BUSINESS JOURNAL
www.thebusiness-jjournal.com
O F
10 years and counting
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
601 E. William St. Decatur, IL 62523
PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Decatur, IL Permit #57
Gayle Saunders reflects on her tenure at Richland Community College Page 17
M I D C E N T R A L
OCTOBER 2012
I L L I N O I S
The Name Game “I do” doesn’t always mean “I will” to a last name change for women
2
BUSINESS JOURNAL
www.thebusiness-journal.com
October 2012
YOUR CALENDAR
Monday, Oct. 1 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.
Tuesday, Oct. 2 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, 3909 W. Main St. Prairieland Kiwanis, 9:30 a.m., Decatur Civic Center Decatur AMBUCS, noon, Decatur Club. Noon Kiwanis Club, Decatur Club. Noon Sertoma, Decatur Club Blue Mound Rotary, 6:30 p.m., Pleasantview Township shed.
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.
Wednesday, Oct. 10 Decatur Golden K Kiwanis Club, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Mount Zion Chamber of Commerce Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Antioch Christian Church. Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Real Estate Investors Association, 6:30 p.m., Perkins Family Restaurant, 2999 N. Monroe St.
Wednesday, Oct. 3
Thursday, Oct. 11
Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce Breakfast, 7 a.m., Decatur Club. Scheduled speaker: Stephanie Ashe Brown, city of Decatur urban development planner.
Earlybird Kiwanis, 6:45 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. GFWC Decatur Woman’s Club, 11:30 a.m., location varies. Mature Resource Network, 11:30 a.m., Decatur Club. Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce Lunch and Learn, noon, Main Place Bar & Grill (formerly Jimmy Ryan’s). Master the Sales Process led by Sandy Pistole of Dale Carnegie Training. 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. Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., Cromwell Radion Group, 410 North Water St. Suite B. Lincolnland AMBUCS, 6:30 p.m., Easter Seals’ Building.
Decatur Golden K Kiwanis Club, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Facility.
Thursday, Oct. 4 Earlybird Kiwanis, 6:45 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Metropolitan Rotary Club, noon, Decatur Club. Human Service Agency Consortium (HSAC), noon, Central Christian Church, 650 W. William St. Thursday Noon Toastmasters, Knights of Columbus Hall, 520 E. North St. Metro Decatur Home Builder’s Association, 6 p.m., Beach House, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr. American Business Women’s Association (Amacita), 6 p.m., location varies. Lincolnland AMBUCS, 6:30 p.m., Easter Seals’ Building, 2715 N. 27th St.
Friday, Oct. 5 Decatur Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Black Chamber of Commerce First Friday Luncheon, noon, Main Street Church Tea Room, 2000 N. Main St.
Friday, Oct. 12 Decatur Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.
Monday, Oct. 15
Decatur Noon Lions Club, Main Place Bar & Grill (formerly Jimmy Ryan’s). Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club.
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, Decatur Civic Center. Women’s Progressive Club, 6 p.m., Greater Northside Baptist Church. Forsyth Village Board, 6:30 p.m., Village Hall.
Tuesday, Oct. 9
Tuesday, Oct. 16
Forsyth Rotary, 7 a.m., Homewood Suites by Hilton.
Forsyth Rotary, 7 a.m., Homewood Suites by Hilton.
Monday, Oct. 8
BNI First Class Professionals, 7:45 a.m., Crestview Christian Church. Kiwanianne Club of Decatur, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Noon Kiwanis Club, Decatur Club. Noon Sertoma, Decatur Club. Blue Mound Rotary, 6:30 p.m., Pleasantview Township shed.
Wednesday, Oct. 17 Decatur Golden K Kiwanis Club, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Christian Women’s Network, noon, Decatur Club. Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Facility.
Thursday Noon Toastmasters, Knights of Columbus Hall, 520 E. North St.
Friday, Oct. 26 Decatur Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. American Business Women’s Association (Monarch), noon, location varies.
Monday, Oct. 29 Decatur Noon Lions Club, Main Place Bar & Grill (formerly Jimmy Ryan’s). Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club. Decatur City Council, 5:30 p.m., council chambers, Decatur Civic Center.
Thursday, Oct. 18
Tuesday, Oct. 30
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.
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. Noon Kiwanis Club, Decatur Club. Noon Sertoma, Decatur Club. Blue Mound Rotary, 6:30 p.m., Pleasantview Township shed.
Friday, Oct. 19 Decatur Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Noon Women’s Network, 11:45 a.m., Decatur Club.
Monday, Oct. 22 Decatur Noon Lions Club, Main Place Bar & Grill (formerly Jimmy Ryan’s). Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club.
Tuesday, Oct. 23 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, Oct. 24 Decatur Golden K Kiwanis Club, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Facility.
Thursday, Oct. 25 Earlybird Kiwanis, 6:45 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Metropolitan Rotary Club, noon, Decatur Club.
Wednesday, Oct. 31 Decatur Golden K Kiwanis Club, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility. Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Facility.
Thursday, Nov. 1 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. Lincolnland AMBUCS, 6:30 p.m., Easter Seals’ Building.
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. thebusiness-journal.com.
Crossword answers Robbies Word of the Day Crossword answers for September. Find this month’s crossword on page 9. Across 3. Quail 4. Behemoth 8. Bereft 10. Chaussure 11. Persiflage 13. Inoculate 14. Echelon 15. Valetudinarian
Down 1. Expiate 2. Wifty 5. Effulgence 6. Hubris 7. Luculent 9. Ripsnorter 12. Gainsay
www.thebusiness-journal.com
October 2012
FROM THE EDITOR Watching the final weigh-in of the Bassmaster Evan Williams Bourbon Championship was a lot like watching one of my kids compete in an event or knowing they are about to take a difficult test. You always hope for the best, but you prepare yourself for the fallout should they have a less than stellar performance. Like many people, I was surprised when Lake Decatur was chosen as the host site for the major event and a little — OK, a lot — concerned that a poor showing would tarnish its already shaky reputation among the local nonboating/nonfishing folks. I’m very glad to say, Lake Decatur gave us its best. We didn’t see any monster fish, but Aaron Martens and Edwin Evers caught their limit of good-sized keepers and the outcome of the competition was up in the air until the final weight was announced. “I love your lake. I don’t see anything wrong with it,” Martens said after his win. Martens appreciates what we have. It’s about time we did, too.
BUSINESS JOURNAL
BUSINESS JOURNAL OF MIDCENTRAL ILLINOIS
VOLUME 18
ISSUE 10
601 E. William St. Decatur, IL 62523 217.421.7976 217.421.7965 (fax)
PUBLISHER: Todd Nelson EDITOR: Scott Perry ADVERTISING: Jayson Albright
Scott Perry, editor Business Journal of Midcentral Illinois
LAYOUT & DESIGN: Ginger Wortman
October2012Contents 34
Standing Features
TAKING A STAND
Biz Bites . . . . . . . . . . 12
Men join battle against breast cancer
Business Clips . . . . . . . 7 Crossword . . . . . . . . . . 9 Fred Spannaus . . . . . . 6 Free Time calendar . . 27
STORY IDEAS: Email sperry@herald-review.com or call 217.421.7976. SUBSCRIPTIONS: To order additional copies call 217.421.7931 ADVERTISING: The deadline for ad and ad copy for the November issue is Oct. 15. Call 217.421.7931 for rate information. The Business Journal of MidCentral Illinois is printed monthly and is a publication of Lee Enterprises Inc.
Health calendar . . . . 35 Health quiz . . . . . . . . 37 Liz Reyer . . . . . . . . . . 32 Office Coach . . . . . . . 32 Professional profile . . 17 SCORE counselor . . . . 9 Time Machine . . . . . . 12 Wendy Gauntt . . . . . . 30
Path less traveled Jennifer Latshaw has spent a lifetime working alongside her parents at Bold Machine Works. That experience has prepared her well to take over a business generally associated with men Page 4
38 CASH MOB Initiative promotes local businesses
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
3
4
BUSINESS JOURNAL
www.thebusiness-journal.com
October 2012
YOUR BUSINESS
Business Journal/Jim Bowling
Jennifer Latshaw has spent her life at Bold Machine Works and is prepared to take it over when her parents, Don and Nancy Williams, retire.
Daughter follows dad’s Bold footsteps Latshaw has spent life working alongside parents at business By CHRIS LUSVARDI Business Journal Writer
DECATUR — Jennifer Latshaw is prepared to take over her family’s business in Decatur whenever her parents
retire. The hold-up is Don and Nancy Williams aren’t ready to step away from Bold Machine Works at 1677 Taylorville Road just yet. “It has its perks,” Latshaw said of her job. “I get to see my mom and dad every day. I can’t imagine coming in and not seeing them.” Nancy Williams has run the office since her husband decided to buy the shop in 1988. Latshaw wants to keep her
around to handle tasks such as accounting. “I don’t know if we’ll ever retire,” said Nancy Williams, adding that the couple wouldn’t know what to do with their time outside the business. “We’ve talked about retiring, but we don’t like the thought of not doing anything.” When Don Williams bought the machinery repair business, it marked the first time someone outside the Bold family owned the shop that started in
1880. German immigrant William M. Bold, who was the founder of the company, had been a master mechanic for Hieronymous Mueller, founder of Mueller Co. The company does precision machining and machine tool rebuilding and makes jigs and patterns, working with customers ranging from major manufacturers to small businesses. Bold’s grandson, Howard Bold, was 75 years old and ready to retire when he
www.thebusiness-journal.com sold it to Don Williams, who had previously worked there for 18 years. The shop was originally at 126 S. State St., which is now a parking lot in downtown Decatur. Ace Williams, Don’s father, started working there in 1936 and helped to complete the move to its current location in 1962. Don Williams started work the same year as the move occurred. Before that, as a child, Don Williams spent time at the shop with his father, who often worked overtime at night. Don Williams left the shop in 1983 to take a job in Indiana but didn’t forget about it. So when he heard that Howard Bold was trying to sell the business, he jumped at the chance to buy it. “Others were looking at it,” Don Williams said. “He didn’t want it liquidated and chopped up. So he sold it to us.” Nothing changed in terms of the name or operations when Williams took over. “I walked in the door and took it right over,” Don Williams said. The shop has become a part of his family’s life, something he hopes to pass onto his daughter and eventually, if all goes as planned, to his grandson, Travis, who is currently 14 years old. Travis, like his mother, is growing up around the shop and has shown an interest in working there. “This is the one place he wants to be all the time,” Latshaw said. “He loves it here.” His older sister, Caitlyn, doesn’t seem as interested in it, Latshaw said. “I’m glad Travis wants to take over,” said Latshaw, who graduated from high school in 1988 and days later went to work at the shop. At the time, Latshaw wanted to go into the hotel/motel management business but staying close to home seemed like a good decision in the mind of an 18-year-old. “I got to stay with all my friends,” Latshaw said. After 24 years, getting married and having two children, Latshaw hasn’t left and has enjoyed the challenges that come with the job. “We’re on call all the time,” said Latshaw, who will sometimes be out shopping or at one of her children’s activities when she gets the call to come into work. Its customers, including some of Decatur’s largest manufacturers, need to have equipment repaired as soon as possible in order to keep operating. “We’ve always done it,” Don Williams said. Sometimes, customers come in or call and are surprised to see or hear a woman managing the operation. Latshaw takes it all in stride, realizing she has the experience to get the work done. She runs the floor, doing work such as assigning jobs, taking parts inventory and making hiring decisions. “I’m here to stay,” Latshaw said. “I’m going to work 100 percent to make sure it’s here for my kids.” In 2009, the Illinois State History Society recognized local businesses, including Bold Machine Works, which have reached or exceeded 100 years of continuous operation. It hasn’t just been family members
October 2012 who have made that kind of longevity possible, Nancy Williams said. Longtime employees including administrative assistant Barb Baum, Kenny Helm and the rest of the crew make it happen, Nancy Williams said. “We’re proud of this place,” Don Williams said. “Not a lot of businesses are here that long. We kept it going.” For now, the family is content to keep operating with the current setup. Don and Nancy Williams are able to enjoy more freedom in how they spend their time while remaining involved in the business. They can come and go as they choose, Latshaw said. Sometimes, they’ll go get a cup of coffee or go home to do yard work. Other times, they might venture to see a St. Louis Cardinals game. “She’s basically running it,” Don Williams said of his daughter. “I’m here to help her.”
BUSINESS JOURNAL
Business Journal/Jim Bowling
Machinist Mark Reynolds mills a keyway into a shaft at Bold Machine Works.
5
6
BUSINESS JOURNAL
www.thebusiness-journal.com
October 2012
Separate your political views from your workplace As an employee, do you have the right to express political opinions at work? Do you have the right to solicit donations or ask co-workers to put signs in their yards? As an employer, can you place political signs on your business’s property? Can you distribute partisan material to your employees? An article in a recent issue of Forbes shed some light on some of these questions. Written by Susan Adams, the article was titled “Talking Human Resources Politics at Work Can Get You Fired.” I suppose that answers at least one of the above questions. The article is filled with advice from Steven Hurd, a New York City employment lawyer. Hurd has a local connection. His aunt, Phyllis McPherron, is a Decaturite who proudly sent me the link.
Fred Spannaus
I am grateful. Forbes recounts a heated and loud political debate at a large energy company between two employees. The company called Hurd and asked if it could terminate both employees. Hurd said yes, and he actually urged that they be fired. Last year, a server at a suburban Chicago Outback restaurant wore a yellow political bracelet to work. Customers complained, and she lost her job. Her boss said it was for poor work performance. She maintained that her employers had retaliated against her for her politics, and said she was fired unfairly. However, Hurd said that the company would have been well within its rights to fire her for the bracelet. Forbes cites a 2008 survey by the Society for Human Resource Management. “During the last presidential election,” it says, “a quarter of employers had a written policy on political activities, some of which include restrictions on political chatter at work. Another 20 percent had unwritten policies and about 5 percent of organizations with a policy said they meted out discipline for non-
compliance within the year leading up to the survey.” Hurd generally advises employees to learn their company’s policies. More to the point, he said, “Leave your campaign buttons at home,” don’t ask for donations and don’t talk politics at work. Surprisingly, he suggests that you inform your supervisor even if you attend rallies or fundraisers on your own time. That strikes me as a bridge too far. Now, what about employers’ rights and actions? It’s common to see political signs on the grounds of private businesses. A few businesses even post signs for opposing candidates, which covers their bases. Hurd does not address those issues, but I will. From a legal standpoint, employers have much more latitude than those who work for them. From a business perspective, though, I have to wonder how wise it is for a business to take sides. Understand this: A significant number of your customers do not agree with your politics. That’s the very nature of democracy. As long you keep
your views under control and provide a good product at a fair price, they will buy from you. But when you take a public stand for a party or a candidate they dislike, you change the dynamics. You have just erected a potential barrier to sales, one that was totally unnecessary. Understand this as well. A significant number of your employees do not agree with your politics. That’s also the very nature of democracy. As long as you keep your views under control and provide a good job at fair wages, they will work for you. But when you take a public stand for a party or a candidate they dislike, you change the dynamics. You have just erected a potential barrier to performance, one that was totally unnecessary. So it comes down to this. Whether you’re a boss or a worker, it’s best to separate your political views from your workplace.
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.
Featured Properties Park 101 Industrial Park
Bldg #1 - Office/warehouse space. 1,800-7,200 sq. ft. available. Close to I-72, CAT & ADM
Courtyard Plaza - 2950 N. Water St.
One Main Place, 101 S. Main St.
1,000-3,000 sq. ft. available High Traffic & High Visibility
4,000 sq. ft. available.
Fairview Park Plaza
Northland Plaza
1,050 - 37,500 sq. ft. available.
1,400 - 6,500 sq. ft. available.
www.mainplaceproperties.com Management • Commercial Leasing • Office • Retail Acquisition • Land Sales • Development
217-422-3330 Main Street Plaza
Forsyth Commons
2,630 sq. ft. available.
1,950 sq. ft. available.
www.thebusiness-journal.com
October 2012
BUSINESS JOURNAL
7
Do your managers know how to manage people? Employee surveys can show what’s good, bad By ROBERTA MATUSON
What’s the value of a good manager? To paraphrase a well-known ad campaign, a good manager is priceless. Knowing how to manage people can make all the difference in the world when it comes to employee retention. That makes it critical that you manage your managers and provide them with ongoing employee training and support. The benefits of good management have a cascade effect. Employees who are well-managed can overlook a lot of shortcomings that may exist in an organization. For example, an employee who feels a strong connection to his boss is less likely to quit when a better paying opportunity comes along. On the contrary, an employee who has an extreme dislike for their manager will take any offer that comes along,
even if that means earning less money or working longer hours. High employee turnover is a clear sign that something’s not right with the management of the organization. How does your company rate when it comes to employee retention? One of the most effective ways to address these issues is by conducting an employee survey yet many companies shy away from employee engagement surveys, fearing what they may find. They suspect they will open up a can of worms if they ask employees to rate their managers. Yet how can you fix something when you don’t know what needs repairing? Employee engagement surveys are one way of discovering what’s going well and where help is needed. Remember, surveys are for small companies, too; they’re best delivered by a third-party vendor with experience in conducting engagement surveys. Another approach is to hire an outside consultant to conduct focus groups. This method enables the facilitator to dig
> BUSINESS CLIPS New staff members Susan Abbott has joined Hickory Point Bank and Trust as director of marketing.
president of sales, Rex Ragsdale to plant manager, Chris Merritt to engineering manager, and Greg Nau to chief financial officer.
Achievements
Roxanne Thompson has joined Abbott the Eagle Ridge team as its director of nursing. Chris Phelps has joined Thompson State Bank of Niantic as its agricultural lender in the Niantic office.
Phelps
Julie Preston, a board certified physician assistant specializing in dermatology, has joined Bella Vein Medical Spa in Decatur. Matthew Beavers has been named president and chief lending officer of First National Bank of Pana.
Beavers
Cardiologist Anuradha Kolluru has joined Illinois Heart Specialists, the cardiovascular division of the DMH Medical Group. Kolluru
Promotions Decatur Foundry Inc. has announced the promotions of Tom Young to vice
Chris Phillips, vice president of marketing for Land of Lincoln Credit Union, has graduated with high honors from Credit Union National Association Management School. Phillips Mark Mehr of Jewelry Works is the recipient of the Most Percentage Increase award for a small business by Jewelers’ Circular Keystone. Mehr Terry Lovekamp of Consociate Dansig has been designated a Certified Employee Benefit Specialist by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans and the Wharton Lovekamp School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Business Clips are abbreviated versions of paid Business Achievements which appear on Mondays in the Herald & Review. For more information about Business Achievements, go to www.heraldreview.com/app/secure/businessach/
BUSINESS JOURNAL Printed with environmentally safe water-based ink
below the surface to either confirm that your managers are doing a great job — or uncover evidence that indicates more employee training and support may be needed. Research carried out by Gallup indicates that good management-staff relationships rest on four pillars: 1. Employees know what is expected of them. Employees who are most engaged don’t have to worry about what their managers are thinking. That’s because their managers provide continuous feedback to them. This allows the employee to quickly make course corrections and to feel successful. Employers should be mindful of those they promote into leadership positions. Strong communication skills are a must when leading a team of people. Consider providing managers with a coach to help them up their game in this critical area of leadership. 2. Employees feel cared for Can you imagine what it must feel like to work for a manager who doesn’t even know you exist? A good manager is empathetic to their people and demonstrates this routinely. Empathy isn’t something that’s easily taught. Before promoting people into management roles, ascertain whether
empathy is a trait that is part of their being. If it isn’t, then be prepared to pair them with a leader who can mentor them. 3. Regular recognition and praise for a job well done. Employees don’t need nor do they expect a pat on the back everytime they complete a task. However, they do need and appreciate acknowledgement for a job well done. Employee recognition goes a long way towards retaining valuable talent. Train your managers on how to praise and recognize employees for doing good work. Provide them with a budget to present financial rewards when an employee is deserving. 4. An opportunity to do what they do best everyday. Trying to put a square peg into a round hole is frustrating for employer and manager. Yet this happens everyday. Teach your managers the importance of building on strengths and tapping into other resources when skills are needed that may not be readily available with the current staff. Encourage your managers to listen when an employee expresses concern regarding his or her ability to do their best with a task everyday.
Copyright 2012-Monster Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
8
BUSINESS JOURNAL
www.thebusiness-journal.com
October 2012
Small business a big election issue Candidates focus on capturing those votes NEW YORK (AP) — Small business is almost always an issue in presidential campaigns. This year, it’s morphed into one of the biggest. Getting the backing of the small-business community is important for most political candidates. Small-business owners are often influencers: They are wellknown in their cities and towns and they employ voters with a vested interest in the challenges that they face. The Republican Party and Mitt Romney have been talking about small business for months, focusing on voter concerns such as taxes and health care as small-business issues. Small business was a dominant theme for a stream of speakers at the Republican National Convention. And “We built it” was a Obama convention slogan, a response to a statement by President Barack Obama that, the GOP contends, reveals his insensitivity to small business. Even Ann Romney got in on the act during her speech designed to bolster her Romney husband’s campaign, proclaiming that he wasn’t handed success, but instead, “He built it.” Along the way, the president and the Democratic Party have fought back with their own campaign stops and videos that tout how much the president has done for small business, including cutting taxes and proposing legislation to help small companies create jobs. Small companies are in focus because they employ about half the country’s workers, or nearly 60 million people. That’s a pretty big bloc of potential voters and both sides realize it. The slow economy is hurting business and job growth and that has intensified interest in capturing those votes. The Republicans and the Democrats are eager to win over business owners and their employees by promising help, and by warning that their opponents will hurt businesses. “The phrase ‘small business’ encompasses the mom-and-pop store, but even somebody who owns a company with 300 employees can think of themselves as a small business,” said David Primo, a professor of political science and business administration at the University of Rochester. The groundwork for a small-business focused campaign was laid in the winter and spring, starting with Obama’s budget proposal for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1. It included higher tax rates on wealthy individuals — up to 39.6 percent for households making $250,000 or more. Republicans and small-business advocacy groups such as the National
Federation of Independent Business criticized the plan, saying it would hurt many business owners. Obama proposed a cut in the corporate tax rate, and the GOP came up with its own proposals. Then there was the battle over the health care law that Obama won in the Supreme Court. Republican campaign speeches this year have focused on how Obama’s tax and health care plans were hurting small businesses, and stopping them from hiring more people. Romney told smallbusiness owners in a conference call in June that Obama’s polices are “an antibusiness, anti-job agenda.” The rhetoric intensified after July 13, the day Obama gave a speech that included this sentence: “You didn’t build that.” Romney and the GOP have seized on the quote as an example of Obama’s lack of awareness about the challenges small-business owners face. The president and Democrats say that he’s being quoted out of context. This is the White House transcript of Obama’s remarks: “If you were successful, somebody along the line gave you some help. There was a great teacher somewhere in your life. Somebody helped to create this unbelievable American system that we have that allowed you to thrive. Somebody invested in roads and bridges. If you’ve got a business — you didn’t build that. Somebody else made that happen. The Internet didn’t get invented on its own. Government research created the Internet so that all the companies could make money off the Internet.” Nonetheless, Romney has hammered away at the comment at campaign stops. A few days after Obama’s speech, Romney asked a crowd in Virginia, “Did you build your business? If you did, raise your hand! Take that, Mr. President!” Other GOP politicians have joined in. Former Gov. Tim Pawlenty, R-Minn., spoke in front of a banner that said, “We Did Build It!” at a campaign event in Dayton, Ohio, on July 30. And smallbusiness owners have appeared in videos and ads saying they were offended by Obama’s comments. “That was a very insulting remark to make. I built this business,” San Antonio locksmith Gilbert Cantu said in one ad. Still, even some Romney supporters say they don’t believe that the president meant to say that small-business owners didn’t build their own companies. “I think everybody knows what he meant — somebody helped you learn how to do that,” Carl Higbie, a selfdescribed die-hard conservative and owner of Tarzan Tree Service in Virginia Beach, Va., told The Associated Press. “But the way it came across, it says he doesn’t understand small business.” Obama and the Democrats have been fighting back by using part of the phrase the Republicans used to criticize the president. “Fact Check: Romney Didn’t Build That. He Destroyed It,” is spread across the top of a page on Obama’s
Choices abound for Macon County H&R staff report
Nov. 6 is Election Day and Macon County voters have a lot of choices when it comes to deciding who will represent them in the White House, Congress, the Statehouse and the county. Political remapping to reflect population changes, and what some would describe as blatant attempts to keep current members of the ranking party in power, has left some familiar faces to court voters in new territories, while opening the door for some new faces to enter the fray. The following is a list of contested races that will appear on the Macon County ballot. President/vice president Barak Obama/Joe Biden (Dem) Mitt Romney/Paul Ryan (Rep) Gary Johnson/James Gray (Lib) Jill Stein (Green) Congress 13th Congressional District David Gill (Dem) Rodney Davis (Rep) John Hartman (Ind) Illinois Senate 48th Senate District Andy Manar (Dem) Mike McElroy (Rep) website that charges that “the rate of new start-ups in Massachusetts was lower than the national average, declining during Romney’s tenure” as Massachusetts governor. The phrase “Mitt Romney: You Didn’t Build That — You Destroyed It,” is the title of a Democratic National Committee video that includes a montage of news reports and film clips about job losses at companies bought by Bain Capital, the private equity firm that Romney co-founded. The Democrats also are appealing to small business by touting the administration’s record of helping small companies. And they’re recruiting small-business owners to help out. “As the owner of Crenshaw Bros. Construction in Erie, I’ve seen firsthand how the President is looking out for us,” said Don Crenshaw in a statement on the Democratic Party’s Erie County, Pa., website. “The recession nearly ruined my company, but an influx of public investment projects funded by President
Illinois House 96th House District Sue Scherer (Dem) Dennis Shackelford (Rep) Macon County State’s attorney Jay Scott (Dem) Daniel Hassinger (Rep) County Board District 1 (Vote for three) Jon Baxter (Dem) Kevin Meachum (Dem) Joe McGlaughlin (Dem) Linda Little (Rep) County Board District 3 (Vote for three) Timothy Dudley (Dem) Bryan Smith (Dem) Jerry Potts (Dem) Michael Wilson (Rep) County Board District 4 (Vote for three) Patricia Dawson (Dem) Melverta Wilkins (Dem) Jay Dunn (Dem) Gregory Mattingley (Rep) County Board District 5 (Vote for three) Monte Holsapple (Dem) Keith Ashby (Rep) Mervil Jacobs Jr. (Rep) Patricia Cox (Rep) County Board District 7 (Vote for three) Robert Brice (Dem) Phillip Hogan (Rep) Kevin Greenfield (Rep) Susanna Zimmerman (Rep) Obama’s Recovery Act rejuvenated our business.” Republicans are still attacking Obama’s record in addition to his “you didn’t build that” comment. At the GOP convention, Sher Valenzuela, a candidate for lieutenant governor in Delaware and the owner of an upholstery company, said of the Obama administration, “they just don’t trust the entrepreneur’s ability to grow her own business and to create jobs.” Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, RWash., who worked for 13 years in her family’s fruit business, said, “unlike President Obama, I know that small businesses are the true engine of the economy, not the government.” The majority of small-business owners are Republican, according to a 2011 survey by the National Small Business Association, a group that lobbies on behalf of small-business owners. Fifty-four percent of the 650 owners surveyed identified themselves as Republicans, while 16 percent said they were Democrats.
www.thebusiness-journal.com
October 2012
> ASK THE SCORE COUNSELOR Q: How can I come up with the next “great idea” for a new business? A: To answer this question, I obtained information from the Weekly Connection, a web publication distributed by the Illinois Small Business Development Center and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Office of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology. Anita Campbell, who is the founder of Small Business Trends, says, “here’s a dirty little secret to business innovation: Sometimes, coming up with something new starts with something old — in other words, copying someone else’s idea.” Now, she’s not really suggesting that you steal another company’s idea, but that you use other businesses as models to inspire you to come up with your own great ideas. She further states, “depending on how many years you’ve been in business or what industry you’re in, you’ve probably heard other companies aiming for their future goals by modeling themselves after an industry leader. For instance, over the decades I’ve heard restaurants aspiring to be ‘the next McDonald’s’ or ‘the next Starbucks’ ... because they’re successful and growing.” But what does this really mean? To follow are a few of her suggestions Pick a company you admire. Most likely, this will be in your own industry, whether that’s retail, business services, or e-commerce. What is it you admire about this business? Is it their operations, their brand, their service? Decide what it is about this company’s way of doing business that you aspire to and pick apart how they achieve it. Mirror the success of your model. Could your business become as flexible to customer needs as Starbucks? As systematized as McDonald’s? These goals will seem far-reaching, of course, so here’s where you get innovative. Don’t constrain yourself with reality just yet — imagine what you would need to reach those goals. Then imagine what you could do if you had the resources you need.
Robbie’s of WORD the DAY Crossword
Got a question? There is a wealth of information on small business creation to be found online by going to such websites as www.ildceo.net or www.score.org. However, 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. Use reverse analysis. Approach from the reverse direction and think about what you could do differently than your model company. Is there a weakness or failing in your model company that could give you an edge? What could you provide that they’re lacking? Think outside the box. Consider companies outside your industry that have some element you admire, and how you might implement elements of those companies into your own. What would it look like to be the Facebook of retail? How could you apply the outstanding features of your model business to your existing business? This can start to get pretty abstract, but abstract is where innovation happens. (Keep in mind, too, you don’t have to model yourself after a national brand — it could be a local competitor you’re trying to beat.) Anita says, “try this tactic, and someday people might be modeling their companies after your business.” — Carol Harding, SCORE counselor
Meet a SCORE counselor Richard Spycher retired from Archer Daniels Midland Co. as vice president of credit. His counseling specialties are in finance and management. He has been a SCORE counselor for nearly five years.
Spycher
BUSINESS JOURNAL
Source: Page A Day Calendar
ACROSS 5. To make less severe or painful (13) 7. Skilled in or well adapted to piano playing (15) 8. Marked by simplicity and generosity (19) 10. Unorthodox or unconventional (26) 11. Hairy (31) 12. Something outstanding or exceptional (23) 13. Milk or cream that is curdled with an acid beverage and often sweetened (9) 14. A domestic cat (17) DOWN 1. One that is in fashion at a particular time (18)
2. Requiring immediate aid or action (11) 3. A person with power to decide a dispute (10) 4. Enhancing physical performance (29) 6. Persistent in adhering to something valued or desired (4) 9. Impossible to refute (22)
Last month's answers can be found on Page 2 910 SOUTH AIRPORT ROAD INSIDE DECATUR AIRPORT
p 217.421.7452 f 217.421.7452 RESERVATIONS ACCEPTED
Drop off your completed crossword at Robbie's before Oct. 18 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.
AUTHENTIC SICILIAN • AMERICAN CUISINE • CATERING • BANQUETS
Book your Holiday Party Today!
Join us for
217.421.7452
SUSHI NIGHT
Create your own menu or buffet from our sizable selection of authentic Sicilian and American dishes. Coupled with great service and atmosphere, you and your guests are guaranteed a wonderful holiday experience at The Main Hangar! Room charge for private party room. Minimum 30 guests. Call or head online for details.
www.mainhangarrestaurant.net Mon - Thu: 7a-9p ~ Fri - Sat: 7a-10p ~ All You Can Eat Sunday Brunch: 8a-2p
Last Tuesday of each month 122 NORTH MERCHANT, DECATUR 423-0448 • WWW.ROBBIESGRILL.COM
9
10
BUSINESS JOURNAL
www.thebusiness-journal.com
October 2012
Here’s My Card! Call Call Jayson Jayson Albright Albright at at 421-7931 421-7931 to to advertise advertise your your Business Business Card! Card!
ce 24 Hour Servi
nt lelland Preside Brett S. McC
Maintenance • Preventative rator Systems ne Ge y db an s • St ement System ag an M ing ild • Bu hting & Exterior Lig t Lo ing rk Pa • tenance • Contract Main
Illinois Serving Central
tallations • Electrical Ins stems • Fire Alarm Sy ialists • Lighting Spec ltural • Farm/Agricu
217-963-1001
one stop.
nt. What you see is importa e. op ‘sc ur yo So is who cleans
- new and For the convenience of ALL tomers, existing Soy Capital Bank cus ds Bon & e ranc Insu bard Hub JL ser vices are available at the 455 N. Main Street branch.
John W. Massey IV
217.433.2085 m
.co jmassey@microresource m .co rce www.microresou
Karin Betzer, CPIW
iding Peace of Mind. Insurance Professionals Prov • Life Auto • Homeowners • Business rance • Accident • Health • Flood Insu
T SERVING A MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIS 14 YEARS FOR ITY UN MM THE MEDICAL CO
r for 42 Years tu a c e D g in v r Se
ctural Products • EFCO Archite ors & Hardware • Aluminum Do • Door Closers
ing • Tremco Caulk s Units as Gl ted ula Ins • ass Repair • Patio Door Gl er Doors • Custom Show ps • Glass Table To ir & Screen Repa • Storm Window ore Paints • Benjamin Mo
POLAND’S GLASS
E FRONTS COMMERCIAL STOREMENT GLASS REPLAC
259 2 1 7 -4S. 2Fr3an-2 kl in St .
(C
160 N. Merchant St. • 42 2-6383 Ho
49 0
& De ca tu r) or ne r of Fr an kli n
G T E A M B U I L D I mNouting
“Our annual tea ccess was an incredible su Kiln.” of xt Ne thanks to – Steve Fisher Owner, Air King
(217) 864-9300
ofkiln www.facebook.com/next Mt. Zion, IL • 121 y. Hw te Sta 5 151
urs:: Mo Hours Mon-T n-Thu hu 10 10-6p -6p,, Fri Fri-Sa Sat 10-7p
425-9117
Accepting financial aid and V.A. bene fits.
When you're ready to
BE YOUR OWN BOSS
A NACCAS accredited institute. All services at Shear Learning performed by students under the supervision of a licensed cosmetology instructor.
www.thebusiness-journal.com
October 2012
BUSINESS JOURNAL
11
YOUR COMMUNITY
Plan sets course for lakefront development Private investment to be vital to project By ALLISON PETTY Business Journal Writer
DECATUR — Officials from the city and Decatur Park District unveiled more detailed plans last month for their ongoing redevelopment of the Nelson Park area, emphasizing hopes to rally community involvement and spur economic growth. The presentation drew more than a hundred people to a large tent near the Beach House restaurant, where the atmosphere among officials was celebratory. Behind the speakers’ podium, the audience could see evidence that work already has begun with a nearly completed boardwalk and new docks. “We’ve got to find ways to keep people coming, moving to Decatur, moving back home, starting their businesses here and doing all those things,” said Greg Weykamp, a consultant who has been heavily involved with the lakefront development. “The idea behind that and this whole project is to build the best place that we can to get people excited about
coming back home to Decatur.” Planners referred to the entire project as “Lakeshore Landing,” saying it includes five distinct areas with separate, complementary logos and color schemes. Those areas are: n Historic Nelson Park, which includes the dog park and disc golf course that were constructed last year; n Pier 36, which refers to a stretch of shoreline near the Beach House that is slated to include shops and restaurants; n Overlook Adventure Park, which is planned to include two miniature golf courses, an indoor and outdoor water park and a resort or hotel; n Chandler Cove, which is the area proposed for condominium-style residential developments; n Scovill Park, where biking and walking trails are planned as part of ongoing construction. It’s still unclear specifically how the city and park district will pay for many elements of the project. Park district and city officials have committed to using some money from their coffers, but officials also have stressed that they are seeking grant funding and donors.
Officials acknowledged that they hope the presentation, along with a 200-page manual that details the “branding” and standards of the project, would encourage private individuals and companies to get financially involved. Park district board President Chris Riley said the district is “always looking for partners.” On the project’s website, lakeshorelanding.org, a “donor brochure” details some individual components of the development and how much they might cost. One big-ticket item that officials say will certainly require some private funding is a large amphitheater, a centerpiece of the redevelopment that officials hope to get under way within three years. Its estimated cost is $2.5 million. Riley said a miniature golf course, which had been slated for construction this year, was pushed back until next year because of questions about the initial design. He said the district also is seeking assistance from private partners to help with the course. Plans for two miniature golf courses appear in the donor brochure: a “jungle adventures” course with native grasses and landscapes, and a “Decatur landmarks” course that features interactive
representations of community landmarks. Each carries a $600,000 price tag. Absent from the presentation was information about what will happen to boaters with docks in the Nelson Park and Chandler Park area. The Decatur City Council increased fees for boat slips in that area by $100 at its April 2 meeting, after City Manager Ryan McCrady dropped annual fee increases, scheduled over five years, from an initial proposal. The fees were last increased in 1998, and McCrady said the additional money is to be used for boating activities, repairing the shoreline and other improvements that directly affect boat owners. Some dock owners spoke on that occasion and have appeared at other public meetings over the past few years, objecting to a lack of specifics about what sort of changes may come to their docks and how much more they could be asked to pay because of the lakefront development. McCrady said the unveiling was not the appropriate time to address those issues, but they would be addressed at city and park district public meetings over the next few months.
Donate. Adopt. Volunteer.
COMMERCIAL & INVESTMENT PROPERTIES a division of Macon Resources, Inc.
Bruce Campbell GRI, CRB 217-620-2470
217•429•5218 800•747•5218
October is Adopt A Shelter Dog Month! Dean Blancett
Tune In & Take Part! Cromwell Radio's 12 Hour Radiothon
Broker
to benefit Homeward Bound Pet Shelter. Friday, October 26.
217-520-5661
• 11 Bay Car Wash, North, High Traffic • Restaurant & Bar on Busy State Route near Taylorville - $450,000 • Restaurant with outside patio - $64,900 • Two Car washes - one near South Side, • North, 30 Acres Development Land one East Side of city, High traffic area $439,000 • 1100 sq. ft. Warehouse (approximately), • Package of 11 Rental Homes city of Maroa, 16 foot ceilings, 14 foot Gross Income Approximately $51,000 overhead door on 1 acre • 2300 sq. ft. Warehouse, 1 Acre - $69,900 • Development Ground, 65 acres and • 2 Area Shopping Centers 19 acres
CALL FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS AND LOCATIONS 1720 E. Huston Drive Decatur, IL 62526 876-1266
440 N. Monroe, Decatur, IL 62522 Visit our website at www.lylecampbell.com
®
www.homewardboundpetshelter.com Homeward Bound Pet Shelter is a no-kill pet facility and job training program for people with disabilities.
BUSINESS JOURNAL
www.thebusiness-journal.com
October 2012
> BIZ BITES Now open In case radio-controlled cars aren’t enough to get your engine running, Gary Hoover has opened a hobby shop emphasizing radio-controlled boats and aircraft, ranging from airplanes to jets. “We’re not really into wheels too much, but I can order stuff,” said Hoover, a member of the Decatur Aero Commanders Radio Controlled Club and the Academy of Model Aeronautics. “We’re mainly into wings and waves. “It’s the most fun you can have with your clothes on, and when you crash, you don’t usually die.” Named Wings, Wheels & Waves, appropriately enough, the shop is open in the former Lone Oak Tavern at 175 S. 22nd St. next to Linda’s Music. Hours begin at 9 a.m. daily, ending at 6 p.m. on weekdays, 3 p.m. Saturdays and noon Sundays. For more information, call 451-9464. nnn Tasty’s Chicago Grill opened a third location that aims to serve up “the best nachos in town.” Jamal Nasir, co-owner of the original restaurant at 824 W. Eldorado St., is helping family friend Walid Alanasawi get his new kitchen up and running at United Discount Food and Liquor, 737 S. Jasper St., which Alanasawi purchased three years ago. “He’s painted the building and repaved the parking lot to make it a better location for his customers,” Nasir said. “There’s no other restaurant in this neighborhood, and many people are walking to eat here.” Nasir added that if nachos prove to be popular for Alanasawi, they’ll be added to the menu at Tasty’s two other locations, the other one at 1510 E. Pershing
Road. The new Tasty’s features a full menu and is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. The food and liquor store opens at 8 a.m. daily and stays open an hour later than the restaurant. Call 542-0070. nnn Decatur Plaza Mid-Town has picked up another tenant since opening June 1 in a near-northside strip mall once anchored by Sattley’s office supplies. Illini Fadez, co-owned by Audrey Austin and Davida Fanniel of Springfield, is a barber/beauty shop at 1101 N. Water St. open long hours to take care of people’s hair care needs. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily with current discounts including half-off haircuts for military veterans and pastors in the Decatur area and $10 haircuts for students showing a college ID. Austin, who also owns Flawless Cutz Barber College in Springfield, said the shop has seven barber stations and two beauty stations and that appointments and walk-ins are welcome. Call 853-1325.
On the move Wilson’s Garage Inc. is now fixing what ails your car and light truck from a new location, 990 N. Water St., in Decatur, which is just north of Lakeside Motors. Customers had grown used to the old location at 22nd and Olive streets, where owners Leo and Kathy Wilson had operated their general automotive repair business for more than 20 years, but a changing landlord situation meant it was time to move, and the Wilsons are trying to spread the word about their new address. “It’s a perfect spot for us here,” said
Leo Wilson, 61, who opened up at the new location with three full-time mechanics Sept. 17. “But I’ve got to get people to know I am now over here.” Wilson’s Garage is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 4240660.
at 1190 N. Meridian St., and is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Dealer space is available. Call 963-3029.
Coming soon Looking to open a thrift store in Decatur for more than three years, Goodwill has settled on a general location and hopes to build in the spring. Sharon Durbin, president and CEO of Springfield-based Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries, said the building will be in the Mount Zion Road area. Evidence of that decision is the Goodwill truck that has been stationed behind Steak N Shake since July, taking donations. “The test is going well, and we’re in negotiations with a local investor to build us a building,” Durbin said. In the meantime, those with donations to make can stop by Goodwill’s truck, which is open to receive them 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. No appliances or hazardous materials are accepted.
New owner The former Harristown Depot Antiques is now Sanders Harristown Depot Antiques, after being taken over by Jeff Sanders. He’s running the antique mall business with his fiancee, Lynnette Senger, who said customers can look forward to discovering several positive changes. “The business had been down to only being open on weekends, and now we’re open four days a week,” added Senger. “We’ve already started renovations and we’ve got a few other changes planned.” Longtime antiques collectors themselves, the couple is among the several dozen dealers renting space in the 10,000square-foot former interurban train depot that dates from 1901. When the former owners approached them about buying the business, it felt like opportunity pulling into platform one. “We had already discussed owning something like this,” Senger said. “And so we didn’t have to think about the decision for very long.” Sanders Harristown Depot Antiques is
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.
SAVE BIG ON INK & TONER ✃
12
We carry & refill all major brands 100% satisfaction guaranteed
30% off
WHEN YOU BRING IN YOUR CARTRIDGE WITH THIS COUPON.
COUPON VALID ON: remanufactured ink or toner cartridges only. COUPON NOT VALID: on compatible or OEM cartridges; with any other offers, discounts or core charges; previously purchased items. ONE COUPON PER DAY PER CUSTOMER PER CARTRIDGE PER ORDER. Discount applied to lowest-priced item. 10/2012BJ. Exp. 1/31/2013.
> TIME MACHINE
215 E. Ash AAve., Suite D 217-875-0465 southeast corner of Ash & 51 N, behind Walgreens eens
LOOKING FOR A LOCATION?
File photo
While an earlier version on the Central Park fountain is at the center of this 1930 picture, it’s the background we are focusing on with this month’s Time Machine. It shows State Street before it was replaced by the parking garage that adjoins the Barnes Citizen’s Building. The city announced plans to begin demolition of the garage this winter.
COMMERCIAL
MEDICAL
REAL ESTATE
OFFICE SPACE
SPACE
VARIOUS LOCATIONS
CONTACT LILLIBRIDGE FOR MORE INFORMATION
217.877.5647
www.thebusiness-journal.com
October 2012
> NEWS HIGHLIGHTS Garage coming down soon One way or another, the dilapidated parking garage that adjoins the Barnes Citizens Building is due to come down this winter. City Manager Ryan McCrady said the city is preparing to act on a demolition order it obtained after a court declared the structure unsafe in 2009. The situation is complicated, however, because heating and ventilation units for the adjacent building are located on the parking garage. In demolishing the parking structure, the city cannot harm the value of the adjacent building, which it does not own. The city also does not own the parking garage and cannot make improvements to it, McCrady said. “I know everybody wants it to be torn down, and I completely understand that,” McCrady said. “But we also have to be careful that we don’t open our taxpayers up to unnecessary and expensive litigation because the city maybe moved in haste as opposed to taking the time to be careful and limit our exposure to problems.” Because of the garage’s position within a tax increment finance district, McCrady said the city could use TIF money to tear it down. If the city does fund the structure’s demolition, McCrady said it would seek repayment.
Sequestration center unveiled A facility that is part of an effort to highlight cutting-edge technology being demonstrated in Decatur was officially unveiled last month during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Richland Community College. The National Sequestration Education Center is part of two carbon sequestration storage projects under way around the college that is drawing international attention. “This education center truly is the thing that takes it to the next level,” said Dwight Peters, North America business manager for Schlumberger Carbon Services, the company working on the con-
struction of wells for the project. “We’re not sure what the future of carbon sequestration is going to look like,” Peters said. “I know it’s got to happen. It’s a matter of how it evolves.” Those involved with the carbon sequestration efforts see the work as a way to create business opportunities, enhance economic development and protect the environment. “Decatur is certainly getting on the map in terms of carbon sequestration,” said Rob Finley of the Illinois State Geological Survey. “We’ve already seen interest in the international community to come and learn about this project.” Finley is hoping more education about the sequestration technology will lead those interested to being able to make more well-informed decisions about climate change. The education center at Richland is intended to become a place to train future workers in the carbon sequestration industry. Carbon sequestration is expected to create 900 domestic jobs, including 250 locally, McDonald said. A trained work force in carbon sequestration technology is going to be needed as the technology is further developed, and Richland is the first to offer two degrees related to sequestration training. Richland will be looking to train highly skilled and motivated students for positions including policy analysts, environmental researchers and engineers as part of a global work force, Richland President Gayle Saunders said. “We’re excited for what this means for the world,” Saunders said. “This is a project that is so unique.”
Downtown project changes Even as downtown renovations charge forward, financial constraints and state requirements have thrown a kink in the works for city planners. The Decatur City Council approved a $1.7 million contract last month for work in the Central Park area, but that money will pay for less comprehensive changes than city officials had originally envisioned. Several elements of the redesign
11/15/12
had to be cut for budget reasons, said Development Planner Stephanie Ashe Brown. Some of the cuts to the Central Park area included a splash fountain; half of the six originally planned “pergolas,” or shade structures; a large tent; and improvements to the dilapidated interior of the Transfer House. Additionally, city staff greatly reduced the amount of brickwork called for in the plan. The renovation still includes replacement of all the sidewalks and the addition of new electrical wiring, so future performers in the park won’t need to bring in heavy cords and generators. The city’s forestry staff identified eight trees to be removed because of their age or susceptibility to disease and insects; plans call for 13 trees to be added. The work would also replace the stage on the park’s west side with large, broad stairs. Below the stairs would be a turf-covered area that would allow audiences to stand, sit or lay down blankets to see performances on the stairs above, she said. Another portion of the downtown streetscape project — renovation of the Franklin Street corridor — has also been pushed back because of new requirements from the Illinois Department of Transportation. It is the final portion of the project and is to be funded almost entirely by a grant from the Illinois Transportation
BUSINESS JOURNAL
13
Enhancement Program. City planners had hoped to go out for bid on that portion of the project in January, but requirements for environmental studies and soil testing have forced that date back to June. As a result, the planned three-year streetscape enhancement project probably won’t be finished until 2014, the four-year mark.
Then there was one Fright fans of Decatur take note: There will be one fewer haunted house to attend in the area, come Halloween. The Decatur Jaycees have announced that they will not be hosting their annual haunted house fundraiser, citing an insufficient number of volunteers to keep the event running. The event snaps a run of yearly haunted houses that have been hosted since 2007, when the concept returned after an eight-year hiatus. The tradition started in 1975. The cancellation leaves Decatur Celebration’s The Scream as the area’s only large-scale haunted house, beginning Oct. 5. “It’s not happening this year because currently, we have exactly 20 people registered as Jaycees in Decatur, and that’s just not enough to run the haunted house,” Jaycees President Tanya Haubner said. “We would need every one of our people on every day of setup and cleanup, and it’s just not possible.”
14
BUSINESS JOURNAL
October 2012
www.thebusiness-journal.com
A Special Supplement to the Business Journal
16
BUSINESS JOURNAL
www.thebusiness-journal.com
October 2012
His, hers, hyphen, no hyphen Women have name decision after marriage it’s
By NICOLE HARBOUR Business Journal Writer
DECATUR — Weddings are laden with decisions. In a world where some of the trickier ones used to revolve around where the wedding would be held, or large guest list versus small, it seems another wedding decision women are tackling today is one that comes after the big day itself: To change or not to change their last name. In decades past, the name a woman went by after she married wasn’t so much a decision as a tradition, or something that was assumed, said Wegi Stewart, president of the Community Foundation of Macon County. “When I married my first husband in 1974, I took my husband’s name,” said Stewart. “Our generation in 1974 was kind of caught in the middle of two extremes. There was a lot of activity in the women’s movement, but there was also a strong traditionalist pull. Taking your husband’s name was what our mothers did, and I came from a family where the girls didn’t have middle names because it was assumed our maiden name would become our middle name when we got married.” Today, however, the last name a woman goes by isn’t an assumption —
a choice, and Stewart said she became aware of that generational change when her daughter got married. “My daughter didn’t blink about keeping her name when she got married,” Stewart said. “Things have changed.” And in the United States, where today’s brides-to-be have more options than their great-grandmothers, grandmothers or mothers did, women are choosing what works best for them: Taking their husband’s name. Retaining their maiden name professionally while taking their husband’s name legally. Hyphenating. Not hyphenating. Kate Flemming, who married her husband Tyler in July, said the couple began talking about what their stances were on last names while they were dating. “Before I met Tyler, I had, in the past, thought I’d keep my (maiden) name,” the 24-year-old said. “It means a lot to me, but Tyler really wanted me to take his last name.” Flemming said it was a difficult decision, but after some discussion with Tyler and family members, she was able to make a choice that she and Tyler were both comfortable with. “I decided to make my maiden name my second middle name,” she said. “Flemming is my only last name, but now Feriozzi is my second middle name.” Flemming said her decision allowed
her to have the best of both worlds. “Ultimately, I love my husband, and changing my name to his was important to him,” she explained. “I didn’t lose my name, since I added it to my middle name, so really there was no change.” Associate Judge Lisa Holder White also made the decision to retain her maiden name as a middle name. “My father and mother had three daughters and no sons, so my father’s name was going to end with us,” said Holder White. “My decision (to retain Holder as a middle name) was based on a way to give a nod to my father for the profound impact he had on me as a person, and I’m proud of it.” Holder White said her decision made sense professionally, as well. “It (keeping Holder) became more important to me as I became a professional woman, and I made my decision once I finished law school,” she said. “My husband had no problem with it, and it’s been very positive for me. I think, in the past, women who kept their names where viewed as more strong willed, but I don’t think that’s necessarily true today. It’s something that deviates from a traditional decision, but I don’t think it’s looked at the same way today.” Amanda Black, editor of TheKnot.com, a wedding-planning website, said while many women are still choosing to take their husband’s name after they marry, there are also more women who are choosing other alternatives and options. “We found that 86 percent of women are still taking their husband’s name,”
according to a 2010 Real Weddings Survey conducted by TheKnot.com and WeddingChannel.com, Black said in a phone interview. “But we are also seeing that more women are hyphenating their name or keeping their maiden name, too. I think that now that more women are going into the workplace and establishing themselves and their careers first before they get married, we’re seeing a bigger shift toward more alternatives.” For Beth Nolan, a financial advisor with Raymond James, keeping her maiden name when she married was always the plan. “I never really considered changing my name,” said Nolan, who’s been married to her husband, John, for five and a half years. “I think on our second date, I even said that to John, even before we were thinking about marriage. I’m really connected to my family and identify with my family’s name, and John was totally OK with it.” Nolan acknowledged that she wanted to keep her name for professional reasons, as well. “I was 30 when I got married and was already established in my career,” she said. “As a financial advisor, I have a lot of things registered in my maiden name, so keeping my name made it easier for me professionally, too.” Nolan said although her 4-year-old sometimes asks her why she doesn’t have the same last name as she does, and although she sometimes feels she has to justify her decision to other people, she doesn’t regret her decision. “I’m really proud of my name,” she said. “And today, I think a woman’s name is a choice, where it wasn’t really a choice 20 years ago.” Dr. Carol Cohen, a pulmonologist with Central Illinois Lung Internists, cited her professional career as one of the reasons she wanted to keep her maiden name. “It was an easy decision,” Cohen said. “I was already in practice and had graduated from medical school before I got married in 1979, and so I felt like I’d already established myself. This was
CONTINUED ON PAGE 25
www.thebusiness-journal.com
October 2012
BUSINESS JOURNAL
17
Meet Gayle Saunders President of Richland Community College Hometown: Harvard, Ill.
the impetus for my consideration of higher education as a career. However, it wasn’t until 1990 that I became determined to be a college president. At the time, I was working at Elgin Community College and the president provided me the opportunity to become an assistant to the president for a year. It was there that my career passion was met through lessons learned about the philosophy of the community college and the comprehensive mission that leads to a unique delivery of education focused first and foremost on the student and lifelong learning. From 1983 to 1990, I learned as much as I could about the college and thrived in the environment. I enrolled in the doctoral program at Northern Illinois University and began to develop an action plan for becoming a community college president.
Family: Rich Cervantes, husband; Kalle and Luke, daughter and son-in-law; Evan, son; Kelsey and Nick, daughter and son-in-law; Katelyn, daughter Education: Illinois State University, Bachelor of Science, education; Eastern Illinois University, Master of Science, counseling and student personnel; Northern Illinois University, Doctorate in leadership and educational policy My “I’d rather be….” bumper sticker would read: “I’d rather be walking along a sandy beach next to the ocean.” Although I am a “fire” sign as I am an Aries, I have always been drawn to water. The bumper sticker represents my reflections of a healthy, happy life well lived. All of my senses can be invigorated by visualizing, hearing, smelling, touching and tasting that walk. Doesn’t it make you smile?
How did you end up in Decatur? I was fully prepared to acquire my goal to be a great and responsive community college president before I turned 50 when I finished my doctorate in Higher Education in 2000. The next step was to identify the kind of college I hoped to lead one day with a community who believed in and admired the mission of its community college. I found that college at Richland Community College and that community in Decatur.
Hobbies/Interests: Boating, shopping, walking and eating great Italian food. I also enjoy following sports, particularly the Cubs and college football. My first job: I was a lifeguard and swimming instructor at the Harvard Community Pool. Why I do what I do: I have a passion for education. There are two days in the academic year that energize me to continue in the presidency. One is the first day of the semester. Students bring vibrancy to the college campus that is contagious. They are there because they want to learn. It encourages me to ensure that Richland exceeds their expectations. The second most important day is commencement. I count it a privilege to shake the hand of every graduate. I see the beaming pride on their faces, and sometimes misty eyes, and hear the shouts of support from their families and friends as they walk across the stage to accept their diplomas. It is then that I know that Richland Community College makes a difference in the lives of students and our communities. Personal approaches to challenges: I look at every challenge as an opportunity. If everything is approached with a positive attitude and problems can be turned into improvements to be made; the obstacles fall away. There are some things in life that we can’t control and I let those go. It gives me the energy and interest to pursue the opportunities that I can control and will find the resolution from that. Community involvement: Community involvement is important and as I began my presidency at Richland, I also
Business Journal/Jim Bowling
became extensively involved in the community. It has been my privilege to serve on the board of the Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce (past president); Soy Capital Bank and Trust Board of Directors, Economic Development Corporation, Rotary International, WebsterCantrell Hall, Easter Seals Central Illinois, Partners in Education, Mid-Illinois Chapter of the American Red Cross, United Way of Decatur and Mid-Illinois, and the Boys and Girls Club of Decatur. Each of these opportunities has allowed me to work toward the improvement of the quality of life in our community, but more importantly, to find new ways to provide educational and work force training opportunities for Richland Community College students. Did you ever think you would spend more than a decade leading Richland Community College? I don’t know that I put a number on the years I would serve as the president of
Richland. I just knew I wanted to ensure that the vision of Richland Community College, “To be the premier source for education, work force training, partnerships and economic development” would be strengthened under my leadership. Is this the job you aspired to when you were a kid? No. I grew up in a home that was filled with music because my mother was a music teacher and gave piano lessons. I learned to sing and to play the piano and my original desire was to have a career revolving around music. However, I still use my singing ability at Richland. It is not uncommon for me to sing happy birthday to any one of the college’s employees. What brought about the change in your career path and the eventual focus on college education? When I went to work at Bradley University, I had a great deal of interaction with the students and they provided
Was there any additional pressure coming in as the first woman to hold the position? In the interview process for the presidency, I did not focus on the fact that I was a female. I focused on my leadership abilities and previous college administrative successes. I had seen firsthand the importance of advancing the community college mission and vision and I knew how to engage students through my work as a chief academic and student services officer. It was the combination of that knowledge and those experiences that I presented to the search committee at Richland. Was there someone in your life that let you know the sky was the limit for women when it came to fulfilling your professional dream? Yes, my mother. She graduated from high school during World War II and instead of getting to pursue her dream to be a college graduate (she was valedictorian of her Harvard High School class), she stayed home to work and take care of her mother while her brothers entered and served the military. My dad graduated from Purdue University in electrical engineering only to serve the next six years in the war as well. It’s just a story, but it was a driving factor in my resilience to learn and to seek a career of my choice. It never occurred to me that I wouldn’t.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 22
18
BUSINESS JOURNAL
October 2012
Maria Granzotti Chief physician executive
St. Mary’s Hospital Your biggest challenge and how you overcame it: Listening to my calling was a challenge. Keeping the greater good in mind and knowing I could apply my abilities to benefit others helped me stay on course. Advice to other career women on what it takes to be successful: Absolutely, you need to have a sense of meaning and purpose to pursue your goals. When an individual is part of something greater than themselves and the team they work alongside of is exceptional, anything can be attained. It’s an election year and there is a lot of attention being paid to the race for president. Do you think there will be a woman president/vice president during your lifetime? I believe there is a definite possibility. We are in need of a different perspective and perception to our global issues and an awareness of how interrelated several of them are today. What qualities/attributes do you think a woman would bring to the positions that are different from/compliment their male counterparts?
I believe a woman can bring more detailed assessments while also having an appreciation of the big picture given certain situations. Was there someone in your personal life that let you know the sky was the limit for women when it came to fulfilling your professional dreams? My grandmother, Bettijean, and my mother, Janet, have been absolutely invaluable to me in my life, and in the belief that I could achieve anything I worked hard in life to attain.
Theresa Rutherford Nurse, chief operating officer
St. Mary’s Hospital Your biggest challenge and how you overcame it: While running a hospital, challenges are ever-present. I have found remaining focused on patient-first care and diligent in providing operational solutions keeps St. Mary’s sustainable for the community and prepares me for the next challenge. Advice to other career women on what it takes to be successful: Never underestimate your capabilities or that of the team you lead. Always strive to learn something new. Set goals, for without them, you fail to grow as a person and leader. Work for something that is bigger than you and your personal needs. This gives you ambition, vision and passion. It’s an election year and there is a lot of attention being paid to the race for president. Do you think there will be a woman president/vice president during your lifetime? If the right woman with the skills and knowledge steps forward, I would hope the answer is yes. Our elected officials need to be elected for the strength, skills and knowledge they bring to the table, not by their race or sex. Leadership is hard work. We face many challenges and it isn’t possible to turn around a business or a country without making hard decisions and remaining focused on the larger strategic plan.
What qualities/attributes do you think a woman would bring to the positions that are different from/compliment their male counterparts? I think compliment is the correct wording of this question. I think women process the facts in front of them somewhat differently than men. Was there someone in your personal life that let you know the sky was the limit for women when it came to fulfilling your professional dreams? I have been fortunate to have many mentors in my life. But my greatest supporter has always been my husband, Tom. We were married young, and much of my education, growth and success have been during our married life. He has rarely questioned my goals or what was necessary to get there. I am truly blessed to share my life with him.
www.thebusiness-journal.com
www.thebusiness-journal.com
October 2012 Advice to other career women on what it takes to be successful: I sometimes feel that success is always the goal just out of reach. I think that is what helps us strive to continually do our best. I believe that it is imperative to frequently reassess your priorities in life. It is easy to get absorbed in the demands of the moment, which are ever changing. But, don’t lose sight of what is truly important which should remain conceptually constant. It took me a while to learn that it is OK to say “no” because this is my priority right now.
Joan Covault Family medicine
HSHS Medical Group Family Medicine-North Decatur Your biggest challenge and how you overcame it: My biggest challenge is myself and the internal struggles of my own expectations. As with many women, I define myself by my perceived successes as wife, mom, daughter, and for me, as a physician. I have come to terms with the expectations of myself that I am not going to be the 1950s iconic wife that has dinner on the table and freshly ironed shirts by 6 every night. I am not going to be the mom who is homeroom mom with all of the cool ideas. I am not going to be able to drive six hours and go home to check on my aging parents every weekend. And, for me, I am not going to be posted as one of “Illinois’ Top Docs.” Redefining my perceptions of the idolized role models has helped
me realize that not only am I not going to be these things, but I don’t want to be Superwoman. I just want to be at peace within myself that I approach every “hat” I wear knowing that I did my very best for that given day.
Debbie Seitz
It’s an election year and there is a lot of attention being paid to the race for president. Do you think there will be a woman president/ vice president during your lifetime? Yes, but it will be a while before she is president. We have made great strides in the inequalities of life, but we are not to the point of everyone supporting this idea yet. I believe that each generation is laying the groundwork for the next generation. What qualities/attributes do you think a woman would bring to the positions that are different from/compliment their male counterparts? I hate to stereotype by gender. I think what is important is the old cliche of
BUSINESS JOURNAL
surrounding yourself with good people. Knowing what your personal strengths and weaknesses are allows you to structure a good team of colleagues. When you are in a position of power, you can do this. I think the key attributes should include being an active listener, confident enough to speak your mind, and respectful of others’ opinions. It is important to understand that goals may need to be dynamic and evolve with circumstances or time. Best results are typically a compromise of the original ideas. Was there someone in your personal life that let you know the sky was the limit for women when it came to fulfilling your professional dreams? My daughter was my inspiration. I chose to pursue medicine later in life. The intensity and demands of the program were overwhelming. When I felt like giving up, it was her teenaged words of encouragement on how she admired my courage and tenacity that motivated me. Seeing yourself through your child’s eyes can be quite an awakening. I wanted, in turn, to inspire her that she could achieve anything she wanted to through hard work and dedication. Her belief in me allowed me to lead by example.
Executive director of philanthropy
St. Mary’s Hospital Your biggest challenge and how you overcame it: I believe being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and the uncertainty of this disease was one of my biggest challenges. I was determined to do what I could and focused on being as healthy as possible. This plan included a regular exercise routine, relaxation, adapting to a healthy diet and prayer. It also meant I had to go from full speed all of the time to just most of the time! No matter what you are dealing with … count your blessings every day. Advice to other career women on what it takes to be successful: I think the best advice is to work hard, have a positive attitude, be kind and helpful to others, have fun and work with your team toward a common goal. This can apply to work, home or your community involvement. My career path has allowed me the opportunity to get involved in the community and that has proven to be beneficial not only professionally, but personally. It’s an election year and there is a lot of attention being paid to the race for president. Do you think there will be a woman president/vice president during your lifetime? Well, I would certainly hope so. It’s about time a woman filled those shoes! We’ve made a lot of progress over the years and have many women in very successful positions, so it’s just a matter of time before a woman is elected president. I think we should go ahead and pass by the vice presidential position and shoot for president! What qualities/attributes do you think a woman would bring to the positions that are dif-
ferent from/compliment their male counterparts? Well, I think it has more to do with the person than the gender, but since this is about women and we are pretty terrific … here goes! Some qualities of great women leaders include empathy, interpersonal skills, flexibility and teambuilding leadership. A great leader makes others feel understood, supported and valued. Was there someone in your personal life that let you know the sky was the limit for women when it came to fulfilling your professional dreams? Although I would love to recognize just one woman or one person, it has been the influence of many people in my life who have encouraged me and been role models with their own success. Surround yourself with successful, positive people and be open to learning from them. Find a mentor. Always strive to be your best in all that you do and say. The sky will be the limit for you!
19
CALL KEVIN BREHENY • RANDY CANNADY • RON KOOPMAN • TIM PATTON GREG NUSSBAUM • CURT RASSI • DAN MARTINI • MATT BENNETT MICHAEL BREHENY • KARIN BETZER • SHANNON GARRETT LINDA STEWART • PAM COE
Thank You Pam Coe for all your hard work & dedication.
20
BUSINESS JOURNAL
www.thebusiness-journal.com
October 2012
Pam Coe
Office. Women have been good leaders in other countries for years. American women are a majority of the population and have a level of educational achievement far exceeding that of our mother’s and grandmother’s generation. There is a challenge in our country to get women who want to run for office and actually electing a woman into office. I think there are women positioning themselves to someday run who will be a successful president or vice president because they are currently successful in balancing a career and a family.
Personal lines manager
J.L. Hubbard Insurance and Bonds Your biggest challenge and how you over came it: I worked for a corporation for 25 years. Due to downsizing and outsourcing, my job was eliminated. I was devastated. I had always thought I would retire from there, and the thought of starting all over was overwhelming. I am blessed that my current boss offered me this position and the offer was extended to me on my birthday! It was a huge change coming from a large corporation to an office with only 32 employees. This challenge and change in my life has been a blessing. Working here, I feel my ability actually makes a real difference in the company’s overall success. Advice to other career women on what it takes to be successful: My advice to career people is to work hard, be willing to do more than expected and accept failure. Things happen and we learn from our mistakes and move on. Focus on keeping positive in every situation. Don’t wait for oppor-
tunities to fall in your lap because they won’t. And no matter where you are working, look around and try to think of ways you can contribute to the overall success of the business. It’s election year and there is a lot of attention being paid to the race for president. Do you think there will be a woman president/vice president during your lifetime? I believe we will see a woman someday in the Oval
Amber Voges Billingsley Co-owner/finances/HR/marketing
Billingsley BP Service Center, Billingsley Towing, & Billingsley EZ Washes Your biggest challenge and how you overcame it: It is always a challenge running our businesses with my husband, Jay, while juggling a home and our three daughters, Myra, Audrey and Ruby. However, this summer has posed a lot of financial challenges specifically to my job. First, our commercial property taxes suddenly increased by 367 percent, then we found out, without notice, that our car washes were to be shut down in an effort to conserve water. A very frustrating time given that car washes don’t use as much water as many other businesses, but it was the hand we were dealt nonetheless. So with some major projects already in progress this year, such as a new touch free car wash installation, upgrades to our recently attained self-serve wash and property improvements to our South Shores location, I had a lot of sleepless nights trying to figure out how I was going to cover the tax increase and the unexpected costs of our water bypass systems in order to keep both of our washes operational. I’m proud to say that we were able to keep the businesses running and all employees in place
throughout this trying time. My main focus is to keep our finances in check, so with hard work and determination, we survived. However, the summer of 2012 is a challenge that I do not want to experience again. Advice to other career women on what it takes to be successful: To anyone that knows me, they know that I do not see limits on women. A good business person is not defined as being a man or a woman, but defined by their work ethic and successes. So my advice to anyone in business, whether the owner or employee, is to take pride in what you do, enjoy what you do, and work hard at being your very best. Nothing worth having is ever easy to obtain.
What qualities/attributes do you think a woman would bring to the positions that are different from/compliment their male counterparts? We are no longer living in the ’50s and ’60s of stay-home mom’s and stereotypical traits like empathy for women and aggressiveness for men. Women are reshaping the landscape of business and bridging the gender gap. Roles are changing and there are more and more women CEOs today and more
stay home dads. We have women away in the military and dad’s home balancing a career and a family. Defining gender specific qualities and attributes in today’s world may be considered sexist because of the different roles. Although men and women have different leadership styles, effective leadership is more behaviorally derived than gender based. Was there someone in your personal life that let you know the sky was the limit for women when it came to fulfilling your professional dreams? My husband has been a huge influence on my career. As a young lady out of high school, I was determined I would find a way to get a college education and work my way up the corporate ladder. I succeeded in doing this just to lose it all due to corporate downsizing. My husband was there to encourage me not to give up and to focus on the positives and the opportunities that were out there. I am very blessed to have my loving family and a career I love.
BUSINESS JOURNAL Reader Profile: n 30% are owner/partner of their business. n 27% have household income of $100,000 to $149,000
www.thebusiness-journal.com
October 2012
Tiffany Jess
BUSINESS JOURNAL
21
By the numbers
General manager
n $1.2 trillion: Revenue for womenowned businesses in 2007.
Main Place Bar & Grill Your biggest challenge and how you overcame it: My biggest challenge has definitely been the ending of Jimmy Ryan’s and the beginning of Main Place Bar & Grill. It was difficult to envision what the new restaurant was going to be. Walking in every day during the remodel and watching all the changes happening got to be a little overwhelming and make you wonder if the right decisions have been made. I have a great staff and many good people who supported my decisions (even when I was unsure of myself) and for that I am very thankful because things have been going really good since the remodel and revamp of the menu. Advice to other career women on what it takes to be successful: Every job is different and everybody has their own way of doing things, but I feel it is extremely impor-
n 7.8 million: The number of womenowned businesses in 2007. n 7.5 million: Number of people employed by women-owned businesses in 2007. Nearly half of all women-
owned businesses (45.9 percent) operated in repair and maintenance; personal and laundry services; health care and social assistance; and professional, scientific and technical services. Women-owned businesses accounted for 52.0 percent of all businesses operating in the health care and social assistance sector. Source: U.S. Census Bureau
NOW OPEN!
NEW Laserwash 360 Touch Free Car Wash tant to have a good support system and to not fear change. Allow your staff and co-workers to be part of the decisionmaking process. Encourage them to get excited about the change because a happy staff means a good work environment, which equals success.
BUSINESS JOURNAL
Absolutely NO city water used!
Faster & Improved Wash Quality State of the Art Pay Station accepting Debit & Credit cards Wash Packages & Gift Cards and other improvements Check out pictures and Like us on our Facebook page! 1725 S. Franklin St. South Shores
Reader Profile: n 48% share their copy of the Journal with others. n 23% are 35 to 44 years old.
FREE MUSIC FRIDAYS ON PATIO Oct. 5th Dan Hubbard Oct. 12th Billy Galt Oct. 19th Chris Bradley and Jennifer Hood
www.billingsleybp.com
• 217-428-5421 •
Come check out the October menu features Late Nite Burger Friday Walleye Specials Main Place Chili
NOW BOOKING HOLIDAY PARTIES! Call Tiffany at 422-4700. Main Place Bar & Grill Accommodating parties up to 101 101 South Main Street, Decatur 217.422.4700 Like us on Facebook!
22
BUSINESS JOURNAL
www.thebusiness-journal.com
October 2012
Continued from page 17 What advice do you have for women trying to break into traditionally male fields? It is important to develop strengths in leading; continuously engage in professional development opportunities; learn to see the big picture; perfect your ability to communicate effectively; and learn how to coalesce groups to solve problems or create new opportunities. And then ask yourself four questions: 1. Who would follow me? 2. Do I take responsibility? 3. Do I “walk with my talk?” 4. Am I trustworthy? What accomplishments are you most proud of during your tenure at Richland? Ultimately, I am proud of the many opportunities created that expand and increase the learning potential for Richland students. That has occurred in a variety of ways. When the Farm Progress Show chose Decatur and the Richland campus for the biannual site, it gave the college the ability to leverage significant synergy to create a global high-tech agribusiness corridor. The Farm Progress Show hastened the development of the Applied Agribusiness Technology Park directly north of the main campus. The wind turbine, a gift from an anonymous donor, became an icon for Richland and the sustainability leadership Richland provides. The most recent accomplishment is the partnership with ADM, Schlumberger Carbon Services and the Illinois State Geological Survey of the University of Illinois to establish the National Sequestration Education Center. This center provides students unique opportunities to obtain engineering degrees with a concentration in carbon capture utilization and storage, and secure jobs around the globe in this emerging industry. The student growth and graduation outcomes we have experienced in the health professions division continue to be strong. These students have tremen-
dous success rates and they are meeting the critical health care shortages in our communities. The Culinary Arts Institute is advancing similarly with results leading directly into the hospitality industry. The relocation of the Heartland Technical Academy to Richland Community College affords the district’s high school students the opportunity to build college transcripts while in high school and enables a seamless transfer to higher education degree programs building on the successes they have experienced through their dual credit classes. The growth of the Richland Community College Foundation over the past 10 years has meant more students have access to the financial assistance they need to succeed through scholarships. The Foundation’s support for critical educational technologies and tools allows our students to train with state-of-the-art equipment learning skills that allow them to start work well ahead of the curve. And finally, Richland has experienced two of the largest graduating classes in the past four years. What things are you still hoping to accomplish? I’m so proud of the outstanding work of the faculty and staff of Richland Community College. The talent recruited and sustained to work in an environment that demands a culture of commitment, respect, excellence, accountability and diversity has been my proudest achievement. Our vision — to be premier in the delivery of education, work force education, partnerships and economic development — is always emerging and depends on the needs of the college’s middle name, the “community” we serve. We will accomplish whatever is necessary to support the quality of life of the communities we deliver our services to. Education is knowledge; knowledge is work force readiness; work force readiness is economic development.
Business Journal/Mark Roberts
A ribbon cutting was held last month to celebrate the new National Sequestration Education Center at Richland Community College. The center is one of the accomplishments college President Gayle Saunders is most proud of during her 10-year tenure.
Cyndi Kostenski Mortgage loan manager
Land of Lincoln Credit Union Your biggest challenge and how you overcame it: I would have to say that my biggest and ongoing challenge is compliance. Just staying on top of compliance and change in the mortgage industry is an ongoing challenge. I overcome it with lots and lots of Advil! Advice to other career women on what it takes to be successful: Be willing to accept change. Many of us get settled into the same routine. Change is a challenge and challenges can be very rewarding. It’s an election year and there is a lot of attention being paid to the race for president. Do you think there will be a woman president/vice president during your lifetime? I think it is very possible. We came very close during the last election to having a woman representative. Gender doesn’t necessarily rule … it’s having the right person in office, regardless if that person is male or female. What qualities/attributes do you think a woman would bring to the positions that are different from/compliment their male counterparts? I feel that, for the most part, women are more patient and pay more attention to detail. Very often, I find that it is
the woman that is the decision maker over their male counterpart. This is not always the case but in the mortgage lending industry this holds true. Was there someone in your personal life that let you know the sky was the limit for women when it came to fulfilling your professional dreams? Yes there was. Her name is Mary Morstadt and she stood up for me when I volunteered to do a job that our president felt was more suited for a male. Mary believed in me and told the president that she felt I would do just fine. That job that I was awarded just happened to be the start of my mortgage lending career.
www.thebusiness-journal.com
Tammy Griffin Owner
Earthen Pottery, Griffin Tower Your biggest challenge and how you overcame it: One of my biggest challenges I have come up against was trying to figure out how I could work and raise our daughter. Cassie turned 9 and I started to panic and felt like I needed to be home and involved for her more then just after 5 p.m. I had been very lucky to have been working for a company since I was 18, so using the investment created for my retirement and after great discussion and planning with my husband, Mike, I was able to take a break and become a stay-home mom. During this time, I was able to work at the school she attended, even become a co-cheerleading coach when she was in high school. I think
Kelly Wingard President, chief operating officer
Wildflour Artisan Bakery & Cafe Inc. Your biggest challenge and how you overcame it: Challenges are numerous when starting a business, especially a food service operation. First, you have to tackle red tape issues, such as incorporation, compliance with city and state code and health department regulations, setting up business accounts with the bank, vendors, etc. Then you have to plan and execute the build-out to get your location to meet your vision and your needs. Next you take on operational details, such as staffing, ordering, marketing, etc. It would be hard to decide which of these tasks has been my biggest challenge, so I am going to have to go with time management. There are so many demands on your time when you own a business that it feels less like you own the business and more like the business owns you. I haven’t overcome this challenge yet, but I am handling it by sleeping less and trying to force myself away from the shop more often to regroup. This is harder to do than it sounds. Having a business is like having a baby. You know you need time to yourself, but the baby is never off your mind, even when you are away. Advice to other career women on what it takes to be successful: Listen to your
October 2012 about it and I would have to say this is the most fun, difficult and rewarding job a woman could do. Advice to other career women on what it takes to be successful: Well … not sure I’m there yet. I think this will always be a work in progress. Loving what you do is a huge part of making things work. And it just so happens that loving who I work with, my husband, is a big plus for me. So you see, I’m a pretty happy gal. Which brings me to the next item on my list. I would advise them to try and balance the best you can
“woman’s intuition,” but temper your gut instincts with realism. Try to weed negative influences from practical advice. For example, when I chose the location for Wildflour, many people advised me against it because it was too far from downtown, not in a high-traffic area, too isolated from other retail areas, etc. My gut instinct told me the charm of the building would overcome some of these factors. But I was also realistic in appraising the location. I knew the area was close enough to downtown to work and that West Main Street is a high traffic corridor linking a major residential district to the business district. I also knew that Wildflour would be a destination draw. Thank God, my instincts were correct. We have had a steady stream of customers since we opened nearly two years ago and the block is now populated with many new businesses, including our newest retail neighbor, Earthen Pottery. It’s an election year and there is a lot of attention being paid to the race for president. Do you think there will be a woman president/vice president during your lifetime? Yes. I think it is highly likely we will have a woman president in the near future. To think otherwise would be to presume that the United States is less progressive than other countries that have elected female heads of state, such as Chile, Ireland and Israel. American voters have proved they can look beyond stereotypes and see the strength of the candidate, rather than gender, race or religion. Political considerations aside, Condeleezza Rice and Hillary Clinton are two examples of women who could be viable presidential candidates. What qualities/attributes do you think a woman would bring to the positions that are different from/compliment their male counterparts? This question basically forces one to make stereotypical gender assumptions, which I hesitate to do. I do think that women and men differ in qualities and attributes, for instance women tend to be more
between working hard and your personal life. Because if you are happy and successful in one, the other will flow over. There just is not enough time for us to not take time for us. It’s an election year and there is a lot of attention being paid to the race for president. Do you think there will be a woman president/vice president during your lifetime? I do believe there will be a woman president, or at least a vice president, within my lifetime. Let’s face it. The boys don’t seem to be getting the job done. What qualities/attributes do you think a woman would bring to the positions that are different from/compliment their male counterparts? Honestly, I feel it’s the person themselves, opposed to it being a man or woman for any position. Was there someone in your personal life that let you know the sky was the limit for women when it came to fulfilling your professional
empathetic and passive than men; however, I wonder if these gender difference would withstand the pressures of a political campaign. In other words, I think a woman would have to squelch her “softer” side in order to appear strong enough to lead the country. Was there someone in your personal life that let you know the sky was the limit for women
BUSINESS JOURNAL
23
dreams? For me, my biggest role models/influences were the men in my life. My grandpa was a business owner in Springfield. I remember being so very young, under his feet, going to the shop with him, being so proud of him. He would tell me that I could do whatever I wanted to do — even own a business of my own someday. I think back on this now, and realize how unusual that was for a man to say to a female back in that time. I think he would be amazed at what I am doing today. My daddy has always been my biggest cheerleader and advisor. I find myself calling him a lot for his opinion or just to vent. He encourages me in magical ways and always makes things just a little bit better. I think wanting to make these two guys proud of me has always given me the drive to push a little harder and not settle. And it still continues today, with my husband being an amazing supporter of me and what I do.
when it came to fulfilling your professional dreams? I consider myself fortunate because no one person stands out. I was brought up to believe that I could achieve anything I wanted, as long as I worked for it. My parents, grandparents, teachers, friends, mentors and husband all affirmed this belief. I am only limited by my personal capabilities, and the number of hours in the day.
Wildflour Artisan Bakery 256 W. Main St. wildflourartisanbakery.com
Earthen Pottery 230 W. Main earthenpottery.com
Find ind these shops and more! mor at
West Main Village
24
BUSINESS JOURNAL
www.thebusiness-journal.com
October 2012
Iris Lewis-Beasley
Linda Roberts
Trust administrative officer
Owner
Hickory Point Bank & Trust
Best Trips Ever
Your biggest challenge and how you overcame it: The biggest challenge that I have endured was the death of my 3month-old son, Caylin, many years ago. One does not overcome something like that. Since his death was the result of poor access to quality health care, I direct my passion and experience to helping my community. It is my personal mission to aid in the progress and accessibility of quality health care and other issues that affect our at-risk population.
Your biggest challenge and how you overcame it: Getting the best prices ever for my clients.
Advice to other career women on what it takes to be successful: My advice to other career women would be to have persistence, passion and focus, which are all common characteristics in becoming a successful woman. One must be aware of one’s own personal strengths and weaknesses. You must have the ability to say no when necessary and be able to adjust and adapt in light of new information or an ever-changing environment. One must always have a great support system. The support of my husband, children and mother has allowed me to make advancements that would have been much more difficult if I had to have done it alone. It’s an election year and there is a lot of attention being paid to the race for president. Do you think there will be a woman president/vice president during your lifetime? Yes, I think a woman president or vice president is possible. I’m only 35 years old and it almost became part of history last election. If I am blessed to enjoy a few more years, I am sure there will, indeed, be a woman in the White House. What qualities/attributes do you think a woman would bring to the positions that are different from/compliment their male counterparts? There are no set of qualities or attributes that are specific to men or women. Common attributes and quali-
Advice to other career women on what it takes to be successful: Always go the extra mile for your clients.
Dr. Beverly J. Matthews ties that one would bring to a position are focus, drive, communication skills, passion, compassion, listening skills, relationship building skills, etc. … Both men and women possess skills at some level and I believe the comparison would have to be based upon each individual. Was there someone in your personal life that let you know the sky was the limit for women when it came to fulfilling your professional dreams? When it came to someone in my personal life who truly inspired me, there were many. The late, Mae Mary Gladney, was my hairsylist for many years. We had many discussions on what it took to be a successful entrepreneur. She provided me with the best advice. She encouraged economic empowerment. My former AfricanAmerican history instructor, the late Dr. Jean Reid, always impressed upon me the importance of continuously improving myself. She advocated personal growth and development through learning. And last but not least, my mother, Deborah Reid. Through my mother’s personal struggles, I learned what real strength and courage looked like in a woman. The common thread in all of these successful women is that they always told me that I possessed the skills to do anything I set my mind to.
Licensed clinical psychologist with certification in clinical neuropsychology, licensed clinical professional counselor
Central Illinois Neuropsychological Services Your biggest challenge and how you overcame it: There are always challenges. The secret to obstacles is not to think of the situation as a problem but as a challenge to address and solve. Advice to other career women on what takes to be successful: Look for positive
role models. Be cooperative and sincere. Set goals — short-term goals and long-term goals. Re-evaluate your progress. But, most of all, have faith, know what you stand for and believe in your abilities.
www.thebusiness-journal.com
October 2012
Brooke Jones and Ashley Blome
Continued from page 16
Managers
Katz Your biggest challenge and how you overcame it: People having a preconceived notion of what exactly Katz is, and we are working everyday to please our customers and provide them with a fun and entertaining environment they would like to enjoy again. Advice to other career women on what it takes to be successful: Always have short- and long-term goals. Keep your short-term goals achievable so not to get discouraged and your long-term goals ample to always have something to strive for. It’s an election year and there is a lot of attention being paid to the race for president. Do you think there will be a woman president/vice president during your lifetime? Absolutely! It is our belief that with every good president stood a great first lady. We don’t see it as if there will ever be a woman president but, as if we’ve always had one. What qualities/attributes do you think a woman would bring to the positions that are dif-
ferent from/compliment their male counterparts? As women, we have more of an emotional side. Some may view this as less effective, where we find that it allows us to be more personable without hindering us from being effective and achieving our goals. Was there someone in your personal life that let you know the sky was the limit for women when it came to fulfilling your professional dreams? To say there has only been one woman that has changed our lives would be too hard to pinpoint. Every woman that has stood for what they believe in has changed all of us. Cheers to the women who never took shortcuts to places worth going!
who I was.” Born and raised in Canada, Cohen said a woman keeping her maiden name when she marries is more common in Canada than it is in the United States. “It was so natural in Canada,” she explained. “I still have a lot of friends there who have their maiden names, and in my profession, it’s sometimes easier to keep your maiden name. It wasn’t really a big deal for me.” A professional career doesn’t necessarily dictate whether a woman keeps or changes her name, however. Dr. Maria Granzotti, chief physician executive at St. Mary’s Hospital, said taking her husband’s name when she married was an easy choice, despite the fact that both of them were still establishing their careers as doctors. “We got married right after residency in 1992,” said Granzotti. “We were both individuals in our own rights, but we were becoming a family and we wanted to be a full force together. It was the honor of being asked to join his family, and it was what I wanted.” Heather Kind-Keppel, director of student engagement at Richland Community College, said she believes a woman’s decision to keep or change her name is more respected today than
BUSINESS JOURNAL
25
it was in decades past. “My mother hyphenated her name in 1971, and I think it was a much bigger struggle for her then than it is now,” said Kind-Keppel, 36, who chose to keep her parents’ name when she married her husband 11 years ago. “I think a woman keeping her name has become more common today, and for me, keeping my name was a personal choice and a way to pay homage to my parents and my grandparents.” Regardless of the options and alternatives that are available for women today, Black said the decision to keep or change your name can still be a difficult one. “It’s still a very hot topic,” said Black. “We get a lot of questions on our message board from women who are trying to decide what to do with their name, and we really try to give the best advice we can so they can make the best decision that fits them.” Black noted that when it comes to making the decision, open communication is key. “For women who are having a hard time making the decision, I would definitely say talk to your future spouse and see what he thinks and where he stands on the issue,” Black said, adding that talking to parents and future in-laws can also help. “Ultimately, though, it has to be a decision you’re comfortable with.”
26
BUSINESS JOURNAL
October 2012
www.thebusiness-journal.com
www.thebusiness-journal.com
October 2012
BUSINESS JOURNAL
27
YOUR FREE TIME
The Arts Anne Lloyd Gallery: The October National 2012 presented by Gallery 510 Artists Guild. A multimedia juried exhibition of works by artists from across the nation. Opening reception from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5.Call 423-3189. www. decturarts.org Decatur Public Library: The works of Carol Kessler. Blue Connection: Instead of the usual display of student art, the Blue Connection will convert to a retail laboratory for the month, featuring the products of student, art-related businesses. Live at 5 opening event set for 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5. Perkinson Art Gallery, Millikin University: Millikin Alumni Invitational. Rock Springs Nature Center: Oil paintings by Jim Poling.
On Stage Theatre 7 presents “Moonlight & Magnolias,” Oct. 5-7 and 12-13. For tickets, call 422-3866. www.theatre7.net. Little Theatre-On the Square: “A Tribute to Buddy Holly,” Oct. 26 to Nov. 4. For tickets, call 728-7375. www.thelittletheatre. org. Lincoln Square Theatre: Tom DeLuca’s Hypnosis Show, Saturday, Oct. 13. Cost is $14. For tickets or more information, go
Calendar of events For a complete listing of area events, go to www.herald-review.com/go/ to www.lincolnsquaretheatre.com or call 972-8606.
Charity events The Scream Haunted Adventure to benefit the Decatur Celebration, 7-11 p.m. every Friday and Saturday and 7-10 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31, 602 N. Mercer St. (across from Long John Silver). www.decaturscream.com Run to End Alzheimers 5k Run to benefit Alzheimer’s Association Greater Illinois Chapter, 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, Fairview Park Pavilion 1. www.alz.org. Enjoy food, wine and music and help Easter Seals Central Illinois Decatur in the process, 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at Long Creek Vineyards. Pork barbecue meal for $5. Music by the Hitmen and a Dame. Call 429-1052. Coffee Connection Fun Run to benefit Alzheimer’s Association Greater Illinois Chapter, 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 20. Celebrity Waiter Dinner to benefit youth in
need, 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25, at the Decatur Club. Hosted by the Greater Decatur YMCA, this event with will feature comedian David Ferrell and a silent and live auction. Cost is $50 per ticket. Call 872-9622.
Music Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra: The Mahler Sixth, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13. For tickets, call 424-6318. Kirkland Fine Arts Center: Broadway’s Next H!T Musical, 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6. For tickets, call 424-6318. Millikin University Bands, 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, Kirkland Fine Arts Center. This free event features the Millikin Symphonic Wind Ensemble and University Concert Band. High School Honor Band and Millikin Symphonic Wind Ensemble, 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 22, Kirkland Fine Art Center. Top instrumentalist from over 20 Central Illinois high schools perform. Cost is $5.
Featured Business:
The Millikin Percussion Ensembles present their annual Halloween Concert, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25, and 6 and 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26, Albert Taylor Hall. Cost is $8.
For the kids Children’s Museum of Illinois: What’s Bugging Belva? traveling exhibit opening, 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 8. Activities include a bug craft and a Scovill Zoo bug display. Call 423-5437. Scovill Zoo: Boo at the Zoo, Oct. 19-21, and Oct. 25-31. Call 421-7435. Super Kid’s Club Halloween Party, 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, Lincoln Square The Rock Springs Nature Center hosts a long list of mini camps, family adventures and classes during the month. Go to ww.maconcountyconservation.org and click on the Programs and Activities tab for a complete listing.
Misc. The American Street Rod Association’s Vintage 3 Weekend, Friday through Sunday, Oct. 12-14, at Progress City. For more information, go to www.americanstreetrodassosciation.com. The Progress City event coincides with the Cruisin’ Nights on Eldo on Saturday, Oct. 13, which includes free music from a local band.
DECATUR CLUB Accommodates: 10-300 people Banquets & Weddings
158 W. Prairie Ave., Decatur Contact: Jeff Ingle 429-4200
101 MAIN PLACE BAR & GRILL
101 S. Main St., Decatur Contact: Tiffany Jess 422-4700
Accommodates: up to 100 people 101 Club & Atrium, business/social functions. Full food & beverage service available
DECATUR CONFERENCE CENTER & HOTEL
Accommodates: 10-2,000 people 55,000 sq. ft. functional space, food service available
4191 U.S. 36 West Contact: 420-8711
DOHERTY’S PUB & PINS
242 E. William St., Downtown Decatur Accommodates: up to 80 seating - 150 capacity Contact: 428-5612 Full food & beverage service available
HICKORY POINT BANQUET FACILITY 727 Weaver Rd., Decatur Accommodates: Contact: Judy Sheets 421-6657 225 w/additional seating on veranda, Award winning cuisine MT. ZION CONVENTION CENTER Accommodates: 10 - 1,100 people
1410 Mt. Zion Pkwy, Mt. Zion Contact: 864-5424
MT. ZION LIONS CENTER 1595 W. Main St., Mt. Zion Accommodates: up to 300 people Contact: Sharon Spinner 864-3100 Choose your own caterer, bring your own food. mtzionlionsclub.com Ask about our “value-added service”
The Decatur Area has a wide range of facilities for your next business meeting, workshop, convention, party or other special event. To advertise your facility, call 217-421-7931.
SCOVILL BANQUET FACILITY
Accommodates: up to 225 people Award winning cuisine
3909 W. Main St., Decatur Contact: Kevin Brewer 421-7470
28
BUSINESS JOURNAL
www.thebusiness-journal.com
October 2012
Marketing Strategies
Vital Records Q A
Donna Mauzey President
111 ILLINI DRIVE FORSYTH, IL 62535 217-877-6551 www.Illinisupply.com
Q A
How do I ensure that my vital records are safe?
There are several protection options for your business. Things to consider: What are your most important documents? Would losing these documents affect your business? How much is your business worth? To guard against fire, water and theft, we recommend a UL one or two hour fire and impact rated water resistant file. Fire is the most common business disaster, forcing more than half of those affected to close forever. Seven out of ten businesses have not adequately protected their vital records. Most insurance companies will only replace the portion of losses that can be fully documented. Accounts receivables are lost and due monies cannot be recovered. Banks issue credit and allocate funds on yearly volume and inventory levels; if the numbers cannot be proven, money will not be granted. Contracts and customer lists are gone and the business has to operate off human memory and essentially must start from scratch. Tax returns must be kept, the government does not accept fire as an excuse for not having tax records. The law must also be taken into consideration. HIPAA regulations mandate that all professionals involved with medical records; physicians, records managers, hospitals, must maintain the security and integrity of patient information in the event of a fire, vandalism or natural disaster. You cannot predict disasters, but you can certainly plan for them. Contact us for the solution that will best protect your business!
Carolyn Ridenour President and Marketing Director 132 S. Water St. Ste. 418 Decatur, IL 62523 217-428-9950 www.cmsdecatur.com
ADDRESS
What makes a business work? I just returned from Ohio for my husband’s cousin’s funeral. Our children of four referred to him fondly as Uncle Billy. He was remembered as a great husband, caretaker for his wife with MS for 25 years of their 30 years of marriage, a musician, singer, magician and an entrepreneur. He worked hard for his business with 8 employees and 14 sales representatives all over the United States. All great information but what is my point? It takes a person with a vision, guts to try it, and a true understanding that change is everything. Uncle Billy’s vision was to sell books to schools and libraries. His competitors were established companies. His approach had to be different, unique and focused. So, he ran ads looking for magicians that were salespeople! And, he found them. The Book Farm doesn’t just sell books; they provide entertainment by playing guitars, singing and performing magic tricks to children that come to the library. A unique combination that works! Understanding your market, your product or service and be willing to do something just a little different is always worth a try. This is a true testimony that you never know where life will take you. By the way, this is the same boy who, years ago, broke into his grade school and glued all of the schoolbook pages together! True story! If you would like to explore your unique brand, please call us for an appointment. ADDRESS
Taking care of BUSINESS
Ask the Professional > > >
To participate in Ask the Professional, call 217-421-6994
Mammograms
Financial Fitness
Q
Why are annual mammograms recommended for women after they are 40 years of age?
Q
A
Annual mammograms have been recommended once women reach the age of 40 because it is among those women that an increase in the incidence of breast cancer has been observed. It is important for breast cancer to be detected early and mammograms are the best tool we currently have for early detection of breast cancer. Mammography uses x-rays to create an image of the breast called a mammogram, and are used to find early signs of breast cancer. Mammograms can find cancers in their early stages when they are too small to be felt. Finding cancers early is very important because the five-year survival after treatment for stage 0 and stage 1 breast cancers is nearly 100 percent. To schedule a screening for breast cancer, please contact your primary care provider.
A
Renata Moore, MD Radiation Oncologist St. Mary’s Cancer Care Center
Nicole Bateman Business Development Manager
What should we include in an employee wellness program?
Worksite wellness programs have become increasingly popular in recent years. Since most adults spend more time at work than anywhere else, it’s a great venue for promoting healthy habits. Many wellness programs include a focus on employee weight and stress reduction, healthy habits, increased stamina, well-being, self-image and self-esteem. Many companies also incorporate financial fitness into their wellness program. Studies indicate that a financially stressed employee can cost your company up to $15,000 per year in reduced productivity, workplace accidents, and time off. The issue: it’s their debt, but your problem! Land of Lincoln Credit Union offers workshops to those companies that would like to promote healthy financial habits to their employees. If this is of interest to you, please contact Nicole Bateman at 217-875-3823 to discuss the financial fitness workshops available.
ST. MARY’S CANCER CARE CENTER 1990 EAST LAKE SHORE DRIVE, DECATUR, ILLINOIS 62521 PHONE: 217.464.2900 8:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. MON - FRI
3130 EAST MOUND ROAD
217-875-3823
www.thebusiness-journal.com
October 2012
BUSINESS JOURNAL
29
TECHTALK
Experiment unplugs workers from email Participants stress level decreased by day five By ERYN BROWN McClatchy-Tribune News Service
Slave to your email? Wonder what would happen if you had to do without it? University of California-Irvine informatics professor Gloria Mark was curious, so she recently led a study that separated 13 people from their email for five days and recorded what happened when they unplugged. Mark spoke with The Los Angeles Times about the joys and sorrows of ditching email and why the Army is interested in her research. Q: What made you want to see how people fared without email? A: That was way back in 2005. I had this crazy idea that people were addicted to email. So I started thinking, the way you can test that is if you take people away from email cold turkey. You should see symptoms of withdrawal, the same way people are addicted to alcohol or drugs. Q: It took four years to find a test site willing to give it a try. Were employers worried it would wreck business? A: Yes. People were interested because they wanted to find ways to reduce the email overload. But on the other hand, they just said, ‘Wow, we just can’t afford to do this.’ In 2009, I was invited to give a talk at the Army’s Natick Soldier Systems Center outside Boston, and I asked if they wanted to take part. At first they said no, but then I talked to them about the relevance for soldiers in the field — what would happen if a soldier was taken out of commission? How would the other people in their unit reconfigure to communicate? Also, everybody at Natick was complaining about email and information overload. So they agreed. Q: How did you do the study? A: We had 13 volunteers who were civilian employees at Natick. First, we did a baseline measure — we had them work as usual for several days. Then we cut off email for five days, continuing to take our measurements. We couldn’t see a discernible trend on days 1 and 2. But at day 5, the pattern started to become clear: People became less stressed after being away from email. Q: How did you track that response? A: We used monitors that measured the heart rate and also the intervals between heartbeats to obtain a common measure for stress called heart rate variability. It’s counterintuitive. When heart rate variability is low — that means the heart is beating at a steady pace — people are actually under more stress. It’s the fightor-flight syndrome: You’re on high alert,
your body is prepared to respond. And as a result, your variability goes down a whole lot. When you’re relaxed, your heart rate variability is all over the place. A stimulus will make your heart rate jump up and then it will go back down to resting state. Q: What else did you look at? A: We had sensors everywhere. We had sensors in the backs of people’s chairs, so we could see if they leaned back to relax or leaned forward to be alert. We had sensors in the doorways to see people coming in and out, and on the desktop to look at when they shuffled papers or used the telephone. Probably the most interesting sensors other than the heart rate monitors were what are called sociometric badges. People wore these. They could detect who people were interacting with face to face and pick up the social network interaction that went on in the office. Q: What are the long-term health effects of the heart changes you saw? A: A number of studies have talked about the detrimental effects of stress in the workplace. Our study shows that people experience more stress when they have email. Another interesting thing is what people did to communicate without email. Nearly all participants reported getting up out of their office and walking around a lot more. They interacted with people face to face, and they reported it as a benefit. They enjoyed it. That sounds like it’s healthier too. Q: What else did you find? A: People reported that they were more productive. They said they were able to focus on tasks longer. That was borne out by the data. On average, people with email switched windows about 37 times per hour. Without email, that was cut in half
to 18 times per hour. With email, they spent an average of 394 seconds on any particular window. That went up to 568 seconds without email. This may not seem a lot, but in the world of multitasking, it’s a huge difference. Q: Do we know whether people are similarly hooked on the Web or Facebook or Twitter? A: We don’t. We would have to test that. Q: Did any of the subjects change their work habits after taking the email vacation? A: People said they felt liberated, and the euphoria lasted for a few days. They really tried very hard to make a change. But then everybody reverted back to their old ways. Q: What would it take for people to change their email habits? A: Quitting really has to be a collective effort. It can’t just be an individual that unplugs. I think the organization has to play a role. For example, if a company sanctions email vacations, then everybody knows that no one is going to be trying to reach them on that day.
We’ve got these social expectations that are wrapped up in email. If an email comes, you’re expected to respond to it fast. We feel compelled to reply. Q: Did you see different patterns in younger versus older workers? A: Our sample was too small to divide up further. Anecdotally, the person who found it toughest to give up email was the youngest person. She used email so much that she had a really hard time giving up the constant connectivity. I found that interesting. Q: Do you like email yourself? A: I am really frustrated by the amount of email I get. But I can’t pull the plug on it. I’m like everyone else.
BUSINESS JOURNAL Reader Profile: n 63% have household incomes of $60,000 or greater. 36% have household incomes of $80,000 or greater.
30
BUSINESS JOURNAL
www.thebusiness-journal.com
October 2012
Networks can have a variety of devices on them A computer network used to be pretty simple: hook up a few computers with some cabling, connect them to a router and an Internet service, and you were done. Now, not only are most networks more complex, there also are a lot more devices that link into a typical business network. You may be surprised at what’s on there! Managing all that data traffic can be a challenge, and if it’s not done right, you can experience problems — anything from slow performance all the way up to dropped phone calls and choppy videos. So what’s on your network, and how does it work?
fic. You wouldn’t want someone’s YouTube video or streaming music to disrupt your business phone calls, after all. QOS is a feature found on most business-class network equipment, although it is not available on low-end products. The better the equipment, the more QOS capabilities you will have, which is critical to good voice quality.
Computers and servers
Videoconferencing
The foundation of a computer network is the computers (and servers) that are connected together. When connected, they can share Internet access, data files, printers, security settings, software databases and much more. If you have servers in the mix, the computers connect directly to the servers rather than to each other, Technology because servers are designed for resource sharing. Computers are likely to experience problems if many people try to connect simultaneously. To connect all the parts, you need network gear. These items include some combination of a firewall, a router, switches and hubs, wireless access points and cabling. Most of these items are fairly small boxes, and they usually are located in a main electrical closet.
Wendy Gauntt
Peripherals By putting peripherals on the network, rather than attaching them to an individual computer, you can share resources more easily. The most common peripherals include printers, from small desktop models all the way up to the large multifunction copier/scanner/printers. In a paperless environment, dedicated highspeed scanners allow for fast archival of paper documents. External hard drives or network-attached storage devices (NAS units) provide additional storage space for file sharing and backups.
Telephones Most phone systems installed in the last few years are Voice-over-IP (VoIP) systems that run on your computer network. To prevent dropped calls, more sophisticated networks employ QOS (quality of service) to prioritize phone traffic as more important than data traf-
Mobile devices Smartphones and tablets are consuming a lot of network traffic these days. Most connect wirelessly; the most common use is email and Internet, although some people do far more.
Videoconferencing is another system that’s now moved onto your computer network. Like phones, it requires QOS tuning to ensure top quality performance across your network. It also requires a high level of bandwidth to send data across the Internet, so the more, the better. Talk to your Internet service provider about an upgrade if you have issues here.
Security cameras Closed-circuit TV and security cameras run over your network, too, and many are accessible via the Web so you can monitor your facilities remotely. In some cases, you simply go to a web address to view the cameras; in other cases, depending on the system, you download software and configure the web address.
Building control systems Even your building may be on your network. HVAC systems, access control and security badging systems, lighting and even fire/sprinkler systems connect into your network and are often controllable via the Web. Turn up the heat, open a door, shut down the elevators — in many buildings, this can all be done at the touch of a button, from your PC.
Digital signage Many companies use digital signage, which is basically a PC with a really large screen. It can show anything from a nonstop PowerPoint featuring basic company information all the way up to high-end dynamic content feeds with custom programming options.
Kiosk computers If you have staff who don’t need a computer most of the time, but you want them to have access to certain systems occasionally (for example, payroll, HR systems, online training, etc.), consider setting up kiosk computers. This can be
as simple as setting up a spare PC at an empty desk, but even better is to employ some simple security measures to lock down the computers and limit the ability to download anything that might cause problems. Customers also can use kiosk computers for activities such as browsing an online catalog while in your store. In this case, it’s especially important to lock down the computer — if a customer can’t get your computer to work, they will leave frustrated. Make sure directions are as easy and obvious as possible to avoid problems.
Remote devices Staff are working from remote locations more and more, which means computers and mobile devices are connecting into your network from across the Internet. Security is key here, but it’s also one more source of network traffic you need to monitor.
Planning ahead How can you prepare for all these systems and manage them once they are in place? Start out right anytime you move
into a new building. Inspect the wiring to see if it will be adequate. If you run cables, do as much as you can before the walls are up, while costs are still cheap. Run the best cabling for your needs (usually Cat5e, as the cost differential between that and Cat6 is still significant). In older construction, retrofitting may force you to consider greater use of wireless. Just be sure the signal will be strong everywhere you need it. Contractors can create “heat maps” to show you what the signal strength will be. Gigabit networking gear will prevent potential slowdowns, and QOS features will allow performance tuning to prioritize traffic and prevent problems. For ongoing management, you can get Internet bandwidth usage reports from your Internet service provider, to check incoming and outbound network traffic. To monitor what’s happening inside, use a network “sniffer,” which is a diagnostic device that can pinpoint network problems, sometimes before you even realize there are issues.
Wendy Gauntt is president of CIO Services LLC, a technology consulting company that specializes in small business solutions. Visit her website at www.cioservicesllc.com for more information, ideas and free resources.
www.thebusiness-journal.com
October 2012
BUSINESS JOURNAL
31
YOUR CAREER
Gray popping up more in workplace Caution still urged when deciding to go natural NEW YORK (AP) — Jeanne Thompson began going gray at 23. She colored her hair for years as she worked her way into management at a large Boston-area financial services company, then gave up the dye for good about a year ago. The earth didn’t shake, and the 44year-old Thompson was promoted to top management the following year. She is among a new type of gray panther, a woman who aspires to do well and get ahead on the job while happily maintaining a full head of gray. “Women put pressure on themselves to color,” the Exeter, N.H., woman said. “It’s a bold statement to be gray because it’s saying, ‘You know what? I did let my hair go, but I’m not letting myself go.’ People take me more seriously now. I never apologize for the gray hair.” But not everyone finds it so easy. Laws, of course, exist to ward off discrimination in the workplace, yet legions of men and women have no interest in letting their gray fly. Not now, when the struggling economy has produced a stampede of hungry young job-seekers. But gray heads have been popping up on runways and red carpets, on models and young celebrities for months. There’s Lady Gaga and Kelly Osbourne — via dye — and Hollywood royalty such as Helen Mirren, the Oscar-winning British actress. Christine Lagarde, the International Monetary Fund chief, is one of the most powerful women in the world, and she keeps her hair gray. So does Essie Weingarten, founder and now creative director of the nail polish company Essie Cosmetics. For regular working women, it’s a trickier issue. “I don’t think a woman in the workplace is going to follow that trend,” David Scher, a civil rights attorney in Washington, said with a laugh. “I think women in the workplace are highly pressured to look young. If I were an older working person, the last thing I would do is go gray.” Yes, he’s a dude, and at 44, he has virtually no salt in his hair, but he wasn’t alone in issuing a warning against workplace gray for women. “While the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 was created to protect employees 40 years of age and older, some men and women may still encounter ageism in the workplace,” said Stephanie Martinez Kluga, a manager for Insperity, a Houston-based company that provides human resources services to small and medium-size businesses. “The long-standing perception that men with gray hair are experienced and women with gray hair are simply old may still be an issue that affects employees in workplaces across the U.S.,” she said.
‘I think women in the workplace are highly pressured to look young. If I were an older working person, the last thing I would do is go gray.’ DAVID SCHER, CIVIL RIGHTS ATTORNEY Some of today’s new gray panthers also offer strong words of caution about exactly how well those anti-discrimination laws work. Anne Kreamer is gray and proud, but she didn’t unleash the color until she left her day job to become self-employed. She dedicates an entire chapter of her 2007 book “Going Gray” to workplace issues. “We only fool ourselves about how young we look with our dyed hair,” said the Harvard-educated Kreamer, a former Nickelodeon executive who helped launch the satirical magazine Spy before writing the book exploring her journey to silver. When it comes to gray on the job, Kreamer said, context counts. The color might be easier in academia over hightech, for instance, and in Minneapolis over Los Angeles. Job description and your rung on the ladder might also be in play: chief financial officer versus a lowlier, more creative and therefore more gray-tolerant position such as assistant talent agent, for example. Kreamer dubbed the largely unspoken
phenomenon “hair-colorism.” In 1950, 7 percent of women dyed their hair, she said. Today, it’s closer to 95 percent or more, depending on geographic location. In the ’60s, easy, affordable hair dye in a box hit store shelves, changing the follicle landscape for good. “When women were going to work, it was like they could reinvent themselves and say, ‘I’m no house frau anymore.’ Hair dye got kind of linked in there and we never looked back,” said Kreamer, who went prematurely gray and colored for 25 years. “It’s still very complicated.” Sandra Rawline, 52, in Houston knows how complicated it can be. A trial is scheduled for June in her federal lawsuit accusing her boss at Capital Title of Texas of ordering her to dye her gray hair in 2009, when her office moved to a swankier part of town. The suit accuses him of instructing her to wear “younger, fancier suits” and lots of jewelry, according to the Houston Chronicle. Rawline, an escrow officer and branch manager, wouldn’t comment for this story. The newspaper said her superior
called her lawsuit preposterous. The reason we know about Rawline and Lagarde and Weingarten and Mirren and — let’s throw in NBCUniversal exec Lauren Zalaznick — is that their gray strands stand out against a sea of, well, not gray. Weingarten, 62, began going gray at 18 and said she colored for years. She gave it up about 20 years ago. “People would say, ‘Are you crazy? You have to color your hair,’ ” she said. “I had my own business. I was an entrepreneur. I could do whatever I wanted, but the truth is I know a lot of women who are petrified to show gray hair because it means they’re maturing.” The new “gray movement” doesn’t keep tabs on membership, but blogs such as Terri Holley’s Going Gray are proliferating, along with pro-gray Facebook fan pages and Twitter feeds. “Society has boxed in women on what’s considered to be beautiful, and this defies how we’re supposed to look,” Holley said. “People say, ‘I’m so glad I found you. I’m so glad we’re having this conversation.’ ” Dana King, 53, started going gray in her 20s, began dyeing in her 30s and went to work for San Francisco’s KPIX in 1997, rising to news anchor. In January 2010, she first approached her general manager, a man whom she had known for a decade, about her giving up the dye. “He didn’t like the idea at all and he asked me not to do it,” King said. Soon after, she did it anyway, with the comfort of a no-cut contract good to May 2013. “It got down to the point where I was dyeing it every two to three weeks. I just decided, ‘I’m not doing this anymore.’ I felt like I had sold my soul and betrayed myself,” she said. After sharing her hair story on-air, King was deluged with emails from viewers, including many women who colored and some who worried she had fallen ill. “The response was overwhelmingly positive,” King said. “They said it was a relief for them, that they could see someone that made it OK to be gray.”
32
BUSINESS JOURNAL
www.thebusiness-journal.com
October 2012
Assess situation when values clash with your employer Q: My company has publicly supported a political cause that I deeply oppose. While no one, including my boss or coworkers, has been in my face about it, it is bothering me a lot. What should I do? A: Only you know what you can live with in terms of a values clash, and it’s worth the effort to think through. You’ll have more success assessing the situation from a place of calm reflection. So, settle in, take some deep breaths and relax. Let your emotions cool, and set an intention of gaining a deeper understanding of what is important to you. Now, think about the values you hold. They’ll likely include the cause that prompted your question; what others are
Liz Reyer
there? They may include having a sense of community, behaving with integrity. You get the idea. Consider the ways that you express your values. If you value honesty, you may return money if a cashier gives you too much change. A value of community may inspire volunteerism. Or you may be an activist for a cause you care about. Take a deep look at how much your values drive your behavior. For some people, values are informing day-to-day decisions about how they spend their time and resources. For others, they are more in the background. Which is the case for you? Finally, assess the overall fit between your company and your values. It’s never as simple as complete alignment or complete disconnect. Apart from the current cause, how well does your company fit in terms of other values, such as diversity, family-friendliness, giving back to the community, or other issues that may be important to you?
Weekly tips Get weekly career tips from Liz Reyer at www.thebusiness-journal.com. Focus on determining the actions you want to take, if any. You may choose to ride it out, particularly if you decide you can live with the company’s stance on this particular issue, or if practical considerations such as a tight job market in your field keep you in place. If you stay put, do so with good grace. Having accepted that you differ from your company in a strongly felt way, you could look for other ways to honor your principles. For example, you could volunteer or contribute financially to the side you believe in; this may help you feel more empowered. You also will want to focus on the positives about your current company so that you don’t feel bitter —
others will notice, and that can be career-limiting, to say the least. If you decide that your values simply do not permit you to work for that company, take measured and careful steps to finding a new position. Network with people in companies that you feel more positive about and ask for leads. Treat it as you would any job search, looking for options while you’re still employed. Keep in mind, though, that all companies will have tradeoffs, so it’s not likely that you’ll find a firm that matches perfectly with your beliefs. Be clear about your values, balanced with flexibility about other ways your company fits for you in order to make a good decision.
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.deliver change.com/coachscorner or email her at liz@deliverchange.com.
Take a direct approach with boss to get your questions answered Q: During my last performance review, my boss said he is paying me too much for what I do. At the same time, he called me an extremely good office manager and mentioned no problems with my performance. For the past seven years, I have handled all his administrative work, plus many unexpected emergencies and customer problems. I can’t figure out what’s going on, and he won’t respond. What should I do? A: If I understand correctly, your Office Coach manager made a very rude and hurtful remark about your worth as an employee, but did not actually say that he plans to cut your pay. To determine whether this was a veiled reprimand or the first step in a salary reduction plan, you will need to get more information. Although you say “he won’t respond,” I assume your boss did not literally give you a mute stare when you requested an explanation. Therefore, you must have either avoided asking a direct question or expressed your concerns via email. Since the indirect approach clearly isn’t working, it’s time for an unambiguous face-to-face conversation. For example: “You recently said that you feel you are paying me too much. I’m confused by this, because you seem satisfied with my performance, and the job hasn’t changed. Why do you believe my salary is too high?” If external comparisons have shown your pay to be much greater than that of other office managers, you could be fac-
Marie McIntyre
ing a salary freeze. But if your boss has been harboring unexpressed performance concerns, be glad you had this talk, because that’s a problem you can fix. nnn Q: I’m afraid that bad credit may interfere with my getting a better job. Although I’m working with a debt settlement attorney to resolve earlier financial problems, my credit report does not look good. The attorney has offered to provide a letter explaining my circumstances to potential employers. I’m not sure what kind of job I should be looking for or how much of an obstacle my credit score may be. My background includes positions in real estate and accounts payable, as well as general clerical work. Do you have any advice? A: With a history of recent money problems, you are unlikely to be considered for any position involving financial transactions, since employers will worry that personal pressures might cause you to succumb to temptation. Non-financial administrative jobs, however, should be much easier to obtain. Fortunately, you will know when employers are running a credit check, because federal law requires them to get your written permission. When this occurs, you should provide a heads-up about your checkered fiscal past, because you never want to surprise an interviewer with unpleasant facts. Without going into detail, explain that recent financial troubles have affected your credit report. Indicate you are now resolving these problems and provide a copy of the attorney’s letter. But save this explanation for the end of the interview, since you want to make a positive impression before sharing negative information. nnn Q: I’m afraid that I might be fired from
Weekly tips Can't get enough advice from the Office Coach. Get weekly column updates at www.thebusiness-journal.com. my first professional job. Four months ago, after finishing law school, I was hired by a very large firm that has no orientation or training program. My boss keeps saying “just figure it out” and gets angry if I ask other attorneys for help. Unfortunately, my boss and I also seem to have a terrible communication problem. Whenever I ask a question, she gives me a long answer that I don’t understand, which is very frustrating. She must be frustrated as well, because she has started rolling her eyes and sighing when I walk into her office. I have considered quitting my job to avoid being fired for poor performance. However, I hate to give up so quickly. Is there any way out of this dilemma? A: Feeling like a failure in your first job is a horrible experience, but don’t be too hard on yourself. This law firm apparently has a sink-or-swim culture, in which new hires are largely left to fend for themselves. In such environments, the underlying management philosophy seems to be survival of the fittest, so training, coaching and peer support are virtually nonexistent. Under normal circumstances, your immediate manager would be expected to help you conquer the learning curve, but since discussions with her are unproductive, you will need to find another suitable mentor. Fortunately, most large law firms have a human resources manager or a partner responsible for new associates, either of whom should be
able to help. Without criticizing your boss or the firm, explain the challenges you are facing and ask how other beginners have managed to learn the ropes. If it seems appropriate, consider asking your new ally to facilitate a performance-planning discussion with your manager. Having a “translator” available might help to reduce the communication barriers. But if your adjustment continues to be difficult, don’t despair. This big, impersonal organization may simply not be a good fit for you. Many attorneys who struggle in a large firm find that they thrive in a smaller, more supportive practice. nnn Q: My boss frequently expects me to put in very long hours. How many hours per day can he force me to work? A: The answer depends on the type of position you hold. If you are in a nonexempt job covered by federal wage laws, you generally can’t be asked to work more than eight hours a day without overtime pay. If you have a union contract, then your hours and compensation will be defined by that agreement. On the other hand, if you hold a typical salaried position, which is exempt from federal guidelines, there is no legal limit on your work hours. Salaried employees are normally expected to produce desired results no matter how long it takes. Of course, as a person with free will, you can’t technically be “forced” to work any extra time. But if you refuse, you run the risk that your boss won’t be “forced” to keep you on the payroll.
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.
www.thebusiness-journal.com
October 2012
BUSINESS JOURNAL
33
Women debate whether glass ceiling still exists Advancements made but there are still hurdles McClatchy-Tribune News Service
DETROIT — Mary Barra made history last year when she became the first woman to lead the development of new cars and trucks at General Motors, the world’s largest automaker. In January, Virginia Rometty took over as CEO of IBM, the first woman to head the technology giant in its 101-year history. These milestones in male-dominated industries are raising new questions about women’s advancement in the workplace. Does the glass ceiling still exist, or is it an outdated metaphor that fails to acknowledge the progress women have made? Nearly three decades after the introduction of the glass ceiling metaphor, many women say the glass ceiling is very much intact, pointing to data that show women last year held just 14 percent of all executive officer positions at Fortune 500 companies. But others disagree, citing LINDA CARLI, advances made by PSYCHOLOGY women in PROFESSOR recent years. And some contend that the glass ceiling should be replaced by a different metaphor. When asked if a glass ceiling still exists for women, Barra, GM’s senior vice president of global product development, said, “I don’t think so. I’ve never seen it or felt it in my career.” She acknowledged the small percentage of women in top executive positions but said she expects the situation will improve, noting that “it’s just a matter of time.” Linda Carli, a psychology professor at Wellesley College and an expert on gender discrimination, sees things differently. She said women still face major workplace hurdles, but she wouldn’t describe them as a glass ceiling. She thinks a labyrinth is a better metaphor. “There are women getting to very high places, and yet the rest of us are still floundering,” Carli said. No matter where you stand on the issue of a glass ceiling, there’s no denying that women are underrepresented in the top echelons of corporate America, and they continue to earn less money
‘There are women getting to very high places, and yet the rest of us are still floundering.’
than men. Though women make up nearly half the workforce, they accounted for only 7.5 percent of the top-earning executive officer positions at Fortune 500 companies last year, according to Catalyst, a New York-based research organization that seeks to expand business opportunities for women. It also found that women held only 16 percent of board seats at these large companies. And more than a quarter of the Fortune 500 had no female executive officers. Women also continue to lag behind men when it comes to pay. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women in 2010 earned 81 percent of the median weekly earnings of their male counterparts. Last fall, Catherine Weinberger, an economist at the University of California-Santa Barbara, published research showing that women at the top of corporate ladders see their salaries flatten while their male counterparts’ earnings keep rising. Experts blame a number of factors for the pay disparity and the small numbers of women in executive suites and boardrooms. The list includes discrimination, less access to informal corporate networks, inequities in family responsibilities, gender stereotypes and a lack of negotiating skills when it comes to pay and promotions. The deep recession hasn’t helped women either. In a 2008 study, Catalyst found that women in senior management positions were three times more likely to lose their jobs than men in similar positions. “The number of women in top leadership roles has been essentially static over the last few years,” said Cynthia Good, CEO of Little PINK Book, which sends out emails about women’s career issues to 80,000 people every business
day. “It continues to be a boys’ club.” Good has calculated that if things continue at their current rates, it will take 233 years before there are equal numbers of men and women CEOs in the
Fortune 500. After Avon Products’ Andrea Jung steps down as CEO this year, the Fortune 500 will have just 17 women CEOs. With these kinds of statistics, it’s no surprise that the glass ceiling metaphor hasn’t disappeared. But Carli, the Wellesley professor, said the glass ceiling wrongly implies that women face a single, unknown obstacle at the pinnacle of their careers. Once the ceiling is shattered, the metaphor suggests, the path lies open for all women. A labyrinth, on the other hand, acknowledges that there are many different paths to the top, and with persistence and hard work many women can make it through, Carli said. Instead of smashing the ceiling, the goal is to break down the labyrinth’s high walls so that women emerge with the same opportunity that men do: a road with hills and valleys. “Passage through a labyrinth is not simple or direct, but requires persistence, awareness of one’s progress and a careful analysis of the puzzles that lie ahead,” Carli and Alice Eagly, a Northwestern University professor, wrote in a 2007 Harvard Business Review article.
TUES., OCTOBER 16TH, 2012
OPEN HOUSE
5:30 - 7:30 PM SOUTH E NTRANCE All 6th, 7th & 8th grade & transfer students & parents are invited to join us.
Please RSVP to:
217-875-7950 2710 North Water Street Decatur, IL
Enter to win FREE registration for the 2013-2014 school year. Must be present to win.
34
BUSINESS JOURNAL
www.thebusiness-journal.com
October 2012
YOUR HEALTH
Men, community taking a stand against breast cancer Screenings, talking with gynecologist can help prevent disease By JAMIE LOBER Business Journal Writer
Community members know that October is breast cancer awareness month and they are choosing to take a stand. Even men are raising their voices in the Real Men Wear Pink campaign, sponsored by St. Mary’s Hospital The Oncology Advisory Council stepped in with support and about four years ago the program went beyond the business crowd and touched high school athletics teams. “I believe that is a powerful place to use as a stage for folks to feel excited and positive because the high school students are the future husbands, fathers and grandfathers of the world,” said Lori Kerans, chairwoman of the oncology advisory board at St. Mary’s Hospital. These young boys are encouraged to pay attention to the women in their lives and get on the same team.
“Schools and community members are creating unique ways to celebrate life and support cancer survivors or folks battling cancer, as well as educating on prevention,” Kerans said. Breast health promotion is a matter of common sense. “Have a physician you trust and see him regularly,” said Kerans. “If your body or spirit is telling you something is not quite right and you are not feeling right, reach out to that physician.” Do not be afraid to ask for support and know that men are affected by breast cancer as well. “We typically refer to it as a female disease but it is not necessarily, so we ask men and football players and coaches not to shy away from having conversations with the women in their lives,” Kerans said. Take advantage of screenings. “The recommendations from the American Cancer Society and American College of Radiology, which is the
governing body of mammography, are for women to get mammograms because they are of great value and they are the best tests that we have for screening,” said Dr. John Locke, chairman of the department of radiology and head of the breast center at Decatur Memorial Hospital. It is suggested that women get mammograms between 35 and 40 years old, and annually after age 40. Young women should be sure to get a clinical breast exam. If you have a family history of breast cancer, the recommendations are slightly different. Locke said you can feel more confident due to the recent medical advances. “The new things include the human genome project and our ability to test people for genetic predispositions for disease,” he said. Risk analysis can also be performed. “We have a questionnaire that we give
people to determine whether they are average, high or unusually high risk so they do not have to try to figure it out themselves,” Locke said. He said it is important that you take the initiative to do a monthly self breast exam. “We find a fair number every year purely and simply by someone feeling it and palpating the breast cancers,” Locke said. You can talk to your gynecologist, family doctor or look online for advice on how to do the exam. “One of the recommendations is to do it in the shower because soap makes it easier to feel for lesions,” Locke said. Remember that when you make breast health promotion a priority, you and your family can achieve good, long-term health. “It has been shown that without a doubt, early detection improves longterm survival, makes breast cancer more treatable and fewer people go through mastectomies and chemotherapy,” Locke said. There is great reason to be optimistic. “We are gaining yard by yard and inch by inch closer to finding a cure,” Kerans said.
Open House
Dale Says... “Make Dale’s your one-stop shop!”
24 hours a day. 7 days a week.
brinkoetter.com 875-0555 NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY!
Take advantage of historically low interest rates and very reasonable housing prices.
1610 E. PERSHING RD., DECATUR, IL
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!”
245 W 1st Drive • 217-429-5165 • DalesSouthlakePharmacy.com
www.thebusiness-journal.com
October 2012
BUSINESS JOURNAL
35
Community health calendar Screenings
Room, St. Mary’s Hospital. For information or to register, call 464-2334.
Bone density screening, 9-11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3, Women’s Health and Breast Center, 302 W. Hay St., Suite 117A. Screening to check your risk for osteoporosis. To register, call 876-4377.
Real Dads Rock, 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, DMH Classrooms. Program teaches new fathers how to handle, feed, burp, change, clean and respond to their baby’s needs. To register, call 422-6294.
Cholesterol screening, 7-10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, South Shores Imaging Center, 1689 S. Franklin Street Road. Cost is $20. To register, call 876-4377.
Real Dads Rock!, 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18. These classes are designed to help dads prepare for and improve their parenting skills. To register, call 464-2334.
Women’s heart health screening, 9-11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16, St. Mary’s Hospital, Room 561. Free personalized assessment including full lipid screening and cardiovascular screening. To register, call 422-6100.
Cardiopulmonary education session, 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19, DMH Cardiac Rehabilitation Department. For information, call 876-2496.
Support groups Stroke Support Group, 6–7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3, St. Mary’s Hospital Advanced Rehabilitation Center Dining Room, 7th Floor. Stroke of Luck, 3-4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, DMH Rehabilitation Center Conference Room. To register, call 876-2600. Breastfeeding support group, 10:30–11:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 8 and 22, Baby Talk, 500 E. Lake Shore Dr. To register, call Flo Folami at 464-2334. SHARE support group, 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 8, St. Mary’s Hospital, Room G24. Support group for those who have experienced the death of a baby during pregnancy, at birth or early infancy. For information, call 4642045. Facing Cancer Together, 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10, Cancer Care Center of Decatur Complementary Education Classrooms, 210 W. McKinley Ave. To register, call 876-4750. Pink Link breast cancer support group, 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11. To register, call 876-4377. Breath of Life support group, noon Tuesday, Oct. 16, St. Mary’s Hospital, Room 561. Speakers available to answer questions from those with breathing problems. For information, call 464-2603. Cardiopulmonary rehab wellness group, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16, Decatur Memorial Hospital. To register, call 876-2496. A New Season-Young Widowed Group, 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18. For information, call Dawn Followell at 864-2799. Brain cancer support group, 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, Cancer Care Center of Decatur Complementary Education Classrooms, 210 W. McKinley Ave. To register, call 876-4750. Renewal bereavement support group, 6:30-8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 22, Cancer Care Center of Decatur Complementary Education Classrooms, 210 W. McKinley Ave. To register, call 876-6784.
Us TOO prostate cancer support group, 5-6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23, DMH Classrooms. To register, call 876-4750. Widowed support group, 6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 25. Monthly dinner gathering. For location or to register, call 428-7733.
Classes Freedom from Smoking. This seven-week course, led by American Lung Association trained facilitators can help smokers identify their addiction and provide ways to break their habits. Decatur Memorial Hospital is hosting its first class at 5:30 pm. Monday, Oct. 8 at the Forsyth Wellness Center, 241 W. Weaver Road. To register, call 876-4249. St. Mary’s Hospital is hosting classes beginning Tuesday, Oct. 2, in Room 561. to register, call Paula at 464-5872. Eat Right to Help the Fight, nutrition class for cancer patients, 1 p.m. Monday Oct. 8 and 22, Cancer Care Center of Decatur Education Classrooms, 210 W. McKinley Ave. To register, call 876-4750. Infant CPR Class, 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 8, DMH Classrooms. To register, call 876-3448.
County Medical Society Alliance and sponsored by Come Together-Let’s Walk, 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9, Madden Arts Center. Enjoy a social hour, a buffet by Bizou and a presentation by radiation oncologist Dr. Edward Elliott and urologic oncologist Dr. Thomas Tarter. Cost is $25. to make a reservation, call 4221509.
Grocery store tour, noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24. A registered dietitian will guide shoppers through the various sections of the grocery store. Cost is $10. To register, call 876-4249.
More Real Men Wear Pink. Wear pink every Friday in October to support breast cancer awareness. Early Detection Connection, a breast cancer awareness event, 7-9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 5, DMH Express Care North, South Shores Kroger and Cancer Care Center of Decatur. Classroom. Eat Healthy, Be Active community workshops. All classes held on Sundays from 3-4 p.m. The cost is $10 per class. Oct. 7, Healthy Eating on a Budget; Oct. 21, Tips for Losing Weight and Keeping it Off; Nov. 4, Making Healthy Eating Part of your Total Lifestyle; Nov. 18, Physical Activity is Key to Living Well. To register, call 876-4249. Community Health Lecture Series, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16, Decatur Public Library. This lecture will focus on lymphedema. For more information, call 464-5125. An Education Dinner, hosted by the Macon
Managing Compulsive Eating. This series starts at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10, at the Forsyth Wellness Center, 241 W. Weaver Road. To register, call 876-4249. Breastfeeding Basics, 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, DMH Classrooms. Registration is required. To register, call 876-3400. Breastfeeding for the Pregnant Couple, 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, Assisi Conference
BUSINESS JOURNAL Reader Profile: n 66% have household income of $80,000 or more. n 32% are age 55 or older.
BEST PRICES ON ALL MAJOR BRANDS
217.424.8900 141 W. MAIN • DECATUR LICENSE #104016085105005542
36
BUSINESS JOURNAL
October 2012
www.thebusiness-journal.com
Outlook for flu season is difficult to predict Scientists collect viruses from around the world By BLYTHE BERNHARD Lee News Service Writer
Last year’s flu season was slow to start and never became a big threat, but scientists warn there’s no predicting what will happen this year. Flu shots are now available in doctors’ offices and pharmacies. Health experts recommend everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated. The flu shot, which contains antibodies to protect against three strains of influenza, was changed earlier this year to account for virus activity in the Southern Hemisphere. Every year, scientists collect virus samples from around the world to predict which strains will travel north for the flu season. The 2012-13 flu shot will contain the 2009 H1N1 virus from past years plus new H3N2 and B strains. Last year’s vaccine was considered a fairly good match to the circulating viruses. A typical flu season lasts from October
to May with a peak in February. Flu activity last season did not peak until the middle of March, with just one week of elevated flu symptoms reported from doctor visits. The mild winter may have led to fewer people getting sick with flu, according to experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Other likely factors include a well-matched vaccine and a lack of mutation in the virus from earlier seasons. The different viruses expected to circulate this winter could mean the flu season will be more severe, although predictions are notoriously difficult. The flu shot is recommended for everyone except newborns, but certain groups have a higher risk of developing complications from the flu. Pregnant women, people older than 65 and anyone with asthma or diabetes are especially encouraged to get vaccinated. The flu vaccine is available by injections into the muscle or the skin, or through a nasal spray. The nasal spray contains a weakened version of the flu virus and is recommended only for healthy people ages 2 to 49.
Heart attack risk lower than expected for stressed workers Research a compilation of several past studies McClatchy-Tribune News Service
WASHINGTON — If you still have a job in this economy, you’re supposed to feel grateful. But stress is what more people tend to feel at work these days, and a new study finds that for those who experience such strain on the job, the risk of developing heart disease increases by about 25 percent. That elevated heart attack risk, however, is less high than has been widely supposed, the authors of the new study wrote last month in the journal Neurology. While addressing workplace stress might help improve employees’ health, they said, there’s lower-hanging fruit that would yield higher health benefits, including an expansion of efforts to get smokers to kick the habit. Job stress is defined by high demands at work and/or a worker’s low level of control over work hours and conditions. A 2007 survey by the American Psychological Association found that threequarters of Americans listed work as a significant source of stress, and more than half acknowledged that their pro-
ductivity had suffered as a result of stress. For employers, workplace stress is no bargain: Job stress is estimated to cost U.S. employers $300 million a year in absenteeism, lost productivity, higher turnover and added medical, legal and insurance fees. The latest research is not a fresh study but a compilation of existing studies, some published in medical journals, others not. It gathers evidence of the link between job stress and heart disease from studies conducted in Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Britain. Some published studies have assessed the increased cardiovascular toll of stress on the job at 40 percent. But when unpublished studies were taken into consideration, the contribution of job stress to cardiovascular risk started to shrink.
BUSINESS JOURNAL Reader Profile: n 72% read The Business Journal monthly. n 17% are 34 and under
www.centralillinoispayroll.com
www.thebusiness-journal.com
October 2012
How to eat healthy as a couple Women are more likely to gain weight after marriage, according to a recent study from Ohio State University. One solution: understand your nutritional needs. “Don’t think you and your significant other can eat the same amount of food,” said Jessica Levinson, a registered dietitian in New York City. DON’T MATCH HIM BITE FOR BITE. Men often are taller and more muscular than women and can eat more without gaining weight. While women generally need 1,600 to 2,200 calories a day — the higher number is for younger, more active women — the range for men is 2,200 to 2,800. DON’T MATCH HIM OR SIP FOR SIP. Women have lower amounts of an enzyme that breaks down alcohol and less body water to dilute it. Stick to one drink a day. DON’T GOBBLE FOOD. Men tend to eat faster than women. Put down utensils between bites, chew food thoroughly and use smaller forks and spoons (a teaspoon for cereal, say, rather than a soup spoon). KNOW YOUR NEEDS. Talk to a registered dietitian or find an online calculator for calorie recommendations based on gen-
> HEALTH QUIZ McClatchy-Tribune News Service
Cheese has lots of calcium, so it must be good for you. Or is it? Here’s a quiz to find out how much you know about this tasty food.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
der, age, size and exercise habits. Consider a multivitamin that offers sexspecific formulas; women often need more of certain substances (iron) and less of others (protein). EAT WELL WHEN YOU’RE ALONE. Fill up on fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains. DON’T “LET YOURSELF GO.” Share diet and fitness goals with your significant other, ask for support and identify behaviors that interfere with them. Also find an exercise you can enjoy as a couple. BE A CREATIVE COOK. Tweak favorite “manly” foods: bake chicken with bread crumbs rather than frying it, for example, grill with olive oil instead of butter and use low-fat cheeses in sandwiches and recipes.
BUSINESS JOURNAL 37
1. You get more bone-building calcium from cheese than from regular milk. True or false?
True or false? 6. If you add cheese to your McDonald’s Quarter Pounder or Burger King’s Whopper, you add an extra 5 grams of saturated fat. True or false? 7. A 4ounce slice of Pizza Hut’s Pan Cheese Pizza has 14 grams of fat, 6 of them saturated. True or false?
2. Cheese is a major source of cholesterol and sodium. True or false? 3. A serving of cheese is 1 ounce. True or false? 4. One-and-a-half slices of process (American) cheese is a serving. True or false? 5. The average American eats more than 28 pounds of cheese a year.
8. Mozzarella has more fat and saturated fat than most other cheeses. True or false? Source: Center for Science in the Public Interest
Answers: 1) False; 2) True; 3) True; 4) True; 5) True; 6) True; 7) True; 8) False.
38
BUSINESS JOURNAL
www.thebusiness-journal.com
October 2012
YOUR BUSINESS
Decatur Cash Mob draws customers into local businesses having more than 1,200, Pritts said. “People responded. They like the idea and want to do it,” Pritts said. “We wanted to strike while the iron was hot. It went well the first week.” By CHRIS LUSVARDI The first stop was made July 14 at Business Journal Writer Sweet Twist Bakery, a recently opened DECATUR — The owners of G-B’s CDs business in Brettwood Village. Arrangements have been made with a DVDs Records at 702 E. Eldorado St. are different business each week after that constantly looking for ways to let people to make sure they are expecting what know about their business. has been turning into larger than usual Like other small stores without a large advertising budget, co-owner Bob Laskows- invasion of customers. A clue is posted on the group’s page during the middle of ki said it can often be a struggle to let custhe week with details of the exact locatomers know what they have to offer. tion unveiled Friday afternoons. After members of a newly-formed Pritts said they’ve tried to vary the Facebook group stopped in on a Saturtypes of businesses visited and the area day in August, Laskowski said the boost of the city they’re visiting. Visits are that day and in the following weeks has usually made during normal business been a tremendous help — at no cost to hours, Pritts said. the business. “The hope is “They’re conpeople will like it stantly bombarded and come back,” on TV with adverPritts said. “So tising from big box Since starting in July, the Decatur Cash far, that’s exactly stores,” Laskowski Mob has stopped at Sweet Twist Bakery, said. “How can we what is happenSloan’s Calzones, Coffee Connection, G-B’s compete with someing.” CDs DVDs Records, Ralph’s West End Marbody who has 900 Business ownket, Coney’s Cookies, McGorray’s Golf and stores? We have one ers have enjoyed Grille, Del’s Popcorn Shop, Arts in Central store. We can’t the interest that Park and University Dogs. Organizers are spend a million dolhas been generatcontinuing to add to the list of potential lars on advertised. Not all the stops. For more information, join the group ing.” Cash Mob memon Facebook. Decatur Cash bers visit on the Mob is a group that designated day, was created with the idea of supporting but they become aware of various places locally owned businesses by encouraging to visit at other times during the week. its members to stop in and spend money. “This has compelled them to stop and Creator Dylan Pritts, a Decatur firefight- come in,” said Lea Stukins, owner of er, enlisted the help of Patrick Hoban in Coney’s Cookies at 231 N. Main St. in setting up the group. downtown Decatur. Coney’s Cookies was Hoban is vice president of business mobbed Aug. 25. development for the Economic DevelopStukins noted that drivers often seem to ment Corporation of Decatur and Macon pass by without knowing what the store County. has to offer. It has a selection of hand“The point has been to help Decatur’s dipped ice cream to go along with cookies. economy,” Pritts said. “I benefit from “We’ve seen a lot of new faces,” this because I live in Decatur. It’s giving Stukins said. a business a shot.” Talking with store owners after the visits, Pritts knows the efforts seem to be Interest in the group grew faster than paying off with the increase in sales and they were expecting as it went from a traffic. couple hundred members to currently
Group’s visits have helped boost sales
Making stops
Herald & Review photos/Lisa Morrison
Lucas and Dylan Duzan watch as Mary Hendrickson scoops up ice cream for Dylan during their visit to Coney's Cookies. “It opens some eyes,” Laskowski said. “It’s apparent the Internet is a good advertising tool. We need to remind people about the good things in the community. It’s nice for Decatur.”
Laskowski said those who have stopped at the 25-year-old store have found a deep selection of music and movies, adding that vinyl records are making a comeback.
www.thebusiness-journal.com
October 2012
BUSINESS JOURNAL
39
Americans regaining wealth with stocks jump Increase could help spur consumer spending WASHINGTON (AP) — A jump in the stock market and rising home prices are bringing many Americans closer to regaining the wealth they lost in the recession. U.S. household net worth dipped in the April-June quarter, according to a Federal Reserve report. But gains in stock and home equity since the last quarter ended have likely raised household wealth to within 5 percent of its peak before the Great Recession. The gains have gone to Americans who managed to keep their homes and invested in stocks. The increased wealth could give many people and businesses the confidence to step up spending and boost U.S. economic growth and job creation. That’s a key goal of the bond-buying plan the Federal Reserve unveiled. The Fed hopes to drive interest rates down and stock prices up. Household net worth reflects the value of assets such as homes, bank accounts and stocks minus debts such as mortgages and credit cards. It peaked before the recession at $67.4 trillion. Tumbling home and stock prices during the recession cost Americans nearly a quarter of their wealth. From a pre-recession peak of $67.4 trillion in the fall of 2007, household wealth plummeted to $51.2 trillion in early 2009. But as of the April-June quarter, it’s climbed back to $62.7 trillion. The Fed report also found that: n Americans borrowed more in the April-June quarter, marking the largest increase since the first quarter of 2008. Mortgage debt declined again, as it has each quarter for more than three years. But Americans are taking on more student and auto loans. n After-tax incomes have inched up, making debts slightly easier to manage. U.S. household debt equaled about 103 percent of after-tax income in the April-June quarter. That was down from 104 percent in the first quarter. The ratio had soared to 125 percent at the height of the housing bubble, up from about 90 percent during the 1990s. n Corporations have begun to spend some of the cash they built up during the recession. Corporations held $1.73 trillion cash at the end of last quarter, down from its near-peak of $1.75 trillion in the first quarter. If the trend continues, it could signal that companies are investing and expanding more, which could lead to more hiring. n State and local governments borrowed more for the first time in six quarters. That suggests that steep spending cuts by those governments, which have cost hundreds of thousands of jobs, may slow. Bill Hampel, chief economist at the Credit Union National Association, calculates that Americans will add $1.5 trillion to $2 trillion to their net worth in the current July-September quarter. That would bring net worth to about 4.3 percent below its pre-recession peak. “We’re not there yet, but we’re getting close,” Hampel said. “Households are rebuilding their capacity to spend.” For now, many consumers are holding back in the face of still-sluggish job growth and a high unemployment rate, now 8.1 percent. Consumer confidence is at its lowest point since November, according to The Conference Board, a private research group. Once consumer confidence “turns around, we could get a sustained period of pretty decent household spending,” Hampel said. Dennis Fassett, a health care IT consultant in the Detroit area, has benefited from rebounding home and stock prices. Yet he remains anxious about the economy. Four years ago, behind in his retirement savings and worried about his job in the struggling auto industry,
Associated Press
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke appears on a television screen on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Fassett took a chance and bought rental real estate at reduced prices. Prices for his investment properties have since risen. And his retirement account is back within 10 percent of its pre-crash level. “The economy’s still looking funky,” said Fassett, 50. “But I’m seeing signs of life.” Despite the overall steady increase in U.S. net worth, many Americans have seen little or no improvement in their own wealth. The gains have occurred mainly in stocks, bonds and other financial assets. Fifty-four percent of U.S. households owned no stocks of stock mutual funds as of the end of 2011, according to data from the Investment Company Institute. Home equity, the primary source of wealth for most American households, has just barely started to recover. The value of Americans’ stock and mutual fund holdings fell a little over 4 percent last quarter to $14.3 trillion. That lowered net worth by about $320 billion to $62.7 trillion. But it’s well above the recession-era low
of $9.1 trillion at the end of 2008. By contrast, home equity rose in the second quarter for only the second time since 2006, up 2.1 percent to $16.9 trillion. That’s up from a bottom of about $16.1 trillion. Home equity remains far below the $22.7 trillion reached in 2006, at the peak of the bubble. Stocks account for about 22 percent of Americans’ wealth. Housing makes up 27 percent, down from onethird at the peak of the bubble. The rest of household net worth is made up of savings accounts, pension fund holdings and ownership stakes in small businesses. Stock ownership is much more concentrated than real estate. About 80 percent of stocks are held by the wealthiest 10 percent of the population. That means a majority of Americans don’t enjoy much of a lift from stock-market rallies. That said, wealthier Americans drive an outsize proportion of consumer spending: About 20 percent of Americans account for about 40 percent of spending.
Study shows 401k matches back at pre-crisis level CHICAGO (AP) — More companies are now offering a 401(k) match to their employees than were before the 2008 financial crisis, when many dropped it under duress, according to data by Charles Schwab Corp. An increasing number of employers also are providing financial advice to 401(k) participants, Schwab found. The figures are based on a study of the accounts of Schwab’s approximately 1.5 million 401(k) plan participants, offered through about 1,000 employers. The study found that 73 percent of the companies provided a 401(k) matching contribution as of the end of 2011. That was up from 67 percent
in 2009 and 68 percent in 2010 and more than the 72 percent of 2008. The bounce-back is a healthy sign for plan participants and employers alike, according to Steve Anderson, head of Schwab Retirement Plan Services. “Companies recognize that it’s an important benefit,” he said. “As they gain greater success with their financials, they’re reinstating the match.” Other findings from the study: n 83 percent of employers made 401(k) advice available to plan participants, virtually doubled from 42 percent in 2005. n 42 percent of the companies automatically enrolled employees in their 401(k) plans versus just 5
percent six years earlier. n 40 percent of the employers who used automatic enrollment also used automatic savings increases, increased from the low of 14 percent in 2006, soon after the concept originated. The results show that employers are responding to evidence that advice and other plan features can make a positive difference in their workers’ retirement accounts, Anderson said. Recent Schwab data found that employees who use independent professional advice services inside their 401(k) plans have tended to save twice as much, were better diversified and stuck to their long-term plans better than those who don’t.
40
BUSINESS JOURNAL
October 2012
www.thebusiness-journal.com