August 2016 Business Journal

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M I D C E N T R A L Aug ust 20 1 6

L‌ eading the charge Artwork takes its place in Scovill Sculpture Park

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2 | BUSINESS JOURNAL | August 2016

YOU R C A L E N DA R

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Monday, Aug. 1‌

Senior Resources Network, noon, Keystone Decatur Noon Lions, Diamonds Family Meadows, 1455 W. Mound Road.

Decatur Metropolitan Rotary, noon, Decatur Restaurant, 2959 N. Oakland Ave. Club.

Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club, 158 Lincolnland Decatur AMBUCS, 6:30 p.m., W. Prairie Ave. Independence Pointe Building, 2715 N. 27th St. Women’s Progressive Club, 6 p.m., Greater Mount Zion Lions, 6:30 p.m.

Northside Baptist Church.

Decatur Camera Club, 7 p.m., Rock Springs Environmental Center, 3939 Nearing Lane.

Tuesday, Aug. 2‌

Kiwanianne Club of Decatur, 9:30 a.m., ScoFriday, Aug. 12‌ vill Banquet Facility, 3909 W. Main St. Decatur Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Lincolnland Decatur AMBUCS, noon, DecaBanquet Facility. tur Club.

Noon Kiwanis, Decatur Club.

Saturday, Aug. 13‌ Noon Sertoma, Decatur Club.

Decatur Frontiers Club, 10:30 a.m., Decatur Club.

Wednesday, Aug. 3‌

Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce Monday, Aug. 15‌ Breakfast, 7 a.m., Decatur Club.

Decatur Noon Lions, Diamonds Family Decatur Golden K Kiwanis, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Restaurant.

Banquet Facility.

Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club.

Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Women’s Progressive Club, 6 p.m., Greater Facility.

Northside Baptist Church.

Thursday, Aug. 4‌

Early Bird Kiwanis, 6:45 a.m., Scovill Ban- Tuesday, Aug. 16‌ Kiwanianne Club of Decatur, 9:30 a.m., Scoquet Facility. vill Banquet Facility.

Decatur Metropolitan Rotary, noon, Decatur Noon Kiwanis, Decatur Club.

Club.

Noon Sertoma, Decatur Club.

Decatur Landlords Association, 6 p.m., Friday, Aug. 5‌ Decatur Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Doherty’s Pub, 242 E. William St.

Banquet Facility.

Saturday, Aug. 6‌

Wednesday, Aug. 17‌

Decatur Golden K Kiwanis, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.

Decatur Frontiers Club, 10:30 a.m., Decatur Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Club.

Facility.

Monday, Aug. 8‌

Decatur Noon Lions, Diamonds Family Thursday, Aug. 18‌ Early Bird Kiwanis, 6:45 a.m., Scovill BanRestaurant.

Thursday, Aug. 25‌ quet Facility.

Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club.

Early Bird Kiwanis, 6:45 a.m., Scovill BanDecatur Christian Women’s Connection, Altrusa International of Decatur, 6 p.m., quet Facility.

11:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. location varies Decatur Metropolitan Rotary, noon, Decatur Decatur Metropolitan Rotary, noon, Decatur Club.

Club.

Tuesday, Aug. 9‌ Mount Zion Lions, 6:30 p.m.

Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce Kiwanianne Club of Decatur, 9:30 a.m., ScoDecatur Camera Club, 7 p.m., Rock Springs Awards Luncheon, noon, Heartland Grand palvill Banquet Facility.

Environmental Center. ace, 3253 Brush College Road Decatur Building Construction Trades

DIGITAL VISION.‌

quet Facility.

Decatur Metropolitan Rotary, noon, Decatur Club.

Human Service Agency Consortium, noon, Central Christian Church, 650 W. William St. Metro Decatur Home Builders Association, 6 p.m., Beach House.

Friday, Sept. 2‌

Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Banquet Council, 10 a.m., IBEW Local 146 Hall, 3390 N. Friday, Aug. 26‌ Friday, Aug. 19‌ Facility.

Woodford St. Decatur Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Decatur Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Noon Kiwanis, Decatur Club.

Banquet Facility.

Banquet Facility.

Saturday, Sept. 3‌ Noon Sertoma, Decatur Club.

Decatur Frontiers Club, 10:30 a.m., Decatur Decatur Chamber Toastmasters, noon, Saturday, Aug. 27‌ Club.

Greater Decatur Chmaber of Commerce base- Saturday, Aug. 20‌ Decatur Frontiers Club, 10:30 a.m., Decatur Decatur Frontiers Club, 10:30 a.m., Decatur ment meeting room, 101 S. Main St. Club.

Club.

Tuesday, Sept. 6‌ Kiwanianne Club of Decatur, 9:30 a.m., ScoWednesday, Aug. 10‌ Monday, Aug. 29‌ Monday, Aug. 22‌ vill Banquet Facility.

Decatur Golden K Kiwanis, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Decatur Noon Lions, Diamonds Family Decatur Noon Lions, Diamonds Family Noon Kiwanis, Decatur Club.

Banquet Facility.

Restaurant.

Noon Sertoma, Decatur Club.

Mount Zion Chamber of Commerce Lun- Restaurant.

Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club.

Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club. cheon, 11:30 a.m., Mount Zion High School.

Scheduled speaker is Mount Zion School District Tuesday, Aug. 30‌ Tuesday, Aug. 23‌ Superintendent Travis Roundcount.

Kiwanianne Club of Decatur, 9:30 a.m., ScoKiwanianne Club of Decatur, 9:30 a.m., ScoDecatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet vill Banquet Facility. vill Banquet Facility.

Facility.

Noon Kiwanis, Decatur Club.

Decatur Building Construction Trades Decatur Real Estate Investors Association, Noon Sertoma, Decatur Club.

6:30 p.m., Perkins Family Restaurant, 2999 N. Council, 10 a.m., IBEW Local 146 Hall.

Noon Kiwanis, Decatur Club.

Monroe St. Wednesday, Aug. 31‌ Noon Sertoma, Decatur Club.

Decatur Golden K Kiwanis, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Thursday, Aug. 11‌ Banquet Facility.

Early Bird Kiwanis, 6:45 a.m., Scovill Ban- Wednesday, Aug. 24‌ Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Decatur Golden K Kiwanis Club, 9:30 a.m., quet Facility.

Facility.

GFWC Decatur Woman’s Club, 11:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.

Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Scovill Banquet Facility.

Thursday, Sept. 1‌ Facility.

Early Bird Kiwanis, 6:45 a.m., Scovill Ban-

Wednesday, Sept. 7‌

Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce Breakfast, 7 a.m., Decatur Club.

Decatur Golden K Kiwanis, 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.thebusiness-journal.com M 1

August 2016 | BUSINESS JOURNAL | 3

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FROM THE EDITOR

‌I

was in the third grade when I got my first taste of being a reporter. ‌I was member of the press corp from Niantic-Harristown Grade School assigned to interview Illinois’ first lady.

I really must have liked it, since I’m still at it 41 years later.

My professional career hasn’t been as varied as some, but it hasn’t been boring. I started as a reporter at the Effingham Daily News before joining the Herald & Review as its Effingham bureau chief, then its night editor, then its business editor.

Each new job brought with it a new set of challenges and opportunities, which prepared me for the next job when it came calling.

You may have heard that I’m now the managing editor. Don’t worry, I’ve decided to let me continue as the editor of the Business Journal.

While I’ve always known I wanted to work for a newspaper, I never had a plan for where I wanted to be or what I wanted to do once I got there. I’m thinking it was the lack of a lofty goal of working for a bigcity newspaper that allowed me remain happy wherever life plopped me down.

I’ve been very fortunate that I’ve been able to grow professionally and stay happy in one place, which also happens to be my hometown.

Volume 21

Issue 8

601 E. William St. Decatur, IL 62523 217.421.7976 217.421.7965 (fax) Publisher: Julie Bechtel General Manager: Gary Sawyer Editor: Scott Perry

Scott Perry, editor Business Journal of Midcentral Illinois

Advertising: AnnaMarie Hanes Cover photo: Lisa Morrison

August 2016 Contents STANDING FEATURES

SS AL‌

y n

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Biz Bites

7

Biz Clips

10

Fred Spannaus

11

Free Time calendar

17

Health calendar

22

Julie Shields

11

Liz Reyer

18

Office Coach

18

Wendy Gauntt

14

‌Nurses needed, stat The demand for nurses in Macon County and across the nation is already on the rise, and experts predict it will only get worse as people live longer.

Page 19

15 Gotta catch ‘em

ADVERTISING: The deadline for ad and ad copy for the September issue is Aug. 19. Call 217.421.7953 for rate information.

People of all ages are on a quest to capture Pokemon

SUBSCRIPTIONS: To order additional copies, call 217.421.7931

9 Drive-up dining Food trucks becoming more popular locally

STORY IDEAS: Email sperry@herald-review.com or call 217.421.7976

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.

4 | BUSINESS JOURNAL | August 2016

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Loaded with opportunity OmniTRAX plans railway as businesses seek worldwide connections CHRIS LUSVARDI Business Journal Writer‌

‌DECATUR — The development of the Midwest Inland Port is leading to new opportunities for businesses in the Decatur area.

The latest opportunity comes following the announcement last month of a joint venture between transportation service company OmniTRAX Inc. and Topflight Grain Cooperative. OmniTRAX plans to begin managing the newly renamed Decatur Central Railroad LLC, a short-line railway connecting the Topflight facility in Cisco with plants at Archer Daniels Midland Co., Tate & Lyle and other processing companies in and around Macon County.

As it begins to operate the railway, OmniTRAX hopes to drive more business to and further rehabilitate the line, said Kevin Shuba, CEO of OmniTRAX, which is one of the largest privately held transportation service companies in North America and an affiliate of The Broe Group.

“The Decatur Central Railroad is a great opportunity for OmniTRAX due to strong existing commodity flows, real estate driven expansion prospects and the potential to add new diversified business,” Shuba said. “Rail is the cheapest way to ship products.”

Topflight is increasingly using rail to transport its products as it operates about 20 facilities in Macon, Piatt, Douglas, Logan and Champaign counties, said Scott Docherty, CEO/general manager of Topflight Grain.

“Rail is an important part of what we do,” Docherty said. “We continue to handle more volume.”

Other area companies have already begun to realize the potential benefits from the area’s rail service that is highlighted through the Midwest Inland Port. T/CCI Manufacturing recently changed its shipping of products and supplies to take advantage of the opportunities created through a partnership between ADM and the Canadian National Railway, or CN, said Dennis Flaherty, T/CCI vice president and general manager.

He said the company needs the best connections possible between Decatur and other production and warehouse facilities around the world, including in China. Products had previously been routed through Joliet and trucked from there to Decatur, Flaherty said.

T/CCI is a manufacturer of heavy duty compressors and clutches for the mobile air-conditioning and refrigeration industries.

With the change, Flaherty said the shipments now come into Decatur on rail, significantly lessening the distance needed to truck from the ADM Intermodal Rail Ramp to the T/CCI facility at 2120 N. 22nd St. Its shipping capacity has nearly doubled by be-

JIM BOWLING, BUSINESS JOURNAL‌

Material handler Thurman Jones places packaged air compressors in storage at T/CCI Manufacturing. The company is taking advantage of the Midwest Inland Port to ship its products, saving money in the process. ing able to use larger containers, said Kara Demirjian Huss, T/CCI vice president and global marketing director “We can easily truck them here the three miles,” Demirjian Huss said. “We can get more here on one container.”

As a result of the changes, T/CCI is anticipating saving $400,000 a year in transportation costs, Demirjian Huss said. The company now has the potential to reinvest the money it saves in other assets to benefit the business such as people and technology, she said.

“We hope others see the impact the Midwest Inland Port has had,” Demirjian Huss said. “This partnership has had a true impact on us.”

The potential of the Midwest Inland Port was among the items discussed during a Business Development Forum organized by the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur and Macon County held at the Decatur Civic Center.

Major customers using the railroad like having a lot of volume coming in at once, said Allison Fayfich, ADM’s third party intermodal business manager. Since April, Fayfich

said two major customers have added to the volume of products moving through Decatur by utilizing the intermodal rail capabilities.

Companies with smaller amounts of products needing to be shipped can utilize the same services.

“It’s just going to get bigger,” Fayfich said.

CN is unique by being able to provide connections with all three coasts, said Chris Timmons, a senior solutions manager with the railroad company.

Moving products through Decatur can be a way of addressing issues in the Chicago area, said Christine Reed, a senior vice president with Knight Engineers and Architects.

“We can be a reliever for congestion in Northeastern Illinois,” Reed said. “They can come here. We have a tremendous potential for growth.”

OmniTRAX is interested in attracting mixed-use light industrial businesses to locate along the Decatur Central Railroad line, which runs along Illinois 48 before interchanging with CN just north of Decatur.

“Because of the congestion in Chicago, a lot of companies are looking for alternatives,” Shuba said. “We want to bring them to our

railroad.”

OmniTRAX works with 350 industrial customers, some of which Shuba is hoping will be interested in expanding in the Decatur area.

The city of Decatur is working to improve its infrastructure to assist companies operating in the area, City Manager Tim Gleason said. Improvements such as an overpass along Brush College Road is one of the issues the city is addressing, Gleason said.

“At grade rail crossings are problematic for the community,” Gleason said. “With the Midwest Inland Port, we want to be in a position to provide the greatest opportunity and potential for the community.”

Decatur has an amazing potential for economic development, which is being highlighted by what’s being done through the Midwest Inland Port, said Ryan McCrady, EDC president.

“Decatur has a history of innovation,” McCrady said. “We can be a leader when it comes to innovation.”

McCrady said the innovations currently being made can benefit businesses of all M sizes.

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August 2016 | BUSINESS JOURNAL | 5

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Decatur ‘jewel’ sparkles with works of art Scovill Sculpture Park draws artists, community to showcase opening HUEY FREEMAN Business Journal Writer‌

‌DECATUR – Sculptors work with a wide variety of materials, but they have a common bond: a passion for using their hands to create something the world has never seen.

A dozen of the three-dimensional artists had their work on display last month at the opening of the Scovill Sculpture Park, on the lakefront property between the Scovill Zoo and the Children’s Museum of Illinois.

Sculptors were on hand to discuss their creations, which will remain at the park for two years. The pieces will be available for purchase, with the exception of one which will be purchased and chosen to remain.

Bilhenry Walker, 75, a Texas native who earned academic degrees at Wheaton College and Fuller Theological Seminary, presented his 9-foot tall, silver-colored aluminum piece, which somewhat resembles an old-fashioned erector set, on a grassy spot overlooking Lake Decatur.

The aptly named “Circum-Zoidal V” refers to its spiraling configuration, trapezoidal spaces created by the relationship of the individual girder-like pieces, and the 5-inch width of the pieces.

Walker said he appreciated that the sculpture display, funded by a $250,000 grant by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, has a two-year run, so he does not have to come back and deal with it in one year, which is a more common length of time elsewhere.

“This program has really got some things right,” he said.

A full-time sculptor since 1968, Walker developed skills in working with construction materials as a young boy. The son of missionary parents, he spent his early childhood years in Central America. At age 13, he worked with a contractor to build his first house in Texas.

At 15, after working on the shop crew at Dallas Theological Seminary, he and his younger brother started their own construction company, performing rehab work and painting houses.

“I was fearless,” Walker said. “I paid for my school in the winter, a private Christian school in Florida for missionary kids and preacher’s kids.”

He was a top-notch pots and pan salesman while attending college, but when he first tried his hand at sculpting in 1968, he knew he had found his calling.

“I chose to follow my passion or my bliss,” he said, adding he has worked part-time jobs to try to make ends meet, but has not deviated from his vision of creating works of art.

His sculptures have been displayed in Chicago, Peoria, Miami, and Sioux Falls, S.D., but he still dreams about creating a masterpiece which will outshine his other accomplishments.

“It’s a lightning strike type of business,” he said. “I’ve got extremely close, but I haven’t M 1 got a cigar.”

LISA MORRISON, BUSINESS JOURNAL‌

The Hamilton family explores the dragon sculpture in front of the Children’s Museum of Illinois. The artist, Douglas Guizenga, encouraged the children to explore the art and take a seat. The piece is titled ‘Please Sit Down, Read Me a Story.’

JIM BOWLING, BUSINESS JOURNAL‌

Artist Ray Katz of Pontiac, Mich., paints his sculpture ‘Red Green Construction’ in preparation for the opening of the Scovill Sculpture Park.

Lately, he has been working on a series of pieces, inspired by violent deaths which have occurred in his neighborhood on the north side of Milwaukee. After an employee of his was on the scene when two men were shot to death, he created sculptures based on the chalk drawings homicide detectives formerly marked on sidewalks to record the positions of victims.

One of the images shows the outline of a man holding a dying man, based on the incident involving his employee.

“He held the man who was shot as he was bleeding out,” Walker said.

Walker’s passion for his art has not dimmed, after almost 50 years.

“I love it,” he said. “It’s a chase, chasing ideas,

chasing money, chasing shows, meeting people, developing new ideas.”

Rollin Karg, who assembled his 13-foot-tall, multicolored, steel-and-glass piece titled “Sentinel” near the gazebo, found his passion for art through a glass blowing class when he was 38 years old. By that time, he had already enjoyed a successful career as a business manager and engineer with several Fortune 500 companies.

“I found I liked working with my hands,” said Karg, 72, who owns and operates a studio and gallery in Kechi, Kansas, just outside Wichita.

After completing his first glass paperweight, he was hooked on the ancient practice of converting superheated molten glass into art and household items.

“I dreamed about it,” Karg said. “I thought about it 24 hours a day. I was just obsessed with it.”

Thirty-four years later, he sits near his towering Sentinel, three massive pieces of painted steel adorned with seven colorful glass plates and shiny steel ribbons. The idea of the large steel slabs came from seeing the Amsterdam sign in the Dutch city.

He said he appreciated the beauty of the location he was given, in front of a Japanese maple tree, near a mixed grove of trees.

“We didn’t know how cool this place was when we signed up,” said Karg, who was accompanied by his wife, Patti, and a grandson.

He said the park district workers were very helpful as he performed his setup. “This is a well-run show. The art here is very excellent.

It’s like a real jewel here in Decatur.”

6 | BUSINESS JOURNAL | August 2016

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CAT’s production heritage represented in sculpture CHRIS LUSVARDI H&R Staff Writer‌

‌DECATUR — A sculpture representing a piece of Decatur’s industrial heritage was unveiled last month as part of an effort to beautify the city’s main corridors.

The sculpture at 22nd Street and Pershing Road contains parts of each product that has been manufactured at the Caterpillar Inc. facility in Decatur ranging from motor graders to large mining trucks, said Martin Mooney, the company’s facilities engineering and maintenance manager. The parts that were incorporated into the monument are not used in making the company’s current products, he said.

Mooney hopes the placement of the symbol will generate interest from residents and visitors driving through the highly-traveled interesection.

“It started as part of an effort to accent the city’s corridors,” Mooney said. “Our production employees are excited about it.”

Mooney said 24 employees from the facility’s central shop, tool room, layout and tool design departments worked together to create the 13-foot tall, 10,750 pound monument.

Ductile iron and steel parts were welded and bolted together during the construction process after the design started with a sketch on a piece of paper.

The monument’s base weighs approximately 1,800 pounds. Other parts include a

steering arm and steering center arm used on the 793 large mining truck, planetary carrier casing used in the lower power train of the 789 large mining truck, 5,812-pound rear wheel used on the 797 large mining truck, tandem drive housing from the 14M motor grader and a wheel from the 627 wheel tractor scraper.

The “DECATUR” lettering on the base is painted in circa 1955 Caterpillar Tractor Co. yellow to symbolize the year the plant opened in Decatur, said Sam Wilcoxen, the tool room and tool design group manager. Wilcoxen said it’s a subtle difference from the newer versions of Caterpillar yellow on the upper parts of the sculpture.

“This shows we have a talented workforce here,” Wilcoxen said. “It was flawlessly put together.”

Decatur facility manager Rick Moore credited the employees for showing their dedication to the community by showing creativity and innovation while completing the project.

“They’re the ones who came up with the idea,” Moore said. “They’re the ones who said JIM BOWLING, BUSINESS JOURNAL‌ they’re proud of the community.”

Manufacturing engineering superintendent Sam Wilcoxen explains details of the sculpture Other businesses are in the process of unveiled by Caterpillar, Inc., and the Beautify Decatur Coalition near 22nd street and Pershing planning similar creations or can start do- Road. ing so as more are anticipated to be added throughout the city, said Jill Davis, co-chair the 22nd Street thoroughfare, Davis said. to highlight and celebrate industry, which has “It reflects the scope and diversity of De- historically been the backbone of the comof the Beautify Decatur Coalition. One of the task force’s current initiatives is focused on catur industry,” Davis said. “It’s a perfect way munity.”

Business beautification efforts recognized Annual contest continues to grow, more awards added CHRIS LUSVARDI Business Journal Writer‌

‌DECATUR — Coffee Connection is among the businesses in Decatur that makes keeping its property looking beautiful a top priority.

In the past few years, the business at 2505 N. Main St. has become a model for others.

It was recognized last month with the Speed Lube Continued Excellence award as part of the Beautify Decatur Coalition’s annual Let’s Keep Decatur and Macon County Bee-Utiful contest.

In addition, nine other businesses were selected for awards, which were presented during a ceremony held at Coffee Connection.

“Hopefully it’s catching on for other businesses,” Coffee Connection owner Julie Stalets said about the beautification efforts. “It’s exciting for Decatur.”

The landscaping around the property stands out and Stalets said customers have been noticing a wind chime sculpture from Decatur artist Darren Miller along the east edge of the parking lot. It’s all part of an effort to provide customers and drivers passing by with a positive impression of the business, she said.

A panel of judges selected the award recipients from 100 businesses registering for the contest, with 30 registered for the first time, said Jill Davis, co-chairwoman of the task force. The contest started in 2011.

It is intended to encourage businesses to improve their curb appeal by sprucing up the outside of their locations, Davis said.

Improvements can be anything from cleaning sidewalks, benches and making sure garbage cans are covered, she said.

“We want all of our businesses to get that mindset,” Davis said.

The awards for large businesses included Decatur Memorial Hospital in first place, Homewood Suites by Hilton in second and Patterson House in third. In addition, DMH was selected for the Lowe’s Best of Show award.

The honorees in the medium sized business category include Culver’s on North Water Street in first, Del Carmen’s Pizza East in second and Grace United Methodist Church in third. The small business awards went to

Dr. William Fiesler in first, 1st MidAmerica Credit Union in second and Carriage House Apartments in third.

Davis said judges walk the perimeter of each business to make their assessments.

“Judging is not an easy task,” Davis said.

DMH is fully committed to its beautification efforts, President and CEO Tim Stone said.

“We always keep beautification at the forefront,” Stone said.

“It’s a statement.”

Stone said emphasizing the appearance of its campus has been important, with aspects such as water features that add to a warm and welcome feel for the area.

Cash and gift certificate prizes came from Connie’s Country Greenhouse, Cedar Lake Gardens & Gifts, Walker’s Lawn & Landscaping, From the Ground Up Landscapes, Speed Lube, Lowe’s and Caterpillar Inc. Contest sponsors included Grain Journal, Nims Foundation, Dunn Company, Decatur Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Millikin University and the Herald & Review.

1015 N State Hwy 121, Mt. Zion, IL For Sale

1.9 acre 200 ft. road frontage.

3800 sq. ft. retail, and over 10,000 sq. ft. warehouse. $350,000

Call or text Paula Cooley 454-1050

M 1

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Now open‌ Tandoor Indian Grill has opened in the former home of Pastabilities at 134 E. Main St. in downtown Decatur.

Owners Vinai Nekkanti and his wife Suneela Monavarthi have wanted to open a restaurant ever since they moved to Forsyth eight years ago and finally opened Gateway to India in Springfield last summer when they couldn’t seem to find the right location in Decatur.

That was about the time that Pastabilities Italian Grill closed for good, and once the couple picked up the lease on the building, they began to completely re-do the interior according to their vision for a second restaurant.

Nekkanti said the couple chose the name they did to challenge suppositions that Indian food is all about rich curries and setting the palate on fire.

Rather, the word “tandoor” refers to the type of cylindrical, clay-lined oven they will use to cook/bake their food, a method requiring no oil and causing no char to form on the food.

“It’s very healthy,” Monavarthi said.

Six seasoning levels will be offered, ranging from mild to hot.

For lunch, the grill features a $9.99 buffet with about two dozen choices and all the fresh bread you can eat. Both the buffet and menu are heavy on vegetarian and vegan options.

The two large buffet tables do supplant some of the former seating at Pastabilities but still leave room for more than 100 people to dine comfortably. Reservations are accepted.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily and 5 to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

For more, find the business on Facebook, go to www.tandoortheindiangrill.com or call (217) 542-7235. *** Is your vehicle in need of a good cleaning?

Need a sandwich or some candy to make it through the day? 1 Stop Shop has you covered.

Located at 977 N. Monroe St., 1 Stop Shop’s detailing services include a wash and vacuum, wax, shampoo and interior cleaning.

The business is operated by Chris Young and Carolyn Jarrett, who work as security officers for the Decatur School District most of the year and were looking for something to do during the summer months and after school when it is in session.

Jarrett runs the candy store, which also offers hot dogs and hamburgers during the summer months.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Call (217) 520-1874 or (217) 8559365. *** Giggles has expanded to bring its unique style of gift items to a new setting inside the Children’s Museum of Illinois.

Giggles at the Museum will offer similar merchandise as it does at its downtown Decatur store while gearing some of it toward younger visitors, owner Chrissy Spurlock said.

She said the idea behind the partnership M 1 was to recreate the space for the museum

BI Z BI T E S gift shop.

“We transformed it into the look of the downtown store,” said Spurlock, who has operated the business on Merchant Street for eight years.

Among the decorations, Spurlock said a bicycle that is inside the downtown store is instead a tricycle at the museum location.

At the new store, she said they will look to provide personalized items, some of which will be related to the exhibits and can be put in gift bags to go along with birthday parties at the museum.

Customers visiting the store don’t need to purchase admission into the museum, so they can come in and look around, Spurlock said. The Children’s Museum is located at 55 S. Country Club Road.

Find the store on Facebook or call (217) 330-5867. *** Josh O’Laughlin wanted to create an enjoyable experience for customers while opening a new barber shop in Decatur.

The Man Cave Barber Shop & Shave Parlor at 2926 N. Oakland Ave. Suite B focuses on offering haircuts for men and boys, said O’Laughlin, who returned to Decatur to open the business. The haircuts are finished with a hot lather straight razor shave, he said.

“It’s a pampering for them,” O’Laughlin said. “It’s about making them happy.”

To add to the experience, O’Laughlin said the business has a pool table customers can play while they wait, along with televisions to watch sports.

“You can’t have a man cave without a pool table,” he said.

The other experienced barber currently working at the shop is Travis Benton. More barbers could be added as business increases, O’Laughlin said.

No appointments are necessary as walkins are welcome. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tuesday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Discounts are offered for seniors, children, active and retired military, and first responders. Find the business on Facebook or call (217) 619-3975. *** The 217 Lounge has got your number for the customer seeking a relaxing, more mature drinking experience.

The new Decatur bar, which had its formal opening in May at 112 N. Merchant St., occupies the former Racks site but has been remodeled to create what general manager Kate Ciambella calls a “warm, modern atmosphere.”

The bar is owned by brothers Chris and Cody Parks and Ciambella said they wanted a cocktail lounge atmosphere that would appeal to a more mature audience. In addition to a full range of drinks, the 217 Lounge stocks a free popcorn bar loaded with 16 flavors, and it offers video gaming. Gaming players also can wash their popcorn down with free soft drinks.

The bar is open from 5 to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays and closed Sunday and Monday. Find it on Facebook and visit its website at 217lounge.com. Or call (217) 330-8578, and that area code explains the name.

August 2016 | BUSINESS JOURNAL | 7

“We were trying to come up with names and brainstorming and one of the customers said, ‘Hey, why don’t you name it the 217 Lounge?’” Ciambella said. “Everybody just turned around and perked up when they heard that and we were like, ‘Well, that’s the name.’”

On the move‌ Hope’s Attic II thrift store has opened in the former Dollar General store at 2922 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive after moving a couple doors south of Decatur Cares Rescue Mission’s longtime store location.

The Rev. Doug Lowery, pastor of Maranatha Assembly of God, said the new space offers three times the room and allows the

ministry to retain staff from a second store it closed last month in the 1000 block of North Water Street.

Decatur Cares recently downsized its operation because of a shortfall in financial support and currently operates the Water Street Mission shelter for homeless men at 758 N. Water St. Lowery said donations may be made at the rear of Hope’s Attic II and that “donations and shoppers are needed.”

Cheryl Griffiths will continue as the store manager, assisted by Kristi Andersen, the former manager of the Water Street store.

The hours are 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Saturday. The phone number remains (217) 872-8842.

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August 2016 | BUSINESS JOURNAL | 9

Food trucks offer break from usual fare DONNETTE BECKETT Business Journal Writer‌

‌DECATUR – Mexican food is a favorite of Gary and Ina Brown.

With several Decatur restaurants to choose from, they have narrowed down their preferences. The newest choice is served out of a truck, simply known as the Burrito Truck.

“The food is fresh,” Ina said. “And you can see the people working on your food.”

Food trucks have gained popularity in warmer regions of the country, such as Florida and Texas. While the cooler seasons allow fewer options for a food truck in other parts of the country, some businesses in Central Illinois still find the mobile restaurant works for them.

Raymundo Padron has parked the Burrito Truck in the same Pershing Road location for over five years. After testing other foods and locations, he is now comfortable with his portable business.

Padron believes he couldn’t afford to experiment with his business in a brick-andmortar restaurant.

“To open a restaurant, you have to spend a lot of money,” he said. “If it works, fine. But if it doesn’t, you lose a lot of money.”

To start a mobile food truck business, owners typically begin with smaller overhead costs.

“You pay less on rent, less on power, less for employees,” Padron said.

According to Clint Carter, owner of Carter’s Fish and Chips, a smaller work space has other advantages. “It is a good way for a young person to start,” he said. “It is less expensive to test your product out.”

Carter’s 8-by-20-foot trailer has enough room for a sink, refrigerator, preparation counter and a cash register. “It’s a small kitchen, more personable,” he said. “You get to know the customers.”

Mobility may be what sets the restaurants apart from others, but where they park is still important.

Harold Ryan, owner of H&D concessions, travels throughout the summer to various events and festivals. But every weekday his yellow camper sits on the corner of Oakland and Grand avenues selling jumbo tenderloins.

His customers know where to go.

“I have good, faithful customers that come here,” he said.

Anita Netherton is a regular customer, often stopping by on her way to visit her mother in Taylorville. Her granddaughter owns a traveling food truck, but Netherton only buys from Ryan’s truck.

“I stop at just this one,” she said. “I love his tenderloins and he is a friendly guy.”

With their ability to travel, businesses are allowed to test what foods are most appealing to the customer.

Gyro King owner Chris Droukas began making gyros from his truck 34 years ago.

The new ethnic food wasn’t immediately accepted in Decatur. Droukas was able to offer the gyro during the Decatur CelebraM 1 tion, giving his business the push it needed.

PHOTOS BY LISA MORRISON, BUSINESS JOURNAL‌

Ron Yetter is a regular customer for Harold Ryan’s food truck, which specializes in tenderloin sandwiches, at Oakland and Grand avenues. It is one of a growing number of food trucks that are gaining in popularity in the Decatur area.

“The food is fresh. And you can see the people working on your food.”

Ina Brown, customer of Burrito Truck

Ryan waits to serve his next hungry customer. The sign outside his order window shows the variety of items he offers.

“People became familiar with them,” he said.

“I see it was good business.”

As with most restaurants, food trucks have regulations, including health and government laws. According to the Decatur

city code, food truck season is from March 15 to Nov. 30. All restaurants must follow the same health guidelines. Authorizations and permits are needed, including a sanitation permit, a health permit and a small business

permit.

“Every county I go to I have to have a different permit,” Ryan said. “That’s why I stay in DeWitt, Piatt and Macon counties.”

Ryan’s customers also keep him in the area.

“It took me 12 years to be where I’m at today,” he said of stable business.

Most vendors see their food as the commercial draw. The venue is just a novelty.

“I’m surprised the type of people that come to the truck,” Padron said. “Office people, doctors, lawyers, blue collar workers.”

Dan Gillen visits the Burrito Truck because of the foods authenticity. “You can’t find this type of burrito elsewhere,” he said. “But the experience is cool. You are outside, you can relax a bit and get out of the office.”

10 | BUSINESS JOURNAL | August 2016

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H&R has staff changes, earns statewide awards ‌DECATUR – Statewide honors, a retirement and a promotion. It’s been a busy couple months at the Herald & Review.

Gary Sawyer, editor and general manager of the Herald & Review, has accepted a position as lecturer in the Iowa State University Journalism and Mass Communication Department, beginning with the fall semester.

Sawyer, 60, had been editor of the Herald & Review for the last 15 years.

Sawyer Scott Perry has been promoted to managing editor. He will continue as editor of the Business Journal.

Perry, a graduate of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, has worked at the Herald & Review for 24 years after starting his professional career at the Effingham Daily News.

He has served the Herald & Review as Effingham bureau chief, night editor and, most recently, business editor.

Perry Perry is a native of Decatur and graduated from Niantic-Harristown High School. He and his wife, Rita, live in Mount Zion and have two children, Megan and Mason.

On the awards front, Herald & Review staff members won five first-place awards in statewide newspaper contests.

Chief Photographer Jim Bowling won a total of four first-place awards in the two contests.

In the Illinois Associated Press Media Editor’s contest, Bowling won first place and the photo sweepstakes award for his photograph “Line of

Fire,” which was taken during the fire at the Aaction Equipment Co. warehouse on Jan. 21.

Bowling also won first place in Spot News Video for his video about Paw Print Ministries and first place in General News Photo for his photo of Bowling two children at an Alopecia Areata Awareness event. He also won third place in the Best Use of Social Media by an Individual category.

Reporter Allison Petty, won a second-place award in Spot News for her coverage of the death of Decatur Mayor Mike McElroy.

Photographer Lisa Morrison won second place in Sports Action Photo for her picture of young participants in the Rodney T. Miller Triathlon and third place in Feature Photo for a photo of a yoga class that includes cats.

Graphic artist Jean Zerfowski won third for an informational graphic about horseradish.

In the contest sponsored by the Illinois Press Association, Bowling and sports reporter Aren Dow both won awards.

Bowling won first place in General News Photo for a photo of farmers watching the harvest during the Farm Progress Show.

Dow won first place in Sports News for his coverage of a high school football playoff game played in the Dow snow and won first place in the same category for his story detailing the championship run of the Arcola football team.

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New staff members‌

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Decatur Therapeutic Massage, has been reapSteve Miller has been pointed to the Illinois Massage Therapy Board. named executive director of Aimen Naeem, MD, Mirza Mahmood, the Macon County Court Ap- MD, Hema Patel, MD, Anuradha Ranpointed Special Advocates. ganath, MD, and Deepti Sood, MD, have started their three-year SIU Decatur Family Medicine Residency Program training.

Micah R. Bartlett, president and CEO Samitha Chandraratne, of Town and Country Financial Corporation MD, Mira Dvivedi, MD, and Town and Country Bank, has been named Lauren Fore, MD, Roshan chairman of the Illinois Bankers Association.

Patel, MD, and Joshua Starr, MD, have graduated Business Clips are abbreviated versions of paid from the SIU Decatur Family Business Achievements which appear on Mondays Medicine Residency Program. in the Herald & Review. For more information Marcy Rood (Werpy) of about Business Achievements, go to www.thebusiArgonne National Laboratory ness-journal.com and click on the Submit a BusiEnergy and Global Security ness Achievement link.

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Libraries offer valuable Take action now, business research tool avoid discrimination C‌ complaints later

‌C

an you prevent your organization from ever being charged with discrimination? ‌Not really. Can’t be done. Even if you do everything right, something can go wrong.

You cannot inoculate yourself with 100 percent certainty. No matter what you do, somebody may file a charge against you.

But hear this. Can you increase your odds of never being charged? Yes. Can you increase your chances of winning if you are charged? Yes, without a doubt.

Here are three tips on how to prevent accusations, and how to win cases.

First tip: CreHuman Resources ate a culture that welcomes and includes all people.

Let it be known that your organization accepts and cherishes diversity.

How do you do that? You do that by earning a reputation as an inclusive place to work. You hire the best people no matter what their race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or disability.

You have a diverse workforce, top to bottom.

You do that by showing fairness to all.

Make sure that you don’t exclude anyone or make them uncomfortable because they’re not like you. This is not junior high school; it’s a workplace.

You do that by learning about other cultures and other faiths and appreciating their traditions. You do that by refusing to tolerate any racist, sexist or demeaning language or actions on the part of anyone. Maybe it’s uncomfortable for you to object to a Caitlyn Jenner joke. But you must do exactly that if you want to nurture your culture.

Cultural change starts at the top. If you’re a boss, you must model the behavior you want others to adopt. In fact, you do it whether or not you mean to.

Your staff looks to you for cues on how to act.

Second tip: Involve every manager.

It is impossible to overstate this. The vast majority of discriminatory actions are committed by individual managers.

M 1 Maybe they don’t understand their re-

Fred Spannaus

EDITOR’S NOTE This is the last column in a series on equal employment enforcement. View past columns on the topic at www.thebusiness-journal.com

sponsibilities under the law. Some of them simply take advantage of their positions.

Managers and other front-line supervisors are by far your greatest exposure and your greatest liability. They cost companies millions of dollars every year in fines and settlements.

Managers need to know the law and how it apples to them. That should be a minimum requirement for every supervisor. That is enough for them to get by.

Barely enough.

But it’s not enough for them to get good. To do their job well, they need to understand the dynamics of stereotyping, prejudice, trailblazing and cultural awareness.

If you want to inoculate your organization, you must make managerial preparation and support part of your routine. Every incoming manager, whether a promotion or an outside hire, should successfully complete training. Hold annual update and refresher sessions to reinforce your companywide commitment to equal opportunity.

Final tip: Monitor your results. Study the numbers. Track your company’s hiring results by gender and race. Track promotions, training opportunities, discipline, discharges and whatever else makes sense for your line of work.

Track company-wide and by unit.

Once a year, go over the data. Look for trends and disparities. Be ready to suggest course adjustments.

Doing these three things will greatly reduce the likelihood of a legitimate charge of discrimination. Not only that, it will help you defend against baseless claims.

This is one of those times when the right thing is also the good business thing.

Fred W. Spannaus, principal of Spannaus Consulting, is a senior professional in human resources. He loves feedback to his columns.

Fred can be contacted at spannaus@ameritech.net or (217) 425-2635.

onnecting quickly and effectively with customers – understanding their needs and aspirations and trends they follow – can make or break a startup. ‌So, where can an entrepreneur or business owner learn about these things without talking to prospective customers every day for six months? Enter Demographics Now, a powerful research database for businesses. It is a pretty hefty license fee if you want to access the database on your own, but the good news is that it is coming to a public library near you. And access is free.

The Decatur, Mount Zion and Forsyth libraries all provide access to the database from their websites.

The respective library districts and a number of local business groups have collaborated to bring this resource to Decatur.

The Economic Development Corporation of Decatur Entrepreneurship and Macon County, the Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce, Richland Community College, Millikin University’s Center for Entrepreneurship, the Mount Zion Chamber of Commerce and other generous donors pitched in with the libraries to help bring this research tool to Decatur.

So, what does it do? That’s hard to say in 500 words, but here is an example.

Let’s say you are considering opening a breakfast restaurant. You can search by ZIP code or enter a specific address to find out how much households within that area actually spent on breakfast and brunch in 2015. You can also view predictive trend data given the trends of breakfast and brunch expenditures in the area. Things are looking good!

Let’s say that with this data you think, “I definitely want to start a breakfast restaurant, but I’m not sure which specific location would be ideal.” You can enter various rental locations and do a comparison report with trend data. That will come in handy when negotiating a lease.

Here’s where the fun begins. Now that you have decided to open a breakfast restaurant, compared and selected a location, you can determine what Mosaic Clusters are spending money on breakfast in the area.

Wait. What are Mosaic Clusters?

Experian, one of the credit score agencies that also offers market research from your credit activities, has identified 60 unique customer segments (or Mosaics) that are predictive of consumer financial and buying patterns.

For our example, let’s say Urban Com-

Julie Shields

muter Families (one of the 60 Mosiacs) spends the most on breakfast in your area.

Their Mosaic profile suggests they tend to take out home improvement loans and spend time in Lowe’s and Pottery Barn, so you choose furniture that resembles Pottery Barn. They also tend to be employed in medical or education fields, so you could think strategically about opening promotion partnerships with doctor’s offices or teacher organizations.

It can do more, but you get the idea. It helps you make educated guesses to attract and retain customers.

The database is available for free to anyone who lives within the public library districts of Decatur, Forsyth and Mount Zion and has a valid library card. Once you have your library card, the database can be accessed from any networked computer.

Talk with your library staff to find out who has been trained to help you navigate the system. There are also online tutorials and resources available. Links to some resources can be found at www.millikin.edu/ entreprenuership under “Resources.”

Julie Shields is director of Millikin University’s Center for Entrepreneurship.

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Getting more out of your tech dollars ‌I

T can seem like an endless black hole of expenses, and yet smart technology investments are critical to efficient operations in any business. ‌Here are some great ways to cut expenses and make the most of your technology investment.

Use the Cloud‌ Everyone has been advising this for a while, but a move to the cloud truly is an excellent way to reduce costs. Most companies have what’s known as a “hybrid” IT model, where some systems are run locally on servers in your office, and others are run from the cloud. It’s likely that you are using cloud services today, such as iCloud, Office365, Salesforce.com, Dropbox.com, etc., which means you have a hybrid IT model already.

The best time to make a switch is when something is changing. For Technology example, you may invest in new software, and purchase it on a SaaS basis – “software as a service” – a subscription model where you are typically charged per month, per user. The software company will run the software for you, in their cloud, and you connect to it over the internet.

If you purchase software you have to run yourself, you can subscribe to a cloudbased server. It’s the same idea, but you’ll need to manage the server yourself just like you do with any servers you currently have at your office today. Don’t forget to address backups, disaster recovery, and security on your cloud-based servers.

Wendy Gauntt

Outsourcing IT‌ It might appear cheaper to hire your own IT guy, but the reality is you will get more for your money by hiring a good IT company. No one IT person can possibly keep up with all the different skills needed to run IT in a small business. It’s also a huge risk to put that much control in the hands of a single person, especially given that the typical in-house IT guy fails to document

their work. You need a broader skillset that can only be obtained through outsourcing.

You’ll also get better response since you’ve got a larger staff to cover your needs around the clock, and more people trained on your systems. Most provide emergency support 24/7. IT companies are also responsible for keeping their people trained and certified on the latest technologies, an additional expense most small businesses simply can’t afford.

Videoconferencing‌ Do you travel a lot to meet with customers and vendors? Cut this cost by substituting videoconferences for some of those pricey trips. Online services like Skype and Zoom are incredibly cheap, and the cost of a large monitor and webcam for your conference room is far less than last-minute airfare.

Call your ISP‌ Pricing for internet bandwidth continues to drop rapidly. You may be locked into a two- to three-year contract, but that doesn’t mean you are completely stuck. Call every year or two, ask for current rates, and see if you can get a price reduction, bandwidth increase, or both.

You’ll be surprised how often the answer is “yes.”

software (or are no longer with your company!).

Annual warranties and maintenance contracts are also good targets for expense reduction. When you retire old equipment, there’s no need to continue paying for warranty or maintenance coverage, but the invoices that come in can be difficult to read. Companies often continue payment because they don’t realize it’s unnecessary.

The solution is easy: have your A/P person work with your IT staff to audit the invoice before making payment.

Consult with security experts to ensure you have adequate protection. Also consider security awareness training for your staff, since they are often the ones who inadvertently allow hackers access to your systems.

Your IT budget‌

Lastly, review your overall IT spend. It’s probably a significant chunk of your overall operating budget. Focus on the biggest line items, since that’s where there’s the best chance for savings. If you have been spending large amounts on hardware, a move to the cloud will ultimately save money, and it will also move your expenses from capital Good security precautions may cost expense to operating expense. If you’ve money, but it’s a bargain compared to a data breach. If you are subject to regulatory been spending more on services, talk to your vendors and see if there is room to requirements, there can be steep penalties for any security incidents. If not, the public negotiate, or alternative offerings that meet your needs at reduced cost. The intent here relations aspect is expensive, and damage is not to avoid spending money; it’s just to customer trust can be hard to recover. an approach to help you negotiate the best Many companies are getting hit by ranpossible prices. Spending money on solid somware, which is malware that encrypts IT projects that have a clear return on your company data. You get your data back by investment is always worth every penny. paying “ransom” which can easily cost thousands of dollars. In the meantime, Wendy Gauntt is president of CIO Services LLC, your company is crippled and may not be a technology consulting company that specialable to operate, which is additional (and izes in small business solutions. significant) financial impact.

Secure it‌

New phone system‌ If you are still running an old-style PBX phone system, it’s time to upgrade to a VoIP (voice over IP) system. You’ll get a variety of new features that make it easier to stay in touch, in or out of the office. The best part: even though you’ll be getting brand new upgraded equipment, you’ll most likely see an immediate reduction in your monthly phone expense that more than covers the new equipment cost. Price it out and see for yourself.

Audit expenses‌ It is easy to accidentally pay for services you no longer use. The occasional audit will help you catch these issues and prevent unnecessary future expenses.

Start with a review of your subscription software. These are typically charged on a per user basis. Make sure you aren’t paying for any users who no longer need the

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Pokemon mania

Smartphone clues lead Decaturites on outdoor hunt

ALLISON PETTY Business Journal Writer‌

‌DECATUR – It’s 5:30 p.m. on a recent Sunday. Downtown businesses are closed. Normally, Central Park would sit mostly empty.

But today, it’s teeming with activity. More than 30 people are walking the perimeter, sitting on the steps or claiming a table. Sounds of easy chatter, laughter and an occasional triumphant cheer drift through the air.

Nearly all of them are focused on their phones.

Last month’s launch of “Pokemon Go,” a wildly popular new game for smartphones, has inspired hundreds of Decatur-area residents to venture into parts of the city they might not otherwise visit. The game uses real-world maps to allow players to hunt for the fictional creatures, with the available types differing by terrain.

In other words, this is not a game you can play on the couch. For many, that’s key to the appeal.

“It’s started a new social trend,” said Matt Tague, one of those playing in Central Park.

“You see someone, you raise your phone, they raise their phone; it’s like the biker wave.

M “Everyone knows exactly what you’re do1

ing, because they’re doing the exact same thing.”

Tague, 26, was hanging out at the park with a group of co-workers from Locals 101 Bar & Grille, many of whom have taken up the game. It especially appeals to young adults who used to watch the Pokemon television series, collect the related trading cards or play the original video games as children.

“This is the closest thing to reliving my childhood that we’ll have for a while,” said Bryce Wisley, 26.

“Pokemon Go” uses GPS technology, so players walk around in real life to move their characters in the game. Certain landmarks are designated as PokeStops, where special items can be obtained, and gyms, where players can train and battle.

Every so often, a Pokemon appears. The game uses the phone’s camera to make it look as though the creature is really there in the player’s immediate environment. Pokemon are caught by flicking an imaginary ball.

The game is free to download, but players can make in-app purchases to enrich the experience. Once a player reaches Level 5, he must choose a team: Team Instinct (yellow), Team Mystic (blue) or Team Valor (red).

Camaraderie or friendly rivalry can develop between people based on their teams.

Downtown is rife with PokeStops; nearly every Abraham Lincoln historical site is one, plus several government buildings and decorative benches. It also has three gyms (the Transfer House, Avon Theatre and Lincoln Square Theatre). That makes it one of the hottest spots in Decatur to play.

But there are others. Across town, Fairview Park contains several gyms and its own slew of PokeStops, many of which are memorial benches.

Matthew and Kaelee Queary and Brandon and Kelly Zerfowski were among scores of people scoping out Fairview Park on a Sunday night. The group, who are in their mid20s to early 30s, had already covered a lot of ground over the weekend in the quest to catch as many Pokemon as they could.

“I’ve walked close to 20 miles since it came out on Thursday,” Matthew Queary said just a week after the game came out.

“He never exercises that much,” his wife added.

As they spoke with a reporter, the group was interrupted by strangers looking for tips on where to find a Squirtle, a type of Pokemon

that resembles a turtle. The players traded advice, an example of the communal spirit that many say adds to the fun of the game.

“It’s like tribal knowledge,” Brandon Zerfowski said.

Nearby, Jason and Catherine Croy were also on the hunt. For Jason especially, nostalgia is a big part of the allure.

“There is 6-year-old me that is just jumping for joy inside of me, like this is the greatest thing ever,” said Jason Croy, 29.

Not only did he start his wife on the game, but Croy convinced his sister, sister’s boyfriend and mother to download it, too. While walking around town, he has seen multiple families playing together and strangers interacting positively, phones in hand.

There’s also the thrill of urban exploration and getting out of the house. Because different Pokemon come out at night, players can be seen hanging out in areas that are usually empty after dusk.

The Croys, for instance, wandered near Decatur Memorial Hospital about 1 a.m. one day.

“If you’re not familiar with certain parts Please see POKEMON, Page 16

16 | BUSINESS JOURNAL | August 2016

Pokemon From 15

of your city, it’ll get you toward those areas so you can actually see these landmarks and stuff that you might not be familiar with, and it’ll tell you a little bit more about your city history as well,” Jason Croy said.

“Work and other things get in the way; you never get out and do stuff, so it’s nice,” Catherine Croy added.

At the Hidden Lair in Mount Zion, employee Chris Bradford said customers adopted the game immediately.

“Almost everyone who comes in either has their phone on and is playing it, or they’re talking to me about it,” said Bradford, 20, who started playing himself. “It’s pretty ridiculous.”

Store manager Andy Still said he has submitted an official request to get the Hidden Lair designated as a PokeStop. Still, 28, has fond memories of playing Pokemon as a kid, but thinks the player interaction in the smartphone version adds what it had been missing.

For instance, he walked around downtown night with a group of about 20 people who had never met.

“It’s super fun,” he said. “It’s getting people active, it’s getting people more social, it’s getting kids off of the damn computer and doing

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something.”

Still and a few friends are even planning a trip to St. Louis, specifically because the St. Louis Zoo is filled with PokeStops.

At least one local business found a way to capitalize on the game’s popularity.

Anyone who visited The Secret Garden last month to show off his or her team got a free bouquet of “crazy daisies” in the corresponding team color.

Owners Lori and Michael Barrett have three children who range from 11 to 18 years old. The oldest has been “addicted” to Pokemon for years, and was the first to download the game and get her dad hooked, Lori Barrett said.

“He sneaks out and goes around the neighborhood without the kids at night,” she said, laughing. “Deliveries do take longer than normal.”

The Barretts thought the promotion would be a good way to get people in the door to see what the business has to offer.

“Video games, you always think of them just being somebody in a house by themselves, playing away. But my kids are going out in groups to hunt,” Lori Barrett said. “They’re all getting ALLISON PETTY, BUSINESS JOURNAL‌ together, skateboarding, they’re bikConnor Fornear, 24, shows Tiffany Streibich, 23, a Pokemon he is attempting to catch in Central Park. ing down to Kiwanis (Park).

“I think it’s a great, great way to get kids back out and active.”

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The Arts‌ Anne Lloyd Gallery: “Reflections,” by Bert Hoddinott Jr.. Opening reception from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12. Call (217) 4233189. www.decaturarts.org Gallery 510: Paintings by Sue Goodpaster.

Opening reception from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12. Call (217) 422-1509.

Decatur Airport: Works by Sharon Zimmerman.

Decatur Public Library: Works by Jim Hill.

Watch or play‌ USTA/Ursula Beck Pro Tennis Classic, Aug. 1-7, Fairview Park Tennis Classic. Players from around the world converge on Decatur to compete. www.ursulabecktennis.com Decatur-Forsyth Classic, Aug. 12-14, Hickory Point Golf Course. The dates for this major tournament for the Symetra Tour, the developmental tour of the LPGA, have changed from its usual start-of-summer spot. This 54-hole event attracts top female golfers from around the world. www.symetratour.com Macon Speedway. Dirt track racing at its very best every Saturday night. Gates open at 5 p.m. Racing begins at 7 p.m. www.maconracing.com

certs featuring contemporary and traditional music Sundays from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Fairview Park Large Pavilion and Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m. in Central Park.

Blues in Central Park, featuring the Joanna Connor Band on Thursday, Aug. 18. Vendors open at 6 p.m., show from 7 to 10 p.m. decaturmagazine.com Lincoln Square Theatre: Elvin Bishop, 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28. For tickets and more information, go to www.lincolnsquaretheatre.com

tion and music. Begins at 5 p.m. Cost is $75 per person. Call (217) 422-5911.

Cruise 11 to Remember 9-11, to assist with the purchase of Christmas gifts for Macon County veterans in need, on Sunday, Sept. 11 in Central Park. Car and bike show beginning at 8 a.m., entertainment by Lisa Kaye at 1:30 p.m., 9-11 memorial service and awards at 2 p.m. and the 11-mile BG Nevitt Yellow Ribbon Memorial Cruise at 3 p.m. For more information, call (217) 791-1385.

On Stage‌

Misc.‌

Little Theatre-On the Square: Sister Act,” July 27 to Aug. 7; and “Shear Madness,” Aug. 10 to 28. This summer’s youth attractions are “The Legend of Robyn Hood,” June 3, 4, 7 and 9 to 11; “How I Became Pirate,” July 1,2, 5 and 7 to 9; and “James and the Giant Peach Jr., July 29 and 30 and Aug. 2 and 4 to 6. For tickets, call (217) 728-7375. www. thelittletheatre.org.

David Earl Reed’s “The Secret of my Unsuccess,” 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, Decatur Civic Center Theater. For tickets, call (217)422-7300, or go to decaturciviccenter. org

The Rock Springs Nature Center hosts a long list of mini camps, family adventures and classes. So many, in fact, that there are too many to list. Go to www. maconcountyconservation.org and click on the Programs and Activities tab for a complete listing.

Decatur Celebration, Aug. 5-7, downtown Decatur. Headliners include 38 Special, Morris Day and The Time, Thompson Square and Colton Dixon. Returning events include the Macon Country Queen pageant, an adorable baby contest, the fifth Heinkel’s hot dog eating contest and the Land of Lincoln Credit Union 21 Film Project. www.decaturcelebration.com Movies in the Park: Watch a movie on a huge inflatable screen on Aug. 10 (“Zootopia”) by Overlook Adventure Mini Golf. Show begins at dusk.

T-Rex Planet, Aug. 12-14 at the Decatur

Charity events‌

Zoo-rific Evening in Key West, to benefit upcoming renovations at Scovill Zoo, on Saturday, Aug. 27. Enjoy animal encounters, Decatur Municipal Band: Weekly con- specialty drinks and hors d’oeuvres, an auc-

BANQUET UET

Music‌

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August 2016 | BUSINESS JOURNAL | 17

Civic Center. Live dinosaur and fossil exhibits and learning interesting facts about each one.

Features a massive Mamenchisaurus and two Tyrannosaurus rexes. www.decaturciviccenter.org or call (217) 422-7300.

Pony Express Days, Aug. 18-21, Pony Express Grounds, Mount Zion. Carnival, live music, mud volleyball and more. www. mtzionlionsclub.com Grease Fest 2016, 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, at Fletcher Park in Mount Zion. A back to school bash featuring a the showing of “Grease” at dusk.

Labor Day Parade, 10 a.m. Monday, Sept.

5, downtown Decatur.

For the kids‌ Backpack Attack and Kids Fest, 9 a.m. to noon, Decatur Family YMCA. In addition to a host of fun and games, needy students through grade 6 can get a backpack filled with school supplies. For information, call (217) 872-9622.

Children’s Museum of Illinois is host to a variety of activities throughout the summer. For information, go to www.cmofil.com or call (217) 423-5437.

Scovill Zoo: www.scovillzoo.com. Call (217) 421-7435.

Got an item you’d like considered for publication in the Your Free Time calendar? Send the information to Scott Perry at sperry@herald-review.com or 601 E. William St., Decatur, IL 62523.

Mt. ZiOn cOnventiOn center

1410 Mt. Zion Pkwy, Mt. Zion Contact: 864-5424

Accommodates: 1,100 people

Decatur civic center Accommodates: 2 to 3,000 People Assistance with catering, cash bar, & Dj Service available

#1 Gary K Anderson Plaza, Decatur Contact: Nick Burge 422-7300

Decatur cLuB Accommodates: 300 people Banquets & weddings

158 W. Prairie Ave., Decatur Contact: Jeff Ingle 429-4200

HicKOrY POint BanQuet FaciLitY Accommodates: 225 w/additional seating on veranda Weddings, meetings and special events

ScOviLL BanQuet FaciLitY Accommodates: up to 225 people Weddings, meetings and special events

PriDe OF tHe Prairie center BanQuet FaciLitY

727 Weaver Rd., Decatur Contact: Tina McCarnen 421-6657

3909 W. Main St., Decatur Contact: Kevin Brewer 421-7470 3700 N. Westlawn,

Decatur Accommodates: 550 people Contact: Monica Anderson Bring your own food/choose your own caterer 875-0135 Full bar available email: staff@maconcountyfair.com

18 | BUSINESS JOURNAL | August 2016

YOU R C A R E E R

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OFFICE COACH

Reorganization leads to stress, burnout ‌Q: Ever since our manager reorganized the department, my job has become impossible.

In addition to retaining all my previous duties, I have been given several new time-consuming responsibilities. I used to pride myself on delivering high-quality work, but now I’m struggling just to keep up with the backlog.

Although I make an effort to appear optimistic and upbeat, inside I’m a burned-out mess. I have tried to tell my boss how stressful this position has become, but he never seems to get the message.

How can I make him see the hardship this change has created?

A: When describing workload pressures, employees typically focus on personal difficulties, saying things like “I had to work all weekend” or “I’m getting really burned out”.

However, the sad reality is that manageOffice Coach ment usually worries more about the work suffering than the people suffering. This unfortunate lack of sensitivity obviously suggests a different approach.

Instead of lamenting your own stress, try to grab your manager’s attention by highlighting the possibility of undesirable outcomes. First, prepare a detailed summary of both your old and new duties to show exactly how much your job has changed. Since your boss undoubtedly has other things on his mind, he may be less aware of this than you think.

Next, ask for a meeting to discuss priorities.

Explain that your recently expanded responsi-

Marie McIntyre

bilities require you to budget time more carefully, so you would like his opinion on which tasks are most critical and which are less important. The unspoken subtext is that some things must fall at the bottom of the list.

If this conversation proves to be an eyeopener, perhaps your boss will eliminate certain duties or assign them elsewhere. But even if responsibilities remain the same, hopefully you will have a better understanding of his expectations and he will have a greater appreciation for your workload. *** Q: When my boss left for a three-month maternity leave, I was asked to become the acting director. However, this position has not been made official and my pay has remained the same. Would it be appropriate to ask management for a raise?

A: Because “acting” appointments typically don’t involve a formal position change, your role was “made official” when management announced that you were temporarily assuming these responsibilities. A brief three-month assignment would not usually include a salary increase, but you might make a case for a onetime bonus.

Hopefully you realize that, even without tangible rewards, this temporary upgrade offers many potential benefits. You will not only gain higher-level experience, but also have opportunities to make valuable contacts and enhance your reputation. The increased knowledge and exposure could make future promotions more likely. *** Q: I run a small business and try to be generous with giving my employees paid time off because I truly believe in work-life balance.

However, my employees often return from vacation exhausted and unable to concentrate on their work. How should I address this problem?

A: Kudos to you for recognizing that employees need leisure time. But when vacation is over, you have every right to expect their full attention, so don’t hesitate to make this expectation clear.

For example: “I’ve noticed that after taking vacation, you frequently seem tired and have difficulty focusing on work. Although I believe time off is important, I need everyone to be fully engaged when they come back. How can we avoid this problem in the future?”

If everyone shows up in a post-holiday stupor, you can appropriately make this a group discussion. But if only a few people are guilty, then you need to have individual conversations.

Managers should never chastise an entire group for the sins of a few members. *** Q: I work in a very small medical practice where one of the owners has an extremely foul mouth. Whenever “Dr. Smith” is upset, he curses at employees and frequently drops the F-bomb. This is highly offensive to everyone on the staff, but we’re afraid of losing our jobs if we complain. What can we do about this?

A: The bad news is that small, privately-owned businesses provide few options for dealing with difficult owners. The good news, however, is that this medical practice is apparently owned by more than one person. Since another owner can approach Dr. Potty Mouth as a peer, that’s where you should take your concerns.

Because a single complaint could easily be dismissed and ignored, you need to present this problem as a group. Without becoming angry or upset, describe the negative effects of this physician’s crude behavior.

For example: “When Dr. Smith is angry, he curses at employees using highly offensive language, which is very demoralizing for the staff.

If patients hear these outbursts, that could hurt

WEEKLY TIPS Get weekly tips form Liz Reyer and the Office Coach at www.thebusiness-journal.com the reputation of the practice. We’re afraid to give Dr. Smith this feedback, so we’re hoping that you can talk with him.”

This assumes, of course, that the other owner is a responsible individual who is also disturbed by these tantrums. But if not, then your only recourse is to find a more professional place to work. *** Q: As the manager of a newly formed team, I am concerned about my most senior team member. “Stephanie” also applied for the manager position, but I was chosen instead. I have avoided meeting with her one-on-one because I don’t believe I owe her an explanation for my promotion. Now I’m afraid Stephanie may be trying to undermine my authority and turn the team against me. How should I handle this?

A: Avoiding Stephanie because you “don’t owe her an explanation” was an error in judgment. While you shouldn’t be expected to justify your promotion, an initial conversation to learn about her background and her interests might have gotten the relationship off to a better start and prevented a power struggle.

However, there may still be time to turn things around. Instead of treating Stephanie like a problem, engage her in a collaborative discussion about how the two of you can work together to make this new team a success. Once you stop viewing this as an adversarial relationship, you might find that Stephanie can be a valuable ally.

Marie G. McIntyre is a workplace coach and author.

Take first step to get input from your boss ‌Q: Lots of people complain about being micromanaged but I have the opposite problem — too little direction. I like clarity and structure, especially when I’m being asked to take on something new.

How can I get my boss to give more direction? She’s really busy and doesn’t seem to have time for me.

A: Set priorities for where you want her engagement and develop approaches to become more self-reliant.

Having been on both sides of the table,

Liz Reyer

I can tell you there’s nothing a boss likes more than team members who challenge themselves to find solutions to their own problems. Even if you want to have them validated or refined, taking that first step yourself has a lot of advantages.

First, it stretches your brain. If you’re too passive, you won’t grow professionally, which could eventually be fatal to your career. Second, it builds your reputation as a valuable employee, which can then open up new opportunities. When you put these together, you end up with a recipe for increased self-confidence.

With these wins available to you, what holds you back from trying this? It may feel risky to venture an opinion that feels uninformed or an idea that feels half-baked. If you’ve been burned, this may be especially hard. My observation, though, is that people typically have a much higher perception of

risk than is realistic.

So try this. Take a situation where you’d really like to have your boss’ input. Then ask yourself, “What Would My Boss Do?” Think of all the advice that she may provide and all the ideas she may offer. Make a list, considering as many options as you can. Then seek her perspective.

If you’re really stuck, brainstorm with your peers. You probably have some similar challenges, and you can be a good resource to one another. Your company may have some self-coaching groups or a mentoring program you can tap into, too.

When you’ve done these things — and made sure she knows it — it becomes much more compelling to go to her and ask for help on the really hard things. These might include a dramatic expansion of responsibilities or an unforeseen problem you’ve never encountered before. Navigating corporate politics is

another area where she’d be uniquely qualified to help.

Recognize that there may be some areas where you can create your own structure to satisfy your need for clarity and structure.

Even if she doesn’t ask for it, use status reports and plans to help keep all the details under control. And don’t take it personally.

She may not have great management skills or may have more confidence in you than you do!

Finally, use this as an opportunity to consider your own leadership style. As a frontline leader, how are you supporting your team? Are you repeating the mistakes of your boss? Finding the sweet spot between the extremes will be the best outcome of this challenge.

Liz Reyer is a credentialed coach with more than 20 years of business experience.

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YOU R H E A LT H

August 2016 | BUSINESS JOURNAL | 19

JIM BOWLING, BUSINESS JOURNAL‌

Casie Sadowski, LPN, coordinates care with a family member of a patient while Sandra Bell, CNA, performs charting at a nurses station in Hickory Point Christian Village.

Putting out the call for nurses Serious shortage destined to worsen, experts predict JUSTIN CONN Business Journal Writer‌

‌DECATUR — In a 20-mile radius of Macon County there are 1,059 openings for registered nurses.

How will all those positions get filled?

That’s a question health care providers in this area and all over the country are trying to figure out. Macon County alone can’t provide its own nursing workforce: There are just 54 RNs in Macon County looking for work.

“How scary is that?” said Laurie Brown, regional director of operations for Christian Homes Inc., which includes Hickory Point Christian Village.

Denise Smith, director of people services for HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital, said the nursM 1 ing shortage could potentially get worse.

“The demand is going to be there; it’s only going to increase,” Smith said. “You’re seeing growth in preventative care, but you’re also seeing more obesity and diabetes, health problems that are going to require attention.

The baby boomers are also living longer, and there’s more access to care under the Affordable Care Act. “All that is adding up to a lot of opportunities for nurses right now.”

Smith said the U.S. Bureau of Labor has indicated there will be a 16 percent increase in the number of registered nurses by 2024.

Demand is also high for certified nurses assistants (CNAs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs).

St. Mary’s recently held a nursing recruitment fair and is planning more. Linda Fahey, Decatur Memorial Hospital chief nursing officer, said her hospital has recruited 45 nurses since January, but may need to average 50 a year to keep up with annual attrition rate.

Fahey said the majority of the nurses DMH hires are new graduates from Millikin University and Richland Community College, though some are also from the University of Illinois and Illinois State University. But even with two colleges with nursing programs and an adult education program from the public school system for CNAs, Decatur is feeling the squeeze.

Fahey said even if the number of nursing students increased, there’s still the problem of would-be nurses on waiting lists to get into nursing programs because of the cost involved in running one.

“Training a nurse is expensive — it takes one faculty member per eight students,” Fahey said. “The requirements for teachers are an advanced practice or doctorate degree, but that faculty isn’t readily available. Schools are having trouble expanding because it’s expensive and there’s a faculty shortage.

“But we’re trying to combat this. We, along

with St. Mary’s, have dialogues with both Richland and Millikin trying to come up with ideas and increase the number of students they enroll.”

With the number of jobs rising and the numbers entering the workforce remaining stagnant, medical facilities are looking for ways to make sure they can recruit nurses.

Benefit packages are at the top of the list.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2016-17 Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median salary for an LPN is $42,490 and for an RN it’s $66,640. Sign-on bonuses are also becoming common.

Nurses also have more opportunities, particularly with the rise of nurse practitioners and nurse anesthetists. But that’s only added to the shortage.

“That’s one thing that’s wonderful for my profession: Nurses are going back to school Please see NURSES, Page 20

20 | BUSINESS JOURNAL | August 2016

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‌

Jennifer Pisaniello, RN, prepares to give medication to a client at Hickory Point Christian Village.

PHOTOS BY JIM BOWLING, BUSINESS JOURNAL

Nurses From 19

and filling the gap for primary care in our community,” Fahey said. “But that’s actually made it even more difficult to find RNs.” The biggest shortages are on medical units and emergency rooms. Fahey said especially with an aging pool of nurses — the average age of an RN at DMH is 45 — it’s become more difficult to staff night shifts and weekends.

“Especially with more positions available out there that are daytime Monday through Friday, those bedside nurses in inpatient environments are hard to find,” Fahey said.

“Those positions are hard, physical work with hours that aren’t as attractive as you grow in your profession. We recently celebrated a nurse who had worked on our medical until for over 40 years — that’s rare.”

The problem, Fahey said, is it’s those positions where the best nurses are needed.

“You have to always be thinking, setting priorities and paying attention to a lot of different things,” Fahey said. “Our sickest patients are in critical care and the ER — we need some experts in that area, too. But you have to really love it to do that.”

Those are the kinds of nurses Brown is looking for. But she said she worries that, with the rapid increase in positions and money being paid to nurses, finding ones who truly love the profession will be more difficult.

“Not everyone is meant to be a nurse,” Brown said. “You want people who have the compassion, the heart; the gift. You want people who are doing it who aren’t just about the dollar.”

But finding nurses isn’t the only concern.

Even when area medical facilities identify a qualified nurse, many of those coming out of Millikin who aren’t from the area choose to return to their hometowns.

“I love Decatur; I’ve lived here my whole life,” Brown said. “But Decatur has a lot stacked against it. It’s hard to get people here.

It’s another reason we need to look at how we can get people here and create jobs for people who have nurses in their family.”

While recruiting and creating more nurses remains a priority, Smith and Fahey said working smarter also can help relieve the shortage.

“We want to make sure nurses’ workflows utilize them to the top of their license,” Smith said.

Fahey said the goal is to streamline nurses’ jobs and make sure other services such as housekeeping, dietary, nurse’s aids and phlebotomists are filling the roles patients often mistakenly ask nurses to do, such as fetching water and snacks, taking blood and cleaning.

“We want nurses to be nursing, not doing other things,” Fahey said.

Brown said solving the nursing shortage won’t be easy, and Decatur’s medical community will need to pool its resources to accomplish it.

“We need to come together and figure out what to do about this, because what we’re doing isn’t enough,” Brown said. “I don’t think there’s anyone out there providing poor care because they don’t have enough staff. I think we’re all just figuring out how we’re going to survive it. We’re managing it.

“But there are going to be people leave and people are going to retire. With the pool we have now … it’s not enough. We have to find a way to get more nursing students and then pull them in.”

Jordan Shaw, RN, coordinates with Tiffany Patterson, LPN, at a nurses station in Hickory Point Christian Village.

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COMMUNITY HEALTH CALENDAR

Support groups‌ Bariatric support group, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 2, DMH Specific Performance Enhancement Center, 2122 N. 27th St. Call (217) 876-4249.

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. Go to www.topsclub. org or call Chris Granda at (217) 521-2420.

Helping Hands Bereavement for Children, 3:30 p.m. Thursdays, Cancer Care Center of Decatur, Art Therapy Classroom, 210 W. McKinley, Ave. Register online or call (217) 876-4735.

Grief support group, 12:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital, Conference Room G18. Call(217) 464-1074.

Breastfeeding support group, 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 7, and Aug. 22, Baby TALK, 500 E. Lake Shore Dr. To register, call (217) 464-2334.

SHARE support group, 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 8, HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital, Room G18. Support group for those who have experienced the death of a baby during pregnancy, at birth or early infancy. Call (217) 464-2045.

Epilepsy support group, 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 9, HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital, Assisi Conference Room. Call (217) 853-1655.

Facing Cancer Together, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 10, Cancer Care Center of Decatur, Education Classrooms, 210 W. McKinley Ave. For cancer patients and their families. Register online or call (217) 8764735.

Pink Link breast cancer support group, 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11, Cancer Care Center of Decatur, Education Classrooms, 210 W. McKinley Ave. Call (217) 8764377.

Postpartum emotional support group, 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 15, HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital, Assisi Conference Room. Call (217) 464-2334.

Breath of Life support group, noon Tuesday, Aug. 16, HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital, Room 561. Speakers available to answer questions from those with breathing problems. Call (217) 464-2603.

Cardiopulmonary rehab wellness group, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16, Decatur Memorial Hospital, Classroom A. Call (217) 876-2496.

Diabetes support group, 11 a.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 17, DMH Diabetes Education Center. Call (217) 876-2699.

Parkinson’s disease support group, 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1360 W. Main St. Call John Kileen at (217) 620-8702.

Brain tumor support group, 10 a.m.

Saturday, Aug. 20, Cancer Care Center of Decatur, Education Classrooms, 210 W.

McKinley Ave. Call (217) 876-4735.

Renewal bereavement support group, 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 22, Cancer Care Center of Decatur, Education Classrooms, 210 W. McKinley Ave. Register online or call (217) 876-4735.

Us TOO prostate cancer support group, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23, Cancer Care Center of Decatur, Education Classrooms, 210 W. McKinley Ave. Register online or call (217) 876-4735.

Widowed support group, 11:30 a.m.

Thursday, Aug. 25. Monthly lunch gathering. For location or to register, call (217) 428-7733.

Lyme-MTHFR support study group, 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25. Call (217) 4291555.

TARGETED DIGITAL ADVERTISING Q

What is the best form of advertising to use to target a specific audience?

A

First, you have to determine just who your customer is exactly. Your customer demographic may change depending on the product/service you are promoting, the time of the year or even the message you are using. For example, for a bar & grill who wants to promote live music, you likely want to reach 18-49 year-olds. But if your message is about daily lunch specials, the audience broadens. So, once you’ve determined the demographic you’re after, the type of media to use becomes clearer.

However, another important element is determining your goal. If your objective is to gain website traffic, then a very broad Run of Network targeting campaign is perfect. But if your goal is conversions (people taking action once on your website, such as signing up for an e-newsletter or making a purchase) then I would suggest site retargeting where you serve ads to people who’ve visited your site and gone away.

If you’re in a highly competitive industry, such as Assisted Living Facilities, where internet users research online, you’ll want to compete for better results on Search Engines. This includes “Search Engine Marketing”, where you pay-per-click to ensure a position of 1-3 on the first page of results.

If you’re looking for 18-49 year olds, Social Media Marketing is very effective. This goes beyond making sure you have a Facebook page and fans.

This type of marketing includes being seen on the most used social sites in an effective way.

If you need help determining who your audience is and how best to reach them…I’m just a phone call away. Let me help.

Cayla Hittmeier Digital Specialist Herald & Review

Classes‌ Real Dads Rock!, a class for new dads, 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4, HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital, Assisi Conference Room. To register, call (217) 464-2334.

Happiest Baby on the Block-Magic?, a class for new moms, 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4, HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital, Assisi Conference Room. To register, call (217) 464-2334.

Infant CPR, 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 8, Decatur Memorial Hospital, OB Classrooms, third floor. Register online or call (217) 8763100.

New Brother/Sister Day Camp, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 9, DMH OB Classroom. Children ages 3-10 learn what to expect with the arrival of a new baby brother or sister. Cost is $15. To register, call (217) 876-3400.

Cardiopulmonary rehab nutrition, 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 11, Decatur Memorial Hospital Classroom B. Heart-healthy eating with an emphasis on reading labels.

Call (217) 876-2496.

Newborn care and breastfeeding basics, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18, Decatur Memorial Hospital, OB Classroom. Registration required online or call (217) 8763400.

Cardiopulmonary risk factor education, 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 19, Decatur Memorial Hospital, Classroom B. Call (217) 876-2496.

In BeTWEEN for Girls, 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, Decatur Memorial Hospital, OB Classroom. For girls ages 9-12 to learn about the changes they are going through.

Registration required online or by calling (217) 876-3100.

Misc.‌

601 E. WILLIAM ST. DECATUR, IL 62523 217.421.6994

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Did you know, every day, we help clients create Media Plans in the following marketing categories?...

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National Minority Donor Awareness Recognition Reception, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 3. For information, call (217) 646-1304.

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YOU R MON E Y

August 2016 | BUSINESS JOURNAL | 23

Investment behavior could cost you a fortune GAIL MARKSJARVIS Tribune News Service Writer‌

‌Are you quick to pull the trigger when you think the stock market is going to attack the money you’ve worked so hard to amass?

Then your behavior is probably costing you a fortune, and you might want to hesitate the next time you think you should grab your money and run for safety.

Boston financial research firm Dalbar has recently quantified what nervous investors have cost themselves. During the last 20 years, a simple investment in the stock market would have provided an 8.19 average gain per year. But the average person with stock mutual funds ended up with only 4.67 percent annually, Dalbar found.

The firm studied returns for 20 years through the end of 2015.

The major reason why people earn so little, according to Dalbar’s analysis, is that people yank money from their investments when losing. After all, the stock market — or the Standard and Poor’s 500 Index — doesn’t actually gain 8.19 percent each year. That’s merely the average. It’s a blend of horrifying losses like the 38 percent loss in 2008, with the sweet gains of 30 percent in 2014, and everything in between.

For the last 20 years, or even the last 89,

there have been more ups than downs in the stock market. So the person who pulls the trigger when spooked usually misses many of the delightful gains that show up without warning.

Dalbar analysts looked at when money flowed into and out of mutual funds that invest in stocks and bonds. And they compared those findings to the stock market and money going into money market funds.

Money market funds, of course, are one of the safe places where people park money when they are worried.

Numerous other studies have come to the same basic conclusion as Dalbar: People are awful at guessing when the spooky times and the delightful times in the stock and bond markets will come and go. And that costs them dearly. Even the smartest investment pros have a terrible track record with guessing. So rather than make futile guesses, financial advisers typically tell clients to expect losses at times, but to stick with mixtures of stocks and bonds in good times and bad. Typically, bonds help protect people from losses when the stock market turns cruel.

Dalbar’s analysis blames panicking and selling during stock market losses as the major issue for investors. It accounts for 44 percent of the difference between the 4.67

More using smartphones to handle their finances PATRICIA SABATINI Tribune News Service Writer‌

‌PITTSBURGH — Banks and other mobile payment providers should do a better job of explaining safety features of the technology if they want to convince more consumers to use it, according to a study by The Pew Charitable Trusts.

“It is something industry participants could and should talk about,” Pew research officer Joy Hackenbracht told reporters during a recent webinar.

Mobile technology allows consumers to pay for purchases at the register or online, pay bills, and send or receive money using their smartphones.

Concern about the safety of mobile transactions — including the potential for ID theft and loss of funds — “cuts across generations,” Hackenbracht said.

Nearly 7-in-10 U.S. adults own a smartphone.

But millennials and Gen Xers are far more likely than older age groups to have a smartphone and to use it for mobile payments, Pew said.

Some 90 percent of millennials and 83 percent of Gen Xers own a smartphone compared with 56 percent for baby boomers and 30 percent for the silent generation, the study showed.

M 1 Of those, millennials and Gen Xers account for

72 percent of mobile payment users vs. 24 percent who are baby boomers and 5 percent for the oldest generation.

Mobile payment users also are more likely to live in metropolitan areas and have bank accounts and college or postgraduate degrees, Pew found.

The top reasons consumers say they use mobile payment technology is to receive rewards or discounts, and to avoid overdraft or checking account fees, Pew said. Consumers avoid fees by getting real-time alerts about their account balances.

Making a purchase was the most common mobile payment activity, Pew said, followed by paying bills.

Overall, 46 percent of U.S. consumers report having made a mobile payment, according to Pew’s survey.

Although people who embrace mobile payments tend to be younger, “across generations consumers are still very concerned about safety,” Hackenbracht emphasized.

“There needs to be more conversation about the safety of mobile payments technology.”

She also said there was “a lot of uncertainty” surrounding regulation of mobile payments.

Federal and state laws “have not kept up with the technology,” she said.

that individuals earned in their stock funds and the 8.19 percent that the stock market would have bestowed, Dalbar reports. Another 15 percent is lost because people hold onto their cash after the stock market has tanked, and then they miss the opportunity to make money as stocks rebound.

The mistakes don’t simply exist in stock fund investing. Dalbar found that while the Barclays Aggregate Bond Index earned on average 5.34 percent a year over the last 20 years, investors in bond funds earned just 0.51 percent annually.

While Dalbar blames investor decision-making for most of their lagging returns in stock and bond funds, that’s not the only problem. Fees also erode returns.

The analysis blames fees for 22 percent of lost opportunity.

While some people don’t realize it, they are always paying fees when investing.

That’s true whether they invest in 401(k)s and IRAs, go straight to a mutual fund company, or buy funds and individual stocks and bonds from a broker or financial adviser.

People have also have lost the opportunity to make the full 8.19 percent average annual gain in the stock market during the last 20 years because there are times when they don’t invest.

“Maybe they’ve lost their job, or are saving for a house down payment or sending children to college,” said Louis Harvey, president of Dalbar. Those times away from stock fund investing explain another 19 percent of the erosion in investors’ ultimate returns.

Some observers, such as financial planner Michael Kitces, have faulted Dalbar’s methodology and the size of the losses it’s reported. Critics also claim that the study has been a delight to financial advisers, who use it to convince individuals that they are dummies who need help from a pro.

But they don’t argue that market timing gets individuals into trouble. A 2014 Morningstar study showed individuals lost 2.5 percent through bad timing with mutual funds. Morningstar has also shown that the pros have their weaknesses, with few funds staying outstanding over several years.

So the message from all the studies is to beware if you think you know when to flee or jump into the stock market. Further, beware of any pro who claims he or she can do it too.

Gail MarksJarvis is a personal finance columnist for the Chicago Tribune and author of “Saving for Retirement Without Living Like a Pauper or Winning the Lottery.”

From To-Do to TA-DA With a Home Equity Loan from Earthmover.

24 | BUSINESS JOURNAL | August 2016

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John Harrison, Owner and Seth Garnett, General Manager of Ashley Home Store Visit them online: www.ashleyfurniturehomestore.com Pictured with John West (middle right) and Hans Henseler (right) from First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust.

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