March 2015 Business Journal

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BUSINESS JOURNAL O F

M I D C E N T R A L

MARCH 2015

I L L I N O I S

MAKING CONNECTIONS

2

BUSINESS JOURNAL

March 2015

www.thebusiness-journal.com

CALENDAR Decatur Noon Lions Club, Diamonds Family Restaurant, 2959 N. Oakland Ave. Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club, 158 W. Prairie Ave. Women’s Progressive Club, 6 p.m., Greater Northside Baptist Church.

Decatur Building Construction Trades Council, 10 a.m., IBEW Local 146 Hall, 3390 N. Woodford St. Decatur Area Society for Human Resource Management, 11 a.m., location varies.

Decatur AMBUCS, noon, Decatur Club.

Noon Kiwanis Club, Decatur Club.

Noon Sertoma, Decatur Club.

Tuesday, March 3‌

Wednesday, March 11‌

Monday, March 2‌

Forsyth Rotary, 7 a.m., Homewood Suites by Hilton, 333 W. Marion Ave., Forsyth.

Kiwanianne Club of Decatur, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility, 3909 W. Main St. Prairieland Kiwanis, 9:30 a.m., Decatur Civic Center.

Decatur AMBUCS, noon, Decatur Club.

Noon Kiwanis Club, Decatur Club.

Noon Sertoma, Decatur Club.

Wednesday, March 4‌ Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce Breakfast, 7 a.m., Decatur Club. Scheduled speaker is Valerie Ross, branch manager of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

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

Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Facility.

Thursday, March 5‌ Earlybird Kiwanis, 6:45 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.

Decatur Metropolitan Rotary Club, noon, Decatur Club.

Human Service Agency Consortium (HSAC), noon, Central Christian Church, 650 W. William St. Metro Decatur Home Builder’s Association, 6 p.m., Beach House, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr. American Business Women’s Association (Amacita), 6 p.m., location varies.

Lincolnland AMBUCS, 6:30 p.m., Independence Pointe building, 2715 N. 27th St.

Friday, March 6‌ Decatur Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.

Decatur Black Chamber of Commerce First Friday Luncheon, noon, Main Street Church Tea Room, 2000 N. Main St.

Saturday, March 7‌ Decatur Frontiers Club, 10:30 a.m., Decatur Club

Monday, March 9‌

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

Mount Zion Chamber of Commerce Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Main Hangar Restaurant. Schedules speaker is Dr. Brian Penwell.

Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Facility.

Decatur Real Estate Investors Association, 6:30 p.m., Perkins Family Restaurant, 2999 N. Monroe St.

Thursday, March 12‌ Earlybird Kiwanis, 6:45 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.

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

Senior Resources Network, noon, Keystone Meadows, 1455 W. Mound Road.

Decatur Metropolitan Rotary Club, noon, Decatur Club.

Decatur Area Women’s Network (DAWN), 5:30 p.m., Decatur Club.

Lincolnland AMBUCS, 6:30 p.m., Independence Pointe Building.

Mount Zion Lions Club, 6:30 p.m., Lions Club Community Center, 1595 W. Main St., Mount Zion Decatur Camera Club, 7 p.m., Rock Springs Environmental Center, 3939 Nearing Lane.

Friday, March 13‌ Decatur Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.

Saturday, March 14‌ Decatur Frontiers Club, 10:30 a.m., Decatur Club

Monday, March 16‌ Decatur Noon Lions Club, Diamonds Family Restaurant.

Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club.

Women’s Progressive Club, 6 p.m., Greater Northside Baptist Church.

Tuesday, March 17‌

Decatur Noon Lions Club, Diamonds Family Restaurant.

Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club.

Altrusa International of Decatur, 6 p.m., location varies.

Forsyth Rotary, 7 a.m., Homewood Suites

by Hilton.

Kiwanianne Club of Decatur, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.

Noon Kiwanis Club, Decatur Club.

Noon Sertoma, Decatur Club.

Tuesday, March 10‌

Wednesday, March 18‌

Forsyth Rotary, 7 a.m., Homewood Suites

by Hilton.

Kiwanianne Club of Decatur, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.

Prairieland Kiwanis, 9:30 a.m., Decatur Civic Center.

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

Christian Women’s Network, noon, Decatur Club.

Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Facility.

Thursday, March 19‌

Saturday, March 28‌

Earlybird Kiwanis, 6:45 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.

Decatur Christian Women’s Connection, 11:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.

Decatur Metropolitan Rotary Club, noon, Decatur Club.

Decatur AMBUCS, 6 p.m., Decatur Club.

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

Friday, March 20‌

Tuesday, March 31‌

Decatur Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.

Noon Women’s Network, 11:45 a.m., Decatur Club.

Saturday, March 21‌ Mount Zion Chamber of Commerce Business Expo, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mount Zion Convention Center.

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

Monday, March 23‌ Decatur Noon Lions Club, Diamonds Family Restaurant.

Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club.

Tuesday, March 24‌ Forsyth Rotary, 7 a.m., Homewood Suites

by Hilton.

Kiwanianne Club of Decatur, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.

Decatur Building Construction Trades Council, 10 a.m., IBEW Local 146 Hall.

Decatur AMBUCS, noon, Decatur Club.

Noon Kiwanis Club, Decatur Club.

Noon Sertoma, Decatur Club.

Coalition of Neighborhood Organizations, 5:30 p.m., Decatur Public Library. This month will feature a forum for Decatur park board, school board and Richland Community College board candidates.

Wednesday, March 25‌ Decatur Golden K Kiwanis Club, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.

Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Facility.

Thursday, March 26‌ Earlybird Kiwanis, 6:45 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.

Decatur Metropolitan Rotary Club, noon, Decatur Club.

Mount Zion Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., Evergreen Senior Living Center, 4825 Evergreen Court.

Mount Zion Lions Club, 6:30 p.m., Lions Club Community Center Decatur Camera Club, 7 p.m., Rock Springs Environmental Center.

Friday, March 27‌ Decatur Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.

American Business Women’s Association (Monarch), noon, location varies.

Monday, March 30‌ Decatur Noon Lions Club, Diamonds Family Restaurant.

Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club.

Forsyth Rotary, 7 a.m., Homewood Suites

by Hilton.

Kiwanianne Club of Decatur, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.

Noon Kiwanis Club, Decatur Club.

Noon Sertoma, Decatur Club.

Wednesday, April 1‌ Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce Breakfast, 7 a.m., Decatur Club. Scheduled speaker is U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis.

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

Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Facility.

Thursday, April 2‌ Earlybird Kiwanis, 6:45 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.

American Business Women’s Association (Amacita), 11:30 a.m., location varies.

Decatur Metropolitan Rotary Club, noon, Decatur Club.

Human Service Agency Consortium (HSAC), noon, Central Christian Church, 650 W. William St. Metro Decatur Home Builder’s Association, 6 p.m., Beach House.

Lincolnland AMBUCS, 6:30 p.m., Independence Pointe Building.

Friday, April 3‌ Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.

Decatur Black Chamber of Commerce First Friday Luncheon, noon, Main Street Church Tea Room, 2000 N. Main St.

Saturday, April 4‌ Decatur Frontiers Club, 10:30 a.m., Decatur Club.

Monday, April 6‌ Decatur Noon Lions Club, Diamonds Family Restaurant Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club.

Women’s Progressive Club, 6 p.m., Greater Northside Baptist Church.

Tuesday, April 7‌ Forsyth Rotary, 7 a.m., Homewood Suites

by Hilton.

Kiwanianne Club of Decatur, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.

Prairieland Kiwanis, 9:30 a.m., Decatur Civic Center.

Decatur AMBUCS, noon, Decatur Club.

Noon Kiwanis Club, Decatur Club.

Noon Sertoma, Decatur Club.

March 2015

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FROM THE EDITOR ‌What did we do before email?

As I think about Making Connections, the theme of this month’s issue, I can’t think of a more valuable tool when it comes to the monthly production of the Business Journal.

While it can be very time consuming wading through all the junk mail I receive, email provides the most efficient way of reaching out to columnists/writers/designers and receiving news releases and pictures. Copy and paste is a wonderful thing.

BUSINESS JOURNAL 3

BUSINESS JOURNAL OF MIDCENTRAL ILLINOIS

Volume 21

But it isn’t the perfect networking tool.

Issue 3

There are people I communicate with on a regular basis. We share pleasantries, comment on the weather, weekend plans, kids and the illnesses that are overunning the office.

I particularly enjoyed my email conversations with Kevin Hughey regarding this month’s professional profile feature, which usually ended with him encouraging me to “Have a Groovy Day.” I tried, with some success.

601 E. William St. Decatur, IL 62523 217.421.7976 217.421.7965 (fax)

We chat like we’ve known each other forever. But if you asked me to point some of my regular email friends out of a lineup, it couldn’t be done. I have absolutely no clue what they look or sound like.

I wonder how many times I’ve crossed paths with one of my regular email friends and not even known it.

PUBLISHER: Julie Bechtel GENERAL MANAGER: Gary Sawyer EDITOR: Scott Perry ADVERTISING: AnnaMarie Hanes

Scott Perry, editor Business Journal of Midcentral Illinois

ADVERTISING: The deadline for ad and ad copy for the April issue is March 17. Call 217.421.7953 for rate information.

March2015Contents

13 Decatur leadership

Standing FEATURES Biz Bites

5

Business Clips

9

Fred Spannaus

8

Free Time calendar

6

Health calendar

19

Liz Reyer

11

Professional profile 15 Office Coach SCORE counselor Wendy Gauntt

11 9 21

Four candidates vie for mayor

Making connections You can have the best product in the world, but customers can’t buy it if they don’t know you exist. That’s where networking comes into play. This month we offer tips for writing the perfect news release, our annul list of networking opportunities and learn customer service secrets from repeat Readers’ Choice winners.

22 Penny pinchers

Thrift stores growing Page 13-17 in popularity

STORY IDEAS: Email sperry@herald-review.com or call 217.421.7976 SUBSCRIPTIONS: To order additional copies, call 217.421.7931

The Business Journal of MidCentral Illinois is printed monthly and is a publication of Lee Enterprises, Inc. Information published is the responsibility of the author and does not reflect the opinions of The Business Journal of MidCentral Illinois. To submit articles, mail typewritten and 500 words or less to: The Business Journal, 601 E. William St., Decatur, IL 62523. Articles will not be returned. Any editorial content or advertising published is the property of Lee Enterprises, Inc., DBA The Business Journal of MidCentral Illinois.

Herald & Review All rights reserved for entire content.

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

March 2015

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YOUR

COMMUNITY

Mayor candidates discuss local economy ‌On April 7, Decatur voters will go to the polls to elect a mayor and fill three seats on the council. Interest in the positions is high, with four candidates running for mayor and six candidates running for the council.

Incumbent Mayor Mike McElroy is being challenged by Dustin Chapman, G.E. Livingston and Councilman Pat McDaniel.

Those seeking terms on the council are incumbent Dana Ray, Bill Faber, Lisa Gregory, David Horn, Robert D. Lewis and Derrick Thaxton.

There will be at least two new council members. Pat Laegeler, who has served 16 years, and Larry Foster, who has served three stints on the council totalling 15 years, aren’t seeking re-election.

With a lot of attention being paid to the city’s economy and the financing of current and future projects, the Business Journal asked the candidates for mayor these questions: Question 1: What should the city be doing to make it more attractive for economic development?

Question 2: The city recently has approved major projects with major price tags and added various fee/tax increases to help pay for them. Do you support continued use of targeted revenue sources for future projects? Is an increase in property taxes inevitable?

Dustin Chapman‌ SALES MANAGER, HPL CONSTRUCTION‌ Question 1: The city of Decatur must start utilizing the assets we already have to their full potential. The intermodal is just the surface of what the Midwest Inland Port can offer. Companies from all over the county need to be made aware we have three Class 1 railroads in our city, five major roads, an underutilized airport that should be getting much more use, a large skilled workforce ready to be used, and land to be built on. Decatur should, and I hope will be a major force for distribution in the near future. Once large businesses start opening, smaller

businesses will thrive and the city will see an increase in property tax and income tax coming in to help a strapped budget.

Question 2: I do support development, even if it comes with tax-based incentives. Over time, the amount given in breaks will work itself out with jobs provided, and tax money made from bringing businesses in that want to move to a nice, clean, advancing community. I am progressive through and through, and will support our city getting the best it can. I would not say increasing property taxes are inevitable, it is hard to make the budget work with a declining city population though. As a city we need to work toward turning those numbers around before contemplating raising taxes again.

G.E. Livingston‌ PRESIDENT/CEO OF ROBERTSON CHARTER SCHOOL AND PASTOR OF LIFE CHANGERS CHURCH‌ Question 1: The city must continue to make doing business in Decatur much easier. In the past, many have commented about how difficult it was to do business here. We have made good progress. We must continue to be very proactive and progressive in our approaches.

We must also focus on being strategic in our approaches to economic development. We must highlight our unique location and incredibly hard working people. Further, we must work much harder in preparing our citizens for job readiness. This is done primarily through our unique educational providers. But, it also happens by motivating people to excel and us working harder to provide pathways for success in the transition from education to occupation.

Question 2: Targeted revenue sources can be very effective in dealing with budget woes. Our major challenge is needing more revenue for various projects and departments at the same time our population is shrinking. Our ultimate goal must be to stop the downward trend of population in our city, and then to dramatically increase the number of people who choose to live within our city boundaries. We currently have more than 21,000 people who work in our city but don’t live in our city. Effectively and

successfully addressing this issue directly increases revenue, both property tax and sales tax. This may eliminate the need for us to further discuss raising any taxes.

Pat McDaniel‌ RETIRED‌ Current council member Question 1: The city government should continue its ongoing progress in improving the community’s basic infrastructures. That includes improvements to its aging water distribution system, streets, sewers and bridges that will benefit not only local residents, but existing industries, while making the city more attractive to businesses that might want to call Decatur home.

City government and other local government agencies should continue to use existing TIF districts and the enterprise zone in a responsible manner in promoting the available development incentives to existing businesses to expand and to entice new businesses to locate to the community.

City government should also continue to fast track progress in becoming more business friendly to all local and outside developers wishing to expand or develop within the community, while encouraging the Decatur School District, Richland Community College and Millikin University in providing their students the educational and training programs and skills needed for careers with existing local industries and potential new industries.

Question 2: Decatur, like other Illinois municipalities, is struggling financially to fund basic city services, city employee pensions and needed capital improvements to the city’s infrastructure systems because of a declining population which causes the city to receive less state revenues, and falling property assessments that bring in less property tax revenues.

City government is also funded through important sales tax revenues which can decline because of high unemployment, general economic conditions and in the changing buying habits of consumers who are increasing their purchasing of goods from online companies instead of local brick and mortar retail stores, which decreases

local sales tax revenues to fund government services.

Because of the fore-mentioned situations, I do support the very limited responsible use of targeted revenue resources to fund needed basic infrastructure projects to improve the community, but will not support overly burdening local residents and businesses with future increased fees and taxes, especially if such funds are diverted to other projects not associated directly with the original designated city project.

Increasing local property taxes should be the very last route to go to in funding local city government operations because raising property taxes can have a negative effect on further economic development and increased population declines.

Mike McElroy‌ VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES, SKEFF DISTRIBUTING CO.‌ Current mayor Question 1: The city needs to continue investments in the fundamental infrastructure to support current business and attract new employers. No city can attract or retain businesses without water, sewer, storm water, fiber optics and transportation infrastructure. Also, the city should make every effort to keep its property tax levy flat as it has done the last several years. Finally, the city should continue effective and consistent code enforcement to help beautify the city and its corridors.

Question 2: I feel that the targeted revenues passed over the last several years were necessary and used properly to fund infrastructure investments that will help our community be successful for decades to come. These projects were also long overdue and unfortunately ignored for many years. I don’t have a blanket opinion on using targeted revenues to fund projects, but they are effective in causing the biggest financial expense to be paid by the party that creates biggest burden on the infrastructure. I would not say that a property tax increase is inevitable, so long as we can continue to be creative in funding critical investments that raise the economic base and generate revenue for the city services.

March 2015

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BUSINESS JOURNAL 5

Coalition looks to enhance 22nd Street corridor RACHEL RODGERS

Business Journal Writer‌

‌DECATUR — With economic development momentum growing from the Midwest Inland Port, the Beautify Decatur Coalition looks toward businesses on 22nd Street to become a beautification model for the city.

The coalition gathered several business representatives as well as local and state officials last month to build support for the 22nd Street corridor enhancement project, a measure to unify businesses with the mindset to improve aesthetics in the area.

During the roundtable discussion at Debbie’s Diner, state Rep. Sue Scherer said benefits of the enhancement project will be twofold: providing a more attractive area for businesses wanting to locate close to the intermodal hub and increasing consumer

traffic in the city.

“Presentation is everything; it encourages more people to go to businesses if they are more pleasing to the eye,” she said. “Everyone sees this as a problem that can be solved, and they are coming together and making a vision for the future.”

In the weeks before the meeting, coalition member Jason White reached out to the 78 businesses within the project scope and said all but two showed interest in increasing beautification efforts.

Ways for businesses to become involved include developing a landscape plan and committing to the No Litter Zone and Adopt-a-Street initiatives.

“This will serve as the business model with corridors for the whole city,” White said. “All eyes are on 22nd Street.”

BIZ Now open‌

A new Residence Inn by Marriott hotel has opened in Forsyth.

The all-suite hotel at 230 Lucile Ave. is focused on providing for extended-stay guests. It is owned and managed by Tharaldson Hospitality Management Company of Decatur.

Sam Osborne, who also works as the Millikin University men’s golf head coach, is the general manager.

The property offers studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites. Each suite has a fully-equipped kitchen with coffeemaker, microwave oven and residentialsized appliances.

The rooms are designed for stays of five nights or more, providing workspace for business travelers. A complimentary breakfast and weeknight evening gatherings are offered to guests.

Other amenities include a grocery delivery service, complimentary Wi-Fi access, a 24-hour onsite food and beverage market, dry cleaning services and an onsite guest laundry room. The hotel has a meeting room, swimming pool, exercise room, Sport Court and business library with fax, copying and printing services.

Call (217) 872-6600. nnn You could say David Fuentes has expanded his Mexican empire in Decatur with the opening of Casa Fuentes in the former Carlos O’Kelly’s at 2930 N. Main St. But with the addition of the Salvation Army’s new Family Thrift Store next door, he’s also helped bring an entire shopping center back to life after closures last year of Carlos and McGorray’s Golf & Grille, respectively.

Customers may swear the food tastes different at Casa Fuentes than it does at Mi Pueblito in Fairview Park Plaza or Guadalajara in South Shores, and in truth some menu options are unique to

West Side Thrift Shop has opened at 788 N. Sunnyside Road.

Formerly known as the West Side Naz Thrift Shop, the ministry of West Side Church of the Nazarene closed Dec. 13

Rauner’s nonessential spending freeze.

Another goal for the corridor is the installation of a series of metal sculptures along the area with the help of local artists and welders.

“This is such an industrial street that the metal artwork will be a way to show off our industry and show that the businesses are united,” coalition member Wendi Boulware said. “We want to turn from spectators into participants.”

Depending on the success of the project, corridor roundtable meetings will occur twice a year.

“We want to develop camaraderie between businesses, and we want to put our best face forward,” said Jill Davis, co-chairwoman of the coalition’s business beautification task force.

BITES

his newest restaurant, but Fuentes says his cook previously worked at both of his other locations.

“The food is very similar,” he said. “It’s like when your husband tries to make guacamole using your recipe, it always turns out differently.”

By the same token, he’s given the décor at Casa Fuentes a fresh look, but says customer service and making people feel at home remain his top priorities.

Casa Fuentes opens at 11 a.m. daily, closing at 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. No reservations are being taken for now.

For more, check Facebook or call (217) 330-8004. nnn Young Cardinal fans, whether they like Major League Baseball, WarrensburgLatham school sports, or both, are getting their own “hangout” with the opening of a licensed daycare center in Warrensburg.

Little Cardinals Clubhouse at 385 W. Warren St. can serve 33 children ages 6 weeks to 12 years from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays .

Owner Kamisha Fromm, a school bus driver for Warrensburg-Latham, said she saw the need for a daycare center in town and finished her associate’s degree in early childhood education at Richland Community College before going into business.

Housed in a refurbished duplex, the center will serve breakfast, lunch and snacks, and offer before- and afterschool programs.

Enrollments are being accepted at (217) 672-8035. For more, find Little Cardinals on Facebook.

On the move‌

TCCI Manufacturing has begun the exterior enhancement process by drafting landscape designs through Garden Path and recruiting employees to clean up the area.

The amount of litter collected on one occasion filled three trash bags, TCCI 5S coordinator Zach Whitfield said.

“This area has been neglected over the years, and starting from scratch is going to be hard but necessary,” he said.

A landscape plan is also under way at Huck’s, and Garden Path owner Rich Starshack was available to answer questions or begin design talks with interested businesses.

Representatives from city of Decatur and the Illinois Department of Transportation also attended to speak about road and curb conditions, but possible funding for improvements is on hold with Gov. Bruce

on West Grand Avenue to make way for an expansion by pharmaceutical manufacturer Akorn Inc. The church already has relocated to the same address for the same reason.

Manager Debbie Kennedy said the hours and telephone number will remain the same at 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through

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

For more, check Facebook.

Biz Bites highlight businesses that are opening, closing, expanding … you get the picture. If you have information for our Biz Bites column, contact Tony Reid at treid@herald-review.com, Chris Lusvardi at clusvardi@ herald-review.com, Theresa Churchill at tchurchill@ herald-review.com or call them at (217) 421-6979.

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

March 2015

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YOUR ‌The Arts

Anne Lloyd Gallery: “Salvage & SelvageFiber Artists Coalition.” A meet the artist reception from 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, March 6. Call (217) 423-3189. www.decaturarts. org Gallery 510: Watercolors by Michael Delaney. A meet the artist reception from 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, March 6. Call (217) 422-1509.

Decatur Airport: Landscapes in oil by Ron Bartanen.

Decatur Public Library: Charcoal drawings and oil paintings by Nicole Christison.

Blue Connection: Millikin University Alumni Artists celebrate women’s empowerment through art. After 5 Live from 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, March 6. Call (217) 428-0112. www.millikin.edu/blueconnection Perkinson Art Gallery, Kirkland Fine Arts Center: Art Faculty Biennial Show.

Music

BANQUET

SpringStock2015, featuring Corey Stevens and Davina and the Vagabonds, 7 p.m. Saturday, March 21, at the Decatur Civic Center. For tickets, go to www.decaturciviccenter.org or call (217) 422-7300.

Matthew West, The Live Forever Tour, with special guest Colton Dixon, 7 p.m. Saturday, April 4, at the Decatur Civic Center.

FREE

TIME

Calendar of events

For a complete list of events, go to www.herald-review.com/go/ For tickets, go to www.decaturciviccenter. org or call (217) 422-7300.

On Stage

Theatre 7 presents “The Glass Menagerie,” March 6-9 and 14-16, at Richland Community College’s Shilling Auditorium. For tickets, call (217) 422-3866. www.theatre7.net.

Little Theatre-On the Square: “MIDLIFE! The Crisis Musical,” March 6-15.

For tickets, call (217) 728-7375. www. thelittletheatre.org.

The Decatur Park District presents “Perform!-Fiddler on the Roof,” March 13-15, at the Decatur Civic Center Theater. For tickets, call (217) 429-5911.

Pipe Dreams Studio Theatre presents “Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson,” March 20-21 and 26-29, and “Venus in Fur,” April 10-12 and 17-18. For tickets, call (217) 424-6318.

Kirkland Fine Arts Center: RUNA, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 21; Elling Swings Sinatra featuring Kurt Elling, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 11. For tickets, call (217) 424-6318.

GUIDE

Charity events

Polar Plunge, to benefit Special Olympics Illinois Central/Area 10, will be held Saturday, March 7, at the Beach House.

For more information, go to www.soill.org or call Joanie Keyes at (217) 428-9255.

Heartland Heroes, to benefit the American Red Cross, will be held on Saturday, March 7, at the Decatur Conference Center and Hotel. In addition to honoring this year’s Heartland Heroes Award winners, the night will feature a concert by country music legend Joe Diffie. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets for the entire event cost $75. Tickets for the concert only are $25.

For tickets, call (217) 428-7758, ext. 7478.

For the kids

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

Children’s Museum of Illinois: Sing along

Featured Business:

with Michael Scherer and Zach Garrett and tinker with different musical instruments at a new location in the museum each week during Music Around the Museum on Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; Family Friday on March 6; Family Science Sunday, 2-4 p.m. on March 8. www.cmofil.org Call (217) 423-5437.

The Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra’s student string ensemble and Baby TALK present the annual Lullaby Concert, a free program of music, stories and fun for families with small children, at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 8.

Misc.

Mount Zion Spring Craft Show, Friday and Saturday, March 6 and 7, at the Mount Zion Convention Center. For more information, go to www.mtzconventioncenter. com/ or call (217) 864-5424.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade, 11 a.m. Saturday, March 14, in downtown Decatur.

Decatur Civic Center: Home Lawn & Garden Show, Saturday and Sunday, March 14-15; Ladies Night Out, 5-9 p.m.

Thursday, April 2. For more information, go to www.decaturciviccenter.org or call (217) 422-7300.

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

HIcKorY PoInt Banquet facIlItY Accommodates: 225 w/additional seating on veranda Award-winning cuisine

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

DECATUR CLUB

158 W. Prairie Ave., Decatur

Accommodates: 300 people

Contact: Jeff Ingle

Banquets & weddings

DECATUR CiviC CEnTER

429-4200

#1 Gary K Anderson Plaza, Decatur

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

Contact: Shelly Gregg 422-7300

Decatur conference center & Hotel Accommodates: 2,000 people 55,000 sq. ft. functional space, food service available

DoHertY’S PuB & PInS Accommodates: up to 80 seating - 150 capacity

4191 U.S. 36 West Contact: 420-8711 242 E. William St., Decatur Contact: 428-5612

Full food & beverage service available

Mt. ZIon conventIon center Accommodates: 1,100 people

Mt. ZIon lIonS center Accommodates: up to 300 people Choose your own caterer, bring your own food Ask about our “value-added service”

ScovIll Banquet facIlItY Accommodates: up to 225 people Award-winning cuisine

1410 Mt. Zion Pkwy, Mt. Zion Contact: 864-5424 1595 W. Main St., Mt. Zion Contact: Sharon Spinner 864-3100 mtzionlionsclub.com 3909 W. Main St., Decatur Contact: Kevin Brewer 421-7470

March 2015

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YOUR

BUSINESS JOURNAL 7

BUSINESS

Decatur’s FirsTech smooths financial transition CHRIS LUSVARDI

Business Journal Writer‌

‌DECATUR — Howard Mooney has been amazed by how technology has changed the financial industry.

Companies involved in the business, such as downtown Decatur-based FirsTech Inc. have had to adapt as consumer tendencies have changed, said Mooney, who has been its president and CEO since 2000.

Payment processing has taken on an even more dramatic evolution since FirsTech started in 1984. Continuing changes will be determined by the market, he said.

“With what the next generation is doing, I can’t imagine it’s hit its peak,” Mooney said.

“It continues to evolve.”

FirsTech began by processing lockbox payments for what was at the time Illinois Power Co. Lockbox transactions paid by paper checks remained the primary source of payments the company processed, including in 1997, when it made up 95 percent of the transactions FirsTech handled.

Since then, the method has nearly flipped with 93 percent of FirsTech’s transactions done by some type of electronic payment channel, Mooney said.

Electronic payment channels can include electronic bill presentment, online bill pay, mobile bill pay, customer service representative payments, direct debit, automated phone payments, walk-in payment processing and payments delivered by the automated clearing house network. The goal is to provide low payment processing costs as consumers are shifting away from writing checks, Mooney said.

“The generational shift has moved more toward utilizing technology,” Mooney said.

“As a result, payment system check volume has diminished in the last five years, dropping nearly two-thirds.”

Electronic methods can provide instant validation that a transaction is completed properly, Mooney said.

“We want the knowledge it’s there and secure,” Mooney said.

With the changes occurring, FirsTech grew by developing more products and services for its clients. Being less dependent on the mail system, the firm now handles nearly 23 million transactions per year as its geographic reach has expanded to 3,000 locations in 36 states with its footprint heaviest in the Midwest.

“All of our products came over time,” Mooney said. “We’ve managed to stay cutting-edge. We operate as if we were in downtown Chicago.”

FirsTech became a subsidiary of First Busey Corp. in 2007 when the Champaignbased parent of Busey Bank merged with Main Street Bank & Trust. FirsTech had started as a partner with First National Bank of Decatur.

The relationship with Busey has allowed FirsTech to provide solutions throughout the financial transaction process, Mooney said.

“It all has to tie together,” Mooney said.

Business Journal photos, Danny Damiani‌

Danielle Rodgers, an employee at FirsTech Inc., operates a high-speed sorter that scans mail-in payments to store in a database.

Howard Mooney, president and CEO of FirsTech, stands among the servers at the company’s office in Decatur.

“The integration with Busey sets us apart in the industry.”

FirsTech now has 50 full-time employees, in addition to temporary positions.

“Our progressive developers have allowed us to transform ourselves to stay in front

of the current demands of the market,” Mooney said.

Ameren, which was formerly Illinois Power, continues as one of FirsTech’s clients.

“Our relationship grew when FirsTech

was awarded a contract to provide walk-in payment centers for our customers in Illinois and Missouri,” said Diane Bortmess, Ameren supervisor of treasury technology.

“Transitioning nearly 200 locations in the walk-in payment network to FirsTech was a difficult task, but they did it with ease and the transition was seamless for our customers.”

FirsTech’s clients have expanded beyond the utility business to include entities sending out bills to large groups of customers such as those in the government insurance, utility, health care, telecom, cable and finance industries.

FirsTech has added a secondary site in Clayton, Mo., partially as a way to back up its systems.

“The expectation of the customer base is 100 percent system availability,” Mooney said.

Throughout the process, Mooney said security is a top priority. In addition to his responsibilities with FirsTech, Mooney serves as chief information officer for First Busey Corp.

“The movement of money now focuses more on secure electronic payment methods,” Mooney said. “It’s a constantly changing landscape.”

He said Busey has been named as one of Forbes magazine’s Most Trustworthy Companies in each of the past two years.

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March 2015

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Workplace drug testing: Not all drugs created equal ‌This month, we continue our look at work place drug testing with a fictional encounter.

Four persons were among the many scores of applicants seeking employment with a Decatur-area company. Barbara Jean, Bobby Ray, Alvin, and Kiana completed online applications.

They submitted resumés. Having cleared the early hurdles, each was interviewed and did well.

Hopeful that they have isolated the best of the batch, the comHuman Resources pany’s HR staff scheduled the remaining applicants for pre-employment drug testing. The instructions said to appear at a designated testing lab on Thursday morning at 11 a.m.

They dutifully trotted into the facility at the appointed hour. But each of them carried a secret: Barbara Jean is an increasingly frequent drug user. A couple years ago, she started taking diet pills and got hooked. She advanced to speed and now uses methamphetamines. She started using only on weekends, but now she finds herself needing that high several times a week. Her last use was Tuesday morning.

Bobby Ray prefers opiates. He is glad that heroin is so easily available these days.

His dealer says the low prices are due to the huge supply from Afghanistan, which produced a record output of opium last year (“the spoils of war”). Bobby Ray generally snorts daily, but he can go up to 30 hours without withdrawal symptoms. Thinking he might soon be called for a drug test, he took his most recent dab of smack on Monday.

Alvin is a weekend toker. Most Friday nights he shares a couple joints with his friends, and maybe he does some more weed on Saturday. Alvin never uses marijuana during the week. Knowing a drug test might be coming, he abstained last weekend. His last puff of marijuana was 12 days ago.

Kiana’s drug of choice is alcohol, and she chooses it often. Every evening finds her lost in a fog of gin by 7 p.m. and passed out by 10. She generally recovers enough to

Fred Spannaus

function in the mornings, but by mid-afternoon the cravings return, and she’s ready for her first nip by 4:30. She hasn’t slowed down a bit this week; she probably couldn’t if she tried.

Our quartet of candidates peed into a cup and depart.

The results came in a few days later. The weekend toker, Alvin went up in a puff of smoke. But he was the only one who failed.

The other three passed. Meth addict Barbara Jean tested clean. Heroin user Bobby Ray also had negative results and is on his way to a job at the company. And the poor alcoholic, Kiana, also passed. On Monday she will joyfully accept the job offer.

How could this have happened? How could the least addicted and the least worrisome of the four be the only one who failed the drug test?

Easy. Some drugs stay in the body’s system longer than others. Meth (also called speed, ice, crystal, and crack) is one of the most dangerous and addictive substances around; yet it is undetectable in urine after a maximum of 48 hours. For some it washes out even more quickly. So Barbara Jean, who is on her way to becoming a daily doper, passed her drug test with flying colors.

Bobby Ray’s heroin habit was undetectable after two days. Like heroin, amphetamine (speed) also is gone in 48 hours, as are codeine, morphine and some street drugs like ecstasy.

At the other end of the scale, marijuana can stay in the body’s system for up to two months, depending on frequency of use.

That’s what tripped up occasional user Alvin. Bennies (benzodiazepines) can hang around in the urine for six weeks or more.

PCP (angel dust) can be detected for as much as four weeks after use.

And booze? As a general rule, a drug test can find alcohol in urine for only 48 hours, and in blood for about half that long. But few employers screen applicants for alcohol abuse. So even though Kiana is a problem drinker by anybody’s definition, come Monday she will be a new employee.

Welcome to the wacky world of drug testing. We’ll continue our trek next month.

Fred W. Spannaus, principal of Spannaus Consulting, is a senior professional in human resources. He loves feedback to his columns. Fred can be contacted by email at spannaus@ameritech.net or by phone at (217) 425-2635.

BUSINESS JOURNAL Reader Profile: n 72% read The Business Journal monthly. n 17% are 34 and under.

2015

Nominees must be 39 years of age or younger as of July 1, 2015. You may nominate more than one person, and you may nominate yourself. Nominees can either work OR live in Macon County. Nominations must be submitted by April 24, 2015 online at www.thebusiness-journal.com. Nominations may also be submitted via mail in care of The Business Journal, 601 E. William St. Decatur, IL 62523 or e-mailed to: sperry@herald-review.com Nominator’s Name: _______________________________________________ Nominator’s Work Phone:___________________________________________ Nominator’s E-mail:_______________________________________________ Nominator’s Mailing Address: ________________________________________ Candidate’s Name: _______________________________________________ Candidate’s Gender: M F Candidate’s E-Mail: __________________________ Candidate’s Mailing Address: ________________________________________ Candidate’s Work/Home Phone: ______________________________________ Candidate’s Age:_________________________________________________ Candidate’s Occupation & Company:___________________________________ Awards/Honors Candidate has Received: ________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Why You Think He/She Should be Selected: ______________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ (217) 421- 6920 • 601 E. William St., Decatur, IL 62523

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ASK THE SCORE COUNSELOR ‌G O T A Q U E S T I O N ?

Be sure to watch for the First Step FastTrac classes on starting a business being offered by SCORE and the Tabor Center for Entrepreneurship this spring.

And if you have questions for the “Ask the SCORE Counselor” column regarding taxes or any other business related topic, email it to bwetherholt@millikin.edu or send to SCORE Chapter 296, Millikin University, 1184 W. Main St., Decatur, IL 62522. For individual counseling sessions, please call the SCORE office at (217) 424-6297.

decides your “business” is really just a hobby, your expenses may not be deductible. Look for their nine-point checklist to see how you stack up in the “Starting a Business” section.

The “Filing and Paying Taxes” section offers an overview of business taxes you may face and the forms you’ll need to file. And you’ll gain important insight into business income and expenses, tax credits, estimated taxes and personal assets in a business. The “Tax Calendar for Small Business and SelfEmployed” is a handy scheduling tool also available at the site.

— Bethany Wetherholt, SCORE counselor

Meet a SCORE counselor‌

Kim

Myung Kim is a retired engineer from Tate & Lyle North America. His counseling specialties are project management, company management and international consulting. He has been a SCORE member since 1995 and served as the chapter chairman for 12 years.

Pre-Kindergarten Registration Three and Four Year Olds Half day and all day programs Call for appointment

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2015

‌Q: Where can a small-business owner get answers to tax questions?

A: Most likely, business taxes are not among your favorite topics. But as we all know, taxes are one of life’s inevitabilities, and small businesses face more than their fair share. For small-business owners, multiple levels of taxation at the city, county, state and federal levels, as well as complex and ever-changing rules and requirements, form a gauntlet of potential pitfalls.

However, it is the Internal Revenue Service that has taken the initiative to try and clear some of the tax-related fog for business owners and the self-employed. After all, the IRS doesn’t make the tax laws, it just manages the mess.

One of the chief improvements is a special small business/self-employed (SB/SE) website created and updated by the IRS. Information on the site is free, easy to find and remarkably light on “gov-speak.” You’ll find it at www.irs.gov/smallbiz. This is a great place to give yourself a tax smarts tune-up.

And what could be more authoritative than information coming from the chief tax honchos themselves?

A section called “Starting, Operating, or Closing a Business,” for example, covers a tremendous amount of tax territory and includes much of the site’s most useful information. This is where you’ll find IRS rules on hiring your own children or other family members, recordkeeping, employer ID numbers and selecting a business structure.

The advice you’ll find would be helpful for just about any type of small business. And if you have employees, you’ll find resources on hiring, employment taxes and wage reporting requirements.

There’s also help answering key tax-related questions such as: Is what you are doing a true business or merely a hobby? If the IRS

BUSINESS CLIPS ‌New staff members

Interventional cardiologist Dr. Jack J. Hall has joined The Prairie Heart Institute at St. Mary’s Hospital.

Promotions

Kathi L. McClugage has been promoted to community senior vice president of human resources for Soy Capital Bank.

Achievements

Chris Perry of Peerless Cleaners Inc. has been certified as an IICRC-approved carpet cleaning technician.

Announcements

Mitchell S. Schinzler of Christy-Foltz Inc. has been elected vice president and Gary Sebens of Mid-States General & Mechanical Contracting Corp. has been elected secretary/treasurer of the Central Illinois Builders of Associated General Contractors of America.

Lindsey Wise of Kehart, Trimble, Wise, Anderson & Booth has been elected president

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Other officers are Regan Lewis, president-elect; Drew Jacobus, Wise Schinzler secretary; Katherine Anderson, treasurer; and Bill McNutt, pastpresident. Board members are the Judge R.C. Bollinger, Carol Craig, Kim Rhykus, Darrel Parish, Philip Tibbs and Andrew Weatherford.

Business Clips are abbreviated versions of paid Business Achievements which appear on Mondays in the Herald & Review. For more information about Business Achievements, go to www.herald-review.com/app/secure/businessach/

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March 2015

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YOUR

CAREER

3 Cups of Coffee mixes mentorship, beverages JOYCE GANNON

Tribune News Service Writer‌

‌PITTSBURGH — After she left college because of financial difficulties, Wendy Lloyd, 27, worked a string of jobs ranging from coffeehouse barista to administrative assistant.

As she sought full-time employment, she figured her solid record of volunteer experience with the AmeriCorps program and the University of Pittsburgh’s Nationality Rooms might boost her credentials.

But mostly, she sent applications to online job sites and never received a reply.

What she craved was personal, one-onone input about her skills.

Because she had dropped out of school, Lloyd said, “College internships and professional organizations were opportunities I didn’t have. I wanted someone to lay eyes on my resume.”

She found that person in June at a downtown Pittsburgh coffee bar.

Through a mentorship initiative called 3 Cups of Coffee, Lloyd met Kristi Heidkamp, 26, who had volunteered to be a mentor for the program that connects professional females with women seeking to launch or reshape their careers.

Heidkamp, who works in wealth

management recruiting for BNY Mellon, reviewed Lloyd’s resume, gave her tips on tailoring cover letters for different positions, and urged her to broaden her search by rethinking her talents and applying for positions that might not call for her specific skill set.

The pair kept in touch by email in between coffee meetings and in November, Lloyd interviewed for a position in check services at BNY Mellon. She landed the job and started work Dec. 1.

Because they now work for the same company, although in different buildings, Lloyd and Heidkamp have bumped into each other and admit they will probably remain connected through email and over an occasional lunch or coffee.

Unlike many mentorship initiatives, 3 Cups was designed to be a relatively shortterm relationship between the mentor and mentee.

Participants commit to meet three times over six weeks. The coffee shop provides the brew for free through vouchers that are distributed to mentors by Pennsylvania Women Work, a nonprofit that sponsors 3 Cups.

Pennsylvania Women Work “came to us with the idea for the coffee and the

Tribune News Service‌

Kristi Heidkamp, left, and Wendy Lloyd talk over a cup of coffee during the 3 Cups of Coffee mentoring program at BNY Mellon in Pittsburgh, Pa.

setting,” said Samantha Stroyne, territory manager for Crazy Mocha, the coffee shop chain involved with the program.

The company agreed to donate beverages, because, “When you come to a coffee shop it’s relaxed and you are comfortable talking about things you are struggling with. It’s nice to pull (the mentors) out of the corporate element and the (mentees) out of the home. They get to a neutral ground.”

For time-strapped professionals who like the idea of helping another woman

but who worry about a long-term commitment, the 3 Cups format “is really doable,” said Vicki Lish, program manager.

“They can give insight and help someone navigate what they navigated in three, onehour sessions.”

The program grew out of Pennsylvania Women Work’s New Choices, a series of classes that focuses on job skills and career building for women who are in transition because of job loss, the death of a spouse, divorce or other unexpected circumstances, said Julie Marx, executive director of the statewide organization.

Through 3 Cups, women get “a personal connection to the job world, because you lose professional networks when you are out of the work force.”

Lloyd signed up for 3 Cups after taking the New Choices classes.

BNY Mellon was the first organization to provide mentors, said Lish. There are 40 volunteers from BNY Mellon and 40 from other for-profits and nonprofits. About 70 women have signed up to be mentored, said Lish.

“It’s truly needed,” Sulivan said. “It gives women confidence and conversation skills and the opportunity to talk to a woman about how they broke into” the job market.

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Networking tips to get you back in the game ‌Q: I think I should start doing more networking and wonder how to go about it. I’ve been in the workforce quite a long time so I have a lot of lapsed connections.

A: Look for enjoyment in reaching out to people; let the benefits follow.

Inner game‌

“Should” is an interesting concept. What do you think about networking if you remove that sense of obligation? Do you feel called to reconnect for some reason? Or perhaps there is some kind of fear or regret that is motivating this. It’s important to understand the reasons that you want to take this on, so set aside some time for reflection.

Liz Reyer

‌W E E K LY T I P S Get weekly career tips from Liz Reyer at www.thebusiness-journal.com.

Take some breaths, and let your mind settle down. As you focus inward, notice how you feel when you’re relaxed. Now think about another “should” task in your life and notice if it changes how you feel, either physically or emotionally. Switch back to a neutral state of mind, and then think about something you want to do. What does positive anticipation feel like? Now, the test, when you think about networking, what types of physical or emotional responses emerge?

If you have a positive reaction, you’re in good shape; you’ll just need to think through the tactical plan to make it happen. If networking sounds like a hard thing to do, you’ll be more successful if you set it up to play to your strengths and preferences.

You also need to be clear about the outcomes you seek. For example, are you expecting to be on the job market, or do you just feel disconnected?

Outer game‌

How do you like to interact? Are you a one-on-one type or do you thrive in groups? Set up your strategy to be as appealing as possible; there is no right way to proceed.

Start looking for people; if you’re not using LinkedIn, it’s time to start.

Again, go with what draws you, thinking about people you’re interested in and connected well with. You can keep the contact simple: “I’ve been thinking about you and thought I’d reach out to say hello” is plenty. Share a little about what you’re doing and express interest in hearing about him or her. A subject line of “reconnecting” works just fine.

Use these connections to broaden your network. Your connection may know someone who could help you with a question or who has information

you’re looking for. Once the relationship is re-established, you can seek this kind of help.

Pay it forward. If you see information that will help someone, send it. If someone asks for an informational interview, give them some time. This type of selfless help will come back to benefit you (and you’ll feel good doing it).

Keep track of your progress. Check in each month with how many more people you’ve connected with and also pay attention to how you feel about it. If you can do more, go for it; if you feel yourself burning out, recalibrate.

The last word‌

Turn the “should” of networking into the “get to do” of establishing connections.

Liz Reyer is a credentialed coach with more than 20 years of business experience. Submit questions or comments about this column at www.deliverchange. com/coachscorner or email her at liz@deliverchange. com.

Talk to boss about public admonishment in private ‌Q: I am upset with my supervisor because she recently corrected me in front of my co-workers. Instead of giving me feedback in private, she publicly blamed me for making some errors in a report.

While I accept responsibility for these mistakes, I believe it was disrespectful to point them out in a meeting. This is not the first time my supervisor has done this. How can I Office Coach talk to her about treating me with more respect?

A: Reprimanding the boss is never a good idea, so don’t accuse your supervisor of being disrespectful. That will only start an argument which you cannot win.

Instead, try using “I-statements” to help her understand how you felt in this situation, then politely request a different approach in the future.

For example: “I have a favor to ask.

Last week, when we discussed my errors during the staff meeting, I felt very embarrassed. Although I understand your concerns, I would appreciate it if we could talk about any future problems in private.

Would that be OK with you?”

Marie McIntyre

Most managers understand that public criticism is inappropriate, so hopefully your supervisor will agree to this request.

Going forward, if she should happen to slip up and repeat her error, just listen to the feedback, then ask if you could discuss the matter in her office.

On the other hand, if your boss defends the practice of admonishing people in front of their peers, then she either missed Management 101 or is poorly suited for her position. Managers who believe in public reprimands tend to have a punitive leadership style and a high rate of turnover.

Q: One of my co-workers is constantly goofing off, but my manager won’t do anything about it. While the rest of us are working, “Emily” just does whatever she pleases. I have gone to my boss several times about this, but he refuses to address the issue. He just keeps saying that we all need to get along. How should I handle this situation?

A: If Emily’s laziness is making your own job more difficult, then that’s what you should discuss with your manager. For example: “My monthly report is often late because I never get updates from Emily until after the deadline. I’ve explained this to her, but that hasn’t solved the problem.

Could you talk with her about this?”

But if you are simply irritated by her slacker ways, then you might as well just let that go. You aren’t Emily’s boss, and the person who is her boss doesn’t seem

‌W E E K LY T I P S Can’t get enough advice from the Office Coach? Get weekly column updates at www.thebusiness-journal.com.

to care. While your annoyance is understandable, getting all worked up about her slothfulness will only increase your stress level.

Finally, if you have “gone to your manager several times,” I can almost guarantee that he is now tired of hearing these complaints. If you continue to repeat them, he might eventually decide that you are the problem. This may not seem fair, but it could easily happen.

Q: Three years ago, after starting a family, I began working from home most of the time, spending only one day a week in the office. Although my manager approved this plan, he has never kept me informed about policy changes or other business developments. My co-workers communicate exclusively through texts and emails, so I never receive any phone calls.

Recently, my boss informed me that my performance is slipping. I have been reprimanded several times for making mistakes or missing deadlines. My manager used to be a supportive coach, but he now he just seems cold and critical. How can I improve when no one will communicate with me?

A: After being largely absent for three

years, it’s no wonder you feel disconnected. Based on your comments, however, you appear to have been passively waiting for others to keep you involved and informed. To get back on track, you must begin to assume personal responsibility for getting what you need.

As a first step, establish a regular schedule of meetings with your manager.

During these discussions, you can request updates, clarify expectations, provide progress reports and request helpful coaching. In response to his recent criticisms, consider drafting an improvement plan with specific objectives.

To stay current with more informal happenings, develop the habit of inviting one or more co-workers to lunch on your office days. And if you need to converse with someone who avoids the phone, simply send an email to schedule a call.

Finally, if you plan to stay with this company, it may be time to increase your visibility. Show up for staff meetings, attend company functions, and add an extra office day from time to time.

Although working from home provides wonderful benefits, the old saying “out of sight, out of mind” concisely sums up the risks.

Marie G. McIntyre is a workplace coach and the author of “Secrets to Winning at Office Politics.”

Send in questions and get free coaching tips at www. yourofficecoach.com, or follow her on Twitter @ officecoach.

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March 2015

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March 2015

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BUSINESS JOURNAL 13

Networking opportunities ALTRUSA INTERNATIONAL OF DECATUR‌

CONTACT: Burl Stoner, (217) 429-0333

DECATUR SHRINE CLUB‌

WHEN: 6 p.m., second Monday WHERE: Varies PURPOSE: To promote community service with an emphasis on literacy.

MEMBERSHIP: By invitation of a current member. Annual dues.

ACTIVITIES: Sponsors grant applications, Decatur Celebration wine cooler booths.

CONTACT: Bob Fallstrom, (217) 421-7981

WHEN: Noon, every Wednesday WHERE: Scovill Banquet Facility PURPOSE: Help provide treatment to children in 22 children’s hospitals across the United States, Canada and Mexico, three burn centers and one cleft palate center in the United States.

MEMBERSHIP: Any Shriner can join.

Annual dues.

ACTIVITIES: Fish fries, pork chop bake, ham and bean supper, parade participation.

CONTACT: Clinton Keller,(217) 433-2258

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN‌ WHEN: Meetings vary and aren’t held during the summer months WHERE: Varies PURPOSE: Promote equality for women and girls in education and legal advocacy.

MEMBERSHIP: Open to all who want to join. Annual dues.

ACTIVITIES: International luncheon, Spring luncheon and silent auction, Christmas tea, provide scholarships for students at Richland Community College and Millikin University.

CONTACT: Alice Huebner, president, (217) 876-1446

AMBUCS‌

DECATUR‌ WHEN: Noon, every Tuesday (except fourth and fifth Tuesday) WHERE: Decatur Club PURPOSE: Dedicated to creating mobility and independence for people with disabilities.

MEMBERSHIP: Open to all who want to join. Monthly dues include cost of meal.

ACTIVITIES: Pepsi booths at Decatur Celebration, sweetheart calendar raffle, maintain scholarship program for college juniors and seniors majoring in a therapy field, provide AmTryke therapeutic tricycles for children with disabilities.

CONTACT: Eula Snow, (217) 428-0420 LINCOLNLAND‌ WHEN: 6:30 p.m., first and second Thursday WHERE: Independence Pointe building MEMBERSHIP: Open to all who want to join. Monthly dues.

ACTIVITIES: Build wheelchair ramps, provide AmTryke therapeutic tricycles for children with disabilities, sponsor dances at Knights of Columbus Hall, volunteer for Special Olympics and family picnic.

CONTACT: Rosey Kuhlmann, (217) 875-5017

DECATUR AREA SOCIETY FOR HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT‌ WHEN: 11 a.m., second Tuesday (except July and August) WHERE: Varies

PURPOSE: Networking and information for HR professionals and individuals tasked with HR administration/management or any of its specialized functions.

MEMBERSHIP: Open to individuals engaged in at least 50 percent of their work time to an HR administration/management or any of its specialized functions. Annual dues.

ACTIVITIES: Networking events, monthly lunch meeting with different speaker discussing HR-related topics, annual area conference for Society for Human Resource Management.

CONTACT: Todd Ray, (217) 429-5261 or email decaturareashrm@gmail.com ON THE WEB: decatur.shrm.org

DECATUR CAMERA CLUB‌

WHEN: 7 p.m., second and fourth Thursdays (except Thanksgiving and Christmas) WHERE: Westminster Presbyterian Church (January and February) or Rock Springs Environmental Center (remainder of the year) PURPOSE: Promote photography through educational programs, fellowship and constructive feedback.

MEMBERSHIP: Open to all interested in photography.

CONTACT: Curt Knapp, (217) 864-4492, knapp_ct@comcast.net ON THE WEB: www.decaturcameraclub.net

DECATUR CHRISTIAN WOMEN’S CONNECTION‌ WHEN: 11:30 a.m., Thursday after the third Tuesday WHERE: Scovill Banquet Facility PURPOSE: Spread the Christian message that God loves you.

MEMBERSHIP: Open to all women who want to attend. Cost of lunch.

CONTACT: Sylvia Baker, (217) 865-2927

DECATUR AREA WOMEN’S NETWORK (DAWN)‌ WHEN: 5:30 p.m., second Thursday (except July and August) WHERE: Decatur Club

PURPOSE: Promote community awareness, personal/professional growth and communication among a group of diverse and talented women.

MEMBERSHIP: Open to all women. First time attendees $10. Reservations required.

CONTACT: Julie Pangrac, president, dawndecatur@gmail.com ON THE WEB: www.facebook.com/ groups/decaturdawn

DECATUR BUILDING CONSTRUCTION TRADES COUNCIL‌ WHEN: 10 a.m., second and fourth Tuesday WHERE: IBEW Local 146 Hall PURPOSE: To promote the construction industry in the area and to meet the needs of members by enhancing the safety and quality of their work.

MEMBERSHIP: Open to construction business managers. Dues vary.

ACTIVITIES: Donate labor to DMH Home Health & Hospice, Decatur Celebration, Decatur Family YMCA, Child Advocacy Center and downtown Christmas tree lighting.

CONTACT: Shad Etchason, president, (217) 877-4604

DECATUR REAL ESTATE INVESTORS ASSOCIATION‌ WHEN: 6:30 p.m., second Wednesday (except July) WHERE: Perkins Family Restaurant PURPOSE: To help people find affordable places to live.

MEMBERSHIP: Annual dues.

CONTACT: Steve Thorpe, (217) 433-8692

DECATUR FRONTIERS CLUB‌

WHEN: 10:30 a.m. Saturdays WHERE: Decatur Club PURPOSE: Fill needs in the community.

MEMBERSHIP: Open to any adult.

ACTIVITIES: Adopted Washington School, assist with food baskets, health fair, Diabetes Association 5K walk/run, scholarships.

DECATUR YOUNG GUNS‌

WHEN: Varies WHERE: Varies PURPOSE: To provide an outlet for young Decatur area residents to meet one another, build relationships and improve social outlets, leading to improved quality of life.

MEMBERSHIP: Ages 21 to 40 CONTACT: DecaturYoungGuns@gmail. com

GFWC DECATUR WOMAN’S CLUB‌

WHEN: 11:30 a.m., second Thursday (except January and July) WHERE: Scovill Banquet Facility (through June) PURPOSE: A charitable organization that promotes the educational, industrial and social interests of women.

MEMBERSHIP: Open to any woman.

Annual dues.

ACTIVITIES: Sponsor zebras, Chad and Zoe, at Scovill Zoo, rummage sales, monthly speakers, sponsor a scholarship to Eastern Illinois University, work for the prevention of domestic abuse, volunteer at Decatur Memorial Hospital and Blessingdales, among other things.

CONTACT: Darla D. Weltmer, president, (217) 877-7008

HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY CONSORTIUM‌ WHEN: Noon, first Thursday (except January, July and August) WHERE: Central Christian Church PURPOSE: To promote common goals by sharing ideas, clarifying communications, identifying needs and resources, promoting training opportunities and promoting public awareness of accomplishments in the human service field.

MEMBERSHIP: Anyone interested in social services. Dues vary.

ACTIVITIES: Teddy Bear Dental Fund CONTACT: Macy Barnett, (217) 422-8537

NETWORKING/14

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NETWORKING Continued from 13

KIWANIANNE CLUB OF DECATUR‌

WHEN: 9:30 a.m., every Tuesday WHERE: Scovill Banquet Facility PURPOSE: Service to the community.

MEMBERSHIP: Current members sponsor new members. Meeting dues.

ACTIVITIES: Kiwanianne for schools drive, pecan sales, fall salad luncheon with silent auction.

CONTACT: Jean Hanson, president, (217) 433-1915

KIWANIS‌

EARLY BIRD‌ WHEN: 6:45 a.m., every Thursday WHERE: Scovill Banquet Facility PURPOSE: Children are priority No. 1.

MEMBERSHIP: Open to anyone who wants to join. Quarterly dues.

ACTIVITIES: Peanut day, cheese sale.

CONTACT: Mark Wood, board member, (217) 875-2655 GOLDEN K‌ WHEN: 9:30 a.m., every Wednesday WHERE: Scovill Banquet Facility MEMBERSHIP: Open to anyone who wants to join. Annual dues.

ACTIVITIES: Sponsor of Bringing Up Grades, sixth-grade basketball at Decatur Indoor Sports Center, Books for Kids, monthly backpack, co-sponsor of every third grade student receiving a dictionary, sponsor Millikin University children’s play, among other things.

CONTACT: Charles Smith, president (217) 424-1026 ON THE WEB: www.decaturnet.org NOON‌ WHEN: Noon, every Tuesday.

WHERE: Decatur Club MEMBERSHIP: Open to anyone who wants to join. Quarterly dues, meal included.

ACTIVITIES: Peanut days, Boo at the Zoo, Catholic Charities, serve at Community Thanksgiving luncheon, serve lunch at the Good Samaritan Inn once a month.

CONTACT: Bob Larson, president, (217) 429-2326

LIONS‌

DECATUR NOON‌ WHEN: Noon, every Monday WHERE: Diamonds Family Restaurant PURPOSE: Provide services for sight- and hearing-impaired.

MEMBERSHIP: By invitation of a current member. Quarterly dues include cost of meal.

ACTIVITIES: Hearing screenings at the Farm Progress Show.

CONTACT: Diane Drew, (217) 422-9888 MOUNT ZION‌ WHEN: 6:30 p.m., second and fourth Thursdays WHERE: Lions Club Community Center PURPOSE: Provide services for sight- and hearing-impaired.

MEMBERSHIP: By invitation of a current

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member. Annual dues.

ACTIVITIES: Pony Express Days, pancake day, egg hunt.

CONTACT: Wayne Williams, (217) 620-4758 ON THE WEB: www.mtzionlionsclub.com

METRO DECATUR HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION‌ WHEN: 6 p.m., first Thursday (except June-August, October and December) WHERE: Beach House PURPOSE: Dedicated to the promotion of new construction and remodeling in the Decatur area.

MEMBERSHIP: Anyone with ties to the building community in Macon, DeWitt, Moultrie and Shelby counties. Annual dues and $25 for cost of meal at each meeting.

ACTIVITIES: Golf outing, annual home show.

CONTACT: Marianne Stehr, executive officer, MetroDecaturHBA@gmail.com ON THE WEB: metrodecaturhomebuilders. com

MICRO BUSINESS NETWORK‌

WHEN: Varies WHERE: Lower Richards Treat University Center, Millikin University PURPOSE: Provide micro business owners an environment where they can share knowledge and resources to help each other succeed.

MEMBERSHIP: Micro-business owner, $100 registration fee.

ACTIVITIES: Speaker series, roundtables CONTACT: info@MillikinMBN.com or (217) 424-6296 ON THE WEB: www.MillikinMBN.com

countries, Shelter Box, polio eradication program and Central Illinois regional chili cookoff.

CONTACT: Randy Grigg, (217) 454-0091

SENIOR RESOURCE NETWORK‌

WHEN: Noon, second Thursday WHERE: Keystone Meadows PURPOSE: Dedicated to educating families for life. Local professionals provide information and solutions on a wide array of topics including advance directives, financial, house and home, leisure and wellness/ health care.

MEMBERSHIP: Open to anyone who works with seniors. Cost of lunch.

CONTACT: Debbie Logue, (217) 877-5327 or SRNDecatur@yahoo.com

SERTOMA‌

DECATUR BREAKFAST‌ WHEN: 7 a.m., every Friday WHERE: Scovill Banquet Facility PURPOSE: Service to mankind, with focus on speech and hearing MEMBERSHIP: Open to anyone who wants to join. Quarterly dues includes cost of meal.

ACTIVITIES: Purchase hearing aids, hearing devices and services for the needy; provide copies of Bill of Rights to all fifth-graders in Macon County; Salvation Army bell ringers, two scholarships to Illinois State University and Eastern Illinois University for speech and hearing students; matching grants to organizations. Fundraising

activities include selling elephant ears at Decatur Celebration and midnight bingo.

CONTACT: Paul Rosenberger (217) 877-4789 ON THE WEB: www.decaturnet.org/sertoma NOON‌ WHEN: Noon, every Tuesday WHERE: Decatur Club MEMBERSHIP: Open to anyone who wants to join. Quarterly dues.

ACTIVITIES: Park cars at Decatur Celebration, sponsor of the Independence Pointe Christmas party, poinsettia and patio pots CONTACT: Erv Arends, (217) 428-6985 ON THE WEB: www.decaturnet.org/sertoma

WOMEN’S PROGRESSIVE CLUB‌

WHEN: 6 p.m., first and third Monday (third Monday only in January and February) WHERE: Greater Northside Baptist Church PURPOSE: Meet the needs of women and children in the community.

MEMBERSHIP: Christian-oriented. Open to anyone who is committed to the mission. Annual dues.

ACTIVITIES: Mother’s Day souvenir booklet, women’s luncheon, bake and rummage sales to help support NAACP, Dove Inc. and honorariums to college students.

CONTACT: Barbara Holder, president, (217) 428-1381

ROTARY‌

DECATUR 180‌ WHEN: Noon, every Monday WHERE: Decatur Club PURPOSE: Service to humanity, domestic and foreign.

MEMBERSHIP: By invitation of a current member. Quarterly dues includes cost of meal.

ACTIVITIES: Finance Rotary Park, provide grants for school libraries, contribute funds for international relief programs, numerous contributions to area organizations.

CONTACT: Delmar Sandage, president ON THE WEB: www.decaturrotary.org DECATUR METROPOLITAN‌ WHEN: Noon, every Thursday WHERE: Decatur Club MEMBERSHIP: Open to anyone who wants to join. Annual dues.

ACTIVITIES: Holiday citrus sale, various local and international charitable activities.

CONTACT: Rev. Richard Swann, president, (217) 521-2559 FORSYTH‌ WHEN: 7 a.m., every Tuesday WHERE: Homewood Suites by Hilton MEMBERSHIP: By invitation of a current member. Quarterly dues.

ACTIVITIES: Citrus sales, sponsor RYLA for high school students, a heifer program which sends livestock to undeveloped

Freshman & New Student Registration freshmen Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 • 5-7 p.m.

10th, 2015 Drop 9 In Sessions

March 2015

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Meet Camda Temmen,

BUSINESS JOURNAL 15

Business Journal, Danny Damiani‌

Readers’ Choice Best Eye Doctor repeat winner

‌Hometown: Raised in Pana. Moved to Decatur in 1997.

Family: Husband, Kevin Hughey, and daughter, Marilyn, along with their cats (Frank, Dexter, Mr. Sandypants) and dogs (Macy and Maggie). All of the pets are rescued animals.

Occupation: Doctor of optometry and CEO of Temmen Advanced Eyecare LLC. Education: Pana High School, bachelor’s degree from Benedictine University and Doctor of Optometry from Indiana University.

My “I’d rather be …” bumper sticker would read: “I’d rather be at a show choir competition.” Our daughter is a member of the Mount Zion Swingsations and the show choir season is a wonderful way to stay connected with Marilyn, her friends and other show choir parents.

Hobbies/interests: Entertaining. We love having large dinner parties and small groups of friends over. I also enjoy traveling, wine and Indiana University basketball.

My first job: As a teen, I was a student reporter for Pana News Palladium. In

Antique Olivewould for numbers What you tell

college, I was an office worker and optician.

As an optometrist, it was with Dr. Joe Marcin in Pana.

Why I do what I do: To make life easier.

Personal approaches to challenges: There is no black or white. There is always more than one solution to each problem. Occam’s razor, using the fewest steps to get the best result.

Community involvement: Mount Zion schools and Swingsations show choir. Our daughter is a sophomore and very active.

Right now it’s all about enjoying and helping with the show choirs.

To what do you attribute your Readers’ Choice success? Years of asking patients “are you happy.” I am always honestly really interested in the answer and try to find ways to improve their quality of life, trying to make happiness happen.

the small-business owner who says they don’t have time to take advantage of networking opportunities? Networking is better than not working. The little things count as networking. Always have a business card to give. Smile!

How important is it to be involved in the community? Necessary but exhausting.

Staying sincere with involvement means sometimes saying “no.” A person can’t really give 100 percent to too many groups and feel sincere. Better to do a few great than too many poorly.

A website, Facebook, a changing outdoor sign, radio and newspaper ads. Sounds like a lot of work. Are all these means of communication necessary? So many types of media with so many types of people. Yes, it is necessary. To reach them we have to use different types of media. The challenge is to use them wisely.

Many business owners are good at what they do, but have little training when it comes to promoting what they do. How have you handled marketing over the years? I look at the larger companies for ideas, and not always optical

or vision companies. I look at places such as McDonald’s, Ritz Carlton, Disney, BMW. Ultimately, I am a consumer, too, and probably the demographic most companies want to grab for advertising. A clean, quick message without many “buzz” words. Education about the product/service, but not insulting the intelligence. A feel good message with a call to action.

I started marketing myself, then used a local firm. I am now a member of an optometric group to guide private doctors (Prima Group). We changed because not a lot of marketing groups understand optometry, medical plus retail. You need to stay professional and not cheapen the product.

You obviously have embraced social media as part of your customer outreach. At what point did you realize the need to include it in your marketing plan? What are the positives? What are the major challenges? It was four or five years ago that I realized the need to include it in our marketing plan. The positives are are low cost, easy to reach lots of people.

The challenges are staying fresh, brief and informative.

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March 2015

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Secrets to Readers’ Choice success

F

or the past 11 years, the Herald & Review has compiled a best of the best

Antique O

among local businesses based on the votes of their customers.

While some businesses are regulars on the Readers’ Choice list, only hand-

ful have claimed the top honor for all 11 years. They’re obviously doing something right when it comes to customer service, customer loyalty.

With this month’s Making Connections theme in mind, we have reached out to these special businesses to ask them this one question: What is your secret to connecting with customers?

Best real estate agency

Through consistent hard work, putting the customer first, and pushing the envelope when it comes to technology, Brinkoetter and Associates, Realtors is able to get the job done for the customer. From having a great team of experienced, knowledgeable agents to having a uniquely user-friendly real estate website and all the things in between, Brinkoetter and Associates has always focused on doing what is right for the customer and doing it the very well. A trusted name in real estate, Brinkoetter and Associates will be celebrating 50 years in real estate in May. “We Like It Here” is not just a slogan.

It is truly how we feel. Decatur has been Brinkoetter’s home since 1965 and we take pride in being locally owned and operated.

We believe that shows through our involvement in the community.

Combining great service and experience with a true love for the community is our way of connecting with customers.

— Carla Brinkoetter, president/owner

Best credit union

We are a product of decisions made throughout the last 58 years.

When and where to build offices, expanding who can join, who to hire and promote, what services to offer, and all the other decisions — plus a

little luck — have affected our connections with people.

The connections also come from people looking out for each other. When someone you know is not getting as good a deal as you are, you tend to tell him about it. My college roommate asked me, “Why are you paying fees on your checking?

You need to go to Earthmover.” I may have been the finance major, but he was right. Earthmover checking was a better deal.

It is an honor to be voted No. 1 Readers’ Choice and we appreciate the votes of confidence. It’s no secret, we hope to have many more people saying, “You need to go to Earthmover.”

— Barry Schmidt, president

Best furniture store

Best burgers

I would have to say that our secret to connecting with our customers is our personal interest with each one. We have regulars who come in and we know them by name, ask them how they are, how the family is and what not. I feel that is a main reason they keep coming back. The original owner, Bill Krekel and his daughter, Suzanne Bourne, are the one’s who trained us in this job and who taught us to not only have a smile on our faces but to care about our customers’ needs. Whether you are a firsttime visitor or a lifelong customer, you will always leave us with a smile on your face.

— Troy Teel

Best place to buy a car Good’s Furniture has been serving Decatur and surrounding communities for over 59 years with quality home furnishings and outstanding customer service. Good’s Furniture is a family business that is locally owned and operated by third generation owner. Many of our employees have been serving our customers for over 20 years, and that experience helps us connect with our customers and give them the outstanding attention that they have come to expect from Good’s Furniture. Good’s only carries quality furniture and mattresses that our customers can enjoy for many years. It’s this combination of quality furniture and outstanding service that creates the connection with our customers.

— Tim Druessel, owner

Our “secret” really isn’t much of a secret.

Treat people the way you would like to be treated. Take care of your customers before and after the sale. Don’t take the money and run.

Another thing that helps us connect with our customers is the retention of our employees. When customers come back to Miles, they see many familiar faces.

Our salesmen get a lot of repeat business because most have been here a long time.

We have 18 managers with a combined 364 years of experience exclusively at Miles. And it seems like Pat Dawson was born here.

It’s always easier to connect with people you’ve worked with before. When you have a concern, you know someone to call who can make it right. When you’re ready to trade, you can see the same people that took care of you before. We’re not perfect.

We make mistakes. But our customers know that we will do what it takes to keep them coming back.

— Todd Rogers, general sales manager

Best auto body shop AUTO BODY

The average person has an accident once every seven years, which gives us at Newell’s Auto Body only a small window to show you what we are all about. First and foremost, we pride ourselves on delivering a quality repair. That means not only having highly trained employees working on your vehicle, but also the ability to research and gather information on how the manufacturer directs that the repair be done. We pay close attention to detail and perform a thorough analysis of the damage in order to insure the highest quality of repairs. We strive to connect with our customers. Keeping you informed along the way is essential to relieving the stress and anxiety that comes with dealing with damage to your vehicle.

Our customer service focuses on explaining how the repairs need to be done as well as an accurate timetable. We are here to help you through the insurance claim process and turn the inconvenience of a damaged vehicle into a positive experience.

— Todd Newell, president/owner AUTO BODY

March 2015

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BUSINESS JOURNAL 17

Tips for crafting the perfect news release DICK ZAKER

Senior Copy Editor‌

‌Companies, nonprofit organizations and the Herald & Review/Business Journal have a common goal: Bringing necessary information to the public. All of us should be out to reduce obstacles to that goal.

One obstacle that can be large comes in the form of something small: the news release.

“For immediate release: blah, blah, blah.” What could go wrong? You type out a few sentences of what’s important to you and send them to the paper. Ah, but there can be many unanticipated complications to that seemingly simple process.

For starters, there are the “5Ws.” Journalism students are drilled to get the who, what, when, where and why of every story.

Cover all those in your release and you’re well on your way. But there are a few extra considerations: Is there a deadline or special requirements for anything covered in your message? Whom do you contact, including name and email or phone? Is there money involved, and if so, are there special rates for kids? Seniors? Groups?

And who qualifies as a “kid” or “senior.”

Other little things can make or break your news release: Double-check to see that your day and date match. If the event

is March 16, make sure you say Monday in the release.

Timing also counts: You want to make sure we’ll have enough time to publish the information, but you can overdo it.

It might be printed way too early for your needs.

A good guideline is three to four weeks before your earliest deadline. But be aware that different kinds of items have production timelines. Take the Business Journal, for example. Your event is at the end of March, but the March Business Journal was printed at the end of February. Our calendars are always being updated, so we can take that info well in advance.

Telling us about a birthday or engagement a few days before isn’t good if you submit it the day after that week’s info ran.

When you submit your news release, when should you expect to see it in print?

Business Editor Scott Perry and Night Editor John Reidy look to use them about a week before the event or the registration deadline. “I try to be aware people would need time to make a decision and plan accordingly,” Reidy added.

Don’t hesitate to include photos, but be aware that they may not run. High-resolution pictures are the key, sent as jpgs.

Photos taken from websites generally are pretty small and don’t reproduce well.

Now that you’re aware of covering the 5Ws and you have your jpgs all in order, to whom do you send your release? Sometimes, it seems as easy call: a business-related item would go to the business editor (sperry@heraldreview.com); Lifestyle topics to Life Editor Jeana Matherly (jmatherly@ herald-review.com). But when in doubt, consider Managing Editor Dave Dawson (ddawson@herald-review.com) to be the “point man.”

“In most cases, they should start off talking to either me or Scott so we can direct them to someone in the newsroom to take care of them,” Dawson said.

“I always view a reporter as being an advocate for a brief, or potential story. It gives the source someone to go to.”

Perry adds that “It is best to develop a newsroom contact or two who will move the info along and will serve as a contact to track progress.”

There’s another advantage of zeroing in on Dawson or Perry in your initial inquiries about coverage, instead of a reporter. They’re positioned well to decide whether a brief is called for or something more extensive. “We can

write a quick brief about something, but we can’t always get around to covering something with last-minute notice,” Dawson said. “And telling us a little more about something increases your chances of coverage or a feature story. ‘Republican women are meeting Thursday.’ Brief.

‘Republican women are meeting Thursday and Bruce Rauner is scheduled to speak,’ Story.”

What is counterproductive to everyone involved is to blanket the H&R with news releases. “I find that people who think it is a good idea to send an email to everyone in the newsroom are just setting themselves up to fail,” Dawson said.

Why? The news staff’s time is wasted if the same information is worked up by the Life staff and the News staff or Sports or Money. And news hole also is wasted, if only a few inches at a time, if the same brief is published in multiple sections.

Dawson gets the final words on news releases.

“The biggest issues are timing, give us plenty of time to get it in and staff if needed, and needing to know,” he said.

“If you have info to share or a story to tell, share it. The worst we can do is say no to coverage, but we can’t do any of the above if we don’t know about it.”

Networking tips for working professionals Metro Editorial Services

‌ etworking plays an integral role in N professional growth.

Men and women who can nurture relationships within their fields are more likely to be in tune with what’s going on in their professions, and a network of fellow professionals can help men and women advance their careers.

But networking often falls by the wayside for today’s busy professionals, many of whom simply can’t find the time in their hectic schedules to foster relationships with professional colleagues. But the benefits of networking are numerous, and it behooves men and women to make an effort to build and maintain strong professional networks.

Recognize the benefits of networking.

Networking not only benefits individuals but also the companies those individuals own or work for. While many people view networking as a means to one day finding a new job, networking is much more than that. When you foster a professional relationship, the other person in that relationship will be quick to think of you when they need a given service or are asked for a referral. That can benefit business owners’ bottom lines, but even men and women who don’t own a business can benefit, as their bosses will no doubt recognize the role they played in bringing in new business.

Make networking a priority. Once

professionals recognize that networking is about more than just building a web of contacts who can help them find their next job, they can begin to prioritize networking so it can help them in their existing jobs. Make an effort to keep in touch with current and previous clients and any other contacts made over the years.

Something as simple as an email to catch up or an inquiry to see if there’s anything fellow professionals need will help you stay on their minds, which can help you bring in new business or learn about new opportunities down the road. Maintaining and building a professional network doesn’t always require a lot of work, as even seemingly small gestures can pay big dividends if men and women prioritize such efforts.

Revisit your network from time to time.

A network is only beneficial if it remains current. Keep track of the professionals in your network so you know when and where to reach them should you need to do so. A professional networking site such as LinkedIn is a great way to stay on top of what your network is up to, and such a site also is a valuable tool when you want to update your network with any new information about yourself. Revisit your network a few times each year, updating with any new information so you aren’t left scrambling for email addresses or phone numbers when the time comes to get back in touch with your contacts.

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The Community Leaders Breakfast is now on Facebook. Become our Facebook friend today, and stay updated on the latest news.

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

March 2015

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YOUR

H E A LT H

Friendship, humor are main focus for tai chi group EMILY STEELE

Business Journal Writer‌

‌ AROA – Much like the tai chi they practice, the M women who meet at the Maroa Public Library twice a week are easygoing. They don’t wear workout clothing or use expensive equipment. All that’s needed to join their self-led tai chi class is a willingness to laugh at yourself.

“We laugh together,” said group member Karen Halicki. To which group member Phyllis Coch quickly added, “We make fun of ourselves.”

That sense of humor and almost nonstop conversation during class also has a practical purpose.

“If it gets real quiet, you can hear cracking,” Halicki said, which sparked laughter among the group.

The pair started a tai chi free class at the library about three years ago to stay active and kept at it for the companionship. The class has grown to include a core membership of four or five Maroa women who never miss a session.

During one Wednesday morning class, a large, homemade poster board with handwritten notes serves as a reminder about the correct position for each move.

Names such as “scooping water,” “prayer wheel” and “punch tiger” point to the practice’s origins as a Chinese martial art used for both defense and exercise.

The slow movements of tai chi and its focus on breathing has proven beneficial for joint mobility, flexibility, balance, releasing tension and better blood

Business Journal, Jim Bowling‌

Phyllis Koch, left, and Karen Halicki do simultaneous arm and head movements during a tai chi session at the Maroa Public Library.

pressure and circulation. The moves are also easily adjustable.

Depending on how they feel on any given day, the class will follow an instructional DVD or their own routine.

“Theoretically, there might be a right and wrong way,” said Coch. “As long as we’re moving, we don’t care.”

The library group started after Coch and Halicki drove to Decatur to take a tai chi class. They wanted something closer to home, so they worked with the Maroa Library to find a space for their class in a small side room.

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While its slow movements have made it popular with seniors, tai chi’s focus on simplicity and flexibility has found a niche, much like yoga, with those looking to reduce stress.

“It’s for everybody,” said instructor Denise Myers.

Myers teaches tai chi at the Decatur Family Y and in her classes at Millikin University where she’s a theater professor. Her movement class for students in their teens and early 20s always starts with a tai chi warmup to improve focus.

Even though tai chi is not an aerobic exercise, members of the library group end up shedding outer layers and working up a sweat, especially since they’ve added on resistance bands and light weights.

“You can get a sweat doing it, even though you’re doing movements slowly,” Myers said. “It’s coming because you’re generating a lot of energy inside yourself.”

Myers said one of the hardest things is for someone new is to relax into the flow of movements, but not worry about doing it perfectly.

“It’s not meant to be very strict,” Myers said. “It’s more trying to find a flow of energy and ease of movement and it should be fun and enjoyable and simple.”

And that’s something the library group has taken to heart.

“This is a social exercise, there’s a lot of laughing,” said Halicki. “They say laughter keeps you young.”

March 2015

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BUSINESS JOURNAL 19

Community health calendar Support groups‌

TOPS Club IL 49 Decatur, 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Main Street Church of God, 2000 N. Main St. (enter from Garfield Street).

Support group for Real People seeking Real Results with weight loss. For more information, go to www.topsclub.org or call Chris Granda at (217) 521-2420.

Helping Hands Bereavement for Children, 3:30 p.m. Thursdays, Cancer Care Center of Decatur, 210 W. McKinley Ave. Register online or call (217) 876-4750.

Grief support group, 12:30 p.m. Friday, March 6, St. Mary’s Hospital Conference Room 561. For information, call Jamie Smith at (217) 454-6464 ext. 45268.

Breastfeeding support group, 10:30 a.m.

Monday, March 9 and 23, Baby TALK, 500 E. Lake Shore Dr. To register, call Flo Folami at (217) 464-2334.

SHARE support group, 7 p.m. Monday, March 9, St. Mary’s Hospital, Room G24.

Support group for those who have experienced the death of a baby during pregnancy, at birth or early infancy. For more information, call (217) 464-2045.

Epilepsy support group, 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, St. Mary’s Hospital, Assisi conference Room. For more information, call (217) 853-1655.

Pink Link breast cancer support group,

6 p.m. Thursday, March 12. To register, call (217) 876-4377.

Postpartum emotional support group, 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 16, St. Mary’s Hospital, Assisi Conference Room. For more information, call (217) 464-2334.

Breath of Life, noon, Tuesday, March 17, St. Mary’s Hospital, Conference Room 561. For more information, call (217) 464-2603.

Diabetes support group, 11 a.m. Thursday, March 19, DMH Specific Performance Enhancement Center, 2122 N. 27th St. For more information, call (217) 876-4249.

Parkinson’s disease support group, 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 19, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1360 W. Main St. For information, call Kathy Broaddus at (217) 820-3096.

Lyme-MTHFR support study group, 6 p.m. Thursday, March 19, Mari-Mann Herb Co., 1405 Mari Mann Lane. Call (217) 429-1555.

Brain tumor support group, 10 a.m. Saturday, March 21, Cancer Care Center of Decatur, Education Classroom, 210 W. McKinley Ave. Register online or call (217) 876-4750.

Renewal bereavement support group, 6 p.m. Monday, March 23, Cancer Care

Center of Decatur, Education Classroom, 210 W. McKinley Ave. Register online or call (217) 876-4750.

Us TOO prostate cancer support group, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, Cancer Care Center of Decatur, Education Classroom, 210 W. McKinley Ave. Register online or call (217) 876-4750.

Widowed support group, noon Thursday, March 26. For location or to register, call Sister Chaminade Kelley at (217) 428-7733.

Classes‌

Sibling class, 5:15 p.m. Monday, March 9, St. Mary’s Hospital, Assisi Conference Room. Children ages 3 to 12 learn about babies. For more information or to register, call (217) 464-2334.

Cardiopulmonary rehab nutrition class, 11 a.m. Thursday, March 12, Decatur Memorial Hospital, Volunteer Classroom.

Led by a DMH dietician and is directed at heart healthy eating with an emphasis on reading labels. For more information, call (217) 876-2496.

Cardiopulmonary risk factor education, 11 a.m. Friday, March 20, Decatur Memorial Hospital, Classroom C. Recognizing and changing risk factors to maintain a

heart-healthy lifestyle. For more information, call (217) 876-2496.

Newborn care and breastfeeding basics, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 26, Decatur Memorial Hospital, OB Classroom. Register online or call (217) 876-3400.

More‌

Diabetes Update, noon to 4 p.m. Monday, March 9, Richland Community College Shilling Education Center. Information and exhibits on diabetes, educational presentations on diabetes-related topics and other activities. Healthy snacks will be provided. To register, call (217) 876-4249.

Celebrate World Kidney Day with DMH, 6 p.m. Thursday, March 12, Decatur Memorial Hospital Classrooms. Two seminars, “Diabetes, Hypertension and Chronic Kidney Disease” and “Kidney Transplants,” led by kidney specialists.

To register, call (217) 876-2850.

Community Health Lecture Series, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, March 17, Decatur Public Library. The St. Mary’s Hospital community health lecture service provides an informational lecture from a local health care provider. For more information, call (217) 464-5125.

Did you know? ‌People with red hair are often assumed to be of Irish descent. Although not everyone with copper tresses can trace their lineage to the Emerald Isle, a deeper look at genealogy may, in fact, point out Irish origins somewhere along the way.

According to Eupedia, a website that investigates European ancestry and genetics, Ireland has the highest per capita percentage of redheads in the world. The rates hover anywhere from 10 to 30 percent.

In order to have red hair, a person must possess the MC1R gene, which is recessive and only occurs in about 2 percent of the world’s population, the National Institutes of Health said. Both parents must pass on a copy of the gene in order for their offspring to be born with red hair.

Red hair also tends to skip generations, so if you are a redhead, your children may not be born with red hair, but your grandchildren may.

The rarest combination is a person with red hair and blue eyes, which also are a recessive trait. Other cultures that historically have red hair are Scandinavian nations, like Norway. It is believed that since ancient Vikings took Irish slaves to Norway centuries ago, their genetics intermingled.

Keep in mind that redheads should stay out of the sun. Research says the pigment that gives hair the red color can make redheads more susceptible to melanoma than even fair-skinned blonds.

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Good, good, good hydration Fluid intake keeps body in harmony JAMIE LOBER

Business Journal Writer‌

‌It’s the end of February. Temperatures are hovering around zero, with wind chill factors dipping into the negative digits.

How hydrated are you?

It might seem like a strange question, since people generally associate hydration with the scorching days of summer when we sweat gallons of water just walking from the car to the office door.

If you are one of those people, you would be wrong.

Your body is still losing moisture in the winter, it just isn’t as noticeable as it is when it is running down your face in the summer.

“It is important to stay hydrated so your body has enough water and other fluids to be able to function and carry on your daily activities without any problems,” said Bethany Stapel of the Macon County Health Department. This applies across all seasons and temperatures.

“The amount of water a person needs each day depends on one’s health, activity levels, where one lives and so forth,” Stapel said.

“Water makes up about 60 percent of our body weight and our bodies depend on it to flush

toxins out and carry nutrients.”

Stapel notes that water is an important part of sickness prevention and treatment, alike.

“In the winter, it is important to stay hydrated in order to combat getting sick such as dealing with the flu,” Stapel said. “Those that are sick with the flu should drink even more fluids than normal to keep from getting dehydrated.”

Keep in mind that thirst is not a good sign to detect dehydration. If you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated, so one needs to be drinking water even when they don’t feel thirsty.

Stapel suggests keeping a container of water on your desk so it is always handy.

“Aim to drink as many fluids each day as you can and one trick is the ‘drink eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid each day.’ But remember that is healthy fluids like water,” Stapel said.

Do not give in to the trend of using flavored water as medical professionals deem them to be marketing hype and explain that the small amount of vitamins they contain, usually B vitamins which are promoted as energy enhancers, won’t give you a health boost.

If you want to add flavor to your water, use frozen fruit like berries or mangos that have antioxidants. You can add a little bit of 100 percent fruit juice like cranberry juice for some sweetness. Grapefruit, orange and lime are also wonderful additions to enhance the taste of your water.

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Cayla Hittmeier

Digital Sales Specialist Herald & Review

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New alert system keeps county residents connected RYAN VOYLES

Business Journal Writer‌

‌ ECATUR – Local municipalities D can now provide mass notifications to residents for emergency alerts, weather alerts and other updates that concern the area.

The Macon County Emergency Telephone System Board is partnering with first responders and four villages in the new Macon County Emergency Alert and Notification System, which will allow time-sensitive messages and alerts to be sent to residents via their home, mobile, or business phones, and through text messages and email.

The system will allow officials to alert residents to anything from boil orders, street closures and water main breaks, as well as provide information on local events, such as library programs.

The system will replace the current Code Red mass notification system, which has been in use since February 2010.

Jon Thomas, director of the telephone board, said the group looked at changing systems about two years

ago and were impressed with how the new system would allow local communities to get their own information out there that the Code Red system didn’t allow.

“The nice thing with this is... we can bring the villages into the system and share with them,” Thomas said.

“By doing that, it increases the information that citizens have access to and increases the pool of people in the system that, in the case of an emergency, we can better blanket the area with that information.”

So far, the villages of Argenta, Forsyth, Mount Zion and Oreana have signed on to use the system, Thomas said.

The total annual cost of the system is $27,000, with the board paying $20,000 and the rest of the cost split between the four villages. The Code Red system cost the board $25,000 a year.

Registration for the system is free and available online at www. co.macon.il.us and clicking on the “Macon County Emergency Alert & Notification System” button.

Employment Services

Q

Can a business exist on the web today using just a social media presence and no actual business website?

Q

As an employer, do you focus your hiring attention only on candidates with specific job skills?

A

Yes, but it’s a major mistake. While social media is a powerful tool for marketing and building online reach for a business, it does not fill the shoes of a business website.

A

If you answered “Yes” then you may be excluding the best candidates. In life, our experiences teach us to handle different situations as they arise. Have you ever entered into circumstances not previously encountered, but you adapted quickly?

Local business owners should be using social media primarily to help drive business to a website. So, in our eyes, the two definitely work hand in hand, not independent of one another.

If you are currently only using social media and do not have a business website, let us show you the reasons to make a change.

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Many skills are transferable. A candidate whose work history is from a different industry shouldn’t be immediately discounted.

Some of the best employees are those who have held jobs in unrelated fields. Fresh ideas can lead to change and oftentimes improvement.

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March 2015

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TECH

BUSINESS JOURNAL 21

TALK

Innovative new gadgets hit the markets ‌Tablets and phablets – phone-tablet hybrids – are all over the news.

The well-known iPad tablet is everywhere, while the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 is an incredible combination of PC and tablet. Phablets such as the Samsung Galaxy Note and the iPhone 6 Plus provide mini-tablet functionality in the convenient package of an oversized smartphone.

These devices may be stealing Technology the headlines, but they aren’t the only newsworthy gadgets. There are some amazingly innovative new products on the market.

Here’s a sampling of terrific new gadgets to explore.

Wendy Gauntt

Tile‌

Never lose anything again. The new Tile device is a small flat gadget, about an inch square. You attach it to anything you don’t want to lose, and then your phone uses Bluetooth to keep track of it for you.

You can put it on a keychain, stick it to the back of a tablet, drop it in a handbag … the applications are endless. If you have employees who misplace company tools, Tile can help. If you are out of range to use Bluetooth, pull up the app on your phone, it will “remember” where it last saw the Tile.

Digital smart cards‌

Credit card security is a hot topic due to the increasing number of security breaches.

Apple is tackling this with its new Apple Pay technology, which allows you to use your iPhone or iWatch to make payments.

However, they have some stiff competition in the form of new digital smart cards from companies such as Coin, Swyp and Plastc. These slender cards are the size of a normal credit card, but they allow you to program in all your credit and debit cards, gift cards, and even loyalty cards. Hit a button to choose which one to use, then swipe your smart card just like you normally would. With these, there is no need to carry all your plastic. Just carry your smart card.

3D printers‌

Although 3D printers have been around for a while, they are becoming steadily more affordable. If you could produce new objects on demand, from plastic or metal, what would this do for your business?

People are creating everything from working parts to replicas to entirely new products, even art and clothing. The possibilities are infinite. Create a design using CAD software, connect it to the printer, and let it run. It can take some time, many hours, depending on the printer and the size of the object. The printer takes the design and slices it into layers that can be printed.

It then uses whatever material you select to print each layer, one on top of another, until the final object is completed. If you already have an object you want to print, and you need help getting it into digital form, be sure to check out the growing array of 3D scanners.

Drones‌

Although the FAA has strict limitations on their use, drones are an incredibly popular gadget. Not only are they fun to fly, there are as many business uses as there are models of drones. Some, for example, are built as delivery devices. Amazon is testing drones for this purpose right now, as a way to get goods into their customers’ hands even faster. Some are intended more for surveillance and offer high-quality video recording. There are tiny models barely any bigger than a deck of cards, and huge models with potential military applications.

Amazon Echo‌

This unique device from Amazon marries voice-recognition with an Internet connection and an excellent quality speaker. Ask about the weather, set reminders, listen to music and more. The voice-recognition works much like Apple’s Siri, but Amazon says the Echo will grow smarter over time as it learns your voice and speech patterns. It can stream services such as iTunes and Pandora, and it can connect to nearly anything online. There is a free app you can download to help manage it on your smartphone, tablet or PC.

SmartWatches‌

Apple and Samsung duke it out in the smartphone space; now they are competing in the new “smartwatch” category as well. These wearable tech products promise the functionality of a smartphone in the form factor of a watch. They are also

BUSINESS JOURNAL

Reader Profile: n 89% are college educated. n 28% are ages 45 to 54.

building in some health-related extras, such as an accelerometer, a gyro sensor and a heart rate monitor. That means these smartwatches can replace fitness gadgets such as the FitBit.

Muse‌

Another form of wearable tech is the new Muse headband. This odd-looking device is designed to detect brainwaves.

It comes with an app that uses the data to provide feedback and help you train your brain. By using the app, you learn to focus, calm your thoughts and enter a meditationlike state. By practicing regularly, Muse promises to help you reduce stress and improve your emotional state.

Google Glass‌

If you want “smart” glasses, check out Google Glass. There is still much debate about the future of Google Glass, but these odd-looking glasses have incredible potential. They have what’s called an optical head-mounted display (OHMD) which is a fancy way to say that the computer interface is projected in front of you via the glasses themselves. It is voice

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activated and can also be controlled based on movement. You can take photos, watch videos, get alerts … pretty much anything a smartphone can do, and then some.

This is definitely a device to watch, since it opens up a whole new way to leverage technology. How could these change the way you work?

Want more?‌

If you want to keep up with the latest greatest gadgets, the best place to go is the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas every January. If you can’t make that trip, check out these popular gadget blogs: www.engadget.com and www.gizmodo. com. Subscribe to their daily updates, and you’ll be amazed at all the creative new devices hitting the market.

Just remember, buyer beware! Not all these devices work as promised, so be careful before spending your hardearned money.

Wendy Gauntt is president of CIO Services LLC, a technology consulting company that specializes in small-business solutions. Visit her website at www. cioservicesllc.com for more information, ideas and free resources.

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YOUR

MONEY

Thrift stores become trendy shopping option THERESA CHURCHILL

Business Journal Writer‌

‌DECATUR — The retail landscape was a whole lot different when the Decatur and Macon County Hospital’s Auxiliary opened Decatur’s oldest thrift store in 1959.

The staff was all-volunteer, customers were low-income, and there was no category for “thrift stores” in the yellow pages.

Rita Boyd, manager of the Decatur Memorial Hospital Thrift Shop at 553 W. Wood St. since 1997, said she’s seen attitudes continuing to shift in the past 20 years until the Great Recession finally made thrift store shopping chic.

“People used to look down on thrift store customers as those who couldn’t afford to go anywhere else,” she said. “Now it’s trendy and the thing to do.”

As a result, Decatur area is experiencing a thrift store boom, with more than 15 currently operating within the city limits and at least six of those open five years or less.

The newest, not to mention the largest with 15,000 square feet of sales space, is the Salvation Army Family Thrift Store, open since Jan. 29 at 2900 N. Water St. The store represents the army’s re-entry into Decatur’s thrift store market after a 3½-year absence. Closure of a previous store in 2011 came after the agency could not reach an agreement on a new lease for its 7,000-square-foot space in Fairview Park Plaza.

Major John Wilkins said the Salvation Army never wanted to leave Decatur but had trouble finding the right spot for another store. As before, proceeds support the army’s Adult Rehabilitation Center in Springfield, serving people through Central Illinois get back on their feet.

“We’re off to a wonderful start in Decatur,” Wilkins said. “We’re staying open until 9 p.m. for now to accommodate all the business.”

He added that the store employs 15 people and would eventually have closer to 20 employees.

Charles Bennett of Decatur, who works on computers as a sideline, said he’s bought software before at places such as Helen’s Corner Thrift Shoppe at 1985 E. Eldorado St. and The Master’s Touch at 1130 N. Main St. but came up empty recently during his second visit to the Salvation Army store.

“Sometimes you find what you’re looking for, sometimes not,” he said.

His wife Ann Bennett said she likes thrift stores because they remind her of happy times with her grandmother, looking through her button box. “I’m glad the Salvation Army is back,” she said.

Other relatively new thrift stores in Decatur include the Decatur-Macon County Senior Center’s Nearly New shop at 1430 N. 22nd St., Teen Challenge Resale Shop at 201 W. Eldorado St., New Vision Community Services Thrift Store at 140 E. Cerro Gordo St. and Thrift Appeal Resale Shop at 965 N.

Business Journal photos, Danny Damiani‌

Lashana and Steven Derrickson look through clothes at the Salvation Army Family Store in Decatur. The addition of the new location brings the number of thrift stores in the community to 15 hoping to meet the growing demand for the items they provide to a varied clientele since the recession.

Water St. Like the Salvation Army store, most support specific charities are indicated in their names. Another example is longtime store Hope’s Attic at 2940 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, which supports the ministries to the homeless of Decatur Cares Rescue Mission.

Vern Thistlethwaite of Decatur said the increasing popularity of recycling and repurposing have made thrift stores a viable way for churches and other nonprofits to support their ministries.

He said they’re also a good source of merchandise for Internet resellers like himself who are searching for one-of-a-kind items.

“Most of us want connections to the past,” Thistlethwaite said. “There’s no lack of customers, no matter which store I go to.”

Indeed, business has been so good that another relatively new store, New Life Thrift Shoppe, already has doubled its floor space at 1700 E. Pershing Road, officially dropping “Suite A” from its address Jan. 29.

“We have room to do more with furniture than we could before,” said Sheree Schinzler, store manager.

THRIFT/23

Lois Pasley, a volunteer at The Economy Shop, looks through a rack of clothes to make sure they are all in the correct area. The shop, Decatur’s second-oldest thrift store, is a ministry of Grace United Methodist Church.

March 2015

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Report: Americans remain stressed out over money MELISSA HEALY

Tribune News Service Writer‌

‌Stress is plentiful in the United States, and stress over money, which is anything but plentiful for many American families, is in overflowing supply, says a new survey.

More than 1 in 4 Americans report they feel stressed over money most or all of the time, and most say their stress over money has either remained about the same as last year (59 percent) or gotten worse (29 percent).

As the nation emerges from a long economic downturn, the American Psychological Association’s annual survey of stress in America paints a picture of stress that largely parallels the nation’s uneven recovery.

Among those on the economy’s lower rungs, 36 percent report they feel stress over money all or most of the time. Among those living in households with income above $50,000, half as many, 18 percent, acknowledged they felt such chronic financial stress.

In 2007, the nation had no such “stress inequality gap”: While average stress levels were higher than they were in 2014, the haves and have-nots professed to experience roughly equal levels of overall stress.

By 2014, stress levels began to diverge along income lines. Lower-income households averaged stress levels of 5.2 on a 1-to-10 scale on which 10 was the highest. Those with higher household incomes averaged stress levels of 4.7.

The psychological pulse-taking makes clear that this increasingly skewed pattern of stress will probably exacerbate the dramatic inequities in the health of poorer and richer Americans. Those living in lower-income households were almost twice as likely as wealthier respondents to tell survey-takers that financial insecurity stands in the way of their living a more healthful lifestyle.

THRIFT Continued from 22

At least seven others stores have relocated as part of their improvements, most recently the West Side Thrift Shop, open since Feb. 6 at 788 N. Sunnyside Road, after closing as the West Side Naz Thrift Shop on Dec. 13 on West Grand Avenue.

Others include Blessingdales at 345 W. Eldorado St., Catholic Charities at 239 W. Prairie Ave, The Economy Shop at 155 W. King St., LSA Resale at 421 E. Cerro Gordo St. and Willie’s Thrift Shop at 932 E. Wood St. The Economy Shop, a ministry of Grace United Methodist Church and Decatur’s second-oldest thrift store, is operated entirely by volunteers and celebrated its 40th anniversary in business last spring by relocating about a block west of two different locations on North Water Street it had

Compared with higher-income respondents who experienced less stress, those with high stress and low income were more likely to say they had skipped, or considered skipping, a needed trip to the doctor out of financial concern. They were more likely to say they dealt with their stress in unhealthful ways, such as drinking alcohol, surfing the Internet, watching TV or eating. And they were more likely to say they felt lonely or isolated in their stress.

Money, work, family responsibilities and health concerns, in that order, topped the sources of stress cited by Americans in the survey. So it was no surprise that parents with children at home, whose stress levels averaged 5.8, were more stressed than those without children at home (whose average stress level was 4.4), and that 58 percent said that paying for essentials was a significant source of stress.

Women, too, bore a heavy burden of stress. While 38 percent of men said that paying for essentials was a somewhat or very significant course of stress, 49 percent of women did so. And financially stressed women were more likely than their lessstressed sisters to eat, drink or vegetate in front a computer or TV to calm themselves.

In a statement released with this year’s report, the American Psychological Association’s executive vice president, Norman B. Anderson, called it good news that overall stress levels had declined from an average of 6.2 in 2007 to 4.9 in 2014. But he said the latest survey “continues to reinforce the idea that we are living with a level of stress that we consider too high,” and that we tend to deal with that stress in unhealthful ways.

Americans’ health depends on their managing their stress in more healthful ways, he said.

“People used to look down on thrift store customers as those who couldn’t afford to go anywhere else. Now it’s trendy and the thing to do.”

Rita Boyd, Decatur Memorial Hospital Thrift Shop manager

occupied since 1974.

“The church already owned this building and wanted something connected with the church to go in here,” said Mildred Dillie, a volunteer at the shop. “Our old customers have found us, and we have many new ones.

“The stigma of shopping in a thrift store is long gone.”

BUSINESS JOURNAL 23

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