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Replenish resources to handle expectations Q: I feel like I’m running on empty, with increasing expectations and not enough support. It’s getting hard to stay positive and motivate my team. What can I do?

A: Invest in replenishing your personal resources so you can take on the professional challenges.

Start by giving yourself permission to accept your current feelings. You may feel like you “should” feel a different way, but that won’t help you move forward. Take some deep breaths and move into a calm state of mind from which you’ll be able to assess your situation and consider alternatives.

So, what’s up at work? Think about the specifics of the expectations that you’re perceiving. Where are the expectations coming from — your boss, other internal sources, clients or even from yourself? What is causing the most stress? How long has it been going on?

Something that is endurable for a week or a month may not be sustainable for

Liz Reyer

the long haul. If you notice anxiety emerging while you do this, just breathe and let it go.

Now consider the support side of the equation. What, specifically, would it mean to get enough support? It may be tangible — more staff or funding. Or it may be intangible in the form of recognition of the pressure your team is under or acknowledgment of your accomplishments.

Also look at your life outside work; if you’re depleted there, you’ll be less resilient with work pressures. What is your level of stress with relationships, children, volunteering, aging parents, your health, pets, etc. You get the idea — think about all aspects of life. Recognize if you’re running deficits in these areas and notice places that build you up.

Since you need to build up your energy in order to help others, the focus will be on ways to replenish your reserves.

On the work front, get your boss involved, requesting the support that would be helpful. Don’t be deterred if you have to make a business case for the more tangible types. Also seek out trusted peers to talk to for emotional support.

Odds are that, if you’re feeling stressed at work, others are, too, and you can provide each other valuable encouragement.

Weekly tips Get weekly career tips from Liz Reyer at www.thebusiness-journal.com.

Be sure to spend some time at work on the aspects of your job that you like most — don’t let them get squeezed out.

Pour attention on yourself outside work. When you’re running on empty, it’s easy to put yourself last. If you can, take a day off just to rest or do things that are fun. Work will get by without you, and it sounds like you really need it.

Build some energizing activities, large or small, into your life. They could be as structured as an exercise class, or as spontaneous as more chats on the phone with your friends.

Take care of the basics, too, eating nutritious food and getting enough exercise and sleep.

Ditch the energy vampires, whether they are people or activities, and prioritize your time so that you aren’t overextended.

Take care of yourself so you have the energy to meet the expectations of others.

Featured Business:

Did you know Creative resumés Backgrounds of five inventors 1. Leap Frog learning toys — lawyer 2. Slot machine — electric supply company employee 3. Nordic track machine — mechanical engineer 4. Four-wheel roller skates — furniture store owner 5. Jungle Gym — lawyer — Source: World Features Syndicate

Bottom lines Number of years it took founders to first become billionaires-x 1. Jay Walker (Priceline) — 1 year 2. Gary Winnick (Pacific Capital) — 1½ years 3. Eric Lefkofsky (Groupon) — 2½ years 4. Jeff Bezos (Amazon.com) — 4 years 5. Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook) — 4 years x-Took Bill Gates 12 years; Warren Buffett, 19 years

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> ASK THE SCORE COUNSELOR Q: Can you explain what small-business tax credits are?

A: The best answer to this question comes from Bonnie Lee, an IRS enrolled agent admitted to practice and representing taxpayers in all 50 states. More of her tax expertise can be found in the Illinois Small Business Development Center’s Weekly Connection publication and the www.foxbusiness.com website.

Businesses can enjoy a variety of tax credits. A credit differs from a deduction in that it reduces your tax liability dollar for dollar. For example, if your tax liability totals $10,000, but you are able to take the disabled access credit for $4,000 you would owe only $6,000 in taxes. A deduction merely reduces your taxable income. So let’s say you have a deduction valued at $4,000, and you are in the 25 percent tax bracket, you will save only $1,000 on your income taxes.

There are quite a few credits avail-

Got a question?

To learn more about small business tax credits, for one-on-one, face-to-face business 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 424-6296.

able. Some are obscure, applying to only a small percentage of entrepreneurs. But there are a few noteworthy exceptions.

On Aug. 2, Congress passed the Family and Business Tax Cut Certainty Act which extended some of the existing tax credits for small businesses. Listed below are some of the often-overlooked credits that may come in handy for reducing your tax liability: Credit for retirement plan startup expenses. If

you implement a defined benefit plan including a 401(k), SIMPLE, or SEP, you may take a credit of up to $500 for startup expenses. Claim your credit on Form 8881.

Disabled access credit. If your sales for the prior year were less than $1 million or you had fewer than 30 employees, you may take a tax credit for improvements made to your business property to fulfill the requirements of the Americans for Disability Act. Roughly, you will enjoy a tax credit of 50 percent of your expenditures up to a maximum credit of $5,000.

Work opportunity tax credit. This credit was extended another year thanks to the Family and Business Tax Cut Certainty Act. If you hire veterans you may qualify to receive up to $9,600 in the form of a tax credit and up to $6,240 if your organization is a nonprofit agency. The amount you can claim depends upon how much you are paying in wages, how many hours the veteran works for you, and how long the veteran was unemployed prior to hiring. You must hire the veteran before the end of 2013 in order to take the credit.

Fuel and alternative motor vehicle credits.

There are a plethora of tax credits for manufacturing of fuels or greening up your business’ transportation expenses: biodiesel, renewable diesel, low sulfur diesel, alcohol and cellulosic bio-fuels, among others. Check with your tax pro to determine if you qualify.

Small employer health insurance premiums. If you have fewer than 25 employees, and paid average annual wages of less than $50,000 you may qualify for this credit.

The calculations are tricky and fewer business owners qualify than what was originally anticipated. Check with your tax pro to determine if you do or not.

Empowerment Zone credit. This one was also extended thanks to the Family and Business Tax Cut Certainty Act. If your business resides in an empowerment zone, you may claim the credit. See IRS Form 8844 to find out if you qualify.

Credit for employer Social Security and Medicare taxes. If you own a beverage or food service establishment where tipping is customary, you may receive credit for the amount of Social Security and Medicare taxes you paid on employee tips reported to you. Check out form 8846.

— Carol Harding, SCORE counselor

Meet a SCORE counselor Dick Overheul retired from Association of General Contractors Group Health Plan, where he worked as marketing director. His counseling specialties are insurance and bonds, employee benefits and financial services. He has been a SCORE member Overheul for five years.

IN STORE SERVICES

Left to right are Douglas, Gale and Katelyn Bell and Barbara Jackson.

Bell’s Jewelry 112 E. Prairie Ave., Decatur 422-1814 Years in business: 65 years (20 years in Decatur).

Family members involved: Douglas Bell is the owner, with wife, Gale.

Their daughter, Katelyn, is the third generation to work at Bell’s Jewelry.

Manager, bookkeeper and bench jeweler, Barbara Jackson, has been with the Decatur store for more than 18 years.

Products/services offered: We offer many products and services, such as diamonds, colored stones, gold, silver and custom-made jewelry from the customer’s own gold.

Your survival tip to others starting or maintaining a family (small) business: Service. Service. Service. Listen to the customers. Stay out of debt.

What makes your family business unique? We are unique in that we have the ability to create jewelry the oldfashion way in the store. Goldsmiths and bench work by hand, not machines.

* Loose certified diamonds up to 1 ct. in stock (large sizes available upon request) * Batteries for all watches (while you wait) * Size Rings 10K - 14K - 18K and platinum * Repair chains, bracelets, earrings * Retip prongs - repair any karat or platinum mounting * Supply stones and set any style mounting * Re-string beads and pearls * Engrave - All metals, glass, leather and wood * Jewelry appraisals with picture (free updates) * Clean and check your rings - no charge

Most repairs 2 to 3 days Express (24hrs) services available at additional charge

YOU CAN TELL IF IT’S FROM BELL’S.

Business history/future: Howard D. Bell started Bell’s Jewelry in 1947 in Nokomis. Bell’s Jewelry grew to four stores — Nokomis, Hillsboro, Taylorville and Decatur. Decatur is the only store still going strong.

Advice to someone starting a family business or working to maintain a family business: My advice is to believe in what you do and pray a lot.

112 E Prairie, Historic Downtown Decatur

217-422-1814 www.bellsjewelry.com

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December 2012

By NICOLE HARBOUR Business Journal Writer

DECATUR — Parents are often their children’s first teachers.

But for Dale Colee, the teaching and learning became mutual nearly three years ago when he began working with his daughter, Lauren Young, and a year later with his daughter, pharmacist Erica Colee.

“It’s awesome,” said Dale, the owner of Dale’s Southlake Pharmacy, of working with his children. “It’s rewarding to see them (Young and Colee) grow up in terms of the business, professionally and as family members.”

Colee said a lot of his business plans when he opened the pharmacy in 2004 hinged on his daughters.

“We opened the business because Erica was going to pharmacy school,” he explained. “And when Lauren came onboard (in 2009), I was doing everything myself. I realized I really needed a true store manager and Lauren came in and was able to reduce our expense side and handle the advertising. Now, I think we have better advertising than ever before.”

Young said although she and Erica were immersed in the pharmacy business as they grew up, working for their dad first as cashiers and then technicians, and transitioning to working full time with each other comes with its goods and bads.

“It’s definitely Brinkoetter strengthened our relationships,” said Young.

“You can read your boss in a more complete way because you know your dad’s mannerisms, and I’ve been able to help teach Erica how to work with Dad as a boss. Erica has really brought in a fresh approach to the business, too.”

“We all really get along,” said Erica Colee, 25, who graduated from pharmacy school in May 2011. “It’s nice to have a sister who’s also a colleague, and it’s great to have him as a boss. He listens to me and my opinions and ideas, and I’ve learned so much from him. Everything I do has been a result of him.”

While the three enjoy working together each day, they admit it’s not always easy.

“For me, the biggest challenge was learning how to work with two different people who think completely differently than I do,” Young said. “I didn’t go to school for pharmacy. I got a degree in marketing and communications, and they have very similar personalities.”

Erica Colee agreed.

“I’m not good at being wrong, and I’ve had to learn that when we disagree, they’re not trying to attack or criticize me; they’re trying to help me,” she said.

“We’re all on a team together, and I’ve learned a lot from my dad and Lauren.”

Dale Colee said separating business and family can be difficult, too.

“It can be stressful,” he said, “especially when we disagree about how things should be done. That’s tough when you’re working with family. You can’t really treat them like your kids because they’re your coworkers, but you also don’t want to negatively impact them or hurt the business.”

Decatur real estate agent Carla

She’s not just my business partner, she’s also

Brinkoetter worked with her father, Tom Brinkoetter, from the time she was an adolescent to five years ago when he passed away. She agreed that the father-daughter working relationship can be difficult.

“I started working for my dad in the summers when I was 13,” recalled Brinkoetter, the oldest of three children and owner of Brinkoetter and Associates.

“I had asked him for some money for some Capezzio shoes, and he said if I wanted the shoes, I should get a job, and then he offered me one.”

Brinkoetter started out running errands for the office, getting people coffee and emptying garbage, but she valued the time with her father.

“I never really saw my dad since he worked so much,” she said. “So working with him was the way I got to see him. I think it brought us closer together.”

At age 19, Brinkoetter began working for her dad full time.

“It was a challenge at times,” she said.

“I think he was probably harder on me than anyone else, but he taught me a lot.

He was good about letting me make my own mistakes, and he didn’t just give things to me. I feel fortunate he didn’t make it easy for me.”

Brinkoetter said some of the biggest challenges she had to overcome were learning how to be herself and not doing things exactly the way her father did them.

Business Journal/Mark Roberts

Dr. J. Michael Hudson and his daughter, Dr. Hillarie Ryann Hudson, have been working together for 15 years.

“I think sometimes we learn from people how to do things because they think their way is the ‘right way,’ ” she explained.

“But over time, I’ve learned to not try to be my dad and instead, to just be the best me I can be. I take the things my dad taught me and put my own spin on it. I think my father was proud of me.”

Coming into her own was a challenge Sara Zarndt-Brickey also faced in 2006 when she began working full time with her father Steve Zarndt of ReBath Illinois, a bathroom renovation business.

“Since junior high, Sara had aspirations to be in the business,” said Zarndt. “She was our first receptionist when we opened in 2000, and then she went to college and got a small-business management degree from Illinois State University.”

“I was geared toward the business,” said Zarndt-Brickey, 29, “but when I first started here, it was tough. We went through a lot of growing pains.”

“I really had a vision of how I wanted my company to be when I started this company in my mid-40s,” explained Zarndt. “I wanted to bring an exceptional experience to my clients and wanted my employees to excel, but as a daughter, Sara really had to adjust to how I run a business and what my expectations are.”

“Before, it was, ‘I want to make my dad happy,’ ” explained Zarndt-Brickey, the company’s operations manager.

“And that was crippling to her,” said Zarndt, “because the only time I’m really impressed and happy is when she is herself and creative. I want her to enjoy what she does.”

Today, Sara and Steve’s relationship, as well as Sara’s confidence in herself, has evolved and grown.

“I handle our advertising and marketing, human resources, customer service and our three satellite offices in the Quad Cities, Champaign and Bloomington,” Zarndt-Brickey said. “For me, what I’ve learned from Steve is immeasurable. I’ve learned how to lead people from him,” “I love what I do and she is such a righthand person now,” Zarndt said. “I’ve accelerated her education in certain places to help the business, and she definitely has a vision. I so respect that she is definitely my daughter and doesn’t agree with me all the time. I really respect her opinion.”

“We respect each other,” Zarndt-Brickey added. “Steve trusts me to make decisions here, and as I get comfortable in my own skin, he sees I’m not just his daughter, but a businesswoman.”

For Dr. J. Michael Hudson of Hudson Orthodontics, watching his daughter, Dr. Hillarie Ryann Hudson, evolve into a more confident woman and orthodontist over the years is something he’s enjoyed.

“Several times I’ve wanted to make sure this is what she wanted to do,” Hudson said of his daughter, who prefers to go by Dr. Ryann. “I want what’s best for her, and I always told her being an orthodontist is a long, hard commitment, but she always wanted to be here.”

“I was interested in orthodontics from age 7,” said Ryann, 28, who’s been working with her dad for two years. “Most of my growing up was here at my dad’s office in this scenario, and I started answering phones here at 15. I just always knew I wanted to be here and work here, because to me, it feels like home.”

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Business Journal/Mark Roberts

Erica Colee, from left, with her father, Dale, and sister, Lauren Young, all work at Dale's Southlake Pharmacy.

Getting a head start, not only through hands-on experience as a secretary, lab technician and chair assistant at her dad’s practice, but also by taking college courses at Richland Community College throughout high school, Ryann was able to apply for early admission to dental school at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. She also obtained her master’s degree.

“I was 26 when I graduated with my master’s degree in dentistry from Saint Louis University,” Ryann said. “Taking college classes early shaved about two years off of college for me.”

And although making the transition from “Dr. Hudson’s daughter” to Dr. Ryann wasn’t always easy, Ryann said she feels more comfortable and confident now.

“The people who work here with me are like my family,” said Ryann, noting that she’s known some of them ever since she was a little girl. “In the beginning, it was hard with the staff because I was still ‘little niece Hillarie’ to them, but now, it’s no big deal. The people are what make it really fun to work here, and I’ve learned so much from my dad.”

“I want to treat her as my partner and not my daughter here,” said Hudson.

“Hillarie is my daughter, but Dr. Ryann is my partner.”

Ryann said she loves following in her dad’s footsteps, but in her own way.

“I was always striving to be like my dad technically,” she said, “but I think we offer a good balance (to each other). Different patients gravitate toward each of us, and I think we cater to everyone. We also take care of each other.”

Working together may force fatherdaughter relationships to evolve and change, but for the fathers, watching their daughters succeed is one of their greatest joys.

“She’s a perfect fit,” Hudson said. “And for us, there’s always been the trust of a father and daughter, too. I’m her biggest cheerleader and want her success. She’s amazingly talented and well-educated, and to find someone of her caliber … it’s a relief. I know she will help carry on the business.”

Zarndt said although he isn’t ready to retire yet, he knows that when he steps back a little and isn’t around as much that Re-Bath will continue to thrive under Sara’s leadership.

“I have confidence in her and I don’t worry when I’m not there,” he said. “She’s developed her own wisdom in business,

CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

Business Journal/Jim Bowling

Sara Zarndt-Brickey is operations manager and her father, Steve Zarndt, is the owner of ReBath Illinois.

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Homeless vets can succeed with right training, support Remember Buster? You met him on these pages in June. He was that scruffy guy with an unkempt ponytail flowing from his tattered ball cap. You saw him ambling down a line of cars at a stoplight. He waved a small American flag and carried a cardboard sign. “Homeless Vet. Please Help.

God Bless.�

In that column I mentioned that Buster was far from typical. Most people who are unemployed and homeless are more likely to resemble the person you bump into at Kmart or McDonHuman Resources ald’s. But, with his distinctive appearance and his assertive curbside appeal, Buster is the one that sticks in your mind.

It’s been six months since I started studying employment programs that assist people who have experienced homelessness. I have spoken with dozens of organizations from New York to California, and visited projects in Illinois and Utah. I’d like to share some

thoughts about Buster. First, understand that all Busters are not alike. Each person has his or her own story; each one walked a different path from a warm house to the cold streets.

In mid-November, I spent an afternoon with unemployed veterans. They approached my table, one by lonely one, at a Stand Down co-sponsored by the Coalition for Veterans Concerns and Dove Inc., and held at the Old Kings Orchard Community Center. A sign said I was reviewing their resumĂŠs, but few vets had brought their vitas. So I listened to their stories about their search for employment.

I have to tell you something. I have this very soft spot in my heart for veterans, especially those who struggle with emotional issues, mental illness, substance abuse, poverty and unemployment. As a nation, we asked them — no, we required them and we trained them — to do horrible things to other humans, and then we sent them into places where they faced the constant threat of imminent death and where they witnessed unspeakable horrors.

And many of them came back broken.

Is it any wonder? “Thanks for your service� is nice, and we should say it often.

But it does not begin to cover our debt to

Fred Spannaus

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these men and women. We owe them.

At the community center, each veteran had a different story. Some came with polished skills in construction or food service or mechanics. At the other end of the spectrum were some who had little education, no discernable skills, sketchy work histories, and who seemed to this untrained observer to be affected by mental illness.

In an important way, these two types illustrate the challenges of connecting homelessness to employment. There are many who have the potential to become economically self-sufficient. They have the capacity to support themselves without ongoing assistance. They may lack work habits; they may need to learn skills for today’s job market; they may need tutoring in language or math; they may have legal issues or addictions that need to be resolved.

With a well-conceived program of readiness and training, and with one-onone attention, they can and will make it.

In a future column, I’ll look at how some programs succeed and why others fail.

But there is another group of people: those with permanent, severe disabilities. They will always need our help.

They will forever battle their demons.

For them, self-sufficiency is not a realis-

tic or attainable goal. What works best for them is “supported employment.�

This model, known in its purest form as Individual Placement and Support, was developed at Dartmouth College. It is based on fast placement into competitive employment, with jobs chosen by the client and ongoing, time-unlimited supportive services.

Almost all of these jobs are part-time, minimum-wage positions. The clients receive monthly disability payments, and many obtain rental subsidies and Link cards as well. The important thing for them is that they are able to secure a job. That job contributes immeasurably to their self-worth, and it helps them live successfully, disability and all.

See — and this is critically good news — most people want to work. Yes, even those who live on the streets or in cars or abandoned buildings. Most people want to work. For the vast majority of people, filthy rich and dirt poor, the desire to work and contribute to society is an itch that needs scratched.

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 425-2635.

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Mark Mehr

Carson Jewelers & Coin 2921 N. Water St., Decatur 877-2760

Marcos Fuentes, left and David Fuentes

Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant

Mexican food. Full bar service.

351 W. First Drive, Decatur 423-9724

Your survival tip to others starting or maintaining a family (small) business: Work really hard. Have faith. Always remember that customers are always right and always come first.

Mi Pueblito Mexican Restaurant

What makes your family business unique? We treat everyone like family and make them feel like our business is another home.

Fairview Park Plaza, Decatur 428-7610 Years in business: 9 years Family members involved: David Fuentes Sr. and Angelica NegreteFuentes, owners; Juan David Fuentes Jr., manager, and Marcos Fuentes, assistant manager of Mi Pueblito; and Valeria Fuentes, assistant manager of Guadalajara.

Products/services offered: Authentic

Business history/future: Mi Pueblito opened in 2003 and Guadalajara opened in 2006. Both will undergo some remodeling in the future.

Advice to someone starting a family business or working to maintain a family business: Keep in mind that all money going toward the business is lost, but that you have a chance to get it back if you work really hard, have faith and last, but not least, put your heart in it.

CARSON JEWELRY & COIN “Tis the Season” 50-65% off Christmas Sale On ALL inventory & special order custom made

“one of kind” items

Years in business: 65 years Family members involved: Mark Mehr, Danny Mehr and Jo Mehr Products/services offered: Jewelry/

watch/clock repair, retail/wholesale diamonds and diamond jewelry, colored-stone and precious metal jewelry, watches, coin and money.

Your survival tip to others starting or maintaining a family (small) business: Keep your customers and your suppliers happy and satisfied. Remember, they come first. Without them you have nothing. Treat people right and they, their friends and family will keep coming back to you generation after generation.

& MI PUE A R A J A BLITO ADAL

GU

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Guadalajara 351 W 1st Dr. South Shores

217-423-9724

Mi Pueblito 1607 W King, St.

217-428-7610

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December 2012

ProMax Construction 141 W. Main St., Decatur 424-8900 Years in business: 17 Family members involved: John, Sharon and Max Schilawski.

Products/services offered: Restoration and remodeling, concrete, roofing, kitchens, baths, decks and porches, windows, doors. We do it all.

South Shores Auto Center 1675 S. Franklin Street Road, Decatur 429-5870 Years in business: 8 years Family members involved: Owners are Lindsey Kreher and his mother, Betty.

Products/services offered: All types of general auto repair.

Your survival tip to others starting or maintaining a family (small) business: Lots of patience.

What makes your family business unique? We treat each of our customers as if they are part of our extended family. We provide great attention to detail and provide the quality service they require and expect.

Business history/future: Lindsey took over his father’s business, which started in 1962. Our plans for the future involve staying in the same location and growing the business there.

Advice to someone starting a family business or working to maintain a family business: Make sure you have a plan and a vision and stay the course. Also, always remember to not take the business home.

General Fence Co. 2305 W. Mound Road, Decatur 877-3831 Years in business: 55 years (13 years under our ownership).

Family members involved: Jesse and Stephanie Guerrero are the owners.

Jesse’s brother serves as one of our job site foremen and our three daughters have helped in the office during the summer.

Products/services offered: All types of fence — chain-link, vinyl-coated chain-

link, wood, vinyl, ornamental aluminum and steel and security fence. We service everyone from residential customers with small fence repairs to large industrial projects.

Your survival tip to others starting or maintaining a family (small) business: Start small and don’t pressure yourself to grow or expand too quickly. Build a reputation that includes great service and exceptional quality. Word-of-mouth referrals are vital to a small business.

Your survival tip to others starting or maintaining a family (small) business: Stay focused on Jesus being your powerful resource for strength and pray for all of your desires. Jesus answers prayers.

What makes your family business unique? We focus on doing over-the-top work that goes above expectations. We love our business. It is a lot of fun being in the business of life improvement.

John, Sharon and Max Schilawski.

Business history/future: Founded in 1995, ProMax Construction has been involved in all aspects of construction — kitchens, baths, desks, porches, windows, doors, roofing, siding, remodeling and restoration.

Advice to someone starting a family business or working to maintain a family business: Work smart and put Jesus first in all you do. Stay committed.

Sometimes it is darkest before the dawn.

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December 2012

> BUSINESS CLIPS Learning event: Donald Blankenship, Richard Chamblin, Larry Foster, Teah Moore, Beth Nolan, Timothy Pritts and Theresa Rutherford. Joseph Smith, principal of Brush College School, was named Educator of the Year.

Achievements

Fucinari

Jannink

Dove

Redshaw

Morrow

Harbor Light Hospice has hired Margie Dove as a community liaison and Kerry Redshaw as volunteer coordinator.

Osborne

Continued from page 17 Bolyard

Foster

Blankenship

Moore

John Lee

Minton

Granzotti

Colker

Cox

Campbell

Chamblin

Nolan

John C. Lee, M.D., delivered a presentation on pediatric ophthalmology at the recent Costenbader Ophthalmology Society meeting in Washington, D.C. Jim Minton of Investment Planners, Inc. is celebrating 20 years as a financial planner.

Pritts

Rutherford

Smith

Dr. Mario Fucinari of The Decatur Back and Neck Center has been named Chiropractic Physician of the Year by the Illinois Chiropractic Society.

Deborah Jannink was awarded Regional Food and Beverage Employee of the Year by the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association for her outstanding work as breakfast hostess at the Forsyth/Decatur Fairfield Inn. Richland Community College, Showcard Studio and Brook Paslay claimed top honors in multiple categories in the Central Illinois Ad Club’s Decagon Awards. Other winners were Arley Cornell, Falcon Multimedia, Jones & Thomas, JTNet Inc., Jim McFarlin and Wood Printing. Katrina Smalley took home the People’s Choice Award.

The Central Illinois Division of HSHS, which includes St. Mary’s Hospitals in Decatur and Streator, has appointed Dr. Maria Granzotti as its chief medical officer, Rebecca “Becky” Colker as its chief financial officer, Harold “Bill” Cox as its chief performance officer, and Chris Campbell as its director of planning and business development.

Promotions Tim Haworth has been promoted to full-time chaplain for Harbor Light Hospice.

Haworth

New staffers

Dr. Larry W. Osborne is the recipient of the Distinguished Member Award from the Illinois State Dental Society.

Joseph Bolyard of Billingsley Towing has earned the title of Certified Tow Driver through the National Driver Certification Program.

Investment Planners Inc. received Best of Class technology recognition from Schwab Advisor Services.

The Decatur Public Schools Foundation recognized the following individuals with Outstanding Alumni Awards during its annual Celebrate! The Legacy of

Fishel Jr.

Misty Lee

Applebee

David Fishel Jr. has joined the Herald & Review as a retail sales consultant.

Misty Lee has joined PNC Mortgage as a mortgage loan officer.

Jill Applebee has been named director of the Decatur Parks Foundation.

Stephanie Brown has joined

Brown

21

Diana Morrow has been named executive director for Decatur Is Growing Gardeners.

MSA Professional Services in Champaign.

Announcements

BUSINESS JOURNAL

and she definitely understands the whole game we play. My happiness here is my pride in her, and as a dad, it’s cool to sit back and watch my kids go forward. She knows her stuff.”

“I’m very overprotective of my daughters,” said Dale Colee, “but I’m not worried about their professional knowledge. They (Lauren and Erica) could go work at a lot of different places, but it’s rewarding to me because they choose to work here. They’re both committed to the business and want it to survive, and that re-energizes me.

I’m in love with what I do, and it’s not really work because I’m doing what I love with the people I love.”

Maggie Marler has joined Claudia’s Dog-Gone Beautiful Grooming Salon as a groomer.

Marler

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.heraldreview.com/app/secure/businessach/

As for the daughters, they couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

“This is what I’ve always wanted to do,” said Erica Colee. “It’s big shoes to fill to be Dale’s daughters, but we just want to take care of the customers. We want the business to be successful.”

Zarndt-Brickey and Ryann agreed.

“Working together is a constant challenge and my responsibilities are constantly changing and evolving,” said Zarndt-Brickey, “but this is what I was groomed to do.”

“I always tell people that if I didn’t get accepted to dental school, I don’t know what I would have done,” said Ryann. “This is what I knew I always wanted to do and I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

December 2012

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Our family working for your family.

111 East Decatur Street | Decatur, Illinois 62521 | 217.423.3311 www.consociate.com www.dansig.com

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December 2012

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Small businesses keeping eye on Obama Supreme Court, another big legal challenge is unlikely, said Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, president of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Companies anxious about taxes, regulations, health care

Economy and federal budget

By JOYCE M. ROSENBERG AP Business Writer

NEW YORK — President Barack Obama’s successful re-election to a second term is sinking in. No matter who small-business owners voted for, the election takes away some of the uncertainty that small-business owners have been carrying around. The question now is whether Obama can satisfy those who say he hasn’t done enough to help them expand and create jobs.

During Obama’s first term, the president pointed to steps he took to help small companies, such as proposing the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 that cut taxes for small companies and made it easier for them to obtain federally guaranteed loans. These steps have helped some small businesses start their recovery from the recession.

“We’ve been seeing steady albeit modest growth in the economy since the president took office and we are cautiously optimistic,” says John Arensmeyer, CEO of Small Business Majority, an organization that lobbies on behalf of small companies.

Even so, many small-business owners are critical of the president’s performance. They are anxious about taxes and the bulging federal deficit. Many opposed the health care overhaul and complain that they are being squeezed by excess regulations.

“I’ve never seen that Obama understands what it takes to be a small-business owner,” said Lorne Campbell, co-owner of Occasionally Cake, an upscale baker outside of Washington, D.C., who voted for Republican challenger Mitt Romney. He’s worried not only about the economy, but also about looming budget cuts that could make his customers forgo the treats his two stores sell. So he has limited his hiring to part-time workers, and doesn’t plan to hire anyone full time.

Many advisers to small businesses say companies need to keep an eye on what’s happening with taxes and regulations, but they still need to try to expand and grow.

“You should always be looking at maneuvering through an uncertain future instead of saying, ‘the future’s uncertain and I will do nothing,” said David O’Brien, a financial planner in Richmond, Va., whose small-business clients include engineering firms and technology companies.

Either way, small-business owners should stay on top of what’s going on around them and their companies.

So now that Obama has won four more years, what can small-business owners can expect from Obama on taxes, health care, the economy and regulation? The Associated Press interviewed small-business experts and advocates to find out.

Taxes No president has a complete say over how much anyone, including small-business owners, will pay in taxes.

Expect the divided Congress to battle over Obama’s request to raise the top tax rate on many business owners to 39.6 percent during 2013. That’s the highest personal tax rate, and it affects some small businesses because their owners report their business taxes on their personal returns. Republicans in the House, many who were aligned with Republican nominee Mitt Romney, will oppose that tax increase, and the result may be a stalemate.

“I don’t think anything’s going to change,” said Peter Cohan, a lecturer in entrepreneurial strategy at Babson

Obama may not be able to do much to get the economy growing much faster than it is now.

“I think both candidates were way overselling what they can do to create jobs and help the economy,” said David Primo, an associate professor of political science and business administration at the University of Rochester in New York.

The federal deficit is part of the problem. Obama has to curtail spending, but federal government spending is equal to nearly a quarter of income produced by U.S. citizens. Cut government spending, including federal contracts, and small businesses lose revenue and may cut jobs. Many have put hiring plans on hold because of uncertainty about what’s known as the fiscal cliff — the combination of severe budget cuts and the expiration of Bush administration tax cuts that takes effect with the new year.

But if the deficit isn’t dealt with soon, taxes will have to rise in the coming years. That would leave smallbusiness owners with less money to invest in their companies.

“That is ultimately going to be a huge problem. As government grows and the size of the deficit grows, that when you’ll see a drag on economic growth,” Primo said.

Associated Press

President Barack Obama speaks at his election night party in Chicago.

College in Wellesley, Mass.

But Obama has made a point of proposing tax cuts that will benefit many small companies. He’s calling for the corporate tax rate to drop to 28 percent from its current 35 percent. Manufacturers would pay no more than 25 percent. He’s also backing more liberal tax deductions for small businesses that invest in new equipment.

“Congress will be more willing to work with the president on these small business-targeted tax policies,” Arensmeyer says.

Recent history shows that Arensmeyer may be right.

Earlier this year, there was bipartisan support in Congress for the Jumpstart Our Small Business Startups Act. It was designed to help small companies get financing more easily.

Health care Obama’s re-election means the health care overhaul will continue to be implemented, but small businesses still have to wait to find out how much it will eat into their profits.

Key provisions of the law go into effect in 2014, including the requirement that businesses with 50 or more employees provide affordable health insurance for their workers. What employers don’t know yet is how much that insurance will cost. That won’t be determined until states set up exchanges where individuals and companies can buy coverage.

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney promised to make changes to the law. Now that the overhaul has survived the re-election of Obama and a fight that advanced earlier this year to the U.S.

Regulation Look for Obama to continue a mixed record on regulation, creating more rules that small businesses will need to follow, but also being vigilant that regulations won’t be too burdensome.

“On the plus side, Obama has signed a handful of executive orders directing agencies to review and ease, where possible, regulations that have an undue burden on small business,” said Molly Brogan, a spokeswoman for the National Small Business Association, a group that lobbies on behalf of small companies. But she also said government agencies keep creating regulations that many small businesses find problematic, for example, proposals from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that prohibit employers from requiring that workers have a high school diploma or conducting background checks.

“I don’t think there’s going to be a massive amount of difference for small businesses,” said Catherine Rudder, a public policy professor at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. “Obama in his policies is quite moderate and quite willing to compromise.”

Small-business owners who are unhappy with regulations created during Obama’s first term are likely to find ways to get around them, particularly when it comes to health care. Some owners reluctant to buy health insurance for employees will make sure their companies don’t have the equivalent of 50 full-time workers, the threshold at which they would have to provide coverage under the health care law.

But owners will be happy with the Obama administration’s regulations that are designed to help them — lending and counseling programs at the Small Business Administration will continue to be a priority.

“They can expect continued policies to foster small business,” said Caroline Daniels, a lecturer in entrepreneurship at Babson College.

Associated Press Writer Tom Murphy contributed from Indianapolis.

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

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December 2012

Meet Sue Scherer State representative-elect, 96th District Hometown: Decatur Family: Married to Brad, and adult children Beth and husband, Maurice Payne, Sara and husband John Meek, Marcy and husband Mike Zora, and son, Tyler, a student at University of Illinois at Springfield.

Nonelected job: Schoolteacher.

Education: I have a bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University, and a master’s degree from Eastern Illinois University.

My “I’d rather be …” bumper sticker would read: “I’d rather be part of the solution than part of the problem!”

Hobbies/interests: I enjoy reading and sports.

Scherer

My first job: Detasseling corn for two summers.

Personal approaches to challenges: First, I research and read the facts. Next, I ask others for advice. Then I will make the best decision possible based on the information available.

To what do you attribute your victory? I spent months walking door to door in every corner of the district, listening to residents’ concerns first and then using that input to share ideas on how we can create jobs and responsibly manage our tax dollars. I’m grateful for the hard work and dedication of my many volunteers, and I am honored by the local residents who have entrusted me to be their voice in state government.

What solutions do you support to address the state’s pension issue? Our current challenges are the result of decades of short-term thinking by career politi-

cians, and more quick fixes aren’t going to accomplish anything meaningful. We can start by addressing past abuses of the system, for example, preventing workers from collecting pensions from multiple states or working only a single day to draw a pension.

Are you in favor of tax increases to get the state out of its financial mess? If so, what taxes would you increase? No. The state must live within its means and balance its budget without further adding to the burden of hard-working families.

What cuts/closures would you support to get the state out of its financial mess? I plan to go through the state budget line-by-line to help eliminate waste and ensure the state is spending less than it

is bringing in. Hundreds of millions of our tax dollars are wasted on Medicaid fraud every year, and I will support measures to constantly monitor Medicaid costs and crack down on these abuses.

Other possible steps for cutting spending include cutting back the state vehicle and air fleet except for essential and emergency vehicles, consolidating the offices of the state comptroller and treasurer, cutting legislative pay and rolling back or eliminating pay for state boards and commissions.

With the Democrats having such an overwhelming majority in the General Assembly, do you think this will actually be the year something meaningful is done to address pressing state issues?

Having more Democrats or more Republicans in Springfield isn’t going to automatically solve any of the state’s problems. It takes bipartisanship to solve the state’s challenges. Legislators must put the interests of their communities ahead of partisan politics. I look forward to working with Democrats and Republicans to address the issues facing our state.

How do you address concerns that your connections to state party leaders based in Chicago will make you less independent and require you to put their wants ahead of the needs of residents in your district? I am going to vote in the best interests of my district, be an independent voice and put local residents’ needs first. It’s really that simple. My responsibility is to the

people of Macon, Sangamon and Christian counties, who elected me to serve as their advocate in state government.

Illinois often is described as being a bad place to do business. What changes would you seek to make/support to make Illinois more competitive when it comes to attracting/creating/retaining jobs? When employers think of Illinois, I want them to think of the great resources we have to offer, including a world-class transportation system, a well-trained and well-educated work force, and a great central location. A more fiscally sound, ethical state government will show businesses that we are serious about being competitive, and provide the stability businesses need to create jobs. I will push for fiscal responsibility to create that stability, including balanced budgets and paying down the state’s backlog of unpaid bills.

What committees are you going to try and get on? I would like to serve on the committees that give me the best chance to represent the needs and concerns of my district, which is very diverse. I understand after each General Assembly, some committees may cease to exist and new committees may be created. The Education and Agriculture Committees are two that I would be interested in serving on.

Regardless of what committee assignments are available, I will be a voice for my constituents and advance the best interests of this district.

What kind of presence do you plan to have in the district? I will open a full-time constituent service office in the district. I plan to also meet with constituents at a second office in Springfield. I am planning numerous ways to reach out to the people I represent, including regular satellite office hours held throughout the district and town hall meetings. I will continue to be an active, visible member of our community.

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December 2012

BUSINESS JOURNAL

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Meet Rodney Davis Congressman-elect, 13th District Hometown: Taylorville Family: Wife, Shannon and children, Toryn, Clark and Griffin Nonelected job: Projects director for U.S. Rep. John Shimkus Education: Bachelor’s degree from Millikin University.

My “I’d rather be …” bumper sticker would read: “I’d rather be barbecuing.” I’m part of a backyard competitive barbecue team. It’s something I look forward to every summer.

Davis

Hobbies/interests: Coaching my boys’ football and baseball teams. Attending my daughter’s cheerleading events. Spending time with my family.

My first job: Cooking at my parent’s restaurant in Taylorville.

Personal approaches to challenges: Whether it is coaching my boys’ football team or working to get things done in my previous jobs, I am a true believer in teamwork. We must work together to overcome challenges. I’ll bring that same attitude to Congress.

To what do you attribute your victory? We put emphasis on my track record of working with Republicans and Democrats to find solutions to problems facing our local communities. I can use that experience to work with members on both sides of the aisle to find common sense solutions.

People in this district don’t want partisanship. They want a congressman who can work with everyone to get things done. Our message of keeping tax rates low and allowing for an environment for business owners to expand and create jobs also resonated with voters throughout the district.

Based on the closeness of the race, it appears your district may be a bit divided on the best methods to address the issues confronting the country. Will that have any impact on how you vote? The district wants a congressman who will provide a high level of constituent service and will advocate and vote in the best interests of the 13th District.

What are the key issues that need to be addressed by this Congress? Avoiding the fiscal cliff must be the top priority. I continue to believe that raising taxes on job creators will kill jobs and raise unemployment rates even higher. We need to come together and find common ground.

Are you in favor of tax increases to get the country out of its financial mess? If so, what taxes would you increase? I continue to believe that raising rates on any American is the wrong thing to do, especially in a struggling economy. I am willing to discuss eliminating some loopholes and deductions to help increase revenue, but I believe cutting spending is the key to cutting into the $16 trillion national debt.

What cuts would you support? With such significant deficits and a staggering national debt, cuts and reforms to all programs must be on the table. I continue to believe we must not change benefits to any current beneficiaries of the Social Security or Medicare programs.

With the Democrats controlling the White House and the Senate, and the Republicans controlling the House, do you hold out any hope that any meaningful solutions will emerge? What the results of the election show is Americans want a divided government. They want agreement and action from leaders in Washington. I am hopeful that all sides can come together and enact policies that can move our economy and country forward.

Since you are already familiar with many of the people you’ll be working with because of your previous experience, have you already identified some allies in Congress? Are there people across the aisle that you know you can work with? I have already met with and had conversations with many new members of Congress from across the country. I think establishing bipartisan relationships is vitally important to

moving Congress away from gridlock and instead tackle the big issues of the day. One of my top priorities since being elected is getting to know the new Illinois members of the House: Cheri Bustos, Bill Foster, Tammy Duckworth, Brad Schneider and Bill Enyart.

A key portion of your campaign focused on repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act. Now that the balance of power in Washington has remained the same, do you still believe that is a realistic goal? If so, why would it work now when it has not succeeded before? If not, do you plan to push for other reform measures instead? The results of the election underscored the fact that the Affordable Care Act will be the law of the land. While I’m very concerned about the impact this law may have on the patient-doctor relationship, we must now work to ensure it is implemented in a manner which does not negatively

impact our health system. If there are common sense approaches to revising and improving this law, I will certainly support those measures.

What should be done on the national level to assist the economy and job creation? It starts by giving business owners certainty. We must begin by stopping the impending tax increase on small-business owners. A recent study shows a tax increase would cost 700,000 jobs nationwide and 30,000 here in Illinois. We also must address the fiscal cliff with a long-term solution. I am not one who believes the answer is across-the-board tax cuts, but our nation cannot continue to sustain the level of debt that we have accumulated. We need to find a bipartisan solution to reducing our national debt. I look forward to tackling this issue in Congress.

What committees are you going to try and get on? While I am happy to serve on any committee I’m assigned, I am seeking seats on the Agriculture, Transportation, Financial Services and Education and Workforce committees.

What kind of presence do you plan to have in the district? We will have a strong staff presence across the district, and I will be an active Congressman, spending as much time as possible in the district.

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

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December 2012

YOUR HEALTH

Combat winter blues with positive, motivated attitude Don’t isolate yourself, get out and stay active

By JAMIE LOBER Business Journal Writer

The colder months come with uncertainty, stress and anxiety.

People tend to face winter storms, rising fuel bills and car repairs. On top of it all, they wind up shoveling snow, dealing with mounting holiday expenses and may even be coping with an end-of-year layoff.

The good news is that when you plan ahead, you can get through these winter woes with a better attitude.

Do not make excuses. “I ask business people to do something from the big list of fun things to do for 15 minutes a day,” said Dr. Patricia Brown, clinical professional counselor. Start by doing something physical such as taking a walk, riding your bike or building a snowman with your child.

“When the weather becomes uncomfortable, cold and windy, people become less active and potentially more isolated and do not get as much exercise and exercise is a counter to depression,” said

Hall. You can even get exercise indoors by using a treadmill or going to an indoor pool. “Find activities that you enjoy.”

Philanthropy can benefit yourself and others. “Another category is to do something nice for someone else like give the dog a bath or walk him, visit the neighbor or shovel the driveway of an elder person across the street,” said Brown.

Do not become too busy to do something nice for yourself such as take a bubble bath or schedule an appointment for a massage.

Allow yourself to get distracted from time to time. “Sometimes it is important to get out of your own life or do escapism,” said Brown.

Find a healthy medium. If you are a soldier who has posttraumatic stress disorder, you should not play World of War Craft or Call of Duty. If you have a relationship problem, you may want to watch an action movie rather than a romance.

The key is to do something that does not relate to your life.

“Take 15 minutes in your head and let your brain go to Florida, sit on the beach and relax without thinking about anything or take a few minutes to meditate, relax or self-indulge,” said

Brown.

Laugh a little. “Keep some humor in your life and have a positive outlook,” said Dr. Leeroy Hall, clinical psychologist with Decatur Memorial Hospital.

Staying engaged with others by finding someone willing to come over, watch a movie and socialize can make a difference.

“We used to think that the Internet would be a big bonus thing and help our depressive statistics to have that availability of social contact on the network, but that is not true,” said Brown.

Human-to-human or phone contact is the most beneficial. It can be easy to curl up with a blanket but you should make a concerted effort to get out using positive self-talk.

“Negative voices can keep us from moving and getting involved and one of the worst things you can do is shut yourself off, close your curtains and isolate yourself during the winter months,” Hall said.

Self-fulfillment is healthy. “Turn up the radio really loud and sing or if you are verbal, write letters to friends or journal,” said Brown.

Recognize that the lack of sunshine is the cause of your negative emotions.

“Seasonal affective disorder is a verifiable and treatable disorder that responds primarily to sunlight and ultraviolet light,” said Brown.

It is more common than diagnosed.

“In order to be diagnosed, it has to be at least two years of that major depressive episode that occurs in that particular time frame and not occur in the summertime,” said Brown.

“Some people may need an antidepressant to help with mood and in conjunction may need cognitive behavior therapy, to learn techniques to motivate themselves or to have someone else that helps them set goals,” said Hall.

Others are helped by a lamp. “A fullspectrum or multi-spectrum light bulb from Kroger’s or a health food store can play a role in mood enhancement,” said Hall. It has the same light wavelengths as sunlight and gives you an extra dose of what you are lacking.

Do not be afraid to reach out to a professional if needed.

“When clinical symptoms interfere with your social relationships, family relationships, health or occupation, you need to see somebody and get the motivation to change it,” Brown said.

NOW BOOKING HOLIDAY PARTIES

Call Tiffany at 422-4700 Main Place Bar & Grill accommodating parties up to 100 101 South Main Street, Decatur 217.422.4700 mainplacebarandgrill@gmail.com

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December 2012

> HEALTH QUIZ McClatchy-Tribune News Service

Get a bunch of “people-of-a-certainage” together, and talk eventually will wend its way around to ... fiber. Scoff if you must, but fiber has proved time and again to be the Ponce de Leon of food sources. Chew on our quiz for a while.

1. A new study by the National Cancer Institute found that consuming fiber reduced risk of dying from cardiovascular, respiratory and even infectious diseases. What makes fiber so effective? a) Its digestive qualities b) Its anti-inflammatory properties c) Its plethora of anti-oxidants 2. The researchers reviewed data from nearly 400,000 participants in the nineyear National Institutes of Health-AARP Diet and Health Study. Those who consumed between 25 and 30 grams of fiber per day were what percentage less likely to die over the course of the study than those who ate little fiber? a) 22 percent b) 42 percent c) 47 percent

3. According to the latest Dietary Guidelines, how much fiber should people consume? a) 14 milligrams per 1,000 daily calories b) 14 grams per 1,000 daily calories c) 140 grams per 1,000 daily calories 4. Researchers at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and the Cancer Institute of New Jersey have found that women who consumed 5 grams of fiber per 100 calories cut their risk of uterine cancer by what percent? a) 10 percent b) 18 percent c) 28 percent 5. What percentage of Americans eat no whole grains — highest source for fiber — at all, according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition? a) 20 percent b) 31 percent c) 40 percent ANSWERS: 1: b; 2: a; 3: b; 4: b; 5: c.

— Source: Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter (www.tuftshealthletter.com).

How to buy fitness equipment McClatchy-Tribune News Service

Shopping for workout gear can be, well, a workout. “Today’s home fitness equipment is better constructed and more effective, and offers you more options than ever before,” said Bridgit Kin-Charlton, a personal trainer and owner of the B-defined studio in Williamsburg, Va. “With choice, however, can come confusion.” Some tips: Determine your goals.

Certain machines (treadmills, stair steppers) are ideal for burning calories and losing weight. Other equipment (weight benches, squat machines) is better for gaining muscle and strength. Consult a personal trainer or a salesperson specializing in fitness.

Think about what you enjoy. If you hate climbing stairs, you’ll probably dread getting on a stair stepper. If you love brisk walks, you’re more likely to embrace your treadmill.

Take measurements at home.

Make sure equipment will fit well into available space. That space also should have needed electrical outlets, a good ventilation system and pos-

sibly noise buffers such as rubber floor mats.

Spend effectively. One good strategy: use up most of your budget on one solid aerobic training piece, say, a highquality treadmill, and build around it with inexpensive strength-training equipment such as tubing and dumbbells.

Consider the “bells and whistles.” Even if you can afford them, you don’t need extras such as televised displays and fancy heart rate monitors unless you feel they’ll motivate you.

Basic, highquality machines provide just as good a workout.

Take a test drive.

Wear workout clothes when you shop and see how equipment feels. You also may be able to arrange a limited trial period at home, with an option to return equipment for a refund or store credit.

Ask lots of questions. Know the delivery and set-up, warranty and maintenance policies, including the availability of trained repairmen.

BUSINESS JOURNAL

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Community health calendar Screenings Bone density screening, 9-11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5, Women’s Health and Breast Center, 302 W. Hay St., Suite 117A. Screening to check your risk for osteoporosis. To register, call 876-4377.

864-2799.

Diabetes support group, 11 a.m. to noon Thursday, Dec. 20, Forsyth Wellness Center, 241 W. Weaver Road. Call 876-4249.

Widowed support group, 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 27. Monthly dinner gathering. For location or to register, call 428-7733.

Cholesterol screening, 7-10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, 1689 S. Franklin Street Road. Cost is $20. To register, call 876-4377.

Classes

Women’s heart health screening, 9-11 a.m.

Thursday, Dec. 13, St. Mary’s Hospital, Room 561. Free personalized assessment including full lipid screening and cardiovascular screening. To register, call 422-6100.

Eat Right to Help the Fight, nutrition class for cancer patients, 1-2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 10, Cancer Care Center of Decatur Education Classrooms, 210 W. McKinley Ave. To register, call 876-4750.

Support groups

Infant CPR Class, 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 10, DMH Classrooms. To register, call 876-3400.

Brain cancer support group, 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, Cancer Care Center of Decatur Complementary Education Classrooms, 210 W. McKinley Ave. To register, call 876-4750.

Grocery store tour, noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12. A registered dietitian will guide shoppers through the various sections of the grocery store. Cost is $10. To register, call 876-4249.

Stroke of Luck, 3-4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, DMH Rehabilitation Center Conference Room. To register, call 876-2600.

Breastfeeding support group, 10:30–11:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 10 and Dec. 24, Baby Talk, 500 E. Lake Shore Dr. To register, call Flo Folami at 464-2334.

Facing Cancer Together, 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, Cancer Care Center of Decatur Complementary Education Classrooms, 210 W. McKinley Ave. To register, call 876-4750.

Renewal bereavement support group, 6:30-8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 17, Cancer Care Center of Decatur Complementary Education Classrooms, 210 W. McKinley Ave. To register, call 876-6784.

Cardiopulmonary rehab wellness group, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18, Decatur Memorial Hospital. To register, call 876-2496.

A New Season young widowed group, 6 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 20. Monthly dinner gathering. For information, call Dawn Followell at

Breastfeeding for the Pregnant Couple, 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, OB Classroom, third floor, St. Mary’s Hospital. For information or to register, call 464-2334.

Cardiopulmonary education session, 1:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, and 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, DMH Cardiac Rehabilitation Department.

For information, call 876-2496.

Real Dads Rock!, 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20, OB Classroom, third floor, St. Mary’s Hospital. This class enriches the father-to-be with skills to be confident in his major role in the care and birth of the new baby. Call 4642334.

More Red Cross Blood Drive, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 12, DMH Classrooms.

St. Mary’s Community Health Lecture Series, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18, Decatur Public Library. This month’s topic is Have a Healthy Holiday. For information, call 464-5125.

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December 2012

TECHTALK

Protecting your company’s data in a world of mobile devices Do you have a BYOD policy yet? If you say “no,” you probably actually do, informally. The problem is that by default, it’s not a very secure policy and that puts your company at risk.

BYOD or “bring your own device” is the name for a new technology trend: Employees who use personal devices to access work resources. This may be as simple as accessing email from an iPhone or Droid phone, or it may be remote access to your computer network and company applications via an iPad or Droid tablet.

Technology Your first thought might be that everything’s fine — you trust your staff, after all.

But what if one of your staff loses a phone or quits unexpectedly? What company data might be at risk, and what impact could that have on your company, if it got out?

Wendy Gauntt

Confidentiality concerns Start by looking at what data needs to be protected. Determine what information can be accessed remotely and by whom. Is it email only? Company applications? Shared files? And can everyone get into everything or only certain people in certain positions? If you are in a highly regulated industry such as medical or financial, talk to your advisors about what additional steps are required to ensure you pass all compliance audits.

As for the device itself, you’ll want to make sure it is locked when not in use, with at least a simple 4-digit PIN code.

Remote access to files and applications should be encrypted. You also need the capability of performing a remote data wipe in the event that the device is lost or if an employee is terminated, which can be addressed by a variety of software tools.

Privacy In the workplace, an employee’s right to privacy is fairly limited when using company tools, including their computer, the Internet and company email.

What about privacy for their personal devices? There is limited legal precedent to date, so you’ll need to define boundaries carefully. If you install software on an employee’s phone to enable security features such as a remote data wipe, you may have the ability to do other things. Will you ever view their personal data? Look at pictures? Use

GPS, the camera or microphone to remotely monitor their activities? If you plan to do any of this, it should be clearly defined in your policy, and there must be business-related reason to do this. An unreasonable invasion of privacy could get you into legal hot water.

Reimbursement Since use of personal devices is generally less expensive than providing a device, you may wish to consider a reimbursement policy. Some employers contribute toward the cost of phones, and many provide a monthly allowance to cover service. Be sure to state clear limits so that employees don’t present you with bills for overage fees that they claim the company should cover.

Liability and hidden costs Major concerns with BYOD plans are the hidden costs and liabilities. For example, if you remotely wipe data on a personal device for a terminated employee, and you delete years of personal photos that haven’t been backed up, that former employee may be upset, especially if they weren’t expecting it.

Clearly outline what circumstances would cause you to perform a remote wipe, and require the employee to back up their own personal data. Also define how quickly employees should report a lost device.

You should also have a policy against texting while driving along with any other use of the device that could result in traffic violations, accident or injury.

The employee needs to be responsible for their own actions, not the company, and the employee will be liable for any associated costs or penalties.

If you decide on a reimbursement policy, make sure amounts are clearly defined so that you don’t get hit with unexpected overage charges.

Lastly, to avoid a tech support nightmare, limit support to specific, commonly used devices (iPhone, iPad, Droid phones and tablets). Require the employee to keep their devices up-todate with patches from the manufacturer or service provider. And withhold support for “jail-broken” phones that have been hacked and may not work as expected.

email. You may wish to turn this off, only allowing connections for people who have signed your BYOD policy. You can add devices to the whitelist, one by one, as employees sign off on your policy. Exchange also can require that a device be locked with a PIN code before allowing a connection. Although Exchange can trigger remote data wipes, it won’t work if the phone is not configured for “push” email, or if the password has changed (which you would do in the event of termination).

Third-party software has more robust features, including more reliable remote wipe capabilities. In addition, you can roll out standard settings, such as your office’s wireless settings; you can limit control of application installs; you can use GPS tracking to locate a lost device; you can even selectively wipe specific applications. If you use third party applications, you will need the employee’s permission to install them on their personal device.

Finalizing your policy

should be, you’ll need two documents: an addendum for your employee handbook and a BYOD agreement for employees to sign. The agreement must be stated in contract terms, where you are each trading something of value. In this case, you are allowing an employee permission to access company resources in exchange for giving you the right to take necessary security precautions to protect company data. It’s always a good idea to run these documents past your HR and legal advisors to ensure it will hold up in the event of any issues.

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.

BUSINESS JOURNAL Reader Profile: n 48% share their copy of the Business Journal with others. n 23% are 35 to 44 years old.

Once you decide what your policy

Happy py Holidays!

H liday

The holiday season is a perfect time to reflect on the importance of relationships and how much we value each of our customers.

We wish you joy and happiness this holiday season.

Technology tools You’ll need technology tools to enforce whatever policy you create, namely around security and remote wipe capabilities. The most recent versions of Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft’s email platform, can already do most of this. By default, your staff will be able to connect to company

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December 2012

YOUR FREE TIME

The Arts Anne Lloyd Gallery: XMAS ARTicles. The gallery transforms into a holiday shop featuring an array of original arts and crafts. Call 423-3189. www.decturarts.org Gallery 510: Watercolors by Jessica Disbrow. Call 422-1509.

Perkinson Art Gallery, Kirkland Fine Arts Center: Works from the Millikin University Art Department faculty will be displayed through Feb. 1 during the Faculty Biennial Exhibition.

On Stage The Millikin University Department of Theatre and Dance presents “Macbeth,” Wednesday through Sunday, Dec. 5-9, at Albert Taylor Theatre. For tickets, call 424-6318.

The Continuing and Professional Education Division of Richland Community College presents “The Nutcracker Ballet,” at 7 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, Dec. 7 and 8, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, in Schilling Auditorium. For tickets, call 875-7211, ext.

6170.

Pipe Dreams Studio Theatre Company presents “Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead” Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 13-15, at Pipe Dreams Studio. For tickets, go to www.pdtheatre.com.

Little Theatre-On the Square: “Home for the Holidays,” Dec. 7-16. For tickets, call 7287375. www.thelittletheatre.org.

Lincoln Square Theatre: Winter Blues Extravaganza, 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15; rapper Chief Keef, Thursday, Dec. 27; Tribute Fest, featuring Rockaway Beach, Angry Chair and AD/HD, 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 31. For tickets or more information, call 972-8606.

Charity events The Richland Theatre Department presents “Santaland Diaries” to benefit the Emerging Theatre Professional Scholarship fund. The show runs Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 13-16, in Shilling Auditorium.

Music Gospel artist Ivan Parker, 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Tickets for adults are $13 ($15 at the door) and $3 ($5 at the door) for those 13 and under.

Decatur Chordsmen, 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 10, Decatur Public Library.

“Christmas-In Concert” featuring John Stephens of the Little Theatre-On the Square, 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, Decatur Public Library. Free tickets are required and can be picked up at the reference desk.

The Millikin Decatur Chamber Orchestra will

Calendar of events For a complete list of events, go to www.herald-review.com/go/ perform at 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 16, during Advent services at Central Christian Church.

Holiday Jazz featuring the Millikin University Faculty Jazz Sextet, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 15, Kirkland Fine Arts Center. For tickets, call 424-6318.

Greater Decatur Chorale’s presents “Hooray for Hollywood” at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 11 and 12, and 2 p.m.

Sunday, Jan, 13, at the Decatur Civic Center Theater. For tickets, call 422-5911 or visit the Decatur Park District Administrative Office at 620 E. Riverside Ave.

For the kids Children’s Museum of Illinois: Cocoa and Cookies with Santa, 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7. Bring your wish list and enjoy yummy hot cocoa and cookies with Santa. Cost is $10.

Happy Noon Year!, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 31. Cost is $6.

Call 423-5437.

Scovill Zoo: Pajama Party with Santa, 13 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8.

Bring your favorite pillow, wear your PJs and visit with Santa while you make an ornament, eat yummy cookies, and see

how the animals prepare for winter. Cost is $12. Call 421-7435.

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.maconcounty conservation.org and click on the Programs and Activities tab for a complete listing.

Misc.

Downtown Decatur Christmas Walk, 4:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5. Visit downtown merchants for an evening of shopping while enjoying holiday treats, carolers, musicians and dancers.

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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December 2012

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YOUR MONEY

Expect to pay more for ‘12 days’ Survey sets 2012 price tag at $107,300 PITTSBURGH (AP) — Add seven swans, six geese and five golden rings to the list of Christmas gifts that cost more than they did a year ago.

And if you get all 364 items repeated throughout “The Twelve Days of Christmas” carol, you’ll pay 6.1 percent more this year, according to the so-called Christmas Price Index that PNC Wealth Management updates annually.

That comes to $107,300.

“The rise is larger than expected considering the modest economic growth we’ve had,” said Jim Dunigan, managing executive of investments for PNC. He noted the government’s Consumer Price Index has risen just 2 percent in the 12 months before September.

Thrifty shoppers may find some reasons for cheer. Six items mentioned in the song haven’t gone up in price: maidsa-milking, ladies dancing, lords-a-leaping, calling birds, turtle doves and the partridge. The eight maids-a-milking still cost just $58 because the minimum wage

Prices for 2012 Prices of items in the Christmas carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”

hasn’t risen.

Twelve drummers drumming ($2,775.50) and 11 pipers piping ($2,562) might also be considered relative bargains compared to seven swans, which will set you back $7,000. Nine ladies dancing will cost you $6,294.03.

Dunigan said the 2011 drought caused the prices of some birds to soar, partly because of corn and other feed costs.

“The geese were up 29.6 percent, and swans were up 11 percent,” Dunigan said, adding that none of the gifts in the song went down in price this year.

The price of a pear tree is $189.99, an 11.8 percent jump from last year’s $169.99. Five gold rings jumped 16.3 percent this year, to $750, and three French hens are now $165, instead of $150.

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The $15 partridge is the cheapest item, and swans the most expensive, at $1,000 each.

Last-minute shoppers who turn to the Internet will pay a bit more for the gifts.

Buying one set of the core items in each verse costs $24,431 in traditional stores this year, but $40,440 online. Part of that difference is the extra expense of shipping live birds, Dunigan said, adding that Internet costs rose 1.5 percent compared to last year.

PNC Financial Services Group Inc. checks jewelry stores, dance companies, pet stores and other sources to compile the list. Some of its sources this year include the National Aviary in Pittsburgh and the Philadelphia-based Pennsylvania Ballet Company.

n Partridge, $15; last year: same n Pear tree, $189.99; last year: $169.99 n Two turtle doves, $125; last year: same n Three French hens, $165; last year: $150 n Four calling birds (canaries), $519.96; last year: same n Five gold rings, $750; last year: $645 n Six geese a-laying, $210; last year: $162 n Seven swans a-swimming, $7,000; last year: $6,300 n Eight maids a-milking, $58; last year: same n Nine ladies dancing (per performance), $6,294; last year: same n 10 lords a-leaping (per performance), $4,767; last year: same n 11 pipers piping (per performance), $2,562; last year: $2,428 n 12 drummers drumming (per performance), $2,776; last year: $2,630 Source: PNC Wealth Management

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