits administration . . . we hope you will allow us the pleasure of serving you.
1065 W. Main St. Decatur, IL 62522 217-233-4729 www.proemp.com
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December 2014
BUSINESS JOURNAL 11
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Meet Grant Bullock, chairman of the Decatur SCORE chapter ometown: Byron H Family: Married almost 50 years. We have three sons and four grandchildren. Our oldest son, Chris, lives and works in Decatur as the manager for the Cromwell Radio Group. Our middle son, Paul, lives in Indianapolis and is the VP for an actuarial firm. Jason, our youngest lives in Chicago and is a specialist for Microsoft. Occupation: Retired as a partner/administrator for a rehab facility in Byron for 30 years. Education: Bachelor’s degree from Illinois Wesleyan University, master’s degree from Northern Illinois University and further certification as a senior professional in human resources. My “I’d rather be …” bumper sticker would read: “I’d rather be a psychologist” because people are so very interesting. I enjoy getting to know a wide variety of people and helping to understand others. Hobbies/interests: Golf. I’m also a private pilot. I love to fly. My first job: I began my professional career as a music teacher in Leland, Ill., teaching instrumental and voice to students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Why I do what I do: I became involved with economic development as a member of the Byron Chamber of Commerce. After holding the position as president, I worked with the Ogle County Economic Development Board. It was during that time I found helping others to develop their business was an enjoyable experience. I was able to use my real life work experience (including mistakes) to help guide others. It was also during this time that I had some influential mentors helping me to shape my world of work. Now I am retired and greatly enjoy sharing my knowledge with new and existing businesses. Personal approaches to challenges: With challenges that need long-term planning, I will seek the thoughts and opinions of others before making a decision. In my professional life, I always surrounded myself with supervisory staff that had greater knowledge of their area of expertise to help keep our business on track. Community involvement: My primary involvement is with the business community. On behalf of SCORE, I am involved with the Decatur and Mount Zion Chambers of Commerce. We belong to the Mount Zion Presbyterian Church and participate in many of the local events. What is SCORE? SCORE is a national organization that provides free mentoring to new and existing businesses. Our members are a great variety of volunteers who have expertise in most areas of business. You recently became chairman of the local
Submitted photo
chapter. What changes have you made? As SCORE’s new chairman, I have begun to learn more about areas of business that our mentors and the business community as a whole need more information to help facilitate growth. We are beginning to provide more current information to our mentors at our monthly meetings and we are working on an educational project that will help our local business community identify areas they may develop for their own expansion. I believe continual learning is the necessity for success. Tell us about your valuable partnership with Millikin University and the Center for Entrepreneurship. Millikin University and the Center for Entrepreneurship have been the ingredient that helps our SCORE chapter succeed. The professors at Millikin are up to date on current business practices locally, nationally and internationally. Their presence and help to students and our mentors allows us to keep knowledgeable about new and differing ways to conduct business. Sharon Alpi, the Center for Entrepreneurship leader, continually works with the community and Millikin to further develop
economic feasibility for many community programs and she ties the work of SCORE to these programs. During the last year, Sharon has helped to implement the Micro Business Network (MBN). This program fosters the learning of young companies by providing workshops and round tables to its members on a monthly basis. The membership is composed of business owners, with a smaller group of these owners deciding on workshops that will benefit the group. Sharon is currently working on a program that will help business owners to expand what they have to offer A pilot program will be implemented this spring to selected participants. What is the biggest challenge confronting new business owners? The biggest challenges facing a new owner is time and realizing the many aspects it takes to be successful. Let’s say you want to start a business making pies. That means getting up at 4 a.m. to make pies, spending the day selling the pies and ending the day reconciling the books before going to bed at 10 p.m. Are you prepared to work 18 hours a day, seven days per week? At
a $24,000 profit you would earn $4 per hour. Is that what you want? You need to consider all this before starting a new business. What is First Step Fast Track? The First Step Fast Track 12-week program teaches individuals the necessary steps to develop a feasibility plan for their business. At the end of the class a, participant can easily determine if it is a go or no go. Many local businesses have started and become more successful from this program. Examples include University Dogs and Decatur Computers. How can someone get involved in SCORE as a mentor? SCORE can always use new volunteers. Some may want to become a mentor, others may be helpful in setting up workshops. Simply call us at (217) 424-6296. How can aspiring business owner take advantage of SCORE’s services? Go to www. score.org and enter your zip code where indicated and click submit. A form will appear for you to complete and when done again click submit. This form will then automatically be sent to our local SCORE office for assignment to a mentor.
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BUSINESS JOURNAL 13
Corley Family Dental
160 W. McKinley Ave., Decatur (217) 330-6217
Years in business: 2 years Family members involved: Chad and Natalie Corley (husband and wife), both from Decatur but didn’t meet until dental school in Alton. Products/services offered: Dental care for the entire family, from congratulating your little one on their first cleaning to providing you with the beautiful smile you have wanted for years. Your survival tip to others starting or maintaining a family (small) business: It’s hard to leave work at the office in our situation. However, we try to allow 5 minutes of “tooth talk” once we get home and then let it go. What makes your family business unique? Providing excellent oral health care in a comfortable atmosphere with a family touch.
Business history/future: We worked together for several years as associates of another dental office and finally decided to take the plunge and open our own family dental office. We started with just the two of us in a temporary office while our existing location was being built. We opened Corley Family Dental on March 11, 2013, starting with just four team members (including ourselves). We are excited to now have a team of 10. We plan to continue to grow as we are still seeing new patients daily Advice to someone starting a family business or working to maintain a family business: It takes a lot of hard work and dedication, but by surrounding yourself with exceptional team members that treat your business like their own makes it all worthwhile.
Family owned and operated for over 50 years!
Stewart’s Sewing Machines Inc. 415 N. State Highway 121, Mount Zion (217) 864-6142
Years in business: 50 Family members involved: The father and daughter team of Chan Stewart and Jana Wrigley. Products/services offered: Sewing machine sales: Babylock, Elna, JANOME and Brother. Service on all makes and models.
A quilt shop, too. More than 1,500 bolts of fabric. We offer classes and seminars all year long for all ages. Your survival tip to others starting or maintaining a family (small) business: Leave work at work and keep the lines of communication open.
Thank you DecaTur anD surrounDing areas for allowing us To care for your
smile!
New SmileS of all ageS are alwayS welcome!
• Quality Quilting Fabrics • Classes for all ages • Certified Technician on site • Your machine embroidery headquarters Brands Available: • Baby Lock • Elna • Brother • Janome 415 N. State Hwy 121, Mt. Zion, Il 62549 • 864-6142
Drs. Chad & Natalie Corley • 217-330-6217 160 W. McKinley
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E. Ryan Jewelers
2525 N. Water St., Decatur (217) 875-4380
Years in business: 7 years Family members involved: Patty EldridgeSammons and Vicki Jackson-Cutler Products/services offered: We offer a fullservice jewelry store offering loose diamonds, engagement rings, anniversary rings, wedding rings, pendants, earrings, sterling silver jewelry. Chamilia brand bead products and trendy interchangeable Kameleon “pop” jewelry. Jewelry repair services are offered on the premises, so your valuables don’t leave the store without your knowledge and approval. Watch batteries changed at our store, with watch repair services offered at an independent off-site location. Your survival tip to others starting or maintaining a family (small) business: Providing products and services that customers want or need is the first step in surviving in the today’s world. Research the business services and current economy of the area you plan locate your business. Know your customer and what the current trends are
for your business. Make sure you have a good working relationship with family members you wish to work with on a daily basis. What makes your family business unique? Our family business is unique because both business partners had previously worked together for 25 years at K’s Merchandise. When K’s was liquidated, we decided to open E. Ryan Jewelers together. Having worked extensively in loose diamonds and jewelry manufacturing, it seemed to be the perfect way to move forward. Business history/future: E. Ryan Jewelers opened its doors in February 2007 next to Panera Bread and Circuit City on Ash Avenue. When Circuit City was liquidated and our lease was over, we moved to our current location at 2525 N. Water St. We have found that our new location offers a more convenient shopping location for our customers. With easy access to U.S. 51, and no “hassle” parking, our location has become much more customer friendly. Advice to someone starting a family business or working to maintain a family business: Make sure you like what you do and the family members and other employees you work with. Be sure that what you are doing is something you have a good working knowledge of. Take things slowly.
5 tips for team building HANAH CHO
Tribune News Service Writer
yan Nowicki, national director of sales R for golf-complex operator TopGolf, talked to the Dallas Morning News about how small businesses can organize effective teambuilding events. Diversity: Having a good blend of people from all levels within your organization is instrumental. Plan ahead regarding how you will pair or create “teams” to foster interdepartmental communication and camaraderie. Have an educational component: When possible, ensure that there is a takeaway for your employees. This is an easy way to have fun with your team while educating them on
an imperative topic. Strategic application: Possibly more important than an educational component is a debrief of the skill(s) learned and how each participant can apply these new skills in his/ her job responsibilities. Inclusion: Involve as many members of your team as possible. Regardless of title, department or length of tenure, inclusion will allow you the ability to affect more people and get more bang for your buck. Everyone loves a trophy: As simple as it may seem, a trinket that your team members can place on their desks or in an office common area goes a long way. This can serve as a reminder of the event, but, more important, assist you in sustaining the true takeaway.
Heckman Healthcare Services and Supplies Inc. 1969 N. Main St., Decatur (217) 877-0346
Years in business: 33 years Family members involved: Phyllis Heckman (first generation); John Daniels, Margie Heckman and Julie Page (second generation); and Maya Heckman and Naomi Johnson (third generation). Products/services offered: Home medical equipment and supplies, home oxygen and CPAP equipment. What makes your family business unique? All of Phyllis and Dick’s children and
grandchildren have worked for the company at some point. Business history/future: Founded in 1981 by Dick and Phyllis Heckman, working out of their garage. Expanded to 18 employees and moved to the current location in 2004. Advice to someone starting a family business or working to maintain a family business: Try to create a balance between your professional lives and the dynamics of being a family.
Family Owned and Operated since 1981
Beautiful Everything
SERVICES & SUPPLIES, INC.
2525 N. Water St. • Decatur 217 • 875 • 4380 • M-F 10-6 • SAT 10-3 www.eryanjewelers.com
HOME MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES
1969 N. Main Street • Decatur, IL • 217-877-0346 • Outside Decatur 1-800-373-1306 Open: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. • Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
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Coney McKanes’s American Eatery 104 E. Prairie Ave., Decatur (217) 475-1111 Years in business: 18 years Family members involved: Lea, Doug, Flo, Bunny, Teddi, Toni, Jay, Ashley, Jonnie, Allie, Tori. In total, we have had more than 21 family members work together over the years. And any other family members that set foot in the restaurant is subject to being assigned tasks. Products/services offered: We offer breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, drinks and desserts. Catering and take-out. Home-cooked meals, a menu that is always evolving and daily lunch and dinner specials. Your survival tip to others starting or maintaining a family (small) business: If you are starting a family business, you have to be able to balance your business and personal relationships. Yes, you love your family and now they work with you or for you. Letting them know clearly that relationships are different and when they are at work the role is that of a business relationship. Keeping open lines of communication and a sense of humor always helps. Easier said than done as it can be like juggling kitty cats and chainsaws at the same time. It will always be an balancing act, but it can be done and your business can grow and survive. The number one thing that has kept our family’s restaurant going? Keeping Grandma Flo happy! What makes your family business unique? We are a small restaurant located in downtown Decatur that provides a family atmosphere. Seriously, it’s almost our entire family serving Decatur our family recipes. Grandma Flo’s famous biscuits and gravy and amazing pies bring people in and bring them back again. If you sit at the bar you are never going to eat alone. One of us is always there to talk with you, and random dancing and singing is not guaranteed but
can happen at anytime. By all means, I am not saying it is good singing or dancing either, it just happens. You become part of our family once you step inside. Business history/future: The reason we even exists is because of Grandma Flo. (That’s pretty deep, huh?) Flo used to run the diner in The Bowl bowling alley that was located off of Pershing. It only had countertop seating but it had amazing food. She also baked amazing cakes, pie, cookies and pastries out of her home. After years (it was a long time, very long time) being there Grandma Flo retired. Apparently the leisure life wasn’t her thing because when Lea suggested the family open a bakery she was on board. It started out as a small shop in Moweaqua. Then we grew into a Sunday brunch hot spot in a little place on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Once we gained some momentum, we added in lunch sandwiches and soups. From there, we blossomed into a new spot with more space at a hotel off Pershing. People who came remembered Grandma Flo’s food and baking from her time at The Bowl and before. Soon we were in need of our own space and moved downtown. She is like everyone’s grandma feeding you a home-cooked meal followed up by a piece of her delicious pie. Eighteen years later, we are growing even more. We have a bigger family, more than four generations working together, and we have plans to expand. Keep an eye out, we will have more room soon! Advice to someone starting a family business or working to maintain a family business: Open communication, a sense of humor, and if you have a Grandma Flo, keep that woman happy!
Closs Electric Company, Inc.
4246 W. Main St., P.O. Box 1393 Decatur, IL 62525
Bus. (217) 428-8222 Cellular (217) 433-8221 • Fax (217) 428-3676
Closs Electric Company Inc. 4246 W. Main St., Decatur (217) 428-8222 Years in business: 61 Family members involved: Brothers Richard and John Closs
Products/services offered: Electrical contracting for residential, commercial, agricultural and light industrial.
Flo’s Legendary Biscuits & Gravy Daily Lunch & Dinner Specials Homemade Desserts Family Owned & Operated Come by & GO WITH THE FLO!! 104 E Prairie • Downtown Decatur
217-475-1111
www.coneymckanes.com
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Five generations of interest
started with a safe B TONY REID
Business Journal Writer
ETHANY – The toughest
part about running a family bank is having to be cruel to be kind by telling customers you know like family the answer is “no.” The process of turning someone down for a loan is still something that takes the shine off the day for Scott State Bank President and CEO Tod Jeffers. He said a community bank that has been run by his family for an astonishing five generations only survives because it lives, eats and breathes customer service. But caring about customers means knowing what they can afford, and what could hurt them in the long run, like a loan that’s a bridge too far for their means. “You know them, you know they need a car to take their kids to school, but you know they can’t afford the payments on that car,” said Jeffers, 50. “Occasionally you will break down and go ahead and say ‘yes’ and then, about a year later, you see how they are struggling. And you know the better answer was ‘no.’ ” All of which goes to show it’s not easy being a banker who lives in the community he serves. Honesty is a tough policy but it’s how the bank got founded in Bethany in 1887 when it was called The Exchange Bank. A.R. Scott, Jeffers’ great-great-grandfather, had started out running a grain elevator that had a big, showy decorated iron safe and farmers knew and trusted him to look after their money and cash their grain checks. The bank’s website history describes Scott as having “drifted” by this route into the banking business. By 1898, he had moved the bank out of the mill to new offices at 108 W. Main St. and business continued to grow and prosper. By 1904, it was incorporated and titled as it would be known for the next 110 years: Scott State Bank. It was capitalized at $30,000 (about $790,000 in today’s bucks) with the stock owned by Scott, his wife Mary Jane, and their sons Hugh, Troy, Samuel J. and, later, youngest son Smith who came on board in 1907. By 1919, the bank had invested in a nice, two-story red brick bank building, trimmed like a cake with accents of Indiana limestone, and there, with expansions and changes over the years, its headquarters would remain. Its own growth and the acquisitions of other banks has now left Scott State Bank with seven locations
A.R. Scott
Troy Scott
Business Journal, Lisa Morrison
Scott State Bank has been run by the same family for five generations. Sitting in the lobby of its Bethany location is the original safe used by the bank’s founder, A.R. Scott.
Joe Scott
December 2014
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BUSINESS JOURNAL 17
“How unusual is it for there to have been five generations of us? It’s very unusual
anymore, especially with all the changes taking place in banking and all the mergers and consolidations. You would not find too many situations like the one we have.” Sam Scott, president spread across Bethany, Decatur, Sullivan, Niantic, Dalton City, Maroa and Mount Zion. As the bank grew and changed, the presidency has run consistently through the family tree like a genetic trait: After the founder came Troy Scott, Joe Scott, Rodney Scott, Mary Scott Woods and Sam Scott. Jeffers is the grandson of Joe Scott, taking over the presidency in 2012 from his uncle, Sam Scott, who is still company chairman. Sam Scott, who had begun his service as president in 1975 after working at other banks and military service in Vietnam, said that by desire or circumstance, a Scott family member has always proved willing to deposit themselves in the hot seat. “I guess it’s been in our blood, in our DNA,” added Scott, 68, whose daughter Alyssa Pagel, a CPA working for Caterpillar Inc.’s financial services division, is also a Scott Bank director. “How unusual is it for there to have been five generations of us? It’s very unusual anymore, especially with all the changes taking place in banking and all the mergers and consolidations,” Scott said. “You would not find too many situations like the one we have.” His nephew and presidential successor had found his way to the bank all the way from Texas, where he had been raised. Jeffers was living and working as an auditor in Dallas when he decided that a life outside the big city rat race might be nice. He knew the Bethany area well (both sets of grandparents lived in Bethany and Sullivan) and he had just called up one day to ask if the bank had any openings. “I arrived in January of 1989 and started doing teller work, bookkeeping work. I learned the job from the bottom up,” recalled Jeffers. His path to the top shows that while blood may always be thicker than water, it doesn’t buy you a free ride at Scott State Bank. With him came his New York-born wife Karen (she grew up in the Dallas area) who would eventually succumb to the gravitational pull of the family business herself after helping out informally for years. In July 2013, she came on board as corporate marketing officer based out of the Mount Zion branch. The Jeffers eldest son, Joe, 17, is now showing a strong interest in finance as a career but that doesn’t mean he’s going to wind up shouldering the familial banking leadership burden. Mom says a career choice will always be his to make. “We’re not going to try to say ‘You have to do it,’” Karen Jeffers said. “My husband and I don’t want to pressure our children (they are also the proud parents of Natalie, 14, and Kate, 12). It must always be their choice.” Their father believes that having the fire in the belly to want to take on the stresses and strains, opportunities and challenges of modern banking is essential. The banking landscape went through a regulatory earthquake after the great recession of 2008 that was triggered by the wild excesses of Wall Street investment banks where a casino approach to business almost destroyed the world’s
Business Journal, Lisa Morrison
Three generations of the Scott State Bank still have a hand in its operation. Sam Scott, left, is the immediate past president of the bank. Pictured with him are his daughter, Alyssa Pagel, and his nephew, Tod Jeffers, the current bank president and CEO.
Submitted picture
The trust A.R. Scott built up with area farmers through the operation of his grain elevator in Bethany led to the creation of Scott State Bank.
financial system. Watching from the red brick and limestone-trimmed windows of the banking house his ancestors built, where the founder’s shiny original safe is a lobby display item, Tod Jeffers had seen the carpetbaggers
coming. Loan writers breezed into even little towns like Bethany writing mortgages for values homes didn’t have and giving the loans to customers who couldn’t afford the payments. “I saw them coming to town and I saw it
happening,” he added. “But I guess I didn’t think it was happening to as large an extent as it was.” The aftermath of the smoking wreckage is that loan rules got tougher, the red tape of banking regulation got a lot thicker and local bankers, who have little to do with Wall Street, have to work a lot harder to win trust in a world that now views all banks with a jaundiced eye. “Which means if you want to come into the banking business, you’ve got to have your heart in it,” he said, going back to the question of succession. “You’ve got to want it; otherwise you’re going to be in trouble pretty quick.” So why do members of the Scott clan retain such a consistently high interest rate in the machinations of local finance over the long march of the years? Tod Jeffers said the banking upside can still invest your soul with good feelings and a sense of well-being that comes from being at the heart of your community. And bankers do get to say yes as well as no, finding profound pleasure in using their financial judgment to make a positive difference in customers’ lives, sometimes stretching across generations. “Like when a dad comes in and says ‘You helped me get my first car loan and here is my son, can you work with him?,’” said Jeffers. “That’s the best part.”
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Dale’s Southlake Pharmacy 245 W. 1st Drive Decatur (217) 429-5165
Years in business: 10 years, coming up on 1 year anniversary of Colee’s Corner Drugs, our Forsyth location. Family members involved: Dale and Rita Colee, owners. They are joined by their daughters. Lauren Young is the marketing and merchandise manager. Erica Colee is the pharmacy manager at Colee’s Corner Drugs. Products/services offered: Pharmacy services include free delivery to home or office, convenient drivethrough, special packaging for medication and a patient advocate on staff. Dale’s is a one-stop shop for all your needs. Besides the reliable pharmacy services, Dale’s also provides a unique gift selection, including Fannie May Candies, Yankee Candles, jewelry, children’s gifts, greeting cards, Del’s treats and much more, as well as a postal substation. Your survival tip to others starting or maintaining a family (small) business: Know what your expenses will be, including a living wage for the owner, and make certain that you have enough capital to cover the expenses.
Del’s Popcorn Express
100 Debby Drive, Mount Zion (217) 864-9888
Years in Business: 12 years Family members involved: Mike and Trudy Jacobs and their daughter, Kelsey, 22. Their three sons all worked at Del’s before leaving for college. Trudy’s sister and mom work for the business part time. Products/services offered: Variety of popcorn, nuts, fudge, candies, chocolates, truffles and seasonal items such as caramel apples and peanut brittle. Whether it’s buttered, caramel, cheese, kettle, vanilla or chocolate-coated, our popcorn is the best around. Our fudge is made the old-fashioned way, stirred in a copper kettle and hand-whipped on a marble slab. More than 4,000 caramel apples were hand-dipped during September and October, and Trudy now is hand-stretching peanut brittle. Other goodies of great taste include nuts, candies, chocolates, sugar-free chocolates and truffles. Del’s Popcorn Express is eager to help with your list of Christmas gifts for clients, employees, family and friends with an assortment of tins, boxes, bags, trays and baskets filled with mouth-watering
Dale’s Southlake Pharmacy • Patient Advocate on Staff • Locally owned & operated • Competitive pricing
Drive-up Window
FREE Delivery to home or office!
“Friends Helping Friends” 245 W. 1st Drive, Decatur, IL Ph. 217-429-5165
845 Route 51, Forsyth, IL 217-330-9552
www.dalessouthlakepharmacy.com • Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30-6 • Sat 8:30-3
treats. Customer service is a top priority. We offer daily UPS shipping and free parking at the door. Your survival tip to others starting or maintaining a family (small) business: Realize that a 40-hour work week may not exist during certain times of the year. You may need to work 80 hours a week during a busy season, but keeping in mind there will be a chance to relax later. Remember, the more effort you put into your business, the more benefits you will receive. Business history/future: Del’s Popcorn Express opened in May 2002 inside JJ’s Whoa & Go in Mount Zion. Mike and Trudy were given the opportunity to open their own Del’s by Mike’s sister, Lou Ann, who owned the downtown Decatur Del’s Popcorn for 30 years. Mike’s other sister, Shellie, owns the Del’s in Springfield, so it has become quite the family affair. Del’s Popcorn Express has since moved to a larger location at the intersection of Illinois 121 and Debby Drive. That location is currently being renovated and Del’s will be expanding its retail space after the holidays.
Tis the Season... • Fudge • Candies • Nuts • Party Bags • Popcorn • Chocolates • Gift Bags & Boxes Hostess Trays • Employee & Client Gifts POP in fOr a smell, leave with a taste.
100 Debby Dr Dr., Mt. Zion, IL 62549 • 217-864-9888
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BUSINESS JOURNAL 19
Economic challenges turn baby boomers to entrepreneurship JANET KIDD STEWART
for interior design. “As a kid I would build little houses in Bohnne Jones didn’t count on having to my parents’ basement, cutting pictures out of magazines and laying out floor fire her husband, Larry. plans with lumber from a (nearby) conAnd David Whiting works six days a struction site,” Jones said. week at his smoothie franchise, knowing Ultimately, in 2007, Jones withdrew he would have made substantially more half her $300,000 individual retirehad he left his retirement money in the ment account to buy and start operating stock market. a Decorating Den franchise in NashDespite the challenges, these baby ville, Tenn. boomers, and others, are taking over a “And you know what happens next,” growing share of business startups, even as she said, referring to the mortgage crisis overall rates of entrepreneurship decline. and ensuing recession. She ended up Over the decade ended in 2013, boominvesting about $260,000 in total and ers ages 55 to 64 went from starting 18.7 percent of new businesses to 23.4 percent, reduced her business checking account according to the Kauffman Index of Entre- to about $20,000 before the economy turned around and business picked up. preneurial Activity, which was released That’s when she had to fire her husin April. band from the payroll, and he enrolled in Some of the increase can be explained a truck driver training program. by demographics: As baby boomers age, “About the time he finished that they account for a greater share of just school, the phone began to ring” with about any pie. Also driving the increase new business, she said. “We’ve won sales are stubbornly low rehire rates for jobless awards the last three years.” older workers. Her advice to would-be corporate Gone are the days when older entrepreneurs were mostly people who had finished refugees thinking of starting a franchise? Commit more money to the project than good careers and were just looking for the you think it will take. freedom to do something different, said Fred Dawkins, author of “Everyday Entrepreneur.” “Right now we’re dealing with more people who are doing this out of necessity because they’ve been forced out,” Dawkins said. “A lot of people in their 50s are out on the street, and they have to make a living.” Of Forsyth After a long career in nursing administration, then health care information technology, Jones faced her first layoff 12 years ago at age 51. For the next five years she landed three other corporate health care information technology jobs, but each ended either in mass layoffs or the completion of a major project. During one stint, she ended up redecorating a physicians lounge that was going to house new computers that she had ordered. The experience rekindled an old passion Tribune News Service Writer
Fourwinds of America Inc. 15277 N. Wood St., Maroa (217) 794-2292
Years in business: 43 years Family members involved: Pete Koyak Sr. and Pete Koyak Jr. Products/services offered: Jayco, Starcraft, Salem, Montana and Chateau RV
sales service and parts. Your survival tip to others starting or maintaining a family (small) business: Honesty and trust. Live by the Golden Rule.
Golf USA of Decatur/Forsyth 133 Barnett Ave., Forsyth, across from Hickory Point Mall (217) 877-1717
Years in business: 5 years Family members involved: Rich and Kristi Nottelmann Products/services offered: Golf retail shop, club fitting, club repair, club demo, hitting bay, swing analyzer and putting green. Keep up with them on Facebook and on Twitter @ richGOLFUSA. Your survival tip to others starting or maintaining a family (small) business: Don’t share the same office. What makes your family business unique? It is the only golf retail shop in the area. Business history/future: Rich started in the golf industry in 1993 working at Faries Park Golf Course. After passing his playability test, four years of course work and testing, he became a PGA professional in 1999 and worked as the head professional at Nelson
BUSINESS JOURNAL Reader Profile: n 17% are 34 and under
Park Golf Course. We opened the store May 11, 2009. Advice to someone starting a family business or working to maintain a family business: Research, research, research: The area, supply and demand, future demographics.
FOURWINDS RV East Peoria • Maroa
Largest Selection! Lowest Prices! All The Top Name Brands! Locally Owned Locally Operated Computerized Swing Analyzer Launch Monitor Club Repair Services Custom Club Fitting 133 Bamett Ave. (across from Hickory Point Mall) Forsyth • (217) 877-1717
309-699-6231 • 217-794-2292
Rich Nottelmann, PGA Professional/Owner
www.fourwindsrv.com
The Prices.The Selection.The Know How
Hours: Mon-Thur 10-7 • Fri 10-6 Sat 9-5 • Sun 12-4
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Business Journal, Jim Bowling
Charlie McGorray is still hanging out with customers like Eric Andreas, but now it’s from behind the counter at The Newsstand inside Haines & Essick. The economy and other factors led McGorray to close his restaurant, McGorray’s Golf & Grille, last summer after nearly four years in business.
McGorray’s Golf & Grille misses the cut Economy, early missteps too much to overcome CHRIS LUSVARDI
Business Journal Writer
Charlie McGorray played a lot of golf this summer, more than he has in nearly the past five years combined. McGorray, 64, was able to relax after finding out how stressful running a business can be. Heading in, he knew it was going to be a risky undertaking to be a business owner. However, he thought a solid business plan had been established when McGorray’s Golf & Grille opened at 2927 N. Water St. in Decatur in August 2010 and that it would carry it through for years to come. The restaurant, which started as a
popular destination for good food, a wide selection of beer and indoor golf, closed in April. Over the course of its run, McGorray said he learned some unexpected, yet valuable, lessons. It was enough to where McGorray thinks he could have earned a Master’s degree in business management over the time it was open. “It will always be a part of me and a very happy part of me,” McGorray said. “But I didn’t want to go through another summer.” McGorray was regularly putting in 60- to 80-hour work weeks without days off from the restaurant during his retirement as a Decatur firefighter. The summer tended
to be a slow period with golfers playing outside rather than practicing inside, so McGorray didn’t like the outlook. “We were looking at another brutal summer,” he said. The restaurant started when McGorray and his business partners, Kemper Wilcutt and Jay Dexter, thought the downturn in the economy was coming to an end. But the economic woes persisted and issues presented themselves, McGorray said. Wilcutt, with a background in restaurant management as the former owner of Tater’s Family Grill, left and moved away from Decatur during the first year in business. “In 2010, we thought we were at the tail
McGorray’s/21
Editor’s note In 2010, the Business Journal and the developers of McGorray’s Golf & Grille collaborated to provide readers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to start and run a business. The series examined financing, selecting a location, hiring, marketing and other issues involved in the process, with updates on how things were going around the first and fifth anniversary. We agreed at the outset to sit down and chat about what went right and wrong if the business closed before reaching its fifth year so others can benefit from the experience.
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Consociate Dansig
111 E. Decatur St., Decatur (217) 423-3311
Years in business: 42 Family members involved: Danny Reynolds, Darren Reynolds, Dan Reynolds, Dana (Reynolds) El Gammal and David Reynolds Products/services offered: Consociate: Employee benefits and claims administration. For information go to www.consociate.com. Dansig: Full-service insurance brokerage. For more information go to www.dansig.com Your survival tip to others starting or maintaining a family (small) business: Be patient, communicate well, keep your Christian values as part of your business plan, and try to not bring your business home. More than anything else, remember to be highly involved with and give back to the community that supports you. What makes your family business unique? Every family business is unique as management styles and strengths vary, even more so among family. Each family member
McGORRAY’S Continued from 20
end of the recession,” McGorray said. “The recovery hasn’t gotten to Decatur.” Even after making it through what can be a tough first year for many businesses, they continued to have high hopes for the combination of indoor golf simulators with good food and a mix of drink selections. McGorray said he was aware of the statistics showing 95 percent of businesses don’t make it through the first year, but he was determined to beat the odds. Dexter brought his experience as a golf professional to the business. The golf simulators had potential as a fun activity, McGorray said. “The people who used them helped their golf game,” McGorray said. “They played year round and it was a fun thing to do. Once they got over the fear of having someone watch, they’d relax and have a good time.” In the end, the financial strain was adding up for McGorray. He was looking at expensive equipment repair costs from the HVAC system to ice maker and computers heading into the down season. “I didn’t want to do it,” McGorray said. “I was tired. I couldn’t keep putting up money to keep the place open, no matter how much I love it and want it to succeed. You can’t wish success.” Food prices have been on the rise, with things like a case of lemons going from $12 to $102 in February. Those are the types of costs McGorray couldn’t find a way to pass onto customers as lemons are often used with a glass of water. “You can’t make it up,” he said. “Food has gotten expensive. It puts extreme pressure on independent business owners.” With their disposable incomes limited, not enough people were eating out,
McGorray said. He didn’t want to compromise the quality of the food for the price as McGorray believes eating out should be a treat. Part of the initial business plan included generating revenue from gaming machines, McGorray said. However, he said it took two years and four months before gaming was allowed. Gaming proved so popular that McGorray thinks it could have made enough money to keep the doors open had it been in place the whole time. One of the three original golf simulators was taken out to allow for more space for the gaming machines than originally had been anticipated. “We used it as a stop gap effort to keep the business open,” McGorray said. Looking back, McGorray said the business started with too many employees and could have used more space. McGorray’s had 48 employees at the beginning and was down to 23 by the end as McGorray continued to focus on its quality level of service. He was glad to put all the people he could to work. “I truly enjoyed working with all those people,” McGorray said. “We had some good, consistent workers who were able to make good money. If they were working there to make a living, they were able to do that.” In hindsight, McGorray said a larger restaurant would have been better for what they were hoping to accomplish with all that was being offered. The lack of space, with dining right next to the golf simulators, became a comfort issue for the patrons, McGorray said. The former CiCi’s Pizza location was chosen because of its high traffic count that appeared at first like it would be a benefit, he said. While the traffic count was high, drivers were passing quickly by on their way somewhere else.
possesses different strengths and the key is to capitalize on these different strengths to meet and exceed company objectives and goals. Business history/future: Dansig was founded in 1972 by Danny Reynolds and Sigurd Stottrup. Consociate was founded in 1995 by the Reynolds family. Both companies are 100 percent owned by the Reynolds family and we consider our work family (employees) to be our greatest strength and asset. We plan to continue expanding through acquisition and continued organic growth. Advice to someone starting a family business or working to maintain a family business: Build your business around the strengths of family that are working for you. Don’t be afraid to bring in outside talent to fill any gaps. Unified teamwork is essential to starting, maintaining and growing the family business.
Charlie McGorray’s schedule, and his stress level, have eased a lot since stepping away from his restaurant last summer. Even though he lost money along the way, he said the friendships forged while his restaurant was open made it all worth while. Business Journal,Jim Bowling
“That hurt us,” McGorray said. “We needed a better sign.” An electronic message board would have been a better way of reaching out to potential customers driving by. He found social media to be among the most worthwhile forms of advertising with text messaging and Facebook bringing customers into the business. “You have to be proactive in that realm of advertising,” McGorray said. “I think that’s the wave of the future.” As a last ditch effort to stay open and cut costs, McGorray tried to reduce the hours the kitchen was open. That effort didn’t work because the change went against the restaurant’s liquor license from the city requiring the kitchen to be open at the same time as the bar. With that, McGorray realized the time had come to shut the business down, as much as he hoped otherwise. Among the highlights of owning the business for McGorray was enjoying the time that was spent meeting new people and making friends. He enjoyed talking with customers of varying backgrounds who would come into the restaurant. “We’ve met so many wonderful people,” McGorray said. “Even though I lost
money, the value of those friendships outweighs that.” McGorray can now look ahead at how the rest of his retirement will be spent. His wife, Vicki, has been supportive throughout the process, he said. McGorray plans to stay active in the community. He is working a couple days a week at the Newsstand inside Haines & Essick in downtown Decatur. “It feeds my addiction for talking with people,” McGorray said. “After 25½ years, you don’t see a lot of people while sequestered in a firehouse.” McGorray plans to continue running the craft beer tent during Decatur Celebration. One of the legacies he hopes McGorray’s leaves behind is increasing the interest in and consumption of craft beer in Decatur. McGorray hopes to continue having plenty of time for golf, which he calls a great stress relief, and traveling to see his children and grandchildren. As for the future of the building McGorray’s was in, the space and ones next to it are being turned into a family thrift store for the Salvation Army with a new Mexican restaurant at the other end where Carlos O’Kelly’s used to be.
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December 2014
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Tech
BUSINESS JOURNAL 23
talk
Hacking a big danger for small businesses JOYCE M. ROSENBERG AP Business Writer
I t’s not just big businesses such as JPMorgan Chase, Target and Home Depot that get hacked. Small companies suffer from intrusions into their computer systems, too. The costs associated with computer and website attacks can run well into the thousands and even millions of dollars for a small company. Many small businesses have been attacked — 44 percent, according to a 2013 survey by the National Small Business Association, an advocacy group. Those companies had costs averaging $8,700. JPMorgan Chase said the attack on its computer servers this summer compromised customer information from about 76 million households and 7 million small businesses. Target Corp., Michaels Stores Inc. and Neiman Marcus have also reported breaches of their computer systems in the past year, as did Home Depot Inc., whose customers include small contracting companies. Typically, businesses must have a computer expert find the source of the attack and systems have to be purged of harmful software such as viruses. When websites are shut down revenue can be lost. Making matters worse, if customer data was breached, companies often must pay to notify each person or business affected. In some states, they’re encouraged to pay for credit report monitoring for customers, said Matt Donovan, head of technology insurance underwriting for the insurer Hiscox USA. In almost every state, companies must
invested $50,000 in security for his own systems and plans to add another $20,000. Schober believes his Metuchen, N.J.based company was attacked via its bank because its business is computer security. “We are a target. Thieves like to send that message,” he said. No system is hacker-proof, but there steps, some of them inexpensive, businesses can take to shore up defenses and mitigate damage from attacks that get through: Hire computer security consultants to evaluate computers and websites and suggest ways to protect them. Buy insurance to cover financial losses. Premiums can be as low as $1,000 a year for $1 million in coverage. Install free antivirus and anti-malware software available online. Also add firewalls, which block attempts to access, said Joe Caruso, CEO of Global Digital Forensics, a computer security company based in New York. Security, an Indianapolis-based computer notify people when information has been Make sure email is secure by using breached, said Samuel Cornish, a commer- security company. They may not realize an email provider that has proper security cial law attorney with Genova Burns Giant- an attack can happen from a seemingly systems, Caruso said. omasi Webster in Newark, N.J. Companies harmless source. For example, a perfectly Avoid having customers’ credit card normal-looking email from a friend’s can also be liable for damages in lawsuits information stolen by using a separate computer that was attacked without the brought by customers, he said. company to process orders. The comowner’s knowledge could lead to trouble. Small businesses are particularly vulpany should guarantee that its systems “They don’t know what they don’t nerable to attacks because many ownare secure. know. They don’t understand the sophistiers believe they don’t have the time and Use a service that helps weed out cation of these attacks,” Foresman said. money to invest in software programs fraudulent credit card transactions, said Berkeley Varitronic Systems’ bank or consulting services to make systems Jason Opdyke, director of online commerce account was hacked earlier this year and more secure. for Berkeley, Calif.-based BearExtender, $50,000 was taken, CEO Scott Schober Many businesses are ignorant of risks which sells Wi-Fi equipment. It uses such a said. He got the money back, but considthey face or possible solutions, said service to try to avoid becoming a victim of ers the incident a lesson. He had already Jeff Foresman, a consultant with Rook attempted fraud.
Tips for creating better, stronger passwords NEW YORK (AP) — With the news this year that a Russian hacker ring amassed some 1.2 billion username and password combinations, it’s a good time to review ways to protect yourself online. One of the best things you can do is to make sure your new passwords are strong. Here are seven ways to fortify them: Make your password long. The recommended minimum is eight characters, but 14 is better and 25 is even better than that. Some services have character limits on passwords, though. Use combinations of letters and numbers, upper and lower case and symbols such as the exclamation mark. Some services won’t let you do all of that, but try to vary it as much as you can. “PaSsWoRd!43” is far better than “password43.” Avoid words that are in dictionaries, even if you add numbers and symbols. There are programs that can crack
passwords by going through databases of known words. One trick is to add numbers in the middle of a word — as in “pas123swor456d” instead of “password123456.” Another is to think of a sentence and use just the first letter of each word — as in “tqbfjotld” for “the quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.” Substitute characters. For instance, use the number zero instead of the letter O, or replace the S with a dollar sign. Avoid easy-to-guess words, even if they aren’t in the dictionary. You shouldn’t use your name, company name or hometown, for instance. Avoid pets and relatives’ names, too. Likewise, avoid things that can be looked up, such as your birthday or ZIP code. But you might use that as part of a complex password. Try reversing your ZIP code or phone number and insert that into a string of letters. As a reminder, you should also avoid
“password” as the password, or consecutive keys on the keyboard, such as “1234” or “qwerty.” Never reuse passwords on other accounts — with two exceptions. Over the years, I’ve managed to create hundreds of accounts. Many are for one-time use, such as when a newspaper website requires me to register to read the full story. It’s OK to use simple passwords and repeat them in those types of situations, as long as the password isn’t unlocking features that involve credit cards or posting on a message board. That will let you focus on keeping passwords to the more essential accounts strong. The other exception is to log in using a centralized sign-on service such as Facebook Connect. Hulu, for instance, gives you the option of using your Facebook username and password instead of creating a separate one for the video site. This
technically isn’t reusing your password, but a matter of Hulu borrowing the login system Facebook already has in place. The account information isn’t stored with Hulu. Facebook merely tells Hulu’s computers that it’s you. Of course, if you do this, it’s even more important to keep your Facebook password secure. Some services such as Gmail even give you the option of using two passwords when you use a particular computer or device for the first time. If you have that feature turned on, the service will send a text message with a six-digit code to your phone when you try to use Gmail from an unrecognized device. You’ll need to enter that for access, and then the code expires. It’s optional, and it’s a pain, but it could save you from grief later on. Hackers won’t be able to access the account without possessing your phone. Turn it on by going to the account’s security settings.
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Start planning now for your server upgrade In 2014, Microsoft ended support for Windows XP. In 2015, Windows Server 2003 is on the chopping block. Are you ready? Support ends July 14, which means you need to start planning your transition now.
Why it matters
Your first question may be, “Why does this matter?” If you have an old server running, and it’s completely stable, why mess with it, right? Aside from the obvious, no support, a key reason to upgrade is security. We’ve had wave after wave of major security exploits this year. In many cases, these exploits targeted older technology that was seemingly secure, Technology for example, the HeartBleed bug. If new exploits come out that impact Windows Server 2003, there will be no patch. You will be vulnerable, which means you will be scrambling to upgrade on an emergency basis. If you get hit with a virus that exposes customer information, it could be a public relations nightmare. Even if your own server doesn’t get hit, performing a server upgrade under those circumstances isn’t likely to go well. Bear in mind that software designed to run on Windows Server 2003 isn’t likely to play nicely with Windows Server 2012 (the current version). That means you’ll have to upgrade your software at the same time you upgrade your server. A related issue is regulatory compliance. Most regulated industries, such as medical or financial, require you to run on supported software. After July 14, you will be out of compliance and could be subject to penalties.
Wendy Gauntt
Your options
The most obvious solution is to upgrade your server to a newer version. 2012 is the latest, although you can still get the 2008 version through Microsoft’s Volume Licensing Program. However, you shouldn’t automatically assume a new server is the way to go. If you are running a software applications on an old server, check with your vendor to see if they have a hosted “cloud” version. If they do, consider migrating your software there. Then you can retire the server instead of replacing it. If it’s running email and sharing files, check out cloud services such as Office365 (from Microsoft). You’ll need a fast and reliable Internet connection, but this is another case where you may be able to migrate to the cloud instead of replacing an old server. There is one last option: you can pay Microsoft an exorbitant fee for ongoing support, but it is unbelievably expensive and
intended only for large corporations.
If you upgrade
If you decide to replace your Windows 2003 Server, where do you start? How do you plan? First, inventory all software applications running on your old servers, so you know what you have to move. For each one, contact the vendor. Find out what has to be upgraded and how to handle migration. Renew your support contracts and be prepared to spend extra for upgrades. Don’t forget to check out training. New versions likely will be more intuitive and more efficient, but your team will need help if the latest version of the software looks completely different from what they use today. Your worst case situation will be if you have old, custom software, or anything that cannot be upgraded to a new version. If you run into this, consider switching to a new software application that does the same function. It is terribly risky and expensive to keep running on old unsupported software versions, especially when it’s critical to business operations. Next, check your hardware. If your server is more than four years old, you should upgrade to improve performance and reliability. In most cases, it makes sense to
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virtualize your servers. This means that you use a tool such as VMWare or Hyper-V that allows you to install multiple “virtual” servers on one physical server. It’s much like buying a building and having several tenants share the space and resources. Finally, check your Microsoft software licenses. If you already have some newer servers, it’s possible you are already covered. In a virtual environment, there are a few exceptions but generally one Windows Server license can be used for two virtual servers. If not, you will need a Windows Server 2012 license. You will also need the appropriate number of CALs (client access licenses) which are dependent on the number of users or devices on your network. This is a one-time purchase that applies to the environment overall, so if you add more servers in the future you don’t need more CALs. You only add CALs when you add users or devices. If you are running Microsoft SQL Server, you’ll need to upgrade that as well. At this point you know what you are migrating, but you still need to create a stepby-step plan. You can set up the new server in advance, but any software migrations will need to be carefully coordinated. Bring in the expertise you need to ensure a smooth transition; otherwise you could experience
significant disruption to your business.
If moving to the Cloud
If you are able to migrate your software to cloud applications, enlist your vendor early on to create a migration plan. The cloud version of your software may have different features that need to be configured, and your team may need training. There will be a data conversion step, where they take your data from the current system and move it into the online version. You’ll normally do this first in a test environment, to make sure it all works. Then you’ll pick a date for the actual migration. This could take an hour or a few days, it just depends on the complexity of your software.
Final steps
Whether you upgrade or move to the cloud, there’s one last step: retiring your old servers. Turn them off, but keep them around for just a few months. Better safe than sorry, you may find something you missed. After that, have the data on the hard drives destroyed and turn them in for recycling and enjoy your new applications and the efficiency they bring. Wendy Gauntt is president of CIO Services LLC, a technology consulting company that specializes in small business solutions. Visit her website at www.cioservicesllc.com for more information, ideas and free resources.
December 2014
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Your The Arts
Anne Lloyd Gallery: Xmas ARTicles. The gallery is transformed into a holiday shop featuring an array of original arts and crafts. Call (217) 423-3189. www. decturarts.org Gallery 510: Photography by Sally VanNatta. Call (217) 422-1509. Decatur Airport: Watercolors by Sue Watts. Decatur Public Library: Works by Daniel Delaney
Music
Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra Chamber Orchestra Advent Services, 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at Central Christian Church. Kirkland Fine Arts Center: Vespers, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6 and 7; Holiday Jazz, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13. For tickets, call (217) 424-6318. Rock n’ Roll Christmas Show featuring Scott Wattles and the Blue Suede Crew, 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Decatur Civic Center. For tickets, go to www.decaturciviccenter.org or call (217) 422-7300. Greater Decatur Chorale presents “A Little Dinner Music: Up, Close and Personal,” 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan 9 and 10, and 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, at Scovill Banquet Facility. For tickets, call (217) 422-5911.
Free
Time
Calendar of events
For a complete list of events, go to www.herald-review.com/go/ On Stage
Little Theatre-On the Square: “ ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” Dec. 5-7 and 9-13; “Junior Claus,” Dec. 12-21. For tickets, call (217) 728-7375. www.thelittletheatre.org. Millikin University Pipe Dreams Studio: “Measure for Measure,” Wednesday through Saturday, Dec. 10-13. For tickets, call (217) 424-6318. www.pdtheatre. com
Charity events
One Light to Remember, 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, Cafe DMH, Decatur Memorial Hospital. Refreshments and musical entertainment. To make a donation for a light to honor loved ones, call the Decatur Memorial Foundation at (217) 876-2105. Lighting of the St. Mary’s Christmas Star, 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, St. Mary’s Hospital Chapel. Reception immediately following in the hospital lobby. To purchase a light, call the Friends of St. Mary’s Foundation at (217) 464-2520.
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“Great Holiday Songs of the 50s” by the Girl Singers of the Hit Parade, to benefit The Little Theatre-On the Square, on Saturday, Dec. 13, at the home of Philip and Nina Martin. Cost is $60 and includes a cocktail hour and appetizers. For details go to www.thelittletheatre. org or call (217) 728-7375.
For the kids
Children’s Museum of Illinois: Breakfast with Santa, 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6; Gingerbread Workshop, 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6; Family Book Bash: Bear Stays Up for Christmas, 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 12; Cocoa and Cookies with Santa, 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12; Happy Noon Year, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 31. Go to www.cmofil.org or call (217) 423-5437. Scovill Zoo: Pajama party with Santa, 1-3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6. Call (217) 421-7435. Super Saturday Recess, 10 a.m. to noon through Jan. 31, Decatur Indoor Sports Center. Call (217) 429-3472.
The Rock Springs Nature Center hosts a long list of mini camps, family adventures and classes during the month. So many, in fact, that there are too many to list. Go to www.maconcountyconservation.org and click on the Programs and Activities tab for a complete listing.
Misc.
Ice skating is back at the Decatur Civic Center. Go to www.decaturciviccenter. org or call (217) 422-7300. Downtown Decatur Christmas Walk, 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3. Enjoy free carriage rides, dancing elves, caroling, sweets and specials from participating merchants. Mount Zion Christmas Parade, Saturday, Dec. 6. Victorian Christmas Tea at the James Millikin Homestead, 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14. Complimentary cookies and hot cider will be served. The Great Gatsby Casino Nigh Gala, 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, at the Mount Zion Convention Center. Cost is $60 and includes free casino, music by Jac Freeze, appetizers and raffle. For more information, go to www.mtzconventioncenter.com or call (217) 864-5424. Got an item you’d like listed in the Your Free Time calendar? Send the information to Scott Perry at sperry@herald-review.com or 601 E. William St., Decatur, IL 62523.
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Your
H e a lt h
Health care marketplace: Round 2 New insurance providers, plans have been added EMILY STEELE
Business Journal Writer
Health insurance sign-ups through Get Covered Illinois have returned, and the hope is that the second, shorter enrollment period is smoother than its debut last year. In October 2013, roll-out of the health care reform law was slowed when the healthcare. gov website for Illinois’ federally facilitated marketplace was overwhelmed by thousands of visitors. The glitches were eventually worked out, and more than 700,000 people in Illinois, about half of the uninsured population, were covered through health insurance or Medicaid expansion. However, with a year’s experience for navigators along with a faster website, many expect different challenges for the enrollment period, which began last month and goes through Feb. 15. “We have been on (the website) periodically,” said Amanda Guyse, a certified application counselor with the Macon County Health Department. “I was on it last week, and it went very well; the website is working
Enrollment help
Agencies helping enroll people in health insurance: Catholic Charities, Campaign for Better Health Care, CHIC, Macon County Health Department and Springfield Urban League. Health department certified application counselors are available for walk-in or scheduled appointments Monday through Friday. They can be reached at (217) 423-6550.
as of now.” Those who enrolled in insurance through Get Covered Illinois last year should have received a letter about enrollment and their plan. They will be automatically enrolled in their current plan by Dec. 15 if they take no action, which is also the cutoff date for receiving coverage by Jan. 1. “We’ve had a few calls of people starting to receive letters from the marketplace,” Guyse said. “So we have those people that want to re-enroll, and we’re having some new people that didn’t sign up last year.” Jennifer Koehler, executive director of Get Covered Illinois, said via a teleconference that the goal this year is to increase
Associated Press
Berrone Forbish, left, and his father, Marvin, pose in their business D’Marv Designs Specialty Printers in Blue Island. With shopping for health insurance starting all over again as a second round of enrollment begins under President Barack Obama’s health care law, Marvin intends to be one of the policy switchers.
enrollment by being visible within communities. “It’s not the easiest thing to remain visible during a Midwest winter, but it’s really important,” Koehler said. The second enrollment period is three months shorter and centered around the holiday season. It’s also targeting a population that chose to remain uninsured, which
will be harder to reach. Koehler said education is important because many are still concerned about the price and quality of their insurance. For those already insured, Guyse said it’s still important to review their policy rather than re-enroll automatically to see if their needs have changed or if rates have changed. Three new insurance providers along with hundreds of additional plans have been added for Illinois “It’s important to see what your options are because there are different plans and there may be different rates; there might be something more affordable to your budget,” Guyse said. “It doesn’t hurt to see what your options are, and at the end you might stick with the plan you have.” While the state is trying to emphasize the benefits of enrolling, a tax fee is in place for those who don’t. Those who didn’t enroll in health insurance last year will see a firsttime fee on their 2014 federal taxes. However, open enrollment closes two months before taxes are due so those hoping to get insurance to avoid another fee for 2015 won’t be able to. “A lot of people might wait until April and open enrollment is closed then,” Guyse said.
Questions still remain for businesses CHRIS LUSVARDI
Business Journal Writer
DECATUR — The effects of the Affordable Care Act are still being worked out for businesses and employees alike. Rules are changing even after the individual mandate went into effect as of Jan. 1, said Tony Johnston, a benefit consultant with Strategic Employee Benefits Services in Champaign. Johnston spoke during the recent Decatur Area Society for Human Resource Management conference at Richland Community College, saying ironing out all the provisions still could be years away. “We just took off for the first mile of a long marathon,” Johnston said. “We’re a long way from finding out how this is going to shake out.” So far, Johnston said several things have become more clear as part of the law intended to make sure everyone in the country has health insurance. The individual mandate penalizes those who do not have insurance, Johnston said. The penalty is payable at tax time, he said. The penalty is $95 per individual, $285 per family or 1 percent of its income in 2014, Johnston said. The rate is slated to rise to $325 per individual, $975 per family or 2 percent of its income in 2015. By 2016, he said the penalty will be $695 per individual, $2,015 per family, or 2.5 percent of its income. The start of the employer mandate has
been pushed back to 2015 when it impacts businesses with the equivalent of 100 or more full-time employees, Johnston said. Businesses of that size will be required to offer adequate, affordable health insurance to at least 70 percent of the full-time employees. By 2016, the requirement will be for companies to offer insurance to 95 percent of its full-time employees, or Johnston said virtually all of them. Employers not complying with the mandate will be subject to fines, Johnston said. Employers with 50 or more employees will be subject to the requirements in 2016. Despite pending litigation challenging the law, Johnston said not to ignore the requirements. “It’s going to be here for a while,” Johnston said. “The ACA is here to stay.” As a result, Johnston encouraged employers to get to know their employees. The current requirements provide that employers must show they offered insurance to eligible employees. The IRS will require detailed information starting with reporting for tax year 2015, which Johnston said is filed in January 2016. Information such as date of birth and Social Security numbers for dependents of covered employees will be required, Johnston said. Employers must track eligible employees each month, he said. “This is a new era in human resources management and knowing employees,” Johnston said.
Mt. Zion Convention Center • 1400 Mt. Zion Parkway mtzconventioncenter.com • mtzion.com • Facebook mtzionevents (Largest New Years Eve Costume Party in our Area)
December 31st, 2014
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. Casino Open: 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Speakeasy 1920’s Lounge Open: 10:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. Featuring Featuring the ever popular: • Red Carpet entrance- Feel like a 1920’s Celebrity • Win Prizes • Blackjack • Roulette • Craps • Texas HoIcrEm • Caribbean Stud • Let it Ride • Money Wheel Included Casino, $50.00 dollars of startup chips, Speakeasy & Entertainment, Heavy Appetizers, Dessert Bar, Raffle drawing, Dancing, Champagne Toast at Midnight. Must be 21 years of age to participate. Photo identification required. Opportunity to purchase tickets for a Chance to win $100,000 in our “Cash Cube” Costumes welcomed, but not mandatory Hotel+ Event Packages available for $209.00 (Hawthorn Suites) - Includes Casino, $50.00 dollars of startup chips, Speakeasy & Entertainment, Heavy Appetizers, Dessert Bar, Raffle drawing, Dancing, Champagne, One Suite for two-complimentary breakfast and Shuttle from Hawthorn Suites, Hotel & Event Packages may only be purchased at Mt. Zion Village Hall
Tickets available at the MTZ Village hall. Call 217-864-5424 for more information. www.mtzconventioncenter.com
at mtzionevents
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Maintaining a workout routine during the holidays Metro Editorial Services
etween decking the halls, visiting family and attendB ing holiday parties, it may seem like there is little time to maintain a workout routine during the holiday season. While the holiday season is an especially busy time of year, men and women who plan and stay dedicated to their routines do not need to let their health fall by the wayside until January. Several studies show that people can gain anywhere from one pound to a few pounds between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Although that might not seem like a lot of weight, a report in The New England Journal of Medicine noted that many people never lose the weight they put on during the holidays. Those who struggle to keep the weight off understand the importance of maintaining a consistent fitness schedule and healthy eating habits. This may be challenging when the rich foods and parties synonymous with the holiday season are around to threaten healthy habits. Here’s how to stay on course. Establish a regular exercise date. Treat exercise as any other obligation on the calendar. Make it a necessity and not a luxury. Schedule time for workouts, even if it means removing something else from your agenda. Don’t worry about the length of your workouts. If you’re accustomed to an hourlong workout but cannot fit in more than 20 minutes on some days, don’t skip the workout simply because it’s shorter. Make the most of that time by targeting larger, core muscles. Change your schedule. You may need to alter your daily schedule to fit in gym workouts or other exercise. Try
“
getting up earlier and heading out prior to work or school. This will open up time throughout the rest of your day, and you can use that time to meet the demands of the holiday season. Get a trainer or a workout buddy. It’s far easier to blow off a workout when you go it alone. However, if you have a workout partner who is counting on you and vice versa, you may be less inclined to miss a workout, even when you’re not especially motivated to hit the gym. Try new activities. Workouts need not be limited to exercises in the gym. Plenty of activities work the body and burn calories. Sledding, ice skating, skiing and snowboarding are just a few winter sports that can help you stay in shape. Choose a hotel with a pool or gym. If holiday travel is on
your itinerary, select a hotel that has fitness equipment. This way you can keep up with your routine. Even swimming a few laps in an indoor pool can provide a cardiovascular workout while you’re on vacation. Remember, it only takes a two-week break from exercise to experience a fitness regression, and you will only have to work harder to get back to your current fitness level if you let exercise slide too long. Add short, high-intensity exercises. Burn more calories in less time with high-intensity workouts. This way you won’t need to schedule as much time for workouts but will still get the benefit of exercise. Transform chores into exercise opportunities. See that vacuum cleaner, rake or broom as a piece of exercise equipment. While cleaning up for holiday company, turn on the radio and get your heart pumping, too. Do leg raises while you’re preparing meals or do some pushups off of the kitchen counter. Use your bodyweight. Even if you can’t make it to the gym, rely on your own body resistance for a thorough workout. Pushups, squats, burpees, mountain climbers, jumping rope and lunges are some exercises that rely on bodyweight for effectiveness. Periodically exercise during the day. If you have a few free moments here and there during the day, use these opportunities to exercise. By the end of the day, you may find you squeezed in an entire workout’s worth of exercise over the course of several 10-minute intervals. Exercise and fitness do not have to play second fiddle to other holiday activities. Make time for workouts, and you will be ahead of the game come the new year.
Attracting more specialists makes our patients healthier and community stronger.
”
THAT’S HOW DAN PERRYMAN, PRESIDENT AND CEO, IS
ELEVATING HEALTH CARE At HSHS St. Mary’s, we’re giving patients access to medical specialists like cardiologist Dr. Manohar Kola. From the renowned experts of Prairie Heart Institute to leading orthopedic, vascular and urology experts, the specialists of St. Mary’s are elevating health care every day. stmarysdecatur.com
every day.
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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). Weight loss support group. For more information, go to www.topsclub.org or call Chris Granda at (217) 521-2420. Bariatric support group, 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, DMH Specific Performance Enhancement Center, 2122 N. 27th St. to register, call (217) 876-4249. 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. Stroke of Luck, 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, DMH Rehabilitation Center Conference Room. To register, call (217) 876-2600. Grief support group, 12:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, St. Mary’s Hospital, Conference Room 561. For information, call Jamie Smith at (217) 544-6464 ext. 45268. Breastfeeding support group, 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 8 and 22, Baby TALK, 500 E. Lake Shore Dr. To register, call Flo Folami at (217) 464-2334.
Epilepsy support group, 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, St. Mary’s Hospital, Assisi Conference Room. For more information, call (217) 853-1655. Community of Hope Celebration, a combined end-of-year celebration for all support groups, 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, DMH Cancer Care Institute Lobby, 210 W. McKinley Ave. For information, call (217) 876-4750. Postpartum emotional support group, 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15, St. Mary’s Hospital, Assisi Conference Room. For more information, call Flo Folami at (217) 464-2334. Diabetes support group, 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, DMH Specific Performance Enhancement Center, 2122 N, 27th St. Call (217) 876-4249. Parkinson’s disease support group, 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1360 W. Main St. For information, call Kathy Broaddus at (217) 820-3096. Widowed support group, 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18. Monthly dinner gathering. For location or to register, call Sister Chaminade Kelley at (217) 428-7733.
Lyme-MTHFR support study group, 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, Mari-Mann Herb Co., 1405 Mari Mann Lane. Call (217) 429-1555.
Classes
Prepared child birth, 6:30 pm. Tuesdays, Dec. 2, 9 and 16, Decatur Memorial Hospital, Cafe Classrooms 1 and 2. Register online or call (217) 876-3400. Take the Fat Out of Your Holiday, 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, St. Mary’s Hospital, Assisi Conference Room. Learn about low-fat, healthy meals you can prepare for the holiday season. Advance registration required at (217) 464-2510. Real Dads Rock, 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, Decatur Memorial Hospital, Cafe Classrooms 1 and 2. Program teaches new fathers how to handle, feed, burp, change, clean and respond to their baby’s needs. Register online or call (217) 422-6294. Infant CPR Class, 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8, DMH Classrooms. Register online or call (217) 876-3100. Cardio rehab nutrition class, 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, Decatur Memorial
Hospital, Cafe DMH. Information on heart-healthy eating with emphasis on reading labels. For more information, call (217) 876-2496. Breastfeeding for the Pregnant Couple, 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, St. Mary’s Hospital, Assisi Conference Room. For information or to register, call (217) 464-2334. Breastfeeding Basics, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, Decatur Memorial Hospital, Cafe Classrooms 1 and 2. Register online or call (217) 876-3400. Happiest Baby on the Block-Magic? 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, St. Mary’s Hospital, Assisi Conference Room. For information or to register, call (217) 464-2334. Real Dads Rock!, 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, St. Mary’s Hospital, Assisi Conference Room. This class enriches the father-tobe with skills to be confident in his major role in the care and birth of the new baby. Call (217) 464-2334. Cardiopulmonary risk factor education, 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, Decatur Memorial Hospital, Cafe Classrooms 1 and 2. Call (217) 876-2496.
Take steps to avoid holiday stress BUSINESS JOURNAL
Reader Profile: n 89% are college educated. n 28% are ages 45 to 54.
JAMIE LOBER
clearly about what you can and cannot do. “Make sure everyone understands where and when things are supposed to be and if While the holidays are often presented as the most joyful time of year, for some, it there is traveling involved, allow yourself enough time for holiday traffic, weather presents challenges. “Older folks might have lost their spouse conditions that can be unexpected and or siblings; there are situations where there have preparations made ahead of time so you do not wait until the last minute,” Hall are divorces and stresses of when the kids said . are coming to your house; or if you go to in-laws or parents on this date and those Make healthy lifestyle choices. “During things add stress to the holiday time,” said holiday times people tend to overindulge Dr. Leroy Hall, clinical psychologist with in alcohol use, so make sure to use and do Decatur Memorial Hospital. that in moderation so you do not have the While you may dread facing those situa- added burden of a hangover the next day,” tions, the best strategy is to confront them Hall said. proactively. “To cope you should start to Exercise is a great way to combat depresplan a little bit ahead of time and get things sion. on the calendar in advance so people know “Get out and do a brisk walk and keep what to expect early on,” Hall said. your body active to help with your mood,” said Hall. Pace yourself. “We have a tendency to be rushing and we have to have a time to slow Stay positive. “If you have a tendency to down and take a deep breath,” Hall said. be depressed this time of year, it is imporTake breaks and set aside an afternoon tant that you have time for yourself and are or evening where you can do something engaged in a way that you are able to look relaxing. Rest up and be sure that you are at the glass half full instead of half empty,” getting adequate sleep at night. Hall said. “Sometimes when you are going shopThis applies in particular if you have lost ping, preparing meals, wrapping presents, a spouse or loved one. “Work on rememgoing to work and church parties and fam- bering what was really good and not what ily gatherings, things get lost so you need is missing but why it was special with that to find time to pace yourself and be able person and celebrate what you did have and to say ‘no’ to some requests for activities,” not what you have lost,” Hall said. Hall said. Give yourself permission to feel sadness, but then find ways to not let it wipe out all Advance preparation. “Get out a little the joy that can go with the season. bit early with some things like Christmas shopping or meal preparation things that Know when to seek help. “Sometimes you can prepare and freeze ahead of time,” people find having a disinterested third Hall said. This way you can manage your party to ventilate, blow off steam and time better. talk about it is all the help they need to Most importantly, make sure everyone turn that corner and get back on track,” knows what to expect by communicating Hall said. Business Journal Writer
COMING IN JANUARY...
Here’s to
YOUR HEALTH Our personal and professional well-being is often tied to our health. The Your Health section will be a pull out special publication in January 2015 and provide in-depth information on wellness, nutrition, diet&exercise, preventative care, and more. A New Year brings new resolution to everyone to live better in the coming year.
in 2015
Advertising Deadline is December 15th
Call 217.421.6920 for more information or call your rep today!
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Christmas tidbits to put you in the holiday spirit Metro Editorial Services
he holiday season has arrived, and milT lions of people across the globe will be celebrating Christmas with their families and friends. The following are some interesting tidbits to share with your loved ones this holiday season. Each year, more than 3 billion Christmas cards are sent in the United States alone. In 350 AD, Pope Julius I, bishop of Rome, proclaimed Dec. 25 the official celebration date for the birth of Jesus Christ. Many historians and theologians have surmised that Christ really wasn’t born this time of year, thanks to imagery and information from the Bible. Christmas carols began as an English custom called “wassailing.” Individuals toasted neighbors to a long and healthy life. Despite the common tale that three wise men paid homage to baby Jesus, the Bible never specifically calls out a number. Similarly, there’s no specific indication that they visited the infant Jesus. Their visit may have occurred when Jesus was older. Santa Claus’ modern look was inspired by writings from The Knickerbockers of New York and imagery from Clement Clarke Moore’s “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” Moore denied authoring the
famous poem for 15 years after it was published anonymously, feeling the poem was beneath his talents. Santa has his own official postal code. It’s H0 H0 H0. The song “Jingle Bells” was originally written for Thanksgiving and not
Christmas. People loved it so much that the lyrics were changed to fit Christmas. Christmas trees typically grow for 15 years before they’re cut and sold. This means the trees sold today were likely planted in 1999. Christmas was not declared an
official holiday in the United States until June 26, 1870. Before turkey, the traditional Christmas meal served in England was a pig’s head and mustard. Male reindeer tend to shed their antlers in the winter. This means Santa’s reindeer are likely female. Christ may have been born in a cave rather than a manger. According to the gospel of Luke, the shepherds that helped find shelter for Mary to give birth kept their flock in a cave. The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem is built over a cave called the Grotto of the Nativity, where Jesus is believed to have been born. Many people may be less inclined to stand under mistletoe waiting for a kiss if they knew what “mistletoe” means in the ancient Germanic language. It literally means “dung on a twig,” for the bird who eats the berries and then leaves seeds in droppings to propagate new plants. Each holiday season, PNC Wealth Management calculates the costs of the gifts in the song, “The 12 Days of Christmas.” The price index for the gifts went from $12,673 in 1984 to more than $24,000 in 2011. The most expensive gift is the swimming swans.
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Your
career
Involve employees in implementation planning Q: After several months in my new job, I was called in for a meeting with the human resources manager. She informed me that several long-term employees were unhappy with my leadership style and felt they were being micromanaged. I was devastated by this news, because I thought everything was going well. The department I inherited had not been properly managed for several years, so I knew this would be a difficult transition. After I explained the need for a different approach, we Office Coach implemented several changes which everyone agreed upon. However, I did have to intervene when people reverted to their previous habits. When I asked why the employees had not come to me directly, the HR manager said they felt I was unapproachable. She cited several examples of comments I had made which were taken completely out of context, making me sound harsh and dictatorial. I do tend to be very direct, but I always try to be diplomatic. After the discussion with HR, I met with the staff, assured them of my support, and asked them to come to me with any concerns. I seem to have regained my composure, but
Marie McIntyre
I still feel wary and mistrustful. Do you have any advice? A: If it makes you feel any better, many managers tasked with turning around a department have been blindsided by unexpected reprimands. In their eagerness to succeed, these well-intentioned leaders frequently underestimate the emotional attachment to past practices and the leverage possessed by long-service staff members. Under these circumstances, managers and employees often have widely varying perceptions. You consider yourself “direct but diplomatic,” while they view you as “unapproachable.” You thought everyone supported recent changes, but they felt false agreement was safer than honest feedback. Holding a supportive staff meeting was a good first step, but now you must follow through. To encourage open communication, modify your “direct” style by asking more questions and listening carefully to the answers. Make your expectations for change clear, but involve employees in implementation planning. nnn Q: I have a terrific new job and a wonderful boss, but I feel that I’m letting him down. Although I complete my work quickly and efficiently, he always seems to find something I forgot to do or a detail which I overlooked. We have a good relationship, but I worry constantly about being fired. How can I stop beating myself up for these errors and start doing a better job? A: To solve this problem, you must first
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pinpoint the cause. Although I lack sufficient information to suggest an explanation, I can offer some possibilities. If you have previously been successful in similar positions, you may simply be adjusting to new circumstances. In that case, you should be able to learn from your mistakes and avoid repeating them. But if this territory is unfamiliar, you may need to develop different work habits, such as taking explicit notes or carefully proofreading. It’s also possible that your wonderful boss is something of a perfectionist. While your previous managers may have valued speed and efficiency, this one apparently wants you to be thorough and precise. You must therefore clearly understand his expectations before tackling any unfamiliar task. Heightened anxiety will only compound your difficulties. So instead of continuing to berate yourself, try to identify the reason for these errors and then implement some specific solutions. nnn Q: Last week, a colleague called me to complain about a new program that I started. “Joanne” talked at great length about her own ideas for making the program more effective. When I pointed out the flaws in her thinking,
she said “You’ve upset me so much that I have to get off the phone.” Then she hung up. She actually sounded like she was about to cry. After this conversation, Joanne told her boss I had been rude and insulting, so now he thinks I’m a trouble-maker. I believe Joanne is trying to damage my reputation because she resents the fact that my program has been well-received. My first inclination is to never talk with her again for fear that she will twist everything I say. What do you think about this? A: If you stop speaking to Joanne, you will simply be countering one juvenile behavior with another. So instead of getting all sulky and passive-aggressive, you need to come up with a more adult strategy. As a first step, take a moment to consider your recent interaction more objectively. After an argument, people usually describe their own behavior as calm and reasonable, while portraying their opponent as angry or immature. It is therefore not surprising that you see Joanne as childish and emotional, while she views you as disrespectful and impolite. In reality, there is probably some truth on both sides. Because you and Joanne have to work together, you must make an effort to repair this relationship. Instead of focusing on your differences, find a way to involve her in your project or at least solicit her input. Marie G. McIntyre is a workplace coach. Send in questions and get free coaching tips at www.yourofficecoach. com, or follow her on Twitter @officecoach.
Key factors in starting a business with a co-worker Q: A co-worker and I have decided to start our own business together. How do we go from co-workers and friends to effective business partners? A: Think through contingencies and anchor your interactions in mutual respect.
Inner game
A decision like this can trigger a lot of adrenaline and excitement; this can make it hard to think in a calm and practical way. Get centered, using your breath to ground yourself, as you prepare to think this through. As you and your partner talk through your plans, have this type of centering activity as part of every meeting agenda. Let’s start with the fun and easy part: What are the factors that led you to form
Liz Reyer
your business together? In particular, what are the personal characteristics that you value in each other? Don’t be shy about owning your strengths, even as you acknowledge the other’s capabilities. Also notice if there are gaps in the skills that are needed to run a successful business so that you can make a plan to fill them. Now, a bit more challenging: What are the characteristics that are harder to deal with? For example, your partner may be very different in terms of planning style, wanting to go with the flow more while you like every detail buttoned up. How do each of you react under stress? How do you like to be acknowledged? What motivates you? If you don’t know the answers to these questions for each other, or for yourself, part of your process needs to include some deeper learning. Think about your long-term professional vision, picturing your day to day working life, the people around you, the energy level, even the physical environment. Then identify critical factors that would cause you to decide that it
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isn’t working and that it’s time to make another change.
Outer game
Obviously, a lot of communication between you and your business partner is required in order to make this work. At the same time, you’ll be spending a lot of time on logistical matters that may involve accountants, attorneys, real estate agents, etc. Commit to dedicating time to “how” you want to be in the business and with each other, not just “what” you’re doing. This is ongoing work, which will remain essential as your company grows. Have regular “state of the partnership” meetings, perhaps quick check-ins monthly with quarterly or semiannual deep dives. Then, let’s face it, there are likely to be times that you just don’t really like each
other. That’s when understanding each other and respect really come into play. Identify other resources that can help you. Having mentors who have been down this path could help you anticipate challenges and, even if you can’t avoid them all, navigate them with more grace. Consider engaging a coach or facilitator to get you through the early stages. Don’t let your business become your whole lives. Have other friends and tend to all the relationships in your lives. And celebrate your successes, noting the progress you’re making toward your shared business vision.
The last word
Incorporate intelligence and kindness into making the successful transition to this new working relationship. 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.
December 2014
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Your
BUSINESS JOURNAL 31
Money
Take small steps to get financial life on track CAROLYN BIGDA
Tribune News Service Writer
hat financial planning would you do W if you could spare 60 minutes in your day? That was the question Fidelity Investments posed to women (as well as men) in a survey in October. Among the 500 women who responded, 42 percent said they would work on a budget to reduce debt or find new ways to save. Nearly a quarter said they’d learn how to become a better investor. Finding those 60 minutes, however, can be a challenge. Fidelity found that nearly 1 in 4 women were not involved with financial decision-making in their households. Financial advisers stress the importance of getting women to take an active role in managing money. Women, for one, tend to live longer than men and so may need to fund a longer retirement. According to the latest data from the Census Bureau, a 25-year-old woman in 2008 had an average life expectancy of 81 years, four years more than her male counterpart.
But many women still lack confidence about how to plan for the future. The latest findings from a biennial study done by insurance company Prudential Financial show women today are less worried about their financial security than they were immediately after the financial crisis in 2008. However, women do not feel equipped to make smart financial-planning decisions. The survey was conducted in April, and results are based on responses from a little more than 1,400 women. Take retirement: Three-quarters of women in the Prudential survey say saving enough money to maintain their lifestyle in retirement is very important to them, but only 14 percent are very confident they will achieve that goal. A lack of disposable income was cited as one of the biggest impediments to meeting long-term goals, but so was a lack of time available to spend on financial planning. Which circles back to the Fidelity survey
Financial health can be a matter of time, not smarts CAROLYN BIGDA
Tribune News Service Writer
Conventional wisdom says the more you know about personal finance, the better off you’ll be at managing your money. But a new survey suggests that knowledge alone is not enough. For your finances to be in good shape, you also need to be aware of something else: your attitude toward time. Dwell too much on the past, present or future, and you could make decisions that are bad for your financial health, even if you know to do otherwise. “Ideally, we’d all have happy memories, take time out in the present and plan for the future. But if you get out of whack in any one of those, bad things can happen,” said Nick Clements, co-author of the study and co-founder of MagnifyMoney, which reviews credit cards and other bank products. Survey participants had to complete a “time personality” quiz developed by Philip Zimbardo, a professor emeritus of psychology at Stanford University and coauthor of the study. Participants were also scored on their financial smarts (say, whether they could calculate compound interest) and the state of their finances (for example, had they ever filed for bankruptcy). In all, 3,000 people in six countries, including Brazil, Germany and the U.S., participated. The results showed that, despite your
financial know-how, your time personality has a lot to do with how well you managed your money. Someone, for example, whose personality skews toward living it up today is often financially sick. You may understand how compound interest works, but the knowledge doesn’t help if you habitually overspend your paycheck. On the flip side, you may think primarily about the future. But people who are too goal-oriented are often so harried by career and other obligations that they have little time to think through their financial options. “It may be on your to-do list to buy insurance or invest in your 401(k),” Clements said. “But because you don’t have enough time, you rush through and make bad decisions.” You might assume that young adults would fall into the camp of people who think too much about the present, the socalled hedonists, according to the survey. But that was not the case. In fact, 25.3 percent of millennials have a past-negative personality: This group came of age about the time of the 2007-09 financial crisis, and the experience, colored by home foreclosures, big stock market losses and high rates of unemployment, dominates their financial decision-making. In comparison, only 16.5 percent of baby boomers (people born from 1946 to 1964) were past negative in the study.
and the kind of financial planning you’d do in 60 minutes. Tackling money chores a little bit at a time can lead to big results, Fidelity says. And there are plenty of suggestions about what to do first. To help you get started, check out the following: Fidelity.com. Fidelity has put together a quiz that can help prioritize which parts of your financial life need attention first. If you’re spending less than you make, for example, you may be able to skip budgeting. Not contributing to your 401(k) plan at work? Then use your 60 minutes to do some retirement planning. To find the quiz, go to fidelity.com/ about-fidelity/individual-investing/ tackling-financial-to-do. Wife.org. The Women’s Institute for Financial Education has long advocated breaking up financial planning into manageable increments. Its Small Steps program offers daily suggestions about what you can do in five minutes (say, set up automatic contributions to your savings
account), 10 minutes (figure out how to get more sleep, so you can make better money decisions), and 15 minutes (write down a long-term goal and ideas for how to achieve it). To find the daily small steps, go to wife.org/moneyclubs/dotoday. Use an app. There are plenty of apps that will help you work toward money goals, from budgeting to tracking your retirement portfolio. Consider Level Money, a free app that can be downloaded on iPhone and Android devices. Level connects to bank and credit card accounts to track your spending. The app calculates your disposable income by day, week and month, increments that are easy for you to digest. It’s only a small part of your financial planning, but it’s a start and takes less than 60 minutes. Break down big financial goals into bite-size pieces.
BUSINESS JOURNAL
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