Southern Business Journal - December 2013 by The Southern Illinoisan

DECEMBER 2013

Directory of Advertisers

Inside D EC E M B E R

20 1 3

WORKPLACE

INVESTMENTS

Getting it right: Employment interviews are important to the long-term success of a business. Take a minute to think about what you are trying to accomplish when you interview candidates. What are you trying to learn about the candidates? The time you have during the interview needs to be used wisely. Knowledge, skills and abilities are important, but it’s also wise to consider the personality types of prospective employees and how they would fit into the culture of the business. A bad fit could have long-term consequences. Page 6

Not so simple: It can be a lot tougher deciding whether to sell a stock than purchasing it. You will want to determine if a stock is losing value because of a general market correction, or whether there is something more fundamental in the decline. Is it because the company is losing market share to a competitor or because its margins are declining? After serious consideration, it might be best to terminate a long-term underperforming stock — just as businesses do with poor employees. Page 12

ENTREPRENEUR’S MAILBAG

ACHIEVEMENTS

Studying business growth: There are known characteristics that identify whether a business is in the startup, initial growth or mature stage of development. Startup owners, for example, will want to ask whether they have developed a solid business model, and if it has been evaluated or tested. Companies in the growth phase of business start working on expanding their existing revenue channels, and look critically at ineffective areas on the management team. Knowing where you are on the growth spectrum is critical for planning and future success. Page 9

Who’s in the news: Find out who has been hired, who has been promoted or who has received an award for efforts in business. Make sure you check out our newest Faces in the News collection of business portraits and learn more of the achievements and honors in regional business. If you know of a business person who deserves special recognition for advanced training, a unique honor or a business expansion, please let us know at sbj@the southern.com. Pages 14, 15, 17

Publisher: Bob Williams 618-351-5038

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 email 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. Copyright 2013 by The Southern Illinoisan, all rights reserved. A subscription may be obtained by calling 618-529-5454 or 618-997-3356, or by visiting our website.

Editor: Gary Metro 618-351-5033 Advertising: Mark Dynis 618-351-5815 Design & Layout: Rhonda May 618-529-5454, ext. 5118

1st Bank and Trust of Murphysboro ........5

John A. Logan College ........................ 18

Pepsi MidAmerica .............................. 20

Rare Chop House ................................ 4

Shawnee Community College.............. 15

SIU Credit Union .................................. 8

Southern Illinois Healthcare................ 16

Southern Illinois University ................ 13

Find more business news at www.sbj.biz.

DECEMBER 2013

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

Cover Story Affordable Care Act BY DEB SAUERHAGE SBJ CORRESPONDENT

Perhaps the elephant in the room for many small businesses in 2014 is the nationwide Affordable Care Act. Beginning Jan. 1, businesses with more than 50 employees will be required to offer insurance to eligible full-time employees. The ACA has had both a negative and positive effect on business owners, according to Ben Schmitt, employee benefits executive for Old National Bank. Larger employers have to figure out how the employer shared responsibility provision that starts in 2015 will change their health care costs. Those not offering affordable health plans that meet a minimum value level may find themselves struggling to comply or pay penalties in 2015, according to Schmitt. “This is particularly burdensome to the employers with a large fluctuating hourly workforce ... (that has) not been eligible to participate in the full benefit programs,” Schmitt said. Like any other benefit, health care will be important in hiring. “Clients still want to attract and retain top talent for their companies,” Schmitt said. “I think they will continue to provide incentives, whether it is through offering group health insurance, wages or other innovative offerings that we help develop.” Workers who are not offered insurance through their job can purchase insurance through a health insurance marketplace, which lets users compare plans and screens them for eligible discounts and programs. The rollout of the national marketplace website has been plagued by problems. According to the website www.hhs.gov, 13 percent of Illinoisans or 1.4 million are uninsured and eligible for insurance. Of those uninsured, 68 percent or 954,000 have a full-time worker in the family. The majority is white, 47 percent; 42 percent are 19 to 34 years old; and 57 percent are male. Up to 92 percent of Illinois’

Find more business news at www.sbj.biz. uninsured and eligible populations may qualify for lower-cost coverage through the marketplace. In addition, insurers can add or keep their children on their policy until they turn 26. The law also bans insurance companies from imposing lifetime dollar limits. Insurance plans also include without cost sharing, a variety of preventive health services, such as colonoscopy screening for colon cancer, Pap smears and mammograms for women, well-child visits and flu shots for all children and adults. Most Americans are required to have coverage by March 2014 or pay a fee that will increase each year. In 2014, the fee starts at 1 percent of yearly income or $95 per person, whichever is higher. In 2016, it will jump to 2.5 percent of income or $695 per person, according to the government website. “A positive is that with the elimination of pre-existing condition exclusions, many folks are now able to gain coverage of health insurance that may have been denied in the past,” Schmitt said. “Illinois is expanding their Medicaid program to more eligible individuals (up to 138 percent of federal poverty level), also creates the opportunity for individuals to receive coverage for their health care needs.” According to Schmitt, individual and small employer (two to 50 employees) fully-insured health insurance policies starting in 2014 that are not considered “grandfathered” will be required to be ACA compliant. SEE COVER / PAGE 4

ART SERVICES

Health care officials say general health may benefit from preventive care and regular doctor visits as a result of the Affordable Care Act and its guidelines. Small business owners have to determine how they can best adjust to new policies set forth by the Affordable Care Act.

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

DECEMBER 2013

Cover Story

SOURCE: OFFICE OF ECONOMIC AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT, SIU CARBONDALE

“No longer will an individual or small group receive a lower premium because they have a good health status,” he said. There will also be no difference in rates between male and females. Only four factors will be considered: geographic location, age, familial status and smoker versus non-smoker. “As a result, we are seeing anywhere from a 20 to 40 percent decrease in premiums to over 400 percent increase in premiums versus what individuals and small employers pay today,” he said. “There are many strategies we are implementing with employers to help mitigate this exposure. There are definitely winners and losers because of this one change brought on by the ACA.” Because of the complicated nature of the ACA, small businesses need to stay on top of the new laws and how it affects them. “Small businesses just need to be aware of the changes that affect their organization,” said Kyle Harfst, director of Southern Illinois University Office of Economic and Regional Development. Business owners who have questions about the new laws and how the changes relate to their business can contact the Small Business Development Center. “We are here for startup and existing business,” Harfst said. “If there’s something they aren’t sure about, they can contact our office, and we can point them to the right entity.” Erin Kopec, marketing support administrator for Extra Help in Marion, agrees. “The Affordable Care Act is providing businesses with a lot of uncertainty,” Kopec said. “Businesses need to be thinking now about how they are going to deal with the new administrative and tax/penalty burdens. “ Along with changes in how small businesses offer health care to their employees, local health care entities are also facing changes. Southern Illinois Healthcare is anticipating more wellness visits and being able to diagnose treatable illnesses because of the ACA, according to Phil Schaefer, vice president of physician and ambulatory services.

Workers who are not offered insurance through their job can purchase insurance through a health insurance marketplace, which lets users compare plans and screens them for eligible discounts and programs. “We think that more ready access to care will allow earlier diagnosis and treatment,” he said. “This would be especially helpful in catching problems like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and other symptoms earlier, and preventing bigger problems down the road.” But, it is hard to predict how the general health of residents of Southern Illinois will be affected. “That is a very difficult question at this point in time,” Schaefer said. “If everything turns out as originally envisioned, we should see more Southern Illinoisans with insurance going forward. That should result in greater access to care for individuals and families, which is a good thing.” There are still a lot of unanswered questions. “But, the devil is in the details. For example, will the coverage be affordable? What will be the limits of coverage chosen (for example, will high deductibles be chosen?), and what insurance networks will providers choose to sign up for?” Schaefer said. “We are hopeful, but there are still many variables that we are watching.” SIH also is working to help residents with the ACA changes, according to Woody Thorne, vice president of community affairs for SIH. “SIH is partnering with agencies, such as our region’s federally qualified health centers and local health departments that have been designated by the state to assist patients with enrollment,” Thorne said. “Each of these entities has additional resources that have been devoted specifically to this region.” DEB SAUERHAGE is a correspondent for Southern Business Journal.

DECEMBER 2013

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

Cover Story How the concealed carry law affects you BY DEB SAUERHAGE SBJ CORRESPONDENT

Residents and businesses are affected by the new concealed carry law in Illinois. Starting Jan. 5, Illinois residents may apply to carry a concealed handgun on or about their person or within a vehicle. Applications will be available on the Illinois State Police website. Local gun ranges are gearing up to help residents apply and obtain the proper credentials and training. Tombstone Gun Range and Training Center in Marion, which has been open since June, has seen an increase of people who are interested in the concealed carry class. “Compared to June through September, we had about 30 to 40 students enrolled in classes,” said JD Barter, director of training. “In September, October and November, we have more than 200 students. Some are taking multiple classes.” Tombstone is offering a variety of classes. The background of students varies, Barter said. “We have a broad spectrum — from professionals, lawyers, doctors to blue-collar workers,” he said. Barter said students are approximately 80 percent men and 20 percent women. Tombstone offers women-only classes, group classes and private classes. Most students “want protection. They want the ability to be able to have a weapon with them wherever they go.” To obtain a concealed carry license, individuals must be at least 21 years old with a valid Firearm Owner Identification card or meet the requirements for the insurance of a FOID card and not be prohibited by law from possessing or receiving a firearm. Applicants also must complete

16 hours of training, which includes firearm safety, principals of marksmanship, care and cleaning of firearms and appropriate interaction with law enforcement. Up to eight hours may be waived for people with prior training, such as honorably discharged veterans. Applicant must pass a live fire exercise. They cannot have been found guilty in Illinois, or any other state, of a misdemeanor or two or more DUI violations within five years. Additionally, they cannot have been in residential or court-ordered treatment for alcoholism or drugs within the last five years. The license, which costs $150, expires after five years. Renewal is also $150. According to the ISP website, the penalty for carrying a weapon without a valid CCL is a Class A misdemeanor and a second or subsequent offense is a Class 3 felony; however, there are additional penalties (for example, on or within 1,000 feet of any school, public park, courthouse, public transportation facility or residential public housing). Business owners also need to be aware of how concealed carry affects them. According to the ISP website, business and private property owners are required to post an official sign available on the website if they do not allow concealed carry on their properties. Concealed carry is not allowed in a variety of areas, including schools, universities, child care facilities, government facilities, libraries, airports, gaming facilities, sporting areas, health care facilities and others. For more information on concealed carry, visit www.isp.state.il.us.

OUR ROOTS ARE IN THE COMMUNITY His number one wish for Christmas was a blanket and his own pillow. She wanted some warm fuzzy socks. For many years the Neighbor to Neighbor Angel Tree at First Bank and Trust has made wishes come true for hundreds of needy children.

Murphysboro 1403 Walnut St. 110 South 14Th Carbondale 2471 West Main (West Park Plaza

Christmas You are invited to choose a wish list from the Ch i t s ttree in the lobby and answer the requests. Or, ddonations large and small will help to fill children’s stockings, ffrom newborn to fourteen, who have been screened by local aagencies. Perhaps some gently worn jeans or an outggrown snuggie, clean and wearable, could provide a smile to a chhild who has only dreams. First Bank The Neighbor to Neighbor Angel Tree at F and Trust opens a door for your communiity roots, too. Opening in the main bank lobby Monday, November 25

www.fb-t.com

“Grow with the bank that grew with

YOUR town.”

The First Bank and Trust Company Of Murphysboro

DEB SAUERHAGE is a correspondent for Southern Business Journal. Murphysboro Location:

Carbondale Branch:

1403 Walnut Street

2471 West Main Street Carbondale IL 62901 (618)-457-5000

Murphysboro IL, 62966. (618)-687-1711

www.fb-t.com

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

DECEMBER 2013

Workplace Update your interview process and stabilize your employee retention BY ANGELA HOLMES-YOUNG SBJ CONTRIBUTOR

When is the last time that you interviewed for a job? If you are fortunate, it was a while ago. Interviewing can be an overwhelming experience for even the most Holmes-Young experienced professionals who are confident in their own skills. As an employer, owner, manager or leader, take a minute to truly think about what you are trying to accomplish when you interview candidates. What are you trying to learn? The time you have during the interview needs to be used wisely. These individuals you are interviewing, if hired, could potentially be with you for the long haul. Spend the extra time to ensure that they are a good fit for your organization. I like to see more than a match of skills, but also knowledge, skills and abilities. Don’t overlook personality and their fit into the culture that you have created. If you take this lightly, you may regret it later. It truly is worth taking the time to do this right. Before your next candidate interview, take a minute to reflect, and then ask yourself these questions: During the interview, do you plan to “sell” your organization? If so, how will you do this? During the interview, are you hoping to gain knowledge about their knowledge, skills and abilities? How will you do this? Do you have questions prepared that will gather this knowledge? During the interview, are you hoping to gain insight into the personality and workplace cultural

Find more business news at www.sbj.biz. expectations of the applicants? Again, how will you do this? Ensure no discrimination. What is your plan to gain insight into how the applicants will handle challenges that will be brought to them? Now that you know what information you are trying to gain from the interview, let’s work backward. How is the best way for you to get this information? Let’s also assume that the candidates we are interviewing have the required skills based on their résumés and our screening process up to this point. The interview is our chance to probe deeper. We can use this time to gather valuable data to assemble a complete picture of these applicants once our interview process is complete. I like to involve others in the process. This is a big decision. Some companies allow co-workers to be involved in the interview and/or prepare interview questions for the applicants. My personal favorite is the tour. If the candidates look terrified, then we know this is not for them. Are you prepared for the interview? Do you understand the job that you are interviewing for and the skills that it requires? Do you know what traits may be aids to success for this role? What questions will you ask the candidate? Where will you hold the interview? Who will participate? Sure, I might seem OCD. But, if I’m your candidate and you cannot even prepare for an interview, how well will you prepare for me to work there? Be professional and be prepared. Whatever that may translate into for your organization is your business. As a general rule, the higher ranking the position in your organization, the lengthier the hiring process should be. In other words, if hiring for a manager or

Are you prepared for the interview? Do you understand the job that you are interviewing for and the skills that it requires? Do you know what traits may be aids to success for this role? What questions will you ask the candidate? Where will you hold the interview? Who will participate? a high-level executive, you should have a lengthy process. Involve others in the decision. Do not rush. Plan and plan and plan. During the interview, make sure you allow the applicants to talk. Make sure the conversation is a two-way street. Ask leading questions that require more than a yes or no answer. Find ways to get to their motivation. I know that I always want to understand what makes them tick. I want to gain as much insight into them as I can in this time that I have with them. This is not the time for the engineering manager to talk about himself for an hour. This is the time to get applicants talking and keep them talking. Can they do the job that I have open? Do their qualifications match the job description? All in all, I am urging you to change it up. Go outside of your comfort zone. Literally. Why? Because, maybe, getting a cup of coffee or having a lunch-time conversation will help you get to know the applicants better. Sometimes just a change-up in the surroundings can change how comfortable they are with you. You sitting behind your massive desk may be overwhelming for the applicants.

Maybe sitting across from each other at a café or coffeehouse in the same kind of chair over a smaller table evens the playing field a bit and allows for better communication. I urge you to consider ways to change up your interview process. Why? By changing up the process, you may get to see a different side of the applicants that you would not get to see otherwise. Let’s face it — once you hire these individuals, it’s hard to get rid of them. A traditional interview gives you very little insight into their true selves. Anyone can behave throughout a short interview. Remember these interviewing tips as you change it up: Always strive to put the candidates at ease. Involve others from your organization in the interview — not just the supervisor, manager or HR. Be prepared. Plan for the interview. Plan your questions in advance. Ensure the job description that you are working off of is correct. Change up the location. Start the interview in your office. Include a facility tour. Later, go to lunch or coffee. Don’t stop at just one interview. This is a big decision. Maybe two or three are needed. We are always in a hurry to get the positions filled. However, please understand that doing this the right way the first time will help these open positions stay filled. After all, isn’t that what we all want? Slow down and do this right. You won’t be sorry. ANGELA HOLMES-YOUNG is a workplace expert, author and speaker in Southern Illinois. She is a Society for Human Resource Management-certified HR expert with more than 15 years of human resource experience in various industries. Her first book is due out in early 2014. She can be reached at ang_holmes@yahoo.com or 618-559-9399.

www.sbj.biz www.thesouthern.com www.sbj.biz www.thesouthern.com www.sbj.biz www.thesouthern.com

DECEMBER 2013

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

Money Matters Surf safely: Protect yourself from online scams BY SCOTT MCCLATCHEY SBJ CONTRIBUTOR

Online criminals continuously change their operating methods. That’s why it is crucial that Internet users keep up on the latest scams and the steps to take to protect their personal and McClatchey financial information when online. Here is an overview of two of the most widespread techniques being used to commit online fraud, as well as some practical tips to protect your personal security.

Phishing

This is one of the most popular methods of online fraud. Phishing, or “spoofing,” is a scheme whereby users are sent fake emails that claim to be from a legitimate source. The email directs the user to a

counterfeit website where they are asked to update personal information, such as passwords and user names or credit card, Social Security and bank account numbers. By hijacking brand names of banks, online retailers and credit card companies, phishers often convince recipients to respond.

Crimeware This is a class of computer programs designed exclusively to facilitate online identity theft. Cyber thieves use a variety of techniques to steal confidential data through crimeware, including: Secretly planting keystroke loggers onto a user’s computer to collect sensitive data, such as login and password information for online bank accounts and reporting the data back to the thief. Redirecting a user’s browser to a counterfeit website controlled by the thief even when the user types the website’s proper address in the address bar. Stealing passwords cached on a user’s system. This type of scam received national

attention earlier this year when it was revealed that business executives at major U.S. firms were the targets. The “bait” used to lure the recipient was an officiallooking subpoena from the U.S. District Court in San Diego. When recipients clicked on the document to view it, software designed to collect keystroke data was secretly installed on their computers. It was estimated that thousands of people fell victim to this scam.

Play it safe The Federal Bureau of Investigation estimates that online scams were responsible for $240 million in losses in 2007. With the number and sophistication of online scams increasing, there are some basic recommendations you can follow to help avoid becoming a victim. Don’t recognize it? Don’t open it. Do not open any email, email attachment or website link from suspicious or unknown senders. Don’t give out your info. Be wary of any email that asks for personal

information, such as passwords or account numbers. Similarly, avoid any email that promises a prize or gift in exchange for completing a survey or answering questions online. Blast those pop-ups. These small windows typically appear on or behind the window that you are currently viewing. While many are harmless advertisements, some may contain viruses or software that can monitor your web activity. Be sure sensitive data is encrypted. Always ensure that you are using a secure website, one that employs state-of-theart encryption technology when submitting credit card data or other sensitive personal information. Check your accounts. Regularly log in to your online accounts and check your bank, credit and debit card statements to ensure all transactions are legitimate. Keep your system up to date. If your computer’s operating system is more than five years old, it may not offer the same degree of protection as newer models. Most system manufacturers issue updates SEE MCCLATCHEY / PAGE 12

Naughty or nice, government gives seniors a lump of coal BY RICHARD HABIGER SBJ CONTRIBUTOR

Happy holidays! The government has been so tied up in knots the last few years that seniors will be getting a lump of coal for the holidays rather than a much-needed overhaul of the Habiger current “nonsystem” for financing nursing home and other long-term care. Since the enactment of Medicare in 1965, the quality of health care in this country has greatly improved. As a result, seniors are living much longer than they did prior to the Medicare-financed improvements to our health care system. However, with seniors living much longer,

a crisis has developed in the financing of nursing home and other long-term care services in this country. To deal with the long-term care crisis, Congress has enacted legislation that penalizes seniors for having been hard working and thrifty. For example, the current system is set up to legally confiscate your home, your farm, your life-time savings, and, if you have a spouse, to leave her with only a pittance on which to live for the rest of her life. On the other hand, you should understand that the current system also is designed to allow persons to avoid some of the harsh realities of the current “nonsystem,” provided they get the right help. For example, while the current system is set up to grind you down and have you go broke, the law contains various “loopholes” that allow a knowledgeable elder law attorney to use certain techniques and strategies that can be used

to protect some or all of what you’ve got. In a feeble attempt to bring a semblance of order to the current chaos, the president proposed legislation that would have provided some insurance coverage of nursing home and other long-term care expenses. The coverage was not much, but it was a down payment on a more rational system for financing the cost of long-term care expenses than the present “non-system.” Unfortunately, the proposal was the first casualty in the president’s fight with Congress over the Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”). Thus, do not look for any coverage of nursing home or other longterm care expenses in Obamacare. Medicare also does not cover long-term care, the kind of care you receive in a nursing home. While Medicare does cover some short-term skilled care in a rehabilitation facility, the coverage is solely for rehabilitation after an illness or

injury that required an admission to a hospital for at least three midnights. Admission to an emergency room or a stay in a hospital for observation does not qualify, even if it was for three or more midnights. Moreover, even if there was an admission to the hospital for three days or more, Medicare may not cover the cost of the nursing home if the patient cannot gain some benefit from rehabilitation therapy or is unwilling or unable to participate in the rehabilitation therapy. (Many elderly find rehabilitation therapy to be extremely painful and often refuse to participate. This, of course, means Medicare will not cover the cost of the stay in the rehabilitation facility.) Thus, neither Obamacare nor Medicare provides coverage for long-term care in a nursing home. Since most of us do not die suddenly, SEE HABIGER / PAGE 12

DECEMBER 2013

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

Entrepreneur’s Mailbag Understanding the stages of small business growth BY CAVANAUGH L. GRAY SBJ CONTRIBUTOR

Gray

If you had to locate your business on a map, do you know where you would be right now? Better yet, do you know what stage your business or industry is in at this very moment, or even

where it is headed? I wonder how many entrepreneurs could accurately describe their current stage if they had to. If you can’t determine where you are in the spectrum of small business growth, then following along with this outline should prove helpful.

Are you a startup?

Also known as the introduction phase, a startup can best be described as a company in its initial stages of operations. The following are some questions to help you determine whether or not you are in the startup phase. Are you still fully defining or developing your company’s products or services? Have you developed a solid business model, and has it been evaluated or tested? Have you prepared a business plan for the company that would serve as a roadmap for its future? Without a business plan, you might find yourself adrift after a while. Have you determined if your company occupies a unique competitive advantage or not? Finally, are you still in process of raising the necessary funds needed to take your business to the next level? If you answered “no” to a majority of these questions, it’s likely that you are still in the startup phase.

What is initial growth?

In the growth phase, a small business usually has begun generating some level of cash flow. The following questions should help you determine if your company is in the growth phase. Has

Find more business news at www.sbj.biz. your small business begun to capture any sort of market share or gain repeat customers? Companies in the growth phase of business usually start working on expanding their existing revenue channels. Companies in the growth stage begin to look critically at any ineffective areas of their management team. Lastly, companies that are in the growth stage are usually looking forward to the next stage. If this is where you find yourself, then your company likely has experienced some level of positive growth.

Have you matured? The globe is filled with companies that managed to survive both the emerging and growth phases and now rest in the land of the mature enterprise. However, in order to get there, and even stay there, a company has to be open to the possibility of changing its strategy again if need be. Companies that have reached this level of maturity often begin to cultivate leaders and empower them at a high level. They might also begin losing some of the talent they’ve managed to groom to other companies. Mature companies will likely have plans of expanding internationally if they haven’t already. Becoming mature, where many startups long to be, might seem like a rare accomplishment, but it is still very attainable.

So, what’s next? Far too many companies have managed to successfully navigate the startup phase, managed some level of growth, and possibly even matured to a certain extent, only to be derailed by this next phase. After you have managed to stabilize and become mature as a company, you will likely find yourself at a crossroad with only one of three options. Commit to future growth: At this point,

ART SERVICES

The key to moving your company forward is knowing where you are at each stage of growth and where the industry is headed overall.

it might feel like pushing the reset button. However, in order to continue on the trajectory that you have been on, you must repeat the steps that got you there in the first place. Keep it steady: At this point, an owner or company may choose to ride the business out comfortably, content with the plateaued forecast, and simply let the business run its course. Grab a life vest: I say this because without some commitment to innovation, or focus on making the best product possible, it’s only a matter of time before things begin to go south. Hungry competitors or market conditions can begin to force these companies down the road of a slow and painful death. The key to moving your company

forward is knowing where you are at each stage of growth and where the industry is headed overall. Next, it’s about having developed and implemented a strategy that will allow your company to be around for the long haul. CAVANAUGH L. GRAY (cgray@ecafellc.com) is director of business development for The Entrepreneur Café, LLC, 877-511-4820. To read a chapter from his new book, “The Entrepreneurial Spirit Lives: 25 Tales to Help Entrepreneurs Start, Grow, and Succeed in Small Business,” log onto www.ecafellc.com. For more information on how to start, grow and succeed in small business, ‘Like’ on Facebook, ‘Follow’ on Twitter @TheECafe or ‘Connect’ on LinkedIn.

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 Sept 2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

92.4 69.8 345.9 32.3 39.6 93.0 142.4 118.5 18.3 555.4 73.7 396.8 102.2 104.1 31.6 55.2 109.6 31.5 70.0 93.4 $2,851.2 $123,672.7

114.1 83.2 552.4 38.9 53.2 114.4 205.1 152.5 11.8 620.1 77.8 494.9 127.5 116.3 38.6 78.4 120.2 38.4 87.1 70.8 $3,192.7 $152,406.7

119.1 86.4 593.5 42.0 55.7 113.5 214.0 154.0 11.4 686.9 84.4 533.6 135.2 110.3 42.3 74.7 128.2 40.1 88.3 122.5 $3,436.1 $154,650.6

120.9 69.5 598.0 42.2 55.3 77.1 195.0 153.4 11.8 683.1 82.0 507.0 130.6 96.6 38.5 75.2 128.5 39.9 87.8 112.4 $3,304.8 $147,232.0

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 $157,071.1

N I L L I Chicago Fed Midwest % change 08-11 Manufacturing Index

0.7% 16.5% 6.0% 3.2% 3.3% 24.5% 14.4% 12.2% 4.8% 7.9% 2.5% 2.5% 8.9% 14.2% 1.0% 0.9% 7.9% 5.2% 2.8% 36.3% 0.9% 14.2%

Alexander Franklin Gallatin Hamilton Hardin Jackson Jefferson Johnson Massac Perry Pope Pulaski Randolph Saline Union Washington White Williamson .,REGION ILLINOIS U.S.

2,833 16,899 2,420 4,015 1,720 29,298 19,285 4,873 7,322 8,870 1,744 2,584 14,435 12,594 7,481 8,597 7,177 33,224 185,371 6,553,228 155,971,000

353 2,066 241 281 195 2,269 1,690 501 574 978 172 288 1,151 1,207 801 536 553 2,705 16,561 589,685 11,462,000

Aug 2013

July 2012

12.5% 12.2% 10.0% 7.0% 11.3% 7.7% 8.8% 10.3% 7.8% 11.0% 9.9% 11.1% 8.0% 9.6% 10.7% 6.2% 7.7% 8.1% 8.9% 9.0% 7.3%

12.0% 12.9% 10.9% 8.8% 12.8% 9.2% 9.4% 11.6% 9.0% 12.7% 11.2% 11.9% 9.1% 10.6% 11.9% 7.7% 8.7% 9.2% 10.0% 9.6% 7.7%

104 103 102

IPMFG Aug 13 96.8

100 98 94 90 88 86 84

81 80

Unemployment rates for Southern Illinois counties, state and nation Jobless

105

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

Labor force

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 2007. Starting in November 2005, the index excluded the electricity component.

Aug 2012 11.7% 12.2% 8.9% 8.3% 11.4% 8.4% 8.8% 10.9% 9.0% 11.9% 11.1% 10.8% 8.8% 9.0% 10.8% 7.3% 8.5% 8.8% 9.6% 8.9% 8.2%

Change month

Change year

0.5 0.7 0.9 1.8 1.5 1.5 0.6 1.3 1.2 1.7 1.3 0.8 1.1 1.0 1.2 1.5 1.0 1.1 1.1 1.3 0.4

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

76 74

CFMMI Aug 13 95.8

0.8 0.0 70 1.1 68 1.3 66 0.1 64 J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A ’12 ’13 0.7 0.0 SOURCE: FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF CHICAGO 0.6 1.2 0.9 1.2 0.3 Oct 13 Oct 12 Change 0.8 0.6 MONTHLY TOTALS 0.1 929 938 1.0% 1.1 YTD TOTALS 0.8 0.7 3,652 3,561 2.6% 0.7 2012 2011 Change 0.8 ANNUAL TOTALS 0.9 10,170 9,682 5.0% 72

Williamson County Regional Airport passengers

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website in Southern Illinois.

I S I N Consumer credit score

SOURCE: EXPERIAN

693

Vienna

Region

694

688

State

O R S U of I Flash Index

U. S.

Total cars, trucks sold based on title applications filed. Excludes motorcycles, trailers.

New vehicle sales Sept 13 Sept 12 8 113 20 23 6 123 91 39 25 54 9 17 91 95 43 70 58 225 1,110

686

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 November 2013.

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

13 76 12 18 6 123 67 31 17 45 6 13 69 75 39 27 43 194 874

Change

2011

38.5% 48.7% 66.7% 27.8% 0.0% 0.0% 35.8% 25.8% 47.1% 20.0% 50.0% 30.8% 31.9% 26.7% 10.3% 159.3% 11.6% 16.0% 27.0%

142 1,174 265 279 96 1,482 1,025 392 297 606 96 159 975 1,022 502 583 625 2,060 11,780

2010 126 965 222 236 97 1,320 848 327 269 558 73 129 844 793 486 446 571 1,796 10,097

Change

12.7% 21.7% 19.4% 20.8% 1.0% 12.3% 20.9% 19.9% 10.4% 8.6% 31.5% 23.2% 15.5% 28.9% 3.3% 30.7% 9.5% 14.7% 16.7%

5 92 7 0 3 108 92 33 28 28 3 1 33 44 33 225 45,252

’11

’13

’12

SOURCE: INSTITUTE OF GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS, UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

Hotel/motel stats

Consumer Price Index

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

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.

June 13 June 12 MONTHLY TOTALS

Change

$715,445

$790,904

10.5%

YTD TOTALS

234

232

$3,860,445

$3,571,238

2012 ANNUAL TOTALS

2011

7.5%

Change

230

228

U.S. City Average Oct 13 233.5

226

$7,728,261 <0.01%

224

222

Total units sold, including condominiums

Q3 13 Alexander Franklin Gallatin Hamilton Hardin Jackson Jefferson Johnson Massac Perry Pope Pulaski Randolph Saline Union Williamson ILLINOIS

Oct 13 106.9

$7,732,810

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

Home sales

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

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.

Q3 12 5 86 4 5 2 110 69 16 34 21 2 1 38 47 23 182 36,385

Change

0.0% 7.0% 75.0% 100.0% 50.0% 1.8% 33.3% 106.3% 17.6% 33.3% 50.0% 0.0% 13.2% 6.4% 43.5% 23.6% 24.4%

2011 16 283 12 6 14 325 258 66 82 86 10 11 117 148 89 539 103,294

2010 19 259 8 8 8 358 264 78 91 116 8 6 131 122 84 590 103,455

Change

15.8% 9.3% 50.0% 25.0% 75.0% 10.2% 2.3% 15.4% 9.9% 25.9% 20.0% 83.3% 10.7% 21.3 % 6.0% 8.6% 0.2%

MEDIAN SALES PRICE Q3 13 Q3 12 $35,000 $54,000 $59,500 $0 $60,000 $90,500 $110,000 $100,000 $81,000 $69,950 $134,000 $25,000 $63,000 $50,000 $49,000 $105,950 $165,000

$33,000 $64,950 $74,000 $79,500 $70,500 $91,450 $89,000 $79,500 $69,500 $55,000 $28,500 $53,500 $85,000 $55,000 $106,000 $101,750 $145,000

220

Change

218

6.1% Midwest Urban 16.9% Oct 13 222.2 19.6% 100.0% 14.9% 1.0% SOURCE: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR 23.6% 25.8% 16.5% 27.2% Average price per gallon of regular, unleaded gas 370.2% as of Nov. 22 and Oct. 29 , 2013. 53.3% Nov 13 Oct 13 Nov 12 25.9% $3.31 $3.17 $3.43 9.1% Metro East 53.8% Springfield $3.32 $3.06 $3.41 4.1% Illinois $3.32 $3.34 $3.54 $3.28 $3.28 $3.43 13.8% U.S. 216

214

212 O ‘12

Monthly Page Views:

Monthly Unique Visitors:

Monthly Visits:

2,181,869

462,083

787,704

Let us help grow your business. Call (618) 351-5014 *November 2013 omniture

Prices at the pump

SOURCE: AAA

SOURCE: ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS

A ’13

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

DECEMBER 2013

MCCLATCHEY: Protect yourself from scams FROM PAGE 7 and security patches on their websites or automatically through your Internet provider. Similarly, be sure to use the latest web browser and anti-virus software. Finally, if you think you’ve fallen victim to a scam, report it. The FBI has a cyber operations unit devoted to fighting cybercrime. Their Internet Crime Complaint Center is at www.ic3.gov.

SCOTT MCCLATCHEY is a certified financial planner with Alliance Investment Planning Group, a Carbondale investment firm at 115 S. Washington St. He can be reached at 618-519-9344 or scott@allianceinvestment planning.com. He also provides investment, retirement planning and insurance services to SIU Credit Union members through the SIU Credit Union Investment Services partnership. Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC.

Investments Not so simple: It’s easier to buy a stock than to sell it BY MICHAEL P. TISON SBJ CONTRIBUTOR

HABIGER: Government gives seniors a nice lump of coal for the holidays FROM PAGE 7 but rather decline over a period of time, and since this means most of us will spend a period of time in a nursing home before we pass, it makes sense to focus attention on how best to finance our care in the event we do not pass quickly. There are only five ways to help finance a period of time in a nursing home: Veteran’s pension benefits (if you are a wartime veteran or the widow of a wartime veteran and if you qualify financially). Medicare (but for no more than 100 days and then only if you meet all other requirements discussed previously). Long-term care insurance (if you can afford it and if you do not have some health problem that prevents you from passing the insurance company’s medical criteria). Paying privately out of your own income and savings. Medicaid (after you qualify financially). Paying privately may mean that you will go broke paying for your nursing home or other long-term care. Choosing to privately pay does not make a lot of sense, because when you are out of money, you are out of options. You lose all flexibility. You lose your independence. You lose the ability to maintain your dignity. You lose the ability to maintain your self-esteem. You lose the ability to pay for things the government won’t pay for, such as clothes, hair care, dental cleaning, podiatry services and just about everything other

Selling a stock can be a more difficult decision than buying a stock. When buying a than basic room and board. stock, we primarily Using provisions in the law to eventually look at the qualify financially for VA pension benefits fundamentals of the or Medicaid makes a lot of sense in many stock to evaluate cases. By working with a knowledgeable whether it is fairly Tison and experienced advisor, you can obtain priced. We would financial benefits to help pay for your also look at the total portfolio to see if it nursing home or other long-term care would be a good fit, and, more expenses. In addition, there are certain specifically, to evaluate whether there provisions in the VA and Medicaid laws might be too much exposure in a that allow you to reduce or eliminate the particular industry. loss of your lifetime savings and avoid the As I said, the sell decision is more government placing a lien on your home difficult. or farm. More importantly, other I was talking with a successful business techniques allow you to set up with your owner this week and telling him what a family the ability to pay for things the good staff he has. I always seem to get government will not pay for, such as a good service. While talking, he told me private room, etc. honestly that he was proud of his staff, Postscript: Congress is hard at but, of course, not every single employee work imposing more restrictions on who is hired is a good employee. VA pension benefits. HR 2189 will impose Sometimes, he must let an employee go. I a look-back period on VA pension asked him if that was a difficult decision, benefits and penalize gifts and other and he told me it was. transfers. This suggests that Congress An employee might be just having a bad might eventually lengthen the Medicaid day or week. That same employee might look-back from five years to 10 years, or just be learning what it takes and might close some of the current “loopholes” that become the company’s best employee if allow individuals to protect themselves he just has another chance. and their loved ones from the devastating Or, conversely, that employee might go financial consequences of medical from bad to worse. Or, you might have a conditions that require nursing home or great employee to whom you give more other care. and more responsibility. There reaches a potential point of diminishing returns in RICHARD HABIGER is author of the Illinois that case also. This employee could go edition of “How to Protect Your Family’s downhill, too, or leave for his own Assets from Devastating Nursing Home reasons. Costs: Medicaid Secrets” and an elder law Some of the same thoughts go into attorney who focuses on asset protection, whether you hold onto a stock or not. If a Medicaid and VA benefits. He can be stock goes down, is it just going down reached at 618-549-4529 or because of a general market correction, or info@habigerelderlaw.com. is there something more fundamental?

Maybe the company is losing market share to a competitor or its margins are declining. Sometimes, it is very difficult to tell what is causing a short-term price movement. You sure hate to sell a stock just because of a short-term correction when it might be just getting ready to have the biggest bounce back of the year. However, you also want to cut your losses if it is in the early stages of becoming a dog. Or, you might have a great stock and let it become the biggest stock in the portfolio. It could go up continuously for years. You might think there is no stopping the company. Can a stock get to where it has too big of an effect on the portfolio in a similar fashion as a business could be too reliant on a single employee? You bet. It is important to evaluate when to sell a stock or lower a position. Some people follow a strict discipline and not let a stock move more than a certain percentage down. Others might be more or less patient. When a stock is doing well and is maybe up 150 percent or so, many portfolio managers might sell a portion of the position to lower the portfolio’s risk and exposure to that single position. Ultimately, it is important to continue to look at the fundamentals of a stock, the exposure in the portfolio to that industry and to your total portfolio’s asset allocation to make sure the portfolio does not have too much risk for your personal situation. As always, please be sure to contact a qualified professional regarding your particular situation before making any investment or withdrawal decision. MICHAEL P. TISON is a registered principal/financial advisor with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Raymond James has offices in Marion and Harrisburg at 37 S. Main St. He can be reached at 618-253-4444.

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Are you an entrepreneur looking for a great place to launch your business idea? Our staff advises business owners throughout southern Illinois in all areas of business development. For more information on the Small Business Incubator, call 536-2424 or email us at sbdc@siu.edu.

Spring 2014 Workshop Schedule Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center, 1740 Innovation Drive, Carbondale, IL 62903

Starting a Business in Illinois This two-hour informational seminar covers the basic requirements of starting your own business including: legal structure, start-up requirements, finding financing and business planning basics. A business start-up kit is included with the registration fee. Our Business Start-Up Kit, available in both print and electronic format, includes the following materials: a business start-up checklist, the presentation slides, financing questions and answers packet, a sample business plan, federal and state tax identification applications, and much more. Registration for the seminar is $15. JANUARY 9 .............. THURS ............5 PM – 7 PM ....................DUNN-RICHMOND, ROOM 150 JANUARY 21 ............ TUES...............9 AM – 11 AM..................DUNN-RICHMOND, ROOM 150 FEBRUARY 12.......... WED ...............2 PM – 4 PM ....................DUNN-RICHMOND, ROOM 150 MARCH 18............... TUES...............9 AM – 11 AM..................DUNN-RICHMOND, ROOM 150 APRIL 17.................. THURS ............10 AM – 12 PM................ RANDOLPH CO. COURTHOUSE APRIL 22 ................. TUES...............5 PM – 7 PM ....................DUNN-RICHMOND, ROOM 150 MAY 16 .................... FRI..................2 PM – 4 PM ....................DUNN-RICHMOND, ROOM 150 JUNE 12................... THURS ............9 AM – 11 AM..................DUNN-RICHMOND, ROOM 150

To register or for information, call 618-536-2424 or go online at siusbdc.com Pre-registration is required for all workshops.

The Illinois Small Business Development Center/International Trade Center is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and hosted by Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

DECEMBER 2013

Achievements Cook promoted to assistant VP Old National Bank has promoted Jason Cook to assistant vice president, retail center manager. In his new role, Cook will be responsible for the daily operations of the Carterville banking center at 300 S. Division St. Cook most recently served as the retail center assistant manager in Harrisburg. In 2012, he was recognized as one of the top three lenders in the Southern Illinois region for Old National.

Salas completes technical workshop Tony Salas, a technician at The Auto Shop on East Main Street in Carbondale, recently completed the ABS/Stability and Traction Control Diagnostics TEC202 technical workshop at Federal Mogul Technical Education Center in Chicago.

Calvert named to ‘Generation Now’ list Winston Calvert of Carterville, a member of Armstrong Teasdale litigation practice group, has been named to St. Louis Magazine’s inaugural list of Generation Now, which honors

Faces in the news

young professionals who are considered “movers and shakers” in the community. The list appeared in the November issue of the magazine. He also has been chosen as a 2013 Missouri & Kansas Rising Star by the Super Lawyers rating service of outstanding lawyers. Calvert graduated from Washington University School of Law and earned a bachelor’s degree in music performance from SIU.

Davis honored as Realtor of the Year Richard J. Davis was named the 2013 Realtor of the Year at the general membership meeting of the Egyptian Board of Realtors, Inc., on Sept. 26 at Kokopelli Golf Club in Marion. Realtor of the Year is the highest honor awarded to a member. Davis is the immediate past president for the organization and has served on the board of directors, as well as chairman for the Legislative Committee. In addition to his accomplishments on the local level, Davis was awarded the Outstanding Service Award in 2012 from the Illinois Association of Realtors.

Rider named fitness director

Cook

Salas

Calvert

Marti Rider has been named director of fitness for Garden Grove Event Center of Carbondale. She formerly served as director of fitness at Doc Z’s in Du Quoin. In her new role, Rider will focus on a variety of fitness responsibilities, including instruction and management.

Koonce to sell for Tastefully Simple

Davis

Miller-Louw

Schmidt

Faces in the news Have you been promoted? Send a photo. Others in the business community will want to know it, so please consider passing on your employment news and photos to the Southern Business Journal. Feel free to email the information to sbj@thesouthern.com.

Jackie Koonce of Carterville has become an independent consultant with Tastefully Simple, Inc., a national direct-sales company featuring more than 60 easy-to-prepare foods. As an independent business owner, Koonce offers food samples at home taste-testing parties. Koonce can be reached at 618-201-6281 or jackiek@mchsi.com.

Ihrig named account executive

Bruce

Ruppert

Find more business news at www.sbj.biz.

Learfield Sports recently named Jon Ihrig account executive for its Saluki Sports Properties’ entity, the exclusive multimedia rights holder for Southern Illinois University Athletics. Ihrig joins Saluki Sports Properties from Champaign, where he served as sales and marketing coordinator for Learfield’s Fighting Illini Sports Properties, representing University of Illinois Athletics.

Davis to head international tourism Nicole L. Davis, Ph.D, a faculty member in the SIU Hospitality and Tourism Administration program, was elected president of the International Society of Travel and Tourism

Educators at the organization’s annual conference in Detroit. In addition to her work in ISTTE, Davis is an advocate for connecting industry needs to the classroom.

Miller-Louw appointed new shareholder Jennifer Miller-Louw has been appointed as a new shareholder in the law firm Sandberg Phoenix. Miller-Louw joined Sandberg Phoenix in 2005 as an associate in the St. Louis office, before moving to Sandberg Phoenix Carbondale in 2008, and has developed considerable experience in health law, medical malpractice and business litigation. Established in 1979, Sandberg Phoenix is consistently rated one of the St. Louis area’s top law firms, and recently ranked in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firms national survey as a Top-Tier 1 law firm.

Schmidt admitted to exclusive legal association Charles Schmidt, a partner in the law firm of Brandon, Schmidt & Goffinet in Carbondale, has become a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, one of the premier legal associations in America. Schmidt was inducted recently in San Francisco at the annual meeting of the ACTL. He is a graduate of SIU School of Law. Founded in 1950, the association is composed of the best of the trial bar from the United States and Canada. Fellowship is extended only by invitation, and membership cannot exceed 1 percent of the total lawyer population of any state or province.

Bruce inducted into President’s Club Ben Bruce from the Marion office of Hilliard Lyons has been inducted into the firm’s President’s Club. Hilliard Lyons is a wealth management firm. The recognition is based on Bruce’s account service achievements. He joined the firm in 1995.

Ruppert joins Hassakis & Hassakis James M. Ruppert recently was hired as an associate attorney with the law firm of Hassakis & Hassakis, P.C. He joins the firm’s two other attorneys, Mark D. Hassakis and Joshua A. Humbrecht, as the law office enters its 64th year of service. Originally from Madison County, Ruppert is a graduate of SIU School of Law. The law offices of Hassakis & Hassakis, P.C. are in Mount Vernon, Marion, Belleville, Vandalia, Olney, Mount Carmel and Effingham.

DECEMBER 2013

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

Achievements

Calendar

Eads, Higdon join advocacy center Wood joins Edward Jones

Kendra Eads and Rosemary Higdon recently joined Two Rivers Child Advocacy Center as staff members. Eads was named executive director of TRCAC. She has 10 years of experience in the child advocacy field and a master’s degree in social work. Higdon, who was hired as a child advocate, has 17 years of experience in the child welfare field. Located near Anna, TRCAC serves Union, Massac, Johnson, Alexander, Pope, Pulaski and Hardin counties.

Baptist Health Paducah has been recognized in the top third of all Joint Commission-accredited hospitals as a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures for heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia and surgical care. Baptist Health Paducah is one of 1,099 hospitals in the country — 33 percent of all Joint Commission-accredited hospitals — earning this distinction for attaining and sustaining excellence in accountability measure performance.

Dec. 3 Starting a Business in Illinois (workshop): 1 to 3 p.m., room 150, Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center, 1740 Innovation Drive, Carbondale. Free. An optional business start-up kit is available for $15. To register, call 618-536-2424, email sbdc@siu.edu or visit www.siusbdc.com.

Kelli Wood recently joined Edward Jones financial services firm as a financial advisor in Mike McGrath’s Anna office. Wood will work out of McGrath’s office during the next several months and then continue to serve investors throughout the area. She has four years of experience in the financial services industry.

Aaron’s opens in Murphysboro

Aaron’s, Inc., a national lease-to-own IHCA honors Barter, retailer, opened recently at 60 Niemann Lane in Murphysboro. Mallady and Wells “Everyone who applies with Christy Barter, Debbie Mallady and Zena Wells, all employees of Carrier Mills references is eligible to lease and own Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, recently our products, regardless of their earned recognition from the Illinois Health financial situation, because no credit is needed for Aaron’s monthly payment Care Association. program,” said Steve Klaproth, Barter was named 2013 Business Office general manager of the Murphysboro Professional of the Year, Mallady was store. named 2013 Activity Professional of the Store hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Year, and Wells was named 2013 Director of Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to Nursing of the Year. They were all recognized recently at IHCA’s 63rd annual 8 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. For more information, convention and trade show in Peoria. call 618-565-1100.

Baptist Health recognized for top performance

Middleton presents program to athletic trainers Steve Middleton, director of rehabilitation and sports medicine at Assess, Treat & Condition in Carbondale, was invited to present Nov. 9 at the annual meeting of the Illinois Athletic Trainers Association. He presented to a group of 20 certified athletic trainers and other clinicians on the topic, “Kinesiology Taping for Athletic Injuries,” and was co-sponsored by RockTape.

Hotel wins IHG Newcomer Award

Morthland clinic opens

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites — Marion received the InterContinental Hotels Group 2013 Newcomer Award as one of the best properties to join the IHG system within the last year as either a new development or a conversion property. The hotel was recognized during the 2013 IHG Americas Investors and Leadership Conference Oct. 28 to 30 in Las Vegas. Reed Station Hotels, LLC is owned by Charlie Brown and Trace Brown of Carbondale. The hotel is managed by Monchino Management, LLC of Herrin. The general manager is Matt Monchino.

Morthland College Health Services, LLC, in cooperation with Franklin Hospital, opened its West Frankfort clinic Nov. 25 at 309 W. St. Louis St., inside J and S Professional Pharmacy Clinic. Dr. Tim Morthland said he is honored to return to practice in his hometown and looks forward to serving his community in this capacity again. MCHS is currently accepting patients and making appointments. To schedule an appointment, call 618-932-2202.

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SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

Achievements Two selected for leadership institute Gary Williams, economic development coordinator for the city of Carbondale, and Robyn Russell, director of Business Development and International Trade for Southern Illinois University Economic Development, have been selected to participate in the 201314 Delta Leadership Institute Executive Academy. Gov. Pat Quinn selected Williams and Russell for the institute, which brings together 51 business and community leaders from eight states in the Delta Regional Authority. They will spend the next year working through topics important to the growth and prosperity of the Delta, including small business and entrepreneurship, the bio-economy, education, public policy and governance, infrastructure and public health.

Woods Basement recognized Woods Basement Systems, one of the largest basement and foundation repair contractors serving Southern Illinois, earned a spot on Remodeling Magazine’s 2013 Remodeling 550 list, which recognizes the nation’s largest home improvement contractors based on revenue. The company also serves central Illinois, southeastern Missouri and St. Louis.

Find more business news at www.sbj.biz.

Hospitals recognized Both Good Samaritan Regional Health Center and St. Mary’s Hospital have been named 2013 Guardian of Excellence Award winners by Press Ganey Associates, Inc. The Guardian of Excellence Award recognizes top-performing facilities that consistently achieve the 95th percentile or better for performance. St. Mary’s Hospital is recognized for patient satisfaction in inpatient care, while Good Samaritan Regional Health Center is recognized for physician engagement. The Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award is a health care industry symbol of achievement. Fewer than 5 percent of all Press Ganey clients reach this threshold and consistently maintain it for the one-year reporting period.

Miracle-Ear office opens Free hearing screenings are available at the new Miracle-Ear office in Milwood Executive Suites between Carbondale and Murphysboro. Terry Varvil, who has many years of experience as a hearing instrument dispenser in the Carbondale and Anna

area, will be on hand to serve clients. To schedule a screening, call 618-351-7772 or drop by the office, which is between the Center for the Medical Arts and Murphysboro Walmart.

Gulley named CEO of power coop Southern Illinois Power Cooperative Board of Directors has named Donald L. Gulley as its next CEO. He begins his new duties at the end of the year upon retirement of Tim Reeves, SIPC’s long-serving CEO. The president/CEO, appointed by the board of directors, serves as the top executive of SIPC and reports to a 28-member board representing specific electric distribution cooperatives within its service territory. SIPC celebrated its 50th anniversary of generation this year. The headquarters is on Lake of Egypt near its power plant.

Mine reaches safety milestone Employees at Peabody Energy’s Cottage Grove Mine in Saline County reached a safety milestone, achieving more than 1 million operating hours without a reportable incident. Cottage Grove has operated free of a reportable incident for more than 800 days, producing more than 4.4 million tons of coal in that time. The mine’s year-to-date incidence rate of

0.0 compares to a 3.17 incidence rate per 200,000 hours worked among U.S. mines, based on the latest data. Cottage Grove shipped 2.1 million tons of coal in 2012 to electricity-generating customers. Cottage Grove also earned the company’s President’s Safety Award for achieving the best 2012 U.S. safety performance for a Peabody surface operation.

Turquoise Door to host grand opening The Turquoise Door officially opens just in time for the holidays. The grand opening of the new store in Ava will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 7. The Turquoise Door, owned by Kasey Doerner, sells vintage items only from local vendors. Personalized signs, handmade cabinets and shelves, chalk-painted furniture, barnwood, holiday décor, candles, local honey and organic soaps, sprays and lip balms are some of the items that will be available on a daily basis. Special order items, such as desks, vanities and dressers, are available as well. All items are locally made and eco-friendly. The Turquoise Door is at 218 W. Main St. Holiday hours will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, call 618-521-0798.

Business Fine Print Building permits Carbondale Sarah and Shi-Peng Chang, 2126 Meadow Lane, $19,000 Powder River Development, 820 W. Mill St., $25,000 Teresa Ullman, 607 N. Springer St., $5,000 Mark Cummings, 1506 W. Walnut St., $10,000 Marcia Stephens, 709 N. Springer St., $34,800 Carmen Thomas, 705 N. Springer St., $37,000 Home Rentals, 402 W. Oak St., $2,500 Cindy Stein, 606 Deer Trail, $36,500 SBA Communications, 602 E. Park St., $15,000 Selective Site Consultants, 602 E. Park St., $15,000 PR Saluki, 820 W. Freeman St., $100,000

Pita Alley, 1713 W. Main St., $26,000 T.J.’s Jewelers, 1010 E. Main St., $25,000 Sherwin Williams Paint, 1360 E. Main St., $75,000 G & R. Properties, 887 E. Grand Ave., $5,000 Vic Koenig Chevrolet, 1040 E. Main St., $298,000 Carbondale Public Library, 405 W. Main St., $163,187 Gordon Plumb, 708 S. Emerald Lane, $2,500 Traiq Khaaliq, 901 E. Cindy St., $5,200

Marion Jabbar Sajida, 1713 Castleberry, $20,000 Habitat for Humanity, 316 N. Bentley, $35,000 Community of Faith Church, 5208 Meadow Lane, $40,000 Gayla Jones, 419 Bainbridge, $2,589.01

Dennis Chapman, 2700 Summer Lane, $100,000

Metropolis Hope Light Foundation, 504 First St. E, $50,000 Pa Shelby, 413 20th St. W, $2,000 Jon and Rochelle Croach, 315 Girard St., $6,000 Pat Sanders, 1906 Sterling St., $2,000 Herman and Keren Myers, 1011 1/2 Broadway, Belknap, $1,500 Julie Earhart, 1007 Second St. E, $1,100 Julie Earhart, 1007 Second St. E, $16,700 Hope Light Foundation, 504 First St. E, $500 Holley and Clay Blankenbaker, 8 Joann Drive, $78,000 Pamela K. Brimm, 111 Seventh St. E, $182,800

Mount Vernon Country Financial, 2511 Broadway, $100 Tim Colle, 91 Cherry, $20,000 Chuck Rose, 1416 S. 10th St., $0 Crossroads Community Hospital, 8 Doctors Park Road, $329,243 Linda Collins, 2509 Broadway, $0 Gary Ackley, 117 Opdyke, $550 Jim Goldmen, 838 S. 19th St., $14,000 Huck’s 101 S. 45th St., $9,500 Times Square Mall, 3090 Broadway, $3,400 Jim Goldmen, 838 S. 19th St., $0 Jerry and Karen Crisel, 12 Brookhaven, $11,534 Garden Glen Apartments, 1407 S. 34th St., $4,000 Rare Chop House, 224 S. 10th St., $4,300 Crossroads Hospital Specialty Clinic, 4113 S. Water Tower, $10,000 Garden Glen Apartments, 1407 S. 34th St., $0

DECEMBER 2013

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

Business Fine Print Murphysboro Barbara Graff, 2021 Spruce St., $6,500 Big Muddy Brewing, LLC, 1430 N. Seventh St., $36,000 St. Joseph Memorial Hospital, 2 Hospital Drive, $2,809,000 Darrel DeRosett, 518 N. 15th St., $310 Jesse Caraway 2115 Walnut St., $3,000 Tim and Julie McGinnis, 206 S. 14th St., $10,000 Susan Birkner, 420 Birkner Lane, $0 Century 21, 724 Walnut St., $500 Chan Heng San, 1618 Tina Drive, $25,700 Sue Bailey, 523 John St., $12,500 Joe Snyder, 1116 Illinois Ave., $2,008

West Frankfort David and Cherri Horsley, 116 N. Benton Road, $26,000

Bankruptcies Chapter 7 Earl Gant, 713 N. Eighth, Herrin Patricia L. Hunerkoch, 6278 New Columbia Road, Belknap Jabora N. Lewis, 115 Paper Lane, Apt. 7, Murphysboro Terry Dale and Kathy Lynn Tanner, 424 Opdyke Ave., Mount Vernon Jo Ann Sturgeon, 1711 Spruce St., Murphysboro James and Denise Keasler, 101 E. Gaskins St., Harrisburg Commodore E. and Rebecca K. Sloan, 17 N. Linden, Du Quoin Joseph C. Koerner, 1903 North Ave., Metropolis Raleigh M. and Charlotte E. McCluskey, 10415 N. Puckett Lane, Mount Vernon Elizabeth A. Richardson, 500 Charles Road, No. 24, Carbondale Ronald A. and Kimberly S. Smith, R.R. 2 Box 435, McLeansboro Linda L. Holman, 308 W. Eighth St., Apt. 15, West Frankfort Jennifer R. Wyatt, 345 Mountain Glenn Road, Cobden Justin W. and Kari A. Graff, 410 S. 20th St., Murphysboro Brian C. Brooks, 43565 Rose of Sharon Road, Galatia Rita E. Downs, 805 W. Midway St., West Frankfort Ryan Lomax Garrison, P.O. Box 94, Freeman Spur Fred Junior Hudson, 1250 Old Illinois 146 Loop, Vienna Daniel Renaldo Monroe Drysdale and Patricia Ann Drysdale, 700 S. Cockrum St., Sesser Malcom S. and Julie M. Chamness, 503 S. Water St., Jonesboro

Lori A. Peacock, 1328 County Road 1500 N., Geff Charlotte I. Bailey, 120 S. Sixth St., Bush Michael and Michelle Meracle Jr., 1312 N. 14th, Herrin Jean A. and Albert L. Cottonaro, 90 Nottingham Loop, Tunnel Hill Ronald R. Hart Jr., P.O. Box 194, Willisville Jacob C. Lewis, 2235 Lewis Road, Harrisburg Elizabeth Ann Canady Simmons, 208 Servant St., Chester Richard G. DeVore, 207 E. Plum St., Benton Jesse J. Gibbs, 304 Sycamore St., Anna Brian D. and Stacie L. Carr, 3415 Westmont St., Apt. 8, Mount Vernon Martha J. Welch, 1401 N. State, Marion Robert M. Milligan, 328 S. Eighth, Nason Eric L. Newkirk Jr. and Myla D. Helton Newkirk, 65 Bullock Lane, Metropolis Gigi L. Raygor, 125 Shawnee Drive, Goreville Arthur R. and Shirley K. Schirmer, 1520 Swanwick St., Chester Larry and Vonna Cluck, 23873 N. Post Oak Lane, Walnut Hill Melvin Ray Combs Jr. and Dusty Dawn Combs, 511 Eighth St., Carmi Brian T. and Tara L. Conway, 445 Aldeberau Drive, Sewell, N.J. Timothy Edward and Tiffany Suzanne Koch, 22861 West St., Thebes Ronald C. and Robbin D. James, 9105 N. State St., Opdyke William G. Drage, 307 N. White, Creal Springs Jimmy F. and Rosemarie J. May, 13668 Bloomington St., Marion Brenton Lee and Ashley Nicole Richardson, 618 Chestnut, Mount Carmel Moira Elizabeth Staudt, 305 S. Broadway, Goreville Aaron A. Wilson, 13160 Perry Road, Percy Deborah J. Middleton, 218 Xanders Drive, Fairfield Jason A. Snoddy, 1308 W. Main, Marion Bryan Scot Delaney, 20165 N. Sherwood Lane, Texico Tammy R. and Brandon J. Rhoads, 11305 Illinois 37 North, Goreville Bruce S. and Jill L. Smith, 2606 Michael Lane, Marion Tara Snyder, P.O. Box 387, Okawville April D. Wall, 406 S. Douglas, West Frankfort Rebecca A. Gibbs, P.O. Box 97, Bonnie Douglas E. and Susan J. Johnson, 2820 Cherry St., Mount Vernon Ronald Jerome McDonald, 904 Pell Road, Brookport Jon K. and Tiffany A. Damery, 800 S. 13th St., Herrin Lynette D. Lee, P.O. Box 97, Irvington Ashley Dawn Brazell, 1222 Delmar St., Harrisburg Larry Robert Smith, 312 S. Main St., Harrisburg

Carolyn A. Racey, P.O. Box 1387, Vienna Jeffrey Ryan and Alana Kay England, 6249 N. Cherryville Lane, Waltonville Dori J. Bahre, P.O. Box 26, Oakdale Sonja F. Maidment, P.O. Box 431, West Frankfort Kena N. Landry, 50A Prairie Ridge Lane, Murphysboro Brooke R. Webb, 606 S. Jesse St., Christopher Kimberly A. Turk, 711 Eagle Pass Drive, No. 316, Carterville Paul Luther Lee, 601 N. 18th St., Mount Vernon

Chapter 13 Gary B. Randolph, 706 S. Virginia, Marion James Dickerson, P.O. Box 56, 617 Oak St., Thebes Samella N. Teague, 620 Second St., Tamms Anthony P. and Cynthia L. Stamm, 97 Halibut Road, Murphysboro John F. Bathon, 416 E. Jefferson, Ashley Robert G. Gurke, P.O. Box 541, Murphysboro Michael D. Brazley, 510 N. 15th St., Murphysboro Antoinette M. Furlow, 705 N. Fair St., Marion Davey Lee and Holly Lynn Zimmerman Sr., 101 S. McKinley, Elkville Gary D. Clutts, 634 Illinois Ave., Murphysboro Charles E. Rednour, 202 E. Poplar St., Coulterville Paul D. Scarborough, 202 E. Poplar St., Coulterville Daniel F. and Laura J. Nikolich, 113 Egyptian Ave., Christopher David Vincent and Polly Anne Campbell, 1418 CR 750 East, Carmi Michael L. and Joyce I. Ellet Sr., 104 Walnut St., Grand Tower David E. McCroy, 1614 Pine St., Murphysboro Jane A. Kobler, 614 27th St., Cairo Gary E. Aldridge, 900 E. Walnut, Apt. 7, Carbondale Larry M. Fulgham, P.O. Box 543, 207 N. Wilson, Hurst Jacqueline M. Mulkins, 1015 N. Johnson St., Marion Maryann Upton, 116 Lawrence St., Benton Robert Allen and Barbara Annette Johnson, 205 Beulah St., Christopher Kenneth Wayne Huff, 3485 Richview Road, Centralia Diana Shered, 602 N. Robert A. Stalls Ave., Apt. A, Carbondale Allen D. and Angela F. Ford, 1109 E. Ruth, Benton Steven Ward and Karen Marie Samuel, 11526 Harold Lane, Carbondale Gregory D. and Linda L. Short, 476 Grand Chain Road, Karnak Cynthia L. Simpkins, P.O. Box 283, Valier Clarence Alan and Marsha G. Clemons, 104 E. Marion, Marion

Brian L. Myers, 201 E. North St., Sesser Westley D. Klotz, 212 Douglas St., Anna Charles Wesley Wyatt, 2004 Clarke St., Murphysboro Kevin E. and Bonnie M. Potts, 1082 Olive Branch Road, Mounds LaTasha D. Logan, 524 34th St., Cairo Merri L. Seals, P.O. Box 756, Brookport Donald E. and Connie J. Cobb, 719 N. Howard St., Du Quoin William M. and Autumn L. Lewis, 3285 Bowman Bottoms Road, Ozark Eric L. and Maria Estela O. Cope, 700 Park Ave., Mount Vernon Ebany R. Robison, 503 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Carterville Jackie D. Cavins, 401 N. Maple St., Du Quoin Jeremy W. and Amber D. Deaton, 19823 Saltpetere Road, Creal Springs Eric S. and Amanda K. Fraser, 2008 North Ave., Metropolis Edward James Marshall, 1522 Broadway St., Willisville Gregory Dale and Shana Cristina Scott, 26 Wildwood Drive, Mount Vernon Clifton D. and Karen L. White, 50 Ramp Road, Creal Springs Brett M. Smith, 1304 Burgess, Johnston City Gregory L. and Ashley E. Woods, 10149 River Bend Road, Benton Kelly J. Engle, 2205 Nichole Lane, Apt. J, Marion Steven J. Ebers, 710 Holt Drive, Steeleville Angela Dawn Valleroy, 1320 Oak St., Chester Crystal Lynn Bennett, 404 Marshall, Apt. 2, Benton Ronald A. and Melody C. Hernan, 408 Cardinal Drive, Mount Vernon Charles Allen and Jannie Lou Lacy, 2084 Teske Road, Marion Amy L. King, 233 N. 13th St., Apt. 510, Murphysboro Donald J. and Susan Simmons, 1100 E. Boyton D, Marion Jamilyah M. Rush, 2307 Alexander St., Murphysboro

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