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APRIL 2010

Our next

SBJ Community Leaders’ Breakfast Thursday, April 29 at John A. Logan College

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Inside A P R I L |

Architechniques, Ltd. ............................ 3

20 10

COVER STORY

MONEY MATTERS

The business of meetings: There is more to success in business than the daily routines in our offices, shops, job sites and manufacturing plants.

The great ones do more than hit singles; they occasionally hit the long ball and focus on those gamechanging skills in group settings apart from the daily grind. It’s just as important to have the right setting for the gathering as it is to have a well-organized agenda, whether the meeting is a retreat, a brainstorming session, a conference or an exposition that includes the public.

Any and all of these get-togethers are possible in Southern Illinois, at venues large and small, as you’ll learn from a Question-and-Answer interview story by frequent contributor William Atkinson of Carterville.

Pages 4-6

What to do with a windfall: It might seem unlikely, especially during our protracted and painful recession, but there are moments in life when some of us suddenly have more money than plans. What should be done? Is it a good idea to begin buying luxury items? SBJ Contributor Scott McClatchey takes a comprehensive look at sudden wealth and offers strategies.

Page 11

EMPLOYMENT LAW Learn what to do when OSHA comes calling: Attorney and SBJ Contributor Ed Renshaw provides a plain-spoken and thoughtful overview of the things businesses should and shouldn’t do when a representative from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration suddenly shows up in the workplace to conduct an unannounced inspection. The best strategy for the day OSHA comes calling is to have the workplace ready for inspection at all times – or run the risk of OSHA violations and hefty fines.

Page 9

Carbondale Civic Center ...................... 6 Corbell Telephone and Electronics .... 20 Dutch Guttering ................................ 18 Edward Jones .................................... 19 Egyptian Electric Cooperative................ 5

INDICATORS Questions arise about economic recovery: Some might doubt the optimistic views offered by various economic gurus after looking at the latest jobless rates for the 18 counties of Southern Illinois. Unemployment rose in every county from December to January. Our monthly list of indicators also offers the latest figures on unemployment, retail sales, new vehicle sales and gasoline prices.

Pages 12-13

Feirich, Mager, Green & Ryan ................ 3

ACHIEVEMENTS

Jackson and Gray Insurance ................ 9

Catch up: Find out who has been hired, who has been promoted. If you know of a business or person who deserves special recognition for advanced training, a unique honor or an expansion of business, please let us know at sbj@thesouthern.com.

Page 19

Health Alliance .................................. 20 Henry Printing .................................. 19 Hyannis Air Service, Inc. .................... 15

Jim’s Mobile Offices and Homes ........ 23 John A. Logan College .......................... 8 Midwest Backgrounds, Inc. .................. 3

ON THE COVER Green Retreat on Chautauqua Road in Murphysboro. Photo by Alan Rogers.

Cover Design by Rhonda M. Ethridge.

Oliver and Associates, Inc. ................ 11 Pepsi MidAmerica .............................. 24

Contact us The Southern Business Journal (USPS #019988) is a publication of The Southern Illinoisan. Contact us via mail at 710 N. Illinois Ave., Carbondale, IL, 62901, or at P. O. Box 2108, Carbondale, IL, 62903. Also reach us on the Web at www.sbj.biz and via e-mail at SBJ@thesouthern.com. The Journal is published 12 times per year monthly, and mailed to businesses, community development leaders, chambers of commerce members and other professionals in Southern Illinois.

Periodicals Postage Paid at Carbondale, IL. Copyright 2010 by The Southern Illinoisan, all rights reserved.

Postmaster: Send address changes to: Southern Business Journal, P.O. Box 2108, Carbondale, IL 62902.

A subscription may be obtained by calling 618-529-5454 or 618-997-3356, or by visiting our Web site.

Publisher: Bob Williams n 618-351-5038 Editor: Gary Metro n 618-351-5033 Advertising: Abby Hatfield n 618-351-5024 Circulation: Trisha Woodside n 618-351-5035 Database Coordinator: Mark Doman n 618-351-5042

Property with TLC, LLC .......................... 6 Ray James Financial Services ............ 23 SchoolCenter .................................... 17 Southern Illinois Healthcare................ 22 Southern Illinois University ................ 10 USDA/Rural Development ................ 18 Your Jeweler ...................................... 11

APRIL 2010

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

3

Hungry for success?

Attend the Leaders Breakfast

BY GARY METRO SBJ EDITOR

If you’re interested in learning more about success in life, the next Community Leaders Breakfast could be a “must attend” event.

Sponsored by the Southern Business Journal and The Metro Southern Illinoisan, the Leaders Breakfast is scheduled for 7 to 9 a.m. Thursday, April 29, at John A. Logan College in Carterville.

Two major highlights are on the schedule: l The keynote speaker will be Don Yaeger, a former Sports Illustrated associate editor and bestselling author who gave a powerful and thoughtprovoking presentation to a Leadership Breakfast crowd one year ago.

l The “Leaders Among Us” Class of 2010 will be announced at the breakfast and a special glossy magazine commemorating the honorees will be distributed.

Yaeger In his 2009 presentation, “What Makes the Great Ones Great,” Yaeger discussed the characteristics of worldclass winners. In a multimedia presentation, Yeager used the spoken word, video and enlarged bookmarks containing the “Sixteen Consistent Characteristics of Greatness” to connect with his audience. He paid special attention to his interactions with NFL running back Warrick Dunn, legendary basketball coach John Wooden and the late SEE BREAKFAST / PAGE 23

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4

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

APRIL 2010

Cover Story Plenty of quality options for business meetings

BY WILLIAM ATKINSON SBJ CORRESPONDENT

When it comes to finding comfortable, convenient and service-oriented facilities to host business meetings, seminars and conferences, Southern Illinois businesses don’t have to go very far. Businesses also have a wide range of facilities that are ready and waiting to serve their meeting needs.

When we asked the facility spokespeople if they sought a particular type of business clientele, or if they were, instead, open to any type of business, they all universally responded that they are open to all types of businesses. None said that one type of business client was more valuable or sought after than another.

Let’s take a question-and-answer look at some of the possibilities: Student Center — Southern Illinois University Carbondale Spokesperson: Tricia Richerson, CMP, assistant director Question: What are some features you offer that make your facilities particularly appealing to businesses?

Answer: One important feature is the variety of space we have here. These include ballrooms, different-sized meeting rooms, state-of-the art auditoriums, dining facilities, bowling alley, a craft shop that can facilitate teambuilding activities or relaxation.

Our technology is also very advanced.

We have audio-visual assistants and IT technicians on site, who manage all of the equipment needs in these areas. Our lighting capabilities are amazing, especially in the ballrooms.

We have a contract with Chartwells, so catering is accessible to all of our groups.

Q: What services do you offer to help businesses plan their events?

A: Probably half of those who come here have never planned a meeting before. We provide meeting planning consulting services to walk them through the logistics of planning a meeting. Besides myself, we have a scheduling coordinator and an assistant scheduling coordinator. All of us have certification in meeting planning (CMP designation).

Q: How many people can you accommodate at any one time?

A: There are so many ways to answer

this. If a business wants to use all main meeting rooms and ballrooms, we can accommodate about 500. In certain situations, without tables, we can accommodate 1,700. If you add the auditorium and some other rooms in the student center, we can accommodate another 1,800. In theory, then, if we use every room, we can accommodate 3,500.

Our maximum for a banquet in our four ballrooms that open up into one large room is about 850.

Q: What are the most important rules/regulations that you have in place?

A: We have policies, just like everyone else. One is that we work with the state on fire code limits, so we don’t exceed those, for safety considerations.

In addition, we have a contract with Chartwells, so businesses are required to use their services for meals.

Q: Is alcohol allowed?

A: It is. However, organizations are required to complete a permit with Chartwells, which will then provide the alcohol.

John A. Logan College — Carterville Spokesperson: Michelle Hamilton, director of corporate training Question: What are some features you offer that make your facilities particularly appealing to businesses?

Answer: Our facilities are state-of-theart. We have all of the equipment that businesses could possibly need available in the room. These include Internetaccessible computers, PowerPoint, overhead projectors, DVD, VHS, CD, videoconferencing, and so on.

We can assist businesses with finding instructors if they need those for their meetings. In such cases, we can often provide the facilities free of charge. If an event lasts for a full day, we ask the business to fill out a form, and we set them up as a class. For this, we get credit hours from the state, which lets them use our facilities free of charge.

We have a contract with Chartwells, so food can be prepared and served on site.

Also, room charges may be waived if the food service bill equals or surpasses the normal room rental charge.

Q: What services do you offer to help businesses plan their events?

A: We have four or five people in our office who can assist businesses with

Marketing the facilities The various meeting facilities in Southern Illinois all have their own ways of marketing their facilities and services to Southern Illinois businesses.

“We are new, and right now we are focusing on ‘word of mouth.’ We have had people come and stay with us as personal guests, and then come back to host meetings for their businesses. We also want to get the word out that we are open to business travelers. So, if a business has vendors or regional representatives who visit our area on a regular basis, we want them to know we can accommodate those people.”

— Liz Spees Robinson, co-owner, Green Retreat, Murphysboro “We get a lot of press exposure, thanks to our good friends at The Southern. Also, the people in our office serve in many different community organizations, so we do a lot of communication when we are out in the communities. We also use e-mail and Facebook.”

— Michelle Hamilton, director of corporate training, John A. Logan College, Carterville “We market our facilities and services by utilizing radio spots and newspaper ads, but the most important is ‘word of mouth’ from satisfied clients. In other words, our best advertisement is a guest who has had a positive experience at Touch of Nature.”

— Alan Teska, program director, conference services, Touch of Nature Environmental Center, Carbondale “We rely on the newspaper, as well as Facebook ads, posters, brochures, flyers, telephone book ads, calendars, direct mailings, open houses and our Web site.”

— Tricia Richerson, assistant director, Student Center, SIU “We rely mostly on ‘word of mouth,’ plus the history of the lodge itself. We get a lot of repeat business. We also do a bit of advertising.”

— Mike Kelley, general manager, Giant City Lodge, Makanda “We use online and print advertising, such as the Southern Business Journal and other Southern Illinois publications.”

— Laura Chamness, manager, Carbondale Civic Center “We get out to local businesses and talk to them. I also do a lot of e-mail blitzes.”

— Crystal McManus, director of sales, Holiday Inn Hotel & Conference Center, Carbondale planning their events, including creating brochures and helping them line up speakers. We can be as involved as they want us to be, so we are a one-stop-shop.

Q: How many people can you accommodate at any one time?

A: Our rooms can accommodate anywhere between 30 and 500 people.

However, if the event is held in our gym, we can accommodate up to 700 people.

Q: What are the most important rules/regulations that you have in place?

A: Most importantly, all food and drink must be provided by Chartwells.

Businesses can’t bring in their own food or drink.

Second, businesses have to fill out a registration form, including personal information (Social Security number, address, etc.). Both of these are requirements from our board.

Q: Is alcohol allowed?

A: We do allow alcohol, but businesses have to pay a certain fee for it.

Giant City Lodge — Makanda Spokesperson: Mike Kelley, general manager Question: What are some features you offer that make your facilities particularly appealing to businesses?

Answer: The most important is the setting itself. No one has this type of setting. Giant City is certainly conducive to a retreat-type atmosphere. The lodge itself is also pretty neat.

Our food service is also excellent. You can’t go wrong with our family-style fried chicken or our sandwiches.

We usually don’t charge for our meeting room space. We just charge for the food service. For a small group, though, we might have to assess a fee for the room.

We also let them borrow a screen or PA

APRIL 2010 system without charge.

Q: What services do you offer to help businesses plan their events?

A: I can certainly guide and help businesses in this regard. However, this isn’t asked of us too often.

Q: How many people can you accommodate at any one time?

A: We can handle up to about 125. We can also handle something larger, in which case we will use our main dining room.

Q: What are the most important rules/regulations that you have in place?

A: Since we offer the space for free, we ask that a business utilize the food and beverage service that we provide. Of course, someone can bring a cake on their own. In terms of decorations, we are comfortable with almost anything, except confetti and glitter. That stuff is just too difficult to clean up.

Q: Is alcohol allowed?

A: We have full-service alcohol.

Green Retreat — Murphysboro Spokesperson: Liz Spees Robinson, coowner Question: What are some features you offer that make your facilities particularly appealing to businesses?

Answer: We have different-sized

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL conference rooms. We also have outdoor venues, so we can do indoor and outdoor events. We have 97 acres, including one lake and four ponds, a horse stable with 11 rescued horses. We can also do hayrides.

We also have a wellness center, so we can provide massage therapy and acupuncture.

Q: What services do you offer to help businesses plan their events?

A: We are happy to coordinate with any professional party planners and conference planners that businesses have.

Q: How many people can you accommodate at any one time?

A: Indoors, we can accommodate 10 in small rooms, 35 to 40 in our medium room, and a large room accommodating 100 to 150. On a nice day, the number of people we can accommodate outdoors is almost unlimited.

Q: What are the most important rules/regulations that you have in place?

A: Since we are a working farm, with horses and tractors, businesses need to be cognizant of the physical safety of their participants.

We don’t require that businesses work with specific caterers or tent companies,

SBJ FILE PHOTO

SIU Student Center.

SBJ FILE PHOTO

Touch of Nature.

SBJ FILE PHOTO

SEE COVER / PAGE 6

5

The Bald Knob room at Giant City Lodge.

ALAN ROGERS / SBJ

John A. Logan College.

6

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

APRIL 2010

COVER: Plenty of quality options for business meetings throughout Southern Illinois FROM PAGE 5 but we do ask that the ones they hire are very professional and responsible, and that they have the appropriate licenses, paperwork and insurance coverage.

Q: Is alcohol allowed?

A: Alcohol is allowed. We don’t have a liquor license, so the business would need to arrange for its own vendor to handle that.

Carbondale Civic Center Spokesperson: Laura Chamness, manager Question: What are some features you offer that make your facilities particularly appealing to businesses?

Answer: We have LCD projectors, screens, a PA system and other A-V equipment. We also offer recordability options if someone wants to record their seminars.

Q: What services do you offer to help businesses plan their events?

A: We don’t offer this formally.

However, I work with businesses to determine how they want an event planned and organized, such as how they want guests to check in when they arrive, how they want them seated, where speakers will sit, etc.

Q: How many people can you accommodate at any one time?

A: Depending on the configuration, we can seat up to 600 theater-style, and up to 300 classroom-style.

Q: What are the most important rules/regulations that you have in place?

A: We have a list of over 20 approved and insured food vendors that businesses can choose. A business cannot select a food vendor that is not on this list.

We also ask that they don’t tape or hang anything on the walls, or use

glitter or confetti.

Q: Is alcohol allowed?

A: Alcohol is allowed as long as it is through one of our approved liquor vendors. Also, alcohol is only allowed for approved events, such as a meeting or conference. For example, we do not allow alcohol if there is going to be a concert.

Holiday Inn Hotel & Conference Center — Carbondale Spokesperson: Crystal McManus, director of sales Question: What are some features you offer that make your facilities particularly appealing to businesses?

Answer: We have a large conference room. Houlihan’s does all of our catering.

We also obviously have sleeping rooms.

As a result, if there is an event that involves alcohol, if there is bad weather, or if someone is driving a distance, we offer discounted rates for sleeping rooms.

We also have what is called Priority Club. If meeting planners bring 200 people here, they get a lot of points and incentives which provide free meetings and night stays at all of our locations.

Q: What services do you offer to help businesses plan their events?

A: We don’t offer meeting planning services, but the manager from Houlihan’s and I take care of pretty much everything.

Q: How many people can you accommodate?

A: We can accommodate up to 200 people.

Q: What are the most important rules/regulations that you have in place?

A: We don’t allow any outside food and beverages to be brought in. We only allow Houlihan’s to do the catering.

We only allow our meetings to go until 11 p.m. at the latest.

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SBJ FILE PHOTO

Carbondale Civic Center.

Q: Is alcohol allowed?

A: Yes. Touch of Nature Environmental Center — Carbondale Spokesperson: Alan Teska, program director, conference services Question: What are some features you offer that make your facilities particularly appealing to businesses?

Answer: The center lies on 3,100 acres of primarily forested land on the shore of Little Grassy Lake that provides a natural and relaxing setting. We have facilities that can accommodate groups such as business meetings, conferences, company picnics and more.

Q: What services do you offer to help businesses plan their events?

A: Our experienced staff provides assistance in providing service to create the event to accommodate personalized

SBJ FILE PHOTO

Holiday Inn.

needs, and they will assist in making sure that no details are overlooked for the event.

Q: How many people can you accommodate at any one time?

A: We have a variety of meeting rooms, which can accommodate groups of various sizes from 10 to 200. We can also accommodate as many as 300 people for outdoor events.

Q: What are the most important rules/regulations that you have in place?

A: All events require advanced registration and a completed and signed contract. In addition, food is only permitted if provided by an approved caterer.

Q: Is alcohol allowed?

A: Alcohol is only permitted with advanced written approval from the university (SIUC), and must be served by trained Touch of Nature staff.

APRIL 2010

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

9

Employment Law R ESU LTS

|

R ESU LTS

Things to know when an OSHA investigation occurs

BY ED RENSHAW SBJ CONTRIBUTOR

On Dec. 29, 1970, the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 became federal law. The act states that it is intended to “assure so far as possible every working man and woman in the Renshaw nation safe and healthful working conditions” and encourage “employers and employees in their efforts to reduce the number of occupational safety and health hazards at their places of employment....” In other words, the act was passed to permit the federal government to become more involved in providing safe working conditions in the American workplace.

Part of this involvement, of course, would be inspections of workplaces to see whether dangerous or unhealthy working conditions exist. Toward that end, the act states that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration will have “an effective enforcement program which shall include a prohibition against giving advance notice of any inspection and sanctions for any individual violating this prohibition.” So, if an inspection occurs, it is very unlikely that you will have advance notice that an OSHA inspector is on the way. Therefore, it is wise to be ready for an OSHA inspection at any time.

Because there are millions of employers covered by the act, OSHA has a limited ability to inspect safety conditions in businesses. As a result, OSHA has set a four-level priority system for deciding when and where to inspect for safety or health violations.

OSHA’s first priority level is situations “where there is reasonable certainty that a danger exists that can be expected to cause death or serious physical harm immediately or before the danger can be eliminated through normal enforcement procedures.” For example, if OSHA becomes aware that employees are working in an area with exposed asbestos, that situation would be

given top priority by OSHA. OSHA’s second priority level is incidents in the workplace that result in a death or hospitalization of three or more employees. OSHA refers to these as catastrophes or fatal accidents, and employers are required to report such incidents to OSHA within eight hours.

The third priority level covers formal employee complaints to OSHA about unsafe or unhealthy working conditions, or any other referral to OSHA about such conditions. Of course, if the complaint involves imminent danger, the priority for OSHA may be bumped up to the first level.

Finally, OSHA also conducts “programmed” inspections of businesses involved in high-risk industries, including construction companies, health care facilities, nursing homes and any industry with a high likelihood of exposure to toxic elements.

As noted earlier, it is very unlikely that you will know in advance that an OSHA inspector is on the way. What should you do if an inspector shows up on your doorstep? First, make sure the person really is an OSHA employee. Inspectors are required to have identification with them verifying that they are from OSHA. Once you know you have a real OSHA inspector, you can require the inspector to provide a search warrant. Keep in mind that the inspector will probably have no trouble getting a warrant and will not be too happy with you for requiring one. You can and should, in most instances, give consent for the inspection without a warrant.

Normally, the inspector will explain the reason for the inspection. Generally, the inspector should not investigate areas or procedures that are not referred to in the initial explanation. If the inspector has a warrant, the inspection should be limited to the areas or procedures referred to in the warrant.

At least one management person should accompany the inspector at all times.

Questions should be answered, but there is no reason to volunteer information or respond to questions if you really are guessing at the answers. The inspector has the right to take pictures or videos, make measurements and take environmental

OSHA violations can bring about very hefty fines. It is critical that you constantly review the condition of your workplace to be sure it is safe and healthy. samples. If the inspector does these things, you also should do them so you have your own record.

When the inspection is over, there must be a closing conference at which the inspector informs you of any violations. If there are violations, you will later be notified if you are being formally cited for the violations and whether you are being fined. If you disagree with the citation or fine, you will have 15 working days from

receiving the citation to file a notice with OSHA contesting any penalty. If that is done, the matter will be heard by an administrative law judge.

OSHA violations can bring about very hefty fines. It is critical that you constantly review the condition of your workplace to be sure it is safe and healthy.

But, if OSHA comes to the door, you should be aware of your rights and responsibilities.

—Edward Renshaw is a partner with the Carbondale law firm of Feirich/Mager/ Green/Ryan. F/M/G/R is a general practice law firm offering a full range of legal services, including labor and employment law, commercial transactions, banking, real estate, workers’ compensation, municipal law and estate planning.

APRIL 2010

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

11

Money Matters Want to know what to do with sudden wealth? Check this out.

BY SCOTT MCCLATCHEY SBJ CONTRIBUTOR

What’s the plan when you have a windfall? Through luck, inheritance, talent or legal decisions, some people receive “sudden wealth,” a lump sum of money that is at least McClatchey several times their annual income. Sometimes people think that the money will solve all of their problems. But if they aren’t careful, it can create entirely new ones.

Sudden wealth often comes with emotional baggage attached to it. If you’re suddenly wealthy, you may experience degrees of fear, guilt, anxiety and even paranoia in the months following your good fortune. As noted by Dennis Pearne, Ed.D., author of “The Challenges of Wealth,” sudden wealth “changes what you can do, what you no longer have to do, where you can live” and other aspects of your life that seem set in stone. “So much changes so fast that it can be terribly overwhelming, and some people go into money shock.”

We’ve all heard stories about people who won the lottery and ended up broke.

In fact, you may have seen stories on TV or in magazines or newspapers about people who lost sudden fortunes in a matter of years, or let wealth wreck their families. It seems incredible, but it happens.

So, how does it happen? And how can you avoid it?

Get financial guidance from a qualified source. You would think that anyone who receives a six-figure or seven-figure check would immediately talk to a financial professional. But that is not always the case.

Some people put it on their “to-do list” and then go out and do other things with the money. Some never bother to seek qualified advice at all. Instead, they listen to relatives or neighbors.

The problem is, sometimes these relatives or neighbors: l Have never had great amounts of money and do not understand the responsibilities that come with it

l Only see wealth in terms of material things and purchases l Would like to vicariously live out their fantasies as a byproduct of your good fortune l Urge you to take chances (risks) with your money l Assume that you are “set for life” l Want you to look at wealth from their mentality, or want you to associate with their shady lifestyle While your relatives and neighbors may mean well, they are likely not financial advisers. In fact, some advisers aren’t well equipped to consult people with sudden wealth either.

Find a financial adviser familiar with the issues surrounding sudden wealth. Ideally, you want someone who has consulted people in a similar situation. This is because sudden wealth is truly a special circumstance. It’s not just a matter of

putting more money in bank accounts or investment accounts. Sudden wealth can mean a whole lifestyle shift — a new address, or maybe new questions about what to do with your life. Your loved ones may not look at the money the same way you do, and there needs to be harmony.

If you come into sudden wealth, do yourself a favor and pause. Find an adviser who has consulted people who have come into money. Ask him or her to help you put together a team because you may need one. Many millionaires and quasimillionaires have financial professional, CPAs and estate planning attorneys working for them, working in a unified effort to help them manage their money, reduce their taxes, make charitable gifts and arrange inheritances for their heirs.

Any new millionaire, or nearmillionaire, should strive to make newfound wealth grow and last. To do

that, you need an investment plan that makes sense in the long run and makes you feel comfortable. You also need to plan to defer or reduce taxes and risks to your wealth. And, when you are a new millionaire, you’re looking at a level of taxation and potential risk most people will never experience.

So, if you find yourself with sudden wealth, plan. Instead of acting on impulse, act with intent and purpose. Meet with a qualified adviser to establish financial priorities.

— Scott McClatchey is a founder and LPL Financial adviser with Alliance Investment Planning Group, a Carbondale-based investment firm located at 115 S. Washington St. He can be reached at (618) 519-9344 or scott@allianceinvestmentplanning.com.

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Retail sales for Southern Illinois cities City Anna Benton Carbondale Carterville Chester Du Quoin Harrisburg Herrin Jonesboro Marion Metropolis Mount Vernon Murphysboro Nashville Pinckneyville Red Bud Sparta Vienna West City West Frankfort REGION ILLINOIS

YTD Dec 2009

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

114.5 69.4 565.5 39.9 52.9 100.8 191.9 147.2 12.5 676.0 77.1 476.7 129.1 107.9 37.2 70.1 126.4 37.1 91.9 111.4 $3,235.5 $139,593.2

114.5 69.4 565.5 39.9 52.9 100.8 191.9 147.2 12.5 676.0 77.1 476.7 129.1 107.9 37.2 70.1 126.4 37.1 91.9 111.4 $3,235.5 $139,593.2

113.3 71.4 587.7 40.1 51.5 91.9 179.3 135.9 12.4 673.4 75.9 482.8 117.1 101.8 39.0 77.7 130.5 40.5 89.6 111.2 $3,223.0 $237,438.0

112.3 72.4 607.4 40.3 51.7 94.4 173.6 134.4 11.3 662.4 79.8 461.5 94.9 105.2 35.8 73.7 129.5 39.8 82.8 111.4 $3,174.7 $180,162.7

111.7 75.0 610.4 39.9 54.0 103.1 168.5 137.5 11.5 592.7 74.8 501.0 93.0 105.7 41.7 82.5 133.1 36.9 77.7 106.8 $3,157.6 $173,362.8

109.7 70.4 579.4 32.7 51.1 95.0 164.9 127.9 11.5 545.9 69.4 475.3 94.6 101.1 38.0 82.5 127.7 32.7 70.8 102.3 $2,983.0 $167,459.0

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N I L L I Chicago Fed Midwest % change 04-08 Manufacturing Index

p q q p p p p p p p p p p p q q q p p p p q

4.4% 1.4% 2.4% 22.0% 3.5% 6.1% 16.4% 15.1% 8.7% 23.8% 11.1% 0.3% 53.4% 6.7% 2.1% 15.0% 1.0% 13.5% 29.8% 8.9% 8.5% 16.6%

SOURCE: LATEST STATISTICS AVAILABLE FROM THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE. FIGURES ARE IN MILLIONS.

N

The CFMMI is a monthly estimate by major industry of manufacturing output in the Seventh Federal Reserve District states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin. It is a composite index of 15 manufacturing industries, including auto and steel, that uses electrical power and hours worked data to measure monthly changes in regional activity. It is compared here to the national Industrial Production index for Manufacturing (IPMFG). Base year is 2002.

Starting in November 2005, the index excluded the electricity component.

115 114 113 112 111 110

IPMFG Jan 10 101.2

109 108 107 106 105 104 103 102 100 98 94

Unemployment rates for Southern Illinois counties, state and nation Alexander Franklin Gallatin Hamilton Hardin Jackson Jefferson Johnson Massac Perry Pope Pulaski Randolph Saline Union Washington White Williamson .,REGION ILLINOIS U.S.

Labor force

Jobless

Jan 2010

Dec 2009

Jan 2009

3,136 18,279 2,743 4,150 1,826 31,125 20,430 5,319 7,368 9,452 1,955 2,919 15,716 13,086 8,255 8,270 7,629 34,687 196,345 6,611,146 153,512,000

433 2,871 345 536 267 3,090 2,485 700 859 1,398 264 400 1,777 1,614 1,319 844 833 4,175 24,210 809,126 14,871,000

13.8% 15.7% 12.6% 12.9% 14.6% 9.9% 12.2% 13.2% 11.7% 14.8% 13.5% 13.7% 11.3% 12.3% 16.0% 10.2% 10.9% 12.0% 12.3% 12.6% 9.7%

12.0% 13.4% 10.5% 9.5% 12.7% 7.7% 10.7% 11.2% 9.2% 12.5% 11.4% 11.1% 9.6% 10.7% 12.5% 8.3% 9.2% 9.8% 10.7% 10.8% 9.7%

11.1% 12.0% 9.5% 9.8% 10.6% 7.2% 8.8% 9.9% 8.4% 12.2% 10.2% 11.0% 9.2% 9.1% 11.8% 8.2% 8.7% 8.8% 9.8% 8.7% 8.2%

SOURCE: ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT SECURITY, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR. FIGURES ARE NOT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED.

REGISTER

NOW!

Change month p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p

1.8 2.3 2.1 3.4 1.9 2.2 1.5 2.0 2.5 2.3 2.1 2.6 1.7 1.6 3.5 1.9 1.7 2.2 1.6 1.4 0.0

90 88

Change year p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p p

86 84

CFMMI Jan 10

82

2.7 81 83.1 3.7 80 3.1 3.1 78 4.0 76J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J 2.7 3.4 SOURCE: FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF CHICAGO 3.3 3.3 2.6 3.3 2.7 Feb 10 Feb 09 Change 2.1 3.2 MONTHLY TOTALS 4.2 506 196 p158.2% 2.0 YTD TOTALS 2.2 3.2 947 361 p162.3% 2.5 2009 2008 Change 3.5 ANNUAL TOTALS 1.5 2,750 2,636 p 4.3% ’08

’09

’10

Williamson County Regional Airport passengers

Community Leaders’ Breakfast

Thursday, April 29 | 7–9 AM | John A. Logan College Register online at www.sbj.biz or call (618) 351-500

O

t

02

I S I N Consumer credit score

D

Credit scores are numeric reflections of financial behavior and credit worthiness and they are based on information included in a credit report. Ranging from 330 to 830, a higher score means a lower credit risk. Scores are from February 2010.

I

Alexander Franklin Gallatin Hamilton Hardin Jackson Jefferson Johnson Massac Perry Pope Pulaski Randolph Saline Union Washington White Williamson REGION

6 55 17 17 3 83 45 14 17 33 5 6 56 54 18 35 43 87 594

8 57 14 14 5 89 62 23 17 37 5 8 72 48 32 41 28 122 682

T

698

Carbondale

Region

699

692

State

U. S.

O R S U of I Flash Index

Total cars, trucks sold based on title applications filed.

Excludes motorcycles, trailers.

New vehicle sales Jan 09

A

694

SOURCE: EXPERIAN

Jan 10

C

q q p p q q q q

q

q q p q q p q q

Change

2009

25.0% 3.5% 21.4% 21.4% 40.0% 6.7% 27.4% 39.1% 0.0% 10.8% 0.0% 25.0% 22.2% 12.5% 43.8% 14.6% 53.6% 28.7% 12.9%

137 989 184 224 94 1,348 842 353 278 565 85 124 936 719 447 515 471 1,868 10,179

2008 169 1,341 294 287 109 1,969 1,270 481 422 689 123 221 1,208 1,064 596 621 721 2,515 14,100

q p p p q p p p p p p p p p p p p p p

Change 13.3% 7.5% 30.7% 10.4% 19.3% 21.4% 14.9% 14.8% 3.7% 8.0% 10.8% 11.1% 7.3% 15.7% 11.6% 4.4% 8.6% 9.7% 11.1%

108 107 106 105 104 103 102 101 100 99 98 97 96 95 94 93 92 91 90 89

Feb 10 91.5

A

S

O

N

D

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

F

J

M

A

M

’08 AFFAIRS, UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS SOURCE:’07 INSTITUTE OF GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC

J

J

Q4 09 Alexander Franklin Gallatin Hamilton Hardin Jackson Jefferson Johnson Massac Perry Pope Pulaski Randolph Saline Union Williamson ILLINOIS

4 67 1 3 3 79 67 18 28 27 0 3 41 22 34 161 29,822

Q4 08 5 56 3 2 0 56 74 19 24 26 4 2 33 13 19 142 21,986

q p q p

p q q p p q p p p p p p

Change 20.0% 19.6% 66.7% 50.0% NA 41.1% 9.5% 5.3% 16.7% 3.8% 100.0% 50.0% 24.2% 69.2% 78.9% 13.4% 35.6%

2008 17 276 NA 7 0 383 332 78 112 126 10 13 149 80 101 639 107,075

2007 32 332 NA 8 0 467 381 92 128 149 9 4 136 78 91 705 140,378

q q

q

q q q q q p p p p p q q

O

N

D

J

F

Hotel/motel stats

Consumer Price Index The CPI measures average price changes of goods and services over time, with a reference base of 100 in 1982-84.To put into context, a current CPI of 194.5 means a market basket of goods and services that cost $100 in 1982-84 now costs $194.50.

Dec 09 Dec 08 MONTHLY TOTALS $467,018

YTD TOTALS $7,725,727

Change

$438,090 p

$7,520,856 p

2009 ANNUAL TOTALS

2008

6.6%

220

218

2.7%

Change

$7,520,856 p

Change

MEDIAN SALES PRICE Q4 09 Q4 08

46.9% 16.9% NA 12.5% 0% 18.0% 12.9% 15.2% 12.5% 15.4% 11.1% 225.0% 9.6% 2.6% 11.0% 9.4% 23.7%

$43,500 $40,000 $45,000 $42,000 $25,000 $88,000 $92,500 $84,750 $74,170 $52,000 $0 $39,900 $69,000 $64,250 $74,000 $97,000 $155,000

Total units sold, including condominiums

S

’10

U.S. city average Jan 10 212.6

216

214

212

2.7% 210

Home sales

A

’09

Total amount of revenue generated in Carbondale by hotels and motels for room rentals only.

$7,725,727

SOURCE: ILLINOIS SECRETARY OF STATE’S OFFICE. LATEST DATA AVAILABLE.

The Flash Index is an early indicator of the Illinois economy’s expected performance. It is a weighted average of growth rates in corporate earnings, consumer spending and personal income. An index above 100 indicates expected growth; an index below 100 indicates the economy is contracting.

$52,000 $51,000 $15,000 $39,500 $0 $78,250 $77,500 $75,000 $76,750 $55,000 $91,500 $19,000 $72,000 $38,500 $82,000 $83,500 $163,950

Midwest urban Jan 10 202.2

208

Change

q 16.3% q 21.6% p 200.0% p 6.3% NA p 12.5% p 19.4% p 13.0% q 3.4% q 5.5% q 100.0% p 110.0% q 4.2% p 66.9% q 9.8% p 16.2% q 5.5%

206

204

200 J

F

Honoring the

Leaders Among Us C L A S S O F 2 010

A

M

J ’09

J

A

S

O

N

D

J ‘10

SOURCE: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Prices at the pump Average price per gallon of regular, unleaded gas as of Feb. 16 and Jan. 19, 2010.

Mar 10 Metro East Springfield Illinois U.S. SOURCE: AAA

SOURCE: ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS

M

$2.80 $2.73 $2.85 $2.79

Feb 10 Mar 09 $2.54 $2.48 $2.64 $2.61

$1.95 $1.87 $1.94 $1.91

14

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

APRIL 2010

Formulas for Success After preparing presentation content, focus on sharpening your delivery skills

BY JANE SANDERS SBJ CONTRIBUTOR

My last two columns discussed how to analyze requirements and improve preparation of the introduction, body and conclusion of your presentation for better results. Of equal importance Sanders (and some would argue of greater importance) are your delivery skills, or how you actually present your speech, pitch, report or update.

Following are some meaningful tips to help you reduce anxiety and deliver a succinct, powerful, effective presentation.

Control anxiety. First of all, follow the tips in my last two columns. Organize your material and prepare the entire presentation, especially your opening. If you can get through the first minute successfully, you will have a better chance of continuing with that success for the remainder of your time on stage or at the front of the room. Practice, and practice out loud. The difference in improving accuracy and reducing anxiety is significant when you practice verbally instead of just silently in your mind.

Rehearsing out loud also gives you a much more accurate reading of the time involved for each section or module of your presentation.

Visualize yourself up on stage or in front of your audience delivering a dynamite program to a very attentive audience. Keep in mind that they are rooting for you. They want you to do well and they are on your side.

Admit to yourself that you are nervous, without dwelling on it. This way, you will take preparation and practice seriously. I often tell the story about a woman who was elected president of her local trade association. Her acceptance speech was coming up next on the agenda at the monthly meeting, so she walked down the hall into a little room to practice her

presentation. A man walked in and watched for a minute or two, then asked her, “So, are you giving a speech tonight?”

The woman, obviously annoyed at him, responded, “Yes.” The man then asked, “Are you nervous?” “No,” she spit out. His final question came next, “Then why are you in the men’s room?”

Some people ask me if I rehearse in front of a mirror. Some speakers do; however, I choose not to. I get too distracted checking my hair, makeup, clothing, etc.

A few minutes before you start, use deep breathing exercises to help calm the butterflies in your stomach and slow your heart rate. Don’t underestimate how powerful this technique can be. Breathe slowly in through your nose, hold your breath with your diaphragm expanded for about three seconds, then release your breath out slowly and quietly through your mouth. Do this three times in a row, then repeat a couple minutes later. You can do this incognito sitting at a table with other people, and they’ll never know what you’re up to.

Release tension in your tight muscles by shaking your arms and legs vigorously.

This exercise, however, is best done in private to avoid frightened stares. Interact with your audience before your presentation so you have established a rapport with some familiar faces, then circle back to establish eye contact with those faces during your program. Just don’t overdo it with any one face; not only will it make that person uncomfortable, but the rest of the audience will feel ignored.

Arrive early, check that the room set-up meets your expectations and stand in the place where you will be presenting so it’s familiar later. Move naturally, just talk to them like you would at dinner. Maintain eye contact and focus on your message.

Forget advice you may have heard to stare at a spot on the wall just above and behind the audience. They will sense your disconnection and you will not feel grounded and steady.

Master verbal elements. Vary the rate, pitch and volume of your talk to maintain

Visualize yourself up on stage or in front of your audience delivering a dynamite program to a very attentive audience. Keep in mind that they are rooting for you. They want you to do well and they are on your side. interest and variety. At the same time, use a conversational style and tone, and be animated and enthusiastic. If you are not excited about your presentation, why should they be? Pause every once in a while after a profound statement or repeat a comment to hook attention and communicate the importance of what you just said.

Be sure to use correct grammar and be clear with not only your choice of words but also your enunciation. Perhaps you’ve heard the story of the little girl saying her goodnight prayers, “Our Father, who parks in Heaven, how did you know my name?”

She obviously misunderstood someone not speaking very clearly.

Use non-verbals well. Dress appropriately for your audience and the organization you are representing. Stand straight but comfortably and avoid overusing the five “wooden” positions: lectern leech — gripping the lectern with white knuckles; gorilla — arms constantly dangling down by your sides; too casual — leaning on lectern, hands in pockets; fig leaf — hands folded in front; and reverse fig leaf — hands folded behind back. Also watch out for the fig leaf flasher — hands folded in front, but opening and closing while talking (stand up and try this to get the full meaning of the name). Any of these positions are acceptable if used intermittently and for short duration.

Use natural gestures with big movements — the bigger the audience, the bigger the gesture. Smile and communicate with facial expressions.

Don’t be afraid to be dramatic.

Interact with the audience. Face people

directly and maintain eye contact for two to three seconds; any longer will make them uncomfortable. Be sure to look at all sections of the audience, as people subconsciously feel ignored and subsequently have trouble paying attention.

During Q&A, watch and listen to the person asking each question, repeat it to clarify and give yourself a moment to think (yes, we can talk and think at the same time), then give about 25 percent of your attention to the questioner and 75 percent to the rest of the audience as you answer. And, think before responding. A moment or two of silence while you think is perfectly acceptable. If you don’t know the answer, ask who in the audience might have some input. Your audience knows more than you or they realize.

Practice. I cannot stress this enough.

Rehearsing will uncover holes and mistakes, check your timing and structure, increase your confidence, reduce anxiety and help prevent embarrassment.

Using the tips here and in my previous columns will make a significant positive difference in your comfort with and the results of your presentations. As they say in the theater, go break a leg!

— Jane Sanders is a speaker, trainer and facilitator in the areas of gender communication, strategic business or work/life planning, presentation skills, authentic leadership confidence, recruiting and retention of women and selling to women.

She also facilitates brainstorming, best practice and strategic planning sessions and retreats. Jane’s clients include Toyota, MassMutual, Prudential, U.S. Steel, Walgreens, Mayo Clinic and many more.

Located in Mount Vernon, she is the creator of the Undercover Confidante™ service, offering discovery and solutions to challenging employee issues. Jane is author of “GenderSmart: Solving The Communication Puzzle Between Men and Women,” available on her Web site. Reach Jane toll-free at 877343-2150; jane@janesanders.com; www.janesanders.com.

APRIL 2010

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

15

Workplace Strategies combat costly foot-related injuries in the workplace

BY REBECCA MINNIS SBJ CONTRIBUTOR

According to the National Safety Council and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an average of 180,000 footrelated workforce injuries occur in the United States each year. That equates to Minnis approximately 400 injuries per day at an average cost of $6,000 each. These injuries are costly in terms of lost productivity and medical costs; plus, they negatively impact employee health, as well. However, many of these foot-related work injuries are preventable with minimal effort.

For starters, it is important to consider

the various types of foot-related injuries.

Punctures, crush injuries, sprains and lacerations combined make up about 10 percent of all work-related injuries. Slips, trips and falls account for 15 percent of all reported disabling injuries. Although these are the most common, many other issues can lead to accidents in the workplace. These can include calluses, ingrown toenails and foot fatigue. While these issues are not the stereotypical workforce injuries, they predispose the employee to accidents by creating discomfort or pain. This results in fatigue and decreased alertness, which leads to a dangerous work environment for the employee and his/her co-workers, too.

If the shoe fits Companies can take a proactive approach on foot safety in the workforce.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration acknowledges the importance of proper foot protection in the workforce and has issued safety regulations pertaining to this particular issue. To see the most current regulations, visit www.osha.gov.

Some methods include the selection of footwear, fit-testing and monitoring and maintenance of employee compliance.

When selecting the proper shoe wear for employees, it is important to focus on comfort, functionality and anti-slip protection. Classes of protection for footwear will help you choose the right shoe for the right job. These protection classifications include, but are not limited to, sole puncture protection, static-dissipative and toe protection.

These shoes must meet the American National Standards Institute requirements. This institution has

created a set of industry standards that list minimum requirements for the design, performance, testing and classification of protective footwear.

Most shoes that are OSHA approved will have the classes of protection marked on the outer side or the tongue of the right shoe.

Proper footwear for work includes some important qualities. The footwear must have a wide forefoot to allow adequate toe motion. It must grip the heel securely and have a fastening across SEE MINNIS / PAGE 16

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16

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

APRIL 2010

Investments U.S. investors looking more often for emerging markets overseas

BY MICHAEL P. TISON SBJ CONTRIBUTOR

The view from abroad of the United States as a 19th Century emerging economy was not one of universal admiration. Some sophisticated investors in England, France and other Tison well-developed European economic powers saw the entire country as a kind of raw, undisciplined wild west show — fascinating to watch, but dangerous.

Fortunes were made, and lost, as hastily organized railroad companies sprouted.

The fledging oil exploration and production industry was populated by wildcatters and, later, by organized and dominant companies that were not above hiring thugs to disrupt competitors’ operations. Essentially, there was no business regulation and no acceptable standards until the Interstate Commerce Commission was formed in 1887 to regulate the railroads. Court decisions won by anti-monopolists gradually reined in the most egregious excesses of the oil industry. The U.S. became a relatively secure place for international investors.

Today, American investors are witnessing similar evolutions in nations everywhere around the world — in Latin America, in Eastern Europe and in formerly pre-industrial Asia. As middle

classes emerge, their members become significant buyers of goods and services.

They demand modern infrastructure, better housing, better modes of transportation and better food.

Companies are formed to fulfill these demands, and governments of emergingmarket countries begin applying accounting and market standards, regulating industries, currencies and economies to make them attractive to domestic and foreign investors.

Africa, Taiwan, India, Singapore, Chile and South Korea.

There are other assessments, too. The World Bank lists the five biggest emerging markets as the so-called BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) plus Indonesia. Others want to elevate the importance of Argentina and Turkey.

Global financial giant HSBC includes the Czech Republic and Israel in its new 13nation Emerging Market Index.

From BRIC to BIC? Emerging money flows Despite the regular lament that many U.S. investors are insular and too cautious to invest abroad, considerable interest exists; they invested an estimated $41 billion into global stock funds in 2009.

At the same time, investors aren’t scanning a level playing field. Government policies, economic structures and regulatory environments differ greatly.

Questions that have no easy answers revolve around which are likely the strongest emerging markets, the likeliest investment candidates, which still have miles to go before their regulatory houses are the kind American investors respect.

An advanced class?

Some analysts suggest dividing the emerging category, establishing an “advanced” class that would include countries that have high national income levels or well-developed market infrastructures. This list could include Brazil, Mexico, Hungary, Poland, South

When Brazil, Russia, India and China were first grouped together in 2003 as fast-developing emerging economic superstars likely to be, as a group, the richest global economies by 2050, Russia seemed an inevitable and solid member of the club. But Russia’s severe economic and political troubles in the meantime have, for some analysts, called into question its inclusion in this group.

In the latest spell of economic disasters, Russia equities lost 70 percent of the value, far more than the global average of a 45 percent decline. The country has shifted from its strong, broad-based potential for becoming a powerful industrial and resources economy to one that is chiefly an oil and gas exporter. As such, its currency and economy generally took a steep dive when oil prices plunged from their 2008 highs.

Analysts agree that Russia failed to invest its oil export income in the broader economy, a neglect that comes into focus as it tries to cope with large budget deficits. The importance of Russia cannot

be denied, but its ranking on the economic development scale has been questioned.

Similar paths Despite the cultural and financial differences that can define one society from another, emerging markets have much in common. l They tend to be regional powerhouses with relatively large populations, large resources bases and large markets. l They are in transition to a higher state of development and are in the midst of regulatory and political reform in pursuit of sustained economic growth. l They are growing exponentially — the five biggest (BRIC plus Indonesia) moving from 7.8 percent of the world’s output in 1992 to an expected 16.1 percent by 2020. l They are participants in global economic and political affairs, ever seeking more important roles in international politics and larger pieces of the economic pie.

There are positive signs that emerging markets are stepping up to the economic plate, but investors interested in expanding their international holdings should consult an adviser before making any final decisions on where these investments fit in an asset allocation model.

— Michael P. Tison is an investment adviser and registered principal with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., with offices in Harrisburg and Marion. He can be reached at 618-253-4444 or Michael.tison@ raymondjames.com.

MINNIS: Strategies combat costly foot-related injuries in the workplace FROM PAGE 15 the instep (laces, strap) to prevent the foot from slipping when walking.

Mix it up Another way to protect the employee is creating a safe work environment. The first step involves identifying the hazards and designing the job to avoid such hazards, if possible. This can

include rotating jobs for the employee so that different muscles and positions are utilized. For example, one job may include standing in place while the next job may be in a seated position.

Another way is to broaden the job duties for the worker so that multiple body positions and movements are utilized throughout the day. If the job does not allow for these types of accommodations, short, frequent

rest breaks are vital to alleviating foot fatigue.

If the job requires standing for long periods at a time, a foot-rail or footrest will allow the shifting of body weight, which reduces stress on the feet.

Anti-fatigue matting can be useful to reduce stress. If mats are not an option, flooring that provides some flexibility, such as wood, rubber or carpeting, are good alternatives to concrete.

Foot-related work injuries are a major source of costly and time-consuming workers’ compensation claims. By adhering to a few simple recommendations and strategies, many foot-related injuries in the workplace can be avoided.

— Rebecca Minnis is employed at Southern Illinois Healthcare. She can be contacted at www.sih.net /workcare or workcare@ sih.net. Call 618-993-3817.

18

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

APRIL 2010

Elder Law Despite what you’ve heard, the ‘death tax’ is not dead

BY RICHARD HABIGER SBJ CONTRIBUTOR

You may have heard some quipsters joke that 2010 is a good year to die now that the estate tax has “disappeared.” Of course, this all depends on what Congress may or Habiger may not do to reinstate the estate tax.

All kidding aside, it is interesting to note that in this topsy-turvy world, those who fought the longest and loudest against the estate tax — going so far as to rename the estate tax the “death tax” in order to get more political traction — have now decided to switch sides and fight to reinstate the federal estate tax. More than 40 business organizations are asking Congress to reinstate the estate tax at 35 percent on inheritances worth more than $10 million per couple. The groups have changed positions in a bid to head off what they believe could be an even higher estate tax.

Under current law, for people dying in 2010, there is no estate tax on their estates. Thus an unlimited sum, even billions, can pass to the next of kin or other beneficiaries of a person dying in 2010 without any of the sum being taxed.

However, unless Congress acts, current law would raise the tax next year to 55 percent on estates after they exceed $1

million per individual ($2 million per married couple).

What does this mean in practical terms?

According to the Tax Policy Center, about 1.7 percent of all Americans who die each year (44,000 estates) would accrue an estate tax liability in 2011 if the $1 million exemption remains unchanged by Congress. Raising the tax bar to $3.5 million shrinks the pool 85 percent to 6,400 estates. A $5 million estate tax exemption per individual ($10 million per couple) would cut that population in half again, leaving only the 3,500 richest estates owing anything to the IRS. Looking at the estate tax in perspective, we begin to understand that far too many people focus on whether the estate tax will be reinstated, and if so, the date the reinstatement will be effective (retroactively or prospectively).

Unfortunately, focusing on these concerns has lulled some into complacency. Instead, they ought to be taking steps to consult with an elder law or estate planning attorney to determine whether they may be at risk right now.

Spouses could be in jeopardy For example, because there is currently no estate tax, spouses could be in jeopardy; that is, the rule of “unintended consequences” put in motion by Congress may adversely affect some spouses.

Standard language found in many estate plans could leave spouses with nothing. In

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Under current law, for people dying in 2010, there is no estate tax on their estates. Thus an unlimited sum, even billions, can pass to the next of kin or other beneficiaries of a person dying in 2010 without any of the sum being taxed.

2009 and prior years, estates could pass a certain amount of assets tax free (up to $3.5 million in 2009). In addition, spouses could receive an unlimited amount tax free. To take advantage of these rules, estate plans often contain a “bypass trust” (or “credit shelter trust”) and a will with language in it that is designed to allow estates to pass without any estate tax. For

example, your will may state: “I leave to my trustee the maximum amount that can pass free of estate tax and leave the residual to my spouse.” Because there is currently no estate tax, individuals who die in 2010 with this language will wind up leaving nothing to their spouses.

While Illinois, like most states, allows spouses to claim a portion of the decedent’s estate, even if they don’t receive anything under a will, this can be a time-consuming and expensive process.

To ensure your spouse is covered, you should talk to an elder law or estate planning attorney.

— Richard Habiger is an elder law attorney who focuses on asset protection, Medicaid and VA benefits, Alzheimer’s and life-care planning, all in collaboration with a multidisciplinary staff. You may contact him at 618-549-4529 or info@habigerelderlaw.com.

APRIL 2010

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

19

Achievements AWA R DS

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P RO M OT I O N S

Tison named to executive council

production ranking of all registered advisers supported by LPL Financial, and is Michael P. Tison, a financial adviser and branch manager of the Harrisburg and awarded to less than 20 percent of the Marion offices of Raymond James Financial firm’s 12,027 advisors nationwide.

Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, has been named to the firm’s 2010 Executive Lantrip promoted to VP of finance Council in recognition of outstanding Mike Lantrip of Carterville has been client service and exemplary professional promoted to vice president of finance at growth.

SIU Credit Union.

Executive Council honors are presented Lantrip previously served as the credit only to those financial advisers who have union’s controller. He has been employed at demonstrated an extremely high level of SIU Credit Union since 1983 and has risen commitment to clients through personal through the ranks of the credit union by service and professional integrity. serving as a teller, accountant and Tison, who joined Raymond James in accounting manager.

1996, has more than 18 years of experience in the financial services industry.

Holland Construction to build PCHS

Holland Construction Services, Inc. has been selected as construction manager for Drs. Jason and Bobbie Whitacre have the new Pinckneyville Community High announced that changes have been made at School. Construction is expected to begin Murphysboro Chiropractic Clinic and in the spring of 2011.

Optimal Health Center.

The new 54,000-square-foot structure Joining the chiropractic clinic are Dr. will ultimately replace the two existing Michelle Marvel, who formerly practiced buildings currently housing 470 students in in Johnston City; Kyle Davis, rehab pre-kindergarten and grades 9 through 12, specialist and coach at SIU; and Emily while incorporating and renovating the Hahn, chiropractic assistant. existing gymnasium that will feature a Phillip Ellison, the clinic’s licensed newly installed heating, ventilation and air massage therapist, is now available on a conditioning system. full-time basis. For appointments, Mevert Professional Associates, Inc. of call 618-684-3344.

Steeleville will be the architects for the project.

Three join chiropractic clinic

LPL Financial recognizes Clutts Eric Clutts, an independent financial adviser at Alliance Investment Planning Group in Carbondale, has been recognized as a top financial adviser and named to the LPL Financial Freedom Club.

This distinction is based on an annual

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R E T I R E M E N T

comes to The Bank of Marion from First Bank in West Frankfort. He is taking over for Don Bett, who retired in 2009.

In addition to his duties on the job, Hopkins serves as a member of John A. Logan College Board of Trustees, as well as other community organizations.

3ABN moves to Galaxy-19 satellite Three Angels Broadcasting Network (3ABN), a West Frankfort-based network, has begun broadcasting on the Galaxy-19 satellite.

The move was deemed necessary because the network’s previous satellite, AMC-4, suffered an unexpected technical problem. Although a replacement satellite will be moved into its place, it will not have the same coverage.

3ABN has posted detailed information on how to make the change on its Web site.

Hassakis attends ABA meeting Mount Vernon attorney Mark Hassakis recently attended the 2010 Orlando Midyear Meeting of the American Bar Association.

Hassakis is president-elect of the Illinois State Bar Association. He is a trial attorney who represents injured victims.

Century 21 earns top awards

Century 21 House of Realty, Inc., with offices in Marion, Carbondale, Hopkins appointed VP Murphysboro, Carterville and Lake of Egypt, was the recipient of several awards Michael Hopkins has been appointed that were presented at the annual Century vice president of commercial loans at The 21 Broker Council Awards Banquet Feb. 27 Bank of Marion. in St. Louis.

Hopkins has more than 26 years of Century 21 received the 2009 Corporate banking experience in Southern Illinois and

Technology Award in addition to the Top Century 21 Company for Closed Units and Top Century 21 Company for Sales in the St Louis Broker Council.

The Marion office received the Gold Medallion Production Award. Marion, Carbondale and Carterville offices were all recognized as Quality Service Award Offices. Thirty-eight additional awards were presented to individual agents for production and quality service.

Century 21 has five offices in Southern Illinois and is owned and operated by Richard and Janie Davis.

LPL Financial honors Loucks, Rose Bob Loucks and Jeff Rose, independent financial advisers at Alliance Investment Planning Group in Carbondale, have been recognized as top financial advisers and named to the LPL Financial Freedom Club.

This distinction is based on an annual production ranking of all registered advisers supported by LPL Financial, and is awarded to less than 20 percent of the firm’s 12,027 advisers nationwide.

Let the region know Have you been promoted? Has a colleague at work completed an intensive continuing education program?

Others in the business community will want to know it, so please consider passing on your milestone employment news to the Southern Business Journal.

Feel free to email the information to sbj@thesouthern.com or fax a written update to 618-457-2935.

20

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

APRIL 2010

Your Business In business, mission statements set a course for future success

BY CAVANAUGH L. GRAY SBJ CONTRIBUTOR

There is something in the words of a wellwritten mission statement and a company that goes out of its way to stand behind that mission that truly makes a connection Gray with the consumer.

At times, you will come across a company that may have lost its way, which could be chalked up to a bunch of factors. Given the pace of technology, changing trends and a roller-coaster economy, it’s no wonder small businesses have gotten turned around. Despite those factors, this lack of business clarity can at times be traced to an unclear mission statement or worse — the lack thereof. With a little redirection and a focus on shoring up your company’s mission statement, you could be back on track in no time.

Why a mission statement?

As a rule of thumb, I recommend that every business or organization invest in a mission statement. A company’s mission statement should summarize what the company does and what principles guide its day-to-day activities. A good mission statement should accurately explain why your organization exists and what it hopes

to achieve in the future. Your mission statement is an opportunity to define your business at the most basic level. It should tell your company’s story, ideals, what you do, what you stand for and why you do it.

Upon closer examination Take a few moments to examine the following mission statement: The mission of The Walt Disney Company is to be one of the world’s leading producers and providers of entertainment and information. Using our portfolio of brands to differentiate our content, services and consumer products, we seek to develop the most creative, innovative and profitable entertainment experiences and related products in the world.

Does the company’s mission statement do anything for you? Do you feel that Disney’s mission is crafted to make a connection with you on a more personal level? What about the company’s mission statement works for you? Lastly, do you feel that The Walt Disney Company is doing a good job of reinforcing its mission with each family that it interacts with?

Simple mission guidelines As you re-examine your own mission statement, take a few moments to think through the following questions: l What beliefs and values are being SEE BUSINESS / PAGE 23

APRIL 2010

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

21

Business Fine Print PERMITS | BANKRUPTCIES

Building permits Carbondale Home Rentals, 406 S. Illinois Ave., $12,500 Equitas Partners, 305 N. Robinson Circle, $43,000 Edgewood Properties, Inc., 401 S. Eason Drive, $9,000 Meadowridge Townhouses, 600 E. Campus Drive, $4,000 Black Trust, 304 E. Hester St., $4,000 Ghada Wimberly, 622 E. Searing St., $34,000 Norma and Charles Stevens, 220 W. Charles Road, $29,000 Bryant Rentals, 508 W. College St., $14,000 John Whitlock, 605 W. Walnut St., $1,680 Vicki Walker, 702 S. Benwood Drive, $9,000 Charles Myers, 1002 S. Skyline Drive, $5,000 Charlene Reed, 407 S. Emerald Lane, $7,000 Carl Ervin, 1504 W. Taylor Drive, $7,000 KC’s Pet Grooming, 100 N. Glenview Drive, $2,500 Blue Fish Liquor and Cigars, 2355 Sweets Drive, $25,000 Selective Site Consultants, 925 E. Larch St., $15,000 Pointe at SIU, 900 E. Park St., $637,500 Harold Hungerford, 3103 W. Kent Drive, $18,000 Regina Paul, 1108 W. Chautauqua St., $70,000 Charles Leming, 608 W. Owens St., $2,500 Matt, Gramse, 2216 E. Walnut St., $5,000 Julia Hines, 310 S. Lynda St., $31,000 Campus Colonial, 908 W. Mill St., $208,000 Payne, Gaertner and Associates, 334 N. Illinois Ave., $24,000

Carterville Ila O’Brian, 516 Canary, $0 John Gooden, 408 California, $10,000

Herrin Roy Adams, 220 Wyatt Drive, $4,700 Wilma Ridgway, 854 Belleview Place, $3,000 Carlos Williams, 1516 E. Stotlar St., $9,000

Marion Robert Dillon, 108 S. Monroe St., $1,000 Jones Brothers Construction, 905 W. Main St., $1,343,122 Black Diamond Harley-Davidson, 2400 Williamson County Parkway, $75,000 Ken Elders, South Vicksburg St., $28,960

Metropolis Christopher Carter, P.O. Box 412, $4,000

Mount Vernon Josephine Smith, 809 25th St., $700 Don Sol 2, 300 44th St., $22,629 Don Sol 2, 300 44th St., $4,988 Tommy T’s, 118 9th St., $1,208 Baptist Children’s Home and Family, 4243 Lincolnshire, $200,000 Barry, Dalmasso, 404 W. Beacon Court, $1,250 City of Mount Vernon, 800 S. 27th St., $45,500 St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital, 4001 Veterans Memorial Drive, $7,500 St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital, 4001 Veterans

Memorial Drive, $1,144,000 Leroy Joslin, 319 Jordan Ave., $45,783 Larry Heck, 1409 Jones, $0 Donald and Paula Gordon, 185 Aspen, $47,240 Pizza Hut, 3519 Broadway, $0 Tammy Jourdan, 2523 Casey Ave., $24,000

Murphysboro Keith Roberts, 227 N. 14th St., $5,000 James A. Cochran, 608 N. 11th St., $3,800 Frank Coniglio, 1520 Spruce St., $30,000 Jane Schemonia, 1828 Kennedy, $2,140 Becky McIntosh, 538 S. 17th St., $2,800

West Frankfort Rich Walton, 507 S. Locust St., $80,000 W.F. Armory, 802 W. Main St., $768,300 Tody and Ken Gray, 1515 E. Cleveland St., $120,000

Bankruptcies Chapter 7 Michael W. Curtis, 27792 Sandy Creek Road, Tamms Robert M. Veach, Jr., 612 W. Belmont, Sparta Bryan N. Riekena, 400 E. Hester, Apt.3, Carbondale Daniel L. Bishop, 420 N. 8th, Herrin Michael Scott Hurd, 100 Mark Dr., Goreville Jesse D. McClure, PO Box 141, Freeman Spur Florence A. Craig, 764 Filmore Square, Herrin William J. and Joyce A. Lauderdale, RR3, Box 115, Golconda Rickey D. Johnson, Jr., 19 Park Estate, Sparta Joey L. Navarro, 949 E. Park St., Du Quoin Charles D. Norman, 207 Sanders St., Marion Linda Hostalek, 2003 Hickory Ridge Road, Pomona Darrell S. Franklin, 509 Mundy, Eldorado Vickie Kay Sanford, 1222 S. McKinley, Harrisburg Kimberly A. Joyce, 109 Bagget, Zeigler Jason Erik Smith, 201 E. Cleveland, Apt. 2, West Frankfort Michael R. Scurlock, 801 E. Clark, West Frankfort Steven A. Hopkins, 107 Presley St., Marion Stephen E. Klump, 78 Sunset Gardens Drive, Murphysboro Kimberly E. Lawless, 227 Cherry Lake Road, Du Quoin Jerry W. Aaron, 640 Annabell, Cypress Gary Wayne Unthank, 917 B 3rd St., Eldorado Brocklin J. Bittle, 622 Hwy. 127, Alto Pass Laron C. Washington and Lea T. Robinson, 1201 N. Bridge St., Carbondale Jennifer L. Norman, 918 N. Bridge St., Carbondale Lisa D. Paquette, 95 Post Oak Road, Campbell Hill Rosemary Intravaia, 1215 Hobbs, Johnston City Carol Ann Hansel, 402 Lickliter St., Benton Jason Laut, 230 Delwood Drive, Sparta Michael R. and Tracy D. Grant, 412 E. 5th St., Johnston City Frank T. and Denise A. Cornell, RR 1 Box 124A, Elizabethtown Michael L. and RobAnn Grass, 485 Friendship School Road, Anna Lynne Anne Beggs, 521 Dallas Road, Apt. A, Murphysboro

Timothy A. and Amy H. Rich, PO Box 83, Creal Springs Jo Ellen Ingle, 407 E. Lincoln #1, De Soto Calyton Cash and Lesley Paige Thompson, 2206 Melanie Lane, Marion Jamie D. Lincoln, 704 Country Village Drive, Apt. K, Anna Susan A. Fenner, 116 Hillside Lane, Carbondale Lana Ruth and John Lee Duckworth, 15 Body Barn Road, Anna Cole R. and Lillia J. Pierce, 822 E. Park St., Du Quoin April M. Roach, PO Box 722, Vienna Brittanye Noel Desmond, 1021 Hunters Circle, Benton Johnie L. Lomas, RR 1 Box 213A, West Salem Barbar A. Foster, 625 Friendship Loop, Goreville Chad A. Newberry, 101 Professional Dr. Apt. 2, Herrin Robert Calvin and Donna Kay Lenard, Jr. 311 E. Cherry, McLeansboro Jennifer L. Piersol, 701 S. Madison, Du Quoin Zachary L. Collins, 800 E. Grand, Apt. 34D, Carbondale Sherri L. Miller, PO Box 261, Hurst Daniel A. and April M. Murphy, 528 Everett St., Marion Donna J. Serrett, 520 Tower Road, Herrin Jamie Sandor, 119 Tazewell St., 1B, Equality Dennis Dale and Nancy Ann Kloth, PO Box 74, Campbell Hill Steven Damron, 1035 S. 17th St., Mount Vernon Conrad Lee and Adra Lynn Kennedy, 6586 Roberts Road, Marion Kendra D. Leonard, 1200 S. Wilson, Benton Michael D. and Retha R. Crow, 211 N. First, Elkville Lisa E. Hammann, 605 N. 9th St., Apt 4, Herrin Max W. Pullum, 1942 Doctor Springs Road, Carterville

Chapter 13 John R. and Carol F. Piland, 11340 Stotlar Road, Johnston City Kevin R. and Heather D. Sunnmer, 802 Wastena, Apt. A, Benton Alfred C. Maysay, PO Box 304, Hurst Connie B. Foster, 806 S. Church, Christopher Velma M. Wilkerson, 203 Second St., Grand Tower Mandy A. Tindall, PO Box 92, De Soto Joseph E. Perry, 510 S. Emma, Christopher Victor R. Waldron, 6213 Loverick Road, Mulkeytown Matthew and Bridget Ann Short, 12154 Short Drive, Marion Joe Allen and Marsha Jean Holderfield, 1711 Quail Run, Marion Michael E. and Kassandra L. Hagen, 1507 Browns Lane, Marion Ethel M. Gregory, 102 S. Locust St., McLeansboro Glendell G. and Judy M. Gosnell, Jr., PO Box 147, Coello Robert C. and Doris A. Couch, 1289 Kessel Road, Ava Barbara L. Crisp, 35 Victorian, Carrier Mills Chorsie E. and Elma J. Martin, 201 S. Canterbury Drive, Carbondale Delmus D. and Rosemary E. Franklin, 601 E. Bryan St., Herrin

Julie A. Pritchett, 15031 Peachtree St., Carterville William B. Staley, 412 N. 11th St., Herrin Patricia Young, 2100 4th Ave., Grand Tower Jerid S. and Allison P. Stevenson, 211 W. St. Louis, Pinckneyville Jeffrey Alan and Betty K. Julian, RR 2, Box 97 A, Thompsonville Victor M. and Kimberly R. Akin, RR2 Box 375, McLeansboro Michael A. and Tena A. Karas, 18279 Old Frankfort Road, West Frankfort Judy A. James, 3102 Weaver Road, Herrin Samuel E. and Jacqueline S. Pankey, 1695 Blackman Hill Road, Harrisburg Gary W. and Donna D. Minter, 308 W. Knauer St., Ava Donald R. and Traci Renee DeBose, 2199 Grand Ave., Eldorado Garry M. and Clarissa A. Poole, 590 Hocbriar Court #4, Carbondale Robert J. and Andrea J. Skropka, 308 W. Harrison, Christopher Brenda S. Skaggs, 201 S. Walnut St., Du Quoin Gregory J. Peters, 2368 Plumfield Road, West Frankfort Timothy N. McClanahan, 305 East Kaskaskia, Pinckneyville Andrew R. Bloodworth, 1317 W. Cherry, Marion John Edgar and Patricia Jane McFarland, 10596 W. 7th St., West Frankfort Jackie DeWayne and Regina Shawn Williams, 12473 Chestnut St., Cairo James L. and Marjorie L. Seed, 606 Polk Ave., Marion Richard E., Jr. and Deborah C. Swiney, 7833 Sassafrass Road, Du Quoin Cynthia Lynn Vaughn, 305 S. Church St., Pittsburgh Gregory Millikan, 3200 Leamingtom Road, Equality Kimberly R. Millikan, 122 S. Mill, Harrisburg John D. and Melissa A. Reiman, 114 N. Jungle Road, Murphysboro Douglas W. and Sharon A. Barlow, 207 Freeman St., Anna Brian K. and Laura A. Choate, 1212 E. Boyton, Marion Jeffrey Lee and Iva Lea Freytag, 3025 County Road 5, Steeleville Mark L. Hendershot, 703 Harrison, Chester Gary Lee and Anita Diane Goedelmann, 1124 Benton St., Eldorado William C. and Marjorie H. Groskopf, PO box 493, Elkville Chirstopher B. Stacey, 113 S. 22nd, Herrin Ralph W. and Michelle L. Perryman, 503 Maple St., Zeigler Brian Matthew and Tasha Kristen Schilling, 481 School St., Tilden Wiley Joe and Chrystal Leah Byrn, PO Box 234, Royalton Harold Eugene and Janis Clyde Burns, 19943 N. Prior Lane, Mount Vernon Dennie P. and Donna J. Sminchak, 10358 Gass St., West Frankfort Kevin D. and Lori A. McClellan, 4445 W. Eden Road, Cypress Leann R. Painter, 1702 N. 14th, Herrin Lisa L. Robison, 227 S. Mulberry, Du Quoin

APRIL 2010

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

Mark Your Calendar April 1

April 15

Beginning Access 2007: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

Intermediate Access 2007: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

April 5

April 16

Beginning Access 2003: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

April 6 Beginning Excel 2007: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

April 7 Beginning Word 2007: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

April 8 Beginning Excel 2003: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

Beginning/Intermediate Adobe Photoshop: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room H125, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

April 9 Beginning Publisher 2007: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room H125, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

Beginning QuickBooks 2009: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

April 12 Intermediate Access 2003: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

April 13 Intermediate Excel 2007: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

Intermediate Excel 2003: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room H125, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

Intermediate QuickBooks 2009: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

April 20 Advanced Excel 2007: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

April 21 Intermediate Word 2007: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

April 22 Advanced Access 2007: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

April 23 Time & Stress Management: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F110, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

April 26 Beginning Word 2003: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room H125, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

Visio 2007: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

April 30 Team Building: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F109, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry. Cost is $90.

For more information on John A. Logan or to register for classes, call 618-985-2828, ext. 8510 or e-mail cbi@jalc.edu. John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry is located at 700 College Road, Carterville and cost is $55 unless otherwise noted.

BREAKFAST FROM PAGE 3 Walter Payton of the Chicago Bears.

Yaeger explained during a recent telephone interview that in his earlier appearance, he focused on four of his 16 characteristics of greatness. He will discuss another four of the 16 characteristics on April 29, he said.

“We’ll talk about seeing yourself as successful and the importance of that,” Yaeger said.

Yaeger said he would again discuss Wooden, but also plans to talk about the successful father and son partnership of Dick and Rick Hoyt, the subjects of his new book, which will be released in late April.

Known together as “Team Hoyt,” the father and son compete in marathons and triathlons across the nation. Dick, the father, does the running as he pushes Rick in a wheelchair.

“He’ll be pushing him in his 29th Boston Marathon this year,” Yaeger said.

“He’s also completed the Iron Man in Hawaii eight times.”

BUSINESS FROM PAGE 20 expressed about my organization? l Have I clearly described my firm’s products and services? l What market(s) do we compete in? l Does the mission statement clearly explain who your target customers are and what their characteristics are? l Can the readers of your mission clearly identify what needs and wants your company satisfies? l Does the mission statement identify major strength(s) and what competitive advantage your company holds?

23

In the other highlight presentation, the newest selections as “Leaders Among Us” will be introduced and honored.

Each spring for the past five years, SBJ and The Southern have honored a group of people from across Southern Illinois — a total of 102 outstanding people. The people feted April 29 will be the sixth class of Leaders honorees, who now number 102.

This year’s honors class includes a significant number of younger leaders, but even the more experienced honorees are young at heart. You’ll need to attend the breakfast if you want to be the first to know who was picked from an outstanding pool of nominees submitted by readers of the Southern Business Journal and The Southern Illinoisan.

Here’s a hint, though. Everyone selected as a Leaders honoree meets the criteria of always giving an extra effort for their community, often after spending long and demanding hours on the job.

Advance registration is required to attend the Leaders Breakfast. Reservations will be taken through Monday, April 26.

To register, call 618-351-5002 or register online at www.sbj.biz.

It is important to think of your mission statement as the heart and soul of your company. Be sure to look at your mission as a work in progress, refining it regularly until it resonates not only with you but all who read it.

—Cavanaugh L. Gray is the director of business development for The Entrepreneur Café, L.L.C. in Carbondale. He can be contacted at cgray@ecafell.com or 618-206-7013. For more ideas on crafting a proper mission statement or for more information on how to start, grow and succeed in small business, be sure to follow The Entrepreneur Café, L.L.C. on Twitter www.twitter.com/ TheECafe or at www.ecafellc.com.

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