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NOVEMBER 2012
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YOUR CALENDAR
Monday, Nov 26
Hilton. BNI First Class Professionals, 7:45 a.m., Crestview Christian Church. 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. Blue Mound Rotary, 6:30 p.m., Pleasantview Township shed.
Decatur Noon Lions Club, Main Place Bar & Grill (formerly Jimmy Ryan’s). Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club.
Wednesday, Dec. 5
Monday, Nov. 5
Tuesday, Nov. 13
Wednesday, Nov. 21
Decatur Noon Lions Club, Main Place Bar & Grill (formerly Jimmy Ryan’s), 101 S. Main St. Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club, 158 W. Prairie Ave. Mount Zion Village Board, 5:15 p.m., Village Hall, 1400 Mount Zion Parkway. Decatur City Council, 5:30 p.m., council chambers, Decatur Civic Center. Women’s Progressive Club, 6 p.m., Greater Northside Baptist Church. Forsyth Village Board, 6:30 p.m., Village Hall, 301 South U.S. 51.
Forsyth Rotary, 7 a.m., Homewood Suites by Hilton. BNI First Class Professionals, 7:45 a.m., Crestview Christian Church. Kiwanianne Club of Decatur, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Prairieland Kiwanis, 9:30 a.m., Decatur Civic Center. Decatur Building Construction Trades Council, 10 a.m., IBEW Local 146 Hall, 3390 N. Woodford St. Decatur Area Society for Human Resource Management, 11 a.m., Doherty’s Pub and Pins, 242 E. William St. Central Illinois Ad Club, 11:30 a.m., Decatur Club. Decatur AMBUCS, noon, Decatur Club. Noon Kiwanis Club, Decatur Club. Noon Sertoma, Decatur Club. Blue Mound Rotary, 6:30 p.m., Pleasantview Township shed.
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.
Tuesday, Nov. 6 Forsyth Rotary, 7 a.m., Homewood Suites by Hilton, 333 W. Marion Ave., Forsyth. BNI First Class Professionals, 7:45 a.m., Crestview Christian Church, 4415 N. Water St. 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. Blue Mound Rotary, 6:30 p.m., Pleasantview Township shed.
Wednesday, Nov. 7 Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce Breakfast-Annual Meeting, 7 a.m., Decatur Club. Decatur Golden K Kiwanis Club, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Facility.
Thursday, Nov. 8 Earlybird Kiwanis, 6:45 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. GFWC Decatur Woman’s Club, 11:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Reservations required. Call 877-7008. Mature Resource Network, 11:30 a.m., Decatur Club. Decatur Metropolitan Rotary Club, noon, Decatur Club. Thursday Noon Toastmasters, Knights of Columbus Hall, 520 E. North St. Decatur Area Women’s Network (DAWN), 5:30 p.m., location varies. Lincolnland AMBUCS, 6:30 p.m., Easter Seals’ Building, 2715 N. 27th St.
Friday, Nov. 9 Decatur Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.
Monday, Nov. 12 Decatur Noon Lions Club, Main Place Bar & Grill (formerly Jimmy Ryan’s). Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club.
Wednesday, Nov. 14 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. Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Real Estate Investors Association, 6:30 p.m., Perkins Family Restaurant, 2999 N. Monroe St.
Thursday, Nov. 15 Earlybird Kiwanis, 6:45 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Area Women’s Connection, 11:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Metropolitan Rotary Club, noon, Decatur Club. Thursday Noon Toastmasters, Knights of Columbus Hall, 520 E. North St. Decatur AMBUCS, 6 p.m., Decatur Club.
Friday, Nov. 16 Decatur Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Noon Women’s Network, 11:45 a.m., Decatur Club.
Monday, Nov. 19 Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club. Decatur City Council, 5:30 p.m., council chambers, Decatur Civic Center. Forsyth Village Board, 6:30 p.m., Village Hall.
Tuesday, Nov. 20 Forsyth Rotary, 7 a.m., Homewood Suites by Hilton. BNI First Class Professionals, 7:45 a.m., Crestview Christian Church. Kiwanianne Club of Decatur, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.
Tuesday, Nov. 27 Forsyth Rotary, 7 a.m., Homewood Suites by Hilton. BNI First Class Professionals, 7:45 a.m., Crestview Christian Church. 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. Blue Mound Rotary, 6:30 p.m., Pleasantview Township shed.
Wednesday, Nov. 28 Decatur Golden K Kiwanis Club, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Facility.
Thursday, Nov. 29 Earlybird Kiwanis, 6:45 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Metropolitan Rotary Club, noon, Decatur Club. Thursday Noon Toastmasters, Knights of Columbus Hall, 520 E. North St.
Friday, Nov. 30 Decatur Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.
Monday, Dec. 3 Decatur Noon Lions Club, Main Place Bar & Grill (formerly Jimmy Ryan’s). Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club. Mount Zion Village Board, 5:15 p.m., Village Hall. Decatur City Council, 5:30 p.m., council chambers. Women’s Progressive Club, 6 p.m., Greater Northside Baptist Church. Forsyth Village Board, 6:30 p.m., Village Hall.
Tuesday, Dec. 4 Forsyth Rotary, 7 a.m., Homewood Suites by
Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce Breakfast, 7 a.m., Decatur Club. This year’s Decatur Leadership Institute participants are scheduled to present their class projects. Decatur Golden K Kiwanis Club, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Facility.
Thursday, Dec. 6 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. Thursday Noon Toastmasters, Knights of Columbus Hall, 520 E. North St. Metro Decatur Home Builder’s Association, 6 p.m., Beach House, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr. Lincolnland AMBUCS, 6:30 p.m., Easter Seals’ Building.
Friday, Dec 7 Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Black Chamber of Commerce Christmas Party, 6:30 p.m., Main Street Church Tea Room, 2000 N. Main St. Come celebrate the holidays with the Black Chamber. Reservations required by calling 330-6355.
To submit items for Your Calendar, contact Scott Perry at 421-7976, at sperry@herald-review.com, or click the “Submit an Event” link at www.the business-journal.com
Crossword answers Robbies Word of the Day Crossword answers for November. Find this month’s crossword on page X. Across 5. Mitigate 7. Pianistic 8. Pickwickian 10. Heterodox 11. Hirsute 12. Sockdolager 13. Syllabub 14. Grimalkin
Down 1. Vogue 2. Exigent 3. Arbiter 4. Ergogenic 6. Tenacious 9. Irrefragable
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November 2012
FROM THE EDITOR Light bulbs. At first glance, you would think the idea of having high school students sell them as a class fundraiser would be a bright idea. After all, who doesn’t need light bulbs? But for good ideas to work, you need and energized group of salesmen. We weren’t. And even if we were, it didn’t help that nearly a quarter of my class lived in the same two neighborhoods. There are only so many light bulbs your family and neighbors will buy. The same can be said for number of magazines, rolls of wrapping paper, candles, and the list goes on and on. Fundraisers, especially those involving schools, are always a challenge. They usually end with me on the hook for a bunch of stuff I don’t need so I can feel like I supported my kids and those of my family members. This begs the question. Is it really a fundraiser if the people who are selling, preparing and auctioning the stuff are the same ones buying, eating and donating the stuff?
BUSINESS JOURNAL
BUSINESS JOURNAL OF MIDCENTRAL ILLINOIS
VOLUME 18
ISSUE 11
601 E. William St. Decatur, IL 62523 217.421.7976 217.421.7965 (fax)
PUBLISHER: Todd Nelson EDITOR: Scott Perry ADVERTISING: Cayla Hittmeier
Scott Perry, editor Business Journal of Midcentral Illinois
LAYOUT & DESIGN: Jane Ruppert
November2012Contents 19
Standing Features
UNIQUE FUNDRAISERS
Biz Bites . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Organizers look for secret to drawing a hefty crowd
Business Clips . . . . . . 10 Crossword . . . . . . . . . . 8 Fred Spannaus . . . . . . 9 Free Time calendar . . 26
Health quiz . . . . . . . . 24 Liz Reyer . . . . . . . . . . 13 Office Coach . . . . . . . 12
SCORE counselor . . . 10 Wendy Gauntt . . . . . . 28
SUBSCRIPTIONS: To order additional copies call 217.421.6920 ADVERTISING: The deadline for ad and ad copy for the December issue is Nov. 15. Call 217.421.6920 for rate information. The Business Journal of MidCentral Illinois is printed monthly and is a publication of Lee Enterprises Inc.
Health calendar . . . . 24
Professional profile . . 18
STORY IDEAS: Email sperry@herald-review.com or call 217.421.7976.
Looking to the future 28 Cousins Kelly Evans and T.C. Evans carry on the family business in packaging and distributing. R.V. Evans Co. is constantly searching for new ways and solutions in shipping. Page 7
TECH TALK Online marketing can give your business an advantage
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. Copyright 2012 Herald & Review All rights reserved for entire content.
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November 2012
YOUR COMMUNITY
Business Journal/Jim Bowling
Co-owner George Streckfuss shows improvements recently made to the back entrance of The Brass Horn men’s clothing store in downtown Decatur to Jill Davis, Beautify Decatur Coalition task force co-chairwoman. Davis toured downtown while delivering a sticker for the business to post signifying their participation in the coalition’s No Litter Zone program.
Area businesses take pledge to beautify Decatur Coalition aims to tackle litter problem, spruce up landscaping By CHRIS LUSVARDI Business Journal Writer
DECATUR — More businesses across Decatur are signing a pledge to become part of a newly launched “no-litter zone” effort. The Beautify Decatur Coalition held its official kickoff for the initiative last month. But picking up litter is something the group’s business beautification taskforce co-chairwoman Jill Davis said many businesses already had been doing. “We want to reward them and let the public know what they’re doing,” Davis
said. “By taking the pledge, they can create and maintain a plan to pick up litter. We want them to meet with their employees to make it part of their job.” Businesses including Wal-Mart and Kroger already have signed up to take part, Davis said. The group has focused on starting with businesses in downtown Decatur with plans to fan out across other parts of the city, Davis said. Once businesses sign up, they can receive a window cling to display, Davis said. Taking part is free of charge, and nearly 40 businesses are already signed up. “It’s nice to see people getting involved,” taskforce co-chairwoman Dani Craft said. “Hopefully, that will spread.” As an added incentive to take part, several landscaping companies are offering discounts for work to be done to further spruce up outside areas around par-
ticipating businesses. “Hopefully, all this works together,” said Kevin McSherry of From the Ground Up Landscapes, which does landscaping design and installation in addition to lawn care and maintenance. McSherry hopes the landscaping work can get done starting in the spring. More work can be done if the city’s water restrictions can be lifted by that time, McSherry said. Jerry Johnson, executive director of the Decatur Area Arts Council, took the pledge. Picking up litter is something he has already been doing on his way to and from work. “It’s something everybody should do,” Johnson said. “Stuff will blow down the street, so I pick it up and throw it in the garbage.” Johnson particularly can’t stand to see
plastic bottles and plastic grocery bags on the ground. Cigarette butts also are a common piece of litter, Davis said. Taskforce member Kay Nims is hoping businesses will help raise awareness about the issue. “We have to change the mindset,” Nims said. “We haven’t hit the whole city yet.” Cleanup around businesses is just one of the areas the coalition is focusing on as it also is working with neighborhoods and schools, Davis said. It has been leading 12-minute makeovers in various parts of the city. Other coalition-led efforts have included picking up trash along Eldorado Street prior to the Bassmaster fishing tournament in September, Davis said. For more information about how to get involved, contact Davis at jlad4@yahoo. com.
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November 2012
> BIZ BITES Now open Dr. Sukhwinder Multani, a family practitioner, has opened Universal Walk-In Urgent Care at 3767 U.S. 36 East in Decatur. Office visits cost $30, not including injections, tests, etc. “Our purpose is to provide the cheapest and best health care for acute nonemergent medical problems,� Multani said. The center opens at 11 a.m. daily, closing at 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and Friday, 4 p.m. Thursday, 5 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Call 3306153. nnn Familia Dental, a “child-centric� family dental clinic designed to serve the underserved, has opened in the former home of Blockbuster Video at 141 E. Pershing Road. An indoor play area is a key feature, and the Schaumburg-based company accepts Medicaid and offers discounts to the uninsured. “The play area literally looks like a little Chuck E. Cheese,� said Marketing Manager Erin Brinkman Dynek. “We initially have three dentists on staff and will be adding orthodontic service in November.� Familia Dental has seven locations in Illinois, eight in Texas and four in New Mexico. Its new Decatur clinic opens 9 a.m. Monday through Saturday, closing at 7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and 4 p.m. Saturday. It is closed Sunday. Walk-ins are welcome. For an appointment, call 877-6559 or 1-888-988-4066.
Coming soon Hickory Point Mall has been without a bookstore since Waldenbooks moved out in September 2011, but that’s about to change with plans by Book World to fill the vacancy by mid-November. Based in Appleton, Wis., the independent chain intends to fill the 7,762 squarefoot-space with books, newspapers, magazines, puzzles, trading cards, plush toys and more. The new location brings Book World up to about 50 stores in Minnesota, Michigan and Iowa, in addition to Wisconsin and Illinois. Aaron Gullickson, vice president of retail development and maintenance, said the company is trying to establish a stronger presence in Northern Illinois. “The Decatur area is our southernmost store,� Gullickson said. “We have more magazines and materials for kids than other bookstores, and customer service is our top priority.�
On the move G&H Marine Inc. is busy launching itself into a new headquarters in Decatur.
Founded 20 years ago by the late Steve Garner, the company that builds boat docks, boat lifts and shore walls is sailing out of the Business Center of Decatur business incubator, where it’s been safely docked for the last 14 years. Its new $250,000 home isn’t moored too far away, however, and the 2540 S. Imboden Court address overlooks busy U.S. 51. It houses manufacturing and a new office for the company, which employs 15 workers. “The Business Center of Decatur has been a great fit for us but it was always Steve’s plan to have our own building, and we’re putting that plan into motion this year,� said the founder’s son, Jeremy Garner. He is company vice president and his mother, Valerie Garner, is the owner of G&H Marine. nnn Logan’s Custom Interiors, an upholstery service, has moved to 3849 Cundiff Road in Decatur. The move from Oreana was prompted by the need for additional space to accommodate the large items being serviced and storing them in a safe environment. The business, which has been around for 25 years, does upholstery work on vehicles, boats, motorhomes, furniture and more. The business, owned by Jeff Logan, also has a new phone number. It is 8757506.
great opportunity to expand in the powersports industry,� he said. “We think the recession and the slowdown is behind us, we hope. Time to throttle down and get it going again.�
Lunch time Downtown Decatur restaurant Bizou at 259 N. Main St. has started serving lunch. The lunch menu includes soups, salads, small plates, gourmet grilled cheeses and more, owner Megan Comerford said. Lunch hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday. Call 422-7000.
New owner
BUSINESS JOURNAL
can offer their customer base a little bit more and they can offer our customer base a little bit more,� added Queen. He said William Street Press was experienced in digital printing and the use of high-speed copiers, an area of the printing market his company had not ventured into before.� Queen stressed that William Street Press will keep its own corporate identity and customer base The Herald & Review will keep the 8,000-square-foot William Street Press building at 602 E. William St. and continue to use it for newspaper distribution work.
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 421-6979.
Wallender-Dedman Printing Inc. has purchased William Street Press from the Herald & Review and moved the operation to 1605 Brandt Court. Wallender-Dedman has a history dating to 1907 and offers services that range from printing magazines to brochures, booklets and product labels. Jason Queen, Wallender-Dedman’s operations manager, said acquiring the company was a natural fit for his firm. “It’s a great progression because we
BUSINESS JOURNAL Reader Profile: n 63% have household incomes of $60,000 or greater. 36% have household incomes of $80,000 or greater.
Growing After experiencing success and fast expansion at its Oakland Avenue location, Decatur restaurant Donnie’s Homespun Pizza has expanded to a second location at 107 W. Cook in Springfield. The new Donnie’s, which opened in late September, is significantly larger than the Decatur location and will feature a similar menu that also includes some new items to take advantage of a larger kitchen. Also expanded will be the Springfield Donnie’s role as a music venue. With a larger stage and more seating room, the Donnie’s in Springfield will feature national touring acts such as The Wailers or Reverend Horton Heat this month. nnn World of Powersports has expanded its footprint in Central Illinois. The Decatur-based seller of new and used motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles, personal watercraft, parts and more, recently purchased Grayboy Motor Sports in Peoria Heights. The 45-year-old business had been set to close at the end of September until Matt and Mark Jackson stepped in. “We were definitely looking to expand when we heard that this store was closing down,� Matt Jackson said. “I would say we are definitely interested in other opportunities in the near or the distant future. We see this as a
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> NEWS HIGHLIGHTS Caterpillar announces layoffs
Brown leaves Decatur post Through her coordination of public meetings, contact with downtown merchants and availability to the media, development planner Stephanie Ashe Brown has become the public face of the city’s downtown streetscape project. So Ashe Brown said it is “bittersweet” to leave the city for a job in the private sector. Environmental planner Vasudha Pinnamaraju will take over the most visible task of Ashe Brown’s job, coordinating with merchants, the public and the media on the downtown streetscape project. As a city employee who must live in the city limits, Ashe Brown was put in a difficult situation because of her husband’s job as a state representative. Adam Brown, a Republican, was elected in 2010 to a district that includes Decatur. However, the once-in-a-decade remapping process controlled by state Democrats drew him into the new 96th District, which is more urban and considered Democrat-friendly. Brown opted instead to run in the 102nd District, where he is unopposed. It includes part of rural Macon County but almost no Decatur territory. Pinnamaraju has worked for the city in various planning capacities for seven years. Most recently, she has had a hand in the city’s sustainability efforts, energyrelated issues such as municipal aggregation and the garbage and recycling plan.
United Way promotes Bogle Debbie Bogle’s great-grandmother depended on Meals on Wheels, a program of Decatur Catholic Charities, toward the end of her long life. After Hattie Stockton died in 1999 at age 93, Bogle joined the ranks of the program’s volunteers to honor her memory and found out the program was supported by the United Way — the very organization she was helping at the time as marketing coordinator for Blank, Wesselink Cook & Associates, running the Bogle architectural firm’s internal United Way campaign. The rest, as they say, is history. After being named volunteer of the year in 2004 and 2010 and serving as director of resource development — also not once, but twice — Bogle has been named executive director of the United Way of Decatur and Mid-Illinois. The 43-year-old Decatur native said she plans to examine the organization’s administrative structure with an eye to boosting the amount of funds raised on behalf of nonprofit agencies working to make the Decatur area a better place to live. “I believe the United Way can do more,” she said. “My goal is to put a team together to make that happen.” Bogle replaces Denise Smith, who left in June to work in human resources at St. Mary’s Hospital. Bogle’s promotion leaves her former position open, in addition to that of community impact director, which has been vacant since June.
Business Journal/Jim Bowling
From left, St. Teresa High School Serviam Club members Zoe Brandt,14, Morgan Weeks,14, and Alexis Stogner,14, amuse themselves at the WSOY Community Food Drive last month. It proved to be a cold, wet day, but that didn't dampen the community's giving spirit. The effort collected an unofficial total of 730,000 pounds of food that was distributed to local food pantries.
Grow Decatur sets goals The process of bringing together plans and aspirations in the Grow Decatur initiative is under way. Planning committee member Chris Phillips outlined plans that have been developed for the program during last month’s Community Leaders Breakfast. “Our success depends on our collective efforts,” said Phillips, vice president of marketing for Land of Lincoln Credit Union. “Many of our problems are not unique to our city, but our solutions need to be.” The Grow Decatur effort was first detailed during a Community Leaders Breakfast in February. Since then, leaders of the initiative have met with more than 1,000 people and dozens of focus groups, Phillips said. “The process has been important, but slow,” Phillips said. “It takes a long time to talk to a city. This is a community
project, and everyone has been welcomed to voice what they think is important.” Coordinating efforts of various groups within the community is one of the issues Grow Decatur members think needs to be addressed. For example, Phillips pointed to at least five backpack drives being held this year and questioned whether the groups involved could be working together more. The group has identified several areas of focus as it moves forward over the next five to 10 years. It plans to use four measures to track the development of the community, including increasing the median household income, increasing overall population, decreasing the unemployment rate and increasing the satisfaction of businesses and residents. A full strategic plan to coordinate tactics to reach those goals is expected to be ready for presentation early next year.
Caterpillar Inc. announced a series of plant shutdowns and temporary layoffs in Decatur, saying it hoped actions taken now might avoid “indefinite layoffs” in the future. Citing tough global economic conditions and falling customer demand, Caterpillar said certain areas of its massive Decatur plant would be idled for a week in November and then for a whole month in December. The company stressed these were not shutdowns and layoffs that affected the entire plant and its more than 4,000member workforce, but rather, targeted actions aimed at certain sections of the production crew whose products include the world’s biggest mining trucks. The layoffs would include shop floor workers, support staff and management. Caterpillar did not specify the precise areas and numbers of workers who would be affected. “We have just started notifying employees that this is coming, and all the details are still being hashed out,” Caterpillar spokesman Jim Dugan said. “We recognize such decisions are difficult for our employees and their families. We are taking actions today with the hope that indefinite layoffs can be avoided.”
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YOUR BUSINESS
Business Journal photos/Jim Bowling
T.C. Evans, left, vice president of corporate development, and President Kelly Evans give a tour of the R.V. Evans Co. Decatur location. The industrial packaging business started in a farmhouse in 1937.
Company looks outside the box for packaging solutions R.V. Evans Co. constantly looking to the future By CHRIS LUSVARDI Business Journal Writer
DECATUR — Throughout its 75 years, Decatur-based R.V. Evans Co. has been able to adapt to changing times. As its owners look to what lies ahead, they plan to do whatever it takes to help their customers and continue growing the business. Cousins Kelly Evans and T.C. Evans grew up around the distributing business, which specializes in helping other companies with packaging products and providing fasteners used in construction. “It’s all about the legacy,” Kelly Evans said. “We take pride in reaching the 75 year plateau. A whole lot of it is the emotional attachment we’ve developed here. It’s hard to quantify.” Their grandfather, Richard Vaughn Evans, started the company in 1937 in a farmhouse along Ravina Park Road. The company moved to its present location at 2325 E. Logan St. in 1968. Equipment repair work is done in a building across the road at 2370 E. Logan St. Kelly’s father, R.V. Evans Jr., and T.C.’s father, Thomas Evans, ran the company until Kelly took over as president in 1998. Around that time, the business
acquired two other companies as it expanded into the St. Louis area. In 2010, its operation in St. Louis was consolidated into one location in Earth City, Mo. That distribution facility gives it access along Interstate 70 to conveniently serve markets to the west of Illinois, including Missouri, Iowa, Colorado, Nebraska and Kansas. “We positioned ourselves for the future,” Kelly Evans said. “To go west, it was a better launching point.” The company will work in markets wherever its customers need, including overWHAT: R.V. Evans Co. seas, Kelly Evans said. HEADQUARTERS: 2325 “It put us in a lot of E. Logan St., Decatur unique environments,” Kelly FOUNDED: 1937 Evans said. “We’re involved EMPLOYEES: 48 in so many different applicaOWNERS: Kelly Evans tions.” and T.C. Evans Much of its work is done WEBSITE: behind the scenes, out of www.rvevans.com view from most consumers, said T.C. Evans, the company’s vice president of corporate development. Its fasteners are sold through wholesale dealers such as lumber companies. The R.V. Evans name rarely is placed on its packaging, although Kelly Evans said they can tell what is their product. “It’s not something you run across unless you look for
A closer look
A live cricket box is one of many unique packaging systems R.V. Evans Co. has been challenged to produce for clients. it,” T.C. Evans said. “It’s worked for a lot of years.” The work, however, can be costly if it’s not done with the expertise of the R.V. Evans staff. Packaging of
CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
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November 2012
Rob- of WORD teh DAY Cross-
Business Journal/Jim Bowling
John Fiaoni, lead fastening bench technician, demonstrates the cleaning of a strapping tool in the R.V. Evans Co. service building.
Continued from page 7 some equipment must be done carefully to stand up to the rigors of delivery, Kelly Evans said. Company leadership is constantly trying to challenge its employees to come up with new ideas and solutions. “It would be scary to never change,” said Mark Dalzell, vice president of operations, who has worked for the company for 31 years. “Some do things the same old way. It doesn’t work that way here. We’re always looking for new products and services.” When a customer needed to ship crickets, the R.V. Evans staff came up with a box that would safely store the creatures, T.C. Evans said. “A lot of times people don’t think about packaging,” Kelly Evans said. “We go into your world and fit the application to your world.” Throughout the process, the company is looking to save customers money by using as many automated processes as possible. Automated systems can save
910 SOUTH AIRPORT ROAD INSIDE DECATUR AIRPORT
Celebrate Be a part of the annual Salute to Familyowned Businesses special section in the December Business Journal. Call 421-6924 for more information. materials and labor, Kelly Evans said. “They’re open about their vision,” said Sheila Ross, who heads the St. Louis operation and has worked there 14 years. “They see the advantage of being advanced. It’s not all about being family. It’s about running the business in the best interest of the business.” Customer service has driven the company’s growth throughout the years, T.C. Evans said. That focus hasn’t changed since it was founded. “I’m not sure our granddad knew what seeds he was planting in 1937,” Kelly Evans said. “The seeds are still growing.”
p 217.421.7452 f 217.421.7452 RESERVATIONS ACCEPTED
Across 1. Vulgar and evil (28) 3. Persistent inflation combined with stagnant consumer demand and relatively high unemployment (14) 6. Swimming or floating in water (23) 11. Muddled or confused in mind (29) 13. Capable of a high degree of independent activity from birth (27) 14. A bell tower (8) Source: Page A Day Calendar
Last month's answers can be found on Page 2
Down 2. Of, relating to, or characterized by faithlessness or disloyalty (5) 4. One of the stiff hairs that are located in the nostrils in many mammals (16) 5. Lukewarm or indifferent in religion or politics (6) 7. Inadequate (10) 8. Having power to compel or constrain (13) 9. At a gallop (24) 10. Insolent or rude in speech or behavior (21) 12. Playful (17)
Drop off your completed crossword at Robbie's before Nov. 15 and put yourself in the running for a gift certificate. Need some help? Each word will be revealed on the menu board outside the restaurant, 122 Merchant St., on the date next to the clue. Go inside for a listing of all the words that have been revealed so far this month.
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BUSINESS JOURNAL
9
Hire investigator to extract truth of disciplinary matters You’re the department manager, and you face a decision about a disciplinary matter. But, as often occurs, you didn’t see the incidents that precipitated the crisis. You weren’t there. It’s the classic “he-said-she-said” situation. They happen all the time. Poor managers have a universal and cowardly reaction. They throw up their hands like puppets on a string, look haplessly toward the sky, Human Resources and say. “What can I do? Nothing, I guess. I wasn’t there. He says this, she says that. The truth must be somewhere in the middle. I’ll just have to hope it doesn’t happen again. Nothing I can do, right?” Wrong-o, buddy. If it’s important enough to cause you to make a critical decision, it’s important enough to make your best attempt to get the actual facts.
Fred Spannaus
Why? Because whenever two people disagree, the truth is not always halfway in between them. Sometimes, one is right and the other wrong, And by the way, stop letting yourself off the hook. There IS something you can do. You can investigate. An investigation does not absolutely guarantee that you’ll find the exact truth of the matter. But it does guarantee that you’ll have given it your strongest and most honest effort. And I can assure you of this: If you fail to investigate, you will have virtually zero chance of uncovering the facts. Fast forward with me now. Let’s say you take my advice. You agree that an investigation is needed. The next task to determine is who should do it. Most investigations are conducted internally, by an HR department or by a supervisor who (we hope) has had some training and experience. However, there are some situations that cry out for external expertise help. Here are four of them: n Hire an outsider if the person who would normally conduct the investigation is directly involved as an alleged offender or a victim. This seems obvious, and it is. The logic is pretty simple.
If I make an allegation against you, I don’t want you to determine the facts. Likewise, if you accuse me, I still don’t want you to investigate. n Hire an outsider if you have a highprofile case. When the reputation of the organization or unit is at stake, it’s important that the investigator have credibility. In high-profile cases, it can be very difficult for an internal investigator to separate loyalty to the company from pursuit of the truth. Don’t put anyone in that awkward position. Hire an outsider. Tell them their only loyalty is to the facts. n Hire an outsider if a top executive is involved. It may be possible in some strange and faraway universe for a department head to conduct a fair and impartial investigation of alleged misconduct by a CEO. But not in this world. Don’t even try it. n Hire an outsider when the very nature of the case is sensitive. Examples are allegations of crimes, sexual misconduct, abuse of power or harassment. These situations call for the deft touch of an experienced pro. Such a person will untangle the web of conflicting stories while safeguarding the rights of possible victims and alleged
Featured Business:
offenders. Where do you get this outsider? Well, ahem, let me humbly suggest that a good HR consultant can be a most excellent choice. So can an attorney, but not the one you have on retainer to represent your firm in disputes with employees. Your credibility could be compromised by that choice. And sometimes, you need a qualified private detective. More on this whole topic in a later column.
Fred W. Spannaus, principal of Spannaus Consulting, is a senior professional in human resources. He loves feedback to his columns. Fred can be contacted by email at spannaus@ ameritech.net or by phone at 425-2635.
BUSINESS JOURNAL Reader Profile: n 30% are owner/partner of their business. n 27% have household income of $100,000 to $149,000.
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> BUSINESS CLIPS
Did you know?
New staff members Nicole Bateman has been named executive director of the Children’s Museum of Illinois.
Bateman
Oakley
Cindy Oakley has joined Hickory Point Bank and Trust as vice president of finance.
Promotions Beckett
David M. Sowers of Greater Illinois Agency in Decatur to achieve membership in the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table, The Premier Association of Financial Professionals.
Sowers
Whitacre McNamara Insurance Services has been recognized by financial expert Dave Ramsey for its customer-friendly business practices. The Decatur Park District’s partnerships with Decatur Memorial Hospital and the Decatur School District have resulted in the receipt of the Best Friend of Illinois Parks—Large Business and Intergovernmental Cooperation awards from the Illinois Association of Park Districts.
Announcements
Donnette Beckett has been promoted to special projects writer at the Herald & Review.
Achievements
Jones and Thomas took home the top prize in the television commercial category and JTnet in the website design category at the Central Illinois Ad Club’s Decagon Awards.
Decatur Memorial Hospital has been named one of the nation’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals by Truven Health Analytics.
Michael T. Carrigan has been elected to a second term as president of the Illinois AFL-CIO. Terri Kuhle, Beatriz Perez, Kyle Talleur and Carrigan Rocki Wilkerson have joined Catholic Charities of Decatur’s advisory board. Dennis Reinhart has been elected president. Bruce Huber is vice president and Talleur is finance officer.
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/
Flight might Famous men who flew World War II combat missions 1. Gene Roddenberry — piloted 80 missions 2. John Glen— piloted 59 missions 3. Jimmy Stewart — bombardier on 25 missions 4. Norman Lear — radio operator on 57 missions 5. Deke Slayton — piloted 53 missions 6. Charles Lindbergh — piloted 32 missions Famous test pilot Chuck Yeager shot down 12½ German aircraft
Flight might Aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan 1. Operate without refueling — 20 years 2. Flight deck — equal to 72 football fields 3. Personnel — 6,000 4. Height — 20 stories above waterline 5. Top speed — 35 mph (powered by 2 nuclear reactors) 6. Food and supplies — enough for 90 days
Couldn’t swing it Only U.S. presidents who did not play golf while in office-x 1. Jimmy Carter 2. Herbert Hoover 3. Harry Truman x-Since William Taft first played in 1909 Source: World Features Syndicate
> ASK THE SCORE COUNSELOR Q: Where can a business owner find financing to expand? A: Many entrepreneurs, policy makers and academics wonder where small business owners get the money to expand their businesses. Thanks to the efforts of researchers at the Census Bureau and the Illinois Small Business Development Center’s Weekly Connection, I can tell you the answer. The following data comes from the 2007 Survey of Business Owners, an effort to collect data on more than 2.3 million nonfarm businesses filing 2007 tax forms as individual proprietorships, partnerships, or any type of corporation, and with receipts of $1,000 or more.
The survey reveals seven important facts about small business expansion financing: 1. The majority (51.2 percent) of small employers needing money to expand use either their own or family members’ savings or assets. 2. Business profits or assets are a key source of money to expand. 29.1 percent of small employers use this source of expansion financing. 3. Banks are an important source of expansion capital for small businesses. Just shy of one-third of small business owners report using a bank loan to finance expansion. 4. Credit cards, both personal and business, are a common source of money for small business expansion, with one quarter of small employers needing expansion funds obtaining at least some of it from this source. 5. More than one-in-ten (11.4 percent) of small business owners report using
Got a question? To learn more about small business financing, for one-on-one, face-to-face business counseling, or to submit a question for the “Ask the SCORE Counselor” column, contact SCORE Chapter 296, Millikin University, 1184 W. Main St., Decatur, IL 62522 or call 424-6296.
equity in their homes to finance small business expansion. 6. Government-guaranteed loans and loans from the government, such as SBA loans, aren’t a source of expansion capital for many businesses; the survey data shows that less than 3 percent of small businesses needing expansion capital get money from this source. 7. Only a few small businesses use venture capital to expand; the survey data reveals that only about 0.5 percent use this source of financing. —Carol Harding, SCORE counselor
Meet a SCORE counselor
Woare
Ed Woare is retired as president and owner of Woare Builders Supply Co. His counseling expertise is in sales, marketing and construction. Ed has been a SCORE member for 10 years.
Dale Says... “Make Dale’s your one-stop shop!” To do: Call Dale’s for refills Pick up Fannie May Candies for Mom Get stamps at Dale’s
Erica Says... “Don’t forget we offer free delivery in the Decatur area, and accept most major insurances!”
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November 2012
YOUR CAREER
End tardiness habit to improve relationship with boss Q: My manager recently gave me a performance warning for coming to work late. She has started monitoring me very closely, which makes me feel like some sort of criminal. I don’t think I deserve to be treated this way just because I have poor time management skills. I used to have a friendly relationship with my boss, but now I hardly speak to her at all. I have applied for a Office Coach position in another department, but I’m afraid her feedback may keep me from getting it. Is there anything I can do to improve this situation? A: The most obvious thing you can do is get to work on time. Given that your manager has issued a formal warning, she must have been irritated about your tardiness for quite awhile. If you want her to recommend you for other jobs in the company, then this is a problem you have to fix. Fortunately, tardiness is a behavior that can be easily modified. Even someone with “poor time management skills” has the ability to calculate the travel time from home to office and prepare accordingly. This will undoubtedly require altering some long-established habits, but if your career matters, you must make the effort. At the same time, you should also reconsider your attitude, because childishly snubbing your boss is self-defeating and unjustified. By refusing to tolerate tardiness, she is actually being a good manager. Since all employees are expected to arrive on time, making an exception for you would constitute blatant favoritism. If you can be prompt and pleasant for a sustained period, your manager will undoubtedly decrease her monitoring. And if the rest of your performance remains satisfactory, she may eventually give you a favorable recommendation. nnn Q: One of my employees frequently wears clothing that is too small and too tight. Although we have a written dress code, “Rachel” has apparently decided to ignore it. Both customers and co-workers have commented on the amount of skin and cleavage she displays. I asked Rachel if she would like some assistance in selecting suitable outfits for the office, but she said no. Now I can’t decide whether I should make the dress code more specific, send her home to change, or just write her up. What would you suggest? A: As Rachel’s boss, you have every right to clearly define appropriate office attire and see that she complies. But this particular option seems to be missing from your list of possible actions. Somewhere between “asking if she would like assistance” and “writing her up” is a
Marie McIntyre
more logical strategy: Firmly describe your expectations, then follow up with ongoing feedback. For example: “Rachel, we need to talk about appropriate dress for the office. Any outfit that exposes a lot of skin between your shoulders and knees is not acceptable because it looks unprofessional. For instance, the shirt you are wearing today is too low-cut for work, but the dress you wore yesterday was fine. To be sure these expectations are clear, let’s discuss some other examples.” From then on, if Rachel dresses inappropriately, immediately send her home to change. But when she makes correct clothing choices, acknowledge her good judgment. When attempting to change an employee’s behavior, managers need to not only correct missteps, but also praise progress. nnn Q: My co-worker, “Ted,” sometimes leaves the office for two or three hours in the middle of the day. When I refused to cover for him, he became angry and retaliated by telling the owner that I didn’t have enough work to do. Since the owner believes every word Ted says, she decided to increase my workload. Now I’m overwhelmed, but I don’t know what to do about it. By the way, Ted is the owner’s nephew. A: Your last sentence contains the most pertinent fact about this situation, because family businesses have some unique characteristics. For one thing, relatives almost always have greater influence and flexibility than other employees. Therefore, even though it may not seem fair, the odds are good that Ted’s aunt will continue to favor him in the future. This does not mean that you must suffer in silence, but it does mean that you should avoid complaining about Ted. So instead of trying to settle the score with your vindictive colleague, calmly explain to the owner how your unmanageable workload is creating business problems. Provide meaningful examples, then propose a reasonable solution. If these family dynamics become too frustrating, you can always start looking for a more conventional place to work. But if you choose to stay with this company, just remember that getting along with Ted will be an ongoing job requirement. nnn Q: After being laid off, I took a parttime job just to get by. This position, however, has absolutely no relationship to my career. Should I include it on my resume or leave it off? A: Barring disreputable activities, almost any temporary job looks better than an employment gap. The fact that you are working not only conveys motivation and initiative, but also shows that someone wanted to hire you. Additionally, this employer can serve as a reference for your character and work ethic. To clearly convey your professional identity, start your resumé with a specific objective statement and a list of skills.
Weekly tips Can't get enough advice from the Office Coach. Get weekly column updates at www.thebusiness-journal.com. When describing the stop-gap job, don’t waste valuable space explaining all your duties. Instead, just provide a brief overview, then give a detailed description of your more relevant positions. If you have an established background in your field, interviewers should easily recognize that this part-time position was just the quickest path to a paycheck. Including a brief explanation in your cover letter or email would still be a good idea. nnn Q: I would like to know why the human resources profession discriminates against men. Based on my observations, most HR departments are 90 percent female. Despite having a master’s degree and eight years of experience, I can’t seem to get an interview for an HR management position. Why can’t men get ahead in this field? A: One obvious cause of the gender imbalance is simply that more women
choose human resources as a career. Last year, for example, women made up 66 percent of the graduates of academic HR programs. Then again, this number also indicates that men still continue to enter the profession. And although some CEOs might prefer female HR executives, men actually do hold many of the top positions. While your frustration is certainly understandable, fretting about possible discrimination will not help you land a management position. Because rejection is hard to take, job seekers frequently attribute their lack of success to external causes. Unfortunately, however, this rationalization can prevent them from correcting flaws in their approach. In your case, since you are not getting interviews, odds are that you need to create a more attention-getting resumé. Should your assumptions about gender preference happen to be correct, you must make a special effort to shine in order to stand out from the pack.
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 http://www.yourofficecoach.com, or follow her on Twitter @officecoach.
The Business Journal presents...
A SALUTE TO
Family owned businesses are important to the growth of any community. The future of our town is sculpted by the courage and ingenuity of business owners like you. Rarely are you given Family owned businesses to the the chance to tell are yourimportant story. growth of any community. The future of our town is sculpted by the ingenuity of This publication is courage designedand entirely around business owners youlike andyou. yourRarely story. are you given the chance to tell your story. Be a part of this special section for the December and receive additional space This issue publication is designed entirely around to tell readers aboutstory. your business. youmore and your
IN DECEMBER’S ISSUE!
Be aCall parttoday of this special section for the December to reserve your space at issue and receive additional space 421-6924 to tell readers more about your business.
Advertising/Questionnaire deadline Call today to reserve your space at November 16, 2012 421-6924
Advertising/Questionnaire deadline November 16, 2012 www.thebusiness-journal.com 601 E. William Street Decatur, Illinois 62523 www.thebusiness-journal.com *2007 Business Journal reader survey.
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Find ways to liven up work by broadening horizons Q: I have a job in my field, but after 15 years, I’m feeling rather bored with it. It’s not practical to do a career change right now; what would you suggest to reengage? A: Look for variety within your current realm, and also think about going deeper where you can. First, understand your feelings about your work situation. What is driving the boredom? Repetition of the same work day in and day out? Lack of professional growth? Or there may be other factors, such as disengagement from your co-workers or issues with your boss. Consider the highs and lows of the average workweek, defining aspects you’d like to keep and those you’d like to change. Then reflect on skills and interests that are not employed in your current job. Define your ideal work environment,
Liz Reyer
taking into account the tasks you’d be doing and fit with your personality. Then match it against the current. For example, if you’re responsible for helping maintain a system and you would love to be developing a new product, you’ve identified a possible area for a shift. Finally, look at work in the broader context of your life. Are you engaged and enthusiastic in other areas? If this boredom is more pervasive, you’ll likely want to take a broader look to understand the bigger picture, possibly including a visit with your doctor to rule out mild depression. Now, make a plan for ways you can make modest but energizing changes in your work situation. Start by looking for some new areas of focus that you could begin to incorporate. Consider talking with your boss about task forces or committees that would broaden your exposure to new ideas. Volunteer for new assignments; this could help give you more energy. Also think about ways to deepen your engagement with current tasks, exploring ways to acquire more expertise or move to a greater level of complexity. Familiarity can take the edge off of
Weekly tips Get weekly career tips from Liz Reyer at www.thebusiness-journal.com.
interest, so try looking at your work with a fresh eye to understand new paths you could take with it. Consider the social side of work, as well. If you don’t have a group of friends at work, begin to build more social connections, which can help build your positive energy level. It might be time to consider a new job, even if you are staying in your field. If you’re happy with your company, watch for new opportunities; participation in task forces, etc., will help build your visibility with potential new managers. Also look for opportunities at other companies. If you decide to stay put, you then are choosing to stay rather than feeling stuck. Finally, make sure that other aspects of your life are providing the right level of support and interest. If work is some-
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what flat, be sure that you’re doing things that are fun outside of work, and are spending time with people you value. Consider taking up a new activity in order to keep learning and growing. Even small changes can break through boredom, so look for variations in your work to regain your enthusiasm.
Liz Reyer is a credentialed coach with more than 20 years of business experience. Her company, Reyer Coaching & Consulting, offers services for organizations of all sizes. Submit questions or comments about this column at www.deliverchange.com/coachscorner or email her at liz@deliverchange.com.
BUSINESS JOURNAL Reader Profile: n 63% have household incomes of $60,000 or greater. 36% have household incomes of $80,000 or greater.
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COPD Risks Symptoms COPD Risks andand Symptoms Q A
J. Steven Arnold, MD Pulmonary Medicine St. Mary’s Hospital Pulmonary Clinic
FINANCIAL GUIDANCE Financial Guidance
What is COPD and why is it important for me to know about it?
Q
COPD is the acronym used for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. COPD is the 3rd leading cause of death in the United States-that’s more than 120,000 Americans annually. COPD causes long-term disability, and more than 12 million people have been diagnosed with the disease, with millions more unaware of their condition. Symptoms of COPD include having shortness of breath, chronic cough and difficulty performing simple tasks such as climbing stairs. Risk factors include being over 40 years of age, being a current or previous smoker, or a history of living and working around chemicals or fumes. If you are at risk for COPD or are experiencing symptoms, speak with your primary care provider about getting a spirometry test, a simple breathing test used to diagnose COPD.
A
Who can help me organize my finances? Understanding and getting control of your financial status can be overwhelming. Do you start by paying off debt? Budgeting? Saving and investing? There are many resources online to explore, but also check with your local financial institution. Often times, they will have free and personalized help on hand. The first steps to getting organized are to collect basic information about your finances. Be sure to know your household income, regular monthly bills, debt, taxes and any other benefits or expenses. Then start tracking other expenses
Chris Phillips
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Workable AAWorkable HomeHome Office Office
Online Advertising Advertising Online
How do I set up a workable home office? Whether you use your home office for paying bills or running a company, there is a need for pre-planning. Your first step is to establish a permanent space. Being able to seclude yourself, in an "office frame of mind," has to be a conscious decision, and your work environment should be a reflection of you. Think of all the things you need to work comfortably and efficiently in the space. How much working space will you need? Will you require overhead storage? The most important piece of furniture will be your desk or work surface. Whether you select a custom desk or a simple office set up, this is where you'll spend the most time. Your work area should be large enough and the right height to comfortably do your work. Pair your desk with an ergonomically sound chair for optimum performance. For additional space savings, you can mount your computer monitor on a swing arm. Additional elements, such as storage space and lighting, should also be taken into consideration. Comfort and functionality are significant characteristics of a productive home office and the type of furniture you buy is essential to efficiency. Whether your space is limited, or you have the ability to devote an entire room, our sales and design staff can assist you in creating your workable home office.
Q A
Steve Larson Digital Sales Manager
What is online advertising?
It is the most efficient advertising available for targeting local consumers, whether you are a small business or a large business. Marketing online to attract local customers works because every day, more and more consumers are using the Internet and herald-review.com to access news and information, local offers and services in close proximity to where they live. Because so many local people are visiting herald-review.com every day (we average over 7,000 unique visitors each day and generate 1.8 million pages views each month*) it is up to us to provide as many reasons for them to keep coming back for more. From sponsoring breaking news and doing Today's Deal to helping your business show up better in a Google or Yahoo! Search, if you haven't inquired about including online advertising, you should. It doesn't cost you anything to ask. To get started, call Steve Larson at (217) 421-6927 or email slarson@herald-review.com today. *source: Omniture
6 0 1 E . W I L L I A M S T. D E C AT U R , I L 6 2 5 2 3 217.421.6927
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charting their own path
By THERESA CHURCHILL Business Journal Writer
DECATUR - Leaders of at least five social service agencies had some big shoes to fill when they came on board in the last year or two. Brenda Gorrell Pyatt stepped in for longtime director Kathleen Taylor in 2010 at the Good Samaritan Inn. Last year Robert "Bert" Gray took over for Vincent Rodriguez as executive director of the Macon County Court Appointed Special Advocates program, and Jim Walters began working alongside Ray Batman at Dove, Inc., toward the end of a tenure that began when the faith-based organization was formed more than 40 years ago. This year, Bruce Jeffery succeeded Walt Smith as executive director of the Boys & Girls Club, and Captains Wesley and Susan Dalberg replaced Majors Bob and Joyce Gauthier at the Salvation Army. Smith had been at his post so long, his name was practically synonymous with the Boy & Girls Club, and the Gauthiers oversaw a high-profile and successful building campaign while they were in Decatur. But the new leaders each praise the groundwork laid by their predecessors and say they are poised to build on those
New agency leaders picking up where predecessors left off foundations. Jeffery had to make some changes fairly quickly after the United Way of Decatur and Mid-Illinois awarded the Boys & Girls Club more than $100,000 less for the current year. Among them was raising expectations on what children must accomplish to go on field trips and enjoy other special privileges. "We still offer all those things at no cost to the kids, but not to the same degree," Jeffery said. "They have to earn those a little bit more." Jeffery has also updated staff uniforms and intends to maintain an active Facebook page and also start a website. Long-term, he hopes to eventually establish satellite locations elsewhere in the Decatur area. Over at Dove, Walters said he's still enjoying working in Decatur because it's one of the most collaborative communities he's ever lived in.
Business Journal/Mark Roberts
Robert Gray, executive director of the Macon County Court Appointed Special Advocates.
Above: Jim Walters, Brenda Gorrell Pyatt and Jeffrey Bruce. Gray said he's been trying to make use of his strengths in marketing at the court appointed special "Some places you have to be the bully advocate program by building up the on the playground," Walters said. "I other three legs of what fundraisers call don't have to be that guy here." the "four-legged stool." He's added the directors of Dove's two The program had already established largest programs to his management several successful fundraisers, including team - Teri Ducy from the domestic viothe annual CASAs for CASA playhouse lence program and Darsonya Switzer raffle, but he also plans to work on annufrom Homeward Bound - and wants raise al giving, major gifts and planned giving awareness about the many different pro(or bequests). grams his agency offers. "When it comes to the These include the return on investment, Retired and Senior Volevents are at the absolute unteer Program, Combottom, but we're still munity Services, Clothgoing to have fundraisers ing Room, Community and keep growing them," Recycling Center and he said. Beginning Awareness Gray is also in the Basic Education Studies process of hiring a new or BABES. program director, with "Every time I get my the departure of Julie hair cut, I have to Kierbs in early Septemexplain my job," Walters ber. said. The Dalbergs, meanSubmitted photo Pyatt said she's been Salvation Army Captains Susan while, are starting to able to build upon the think about things like and Wesley Dalberg efficiencies that had establishing a procedure already been established for the public to rent its at the Good Samaritan Inn, but the most new community room - part of about $5 important thing she had to learn was to million in capital improvements completimpose consequences when patrons ed nearly a year ago. break the rules. "Unless something is absolutely bro"About our only option is to not let ken, I don't try to fix it in the first year," them eat, and that was hard for me," she Wesley Dalberg said. "It's more of a said. "I had to get tougher." tweaking process really." As a result, she said people tell her the Longer range plans may involve number of fights at the Good Samaritan adding programming for youth and one Inn have gone down. day a shelter for homeless families to Pyatt and her board are also about to accompany the Salvation Army's shelter enter the application process to make the for homeless men. soup kitchen an agency of the United "We are always looking for ways we Way of Decatur and Mid-Illinois for the might better serve the community," Dalfirst time in its 30-year history. berg said.
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Organizations are here to help community The following is a listing of some of the not-for-profit agencies serving Macon County.
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY Primary mission: Eliminate cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Services offered: Research, cancer information services, support groups, transportation, advocacy, community programs and services. Top local executive: Tonda Thompson Address: 4234 N. Knoxville, Suite B, Peoria Phone: (309) 688-3488 Web: www.cancer.org, www.relayfor life.org/maconil Primary events/fundraisers: Relay for Life (July)
AMERICAN RED CROSS MID-ILLINOIS CHAPTER Primary mission: Prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. Services offered: Disaster services, emergency services, blood donation, health and safety services and services to armed forces. Top local executive: Carl Baker, executive director Address: 2674 N. Main St., Decatur Phone: 428-7758 Web: www.midillinoisredcross.org Primary events/fundraisers: Heartland Heroes (Nov.), blood drives.
BABY TALK Primary mission: Positively impact child development and nurture healthy parentchild relationships during the critical early years. Services offered: Early literacy program, early intervention, home visitation, outreach and Early Head Start program. Top local executive: Claudia Quigg Address: 500 E. Lake Shore Drive, Decatur Phone: 475-2234 Web: www.babytalk.org Primary events/fundraisers: Grillin’ in the Garden (June)
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF CENTRAL ILLINOIS Primary mission: Provide caring adult mentors to at-risk children in Macon County. Services offered: One-to-one mentoring. Top local executive: Jeanne Stahlheber Address: 310 W. William St., Decatur Phone: 428-4240 Web: www.bbbscil.org Primary events/fundraisers: Bowl for Kids Sake (Feb.), Night in the Islands (Nov.), Festival of Choirs (Jan.)
(Nov.), Halloween carnival (Oct.), Martin Luther King Jr. March (Feb.), Black History Lock-in (Feb.), National Boys and Girls Club Week (April), Year End Bash event (May), Back to School Festival (Sept.), Day for Kids event (Sept.)
CATHOLIC CHARITIES Primary mission: Extend to all the healing and empowering presence of Jesus. Services offered: Professional counseling solutions, student assistance counseling, eldercare options, elderly guardianship services, Faith in Action, food pantries, Meals on Wheels, MedAssist, resale store, Strong for Life. Top local executive: Marie Rademacher Address: 247 W. Prairie Ave., Decatur Phone: 428-3458 Web: www.cc.dio.org/area_offices/ decatur/home.htm Primary events/fundraisers: Annual dinner/ dance (April)
CENTRAL ILLINOIS CHRISTIANS IN MISSION Primary mission: Provide for the needy as directed by God in Matthew 25:34-40. Services offered: Provide furniture, appliances and beds to low-income and needy families. Top local executive: Jerry Aldridge Address: 1000 E. Locust St., Decatur Phone: 422-4246 Web: www.decaturnet.org/cicim Primary events/fundraisers: Golf outing (Sept.)
CENTRAL ILLINOIS FOODBANK Primary mission: To collect donated food and grocery items from growers, manufacturers, processors and wholesalers for distribution to charitable agencies serving people in need. Serve more than 150 agencies in 21 Central Illinois counties. Services offered: Food distribution. Top local executive: Pam Molitoris, executive director Address: 2000 E. Moffat St., Springfield Phone: 522-4022 Web: www.centralilfoodbank.org Primary events/fundraisers: Community food drive (Oct.), Harvest Ball (Nov.)
CHELP (Community Home Environmental Learning Project) Primary mission: Provides services to seniors and disabled citizens to keep them in their homes and out of nursing homes as long as possible. Services offered: Senior companion, inhome care, coordinated point of entry, respite care and private care. Top local executive: Diane Drew Address: 1429 N. Jasper St., Decatur Phone: 422-9888
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF DECATUR Primary mission: To enable all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. Top local executive: Bruce Jeffery Address: 859 N. Jasper St., Decatur Phone: 422-9605 Web: www.bgca.org Primary events/fundraisers: Annual banquet
CHIC (COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT CENTER) Primary mission: Provide exceptional, compassionate and comprehensive health care to Central Illinois. Services offered: Comprehensive outpatient pediatric and adult medical care and mental health services.
SUBMITAGROUP To have your group considered for our online listing and next year’s printed listing, send your information to Scott Perry at sperry@herald-review.com. Top local executive: Barbara Dunn, chief executive officer Address: 2905 N. Main St., Decatur Phone: 877-9117
DECATUR DAY CARE CENTER Primary mission: Provide quality childcare for working parents or parents in school. Services offered: Child care for 6 weeks to 12 years. Top local executive: Janice Baldwin Address: 2075 E. Lake Shore Drive, Suite B, Decatur Phone: 422-2044
DECATUR FAMILY YMCA Primary mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Services offered: Youth and family programs, sports, health and fitness, Camp Sokkia, preschool enrichment and school-age programs. Top local executive: Paul Stanzione, executive director Address: 220 W. McKinley Ave., Decatur Phone: 872-9622 Web: www.decaturymca.org Primary events/fundraisers: Women of Excellence (April), Celebrity Waiters Dinner (Oct.), Backpack Attack (Aug.), KidFest (Aug.)
DECATUR-MACON COUNTY SENIOR CENTER Primary mission: Enhance the quality of life for seniors through friendship, services, programs, activities and advocacy. Services offered: Multi-purpose senior center, flu shots, information and assistance. Top local executive: Leslie Stanberry Address: 1430 N. 22nd St., Decatur Phone: 429-1239 Web: decaturmaconcountyseniorcenter. org Primary events/fundraisers: Longaberger Binga (Oct.)
DOVE INC. Primary mission: Coalition of religious organizations, volunteers and advocates that seek to coordinate efforts to address unmet human needs and social injustices. Services offered: Domestic violence program, BABES, Homeward Bound, MAX and DAX, outreach programs, children’s clothing room, RSVP and community recycling center. Top local executive: Jim Walters Address: 788 E. Clay St., Decatur Phone: 428-6616 Web: www.doveinc.org
EASTER SEALS OF CENTRAL ILLINOIS Primary mission: Provide exceptional services to insure that all people with
disabilities or special needs and their families have equal opportunity to live, learn, work and play in their community. Services offered: Speech/language therapy services, recreational programming, adult services, autism services, family support services, child care, respite care and AgrAbility Unlimited. Top local executive: Lori Brown, president Address: 2715 N. 27th St., Decatur Phone: 429-1052 Web: www.ci.easterseals.com Primary events/fundraisers: Bowl-athon (Feb.), Celebration Day (March), softball tournament (Aug.)
GIRLS SCOUTS OF CENTRAL ILLINOIS Primary mission: Build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. Services offered: Serving girls ages 5 through 17 through troops, events and outdoor education Top local executive: Pam Kovacevich Address: 110 E. Pershing Road, Decatur Phone: 423-7791 Web: www.girlscouts-gsci.org Primary events/fundraisers: Cookies, magazine and snack sales (Jan.), diamond event (Sept.)
GOOD SAMARITAN INN Primary mission: Maintain a community program to serve nutritious meals to the hungry and economically disadvantaged. Services offered: Daily lunch program. Top local executive: Brenda Gorrell Pyatt Address: 920 N. Union St., Decatur Phone: 429-1455 Web: www.goodsamaritaninn.org
HERITAGE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CENTER Primary mission: Assist people with mental illnesses and substance use disorders to reclaim their lives by providing treatment and supportive services in a community setting. Services offered: Mental health and addiction services, Oasis Day Center. Top local executive: Diana Knaebe Address: 151 N. Main St., Decatur Phone: 362-6262 Web: www.heritagenet.org
HOMEWARD BOUND PET SHELTER Primary mission: Shelter and rehabilitate relinquished cats, kittens, dogs and puppies until they can be permanently adopted into loving homes. Also serves as a job training program for people with disabilities. Services offered: Pet adoptions, grooming, foster care and job training program. Top local executive: Dreux Lewandowski Address: 1720 East Huston Dr., Decatur Phone: 876-1266 Web: www.homewardboundpetshelter.com Primary events/fundraisers: Martinis for Cats (March), Woofstock (June), Dog Days of Summer (Aug.)
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF EAST CENTRAL ILLINOIS Primary Mission: Educate and inspire young people to value free enterprise, business and economics to improve the
www.thebusiness-journal.com quality of their lives. Top local executive: Jill Applebee, president Address: 788 N. Sunnyside Road, Decatur Phone: 428-2151 Web: decatur-illinois.ja.org Primary events/fundraisers: JA Business Challenge for high school juniors and seniors, Careers on Wheels for fourth graders, life skills program for 500 high school students, MUDD 5K run (Sept.)
DECATUR AREA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Primary mission: To build simple, decent and affordable homes for people in need, providing them with a place to live and grow into all that God intended. Services offered: Mortgages are financed in-house at zero percent interest to individuals that qualify for the program. Home mentors are provided to Habitat homeowners and provide assistance throughout the home-ownership process. Budgeting and homebuyers counseling is provided to new habitat homeowners. Top local executive: Shanisha GravesRoth, executive director Address: 151 N. Main St., Decatur Phone: 425-6446 Web: www.decaturhabitat.org Primary events/fundraisers: ReStore warehouse
DECATUR-MACON COUNTY OPPORTUNITIES CORP Primary mission: Prepare customers to enter the economic mainstream of society by providing the skills, opportunities, advocacy, and services needed to become self-sufficient. Services offered: Anna Waters Head Start program, community services, senior services, energy assistance, housing and emergency services, training and education, weatherization. Top local executive: Carol Jontry, president Address: 1122 E. Marietta St., Decatur Phone: 428-0155 Web: www.dmcoc.org
LAND OF LINCOLN LEGAL ASSISTANCE FOUNDATION INC. Primary mission: Pursue civil justice for low-income persons through representation and education. Services offered: Legal services for seniors, disabled persons and low-income clients. Top local executive: Lauren Pashayan Address: 3085 Stevenson Drive, Suite 202, Springfield Phone: (800) 252-8629 Web: www.lollaf.org
LINCOLN TRAIL COUNCIL, BOY SCOUTS Primary mission: Prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Services offered: Youth development programs that provide character development, citizenship training and personal fitness, leadership and self reliance. Top local executive: Chris Long Address: 262 W. Prairie Ave., Decatur Phone: 429-2326 Web: www.lincolntrailscouncil.org Primary events/fundraisers: Popcorn sale (Oct.), Friends of Scouting Campaign (Jan.).
MACON COUNTY CASA Primary mission: Provide court appointed volunteers to advocate for the abused, neglected and/or dependent children
November 2012 who are involved in the Macon County juvenile court system. Services offered: Court appointed special advocates Top local executive: Bert Gray, executive director Address: 140 S. Water St., Suite 100, Decatur Phone: 428-8424 Web: www.maconcountycasa.org Primary events/fundraisers: CASA for CASA playhouse raffle (April), CASAtume party (Oct.).
MACON RESOURCES INC. Primary mission: Promote growth, independence and self worth in children and adults with disabilities. Services offered: Bright Start, Kid’s Connection, community employment, community support services, residential services, developmental/vocational training, case management, Blue Tower Training, business services, janitorial and lawn care services for businesses, Homeward Bound Pet Shelter. Top local executive: Dreux Lewandowski Address: 2121 Hubbard Ave., Decatur Phone: 875-1910 Web: www.maconresources.org Primary events/fundraisers: Kids Rock (March), golf tournament (June).
NORTHEAST COMMUNITY FUND Primary mission: To assist needy families in our community with the resources available in a caring and Christlike manner. Services offered: Counseling, emergency food and financial assistance, clothing room, assistance with prescription drugs, baby supplies and other emergency needs. Top local executive: Jerry Pelz Address: 825 N. Water St., Decatur Phone: 429-5846 Web: northeastcommunityfund.org Primary events/fundraisers: Letter Carriers Food Drive (May), Christmas basket distributions (Dec.).
PARTNERS IN EDUCATION Primary mission: To facilitate through business and education partnerships, the fostering of programs and alliances which provide experiences that expose diverse students to the world of work. Services offered: Link school-based and work-based learning programs to improve student success. Top local executive: Renee Stivers Address: 1 College Park, E193, Decatur Phone: 875-7211 ext. 575 Web: pie.richland.edu Primary events/fundraisers: Youth Leadership Institute, Decatur Area College and Career Fair (Oct.), Archer Daniels Midland Chemistry Days (Feb.), 8th Grade Career Fair (Jan.), Partners’ Salute (March), high tech summer camp (June).
Web: www.usc.salvationarmy.org Primary events/fundraisers: Christmas kettles
UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY LAND OF LINCOLN Primary mission: To provide innovative strategies to connect people with disabilities to their community. Services offered: Job training, assistive technology, camps, case management, toy lending, advocacy, medical transportation, play group, respite care and transition program. Top local executive: Jennifer Dawson Address: 432 E. Prairie St., Suite 100, Decatur Phone: 428-5033 Web: www.ucpll.org Primary events/fundraisers: UCP Miller Lite Barstool Open (Jan.), telethon (Jan.), Life Without Limits (March).
WEBSTER-CANTRELL HALL Primary mission: Serve children, youth and families in troubled circumstances. Services offered: Physical, social, educational and psychological needs through home- and/or community-based programs. Top local executive: Robin Crowe Address: 1942 E. Cantrell St., Decatur Phone: 423-6961 Web: www.webstercantrell.org Primary events/fundraisers: Holiday Table Top (Nov.)
YOUTH ADVOCATE PROGRAM Primary mission: Provide a wide range of
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rehabilitative services to at-risk children and their families through our family intensive program while striving to maintain the family unit whenever possible. Services offered: Parenting skills, one-toone mentoring, supervised visits, youth services referrals, behavior control, homeless youth shelter and mental health counseling. Top local executive: Michael Warner Address: 202 E. Eldorado St., Decatur Phone: 422-7864 Web: www.yapinc.org
SAIL (Soyland Access to Independent Living) Primary mission: Promote and practice independent living for all people with disabilities; strive to encourage and assist people with disabilities to gain effective control of their lives by participation in all aspects of society to their fullest extent possible; promotes personal dignity of people with disabilities and develops community awareness by providing training, direct services and information. Services offered: Community reintegration, deaf services, family advocacy, home services, independent living, visual services, disability awareness. Top local executive: Jeri J. Wooters, executive director Address: 2449 Federal Drive, Decatur Phone: 876-8888 or 800-358-8080 Web address: www.decatursail.com
MACON RESOURCES can help your business thrive, be more productive, and increase your bottom line. • Assembly/ Pre-Assembly • Warehousing • Packaging • Wire Stripping & Crimping
• Parts Washing • Table & Chair Rental • Commercial Janitorial • Commercial Lawn Care
SALVATION ARMY Primary mission: To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in his name without discrimination. Services offered: Disaster services, emergency assistance, family counseling services, housing/residence services, older adult services, worship center and youth services. Top local executive: Wesley Dahlberg Address: 229 W. Main St., Decatur Phone: 428-4672
2121 Hubbard Avenue - Decatur, IL 62526 - (217) 875 - 1910
MAC ON RE S O U R C E S
www.maconresources.org
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Meet Wegi Stewart President of The Community Foundation of Macon County Hometown: Decatur. My second hometown is St. Louis. I was born there, went to high school there and have important family — grandchildren! — there. Family: Husband David and three grown children (all married, working and with health insurance), five grandchildren and Mason, our golden retriever. Occupation: President, The Community Foundation of Macon County. Education: Bachelor’s degree in government from Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. My “I’d rather be …” bumper sticker would read: “I’d rather be sipping wine in Italy.” I am truly a romantic. I daydream about weathered shutters, the color of the Mediterranean, Michelangelo’s David and beautiful leather shoes. Hobbies/interest: Honestly, I used to be more interesting, but my grandchildren take up most of my free time now. So I guess my hobbies are Candy Land, princess puzzles and Brio trains. My first job: Teaching GED at Richland Community College. I was new to the workforce after staying home for 12 years with children. It was scary and wonderful. I learned so much more than my students did. Why do I do what I do: After working in the community for over two decades, it’s intriguing how all of my experiences, knowledge, intuitions and skills weave together to help donors help the community. It’s very satisfying when it integrates and works.
Wegi Stewart poses at the World War II Memorial in downtown Decatur. The memorial was funded through donations and grants received by The Community Foundation of Macon County.
Personal approaches to challenges: I have to think and think and think. I am sure it seems to colleagues and even family that I take a while to get to a solution, but thinking things through very thoroughly is how I reach answers, conclusions and strategies. Then I act quickly.
tral venue for gathering concerned parties around the table to solve problems. Often, the parties go off and execute the solution together. Sometimes, the efforts require continued leadership, and that’s a role The Foundation can play.
Community involvement: Right now, I am focused on the responsibilities of my position at The Community Foundation. My entire job is community involvement. In the past, I have served on many boards starting with my kids’ nursery school, PTA, the Y, Rotary Club 180, Heritage Behavioral Health Center and others. These were all amazing learning opportunities and still provide me with foundational experiences I draw from today.
Is Macon County a generous community? We are so fortunate to live in an incredibly generous community. From my seat, I see very thoughtful approaches to philanthropy beyond what is visible to everyone. Our donors love Decatur and Macon County. They support our pillar institutions, but also give to fledgling nonprofits that are doing great work.
We have to ask. What’s the story behind Wegi? My name is Louise. When I was a toddler, my father started calling me Luigi and soon it was just “Wegi,” the spelling of which I invented myself. What is The Community Foundation of Macon County? The Community Foundation of Macon County is a treasure! It has two main purposes; to promote philanthropy and lead positive change in our community. While it is generally associated with collecting and handling funds, the foundation’s mission statement also includes identifying and working with groups to address community issues. Is this a natural offshoot of the foundation? Why is this type of involvement important? Historically, community foundations were depositories for donors’ charitable funds much like a trust department would be. And we still provide that service. However, over time, community foundations began to take a significant role in leading change initiatives in their communities. It made sense since many donors care significantly about the towns and cities they support, and creating impact collectively can be powerful. The Community Foundation provides a neu-
Business Journal/Mark Roberts
Being philanthropic is often associated with being up there a bit in age. Is that the best time to consider establishing a fund? Age is not a requirement for being philanthropic. Although, many people wait until their families are grown and educated before they take on serious charitable giving, it makes sense to think about philanthropy early. One example is buying life insurance. Young people need it to take care of their spouse and children in case they die. But later, when kids are grown, donating the policy and naming a charity as beneficiary is a wonderful way to convert that original investment to philanthropy. Philanthropy is not an age or an amount, it’s a spirit that can be engendered early. Establishing a fund for future giving can be done with as little as $1,000. What services do you offer potential donors? Our slogan is Serving Donors. Leading Change. So we take donor service very seriously. Working with The Community Foundation offers donors the ease of making one contribution a year (only one tax letter to keep track of!) and working with us to recommend grants to favorite charities. We monitor the investments, report to the donors quarterly, and offer easy access to advice on the most pressing needs in our community. It’s an easy
approach that our donors truly appreciate. What kinds of funds do you manage? We offer several types of funds. Our most popular is the Donor Advised Fund. In this case, a donor makes a tax deductible contribution to The Community Foundation to establish the fund which can be named for the cause, their family or themselves. Usually there are tax considerations in choosing the timing of this original donation to set up the fund. Subsequently, the donor can work with us to recommend grants to the charities he or she cares about, and this can happen over the course of future years. We also hold endowed funds for agencies in the community. This provides the nonprofits with the benefit of pooled investments and lower fees. Other funds are for Fields of Interest which support particular areas — like arts, conservation, health care — but not a particular organization. Another favorite is our Scholarship Fund. This fund offers a wonderful way to honor or remember someone who changed your life. We have over 30 scholarships at The Community Foundation. What is the benefit of using The Community Foundation? One advantage to working with us is that we can offer anonymity to donors. Another allows donors the flexibility of making their gift in one year, and deciding which nonprofits to support at a later time. We can accept gifts of appreciated assets like stock, and we work with over 12 local brokerage firms to facilitate that type of gift. But we encourage philanthropy in all forms. If giving directly to charity meets the donor’s needs, that’s the best approach for them. Why should people consider establishing endowments? Endowments are for the future. People who care about our community’s future or the future of their favorite charity should consider an endowment to support those causes even when the donor is no longer here. Endowments are a great way to leave a legacy.
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Organizers search for way to fuel fundraisers Coming up with unique events is only part of the challenge By SCOTT PERRY Business Journal Editor
DECATUR — Organizing a fundraiser is a lot like hitting a golf ball off the Barnes Citizens Building. Sometimes you hit the target. Sometimes your ball races down Water Street. “If you figure it out, let me know,” Karla Miller said when asked the secret to putting on the perfect fundraiser. Those behind some of Macon County’s most popular fundraisers say making the event unique offers the best chance for success. Then it becomes a matter of evaluating the event and being prepared to make changes to keep it fresh and ending it once it has outlived its appeal. If unique is a prerequisite, it’s safe to say last month’s Pro Shot Challenge had that base covered. As a fundraiser, the event that featured local and professional golfers hitting numbered golf balls at a target from atop the Barnes Citizens Building was a financial and marketing success. It raised awareness of the Tate & Lyle Players Championship and its sponsors and reached the financial goal for the United Way of Decatur and Mid-Illinois and the golf tournament. But organizer Stephanie Irby was hoping for more. She wanted to build on that success and provide an evening of food, music and drink to counter those who claim there is nothing to do in Decatur. After all the buzz surrounding the event Irby asked, “Where are the people,” as she gazed upon the few dozen people on hand to watch the celebrity golfers attempted to hit a target from 13-stories up. The weather and a long list of competing events didn’t make it any easier. Even before the last ball was hit, Irby was trying to figure out what she can do differently to promote the Pro Shot Challenge as an entertainment alternative for 2013. Miller, who oversees fundraising for St. Teresa High School, understands her frustration. She had a similar feeling after Band Slam last year. Like Irby, Miller was hoping the appeal of five local bands would attract a different audience to the St. Teresa fundraiser — much like the school’s Mega Raffle. Instead, the crowd included a lot of the same faces. Every group has its regular supporters who can be counted on to make donations and support fundraising events. Attracting outside dollars to the cause is the true barometer of an event’s success, organizers said. That’s becoming increasingly hard as the wallets of individuals and corporate donors remain tight. “It is a challenge right now,” Miller said. “There’s only so much money to go
Business Journal photos/Lisa Morrison
Rick Anderson, director of golf for the Decatur Park District, takes his turn hitting numbered golf balls from atop the Barnes Citizens Building with the hope of hitting a target 13 stories below in the park across the street. He was one of several local and professional golfers taking part in last month’s Pro Shot Challenge to benefit the Tate & Lyle Players Championship and the United Way of Decatur and Mid-Illinois. Organizers of local fundraisers are going to great lengths to come up with unique events to attract the attention of donors and participants. BELOW: A view of the golfers from below.
around.” Golf outings continue to be a popular fundraising choice, but the growing numbers of them make it impossible for likely participants to attend them all. Themed dinners, bands, poker runs, auctions and walks to support the cause also remain fundraising staples. An activity gaining momentum locally appears to be running events. A check of the Decatur Running Club website, which has the banner “Run, Live, Give” on its homepage, includes a calendar full of fundraising events for its members to participate.
John Pranschke, president of the running club, attributes this growing trend to people wanting to get healthy. He made special note of the running club’s special relationships with the Shoreline Classic and the Staley Striders and their weekly gatherings that introduce people to running in a relaxed, noncompetitive format. Once people find out they like to run, they look for opportunities to do it, Pranschke said. Several area groups have been more than willing to provide that opportunity and raise funds and awareness of their groups in the process.
One event that is unique, has no problem appealing to the masses and has businesses clamoring to be a part of is the United Cerebral Palsy/Miller Lite Barstool Open. “It still amazes me” how big the event has become, said Denny Harris, who has been involved with the Barstool Open since it began in 2001. That year there were 50 teams playing one course at nine participating bars/restaurants. When the event takes place in January it’s expected there will be more than 500 teams competing on seven courses at 51 bars/restaurants, enabling it to maintain its title as the largest event of its kind in the country. “There’s nothing else like it in town,” Harris said, which helps the Barstool Open attract teams and businesses that are willing to go the extra mile to create holes that provide for a fun golfing experience. “We are truly concerned about the experience,” Harris said, which is why the organizers gather after each event to determine what can be done better and how to grow without putting the “experience” at risk. Harris said having an event that can be counted on year after year to provide the bulk of the group’s financial needs is a blessing. “I don’t know if I could come up with another (unique fundraising) idea right now,” he said.
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READY FOR A CHANGE? WE’VE GOT OPPORTUNITY!
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November 2012
1441-1455 Woodland Dr., Mt. Zion 8-1 bedroom apartments on one level. Very nice condition! 100% occupied. This will not last. Call today!
3130 N. Charles For Sale / Lease (agent owned) Over 26,000 sq ft. of warehouse Dock & Drive In O.H. Doors, M-1 Zoning
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Forsyth Commons (behind Shell) 1,950 SF available for lease
3909 N Brush College Rd
2010 E. Locust
Park 101 Industrial Park
Office/Warehouse for Lease or Sale Dock & Drive in Doors / Fenced yard area Close to I-72 for easy truck access.
For Sale or Lease. You won’t find a cleaner warehouse anywhere. Property is in fantastic shape. Ready to move into. Will divide.
Bldg #1 - Office/warehouse space available. 1,800-7,200 sq. ft. available. Close to I-72, CAT & ADM
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Office spaces for lease 1200 & 1500 sq. ft. spaces available Great traffic counts & visibility
Commercial warehouse space for lease Up to 50,000 SF available
2121 Hubbard Dr. Dock facility & small warehouse area for lease. Inside Macon Resources Complex Call for details.
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YOUR HEALTH
Take time to learn new health coverage options Open enrollment gives employees option to make 2013 changes By CLAUDIA BUCK
see if you can make adjustments. For example, “If you don’t go to the doctor a lot, you’ll save more on your monthly premiums, if you switch to a $50 co-pay, instead of $30,” said Bill Oliver, a financial adviser and group insurance specialist in Orangevale, Calif.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service Writer
Like a sore tooth, choosing your health care plan can be a real pain. Confusing choices, funny-sounding acronyms and rising premiums are mind-numbing. But one thing is clear: If you’re fortunate enough to be covered by an employer’s health plan, it’s time to pay attention. Now through December is annual open enrollment season, when employees choose their health care plans for 2013. It’s not an idle exercise. This year, health care premiums are expected to go up yet again. According to the National Business Group on Health, 60 percent of large U.S. employers say their premiums will be higher for 2013. Most predict increases of less than 5 percent. When selecting their annual health insurance benefits, 56 percent of employees figure they’ve wasted up to $750 a year because of mistakes made during open enrollment, according to a July survey by insurance provider Aflac. Those mistakes? Not realizing their doctors aren’t covered; paying for benefits they don’t need; selecting the wrong coverage. To ensure you don’t miss out or make costly mistakes, here some tips from experts.
Deadlines count Show up for your employer’s health care meetings or benefit fairs. If you don’t sign up on time or rush through the paperwork, it could cost you money. And you can’t undo anything for another 12 months, until the next year’s open enrollment.
Don't go on autopilot “It’s really important to research all your options. If you just go on autopilot, you may not get the best coverage and you may not be able to afford the costs you incur,” said Kristen Stoll, a consumer health specialist with eHealthInsurance. Don’t assume your current plan will stay the same. In addition to monthly premiums, check for price increases in prescriptions, office visits and co-payments. Consider what you spent last year, to
Mix and match If you have a family policy, be sure the coverage makes sense for your situation. For instance, if you have college-age children, who can now be included on all health plans up to age 26, are they getting the best coverage under your group policy? “If you have a son who lives in Arizona for school and your policy in California is with Kaiser, he might not be able to find doctors,” said Stoll. In that case, it might be cheaper to get an adult child an individual policy. Same with spouses. Stoll and her husband have very different health care needs: He rarely sees a doctor, but wants comprehensive coverage in case of illness or accident. She needs more routine office visits and maternity benefits. “Do some calculating. Look at what you’re paying in premiums for additional family members on your plan,” said Stoll. In her case, it “absolutely saved us money monthly” to get individual coverage under their respective employers’ policies, rather than stay together under a group plan. (Note: Some companies require spouses to stay under separate plans, if employer coverage is available.)
Peruse the paperwork Under a new federal mandate, all insurers nationwide must provide a clear, easy-to-read “Summary of Benefits and Coverage.” Akin to a food nutritional label, the Summary of Benefits and Coverage is intended to clearly spell out what’s included in your plan and what you’ll pay for deductibles, prescriptions, office visits, etc. It also has to show basic costs for at least two major medical events: having a baby and managing Type 2 diabetes. If you don’t receive an Summary of Benefits and Coverage, ask your employer. Some carriers make them available online or by paper copy upon request.
Use the tools Most carriers, as well as state and federal websites, offer online tools for comparing health plans and medical proce-
2013 Health care changes This is the last year before final, major overhauls under the Affordable Care Act take effect in January 2014. FSA LIMITS: The maximum amount that can be set aside in a flexible spending account is lowered to $2,500 for next year. Currently, it’s a maximum of $5,000. BENEFIT SUMMARIES: Health care providers must provide an easy-to-read Summary of Benefits and Coverages, including costs for two basic life events: having a baby and managing Type 2 diabetes. dures. UnitedHealthcare, for instance, has an online cost estimator for about 300 medical procedures. “If I know I need arthroscopic knee surgery, I can do a search and compare and contrast different providers in my area for a sense of how different costs can be. Many times there is quite a variation in price for the same procedure,” said Steve Scheneman, a
regional vice president for UnitedHealthcare. Shopping around can lead to a more informed decision, as well as savings on out-of-pocket expenses and deductibles.
Worried about layoffs? If you think your company might be cutting jobs next year, consider going with the least costly plan, says eHealthInsurance. That’ll make it easier if you have to pay your entire premium under COBRA, the federal law that lets laid-off workers temporarily keep their health care coverage.
Be a smart consumer Take advantage of “wellness” savings offered by your company’s plan. Many insurers offer cash rebates, gift cards or discounts for healthy lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, lowering cholesterol or quitting smoking.
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Venues connect with customers through technology Decatur bar owners use Web to advertise bands, musical appearances By JIM VOREL Business Journal Writer
DECATUR — For a music venue to reach its audience in 2012, it takes more than a few fliers tacked up around town. Decatur bar and club owners are increasingly taking advantage of modern technology to get up to speed, building new websites and addressing their customers directly through social media platforms. In fact, a good website or Web presence is now something that many owners and music bookers find indispensable. “I think it might be the best source of advertising and information there is for our customers,” said Chuck Portwood, the music booker for Decatur’s AIW Hall. “Everybody’s got a smartphone now, and they all use them to see who’s playing and where. I don’t know what would stop a venue from having their info online, unless they were like me and not very tech savvy.” As Portwood suggests, the AIW didn’t always have a Web presence. It first started to post its upcoming schedule of bands a little over a year ago. The music booker decided to finally get the venue online after an acquaintance offered to help build a website for him. “I’m not very computer literate, and I never really knew who to talk to about it,” he said. “This guy told me we really ought to take advantage of having a site, and it’s worked out well for us. It’s a good way to get information out that doesn’t cost much. There’s other ways to advertise, like radio ads, but they’re so expensive and our customers are already online every day.” Just east of Millikin University, Donnie’s Homespun Pizza has become another one of Decatur’s musical success stories, buoyed by a professionallooking website that underwent a total redesign within the past few weeks to coincide with the opening of the second Donnie’s location in Springfield. Owner Neill Dresen believes music has been a large part of the bar and restaurant’s success, and like Portwood, recognizes the importance of an online presence, despite not being a technophile himself. “Honestly, I don’t even own a computer,” he said. “But I think for the younger generation, the Internet is by far the best way to reach them. The majority of people find out about our events between the website and our Facebook page. And in turn, the aspects of open mic night and weekend music bring a lot of people here.” Just across Oakland Avenue from Donnie’s at Lock Stock & Barrel, owner
Business Journal/Lisa Morrison
Lock Stock & Barrel converted an old storage room into a bigger better stage for the entertainment. Before the change they lost seating when bands played at the venue.
Gregg Meisenhelter also has helped bring the bar’s technical side up to speed in order to take advantage of a new stage. He actually believes the bar could be doing more with its website than it currently is, and acknowledges that the
customer base itself has changed its habits over time to reflect its use of the Internet in particular. “Honestly, an advertising guy wouldn’t be impressed with our website, but music venues all face these issues of time and
manpower,” he said. “But it’s worth the time, and you really have to do it today. It seems like customers do more research now than they did in the past to determine how they want to spend a night. They go out to a bar specifically to see a band now instead of just going to hang out.” Not all local music venues maintain full websites today, though. Sliderz Bar & Grille in Decatur uses a Facebook account as its primary way to reach Internet users among its customers, and co-owner Sherri Birch said this works well for them. “We had a full site in the past, and nobody seemed to use it,” she said. “Facebook is really the main way for us to get news out now because young people seem to check that most often.” Birch went on to repeat what Decatur’s other music venue operators had already opined: That connecting with a technologically astute customer base means changing with the times and being open to new forms of promotion. “The audience is very tech savvy,” she said. “Almost everyone in the audience under 40 has their smartphones with them. It’s absolutely the main way for them to get information, and we need to make sure we’re providing it.”
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November 2012
YOUR MONEY
People with all incomes find peace in charitable giving Join together to make contribution to those in need By CLAUDIA BUCK McClatchy-Tribune News Service Writer
Bill Gates and Warren Buffett started it. Now, a small but growing group of far-less-wealthy people are joining in by taking a public pledge to leave money to charity after they’re gone. And it doesn’t require being one of America’s billionaires. The point is not about how much you’re giving, but why. “Everyone can leave a bequest to charity of something. We want to change the idea that you have to be rich to leave money to charity,” said Elfrena Foord, a certified financial planner and co-founder of the California Plan Your Giving Project. Charitable bequests certainly aren’t a new concept. Any number of museums, symphonies, nonprofits, churches and charities continually ask donors to leave something behind in their wills. And many people, especially at year-end tax time, routinely make financial donations to causes they care about. But giving seems to be coming back in vogue. Nationally, total giving in 2011 by individuals was $218 billion — up by nearly 4 percent from 2010, according to Giving USA, the research arm of the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. Donations by individuals are 73 percent of all charitable giving, it said. And it comes in all sizes. Billionaires like investor Warren Buffett, along with Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and his wife, Melinda, garnered big headlines in 2010 when they launched The Giving Pledge, which asks America’s billionaires to pledge at least 50 percent of their wealth to charity in their lifetime or after. Nearly 100 individuals and families have taken the pledge, from 28-year-old Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg to aging oil tycoon T. Boone Pickens. In September, another 12 signed on, including Netflix CEO Reed Hastings and Intel co-founder George Moore. A more modest slice of the philanthropy movement are so-called “giving circles,” where like-minded people pool their money and give to causes they deem important. One of those, the One Percent Foundation, aimed at those in their 20s and 30s, was co-founded in 2007 by Daniel Kaufman. Over conversations while at the University of California-Los Angeles law school, he and some friends realized they rarely gave to any significant causes. “This is a very socially conscious, very involved generation,” Kaufman said. “But most of us felt we couldn’t afford to give, didn’t know where to give or thought our donation wouldn’t have any impact.” Inspired, he and his friends pooled their money and sent $500 to a hunger relief organization voted on by the
group. The idea caught on among their west Los Angeles friends. After graduating and scattering across the country, the group formalized itself online as the One Percent Foundation in 2009. Like the name implies, participants donate 1 percent of their annual income. For graduate students living on loans, that might mean a few bucks a month. For a recent grad with a $35,000 job, it’s a monthly $29.17. It’s all done online. Every quarter, the One Percenters dole out two grants in a designated category: environment, education, health, international aid or poverty. Members nominate organizations they’d like to see funded and the entire membership votes. Everyone gets one vote, no matter how much they give. “Part of it is getting people in the mind-set that they can do this. With rent, student loans, credit card payments, many (young adults) think ‘No way,’ ” said Kaufman, 33. “But if you change that to giving $20 a month, now it looks like a couple beers or going to the movies and buying popcorn. It totally changes how they think about (giving).” Today, One Percent has about 500 members who have donated more than $200,000 in the past three years. “It’s turned into an effort to engage an entire generation through their 30s by building a habit of thoughtful, sustained giving,” said Kaufman, a lawyer who has since launched Third Plateau, a philanthropic consulting firm. Judy McGarry, a retired Sacramento County, Calif., probation and compliance officer, was inspired by the California Plan Your Giving Project, Foord’s group. She recently set up a five-figure endowment and upped the percentage she’s leaving in her trust to the Sacramento Senior Safe House, a residential respite for abused or neglected seniors. “I did some soul-searching and looked at what causes are important to me. I’m very passionate about this,” said McGarry, on a recent tour of the Safe House, an immaculate six-bedroom home tucked away on a quiet residential street in northeast Sacramento. Staffed mainly by volunteers, the 24-hour facility enables abused seniors to get back on their feet
emotionally and financially. Its $250,000 budget is funded entirely by donations. McGarry, who made her financial gifts in memory of her late mother, sees it as a personal legacy that will live on long after she’s gone. For those concerned their kids or heirs might feel cheated out of part of their inheritance, financial experts say a family’s charitable giving can accomplish just the opposite.
“It’s a great way to pass on your values to your kids,” said Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz, president of the nonprofit Charles Schwab Foundation and a mother of three. “More than anything, it’s part of bigger life skills: building character in a young person. Giving creates emotional growth.” Foord advises parents to have a conversation with their children about what causes — Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, public television, church — are important to a family and why they’re being remembered. “If someone with two kids leaves $10,000 to charity, each child inherits $5,000 less. But that child also inherits the value that ‘our family shares a little of what we have to make a difference and help others,’ “ said Foord, who said her charitable instincts were instilled by her mother and grandfather, who left money to causes in their wills and trusts. Planned giving doesn’t have to involve attorneys and fancy fees, she noted. It can be as simple as changing the beneficiary on an IRA or annuity, or adding a charity’s name as “Transfer-on-Death” (TOD) to a mutual fund or CD account. “Everybody has something to give, even a few dollars,” said Schwab-Pomerantz. “It’s in our DNA, no matter what your economic background.”
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