Locally Owned Guide

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LOCAL

n w o t e m Ho Business

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PRIZES TOTALING OVER $150

A Special Supplement to the

jg-tc com dot

June 2010

2 Buy Local Shop Local: Hometown Business - June 2010

Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

jg-tc.com

Features 100 Broadway Ave • Mattoon, IL 61938 (217) 235-5656

Carl Walworth - Publisher Tammy Jordan - Ad Director Connie Anderson, Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .238-6828 Karen Collier, Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .238-6821 Shannon Davis, Senior Sales Consultant, Mattoon . . . . . . . . .238-6831 Brad Harren, Charleston/Arcola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .238-6834 Patti Lewis, Auto & Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .238-6832 Melody Parks, Mattoon/Sullivan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .238-6837 John Leonard, Arthur/Effingham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .238-6838 Advertising: To place a display advertisement, call (217) 238-6841 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays or email advertising@jg-tc.com To place classified advertising, call 238-6828 or 238-6821 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.

Graphics: Tara D’Arcy, Brian Miller, Michelle Rappuhn & Susan Young

Buy Local Shop Local: Howntown Business

Reader Contest $50 Gift Certificate to True Value Hardware (Charleston & Effingham) $50 Gift Certificate to The Picket Fence $25 Gift Certificate to Goldies Front Porch, $25 Gift Certificate to Lee’s Famous Recipe $20 Gift Certificate to 3W Meats $20 Gift Certificate to Rhoadside Custard

Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

Buy Local Shop Local: Hometown Business - June 2010 19

50 years serving Effingham 5 Tips for Effective Business Planning

Cultivating Relationships Key for Small Business Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Card’s has been dealing in appliances for 40 years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 The Good and Bad of Franchise Businesses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 SCORE Offers Top 10 Secrets for Small Business Success in 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Hung Up On Local Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 A Message from the Mattoon Chamber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Boomers and Business Start-Ups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Bike & Hike is focused on community relationships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Marketing in a Weak Economy: A Dozen Ideas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Reasons to shop at locally owned businesses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Small Businesses Are Important Players in U.S. Business and Job Growth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Shopping Local Helps the Planet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Business-owning Households More Likely Than Others to Have Higher Income and Wealth . . . . . .14 Small Biz Stats & Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Ten Great Reasons to Shop Local . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Where Do Jobs Come From? New Analysis of Job Gains and Losses from the Office of Advocacy . . .17 50 years serving Effingham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 5 Tips for Effective Business Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Location Does Matter: Entrepreneurs Create Economic Growth Across State and County Lines . . . .19

Prizes:

jg-tc.com

Instructions:

Answer the 30 questions about the local businesses below. The answers are hidden throughout their advertising within this special section. Find each answer and list on the entry form, then bring or mail to:

100 Broadway Ave. • Mattoon, IL 61938

Entries must be received by Monday, June 14.

Winners will be announced in the Journal Gazette & Times-Courier Wednesday, June 16th.

1. Gowin Parc located in Mattoon and ___? _____________________ 2. What is the owner's first name of Sanders and Co.? ______________________ 3. What breed of dog does Kieffer's K-9 foster? ______________________ 4. How many locations does McHugh's have? ______________________ 5. What is West & Company's website address? ______________________ 6. What Free Upgrade can you get at Walden's? ______________________ 7. What are the Owners names at Lee's Famous Recipe? ______________________ 8. Rhoadside Custard is across from what park? ______________________ 9. What is Merle Norman's Phone Number? ______________________ 10. How many years has The Picket Fence been in business?____________________ 11. What year did Card's Appliance open? _____________________ 12. At Leisure Pools it is "As Easy As___"? _____________________ 13. Who do you call at The Floor Show? _____________________ 14. Burger King is "Still Going and Still ___"? _____________________ 15. Cellular One has been your what for 19 years? _____________________ 16. How much is High Speed Internet through Consolidated Communications? _______

17. What does the last 4 digits in Battery Specialist phone number spell? ___________ 18. Nick & Stacey's House of Paint custom makes each interior stain from an ___ ? ________ 19. 3W Meats provide locally raised ___ and ___? _______________ 20. How many varieties of cheese does Goldies Front Porch carry? _______________ 21. In what year was Cooley's established? _____________________ 22. At Hi Def Communications HD is FREE for ___? __________________ 23. What year did Family Health Foods open it's doors? _____________________ 24. Who owns True Value? _____________________ 25. How many people can be seated in Lincoln Garden Restaurant's dining room? _____ 26. Hackett's Carpet Care was formally ___? _____________________ 27. Twice Is Nice is Charleston's "___" Department Store. _____________________ 28. Paap Auto Body sets the "___". _____________________ 29. How much does Double Hammer charge for a Windows Tune Up/Virus & Spyware removal? _____________________ 30. Charleston Appliance treats all customers with ___? _____________________

Name:_____________________________ Phone:________________ Age:______ Address:_______________________ City:_____________ State____ Zip:______ Must be 18 years or older to win. Winner is responsible for all applicable state and federal taxes. No purchase is necessary to win. All contest rules and decisions are final. Employees and immediate family members of The Journal Gazette/Times-Courier are ineligible. Journal Gazette/Times-Courier independent contractors and their immediate family members are not eligible.

Information provided by the Effingham Chamber

cessful community gift

For over 50 years, a downtown business organization has been active under the umbrella of the chamber, working with the business owners to gain more exposure for their businesses and promoting activities that bring people into our downtown area.

We have had a suc-

about 10 years. It has

certificate program for been on hiatus for the past

year

as

we've

worked to revise the program and will soon be re-launching it in the community. It has always generated nearly $100,000 annually in dollars circulated into local businesses.

1. Clearly define your business idea and be able to succinctly articulate it. Know your mission.

2. Examine your motives. Make sure that you have a passion for owning a business and for this particular business.

3. Be willing to commit to the hours, discipline, continuous learning and the frus-

trations of owning your own business.

4. Conduct a competitive analysis in your market, including products, prices, promotions, advertising, distribution, quality, service, and be aware of the outside influences that affect your business.

5. Seek help from other small businesses, vendors, profession-

als, government agencies, employees, trade associations and trade shows. Be alert, ask questions, your

and

local

visit

SCORE

office.

Brought

to

SCORE,

you

by

America's

small business mentors, at www.score.org.

Ask SCORE

Location Does Matter: Entrepreneurs Create Economic Growth Across State and County Lines WASHINGTON, D.C. – Entrepreneurial activity in one U.S. county or state often reflects similar activity in neighboring jurisdictions, according to an analysis of geographic and other patterns in new business formation across the United States. The study, New Business Clustering in U.S. Counties, 19902006, by Larry A. Plummer, sheds light on business activity related to levels of education, industry, economic growth patterns, and geography. The report uses 1990-2006 business startup and closure data from the Census Bureau’s Statistics of U.S. Businesses.

“State and local poli-

cymakers are continually looking for ways to generate new businesses, industries, jobs, and economic activity,” said Acting Chief Counsel for Advocacy Susan M. Walthall. “The big question is always how and where new businesses are most likely to grow. This research provides some important clues to the relationships between business startups and various underlying factors in industries and across counties and states in the United States.”

The study offers a number of insights about new business clusters, among them: · As expected, populous counties—Los Angeles, Cook (Chica-

go), and New York— have the highest levels of entrepreneurial activity. · The nation’s interior and northwestern counties—especially in states like Colorado, Utah, and Washington—tend to have the highest firm birth rates and levels of entrepreneurial activity. · Retail trade has the highest rate of new firm births, followed by local market industries. · High technology is the only industry sector specifically favored in counties with access to an educated workforce and a local research and development structure. · New startup rates

in high technology are tied to startup rates in business services, an indication that business service firms may form in response to high tech entrepreneurial activity. · Higher unemployment is correlated with higher firm birth rates except in the business services industries—an indication that business service firms depend on the success of other firms.

The Office of Advocacy, the “small business watchdog” of the federal government, examines the role and status of small business in the economy and independently represents the views of small businesses to federal agencies, Congress, and the

President. It is the source for small business statistics presented in user-friendly formats,

and

research

it

funds

into

small

business issues.

For more information and a complete copy of the report, visit

the

Office

of

Advocacy website at www.sba.gov/advo.

The Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent voice for small business within the federal government.

The presidentially appointed Chief Counsel for Advocacy advances the views, concerns, and interests of small business before Congress, the White House, federal agencies, federal courts, and state policymakers.

For more information, visit www.sba.gov/advo, or call (202) 205-6533.

Your Premiere Memory Care Community Gowin Parc is a memory care community specializing in walks, talks, hugs & love.

Theresa and Jason Gowin, Owners

Gowin Parc is your nursing home alternative for Alzheimer’s and dementia care “Individuals are lost in the medical care models present now,” said Theresa Gowin, who has worked in health care for more than a decade. “It doesn’t have to be that way. There’s got to be something different… and that is what we feel we have created.

“It’s important we get to know the families of our residents. The family members know the resident as much as anyone.” This helps Gowin Parc customize its care for Alzheimer’s residents. Staff members work with a small group of residents each day.

The plan is to get the residents in a daily routine in order to maximize their abilities. The focus is on the patient’s needs so the schedules and programs work for them.

At Gowin Parc we focus on abilities rather than disabilities. Activity is a key component of that philosophy. Something as simple as folding laundry can help those with Alzheimer's feel at ease and reassured.

Gardening, exercise, crafts, baking, and music programs serve to stimulate memory and self-expression.

Gowin Parc opened its doors in 2006 as a way to help Alzheimer’s and dementia sufferers and their loved ones with treatment and information on the disease. Just 2 year later, in 2008, Jason and Theresa Gowin decided to expand their residential care center adding more rooms and a community room.

The new building includes four corner rooms to accommodate married couples. Sometimes, elderly couples coping with dementia affecting one spouse must separate due to traditional care facility limitations. This way they can still live together at Gowin Parc, the owners said.

In 2009, Gowin Parc became a provider of the Memory and Aging Network at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine’s Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders. With the closing of the SBLHC adult day care program in 2009, Gowin Parc added our Adult Day Care program that is available for “anyone who just needs assistance during the day” said owner Jason Gowin. A second memory care facility opened in the spring of the same year in Pana.

What’s new at Gowin Parc? The Gowin Parc Public Library. Here anyone can get information in a number of ways: printed informational flyers, books to ‘borrow,’ a computer to do online research, and our staff is available to answer questions.

We have found that many people are under the misconception our services are more expensive than a nursing home. We are less expensive than you think. Did you know United States veterans and their surviving spouses may qualify for assisted living benefits? When faced with the realities of today’s economy, it helps to know that you have options to support paying for care.

Gowin Parc has two financial consultants on staff to help guide you to a financial solution.

At Gowin Parc, we never forget that individuals with Alzheimer's are individuals first, with unique backgrounds, personalities and interests. Moreover, the progress of memory loss varies in everyone, so that a level of care which is exactly right for one person might infringe upon the rights of another.

We tailor the care of each of our residents to his or her wants and needs. This highly personalized program is made possible by our small size and unusually high staff ratio.

Our philosophy of care is really quite simple. Focus on strengths, rather than weaknesses. Never stop trying to communicate. Be kind, always.

Our Services: • 24 Hour Care • Respite Care • Adult Daycare • Memory Testing • Small number of neighbors per house • Compassionate and highly qualified staff • Person Centered Care / Individualized Programs • SIU Memory Testing Center • Transportation • Gowin Parc Public Library

Specialists in Alzheimer’s and dementia care

“The comfort of a PROMISE kept”

For more information, please call or stop by for a free orientation tour at either location

340 Rt 29 • Pana, IL 217.562.3004

www.gowinparc.com

300 Lerna Road • Mattoon, IL 217.234.3003

4 Buy Local Shop Local: Hometown Business - June 2010

Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

jg-tc.com

Cultivating Relationships Key for Small Business Owners causing a stir in other areas as well. In the business world, a recession almost always leads to layoffs.

While it might seem as though small business would suffer most in a recession, that’s not necessarily true. Analysts often note that the smaller the business is, the more capable it may be of surviving a recession. Unlike their larger counterparts that boast a hierarchy of employees and high overhead, small businesses are often more flexible. Also, small businesses tend to have more personal connections with their customers, a definite advantage when money starts getting tight. Small business owners looking to cultivate those customer relationships should consider the following tips.

(MS) — While politicians might be wary of admitting it, the nation seems to be in, or at least headed toward, a recession. In April, real estate information firm RealtyTrac reported foreclosure filings spiked 112 per-

cent in the first three months of 2008, resulting in 155,000 families losing their homes to foreclosure over that span.

While the housing crisis is definitely a concern, the prospect of a recession is

3WWelsh Meats Farms Locally raised pork and beef

Come In & Check Out Our Beef & Pork Specials ~Specials Change Weekly~

3809 Marshall Ave. • Mattoon, IL 61938

(217) 258-6327 Hours: Thursday & Friday 10am-5pm Saturday 10am - 2pm

• Do whatever it takes to keep customers satisfied.

While it might be one-sided, customers are more likely to share an unpleasant experience with a business than they are a positive one.

Consumer surveys note that a person who has had a

negative experience with a company will tell roughly 10 people. During a recession, consumers place a greater emphasis on getting their money’s worth, so hearing a friend speak negatively about a local business could have a very negative impact on that business’ chance to gain new customers. When money is tight, small businesses should emphasize to employees the increased importance of satisfying all customers and keeping both the regulars and any new clients as content as possible.

• Increase trusted employees’ decision-making power.

If a customer has a question but the owner or manager is not in, that could lead to a lost customer. By giving trusted employees the power to make certain decisions, such as whether or not to offer discounts on larger purchases, small business owners could be keeping customers they might otherwise have lost.

In addition, customers will respect a staff that’s experi-

We are Local We are Family The Floor Show is a family operating business with over 25 years of community service.

25

+

Years

We service residental & commercial properties in: Mattoon, Charleston, Effingham, Champaign, Sullivan and Everywhere in between.

Call Patty Today

$10 OFF At www.jg-tc.com

The Floor Show Inc. 235-3161 Mattoon

345-3309 Charleston

342-2740 Effingham

1-800-926-1082

Visit Us Online: www.floorshow1.com

enced enough to have several people capable of making decisions, and are more likely to return as a result.

• Keep track of any complaints. While some customers seem born to be difficult, it’s good to treat all complaints in the same way and to keep track of all customer complaints or problems. If the same complaint is brought up time and again, it’s not an aberration but rather a trend. A negative trend will result in diminished business even during boom times, and especially during a recession.

A second element to keeping track of complaints is the chance to develop an effective means of complaint management. Customers often appreciate the personal touch smaller businesses offer, and that includes a more empathetic approach to addressing complaints. Make your complaint management approach as personal as possible.

• Image is important. During a recession, many people cut back on their spending. That said, when people do decide to spend money, they want to get the most out of their money. A professional appearance and image makes a business seem more credible. Discuss with employees how they and their appearance are integral to the company’s success. Make sure facilities are clean and safe, and make sure employees present themselves in a professional manner, both in how they speak and how they dress.

jg-tc.com

Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

Buy Local Shop Local: Hometown Business - June 2010 17

Where Do Jobs Come From? New Analysis of Job Gains and Losses from the Office of Advocacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – Over a recent 15-year period, small businesses created some 65 percent of the net new jobs in the private sector, according to conservative estimates cited in a new report from the SBA Office of Advocacy.

In An Analysis of Small Business and Jobs, Advocacy economist Brian Headd notes that many of the new jobs are in new business startups, but an even larger share are in expanding firms of all sizes—particularly mid-sized firms with 20-499 employees.

“More and more, we’re finding that both

new startups and ongoing high-growth firms have important roles to play in the labor market,” said Acting Chief Counsel for Advocacy Susan M. Walthall.

“Fast-growing firms scattered across the economy create a large share of jobs—and because no one can predict which idea will be the next to catch on, it’s important to create an environment in which a wide spectrum can start up and expand.”

Advocacy’s analysis of the quarterly Bureau of Labor Statistics data show that over the 15 years from 1993 to mid-2008, 31

percent of net job gains (jobs created minus jobs lost) came from the opening of new establishments.

An even larger share—the remaining 69 percent—were from ongoing firms of all sizes that expanded. (These net figures are based on establishment openings minus closings and establishment expansions minus contractions.)

The business cycle is an important factor in the net creation or loss of jobs. In the current downturn, firms with fewer than 20 employees began losing jobs as early as the second

quarter of 2007. From 2008 to the second quarter of 2009, these smallest firms accounted for 24 percent of the net job losses, while those with 20-499 employees accounted for 36 percent; the remaining 40 percent of job losses were in large firms with more than 500 employees.

The Office of Advocacy, the “small business watchdog” of the federal government, examines the role and status of small business in the economy and independently represents the views of small businesses to federal agencies, Congress, and the

President. It is the source for small business statistics presented in user-friendly formats, and it funds research into small business issues.

For more information and a complete copy of the report, visit the Office of Advocacy website at www.sba.gov/advo.

The Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent voice for small business within the federal government.

The presidentially appointed Chief Counsel for Advocacy advances the views, concerns, and interests of small business before Congress, the White House, federal agencies, federal courts, and state policymakers.

For more information, visit www.sba.gov/advo, or call (202) 205-6533.

Sanders & Co. Real Estate is embarking on their 6th year in real estate as well as property management and rentals. The office is located downtown Mattoon. Sanders and Co. owner, Cory Sanders, believes in the future of the downtown business district.

1400 Broadway - Mattoon

Since its opening, Sanders & Co. has grown from 1 realtor to 10 successful realtors and 3 fulltime support staff. Also, Sanders & Co. is now successfully managing over 350 properties in Mattoon and Charleston for various owners.

Cory Sanders and his wife, Charity, are life-long residents of the Mattoon area. Charity is a 7th grade Special Education teacher with the Charleston school district. Cory began to invest in this Cory and his wife Charity. locale through the purchase of rental housing at a young age. As the broker/owner of a growing business in this community, he is looking forward to providing you with high quality service and continued dedication and loyalty.

Phone: 217.235.4848 Fax: 217.235.1855

www.sandersandco.com

Daughters, Flannery, 9, Piper, 4, and Zealand, 2½.

SANDERS & CO. looks forward to assisting you TODAY!

16 Buy Local Shop Local: Hometown Business - June 2010

Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

jg-tc.com

Ten Great Reasons to Shop Local

3.

locally based businesses provide some of the most stable employment opportunities in a community. These employees in turn spend in the local economy.

4.

Supporting Local Business Supports Your Neighbors. Local businesses are generally owned by people who live locally and are part of our community.

5.

Local Businesses Maintain Our Community’s Uniqueness. Today’s workers are choosing to settle in places that preserve their distinctive character. Our communities have dozens of small businesses that have been in town for years, thus contributing to the town’s special quality.

6.

Small Businesses Offer Unique Choices. Local businesses offer shoppers unique products and services. Independent shops create distinctive shopping experiences and respond more quickly to the need of local customers, stocking products to meet the changing population needs.

New

Items

We Offer: Brighton Jewelry • Home Decor • Gifts Wind & Willow • Gourmet Items

Established 1989, 21 years in business

901 Broadway • Mattoon, IL 61938 • 217-258-6364

8.

Shopping Local Saves You Money.

Choosing to shop locally first saves you gas and travel time which equates to money saved.

9.

Lower Environmental Impact.

Local businesses make more local purchases requiring less transportation and help sustain vibrant, compact business centers, which generally mean reduced sprawl, congestion, habitat loss, and pollution.

10.

Entrepreneurship.

Local entrepreneurship fosters economic innovation and prosperity.

The success of locally owned, independent businesses provides real-life inspiration to our young people, proving that they can stay in the community and prosper on their own terms.

Buy Local Shop Local: Hometown Business - June 2010 5

Card’s has been dealing in appliances for 40 years

Receive Extra Attention and Quality Service.

Research shows that small business owners compete by focusing on customer service and quality goods. Local business employees take the time to get to know their customers.

2.

Local Businesses Provide Jobs.

Small local businesses account for a large share of new jobs created each year and

Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

7.

1.

Money Spent Local Stays Local. By shopping locally, you simultaneously create jobs, fund more city services through sales tax, invest in neighborhood improvement and promote community development.

Local Businesses Contribute to the Community. Ninetyone percent of local business owners contribute to their community, including schools, nonprofits and community groups, by volunteering and making donations.

jg-tc.com

Card's Appliance employee Debbie Williams polishes the cooktop of a display range Tuesday morning (June 1, 2010) in the store's showroom in Mattoon. (Photo by Ken Trevarthan).

By HERB MEEKER Staff Writer MATTOON -- The only big boxes Chuck Card cares about are those that hold the latest sales from his appliance store.

The owner of Card’s Appliance Sales & Service, 120 S. Ninth, once cut into the cardboard boxes holding appliances when he was in grade school.

Card’s is a family store that has no intention to succumb to the “big box” stores anytime soon.

“Our customers know when they come back for a new product they’ll see familiar faces here,” said Card, whose business celebrated its 40th anniversary last year. “Our main philosophy here is we treat our customers like we want to be treated.”

The business at a busy corner in Mattoon sells microwaves, ovens, ranges, refrigerators, washers, dryers, freezers and services in commercial refrigeration and laundry. There is a fullservice department in the store and delivery is offered as well as instal-

lation of built-ins.

Though it has not always been Card’s, the business has strong ties to the family’s past. In 1969, Chuck Card Sr. purchased Gamble’s Hardware at 15th Street and Broadway Avenue.

The store, known as Gamble’s, then sold hardware, toys, furniture and appliances.

In 1984, the business moved east to its current location and Chuck Jr. took over as service man-

ager. Gamble’s ended and the name changed to Card’s the next year.

Card’s concentrated on electronics and appliances from that point.

Then came the electronics revolution that changed how televisions and other devices were marketed.

“We eventually got out of the electronics business because it became more of a throwaway market. When we couldn’t offer console televi-

Family Owned For Over

40

years

10 0 2 9 6 19

Card’s

Appliance Sales & Service

120 S. 9th Mattoon

234-8841

sions everything changed. Most of our clientele wanted a piece of furniture not a big black box,” Card said.

In 1994, Chuck’s father died and that passed on ownership to a new generation. The business concentrated more on appliances, delivery and service.

Then came another turn of the market.

“My Dad first witnessed the change from people replacing wringer washers with automatic washers. People wanted the machine to do the work. Now the big change in this business is efficiency models that use less water, less soap and less energy. It is night and day comparing the old automatic styles to the new ones today,” Card explained.

Efficiency is also the watchword for the Cards staff, which includes Mary VanMatre, Debbie Williams, Cliff Lee, Gerald Baker and Dave Carter, plus the owner,

who also multi-tasks.

“During the day I might be the secretary, the accountant or the sales person. It depends on what time of day you come in,” said VanMatre, who might work with banks on accounts or customer trying to offer directions for a home delivery -- which can extend past 25 miles or more.

“We really do wear all the hats here,” Card said.

He has been in the store for more years than his late father.

“I believe I’ve been in this business now longer than my father. That was hard to realize because my dad was in it forever,” he said.

Will there be another Card dealt in the appliance business.

“I’m not sure my kids will take over. But I plan on being around for a while longer,” he said.

Contact Herb Meeker at hmeeker@jg-tc.com or 238-6869.

6 Buy Local Shop Local: Hometown Business - June 2010

Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

jg-tc.com

The Good and Bad of Franchise Businesses

(MS) - Franchises are well-known business ventures. It is estimated that one in every 12 businesses in the United States is a franchise. One of the foremost franchise industries is fast food.

An individual thinking about opening up a small business at one point may consider a franchise operation.

Before doing so, it's important to explore

both sides of franchises to determine if it's the right business model for you.

ADVANTAGES One of the first advantages to franchises is the established name.

Name recognition can go a long way toward moving merchandise. A small business that is not a franchise will have to spend a good deal of time and capital

Charleston Appliance Center Sales • Service • Parts

establishing a solid track record and name recognition. A franchise likely already has this.

Corporate marketing is another advantage.

While individual franchises will do their own advertising and marketing, the corporate entity will still be doing their own work toward promoting the business' name. This saves individual franchises money.

Money can also be saved on equipment and inventory. Franchises will have bulk purchasing power because franchises typically must feature the same brands and equipment throughout their satellite locations. Buying in bulk drives down the perunit cost of many items.

Franchise owners will also have the bene-

fit of other franchisee's past experiences. Routine meetings and strategy guides can help them navigate the tricky world of small businesses. While there will be some trial and error, franchises come with a playbook of sorts that may offer guidelines and strategies for success.

DISADVANTAGES Some of the advantages to franchises can also be disadvantages, depending on one's perspective. For example, working under the auspices of a larger entity restricts some of the creative freedom a small business owner might want. In general, franchisees must discuss ideas and decisions for the business with the franchisors before execution.

Franchisees are expected to pay dues to

Providing Healthy Choices Since 1973 Check Out Our Large Selection of:

Matt & Laura Morecraft

HOURS: Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm • Sat: 9am-1pm

SERVICE SPECIALISTS AND PARTS FOR ANY BRAND

• • • •

Family owned/operated for two generations Ser vicing Charleston and surrounding communities with down-home courtesy and respect.

217-348-5984

418 W. Lincoln Ave. • Charleston, IL 6120

• Natural Herbal Remedies • Vitamins & Minerals • Organic & Gluten Free Products • Natural Health Books • Specialty Bulk Foods • Fresh Frozen Farm-Raised Chickens

Family Health Foods 1 mile South of Arthur 217-543-3189

Our goal is to provide friendly service and quality products for you at reasonable prices.

Hours: M-F 7 am - 5:30 pm • Sat. 7 am - 4:30 pm

Shop healthy…Eat healthy…Be healthy!

the franchisor. While money may be saved on other aspects of franchise ownership, the average royalty fees paid by franchisees range from 3 to 6 percent of monthly gross sales.

Any business venture will require an initial investment. However, franchise investment could be considerable. The average initial franchise startup investment is $250,000, excluding real estate. Some franchisors will also want to ensure that a potential franchisee has a considerable savings account for other expenses. Many times franchises are started by partners simply for the start-up costs involved.

While some franchises have a proven track record, not every franchise will work in a particular geographic area. Researching franchises takes time. And after all of that effort and application, a potential franchisee may still be rejected by the parent company.

The franchise business accounts for at least 40 percent of all retail sales in the United States. Explore whether this type of business model is right for you if you're considering self-employment.

jg-tc.com

Buy Local Shop Local: Hometown Business - June 2010 15

Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

Small Biz Stats & Trends The small business marketplace changes rapidly. The information included on this page represents the most current information.

When discussing a “small business,” this article uses the definitions provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy.

Small Business Impact on the Economy The estimated 29.6 million small businesses in the United States: • Employ just over half of the country’s private sector workforce • Hire 40 percent of high tech workers, such as scientists, engineers and computer workers • Include 52 percent homebased businesses and two percent franchises • Represent 97.3 percent of all the exporters of goods • Represent 99.7 percent of all employer firms • Generate a majority of the innovations that come from United States companies Source:

U.S.

Small

Business

Administration Office of Advocacy, September 2009

Small Business Survival Rates Small Business Openings & Closings in 2008: • There were 627,200 new businesses, 595,600 business closures and 43,546 bankruptcies.

• Seven out of 10 new employer firms survive at least two years, and about half survive five years.

• Findings do not differ greatly across industry sectors.

Sources:

U.S.

Small

Business

Administration Office of Advocacy, September 2009

Survival and Longevity in the Business Employment Dynamics Database, Monthly Labor Review, May 2005. Redefining Business

Success: Distinguishing Between Closure and Failure, Small Business Economics, August 2003.

Trends in the Small Biz Marketplace General Trends • The number of selfemployed workers in June 2005 fell 3.1 percent or 303,000 from the month before, Labor Department data showed. Self employment tends to fall as the economy grows. That's especially true among laid-off workers who start tiny companies after failing to find work in slow times. (Source: USA Today, July 17, 2005) • During 1979-2003, selfemployment increased: 33 percent for women; 37 percent for African Americans, 15 percent for Latinos, 10 for White Americans and 2.5 percent for men. (Source: SBA, Office of Advocacy)

• Where do small business owners go for advice? 52 percent from individual mentors; 51 percent from social networks; 44 percent from trade associations; 36 percent from business advisors; 31 percent from the Internet and 27 percent from Chambers of Com-

merce

(Source:

American

Express)

Women in Business • Women represent more than 1/3 of all people involved in entrepreneurial activity. (Source: Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2005 Report on Women and Entrepreneurship)

• Between 1997 and 2002, women-owned firms grew by 19.8 percent while all U.S. firms grew by seven percent (Source: SBA, Office of Advocacy)

• Women-owned firms accounted for 6.5 percent of total employment in U.S. firms in 2002 and 4.2 percent of total receipts. (Source: SBA, Office of Advocacy)

• The number of womenowned firms continues to grow at twice the rate of all U.S. firms (23 percent vs. 9 percent). There are an estimated 10 million womenowned, privately-held U.S. businesses. The greatest challenge for women-owned firms is access to capital, credit and equity. Women start businesses on both lifestyle and financial reasons. Many run businesses from home to keep overhead low. (Source: SBA, Office of Advoca-

cy and Business Times, April 2005)

• Women are more likely to seek business advice—69 percent women vs. 47 percent men. (Source: American Express)

Minority-Owned Businesses • Black-owned businesses are the fastest growing segment, up 45 percent between 1997-2002. Revenues generated by the nation's 1.2 million blackowned businesses rose 25 percent between 1997 and 2002 to $88.8 billion in 2002. (Source: U.S. Census Bureau)

• The number of U.S. businesses with Hispanic owners grew at three times the national average from 1997 to 2002 to 1.6 million businesses in 2002, a 31 percent increase from five years earlier. (Source: MSNBC) Seniors in Business • Entrepreneurship among seniors is growing. In 2002, the rate of self-employment for the workforce was 10.2 percent (13.8 million workers), but the rate for workers aged 50 was 16.4 percent (5.6 million workers).

Although those age 50

made up 25 percent of the workforce, they comprised 40 of the self-employed.

Solo business formation in the future will be driven by people who take early retirement or whose jobs (Source: just disappear.

AARP/Rand Corp. "Self-employment and the 50 Population")

Veterans in Business • In 2004, about 22 percent of veterans in the US household population were either purchasing or starting a new business or considering purchasing or starting a business and nearly 72 percent of veteran entrepreneurs planned to employ at least one person at the start of their venture (Source: US Census Bureau)

Hot markets for small businesses: • eBay drop-off sites • Search engine optimization and Internet marketing • Performance apparel • Niche health and fitness • Technology security consulting • Services/products for Hispanic-market (Source: Entrepreneur magazine, "Newest Trends & Hottest Markets," January 2005)

Charleston’s “Resale” Department Store

Twice is Nice

Highest Quality Used and New Furniture

HACKETT’S CARPET CLEANING 348-0745

(Formerly Big Jakes) 1019 MADISON CHARLESTON, IL 61920 • (217) 348-0745 Dave & Kim Hackett, New Owners • Carpet Cleaning • Water & Fire Damage • Professional, Residential & Commercial • Janitorial Services • Deodorizing • Stripping & Waxing • Disaster Clean-Up • Windows • Upholstery Cleaning • Scotchgard • 24 Hour Emergency Service

Largest Clothing Inventory Ever!

Come See Us At Our New Location!

960 18th Street Charleston, IL

Hours: M-F 8am-4pm

24 Hour 7 Days A Week

217-348-5803

14 Buy Local Shop Local: Hometown Business - June 2010

Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

jg-tc.com

Business-owning Households More Likely Than Others to Have Higher Income and Wealth in the 1998-2007 period were more likely than other households to be in the top 50 percent in income and wealth,” said Susan M. Walthall, Acting Chief Counsel for Advocacy. “It will be important to continue to examine this data series to assess the well-being of small businesses in the current economic environment.”

Income and Wealth: How Did Households Owning Small Businesses Fare from 1998 to 2007? by George W.

• Kids Menu • Pasta • Steaks • Skillets •

Sandwiches • Chicken • Pasta • Manhattans

Lincoln Garden Family Restaurant

Our family restaurant has a larger menu than ever. We have built a brand new banquet room that can seat up to 40 people along with a remodeled dinning room. We serve breakfast anytime and offer carry out too. 24 Hour Dining is available on the weekend except Sunday. Our family is looking forward to seeing your family for years to come.

Open: 5am - 10pm Daily, 24 Hours Friday & Saturday 703 W. Lincoln Ave. • Charleston • 345-5070 Eggs • Soups • Salads • Sandwiches • Chicken

• Seafood • Kids Menu • Omelets • Steaks •

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Does small business ownership help increase a household’s overall wellbeing? One way to look at this is to examine how the income and wealth of households owning small businesses changed in the most recent economic expansion and recovery period. That task was undertaken in a study just released by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy.

“The report released today finds that households owning small firms

Charleston • Effingham

Haynes, updates previous Advocacy-sponsored studies and is based on additional data from the 2007 Survey of Consumer Finances. Household income is the sum of wages, salaries, interest, dividends, asset sales, rents, and other income sources.

Household wealth is estimated by generating a balance sheet subtracting total liabilities from total assets. Findings include the following: Households owning any business were signif-

icantly more likely to be high income earners in 2007 than in 1998; the largest percentage gain was among owners with more than one business.

In the latter part of the period—between 2004 and 2007—the likelihood that households owning a small business had a high income increased by 4.2 percent and the likelihood that they had a high level of wealth increased by more than 20 percent, compared with increases of 2.1 and 5.2 percent, respectively, in house-

Com put er Repair

683 Castle Drive • Charleston, IL

NORTHWEST BUSINESS PARK

Paint Shop

Hardware

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Outdoor Living

Electrical

217-342-3103 115 S. Banker St. Lawn & Garden Effingham, IL Housewares

Store Hours: Mon.-Sat. 6:30am-8pm Sunday 8am-6pm

www.charlestontruevalue.com

The Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent voice for small business within the federal government.

The presidentially appointed Chief Counsel for Advocacy advances the views, concerns, and interests of small business before Congress, the White House, federal agencies, federal courts, and state policymakers.

For more information, visit www.sba.gov/advo, or call (202) 205-6533.

Your Total Hardware Convenience Store!

START RIGHT. START HERE.SM 217-348-1835 520 W. Lincoln, Charleston, IL

holds not owning businesses.

The characteristics of households and businesses were somewhat different in 1998 than in 2007.

By 2007, high income households were headed by younger people, while higher wealth households were headed by older people.

From 1998 to 2007, households not owning a business increased real mean wealth by just under 40 percent; the comparable increase for those owning a small business was 63.4 percent.

For a copy of the study, visit the Office of Advocacy website at www.sba.gov/advo.

Plumbing

All Your Wedding and Party Rental Needs Too! Construction & Landscaping Equipment

Service Center Power Tools

And More

jg-tc.com

Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

Buy Local Shop Local: Hometown Business - June 2010 7

SCORE Offers Top 10 Secrets for Small Business Success in 2010 Washington, D.C. — Make 2010 a small business year for growth and profits with success secrets from SCORE. The experts at SCORE are dedicated to supporting America’s engine for economic growth—small business. SCORE provides mentoring, coaching, training and resources. Every day, SCORE mentors are helping small businesses succeed. Learn more at www.score.org.

SCORE CEO Ken Yancey says, “When it comes to getting ahead in business, it’s all about making the right moves at the right times. At SCORE, we share secrets for success, based on having helped more than 8.5 million entrepreneurs.

This year, we’ve come up with our top 10 list to make 2010 a profitable year for America’s small businesses.”

SCORE’s Top 10 Secrets for Small Business Success in 2010 Grow your customer base. Understand your customer demographics and why they buy your products and services.

Win clients over with new and diversified products. Offer multiple price points and create packages or customizable plans, which give your customers greater freedom and flexibility.

Expand low budget marketing.

Promote your business for free on Twitter, and set up a Facebook fan page. Start a blog and comment on other blogs. Take this

opportunity to communicate with customers about your business. Go viral.

Surround yourself with experts. Get feedback from advisors you trust.

Entrepreneurs count on SCORE for free and confidential business mentoring. Use a mentor to test ideas, map a sales plan and focus on success. Ask SCORE for advice and meet with a SCORE mentor.

Add ecommerce through a web site.

Your business needs a web site to stay competitive. Secure all variations on your company’s domain name. Use online forms to encourage interaction. Add a shopping cart to sell your products, not just promote the brand.

Free up time to sharpen your focus. Organize for success. Set a time each week to handle routine tasks. Use a PDA to

keep track of phone numbers, dates, appointments and meetings.

Take short breaks to refresh and recharge.

Create experience events to draw in customers. Host special events like demonstrations, trunk shows and classes. Offer rebate programs to encourage repeat purchases.

Rearrange merchandise to make it appear fresh and provide a fresh customer experience.

Network to build buzz and referrals. Join groups that represent your clients. If you don’t have the money to join an association, offer to donate your services.

Take advantage of social gatherings, committee appointments, membership meetings and networking events. Each meeting is an opportunity for referrals.

Track your cash flow.

The one thing all busi-

79

nesses need is cash.

Ensure that you collect receivables within 30 days. Monitor invoices.

Pay early when you get a discount. Always keep an eye on your cash. Prepare cash flow reports so you understand your cash needs.

SCORE has 364 offices nationwide with experts who offer free and confidential advice to small business owners. SCORE mentors have experience in finance, accounting, management, marketing, sales prospecting, strategic planning and more.

Plan for financing success. Even if you’re in business, you should have a business plan ready to submit to potential lenders. Know how additional funding will help you grow your business, and demonstrate your ability to re-pay the loan.

Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 8.5 million aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners through mentoring and workshops. More than 12,400 volunteer business counselors in 364 chapters serve their communities through entrepreneur education dedicated to the formation, growth and success of small businesses.

Consider an LLC. As a sole proprietor, you are personally liable for the debts and liabilities of your business. A corporation or limited liability corporation (LLC) protects your personal assets and property. You can register your business as a separate legal entity.

For more information about starting or operating a small business, call 1-800/634-0245 for the SCORE chapter nearest you. Visit SCORE on the Web at www.score.org and www.score.org/women.

Rhoadside Custard

June 28th 2001-2010

9 Years of Quality Custard & Food

Open Now – Sept. 5th, 2010

Bring this ad in and receive 50¢ OFF total purchase Reneé England Studio owner for 15 years Come in to see our extensive selection of Merle Norman skin care and cosmetic products Merle Norman Cosmetics 1608 Broadway • Mattoon • 234-4277

Rhoadside Custard 32nd St.

Across from Lytle Park, Mattoon

234-7449 2:00 - 9:00 pm Daily

12 Buy Local Shop Local: Hometown Business - June 2010

Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

jg-tc.com

Reasons to shop at locally owned businesses Staff report Shopping at locally owned businesses helps other businesses and agencies.

Cindy Titus, executive director of the Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce, reported that one Illinois county explains the benefits this way: If every household in the county spends an additional $3.50 per day that they are currently spending outside of the county, local business sales will increase by more than $18.5 million per year.

This county and its municipalities will collect an additional $232,792 per year in sales tax.

Our household goal: An extra $3.50 per day, per household—a couple of sodas, a really good cup of coffee, about a gallon of gas.

Many people do not realize that both motor fuel tax and sales tax apply to every purchase of gasoline within the county. Nineteen cents from every gallon of gas goes directly to the State of Illinois for a variety of govern-

ment services, including road construction and maintenance, plus another 6.25 percent for sales tax. At $3 per gallon, 38 cents of every gallon comes back to Illinois residents. That’s $7.60 for every 20-gallon tank of

gas you purchase. If you fill your tank once a week, that’s $395 per year.

It’s your choice . . .

Buy Local. In an increasingly standardized world, it is important to support what is unique and special

about our community.

By shopping locally, you are investing in your community and helping to foster a climate that is more likely to attract entrepreneurs and new investment.

Small Businesses Are Important Players in U.S. Business and Job Growth WASHINGTON, D.C. – Small businesses will play an important role in the nation’s economic future. The Office of Advocacy’s Small Business Profile for the United States, released today, provides details about small business employment, business starts and closings, bank lending in 2008, the demographics of business ownership, and firm and employment change by major industry and firm size.

“The United States

continues to depend on the health and ingenuity of its small business sector for the nation’s economic growth,” said Susan Walthall, Acting Chief Counsel for Advocacy. “In today’s economic climate, it is especially important for policymakers to keep small business concerns in mind as they formulate policy.”

In 2008, the United States saw an increase of 0.7 percent in GDP and a private sector employment decline of

• Businesses owned by women, and by Asian Americans, African • Small employers in Americans, Hispanic the United States Americans, and Hawaiand Pacific numbered 6 million in ians all 2006 (latest data). Islandeers There were also 20.8 increased significantly million nonemployers, over the most recent which increased to 21.7 period for which Census data are available. million by 2007.

0.7 percent. The U.S. profile also shows that:

• Small businesses added 2.5 million net new jobs in 2005-2006.

Overall, they employed 50.2 percent of the nation’s nonfarm private workforce in 2006.

As additional small business data become available over the coming months, they will be incorporated in a new edition of the state profiles, to be issued in

early 2010.

For more information and a complete copy of the state and territory small business profiles, visit the Office of Advocacy website at www.sba.gov/advo.

The Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent voice for small business within the federal government.

The presidentially appointed Chief Counsel for Advocacy advances the views, concerns, and interests of small business before Congress, the White House, federal agencies, federal courts, and state policy makers.

For more information, visit www.sba.gov/advo, or call (202) 205-6533

jg-tc.com

Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

Buy Local Shop Local: Hometown Business - June 2010 9

A Message from the Mattoon Chamber Mattoon FIRST! ...is all about promoting our local businesses, fueling our local economy, and spreading the word about the many benefits of shopping locally.

The “Shop Local” campaigns are definitely not a new idea, however with the internet and the new waves of shopping; it has caused the idea to be revisited by every small community. While we are revisiting and re-educating the public on this subject matter, we are also reminding our local business climate of the enormous affects it has on

spend outside the area or they turn to the Internet as a means for saving money.

an opportunity that by supporting our local businesses, we in turn support our local city government and our community.

Keeping dollars in our local community creates jobs, those jobs spend money with our businesses, sales tax collected by those businesses, which funds more city services through those sales tax, in return-promotes community development.

Before you buy outside your community, review your vendors.

Identify the vendors that you use out of market and determine whether you

can shift even as little as 10 percent back to Mattoon. If you need help finding vendors, contact the Chamber to see if we can help you make

those connections.

We encourage our residents to understand the consequences for a community when consumers

Mattoon is blessed with a diverse mix of business and it’s that mix that makes our economy work. As a Chamber, we are urging our residents to spend their dollars locally and are communicating the message that it is all right to invest in yourself, your family, your home and your business. Business is a huge investment.

Let’s support those who have invested in Mattoon!! Shop Local!!

Boomers and Business Start-Ups (MS) - An ever growing number of baby boomers are starting their own businesses.

Some are motivated by the dream of being their own boss, while others want to take an idea about a product or service and make it a reality. For many boomers, becoming an entrepreneur is a key element of their retirement -either out of financial necessity or the desire to remain active in the business world. Regardless of the reason, starting a successful enterprise requires careful planning.

Choosing a business Starting a business that you know and love is always going to have a better chance of success. The years of experience you've accumulated in a field are an invaluable asset and if you believe in your product, those skills and energy can be focused on marketing.

Consulting a tax lawyer will help you determine which legal entity best fits your business and the tax advantages and disadvantages of operating as a sole proprietor, partnership, LLC, or

Subchapter S-Corpora- enue, as are small business loans. Whatever tion. the means of financing, Having what it takes create a solid plan so Since any start-up is you'll know what to going to consume expect until you start financial resources, it's generating an income. important to be aware of actual costs and the Defining and setting time it will take to see benchmarks a return.

Savings It's important to plan accounts, the equity in and track the progress a home and investment of your business by setportfolios can be ting benchmarks. This sources of revenue, but allows you to focus on determine how much any necessary adjustyou can afford to tie up ments to keep your or possibly lose if the enterprise moving forbusiness fails. A part- ward at a measured nership or outside pace. Even the best investors are also pos- business plan can't sible sources of rev- take into account all

the possible snags or delays, so have contingencies in place to help you deal with them.

Find the support you need You may know your product, but not necessarily the ins-and-outs of operating a successful business. Getting help with what you don't know, such as setting up an efficient office or getting your Web site up and running, allows you to focus on the things you know and do best.

10 Buy Local Shop Local: Hometown Business - June 2010

Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

jg-tc.com

Bike & Hike is focused on community relationships

Bike and Hike owner Ed Thomas pictured Wednesday morning (June 2, 2010) in the repair shop of the Bike and Hike location on 18th Street in Charleston. (Photo by Ken Trevarthan).

experience with a wide variety of bikes, Thomas said.

“That experience ranges from jumping them to racing them to the casual ride around the block,” said Brendan Lynch, who is in charge of advocacy and community affairs for Bike & Hike. “All of us are very avid cyclists in all disciplines.“ Thomas, an Effingham native, opened his first

By ROB STROUD Staff Writer CHARLESTON — “We service, we sell, we ride,” is a motto that Bike & Hike owner Ed Thomas said he and his staff live by at their Charleston and Effingham shops.

“We ride” is an especially important part of the motto because it lets customers know that the Bike & Hike team loves to ride and has personal

Limited Time Offer

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50 Years In Business

Serving Coles County for 50 years in choosing quality appliances & TV’s.

Also providing repair services to our valued customers.

Bike & Hike shop in 1995 while pursuing his graduate studies at Eastern Illinois University. He moved the Charleston shop to its present location on 18th Street in 2002 and opened a shop in downtown Effingham in 2005. He is a speech and broadcasting instructor at Lake Land College.

Both shops offer bikes, accessories and related service work for mountain biking, long-distance

road cycling, bicycle jumping, commuting and other pursuits. Their product line includes Trek, Gary Fisher, Cannondale and more.

Lynch, a Charleston native and an attorney, said the Bike & Hike team strives to provide personalized service and to get to know their customers. He noted that the shop’s customers have been organizing seasonal barbecues and rides.

“You sell someone a bike and you get a friend out of the deal,” Lynch said.

Last summer Bike & Hike launched a series of Wednesday morning rides to the Farmers Market on the courthouse square, Lynch said. The market rides have resumed this season and leave at 7:15 a.m. from the shop.

Thomas said the market rides are open to cyclists of all skill levels, adding that Bike & Hike

is not just a “racer store.“ “A lot of our business is selling to mom and pop and their kids,” Thomas said. Family-style bicycle bags and baskets have been popular lately, he continued.

Bike & Hike also has been building a client base at EIU. Thomas said Bike & Hike supports the EIU Cycling Club, advised by faculty member Milt Allen.

Thomas said the club has more than 40 members and has a focus on recreational riding. He said the club has helped introduce participating students to areas of Charleston beyond campus and the Illinois Route 16 business corridor.

Earlier this year Bike & Hike helped organize a bicycle scavenger hunt that successfully raised funds to install bicycle racks along Jackson Avenue just east of the courthouse square.

“Really the business model we have taken is to be engaged,” Lynch said.

“We are very aware of the environment we are in and the community we are in.“ For more information, call Bike & Hike at 3451316 or go online to www.bikeandhikeweb.com or the shop’s Facebook site.

Contact Rob Stroud at rstroud@jg-tc.com

1960-2010

or 238-6861.

jg-tc.com

Buy Local Shop Local: Hometown Business - June 2010 11

Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

Marketing in a Weak Economy: A Dozen Ideas

By Daniel Obregon and Joyce L. Bosc From the pages of Home Business Magazine Online

1. Always think Marketing Keep a file of good ideas, direct mail samples, great ads, for future use or brainstorming.

2. Target your Market Read up on industry trends, developments, etc. Know your competition and keep a competitive intelligence file.

3. Develop your Brands Create new services or products. Update them.

Trademark protect them.

Try to always keep things fresh so your customers see progress.

4. Build a Team Establish a marketing/public relations advisory team composed of key personnel in or outside of your organization. Attend seminars, read marketing publications, join listserves.

Consult outside marketing professionals to get unbiased opinions.

5. Establish a Budget How much are you currently spending on marketing?

How much do you want to spend? How much can you afford to spend? Determine a percentage of gross income that can be spent on marketing. Try to establish a market presence monthly whether through advertising or public relations.

6. Stay Top of Mind Publish a newsletter. Create a survey. Develop a Web site. Use uniformed signatures denoting contact information/Web site address and slogan at the bottom of every email you send out. Send postcards or electronic briefs to stay connected and offer value add to clients.

7. Meet the Press Create a press kit. Be sure to include an online version with executive bios and high-resolution photographs.

8. Service is Job #1 Return calls promptly. Refer

callers to others when you’re not available. Send out email tips or dedicate a part of your Web site specifically to client needs. Make sure it is easy for people to contact you. Always follow up on calls or messages.

9. Word of Mouth Hold an open house. Join community organizations and network!

Contact speakers at conferences you attend.

10. Advertise Develop a new or improved logo. Get a memorable phone number, such as “1800-GOT-DEBT.” Include your Web address, email and slogan consistently on

all marketing materials.

11. Reach Out Sponsor a booth at a tradeshow, hold an event at your office or give a speech at a community gathering.

12. Put it in Writing Write a column for the local newspaper, local business journal or trade publication.

Publish an article and circulate reprints.

Daniel Obregon and Joyce L. Bosc run Boscobel Marketing Communications, Inc., a branding, public relations, and marketing consulting firm. He can be reached at dobregon@boscobel.com or 816 Thayer Ave. Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301-588-2900

Fax: 301-588-1363 Bosc (jbosc@boscobel.com), founder and CEO of Boscobel Marketing, also co-founded ESTN Communications Group in 1995, to provide niche services for government outreach.

Home Business Magazine Online is a one-stop resource for information and advice on starting and expanding a home-based business. The site features hundreds of helpful articles, start-up advice, business opportunities & ideas, business tools & resources, networking contacts, product and service marketplace, classified ads, news, trade/business show calendar, message boards, email, legal advice, financial info, health insurance, search engine, web hosting, and a Home-Based Business Directory!

315 N Logan Mattoon, IL 61938

309 N. 15th • Mattoon 258-VOLT (8658)

Paint isn’t just paint.

Free Delivery Now Renting UHAULs

1519 Madison Ave. • Charleston 345-VOLT (8658)

Since opening its doors in 1990, Battery Specialists has been serving Coles County and the surrounding area with great service from their Charleston and Mattoon locations. With a very knowledgable staff that has over 100 years combined experience, Battery Specialists offers batteries large to small, custom battery cable making, complete starter, alternator and generator services, along with free testing of all your truck, car or equipment’s cranking & charging systems.

Your One Stop Battery Shop No Battery’s Too Big or Small!

Stacey and Chris at Nick & Stacey’s House of Paints would like to thank all of their customers for another successful year. We specialize in architectural, industrial and specialty paint and coatings, but also offer competitive prices and expertise. Need an interior stain?

Give our custom interior stains a try. We custom make each interior stain from an empty can. We offer free delivery in the surrounding areas and are now renting U-HAULs. Here at Nick & Stacey’s we strive to be able to ask the right questions to make sure the customer has the right product for their project.

We are not your only choice in town, just the best!

Telephone: 217-235-5004 Fax:217-235-5007 houseofpaint@consolidated.net

Investing In Our Community At McHugh’s we value our community and try our best to purchase all of our items locally. As a locally owned business we know the importance of supporting your local businesses. So every time you choose McHugh’s know you are investing in your community.

HOTTER – FASTER

Locally Owned Since 1990

HOTTER – FASTER

801 Charleston Avenue

Mattoon

4 Lincoln Avenue

Charleston

10 Buy Local Shop Local: Hometown Business - June 2010

Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

jg-tc.com

Bike & Hike is focused on community relationships

Bike and Hike owner Ed Thomas pictured Wednesday morning (June 2, 2010) in the repair shop of the Bike and Hike location on 18th Street in Charleston. (Photo by Ken Trevarthan).

experience with a wide variety of bikes, Thomas said.

“That experience ranges from jumping them to racing them to the casual ride around the block,” said Brendan Lynch, who is in charge of advocacy and community affairs for Bike & Hike. “All of us are very avid cyclists in all disciplines.“ Thomas, an Effingham native, opened his first

By ROB STROUD Staff Writer CHARLESTON — “We service, we sell, we ride,” is a motto that Bike & Hike owner Ed Thomas said he and his staff live by at their Charleston and Effingham shops.

“We ride” is an especially important part of the motto because it lets customers know that the Bike & Hike team loves to ride and has personal

Limited Time Offer

Select GE ProfileTM and GE® appliances are now available in stainless steel for the same price as traditional finishes.

See store for details.

50 Years In Business

Serving Coles County for 50 years in choosing quality appliances & TV’s.

Also providing repair services to our valued customers.

Bike & Hike shop in 1995 while pursuing his graduate studies at Eastern Illinois University. He moved the Charleston shop to its present location on 18th Street in 2002 and opened a shop in downtown Effingham in 2005. He is a speech and broadcasting instructor at Lake Land College.

Both shops offer bikes, accessories and related service work for mountain biking, long-distance

road cycling, bicycle jumping, commuting and other pursuits. Their product line includes Trek, Gary Fisher, Cannondale and more.

Lynch, a Charleston native and an attorney, said the Bike & Hike team strives to provide personalized service and to get to know their customers. He noted that the shop’s customers have been organizing seasonal barbecues and rides.

“You sell someone a bike and you get a friend out of the deal,” Lynch said.

Last summer Bike & Hike launched a series of Wednesday morning rides to the Farmers Market on the courthouse square, Lynch said. The market rides have resumed this season and leave at 7:15 a.m. from the shop.

Thomas said the market rides are open to cyclists of all skill levels, adding that Bike & Hike

is not just a “racer store.“ “A lot of our business is selling to mom and pop and their kids,” Thomas said. Family-style bicycle bags and baskets have been popular lately, he continued.

Bike & Hike also has been building a client base at EIU. Thomas said Bike & Hike supports the EIU Cycling Club, advised by faculty member Milt Allen.

Thomas said the club has more than 40 members and has a focus on recreational riding. He said the club has helped introduce participating students to areas of Charleston beyond campus and the Illinois Route 16 business corridor.

Earlier this year Bike & Hike helped organize a bicycle scavenger hunt that successfully raised funds to install bicycle racks along Jackson Avenue just east of the courthouse square.

“Really the business model we have taken is to be engaged,” Lynch said.

“We are very aware of the environment we are in and the community we are in.“ For more information, call Bike & Hike at 3451316 or go online to www.bikeandhikeweb.com or the shop’s Facebook site.

Contact Rob Stroud at rstroud@jg-tc.com

1960-2010

or 238-6861.

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Buy Local Shop Local: Hometown Business - June 2010 11

Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

Marketing in a Weak Economy: A Dozen Ideas

By Daniel Obregon and Joyce L. Bosc From the pages of Home Business Magazine Online

1. Always think Marketing Keep a file of good ideas, direct mail samples, great ads, for future use or brainstorming.

2. Target your Market Read up on industry trends, developments, etc. Know your competition and keep a competitive intelligence file.

3. Develop your Brands Create new services or products. Update them.

Trademark protect them.

Try to always keep things fresh so your customers see progress.

4. Build a Team Establish a marketing/public relations advisory team composed of key personnel in or outside of your organization. Attend seminars, read marketing publications, join listserves.

Consult outside marketing professionals to get unbiased opinions.

5. Establish a Budget How much are you currently spending on marketing?

How much do you want to spend? How much can you afford to spend? Determine a percentage of gross income that can be spent on marketing. Try to establish a market presence monthly whether through advertising or public relations.

6. Stay Top of Mind Publish a newsletter. Create a survey. Develop a Web site. Use uniformed signatures denoting contact information/Web site address and slogan at the bottom of every email you send out. Send postcards or electronic briefs to stay connected and offer value add to clients.

7. Meet the Press Create a press kit. Be sure to include an online version with executive bios and high-resolution photographs.

8. Service is Job #1 Return calls promptly. Refer

callers to others when you’re not available. Send out email tips or dedicate a part of your Web site specifically to client needs. Make sure it is easy for people to contact you. Always follow up on calls or messages.

9. Word of Mouth Hold an open house. Join community organizations and network!

Contact speakers at conferences you attend.

10. Advertise Develop a new or improved logo. Get a memorable phone number, such as “1800-GOT-DEBT.” Include your Web address, email and slogan consistently on

all marketing materials.

11. Reach Out Sponsor a booth at a tradeshow, hold an event at your office or give a speech at a community gathering.

12. Put it in Writing Write a column for the local newspaper, local business journal or trade publication.

Publish an article and circulate reprints.

Daniel Obregon and Joyce L. Bosc run Boscobel Marketing Communications, Inc., a branding, public relations, and marketing consulting firm. He can be reached at dobregon@boscobel.com or 816 Thayer Ave. Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301-588-2900

Fax: 301-588-1363 Bosc (jbosc@boscobel.com), founder and CEO of Boscobel Marketing, also co-founded ESTN Communications Group in 1995, to provide niche services for government outreach.

Home Business Magazine Online is a one-stop resource for information and advice on starting and expanding a home-based business. The site features hundreds of helpful articles, start-up advice, business opportunities & ideas, business tools & resources, networking contacts, product and service marketplace, classified ads, news, trade/business show calendar, message boards, email, legal advice, financial info, health insurance, search engine, web hosting, and a Home-Based Business Directory!

315 N Logan Mattoon, IL 61938

309 N. 15th • Mattoon 258-VOLT (8658)

Paint isn’t just paint.

Free Delivery Now Renting UHAULs

1519 Madison Ave. • Charleston 345-VOLT (8658)

Since opening its doors in 1990, Battery Specialists has been serving Coles County and the surrounding area with great service from their Charleston and Mattoon locations. With a very knowledgable staff that has over 100 years combined experience, Battery Specialists offers batteries large to small, custom battery cable making, complete starter, alternator and generator services, along with free testing of all your truck, car or equipment’s cranking & charging systems.

Your One Stop Battery Shop No Battery’s Too Big or Small!

Stacey and Chris at Nick & Stacey’s House of Paints would like to thank all of their customers for another successful year. We specialize in architectural, industrial and specialty paint and coatings, but also offer competitive prices and expertise. Need an interior stain?

Give our custom interior stains a try. We custom make each interior stain from an empty can. We offer free delivery in the surrounding areas and are now renting U-HAULs. Here at Nick & Stacey’s we strive to be able to ask the right questions to make sure the customer has the right product for their project.

We are not your only choice in town, just the best!

Telephone: 217-235-5004 Fax:217-235-5007 houseofpaint@consolidated.net

Investing In Our Community At McHugh’s we value our community and try our best to purchase all of our items locally. As a locally owned business we know the importance of supporting your local businesses. So every time you choose McHugh’s know you are investing in your community.

HOTTER – FASTER

Locally Owned Since 1990

HOTTER – FASTER

801 Charleston Avenue

Mattoon

4 Lincoln Avenue

Charleston

12 Buy Local Shop Local: Hometown Business - June 2010

Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

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Reasons to shop at locally owned businesses Staff report Shopping at locally owned businesses helps other businesses and agencies.

Cindy Titus, executive director of the Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce, reported that one Illinois county explains the benefits this way: If every household in the county spends an additional $3.50 per day that they are currently spending outside of the county, local business sales will increase by more than $18.5 million per year.

This county and its municipalities will collect an additional $232,792 per year in sales tax.

Our household goal: An extra $3.50 per day, per household—a couple of sodas, a really good cup of coffee, about a gallon of gas.

Many people do not realize that both motor fuel tax and sales tax apply to every purchase of gasoline within the county. Nineteen cents from every gallon of gas goes directly to the State of Illinois for a variety of govern-

ment services, including road construction and maintenance, plus another 6.25 percent for sales tax. At $3 per gallon, 38 cents of every gallon comes back to Illinois residents. That’s $7.60 for every 20-gallon tank of

gas you purchase. If you fill your tank once a week, that’s $395 per year.

It’s your choice . . .

Buy Local. In an increasingly standardized world, it is important to support what is unique and special

about our community.

By shopping locally, you are investing in your community and helping to foster a climate that is more likely to attract entrepreneurs and new investment.

Small Businesses Are Important Players in U.S. Business and Job Growth WASHINGTON, D.C. – Small businesses will play an important role in the nation’s economic future. The Office of Advocacy’s Small Business Profile for the United States, released today, provides details about small business employment, business starts and closings, bank lending in 2008, the demographics of business ownership, and firm and employment change by major industry and firm size.

“The United States

continues to depend on the health and ingenuity of its small business sector for the nation’s economic growth,” said Susan Walthall, Acting Chief Counsel for Advocacy. “In today’s economic climate, it is especially important for policymakers to keep small business concerns in mind as they formulate policy.”

In 2008, the United States saw an increase of 0.7 percent in GDP and a private sector employment decline of

• Businesses owned by women, and by Asian Americans, African • Small employers in Americans, Hispanic the United States Americans, and Hawaiand Pacific numbered 6 million in ians all 2006 (latest data). Islandeers There were also 20.8 increased significantly million nonemployers, over the most recent which increased to 21.7 period for which Census data are available. million by 2007.

0.7 percent. The U.S. profile also shows that:

• Small businesses added 2.5 million net new jobs in 2005-2006.

Overall, they employed 50.2 percent of the nation’s nonfarm private workforce in 2006.

As additional small business data become available over the coming months, they will be incorporated in a new edition of the state profiles, to be issued in

early 2010.

For more information and a complete copy of the state and territory small business profiles, visit the Office of Advocacy website at www.sba.gov/advo.

The Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent voice for small business within the federal government.

The presidentially appointed Chief Counsel for Advocacy advances the views, concerns, and interests of small business before Congress, the White House, federal agencies, federal courts, and state policy makers.

For more information, visit www.sba.gov/advo, or call (202) 205-6533

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Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

Buy Local Shop Local: Hometown Business - June 2010 9

A Message from the Mattoon Chamber Mattoon FIRST! ...is all about promoting our local businesses, fueling our local economy, and spreading the word about the many benefits of shopping locally.

The “Shop Local” campaigns are definitely not a new idea, however with the internet and the new waves of shopping; it has caused the idea to be revisited by every small community. While we are revisiting and re-educating the public on this subject matter, we are also reminding our local business climate of the enormous affects it has on

spend outside the area or they turn to the Internet as a means for saving money.

an opportunity that by supporting our local businesses, we in turn support our local city government and our community.

Keeping dollars in our local community creates jobs, those jobs spend money with our businesses, sales tax collected by those businesses, which funds more city services through those sales tax, in return-promotes community development.

Before you buy outside your community, review your vendors.

Identify the vendors that you use out of market and determine whether you

can shift even as little as 10 percent back to Mattoon. If you need help finding vendors, contact the Chamber to see if we can help you make

those connections.

We encourage our residents to understand the consequences for a community when consumers

Mattoon is blessed with a diverse mix of business and it’s that mix that makes our economy work. As a Chamber, we are urging our residents to spend their dollars locally and are communicating the message that it is all right to invest in yourself, your family, your home and your business. Business is a huge investment.

Let’s support those who have invested in Mattoon!! Shop Local!!

Boomers and Business Start-Ups (MS) - An ever growing number of baby boomers are starting their own businesses.

Some are motivated by the dream of being their own boss, while others want to take an idea about a product or service and make it a reality. For many boomers, becoming an entrepreneur is a key element of their retirement -either out of financial necessity or the desire to remain active in the business world. Regardless of the reason, starting a successful enterprise requires careful planning.

Choosing a business Starting a business that you know and love is always going to have a better chance of success. The years of experience you've accumulated in a field are an invaluable asset and if you believe in your product, those skills and energy can be focused on marketing.

Consulting a tax lawyer will help you determine which legal entity best fits your business and the tax advantages and disadvantages of operating as a sole proprietor, partnership, LLC, or

Subchapter S-Corpora- enue, as are small business loans. Whatever tion. the means of financing, Having what it takes create a solid plan so Since any start-up is you'll know what to going to consume expect until you start financial resources, it's generating an income. important to be aware of actual costs and the Defining and setting time it will take to see benchmarks a return.

Savings It's important to plan accounts, the equity in and track the progress a home and investment of your business by setportfolios can be ting benchmarks. This sources of revenue, but allows you to focus on determine how much any necessary adjustyou can afford to tie up ments to keep your or possibly lose if the enterprise moving forbusiness fails. A part- ward at a measured nership or outside pace. Even the best investors are also pos- business plan can't sible sources of rev- take into account all

the possible snags or delays, so have contingencies in place to help you deal with them.

Find the support you need You may know your product, but not necessarily the ins-and-outs of operating a successful business. Getting help with what you don't know, such as setting up an efficient office or getting your Web site up and running, allows you to focus on the things you know and do best.

14 Buy Local Shop Local: Hometown Business - June 2010

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Business-owning Households More Likely Than Others to Have Higher Income and Wealth in the 1998-2007 period were more likely than other households to be in the top 50 percent in income and wealth,” said Susan M. Walthall, Acting Chief Counsel for Advocacy. “It will be important to continue to examine this data series to assess the well-being of small businesses in the current economic environment.”

Income and Wealth: How Did Households Owning Small Businesses Fare from 1998 to 2007? by George W.

• Kids Menu • Pasta • Steaks • Skillets •

Sandwiches • Chicken • Pasta • Manhattans

Lincoln Garden Family Restaurant

Our family restaurant has a larger menu than ever. We have built a brand new banquet room that can seat up to 40 people along with a remodeled dinning room. We serve breakfast anytime and offer carry out too. 24 Hour Dining is available on the weekend except Sunday. Our family is looking forward to seeing your family for years to come.

Open: 5am - 10pm Daily, 24 Hours Friday & Saturday 703 W. Lincoln Ave. • Charleston • 345-5070 Eggs • Soups • Salads • Sandwiches • Chicken

• Seafood • Kids Menu • Omelets • Steaks •

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Does small business ownership help increase a household’s overall wellbeing? One way to look at this is to examine how the income and wealth of households owning small businesses changed in the most recent economic expansion and recovery period. That task was undertaken in a study just released by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy.

“The report released today finds that households owning small firms

Charleston • Effingham

Haynes, updates previous Advocacy-sponsored studies and is based on additional data from the 2007 Survey of Consumer Finances. Household income is the sum of wages, salaries, interest, dividends, asset sales, rents, and other income sources.

Household wealth is estimated by generating a balance sheet subtracting total liabilities from total assets. Findings include the following: Households owning any business were signif-

icantly more likely to be high income earners in 2007 than in 1998; the largest percentage gain was among owners with more than one business.

In the latter part of the period—between 2004 and 2007—the likelihood that households owning a small business had a high income increased by 4.2 percent and the likelihood that they had a high level of wealth increased by more than 20 percent, compared with increases of 2.1 and 5.2 percent, respectively, in house-

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Store Hours: Mon.-Sat. 6:30am-8pm Sunday 8am-6pm

www.charlestontruevalue.com

The Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent voice for small business within the federal government.

The presidentially appointed Chief Counsel for Advocacy advances the views, concerns, and interests of small business before Congress, the White House, federal agencies, federal courts, and state policymakers.

For more information, visit www.sba.gov/advo, or call (202) 205-6533.

Your Total Hardware Convenience Store!

START RIGHT. START HERE.SM 217-348-1835 520 W. Lincoln, Charleston, IL

holds not owning businesses.

The characteristics of households and businesses were somewhat different in 1998 than in 2007.

By 2007, high income households were headed by younger people, while higher wealth households were headed by older people.

From 1998 to 2007, households not owning a business increased real mean wealth by just under 40 percent; the comparable increase for those owning a small business was 63.4 percent.

For a copy of the study, visit the Office of Advocacy website at www.sba.gov/advo.

Plumbing

All Your Wedding and Party Rental Needs Too! Construction & Landscaping Equipment

Service Center Power Tools

And More

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Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

Buy Local Shop Local: Hometown Business - June 2010 7

SCORE Offers Top 10 Secrets for Small Business Success in 2010 Washington, D.C. — Make 2010 a small business year for growth and profits with success secrets from SCORE. The experts at SCORE are dedicated to supporting America’s engine for economic growth—small business. SCORE provides mentoring, coaching, training and resources. Every day, SCORE mentors are helping small businesses succeed. Learn more at www.score.org.

SCORE CEO Ken Yancey says, “When it comes to getting ahead in business, it’s all about making the right moves at the right times. At SCORE, we share secrets for success, based on having helped more than 8.5 million entrepreneurs.

This year, we’ve come up with our top 10 list to make 2010 a profitable year for America’s small businesses.”

SCORE’s Top 10 Secrets for Small Business Success in 2010 Grow your customer base. Understand your customer demographics and why they buy your products and services.

Win clients over with new and diversified products. Offer multiple price points and create packages or customizable plans, which give your customers greater freedom and flexibility.

Expand low budget marketing.

Promote your business for free on Twitter, and set up a Facebook fan page. Start a blog and comment on other blogs. Take this

opportunity to communicate with customers about your business. Go viral.

Surround yourself with experts. Get feedback from advisors you trust.

Entrepreneurs count on SCORE for free and confidential business mentoring. Use a mentor to test ideas, map a sales plan and focus on success. Ask SCORE for advice and meet with a SCORE mentor.

Add ecommerce through a web site.

Your business needs a web site to stay competitive. Secure all variations on your company’s domain name. Use online forms to encourage interaction. Add a shopping cart to sell your products, not just promote the brand.

Free up time to sharpen your focus. Organize for success. Set a time each week to handle routine tasks. Use a PDA to

keep track of phone numbers, dates, appointments and meetings.

Take short breaks to refresh and recharge.

Create experience events to draw in customers. Host special events like demonstrations, trunk shows and classes. Offer rebate programs to encourage repeat purchases.

Rearrange merchandise to make it appear fresh and provide a fresh customer experience.

Network to build buzz and referrals. Join groups that represent your clients. If you don’t have the money to join an association, offer to donate your services.

Take advantage of social gatherings, committee appointments, membership meetings and networking events. Each meeting is an opportunity for referrals.

Track your cash flow.

The one thing all busi-

79

nesses need is cash.

Ensure that you collect receivables within 30 days. Monitor invoices.

Pay early when you get a discount. Always keep an eye on your cash. Prepare cash flow reports so you understand your cash needs.

SCORE has 364 offices nationwide with experts who offer free and confidential advice to small business owners. SCORE mentors have experience in finance, accounting, management, marketing, sales prospecting, strategic planning and more.

Plan for financing success. Even if you’re in business, you should have a business plan ready to submit to potential lenders. Know how additional funding will help you grow your business, and demonstrate your ability to re-pay the loan.

Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 8.5 million aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners through mentoring and workshops. More than 12,400 volunteer business counselors in 364 chapters serve their communities through entrepreneur education dedicated to the formation, growth and success of small businesses.

Consider an LLC. As a sole proprietor, you are personally liable for the debts and liabilities of your business. A corporation or limited liability corporation (LLC) protects your personal assets and property. You can register your business as a separate legal entity.

For more information about starting or operating a small business, call 1-800/634-0245 for the SCORE chapter nearest you. Visit SCORE on the Web at www.score.org and www.score.org/women.

Rhoadside Custard

June 28th 2001-2010

9 Years of Quality Custard & Food

Open Now – Sept. 5th, 2010

Bring this ad in and receive 50¢ OFF total purchase Reneé England Studio owner for 15 years Come in to see our extensive selection of Merle Norman skin care and cosmetic products Merle Norman Cosmetics 1608 Broadway • Mattoon • 234-4277

Rhoadside Custard 32nd St.

Across from Lytle Park, Mattoon

234-7449 2:00 - 9:00 pm Daily

6 Buy Local Shop Local: Hometown Business - June 2010

Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

jg-tc.com

The Good and Bad of Franchise Businesses

(MS) - Franchises are well-known business ventures. It is estimated that one in every 12 businesses in the United States is a franchise. One of the foremost franchise industries is fast food.

An individual thinking about opening up a small business at one point may consider a franchise operation.

Before doing so, it's important to explore

both sides of franchises to determine if it's the right business model for you.

ADVANTAGES One of the first advantages to franchises is the established name.

Name recognition can go a long way toward moving merchandise. A small business that is not a franchise will have to spend a good deal of time and capital

Charleston Appliance Center Sales • Service • Parts

establishing a solid track record and name recognition. A franchise likely already has this.

Corporate marketing is another advantage.

While individual franchises will do their own advertising and marketing, the corporate entity will still be doing their own work toward promoting the business' name. This saves individual franchises money.

Money can also be saved on equipment and inventory. Franchises will have bulk purchasing power because franchises typically must feature the same brands and equipment throughout their satellite locations. Buying in bulk drives down the perunit cost of many items.

Franchise owners will also have the bene-

fit of other franchisee's past experiences. Routine meetings and strategy guides can help them navigate the tricky world of small businesses. While there will be some trial and error, franchises come with a playbook of sorts that may offer guidelines and strategies for success.

DISADVANTAGES Some of the advantages to franchises can also be disadvantages, depending on one's perspective. For example, working under the auspices of a larger entity restricts some of the creative freedom a small business owner might want. In general, franchisees must discuss ideas and decisions for the business with the franchisors before execution.

Franchisees are expected to pay dues to

Providing Healthy Choices Since 1973 Check Out Our Large Selection of:

Matt & Laura Morecraft

HOURS: Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm • Sat: 9am-1pm

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• • • •

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• Natural Herbal Remedies • Vitamins & Minerals • Organic & Gluten Free Products • Natural Health Books • Specialty Bulk Foods • Fresh Frozen Farm-Raised Chickens

Family Health Foods 1 mile South of Arthur 217-543-3189

Our goal is to provide friendly service and quality products for you at reasonable prices.

Hours: M-F 7 am - 5:30 pm • Sat. 7 am - 4:30 pm

Shop healthy…Eat healthy…Be healthy!

the franchisor. While money may be saved on other aspects of franchise ownership, the average royalty fees paid by franchisees range from 3 to 6 percent of monthly gross sales.

Any business venture will require an initial investment. However, franchise investment could be considerable. The average initial franchise startup investment is $250,000, excluding real estate. Some franchisors will also want to ensure that a potential franchisee has a considerable savings account for other expenses. Many times franchises are started by partners simply for the start-up costs involved.

While some franchises have a proven track record, not every franchise will work in a particular geographic area. Researching franchises takes time. And after all of that effort and application, a potential franchisee may still be rejected by the parent company.

The franchise business accounts for at least 40 percent of all retail sales in the United States. Explore whether this type of business model is right for you if you're considering self-employment.

jg-tc.com

Buy Local Shop Local: Hometown Business - June 2010 15

Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

Small Biz Stats & Trends The small business marketplace changes rapidly. The information included on this page represents the most current information.

When discussing a “small business,” this article uses the definitions provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy.

Small Business Impact on the Economy The estimated 29.6 million small businesses in the United States: • Employ just over half of the country’s private sector workforce • Hire 40 percent of high tech workers, such as scientists, engineers and computer workers • Include 52 percent homebased businesses and two percent franchises • Represent 97.3 percent of all the exporters of goods • Represent 99.7 percent of all employer firms • Generate a majority of the innovations that come from United States companies Source:

U.S.

Small

Business

Administration Office of Advocacy, September 2009

Small Business Survival Rates Small Business Openings & Closings in 2008: • There were 627,200 new businesses, 595,600 business closures and 43,546 bankruptcies.

• Seven out of 10 new employer firms survive at least two years, and about half survive five years.

• Findings do not differ greatly across industry sectors.

Sources:

U.S.

Small

Business

Administration Office of Advocacy, September 2009

Survival and Longevity in the Business Employment Dynamics Database, Monthly Labor Review, May 2005. Redefining Business

Success: Distinguishing Between Closure and Failure, Small Business Economics, August 2003.

Trends in the Small Biz Marketplace General Trends • The number of selfemployed workers in June 2005 fell 3.1 percent or 303,000 from the month before, Labor Department data showed. Self employment tends to fall as the economy grows. That's especially true among laid-off workers who start tiny companies after failing to find work in slow times. (Source: USA Today, July 17, 2005) • During 1979-2003, selfemployment increased: 33 percent for women; 37 percent for African Americans, 15 percent for Latinos, 10 for White Americans and 2.5 percent for men. (Source: SBA, Office of Advocacy)

• Where do small business owners go for advice? 52 percent from individual mentors; 51 percent from social networks; 44 percent from trade associations; 36 percent from business advisors; 31 percent from the Internet and 27 percent from Chambers of Com-

merce

(Source:

American

Express)

Women in Business • Women represent more than 1/3 of all people involved in entrepreneurial activity. (Source: Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2005 Report on Women and Entrepreneurship)

• Between 1997 and 2002, women-owned firms grew by 19.8 percent while all U.S. firms grew by seven percent (Source: SBA, Office of Advocacy)

• Women-owned firms accounted for 6.5 percent of total employment in U.S. firms in 2002 and 4.2 percent of total receipts. (Source: SBA, Office of Advocacy)

• The number of womenowned firms continues to grow at twice the rate of all U.S. firms (23 percent vs. 9 percent). There are an estimated 10 million womenowned, privately-held U.S. businesses. The greatest challenge for women-owned firms is access to capital, credit and equity. Women start businesses on both lifestyle and financial reasons. Many run businesses from home to keep overhead low. (Source: SBA, Office of Advoca-

cy and Business Times, April 2005)

• Women are more likely to seek business advice—69 percent women vs. 47 percent men. (Source: American Express)

Minority-Owned Businesses • Black-owned businesses are the fastest growing segment, up 45 percent between 1997-2002. Revenues generated by the nation's 1.2 million blackowned businesses rose 25 percent between 1997 and 2002 to $88.8 billion in 2002. (Source: U.S. Census Bureau)

• The number of U.S. businesses with Hispanic owners grew at three times the national average from 1997 to 2002 to 1.6 million businesses in 2002, a 31 percent increase from five years earlier. (Source: MSNBC) Seniors in Business • Entrepreneurship among seniors is growing. In 2002, the rate of self-employment for the workforce was 10.2 percent (13.8 million workers), but the rate for workers aged 50 was 16.4 percent (5.6 million workers).

Although those age 50

made up 25 percent of the workforce, they comprised 40 of the self-employed.

Solo business formation in the future will be driven by people who take early retirement or whose jobs (Source: just disappear.

AARP/Rand Corp. "Self-employment and the 50 Population")

Veterans in Business • In 2004, about 22 percent of veterans in the US household population were either purchasing or starting a new business or considering purchasing or starting a business and nearly 72 percent of veteran entrepreneurs planned to employ at least one person at the start of their venture (Source: US Census Bureau)

Hot markets for small businesses: • eBay drop-off sites • Search engine optimization and Internet marketing • Performance apparel • Niche health and fitness • Technology security consulting • Services/products for Hispanic-market (Source: Entrepreneur magazine, "Newest Trends & Hottest Markets," January 2005)

Charleston’s “Resale” Department Store

Twice is Nice

Highest Quality Used and New Furniture

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16 Buy Local Shop Local: Hometown Business - June 2010

Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

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Ten Great Reasons to Shop Local

3.

locally based businesses provide some of the most stable employment opportunities in a community. These employees in turn spend in the local economy.

4.

Supporting Local Business Supports Your Neighbors. Local businesses are generally owned by people who live locally and are part of our community.

5.

Local Businesses Maintain Our Community’s Uniqueness. Today’s workers are choosing to settle in places that preserve their distinctive character. Our communities have dozens of small businesses that have been in town for years, thus contributing to the town’s special quality.

6.

Small Businesses Offer Unique Choices. Local businesses offer shoppers unique products and services. Independent shops create distinctive shopping experiences and respond more quickly to the need of local customers, stocking products to meet the changing population needs.

New

Items

We Offer: Brighton Jewelry • Home Decor • Gifts Wind & Willow • Gourmet Items

Established 1989, 21 years in business

901 Broadway • Mattoon, IL 61938 • 217-258-6364

8.

Shopping Local Saves You Money.

Choosing to shop locally first saves you gas and travel time which equates to money saved.

9.

Lower Environmental Impact.

Local businesses make more local purchases requiring less transportation and help sustain vibrant, compact business centers, which generally mean reduced sprawl, congestion, habitat loss, and pollution.

10.

Entrepreneurship.

Local entrepreneurship fosters economic innovation and prosperity.

The success of locally owned, independent businesses provides real-life inspiration to our young people, proving that they can stay in the community and prosper on their own terms.

Buy Local Shop Local: Hometown Business - June 2010 5

Card’s has been dealing in appliances for 40 years

Receive Extra Attention and Quality Service.

Research shows that small business owners compete by focusing on customer service and quality goods. Local business employees take the time to get to know their customers.

2.

Local Businesses Provide Jobs.

Small local businesses account for a large share of new jobs created each year and

Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

7.

1.

Money Spent Local Stays Local. By shopping locally, you simultaneously create jobs, fund more city services through sales tax, invest in neighborhood improvement and promote community development.

Local Businesses Contribute to the Community. Ninetyone percent of local business owners contribute to their community, including schools, nonprofits and community groups, by volunteering and making donations.

jg-tc.com

Card's Appliance employee Debbie Williams polishes the cooktop of a display range Tuesday morning (June 1, 2010) in the store's showroom in Mattoon. (Photo by Ken Trevarthan).

By HERB MEEKER Staff Writer MATTOON -- The only big boxes Chuck Card cares about are those that hold the latest sales from his appliance store.

The owner of Card’s Appliance Sales & Service, 120 S. Ninth, once cut into the cardboard boxes holding appliances when he was in grade school.

Card’s is a family store that has no intention to succumb to the “big box” stores anytime soon.

“Our customers know when they come back for a new product they’ll see familiar faces here,” said Card, whose business celebrated its 40th anniversary last year. “Our main philosophy here is we treat our customers like we want to be treated.”

The business at a busy corner in Mattoon sells microwaves, ovens, ranges, refrigerators, washers, dryers, freezers and services in commercial refrigeration and laundry. There is a fullservice department in the store and delivery is offered as well as instal-

lation of built-ins.

Though it has not always been Card’s, the business has strong ties to the family’s past. In 1969, Chuck Card Sr. purchased Gamble’s Hardware at 15th Street and Broadway Avenue.

The store, known as Gamble’s, then sold hardware, toys, furniture and appliances.

In 1984, the business moved east to its current location and Chuck Jr. took over as service man-

ager. Gamble’s ended and the name changed to Card’s the next year.

Card’s concentrated on electronics and appliances from that point.

Then came the electronics revolution that changed how televisions and other devices were marketed.

“We eventually got out of the electronics business because it became more of a throwaway market. When we couldn’t offer console televi-

Family Owned For Over

40

years

10 0 2 9 6 19

Card’s

Appliance Sales & Service

120 S. 9th Mattoon

234-8841

sions everything changed. Most of our clientele wanted a piece of furniture not a big black box,” Card said.

In 1994, Chuck’s father died and that passed on ownership to a new generation. The business concentrated more on appliances, delivery and service.

Then came another turn of the market.

“My Dad first witnessed the change from people replacing wringer washers with automatic washers. People wanted the machine to do the work. Now the big change in this business is efficiency models that use less water, less soap and less energy. It is night and day comparing the old automatic styles to the new ones today,” Card explained.

Efficiency is also the watchword for the Cards staff, which includes Mary VanMatre, Debbie Williams, Cliff Lee, Gerald Baker and Dave Carter, plus the owner,

who also multi-tasks.

“During the day I might be the secretary, the accountant or the sales person. It depends on what time of day you come in,” said VanMatre, who might work with banks on accounts or customer trying to offer directions for a home delivery -- which can extend past 25 miles or more.

“We really do wear all the hats here,” Card said.

He has been in the store for more years than his late father.

“I believe I’ve been in this business now longer than my father. That was hard to realize because my dad was in it forever,” he said.

Will there be another Card dealt in the appliance business.

“I’m not sure my kids will take over. But I plan on being around for a while longer,” he said.

Contact Herb Meeker at hmeeker@jg-tc.com or 238-6869.

4 Buy Local Shop Local: Hometown Business - June 2010

Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

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Cultivating Relationships Key for Small Business Owners causing a stir in other areas as well. In the business world, a recession almost always leads to layoffs.

While it might seem as though small business would suffer most in a recession, that’s not necessarily true. Analysts often note that the smaller the business is, the more capable it may be of surviving a recession. Unlike their larger counterparts that boast a hierarchy of employees and high overhead, small businesses are often more flexible. Also, small businesses tend to have more personal connections with their customers, a definite advantage when money starts getting tight. Small business owners looking to cultivate those customer relationships should consider the following tips.

(MS) — While politicians might be wary of admitting it, the nation seems to be in, or at least headed toward, a recession. In April, real estate information firm RealtyTrac reported foreclosure filings spiked 112 per-

cent in the first three months of 2008, resulting in 155,000 families losing their homes to foreclosure over that span.

While the housing crisis is definitely a concern, the prospect of a recession is

3WWelsh Meats Farms Locally raised pork and beef

Come In & Check Out Our Beef & Pork Specials ~Specials Change Weekly~

3809 Marshall Ave. • Mattoon, IL 61938

(217) 258-6327 Hours: Thursday & Friday 10am-5pm Saturday 10am - 2pm

• Do whatever it takes to keep customers satisfied.

While it might be one-sided, customers are more likely to share an unpleasant experience with a business than they are a positive one.

Consumer surveys note that a person who has had a

negative experience with a company will tell roughly 10 people. During a recession, consumers place a greater emphasis on getting their money’s worth, so hearing a friend speak negatively about a local business could have a very negative impact on that business’ chance to gain new customers. When money is tight, small businesses should emphasize to employees the increased importance of satisfying all customers and keeping both the regulars and any new clients as content as possible.

• Increase trusted employees’ decision-making power.

If a customer has a question but the owner or manager is not in, that could lead to a lost customer. By giving trusted employees the power to make certain decisions, such as whether or not to offer discounts on larger purchases, small business owners could be keeping customers they might otherwise have lost.

In addition, customers will respect a staff that’s experi-

We are Local We are Family The Floor Show is a family operating business with over 25 years of community service.

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enced enough to have several people capable of making decisions, and are more likely to return as a result.

• Keep track of any complaints. While some customers seem born to be difficult, it’s good to treat all complaints in the same way and to keep track of all customer complaints or problems. If the same complaint is brought up time and again, it’s not an aberration but rather a trend. A negative trend will result in diminished business even during boom times, and especially during a recession.

A second element to keeping track of complaints is the chance to develop an effective means of complaint management. Customers often appreciate the personal touch smaller businesses offer, and that includes a more empathetic approach to addressing complaints. Make your complaint management approach as personal as possible.

• Image is important. During a recession, many people cut back on their spending. That said, when people do decide to spend money, they want to get the most out of their money. A professional appearance and image makes a business seem more credible. Discuss with employees how they and their appearance are integral to the company’s success. Make sure facilities are clean and safe, and make sure employees present themselves in a professional manner, both in how they speak and how they dress.

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Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

Buy Local Shop Local: Hometown Business - June 2010 17

Where Do Jobs Come From? New Analysis of Job Gains and Losses from the Office of Advocacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – Over a recent 15-year period, small businesses created some 65 percent of the net new jobs in the private sector, according to conservative estimates cited in a new report from the SBA Office of Advocacy.

In An Analysis of Small Business and Jobs, Advocacy economist Brian Headd notes that many of the new jobs are in new business startups, but an even larger share are in expanding firms of all sizes—particularly mid-sized firms with 20-499 employees.

“More and more, we’re finding that both

new startups and ongoing high-growth firms have important roles to play in the labor market,” said Acting Chief Counsel for Advocacy Susan M. Walthall.

“Fast-growing firms scattered across the economy create a large share of jobs—and because no one can predict which idea will be the next to catch on, it’s important to create an environment in which a wide spectrum can start up and expand.”

Advocacy’s analysis of the quarterly Bureau of Labor Statistics data show that over the 15 years from 1993 to mid-2008, 31

percent of net job gains (jobs created minus jobs lost) came from the opening of new establishments.

An even larger share—the remaining 69 percent—were from ongoing firms of all sizes that expanded. (These net figures are based on establishment openings minus closings and establishment expansions minus contractions.)

The business cycle is an important factor in the net creation or loss of jobs. In the current downturn, firms with fewer than 20 employees began losing jobs as early as the second

quarter of 2007. From 2008 to the second quarter of 2009, these smallest firms accounted for 24 percent of the net job losses, while those with 20-499 employees accounted for 36 percent; the remaining 40 percent of job losses were in large firms with more than 500 employees.

The Office of Advocacy, the “small business watchdog” of the federal government, examines the role and status of small business in the economy and independently represents the views of small businesses to federal agencies, Congress, and the

President. It is the source for small business statistics presented in user-friendly formats, and it funds research into small business issues.

For more information and a complete copy of the report, visit the Office of Advocacy website at www.sba.gov/advo.

The Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent voice for small business within the federal government.

The presidentially appointed Chief Counsel for Advocacy advances the views, concerns, and interests of small business before Congress, the White House, federal agencies, federal courts, and state policymakers.

For more information, visit www.sba.gov/advo, or call (202) 205-6533.

Sanders & Co. Real Estate is embarking on their 6th year in real estate as well as property management and rentals. The office is located downtown Mattoon. Sanders and Co. owner, Cory Sanders, believes in the future of the downtown business district.

1400 Broadway - Mattoon

Since its opening, Sanders & Co. has grown from 1 realtor to 10 successful realtors and 3 fulltime support staff. Also, Sanders & Co. is now successfully managing over 350 properties in Mattoon and Charleston for various owners.

Cory Sanders and his wife, Charity, are life-long residents of the Mattoon area. Charity is a 7th grade Special Education teacher with the Charleston school district. Cory began to invest in this Cory and his wife Charity. locale through the purchase of rental housing at a young age. As the broker/owner of a growing business in this community, he is looking forward to providing you with high quality service and continued dedication and loyalty.

Phone: 217.235.4848 Fax: 217.235.1855

www.sandersandco.com

Daughters, Flannery, 9, Piper, 4, and Zealand, 2½.

SANDERS & CO. looks forward to assisting you TODAY!

Your Premiere Memory Care Community Gowin Parc is a memory care community specializing in walks, talks, hugs & love.

Theresa and Jason Gowin, Owners

Gowin Parc is your nursing home alternative for Alzheimer’s and dementia care “Individuals are lost in the medical care models present now,” said Theresa Gowin, who has worked in health care for more than a decade. “It doesn’t have to be that way. There’s got to be something different… and that is what we feel we have created.

“It’s important we get to know the families of our residents. The family members know the resident as much as anyone.” This helps Gowin Parc customize its care for Alzheimer’s residents. Staff members work with a small group of residents each day.

The plan is to get the residents in a daily routine in order to maximize their abilities. The focus is on the patient’s needs so the schedules and programs work for them.

At Gowin Parc we focus on abilities rather than disabilities. Activity is a key component of that philosophy. Something as simple as folding laundry can help those with Alzheimer's feel at ease and reassured.

Gardening, exercise, crafts, baking, and music programs serve to stimulate memory and self-expression.

Gowin Parc opened its doors in 2006 as a way to help Alzheimer’s and dementia sufferers and their loved ones with treatment and information on the disease. Just 2 year later, in 2008, Jason and Theresa Gowin decided to expand their residential care center adding more rooms and a community room.

The new building includes four corner rooms to accommodate married couples. Sometimes, elderly couples coping with dementia affecting one spouse must separate due to traditional care facility limitations. This way they can still live together at Gowin Parc, the owners said.

In 2009, Gowin Parc became a provider of the Memory and Aging Network at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine’s Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders. With the closing of the SBLHC adult day care program in 2009, Gowin Parc added our Adult Day Care program that is available for “anyone who just needs assistance during the day” said owner Jason Gowin. A second memory care facility opened in the spring of the same year in Pana.

What’s new at Gowin Parc? The Gowin Parc Public Library. Here anyone can get information in a number of ways: printed informational flyers, books to ‘borrow,’ a computer to do online research, and our staff is available to answer questions.

We have found that many people are under the misconception our services are more expensive than a nursing home. We are less expensive than you think. Did you know United States veterans and their surviving spouses may qualify for assisted living benefits? When faced with the realities of today’s economy, it helps to know that you have options to support paying for care.

Gowin Parc has two financial consultants on staff to help guide you to a financial solution.

At Gowin Parc, we never forget that individuals with Alzheimer's are individuals first, with unique backgrounds, personalities and interests. Moreover, the progress of memory loss varies in everyone, so that a level of care which is exactly right for one person might infringe upon the rights of another.

We tailor the care of each of our residents to his or her wants and needs. This highly personalized program is made possible by our small size and unusually high staff ratio.

Our philosophy of care is really quite simple. Focus on strengths, rather than weaknesses. Never stop trying to communicate. Be kind, always.

Our Services: • 24 Hour Care • Respite Care • Adult Daycare • Memory Testing • Small number of neighbors per house • Compassionate and highly qualified staff • Person Centered Care / Individualized Programs • SIU Memory Testing Center • Transportation • Gowin Parc Public Library

Specialists in Alzheimer’s and dementia care

“The comfort of a PROMISE kept”

For more information, please call or stop by for a free orientation tour at either location

340 Rt 29 • Pana, IL 217.562.3004

www.gowinparc.com

300 Lerna Road • Mattoon, IL 217.234.3003

2 Buy Local Shop Local: Hometown Business - June 2010

Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

jg-tc.com

Features 100 Broadway Ave • Mattoon, IL 61938 (217) 235-5656

Carl Walworth - Publisher Tammy Jordan - Ad Director Connie Anderson, Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .238-6828 Karen Collier, Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .238-6821 Shannon Davis, Senior Sales Consultant, Mattoon . . . . . . . . .238-6831 Brad Harren, Charleston/Arcola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .238-6834 Patti Lewis, Auto & Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .238-6832 Melody Parks, Mattoon/Sullivan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .238-6837 John Leonard, Arthur/Effingham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .238-6838 Advertising: To place a display advertisement, call (217) 238-6841 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays or email advertising@jg-tc.com To place classified advertising, call 238-6828 or 238-6821 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.

Graphics: Tara D’Arcy, Brian Miller, Michelle Rappuhn & Susan Young

Buy Local Shop Local: Howntown Business

Reader Contest $50 Gift Certificate to True Value Hardware (Charleston & Effingham) $50 Gift Certificate to The Picket Fence $25 Gift Certificate to Goldies Front Porch, $25 Gift Certificate to Lee’s Famous Recipe $20 Gift Certificate to 3W Meats $20 Gift Certificate to Rhoadside Custard

Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

Buy Local Shop Local: Hometown Business - June 2010 19

50 years serving Effingham 5 Tips for Effective Business Planning

Cultivating Relationships Key for Small Business Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Card’s has been dealing in appliances for 40 years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 The Good and Bad of Franchise Businesses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 SCORE Offers Top 10 Secrets for Small Business Success in 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Hung Up On Local Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 A Message from the Mattoon Chamber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Boomers and Business Start-Ups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Bike & Hike is focused on community relationships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Marketing in a Weak Economy: A Dozen Ideas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Reasons to shop at locally owned businesses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Small Businesses Are Important Players in U.S. Business and Job Growth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Shopping Local Helps the Planet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Business-owning Households More Likely Than Others to Have Higher Income and Wealth . . . . . .14 Small Biz Stats & Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Ten Great Reasons to Shop Local . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Where Do Jobs Come From? New Analysis of Job Gains and Losses from the Office of Advocacy . . .17 50 years serving Effingham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 5 Tips for Effective Business Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Location Does Matter: Entrepreneurs Create Economic Growth Across State and County Lines . . . .19

Prizes:

jg-tc.com

Instructions:

Answer the 30 questions about the local businesses below. The answers are hidden throughout their advertising within this special section. Find each answer and list on the entry form, then bring or mail to:

100 Broadway Ave. • Mattoon, IL 61938

Entries must be received by Monday, June 14.

Winners will be announced in the Journal Gazette & Times-Courier Wednesday, June 16th.

1. Gowin Parc located in Mattoon and ___? _____________________ 2. What is the owner's first name of Sanders and Co.? ______________________ 3. What breed of dog does Kieffer's K-9 foster? ______________________ 4. How many locations does McHugh's have? ______________________ 5. What is West & Company's website address? ______________________ 6. What Free Upgrade can you get at Walden's? ______________________ 7. What are the Owners names at Lee's Famous Recipe? ______________________ 8. Rhoadside Custard is across from what park? ______________________ 9. What is Merle Norman's Phone Number? ______________________ 10. How many years has The Picket Fence been in business?____________________ 11. What year did Card's Appliance open? _____________________ 12. At Leisure Pools it is "As Easy As___"? _____________________ 13. Who do you call at The Floor Show? _____________________ 14. Burger King is "Still Going and Still ___"? _____________________ 15. Cellular One has been your what for 19 years? _____________________ 16. How much is High Speed Internet through Consolidated Communications? _______

17. What does the last 4 digits in Battery Specialist phone number spell? ___________ 18. Nick & Stacey's House of Paint custom makes each interior stain from an ___ ? ________ 19. 3W Meats provide locally raised ___ and ___? _______________ 20. How many varieties of cheese does Goldies Front Porch carry? _______________ 21. In what year was Cooley's established? _____________________ 22. At Hi Def Communications HD is FREE for ___? __________________ 23. What year did Family Health Foods open it's doors? _____________________ 24. Who owns True Value? _____________________ 25. How many people can be seated in Lincoln Garden Restaurant's dining room? _____ 26. Hackett's Carpet Care was formally ___? _____________________ 27. Twice Is Nice is Charleston's "___" Department Store. _____________________ 28. Paap Auto Body sets the "___". _____________________ 29. How much does Double Hammer charge for a Windows Tune Up/Virus & Spyware removal? _____________________ 30. Charleston Appliance treats all customers with ___? _____________________

Name:_____________________________ Phone:________________ Age:______ Address:_______________________ City:_____________ State____ Zip:______ Must be 18 years or older to win. Winner is responsible for all applicable state and federal taxes. No purchase is necessary to win. All contest rules and decisions are final. Employees and immediate family members of The Journal Gazette/Times-Courier are ineligible. Journal Gazette/Times-Courier independent contractors and their immediate family members are not eligible.

Information provided by the Effingham Chamber

cessful community gift

For over 50 years, a downtown business organization has been active under the umbrella of the chamber, working with the business owners to gain more exposure for their businesses and promoting activities that bring people into our downtown area.

We have had a suc-

about 10 years. It has

certificate program for been on hiatus for the past

year

as

we've

worked to revise the program and will soon be re-launching it in the community. It has always generated nearly $100,000 annually in dollars circulated into local businesses.

1. Clearly define your business idea and be able to succinctly articulate it. Know your mission.

2. Examine your motives. Make sure that you have a passion for owning a business and for this particular business.

3. Be willing to commit to the hours, discipline, continuous learning and the frus-

trations of owning your own business.

4. Conduct a competitive analysis in your market, including products, prices, promotions, advertising, distribution, quality, service, and be aware of the outside influences that affect your business.

5. Seek help from other small businesses, vendors, profession-

als, government agencies, employees, trade associations and trade shows. Be alert, ask questions, your

and

local

visit

SCORE

office.

Brought

to

SCORE,

you

by

America's

small business mentors, at www.score.org.

Ask SCORE

Location Does Matter: Entrepreneurs Create Economic Growth Across State and County Lines WASHINGTON, D.C. – Entrepreneurial activity in one U.S. county or state often reflects similar activity in neighboring jurisdictions, according to an analysis of geographic and other patterns in new business formation across the United States. The study, New Business Clustering in U.S. Counties, 19902006, by Larry A. Plummer, sheds light on business activity related to levels of education, industry, economic growth patterns, and geography. The report uses 1990-2006 business startup and closure data from the Census Bureau’s Statistics of U.S. Businesses.

“State and local poli-

cymakers are continually looking for ways to generate new businesses, industries, jobs, and economic activity,” said Acting Chief Counsel for Advocacy Susan M. Walthall. “The big question is always how and where new businesses are most likely to grow. This research provides some important clues to the relationships between business startups and various underlying factors in industries and across counties and states in the United States.”

The study offers a number of insights about new business clusters, among them: · As expected, populous counties—Los Angeles, Cook (Chica-

go), and New York— have the highest levels of entrepreneurial activity. · The nation’s interior and northwestern counties—especially in states like Colorado, Utah, and Washington—tend to have the highest firm birth rates and levels of entrepreneurial activity. · Retail trade has the highest rate of new firm births, followed by local market industries. · High technology is the only industry sector specifically favored in counties with access to an educated workforce and a local research and development structure. · New startup rates

in high technology are tied to startup rates in business services, an indication that business service firms may form in response to high tech entrepreneurial activity. · Higher unemployment is correlated with higher firm birth rates except in the business services industries—an indication that business service firms depend on the success of other firms.

The Office of Advocacy, the “small business watchdog” of the federal government, examines the role and status of small business in the economy and independently represents the views of small businesses to federal agencies, Congress, and the

President. It is the source for small business statistics presented in user-friendly formats,

and

research

it

funds

into

small

business issues.

For more information and a complete copy of the report, visit

the

Office

of

Advocacy website at www.sba.gov/advo.

The Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent voice for small business within the federal government.

The presidentially appointed Chief Counsel for Advocacy advances the views, concerns, and interests of small business before Congress, the White House, federal agencies, federal courts, and state policymakers.

For more information, visit www.sba.gov/advo, or call (202) 205-6533.

Shop y u B L A C O L

LOCAL

n w o t e m Ho Business

Participate In Our Reader Contest!

PRIZES TOTALING OVER $150

A Special Supplement to the

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June 2010