SBJ 06-01-10 by The Southern Illinoisan

JUNE 2010

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Inside J U N E

COVER STORY Mining the numbers: An official count of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population does more than set the tone of congressional redistricting and the awarding of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. The U.S. Census can be an effective tool for business people in Southern Illinois or any region of the country. Savvy business people who are willing to mine the data can get key answers, including the raw number of potential customers and information about age, ethnic background and income of the people in their market. It can give business people an idea of how many people in their service area would be in need of their products and/or services. Pages 4-5

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20 10 rules and regulations since the Great Depression may be in the works, based on the unhappiness of business people nationwide with the Wall Street bailouts. Some key aspects of a bill pending before the U.S. Senate aim at preventing the failures of large banks and financial services firms, or at least insulating taxpayers and the economy in such an emergency; creating a new financial watchdog agency to protect consumers; tightening regulations on derivatives; banning banks from proprietary trading; and increasing transparency. Page 11

INDICATORS

Aging population needs information: As our regional and national populations continue to age, the need for solid information on the availability and spectrum of assistance for seniors also is on the increase. It is not an easy task to negotiate the elder care journey, either for the affected person or loved ones who are trying to help. But there is good news for those who need help with navigation. Some financial experts and attorneys specialize in elder care issues and can provide credible, concise information about a variety of options, including reverse mortgages, life settlements and government programs. Page 7

More good news on the jobless front: For the second month in a row, unemployment numbers dropped in a majority of the 18 counties of Southern Illinois. Unemployment fell by 1.4 percent for the region and declined in 17 of the 18 counties during March, the last full month for which complete statistics are available. Alexander County recorded a 0.2 percent increase to reach 12.5 percent unemployed. By comparison, the jobless rate declined by only 0.1 percent in February. Elsewhere in the indicators, passenger air traffic at Williamson County Regional Airport continued to soar above the same month a year earlier with a 168.5 percent increase in flying customers. Meanwhile, prices at the gasoline pump remained more than 60 cents a gallon higher than during the same time last year. Pages 12-13

ECONOMICS

ON THE COVER

Main Street angry about Wall Street: The biggest rewrite of federal financial

PHOTOGRAPH BY THE U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE (PIO)

ELDER LAW

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

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JUNE 2010

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

Mark Your Calendar June 1

June 16

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

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

June 2

June 17

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

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

June 4

June 18

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

Beginning Word 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.

June 7 Beginning Access 2003: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

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

June 9 Intermediate Excel 2007: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

June 11 Advanced Publisher 2007: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room H125, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

June 14 Intermediate Access 2003: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry. Team Building: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F109, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry. Cost is $90.

June 21 Beginning Excel 2003: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

June 22 Beginning/Intermediate Adobe Photoshop: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room H125, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

June 23 Beginning/Intermediate Adobe Acrobat: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room H125, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

June 25 Intermediate QuickBooks 2009: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

June 28 Advanced Excel 2003: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

June 30 June 15 Advanced Access 2007: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, 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.

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.

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2010

Cover Story Use of census numbers, trends great strategy for business planning and development BY LES O’DELL SBJ CORRESPONDENT

The concept of a regular enumeration, or census of the nation’s population, became law upon ratification of Article I, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution in 1790. Every 10 years since, a survey of American households has provided the federal government with a count and basic demographic information of every citizen. The data unearthed during the decennial census is used for redistricting seats for the U.S. House of Representatives and to set levels of federal funding for a variety of civic programs and public works efforts. The census also can be beneficial to Southern Illinois businesses, or businesses in any other region, which choose to mine the data. “The first thing businesses can learn is who is in their service area,” says Ed Taft, research director with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. “They’ll know the number of people as well as the makeup of that population in terms of age, ethnic background and more, so it will give them an idea of who in the area may be likely to use their services or products.” Many local organizations will use census data for exactly that purpose. Woody Thorne, administrative director of community affairs for Southern Illinois Healthcare, says his company will consider findings for strategic planning. “The census provides a snapshot of the demographics, and it gives us an opportunity to see, for example, what counties are growing and what the makeup of those counties are in terms of age and other social factors,” Thorne says. Those things are important for an organization like ours to evaluate as we try to determine what health services are needed by the region.” Thorne says that if SIH finds a pocket of population growth or a trend in a particular demographic factor such as age, the information could influence the

PHOTOGRAPHS BY THE U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE (PIO)

The census can be beneficial to Southern Illinois businesses, or businesses in any other region, which choose to mine the data.

development of programs and even the types of physicians recruited by the organization. Other companies, especially those that deal directly with customers, can benefit from using fresh census data, a business development consultant says. Cavanaugh L. Gray, owner of the Entrepreneur Café, calls the census a tremendous resource. “If you deal directly with the consumer and if you understand your target, the census gives you hard and fast values for free,” Gray says. “With the new census going into this decade, we’re hitting the bull’s-eye right now with good information.” He adds that while the decennial census provides only very basic information, the data should be enough to get decision-

makers started. “For example, if I’m someone trying to open up the next big kids’ entertainment facility, I would want to know how many households I can draw from in the surrounding communities, the economics of those families and how many of them fit my target demographic.” Mike Susler, who owns Subway restaurant franchises in Benton, Du Quoin, Sesser and at Rend Lake College, says census figures provide him with another analysis tool in looking at potential communities for expansion. “Population is a key. If you’re considering a location, the population is extremely important not only for that community, but for the surrounding areas, too,” Susler says. He adds that in addition to the census,

he utilizes other information sources, including highway traffic counts. Other businesses, including those in the financial services sector, use census data as well. “We call upon census data, mostly by age group, especially if we’re wanting to target a certain program or product,” says Marty Davis, president of Murphy-Wall State Bank in Pinckneyville. “We try to find out whether to concentrate that product in a certain market. It helps us direct our energies to get the best return for our ad dollars and the best penetration of our services.” Real estate developer Charles “Chuck” Grant of rural Marion says while he uses census results, he doesn’t rely only on the governmental reports. “You have to use it along with your own

JUNE 2010

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

Cover Story gut feelings, experiences and the opinions of others,” Grant says. “For me, I look at all of it and then test the market to see what’s really happening.” Census analysts, such as Taft, explain that other census products also can be used to benefit businesses, including an economic census that is conducted every five years to measure economic and business factors. Other measurements, such as the annual American Community Survey, give more detail on socioeconomic and housing details. “Depending on the type of business, the American Community Survey data may be of interest,” he says. “For example, a construction company may be interested in how old the houses are in a given area for ideas on potential remodeling or new construction. Likewise, educational attainment is a big factor for businesses trying to find trained workers.” He says the most recent economic census was completed in 2007, and much

of that data is just now being released. The community survey is conducted annually. “It is a wealth of information for business and helps not only with strategic planning, but also in terms of what the competition is doing,” he says. The traditional census, however, also provides much-needed information. “Businesses and communities will use it to see how population has shifted over time, for instance. Will there be a need for more teachers or schools or maybe for assisted-living centers,” he adds. “Also, you can see how many people are of working age in an area and see the available labor force.” All of it adds up to useful information for organizations such as SIH, Thorne says. The data gives not only a picture of demographics, he says, but also can point to future needs. “It’s very important for us to look at these broad indexes because they reflect the strong influence of health statuses,” he

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‘The census provides a snapshot of the demographics, and it gives us an opportunity to see, for example, what counties are growing and what the makeup of those counties are in terms of age and other social factors.’ WOODY THORNE ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS FOR SOUTHERN ILLINOIS HEALTHCARE

explains. “For example, things that point to a change in poverty status or income or the level of household independence all are things that often impact one’s health as much as the traditional risk factors we think of — things like nutrition, physical activity and tobacco use.”

Thorne says that census data help identify target populations for interventions and other health care programming. He adds that SIH will often compare its analysis with other organizations. “Often what we do is done in concert with other partners, so we look at the same data to ensure that we’re all on the same page and going the same direction,” Thorne adds. Regardless of whether the focus is retailing, manufacturing or health care, Gray says businesses should use the census to their advantage. “When you have the opportunity to utilize accurate information based on nationwide surveys, you have to go in and pull out the details that you need,” he says. “Information is the new money.” LES O’DELL is a Carbondale freelance writer who contributes to SBJ, The Southern Illinoisan and SI Magazine.

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2010

Special Report R ESU LTS

R ESU LTS

Health care reform? Reimbursement failings may lead to shortage of physicians BY LES O’DELL SBJ CORRESPONDENT

EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Lori Guyton, a neurologist from Herrin, recently visited members of Congress to talk about Medicare funding and patients’ access to care. Making the trip to Capitol Hill with Guyton were fellow neurologists Dr. Ken Silver of Chicago and Dr. Stephen Burger of Belleville. Health care reform may change the way Americans receive medical care and how the costs of that care are paid, but the changes in the nation’s health care system do not address some key problems, a local neurologist said. Dr. Lori Guyton, a Herrin-based neurologist, said Congress’ failure to permanently fix the way doctors are reimbursed by the federal government and the way specialists are reimbursed will ultimately lead to a shortage of physicians. Guyton said all physicians who treat patients through Medicare are subject to reimbursement payments that do not reflect today’s costs, and that the payments do not cover physicians’ expenses of running their practices. “This is not even part of the Health Care Reform bill,” Guyton said. “The payments are tied to what’s called the

Sustainable Growth Rate formula. SGR measures how much Medicare can grow without borrowing more money. After Medicare passes this rate, it must reduce reimbursement to facilitate growth. Therefore, when the government spends more on Medicare than is budgeted, the government threatens to reduce the payments to doctors.” She said each year, Congress has to act with a stop-gap measure to prevent the cuts in reimbursement. “Last year, Congress threatened to reduce payments to physicians in January, then it got pushed back to April, before they subsequently voted not to implement it,” she explained. “The problem is every time they delay ‘the fix,’ the current deficit in Medicare increases.” As of April 1, the Senate did not delay the anticipated cut, and the 21 percent Medicare reduction to physician payments went into effect, becoming law. In 2011, an additional 24 percent cut is anticipated. Dr. J. James Rohack, who serves as president of the American Medical Association, said Congress needs to act now. “It’s time for all of our representatives and senators to do what is right to protect access to care for seniors and military families and to assure the viability of

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‘If there are fewer physicians, patients may not be able to get the care they need.’ DR. LORI GUYTON HERRIN-BASED NEUROLOGIST

physician practices with reimbursements that meet the costs of keeping an office open,” Rohack said. Guyton agreed. That is why she recently traveled to Washington, D.C., with colleagues for the American Academy of Neurology’s “Neurology on the Hill.” In Washington, the neurologists visited legislators’ offices and urged them to find a long-term solution. Physician incentives were also discussed. “We told them we’d like a permanent fix instead of temporary patches, and soon,” Guyton said. “We’re concerned with the reduction that’s looming in the future and the access to care for patients.” More than 100 neurologists met with legislators as part of the annual program. The academy called the program one of the most effective ways of sharing physician and patient concerns with elected officials. This year’s representatives, including Guyton, urged

lawmakers to make permanent revisions to the reimbursement program. Guyton said the problem with Medicare reimbursements could affect the quality of care patients receive, the timing of health care and, ultimately, the quality of life in Southern Illinois. She explained that with a troublesome reimbursement program, many physicians and specialists may leave practice, retire early or decide to stop seeing patients who rely on Medicare. “If that happens, I’m concerned with what it will do to patient care,” Guyton said. “If there are fewer physicians, patients may not be able to get the care they need. If more citizens are provided health care, the queue for services may reach extraordinary waiting periods to be seen.” Guyton said there are only four practicing neurologists in Southern Illinois, and often the wait time for an appointment can be several months. She said that is why she’s working with other neurologists to encourage lawmakers to fix Medicare and provide incentives for physicians to go into neurology and other specialties, as well as primary care. LES O’DELL is a Carbondale freelance writer who contributes to SBJ, The Southern Illinoisan and SI Magazine.

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JUNE 2010

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

Elder Law Help is available for financial issues on elder care journey BY RICHARD HABIGER SBJ CONTRIBUTOR

Current economic conditions challenge those who are retired, as well as those who are already retired. All eventually will enter onto the pathway of the elder care journey, where they Habiger will need some form of assistance with their activities of daily living. Both now and for the coming years, all need to be well informed about their financial well-being. There is good news. There are professionals who keep abreast of developments in the economy, changes in laws and shifts in government programs for the elderly. Knowledgeable financial professionals and experienced elder law attorneys working together can assist clients with everything from retirement savings accounts, investment advice, estate planning, funding options such as reverse mortgages and qualification for government programs such as “aid and attendance” benefits from the Veterans Administration. For those who are not yet retired, a little planning now will allow you to maintain your current lifestyle. On the other hand, a lack of planning may require you to live on an extremely tight budget. For those who already are retired, taking time, right now, to deal with financial problems instead of waiting for a crisis to happen is well advised. A large number of persons who are retired feel that they have planned well for the future, only to find that rising medical costs, damage done to investment portfolios by the current economy and many other factors have caused them to go into debt. Seniors are accumulating huge debts. Elderly persons who are in debt live with a constant dark cloud hanging over their heads. Most of these individuals are on fixed incomes and have no way of paying off credit cards and home equity loans. Their debts continue to mount and many are unable to cover debt payments

A little planning now will allow you to maintain your current lifestyle. On the other hand, a lack of planning may require you to live on an extremely tight budget. out of their household budgets. In order to meet ongoing payments, some seniors often forgo purchasing medications and skimp on food budgets. They live like hermits, never going out and pinching every penny, in order to pay their obligations. Most of these individuals worked hard their entire lives and managed their debt. They never anticipated the rising costs of prescriptions, expensive medical care or depletion of savings by living too long. The good news is there is help for these individuals. The following are just a few examples of some relief options that could be available; there are other options besides these. Much depends on the facts in individual cases. Reverse mortgages: A Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, also known as a reverse mortgage, is a way of tapping into home equity without creating monthly payments, and without requiring the money to be paid back during the homeowner’s lifetime. Instead of making payments, the cash flow is reversed; the senior receives payments from the bank. Thus the title “reverse mortgage.” For those seniors who are financially stressed and have few assets other than a home, a reverse mortgage can allow them to remain in the home by creating extra income. Life settlements: A life settlement enables older individuals, businesses and other organizations to sell life insurance policies they currently own, but no longer want or need, often for an amount greater than the cash surrender value of the policy. In some cases, again depending on the facts, the life settlement value can be two to three times the cash surrender value of the life insurance policy. Even some term life insurance policies with a conversion option to permanent coverage

can qualify for a life settlement. Government programs: Some government programs, such as food stamps, energy (heating) assistance, community care programs, pharmaceutical assistance and other programs provide assistance for seniors. Other programs provide subsidized housing, help with medical expenses and tax credits. For veterans, there is free health care, inexpensive prescriptions and disability income. Egyptian Area Agency on Aging offers assistance or can refer you to the most appropriate program to address your individual needs. The agency can be reached in Carterville at 618-9858311, toll-free at 888-895-3306 or at http://egyptianaaa.org. For some seniors, living on a fixed income and dealing with debt as they

traverse the elder care journey can be an overwhelming burden. For seniors who may need assistance with staying at home, paying for care or avoiding a loss of their dignity as well as their lifetime savings, there are a number of strategies that may be available. An experienced elder law attorney, with the assistance of a knowledgeable financial professional, can help to safely guide seniors and their families along the path of the elder care journey. 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 toll-free at 800-336-4529, or at info@habigerelderlaw.com.

JUNE 2010

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

Small Business In the game of small business, everyone gets to play BY CAVANAUGH L. GRAY SBJ CONTRIBUTOR

Years ago, only the most courageous, intelligent and, as some might say, insane individuals were thought to walk away from the stability of a longterm job for the uncertainty of Gray entrepreneurship. In 1994, at the age of 30, Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon.com, quit his high-powered, Wall Street job and set out on a crosscountry trip to the West Coast. Armed only with the dream of capitalizing on the Internet, he set out with no idea where the company would be located and even wrote the business plan on the drive out. Although it wouldn’t hurt to have the business chops of a Bezos or a Gates, today’s environment is a testament to the fact that you don’t have to be a superstar to succeed in small business.

Mom’s rule One example that has played out successfully during the last two decades has been the rise of the Mompreneur. Often, it is the mother who ends up sacrificing her career in an effort to care for a growing family. However, as the years pass, these talented women have grown eager to showcase their shelved talents

and create a new limitless ceiling. A recent figure I came across pegged the U.S. economic activity of women-owned businesses at $3 trillion with women entrepreneurs opening businesses at twice the national average.

Doing business while doing good Social entrepreneurship has become all the rage as business owners have found ways to use their skills to merge their social passions with their ability to run a profitable business. In 1982, actor and philanthropist Paul Newman decided to launch a business and donate 100 percent of its after-tax profits to charity. The result was Newman’s Own, which started off selling salad dressing and now includes everything from salsa to popcorn. To date, Newman’s desire to do business and do good has led to more than $200 million being donated to charities around the world.

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In 1982, actor and philanthropist Paul Newman decided to launch a business and donate 100 percent of its after-tax profits to charity.

Muske says that this number is likely to increase even more, given the economy. Traditionally, Generation X has launched three times the number of businesses as any other age group. That

title is being closely pursued by that generation’s young sibling, Generation Y, which has chosen entrepreneurship as a way to redefine its own career path. I mention all of this to say that it doesn’t matter what your nationality is, whether you are a stay-at-home mom or someone who wants to change the world. If you have a dream and a lot of determination, then owning your own small business could take you pretty far! 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 618-2067013. 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 at www.twitter.com/TheECafe or at www.ecafellc.com.

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I now pronounce you partners I have had the pleasure of meeting many entrepreneur couples and most of them still like one another and are still sane. (I said most of them.) These copreneurs work together as co-owners of their businesses, creating a division of labor that is based on each one’s unique expertise. The ranks of couple-owned businesses have grown dramatically and could be as high as 10 million today, up from 3 million in 2000, according to Glenn Muske, an Oklahoma State professor.

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JUNE 2010

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Economics Financial reform bill: Main Street’s anger over Wall Street reaches the U.S. Senate floor SBJ CONTRIBUTOR

Another reform bill is now making its way through the U.S. Senate — a bill that would reregulate the financial services industry with a few goals in mind: l Preventing McClatchey failures of large banks and financial services firms, or at least insulating taxpayers and the economy in such an emergency l Creating a new financial watchdog agency to protect consumers l Tightening regulations on derivatives l Banning banks from proprietary trading (with the Volcker Rule) l Increasing transparency l Anger on Main Street, while palpable, won’t pass these reforms. In the Senate, Democrats are largely driving them; Republicans want to see them altered. Let’s look at them briefly.

The bailout issue

The proposed new bureau The reform bill proposes creating a Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, possibly as an offshoot of the Federal Reserve. It would watch over banks and credit unions with $10 billion or more in assets, as well as major investment firms and mortgage lenders apart from the banking industry. In addition to trying to protect people from predatory or discriminatory practices, the BCFP would also seek to better inform consumers via an Office of Financial Literacy. Skeptics see this as another multi-billion-dollar layer of bureaucracy, a fifth wheel with a mission that could just as well be handled by an augmented Federal Reserve.

or a mortgage product clearer, so that fees and other quietly assessed charges would become easier to understand. Hedge funds would have to register with the federal government. Certain Democratdriven amendments would even demand more transparency at the Federal Reserve. As Sen. Bernard Sanders (I-Vt.) remarked in late April, “During the bailout, the Fed lent trillions of dollars at zero or nearzero interest rates to large financial institutions. During the budget committee hearing, I asked Chairman Bernanke who received that money [and] he refused to tell us.” A new chapter or a whole new book?

Better understanding for all? If the reforms become law, regulators would work to make the fine print that comes with a credit card, a mutual fund

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@allianceinvestment planning.com. Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC.

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Crackdowns on derivatives and proprietary trading Ah yes, derivatives — those investments no one really understood. Or watched closely. The reform bill would require banks to build a wall between their derivatives trading and their commercial banking operations; in other words, the Volcker Rule would be the law. Well, banks do make a lot of money through proprietary trading in their own accounts. In late April, J.P. Morgan analysts concluded that if the Volcker Rule went into effect, the six biggest global investment banks would need $85 billion more to capitalize the new investment banking divisions they would need to create. According to the J.P. Morgan scenario, Deutsche Bank would have to grab $26 billion alone and BNP Paribas would have to come up with $21.1 billion.

You could argue convincingly that a loosely regulated Wall Street caused or at least exacerbated the Great Recession. In the aftermath of that downturn, we may see the biggest rewrite of financial rules and regulations since the Great Depression coming before 2010 ends.

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The bill introduced by Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd (DConn.) would set up an orderly liquidation fund $50 billion deep to help the federal government wind down any big banks that threaten to go belly up. Senate Republicans argue that this would amount to a permanent bailout fund that would implicitly encourage federal bank rescues. Some Republicans think it perpetuates the too big to fail mentality. A group of Congressional Democrats have introduced the SAFE Banking Act, which would cap bank size: no U.S. bank or bank holding company could hold more than 10 percent of the country’s insured deposits. The SAFE Act would also hold the amount of non-deposit liabilities at financial institutions at 2 percent of GDP for banks, and set a

6 percent leverage limit for bank holding companies.

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2006

2005

22.1 11.2 109.7 6.7 8.7 18.6 34.5 25.3 2.0 116.3 12.6 88.2 22.6 15.2 5.9 12.4 21.9 6.3 15.6 19.5 $575.3 $24,333.0

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 $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

N I L L I Chicago Fed Midwest % change 05-09 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.

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 Mar 10 101.9

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

Mar 2010

Feb 2010

Mar 2009

3,152 18,112 2,708 4,191 1,821 32,925 20,604 5,301 7,280 9,462 1,879 2,941 15,486 12,911 8,154 8,182 7,545 34,853 197,507 6,653,121 153,910,000

393 2,814 308 507 233 2,782 2,308 650 738 1,343 216 357 1,594 1,443 1,196 770 788 3,892 22,332 777,768 15,005,000

12.5% 15.5% 11.3% 12.1% 12.8% 8.4% 11.2% 12.3% 10.1% 14.2% 11.5% 12.1% 10.3% 11.2% 14.7% 9.4% 10.4% 11.2% 11.3% 11.7% 9.7%

12.3% 15.6% 12.3% 12.7% 14.2% 9.3% 12.4% 13.3% 11.2% 15.2% 13.9% 13.3% 11.5% 12.5% 15.9% 10.3% 11.1% 12.0% 12.7% 12.0% 9.7%

11.3% 11.8% 9.3% 8.9% 9.0% 6.5% 8.7% 9.5% 9.0% 11.4% 9.2% 10.3% 9.0% 8.7% 11.5% 7.9% 8.4% 9.1% 9.4% 9.6% 8.5%

COMING SOON

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

Change month p q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q

0.2 0.1 1.0 0.6 1.4 0.9 1.2 1.0 1.1 1.0 2.4 1.2 1.2 1.3 1.2 0.9 0.7 0.8 1.4 0.3 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 Mar 10

1.2 81 84.1 3.7 80 2.0 3.2 78 3.8 76A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M 1.9 2.5 SOURCE: FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF CHICAGO 2.8 1.1 2.8 2.3 1.8 Apr 10 Apr 09 Change 1.3 2.5 MONTHLY TOTALS 3.2 586 211 p 177.7% 1.5 YTD TOTALS 2.0 2.1 2,086 777 p168.5% 1.9 2009 2008 Change 2.1 ANNUAL TOTALS 1.2 2,750 2,636 p 4.3% ’08

’09

’10

Williamson County Regional Airport passengers

I S I N Consumer credit score

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 April 2010.

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

15 96 23 18 7 133 83 30 30 56 9 19 74 63 60 47 56 208 1,027

13 77 15 16 10 120 77 36 27 37 8 10 84 73 37 48 64 232 984

698

Murphysboro

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 Mar 09

694

SOURCE: EXPERIAN

Mar 10

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

Change

2009

15.4% 24.7% 53.3% 12.5% 30.0% 10.8% 7.8% 16.7% 11.1% 51.4% 12.5% 90.0% 11.9% 13.7% 62.2% 2.1% 12.5% 10.3% 4.4%

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

Apr 10 91.0

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

Q1 10 Alexander Franklin Gallatin Hamilton Hardin Jackson Jefferson Johnson Massac Perry Pope Pulaski Randolph Saline Union Williamson ILLINOIS

4 58 1 0 3 67 45 16 21 28 3 1 30 28 17 121 21,242

Q1 09 2 59 0 3 2 58 51 14 21 30 2 2 22 22 14 122 17,194

SOURCE: ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS

Change

p 100.0% q 1.7% NA q 100.0% p 50.0% p 15.5% q 11.8% p 14.3% 0.0% q 6.7% p 50.0% q 50.0% p 36.4% p 27.3% p 21.4% q 0.8% p 23.5%

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 p p p p p q q

’10

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.

Feb 10 Feb 09 MONTHLY TOTALS YTD TOTALS $917,273

Change

$536,874 q

$491,008

$1,028,310 q

2009 ANNUAL TOTALS

2008

8.5%

220

U.S. city average Mar 10 217.6

218

10.8%

Change

$7,520,856 p

Change

MEDIAN SALES PRICE Q1 10 Q2 09

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%

$24,500 $51,250 $25,000 $0 $146,000 $108,000 $60,000 $91,500 $59,900 $56,000 $30,000 $74,000 $65,950 $43,500 $58,000 $160,000 $144,600

Total units sold, including condominiums

Hotel/motel stats

216

214

212

2.7% 210

Home sales

’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.

$8,500 $38,400 $0 $27,500 $52,000 $73,200 $55,000 $105,000 $85,000 $44,500 $19,500 $15,000 $83,500 $70,250 $67,500 $180,000 $145,000

Midwest urban Mar 10 207.4

208

Change

p 188.2% p 33.5% NA q 100.0% p 180.8% p 47.5% p 9.1% q 12.9% q 29.5% p 25.8% p 53.8% p 393.3% q 21.0% q 38.1% q 14.1% q 11.1% q 0.3%

206

204

200 M

J ’09

J F ‘10

SOURCE: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Prices at the pump Average price per gallon of regular, unleaded gas as of May 16 and April 16, 2010.

Metro East Springfield Illinois U.S. SOURCE: AAA

May 10

Apr 10

$2.95 $2.74 $3.00 $2.86

$2.95 $2.92 $3.02 $2.86

Apr 09 $2.33 $2.34 $2.48 $2.31

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2010

Employment Law R ESU LTS

R ESU LTS

Paying employees by ‘salary’ doesn’t mean overtime pay can be avoided BY ED RENSHAW SBJ CONTRIBUTOR

Perhaps the most frequently asked questions to employment law attorneys involve which employees must be paid overtime for working more than 40 hours in a work week. Most Renshaw employers know that the Fair Labor Standards Act requires overtime for most workers, but also know that some employees do not have to be paid overtime because they are “exempt.” Determining which employees are truly exempt from overtime payments can be a complicated undertaking, which is beyond the scope of this single column. However, we can scratch the surface this month by looking at the salary requirements for an employee to be exempt from overtime. Many employers mistakenly believe they can make an employee exempt from overtime (and minimum wage) requirements by simply saying the employee is paid a regular salary rather than on an hourly basis. For several reasons, that is not nearly enough. First, to be exempt from overtime, an employee must have certain job duties that are generally described as administrative, executive or professional. This means the employee must have some level of advanced education or training or must exercise independent judgment about management or executive issues. If an employee is paid a salary but does not fit into these categories, he is not exempt from overtime requirements. Second, even if an employee fits into one of these three categories, he still may not be exempt from overtime if he is not paid enough. An employee cannot be exempt if the employee is paid a salary that is less than $455 per week, which translates to $23,660 per year. So, even if

ART SERVICES

The most asked questions to employment law attorneys involve which employees must be paid overtime for working more than 40 hours in a work week.

an employee is undoubtedly within the administrative, executive or professional categories, if his salary is less than $455 per week, overtime is required when he works more than 40 hours in a work week. (As an employer, you get to decide what seven-day period constitutes a work week for your business.) Note, also, that just because an employee is paid on an hourly basis does not mean the employee can’t be exempt from overtime requirements. If the employee fits one of the administrative, executive and professional categories, so long as he is paid $455 or more a week, regardless of the hours worked, the employee can be exempt from overtime. Even if the employee’s salary is calculated as an hourly rate, he still can be exempt. So, an employee whose rate of pay is $12 per hour can be exempt from overtime because a normal 40-hour work week would result in a “salary” of $480. However, if that employee doesn’t work 40 hours in a particular week, he still must be paid his full salary.

The salary cannot be reduced because of deficiencies in the quality or quantity of the work performed. Third, if you are treating an employee as exempt, you cannot deduct from that employee’s salary for absences that are less than an entire work day. For example, if your company does not provide paid vacations or personal days, you may reduce exempt employee’s pay for absences related to personal reasons so long as the reductions are for full day absences, not partial days. If you do deduct for partial days, the Department of Labor may consider the employee nonexempt and you may be forced to pay past and future overtime. Note, however, that if an exempt employee misses an entire day due to lack of work to be done or bad weather that closes your business, you cannot deduct those full day absences from the employee’s salary because it was not the employee’s fault that no work was performed. Finally, many employers believe they

cannot keep track of the hours exempt employees work and cannot pay extra compensation to them for extra hours worked. That is not true. Exempt employees can be required to punch a time clock so long as the number of hours worked does not reduce their pay. And, exempt employees can be paid bonuses or be paid at a higher rate for working extra hours. Understanding the rules that determine which employees are exempt from overtime can be difficult. The consequences of not understanding those rules can be expensive. If you’re not sure about an employee’s status, an attorney may help you get it right. ED 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.

Attention

Current and Future Small Business Owners!

This is your opportunity to meet one-on-one with commercial loan officers from Southern Illinois lenders. Bring your business plan and discuss your business loan proposal with the lenders. SBA will describe how loan program funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act allows them to reach more small businesses that need help. You will also learn of loan programs and resources available to small businesses from federal, state and community agencies.

MEET THE LENDERS Lender and Business Matchmaking Event

to e c n a h C s i h T s Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Mis ! m a e r D r u o Y Explore

Wednesday, June 16th 9am-Noon Welcome Remarks 9:00 am - 9:15 am Loan Program Information 9:15 am - 10:00 am Meet the Lenders/Resource Partners 10:00 am - Noon

Holiday Inn

2300 Reed Station Pkwy â&#x20AC;˘ Carbondale, IL Limited seating, Please RSVP to the SIUC Small Business Development Center at 618-536-2424 or email: sbdc@siu.edu. No fee to attend. All SBA programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance, by contacting 618-536-2424

Authorization No.: 10-0517-106

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2010

Workplace P E RSO N N E L |

P O L I C I ES

Looking for balance between work and leisure life? Take control and plan for success BY JANE SANDERS SBJ CONTRIBUTOR

Do you crave a balanced life with more fun and fulfillment? Do you often feel overwhelmed, stuck or unable to pursue your true dreams and desires? Are you struggling with a Sanders life-changing transition — divorce, job change, child leaving home, etc? Take control of your life and plan for the outcomes you want to achieve. Don’t wait for life to plan your future for you. Balance is no longer just a women’s issue. In increasing numbers, both men and women are looking for more balance in their lives. Balance in this context does not mean equal parts work and leisure; that kind of balance doesn’t exist. What we all truly desire is fulfillment, contentment, freedom of choice and fun. The benefits of achieving this balance reach far beyond the personal implications, as you know. Several years ago, with significant research and work, I developed a workshop, “From Stuck To Stellar! Action Planning for Life and Career,” to help people achieve the balance and fulfillment we all need and crave. The corresponding workbook I wrote to accompany this seminar includes 20 pages of activities and exercises designed to help you discover what you really want and where you want to go in the key life areas of career, family/relationships, health/leisure, finances, spirituality and service, and then specifically how you will get there. Is developing your life plan easy? No. Digging deep to uncover your true priorities, strengths, talents, dreams and fears is not a cakewalk. But it can be enormously fulfilling and life-changing. Here are a few of the benefits: increased control over your life and schedule;

clearer focus and direction for easier, more effective choices and decisions; more peace of mind, energy and motivation; better performance and morale at work; higher confidence for handling life’s unexpected curves and transitions; increased clarity about what you really want to accomplish in your life; greater fulfillment and fun; and, bottom line, specific steps to help you achieve your newly clarified goals and dreams. Following are some of the activities helpful in creating your strategic life plan. Complete these, in the order as listed, and you will be on your way to taking the guesswork out of key decisions you face every day. Better yet, complete them with a friend or group of friends. One of the reasons the workshop is so successful is because I put participants into small groups to work together. Some activities are completed in the small group format, some with partners and a few done individually. There is great power in numbers, verbal processing, expert facilitation, along with immediate feedback and suggestions from a partner or group. However, doing it yourself is far better than not at all, so set aside a few hours for this, or an hour each Saturday for the next few weeks.

Just get started List at least five things and/or activities you are passionate about; include those activities you loved as a pre-adolescent child. This is very important. What are your accomplishments? Try tackling this chronologically, starting with accomplishments made as a young child. These do not have to be huge, media-generating, life-saving events. Anything you felt proud of, then or now, is an accomplishment. What are you good at? This is not the time to be humble. What are your best skills? What have other people said are your greatest skills? When have you felt the most joyful, the most content, fulfilled, inspired? When

time just flew by? What were you doing? With whom? For what purpose? Now stop for a moment and take inventory. Review what you have written and, on a separate list, identify the most meaningful responses. What activities bring you the greatest joy and fulfillment? What are your best talents, the ones that seem most natural to you? Is there congruence between these talents, passions and your accomplishments? Are you using these talents when you have felt most fulfilled and inspired? Take some time to uncover the patterns in the information gleaned from these first five questions. And then continue. Clarify your priorities by completing these statements: The three most important things I still want to accomplish in my life are… Some day, I want to look back and reflect on my life and think, “I’m glad I …” Pretend you have one week to live. Think carefully; this activity can be particularly insightful. What would you feel to be the most unfinished if you could not complete it? Answer this for the following areas of your life: family, work/career, relationships, health, leisure time, finances, service/contribution and spirituality/personal growth. Review all you have written for these two questions. Below each one, identify your most important responses. These should give you information and direction for your plan.

Goals and action steps Identify your goals for each life area for the next one to two years. Where do you want to be or what do you want to accomplish with your career? Family? Relationship? Leisure time? Health? Finances? Spirituality? Service? How about your goals for five years out? Keep in mind your plan is not written in stone. Things change; life happens and your plan will need to be adjusted. It is a work in progress. Just don’t let procrastination

or fear become the impetus for not adhering to it. For each goal, write down all the little steps necessary in order to achieve that goal. Identify specific deadlines for every action step. Give yourself plenty of time; be careful not to get overzealous and pack too much in too soon. You want to set yourself up for success, not a feeling of missed deadlines or failure. The more detail you develop now, with the most realistic timing, the more assured you will be of following your plan and achieving your goals and dreams. And, if you miss a deadline — no big deal. Just change it. Columnist Sydney J. Harris once wrote, “Regret for things we did can be tempered by time; it is regret for things we did not do that is inconsolable.” Without a plan, where will your life be, and how will it be different, in two years? How about 10 to 20 years from now? Make sure you get the most out of life and eliminate future regrets. You will feel so accomplished, so fulfilled, if you take this process seriously and create a plan. I wish you and your bright future all good things. 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. Her clients include Toyota, MassMutual, Prudential, US Steel, Walgreen’s, 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. Sanders is author of “GenderSmart: Solving The Communication Puzzle Between Men and Women,” available on her website. She can be reached at 877-343-2150, jane@jane sanders.com or www.janesanders.com.

JUNE 2010

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

Money Matters Advance directive documents are available: Have you talked to your loved ones? BY GENE HONN SBJ CONTRIBUTOR

Southern Illinois Healthcare and its three hospitals recently shared a personal planning guide with patients and members of the public during the National Healthcare Decision Day Honn observance that is conducted annually in April. These documents also contained copies of important advanced directive documents. When we asked individuals if they have had meaningful discussions with their loved ones about their wishes related to their estate and end-of-life decisions, the most common response was, “Not yet; we were waiting for the right time.” The short answer is this: There is no perfect time. So, why not start today? It is always a good idea to engage members of your family in thoughtful conversation about estateplanning considerations. This assures them of your willing assistance and provides you with satisfaction for their future security.

Start with mom and dad’s plans Discussing your parents’ wishes about their estate plan can help reduce the tension and personal stress down the road when emergencies arise. Talk through and research questions such as: l What do they want their legacy to be beyond financial assets? What are the values they hold dear, such as holidays, religion and family? What are their wishes on life-support issues? How do they want their personal possessions distributed? l How will the family decide if and when Mom and Dad need more assistance? l Which people and organizations do Mom and Dad want to receive their assets

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It is always a good idea to engage members of your family in thoughtful conversation about estate-planning considerations.

after they are gone? l Should your parents purchase longterm care insurance? l Whom do your parents want to take on the role of agent for overseeing financial and medical powers of attorney duties? Does that person agree to take on that responsibility?

Planning for your spouse Should you pass away before your spouse, you want to ensure that you have properly provided for him or her. Consider these elements of your estate plan as you visit: l Whom should your spouse name as the agent for financial and medical powers of attorney? Is that person willing to accept this role? l Should your spouse become the beneficiary of all your assets, or should some of the assets go to a trust, caregiver or charity? l Would a trust for your spouse’s benefit ensure that your spouse will receive proper care in the future? l What ownership designations on property titles would serve your spouse the best for tax and legal efficiency? SEE MONEY MATTERS / PAGE 20

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2010

Achievements AWA R DS

P RO M OT I O N S

Verizon names Shepard to president’s cabinet

Excellence in Leadership Award. This award is given only to the highest performing leaders across Harrah’s Eric Shepard of Mount Vernon has Entertainment, Inc. Rich has been with been named to Verizon Wireless’ the company for nearly 10 years and president’s cabinet. Shepard is a sales representative at the arrived at Harrah’s Metropolis in 2007. Harrah’s Metropolis has also Verizon Wireless Communications store recognized winners of the Chairman’s at 2902 W. De Young St. in Marion. He Award, who include Jon Kell, food and earned the award by meeting several criteria, including being ranked in the top beverage director (Leadership); Dave Miller, hotel supervisor (Superior Guest 1 percent in 2009 sales, placing him as Service); Kim Douglas, facilities one of the company’s top performers among its more than 25,000 sales people. administrator (Superior Internal Service); David Eubanks and Chris Riley, information technology (Innovation); and Bank recognizes Sluzevich Deb Poe, player development for volunteer efforts (Community Service). In addition, Eubanks and Riley have David Sluzevich, an employee of First been selected as division winners. Bank in Carbondale, is among 10 employees bank system wide (Illinois, Missouri, California, Texas and Florida) Coracy is guest to receive gold-level awards in of Apple Vacations recognition for outstanding volunteer Helen Coracy of B and A Travel spirit in 2009. Service in Carbondale recently returned The First Bank CRA Community First from a three-day educational Awards Program recognizes an familiarization trip to the Riviera Maya as employee’s service contributions to CRAthe guest of Apple Vacations and Secrets qualified organizations. Community First and Dreams Resorts. Awards can be earned by volunteering The trip, arranged for top producers of time towards CRA-qualified activities, Apple Vacations’ travel packages, focused which support one of the following on the resort area of Riviera Maya, criteria for low-to-moderate income Mexico and included hotel site individuals: affordable housing, inspections and meetings with Mexican community services, economic Tourist Board officials. Information on development and revitalization. Apple Vacations’ vacation packages to Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii Harrah’s Metropolis and Costa Rica may be obtained from B awards employees and A Travel Service in Marion and Carbondale or online at Mike Rich, senior vice president and www.bandatravel.com. general manager of Harrah’s Metropolis Casino & Hotel, has received the

R E T I R E M E N T

Holland Construction superintendent honored Steve Rapp, superintendent with Holland Construction Service, Inc., recently received the Best General Contractor Field Employee award at the recent American Subcontractors Association-Midwest Council’s 17th annual Awards Gala. Rapp is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design accredited professional who is superintendent on the Behavioral Medicine Building project for the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs in Marion. Holland Construction Services is a full-service contracting and construction management firm based in Swansea.

Horton receives professional development award Crossroads Community Hospital chief nursing officer Beth Horton recently completed the CNO education program with Community Health Systems. The program is an extensive 10-course program that includes more than 35 modules and hundreds of topics such as financial management, recruitment and retention, team building, understanding regulatory compliance, patient satisfaction and more. Horton has been CNO at Crossroads since September 2008 and formerly served as quality officer for the hospital.

Vaillancourt attends journal therapy workshop Dr. Annette Vaillancourt, a Carbondale-based psychotherapist,

recently attended a one-day course, “Journal Therapy for Mood Disorders: Evidence-Based Theory, Practical Techniques,” in St. Louis. These techniques can be applied to anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. For more information, visit www.gotstressgethelp.com.

Fox named Correctional Officer of the Year at Tamms Timothy Fox has been selected the 2010 Correctional Officer of the Year at Tamms Correction Center. Fox began his career with the Illinois Department of Correction in 1998 as a correctional officer at Tamms. He was selected Officer of the Year based upon his commitment, team work, positive attitude, professionalism and versatility.

Trotter named general manager of HiBeam Brandon Trotter, a lifelong resident of Southern Illinois, has been named general manager of the HiBeam Internet & Voice (www.myhibeam.com) team in Marion and surrounding towns. The Missouri-based company provides high-speed Internet and voice services to homes and businesses in the towns of Marion, Herrin, Energy, Johnston City, West Frankfort and Benton. The HiBeam office is located at 2801 Civic Circle Blvd., Suite 1, in Marion. Trotter is a graduate of Wayne City High School and Rend Lake College. He is the son of John and Debbie Trotter of Wayne City.

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JUNE 2010

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

Achievements AWA R DS

Attorney Campbell joins Blake & Allen Attorney Amy Campbell recently joined the law firm of Blake & Allen, which has offices in Belleville, Collinsville, Edwardsville and Waterloo. The firm concentrates in the areas of real estate, business law, estate planning, trusts and estates, divorce and family matters.

Local firefighters graduate from fire academy Eric Davis of Benton, Kyle Masters of Carterville and Michael McAnelly of Marion graduated April 16 from the University of Illinois Fire Service Institute Certified Firefighter II Academy. Davis will serve on Benton Fire Department, Masters will serve on Williamson County Fire Department and McAnelly will serve on Marion Fire Department. They participated in a ceremony at the Institute’s Champaign campus.

Broemmel retires from Edward Jones Bo Broemmel, a financial adviser for Edward Jones in Marion, recently retired after 27 years with the financial services firm. Randy Lewis Jr. has taken over Broemmel’s position.

Frost qualifies for Million Dollar Roundtable

P RO M OT I O N S

for Life campaign. Champions for Life is a health care initiative based on partnerships with area hospitals. Through partnerships like the one with VA Medical Center, the Red Cross strives for two results — to increase blood donations at hospital-sponsored blood drives and to provide recognition to hospital sponsors and their blood donors. Both results tie in with the Red Cross’ top priority, which is to secure a safe and adequate blood supply for patients in need. VA Medical Center staff and the public played a key role in the health center being able to reach silver level standards in 2009 with 167 donations on a goal of 186. Missouri-Illinois Blood Services’ Recruitment Account Manager Tammy Lampe recently presented VA Medical Center Hospital Director Farhana Hasan a Champions for Life plaque.

Moore recognized for top sales Clara Moore of Murphysboro, a designer with Celebrating Home, has been recognized among the company’s top 25 achievers for selling for the month of March. Headquartered in Marshall, Texas, Celebrating Home offers products to decorate homes, including stoneware, pottery, candles, dining and entertainment pieces and accessories for the home and garden.

Eaton retires from Archway Services

Trina Eaton has retired after 20 years with Archway Services for Children. Kevin D. Frost, a financial Archway provides an array of services representative with Northwestern Mutual for children under 5 who have diagnosed Financial Network, has qualified for conditions and/or developmental delays. membership in the Million Dollar Eaton worked directly with these children Roundtable, an international, independent association of nearly 19,000 and their families for the last 20 years. leading life insurance producers. MDRT, a coveted career milestone that JCHD receives indicates sales and service achievement, breastfeeding award is a highly recognized mark of excellence As part of an ongoing effort to promote for life underwriters. and protect breastfeeding, Jackson A native of Herrin, Frost has been County Health Department opened a associated with Northwestern Mutual lactation room to enable new moms since 1996. employed by the health department to continue breastfeeding after returning to Red Cross recognizes Marion VA work. The Illinois Breastfeeding Task Force VA Medical Center has reached silver level status in the Red Cross’ Champions recently recognized the agency’s

R E T I R E M E N T

/guardian-ad-litem-training or by outstanding efforts with the silver “Breastfeeding Is Smart Business” award. calling the Division of Continuing Education at 618-536-7751. The award is given to businesses that provide flexible work hours and a private room in which breastfeeding mothers can SIH to sponsor parish nurse pump milk or feed their babies. course at Logan Visitors to the health department are Professional nurses can receive more also welcome to use the room. than the 20 required contact hours for continuing education as they learn about Richardson named United Way’s parish nursing in a five-session course Champion of Hope sponsored by Southern Illinois Debi Richardson, marketing director Healthcare. The deadline for registration is June 1. of Crossroads Community Hospital in The Parish Nursing Basic Preparation Mount Vernon, was named the United Course focuses on the promotion of Way 2010 Champion of Hope. health within the context of values, Richardson has served on the United Way Board of Directors for two years and beliefs and practices of a faith community. also has served with many other The course is from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 organizations. A few of those p.m. June 9 and 23, July 7 and 21 and Aug. organizations include American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, 4 at John A. Logan College in Carterville. Cost is $200, which includes all course American Red Cross, American Heart Association and Chamber of Commerce. materials, contact hours, lunch and parish nurse pin. For more information or to register, call HRMC Auxiliary donates Jo Sanders, SIH health ministry $40,000 to obstetrics coordinator, at 618-457-5200, ext. 67830. Heartland Regional Medical Center Auxiliary recently presented $40,000 to Basse joins the VNA-TIP the Tiny Toes Unit, the obstetrics department, to purchase infant car seats Home Care for all of the women who give birth at the Georgann Basse, a registered nurse, hospital. recently joined VNA-TIP Home Care. “This is an annual gift to the Basse has prior experience as a pediatric department so that each new mom can nurse and will be working in VNA-TIP’s take her newborn home safely,” HRMC Murphysboro branch. Auxiliary President Melba Morman VNA-TIP is one of the nation’s oldest said. “It is important to the hospital and Visiting Nurse Associations, tracing its to the auxiliary that we protect our Alton roots to 1917. The company’s children, and this is just one way that we specialized home health services include can help.” skilled nursing and home health aide About 1,000 babies are delivered services; physical, occupational and annually in HRMC’s Tiny Toes Unit. speech therapy; and medically-oriented social work for needy patients.

SIU to host Guardian ad Litem training Guardian ad Litem training will be conducted June 3 and 4 in room 102 of Lesar Law Building on the campus of Southern Illinois University, 1152 Douglas Drive, in Carbondale. The training is open to all attorneys licensed in Illinois and in good standing with the Illinois Supreme Court. There is no cost to attend this training program. Attorneys may register online at www.dce.siu.edu/index.php/conferences

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.

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2010

MONEY MATTERS: Talk to your loved ones? FROM PAGE 17

Planning for a brother or sister

FOR SALE:

House of Realty 1400 W. Main â&#x20AC;˘ Carbondale

618-457-3344

5 bay Auto Repair Service - an excellent opportunity for a qualified person to become a small business owner. Building and equipment all for sale on a location with a huge volume of traffic. Present customer list, inventory and profit and loss statement available for serious buyers. 39 Acres - West Pleasant Hill Road. Ideal for Subdivision

Call Lowell Heller: 618-534-0934

If you have a sibling who is older, in poor health or disabled, this sibling might require your help. If you become responsible for helping with his or her well-being, consider these questions: l Have you discussed thoughts about assisted living or paid home-caregivers? l Does your brother or sister have the need for a contingent agent on his or her financial or medical power of attorney? l Is your brother or sister eligible for subsidized services or financial assistance? l Should your brother or sister continue to be listed as a beneficiary in your will?

Planning for your children If you still have children, grandchildren or other individuals depending on you, communicate these points in your estate plan: l Who you wish to act as their legal guardian and conservator?

l Will your dependents receive your assets immediately or at a later date, should something happen to you? l Will their inheritance be designated for a specific purpose, such as education? l If your dependents leave behind no children and/or you have charitable plans, will the balance go to charity? When illness strikes or a tragedy occurs, it is already a stressful situation. By taking time to have these discussions in advance and sitting down with your estate professional, you can reduce a lot of the worry about what is going to happen to your loved ones. For a complimentary copy of our estate planning tool, call 618-457-5200, ext. 67843, or e-mail gene.honn@sih.net. You can also download the guide and advanced directive forms by visiting www.sih.net/waystogive. These resources will walk you through the information you need to discuss. Is today the right time to get started? GENE HONN is director of fund development for Southern Illinois Healthcare.

JUNE 2010

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

Business Fine Print PERMITS | BANKRUPTCIES

Building permits Carbondale Burger King, 901 W. Main St., $190,000 Southern Gas Company, 1114 N. Marion St., $20,000 Wal-Mart, 1450 E. Main St., $2,400,000 FWS Solid Surface, 610 N. Illinois Ave., $45,000 Gary Martin, 209 W. Willow St., $500 Phillips Pro Cycle, 2265 Sweets Drive, $16,000 Pointe at SIU, 900 E. Park St., $637,500 Pointe at SIU, 900 E. Park St., $12,500 Campus Habitat, 508 S. Wall St., $546,603 Bobby Summerville, 609 N. McKinley St., $18,000 Paul Jaros, 2003 E. Creekwood Drive, $134,000 Marcia Anderson, 1125 Grand Oak Drive, $22,000 Charles and Sandra Litecky, 603 W. Walnut St., $60,000 David Bryant, 504 S. Forest Ave., $500 Sue Hall, 109 N. Poplar St., $500 Rodney Johnson, 806 N. Almond St., $500 Gary Morgan, 212 S. Friedline, $250 George Vineyard, 216 S. Glenview Drive, $9,000 Maria Falcone, 1495 Bradford Lane, $30,000 Arthur David, 108 S. Lark Lane, $500 Mary Crader, 620 N. Michaels St., $1,800 James May, 623 S. Glenview Drive, $500

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

Herrin Steve Seever, 1603 Kaijo Lane, $155,000 Don Smith, 608 S. 16th St., $15,000 James Brand, 201 Newman Drive, $5,000 David Walls, 920 S. 16th St., $60,000 Charles Koerner, 1208 N. Ninth St., $30,000 Sergio Mendez, 1400 S. 16th St., $10,000 Patrick Creek, 1001 N. 14th St., $11,000

Marion Jerry Rock, 2508 Rae Allen Drive, $25,968 Glenn Tetzlaf, Holland and Jackson, $0 Diederich Properties, 900 Skyline Drive, $735,000 Bob Satterfield, 1802 Reville Road, $30,000 Paul’s Chapel Church, 902 S. Monroe, $137,900 Sebastion Chou, 105 Airway Drive, $50,000 Gordon Reynolds, Wild Rose, $150,000

Metropolis Robert Wheeler, 801 E. 7th Street, $3,000 Robert Wheeler, 801 E. 7th Street, $64,900 Rodger Harris, 17 Joshua Drive, $4,500 Brian Anderson, 706 E. 3rd Street, $76,000 Cheryl Gilbert, 1422 State Rt. 37, $78,300

Mount Vernon James Haynes, 1904 Conger, $1,000 Rex Sledge, 1509 Paula Drive, $0 Eugene Miller, 1709 Grove St., $3,000 Morris Bechtel, 502 Gee St., $250 Betty Glover, 1508 Cherry, $0 Jerry Linville, 1210 9th St., $0 Donald and Norma Colwell, 916 Lime, $4,600 Albert and Wilda Barnard, 128 Rufas, $24,620 City of Mount Vernon Parks Department, $0 Charles Rose, 1416 10th St., $0 City Wide Clean-Up, 1400 Broadway, $0 Curt Larsen, 1511 Dodds, $4,200 Christian Fellowship Church, 2416, Cherry, $0 Synergy Therapeutic Group, 412 34th St., $0 Milano Metals, 510 6th St., $0 Christine Weiss, 2613 Benton Road, $5,000 Vern Showers, 610 Park Ave., $0 Oak Grove Village, 20 Cottonwood, $8,900 Oak Grove Village, 6 Cottonwood, $8,900 Terry Masoncup, 325 Caborn, $250 PPG Industries, 1700 Shawnee, $200,000 Larry Ohlemeyer, 2404 College, $0 Jefferson County Health Depar tment, 1 Doctor’s Park, $900 Walgreens Medical Office, 5100 Lake Terrace, $738,000

Murphysboro Edward and Shirley Reeder, 909 N. 23rd St., $30,000 Rip Tomlinson, 2003 Gartside, $6,000 Larry Troue, 1908 Hardy St., $2,900 Nancy Wells, 2142 Gartside St., $7,000 Karen and Bill Clinton, 244 Hanna Road, $2,400 Ron and Tima Clark, 103 S. 18th St., $5,000 Betty Heins, 2315 Gartside St., $4,115 Betty Heins, 414 N. 22nd St., $9,000 Frank Coniglio, 2030 McCord, $7,500 Frank Coniglio, 1921 Hardy St., $10,000 Paul Chapman, 2315 Roblee Ave., $2,100 E.S. Delcarmen, 426 N. 11th St., $16,500 Associated Lumber, 600 N. 19th St., $10,000 Marsha and Robert Gottlieb, 325 N. 11th St., $10,000 Russ Wright, 1517 Walnut St., $350 Terry Ridings, 1916 Walnut St., $200 Dave Baril, 110 S. 6th St., $12,000 Glenn and Carol Wilcox, 2116 Rainbow Drive, $1,800 David Zaragoza, 524 N. 11th St., $8,000 Shawnee Health Service, 7 S. Hospital Drive, $1,072,885 Betty Heins, 1828 Walnut St., $10,000

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 Daniel Bloeman and Dimple Bloeman, P.O. Box 661, Shawneetown James Wilson, 518 Illinois 141, Norris City Steven Dragovan, 335 Hutchins St., Joliet Thomas Lockhart and Gwynna Lockhart, 140 St. Joseph St., Mount Carmel Sherrie Schemonia, 422 Murphy St., Murphysboro Victoria Matthews, P.O. Box 363, Harrisburg Constance Robinson, 1415 S. Ledford St., Harrisburg Douglas Williams and Diana Williams, 2100 W. Main St., Marion Shannon Prest, 5962 Collins Road, Ellis Grove Brenda Green, 403 Washington St., Carterville Scott Weir and Paula Weir, P.O. Box 392, Coulterville Jesica Green, 526 S. Jefferson Ave., Du Quoin Lydia Imhoff, 203 S. Ballantine Ave., Du Quoin Amie Basham and Mikeal Simmons, 90 S. Walnut Grove Road, New Burnside Anna Wilson, P.O. Box 120, Logan Joseph Hale, P.O. Box 160, Energy Evelyn Parini, 7548 Illinois 37, Marion Janet Haskins, 525 Harriet St., St. Paul, Minn. Robert Cameron and Kelly Cameron, P.O. Box 94, Nashville Donald Whaley and Betty Whaley, 207 W. First St., Ewing Richard Brooks, 3302 W. Lakeview Road, Marion Sharon Rouse, 508 E. Walnut St., Apt. 2E, Carrier Mills Gertrude Chavis, 508 E. Walnut St., Apt. 2C Carrier Mills DeAngela Burris, 128 S. Reader St., Mounds Kevin Williams and Bridgette Williams, P.O. Box 302, Benton Clara Schearf, 411 College Blvd., Carmi Candyce Germann, 203 Rowatt St., Carterville Clinton Kohnen and Shelby Kohnen, 15285 Co. Hwy. 12, Venedy Greg Kessel, 408 Bainbridge Drive, Marion Arthur Kempfer and Angela Kempfer, 515 N. Maple St., Sparta Vera Krantz, 1201 Hobbs Ave., Johnston City Donald Simmons and Susan Simmons, 1100 E. Boyton St., Marion Whitney Ashby, 1105 Taylor St., Eldorado Janice Travelstead, 620 E. College St., Energy Jason Grant and Miranda Grant, P.O. Box 51, Buncombe William Donoghue and Patricia Donoghue, 314 E. Adams St., Du Quoin Miles Creamer and Julie Creamer, 28 Forest Road, Eldorado Shawn Bailey and Brenda Bailey, 515 W. Third St., Metropolis Ryan Whittle, 11718 Stotlar Road,

Johnston City Henry Kelley, P.O. Box 701, Murphysboro Kristina Bunting, 119 S. Sixth St., Albion Andrea Brown, 601 N. Miller St., Sparta Shayne Mugge and Jill Mugge, 1103 S. Webster St., Harrisburg Darrell Kempfer and Christina Kempfer, 707 W. Almond St., Percy Teresa McCombs, 1603 Kiowa Drive, Marion Edward Connor, 805 S. Thomas St., Christopher Wesley Bennett and Dana Bennett, 611 Orchard St., West Frankfort Shane Stroud and Sandra Stroud, 99 Morber Lane, Murphysboro Randy Hill, 1120 Washington St., Johnston City Sandra Duncan, 501 N. Market St., Marion Leonard Zutovsky and Linda Zutovsky, 16889 Old Creal Springs, Marion Thomas Alvis and Jamie Alvis, 23743 Old Centralia Lane, Walnut Hill Samuel Smith and Carol Smith, P.O. Box 22, Norris City Ricky Warren and Anna Warren, 1703 Ferry St., Metropolis Sharon Brumlow, 537 Joppa Road, Metropolis Michael Bruce and Lori Bruce, 1601 Filmore St., Metropolis Gaye Johnston, P.O. Box 754, Brookport Melody Holt, 347 Woodycrest Ave., Nashville, Tenn. Staci Heavrin, 86 Lisa Lane, De Soto Samantha Cook, P.O. Box 3824, Carbondale Michael Magnus, 1009 W. Willow St., Carbondale Joni Laumbattus, 13101 Talber t Lane, Coulterville David Dillow, P.O. Box 815, Jonesboro Kerensa Davis, 209 S. First St., Mound City Michael McEnelly, 306 Oak St., Anna Clarence Burwell, 20724 N. Lucky Lane, Bluford Wilma Burwell, 20754 N. Lucky Lane, Bluford Tashina Reynolds, P.O. Box 343, Carbondale Jeffrey Hancock and Robin Hancock, 10718 Doza Creek Road, Sparta Teresa Galdwin, P.O. Box 202, Ina Michael York, 1128 West Drive, Carmi Bobi Cavins, 1115 Michael Road, Goreville Frank Hammonds, 509 S. Victor St., Christopher Christopher Cobb and Brenda Cobb, 318 S. Paul Ave., Bluford John Korzenewski and Teresa Korzenewski, 132 Irvington Road, Centralia Christopher Curtis, 21 Sullivan Lane, Mounds Grahams Painting Inc., 532 N. Maple St., Du Quoin Russell Miller, 840 Camel Road, Cutler Kevin Newton, 393 Cherry Lake Road, Du Quoin Randall Fourez, P.O. Box 175, West Frankfort SEE FINE PRINT / PAGE 22

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2010

Business Fine Print PERMITS | BANKRUPTCIES Helen Knight, 20 Shephard Lane, Anna Dale Knight, 20 Shephard Lane, Anna Eric Will and Kristel Will, 1609 E. Pickett Lane, Marion Jerry Cochran and Lishia Cochran, P.O. Box 196, Willisville Curtis Erwin, P.O. Box 22, Coello Kevin McMurtry and Kristi McMurtry, Rt. 1 Box 156, McLeansboro David Whitfield, 604 First St., Mounds Matthew Coloni and Kerri Coloni, P.O. Box 2, Herrin Glenn Shelton, 1375 County Road 865E, Carmi William Doggett and Suzanne Doggett, 270 S. Street, Mill Shoals Gayla Mark, R.R. 2, Box 226, Fairfield Marty Wade, 606 Maple St., Zeigler Rodney Petermichel, 315 W. Four th St., Metropolis Matthew Vallett and Robin Vallett, 9638 Schuline Road, Sparta Sheila DeWar, 8627 Valley Road, Benton Darrell McGuire and Michelle McGuire, 109 Cross St., P.O. Box 35, Norris City Jason Thiele and Tonya Thiele, 13620 Ewing

Road, Whittington Elzbieta Parczewska, R. R. 1, Box 226, Ozark Lynn French, RR1 Box 226, Ozark Everett James, 438 S. Main St., Grayville Marcy Adams, 214 High St., Mound City David Crosier and Cheryl Crosier, P.O. Box 132, Olmsted Douglas Martin and Cheryl Martin, 202 W. Ninth St., West Frankfort Jodell Schenk, 3402 Westmont, Mount Vernon Jamie Karales and Susan Karales, 209 W. Elm St., West Frankfort Keith Persinger and Denise Persinger, 720 Kensington Ave., Mount Vernon Cynthia Schmittler, 1947 County Road, Grayville Dale Kiesow, 1707 Isabella Ave., Mount Vernon Michael Nichols and Keshia Nichols, 201 SW 12th St., Fairfield Clayton Jany and Kristy Jany, 1316 Brush Ave., Johnston City Robbie Odum, 1408 W. Boulevard, Marion Charles Holmes and Robin Holmes, 5813 Bluebird Road, Benton Matthew Kolus and Kimberly Kolus, 15620 Crow Road, Nashville

Chapter 13 Timothy Everly and Raven Everly, 1633 West Road, West Frankfort Tony Holland, 208 S. Illinois Ave., Du Quoin Charles Carroll and Sandra Carroll, 1200 Da Cla Mar Court, Carbondale Rutherford Eubanks and Ginger Eubanks, P.O. Box 38, Valier William Stockton, 11310 Norman Road, Marion Jean Stockton, 909 Independence Ave., Marion Jonathan White, 530 Beagle Road, Stonefort James Todd and Katrina Todd, R.R. 5, Box 188, Fairfield Donald Rowland and Debra Rowland, 1806 E. Oak St., West Frankfort Thomas Schaefer, 7462 Veath Lane, Evansville William Morgan and Elizabeth Morgan, 202 E. Holmes St., Chester Rober t Ticer and Meredith Ticer, 219 S. Mulberry St., Du Quoin Robert Brooks and Cynthia Brooks, 700 N. 12th St., Herrin David McCaleb, 56 Francis Lane, Murphysboro Sharon Clayton, 1526 N. Franklin St., Benton Jason Stephenson and Alycia Stephenson, 1809 Julianne Drive, Marion Alice McCann, 137 W. Chestnut St., Anna Brandy Rohlen, 906 Newton Ave., Johnston City Meresa Monteith, 416 W. Stotlar, Herrin Everett Williams and Linda Williams, 2115 Steele St., Murphysboro Ralph Perryman and Leslie Perryman, R.R. 3, Box 197, Thompsonville Dawn Barwick, 201 W. Mack St., Herrin Howard Allen, 212 S. 20th St., Mount Vernon Larry Biggs and Judy Biggs, P.O. Box 279, Benton Shirley Morrison, 3476 Boskydell Road, Carbondale Jimmy Robinett and Sandra Robinett, P.O. Box 74, Hoyleton Charles Vaughn, P.O. Box 95, Cairo Daniel Mayfield and Nancy Mayfield, 2300 Illinois 148 South, Marion Justin Abrams and Rachel Abrams, 425 Robinson Circle, Apt. G3, Carbondale Cynthia Bryant, 14903 Redman Road, Cairo Timothy Morrison, 3130 New Saragoga Road, Anna Kevin Frost and Heather Frost, 600 S. Second St., Herrin Robert Street and Ruth Street, 1518 Fisk St., Eldorado Darwin Roddy, P.O. Box 82, Ullin Maliaka Evans, 621 Railroad St., Ullin Hope Clark, P.O. Box 19, Sparta Dennis Milligan and Stacey Milligan, 203 N. Seventh St., Rt. 1, Box 8, Dahlgren Merle Frye, 5272 Peach Orchard Road, Sesser Michael Smith and Shirley Smith, 264 State Pond Road, Jonesboro Jimmie Phifer, P.O. Box 65, Carterville Catherine Phifer, 24 Blue Blaze

Trailer Court, Herrin Kenneth Hines and Naomi Hines, 144 W. Jackson St., Equality Kenneth Unthank, 165 Unthank Road, Eldorado Dane Henson and Debra Henson, 1518 N. 14th St., Herrin Beverly Brownlee, 519 18th St., Cairo Patricia Fisher, P.O. Box 1003, Benton Heather Staley, 1111 E. Ash St., Herrin Tracey Rabelow, 2988 S. Thompsonville Road, Thompsonville Mark Ellis and Kelly Ellis, 2413 Old Union Road, Mount Vernon Glen Pennington and Linda Pennington, 9035 Illinois 147, Simpson William Beasley and LaRhonda Beasley, 1109 S. Buchanan St., Marion Amanda Roberts, 409 W. North St., Du Quoin Phyllis Anderson, 813 W. Hendrickson St., Marion Troy Allsopp and Teresa Allsopp, 1691 Pulltight St., Carterville Robert Hansil and Teresa Hansil, 208 B. East Vienna, Anna Christina Cole, 12036 Hudgens Road, Marion Kenneth Fisher and Laura Fisher, P.O. Box 302, Cambria Brian Orella, 424 Nashville Road, Coulterville Elizabeth Worthen, 2016 Illinois Ave, Apt. No. 11, Murphysboro Jimmy Robinson and Lyndie Robinson, 20811 S. Adkin Road, Omaha Rickie Mann and Tina Mann, 201 Sassie Drive, Herrin Edward Creech and Susan Creech, P.O. Box 336, Willisville Bobby Gregor y and Tina Gregor y, 41 Washington Road, Oakdale Robert Toliver, P.O. Box 235, Colp John Eubank and Leslie Eubank, 4232 Phlox Road, Pinckneyville Jason Karraker, 629 S. Main St., Anna Diana Young, 807 Old Du Quoin Road, Du Quoin George Houston, 14263 Illinois 37, Cairo Betty Stephens, 1008 Kimberly Cour t, Marion Trent Forsythe and Carol Forsythe, 9920 E. Option Road, Mount Vernon Timothy Smith and Betty Smith, 602 N. Eighth St., Carmi Eric Brannock, 1107 Alexander St., Eldorado Tena Barton, 2000 W. Barnett St., Harrisburg John Manis, 805 N. 14th St., Herrin Billy Weddle and Judith Weddle, 2108 Melanie Lane, Apt. M, Marion Andrew Saunders, P.O. Box 111, Buckner Linda Kurtz, 614 35th St., Cairo Ned Padget and Pamela Padget, 23447 Drake Road, Creal Springs John Hercules, 15650 N. County Fame Lane, Mount Vernon Dee Hercules, 1403 S. 26th St., Mount Vernon

JUNE 2010

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

State Focus Voters need to reject ‘something for nothing’ candidates for Illinois to improve BY J. FRED GIERTZ SBJ CONTRIBUTOR

Unsurprisingly, Gov. Pat Quinn and the Illinois General Assembly are in the process of approving by design another woefully inadequate state budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Having failed to meet Giertz the self-imposed early May adjournment date, the focus moved to completing its work by the May 31 session deadline — the date after which a 60 percent majority becomes necessary for the approval of budget measures. No one can accuse the governor or members of the General Assembly of setting their sights too high. In what has come to be known as the “kicking the can down the road” approach, the budget will be a patchwork of borrowing and deferrals designed to get the state through the first six months of the fiscal year when the huge problems will have to be addressed again after the November general election — the theory being that politicians are ill advised to make difficult decisions prior to an election. This will mean continued unpaid bills to state vendors, long-delayed insurance payments to health care providers, borrowing or funding holidays for pension systems and delinquent promised aid payments to public universities, community colleges and public schools. All the while, the underlying state fiscal imbalance will become even more daunting. This raises an interesting and troubling question: Why is the presumed path to electoral success based on performing in a grossly negligent way prior to an election? In theory, it can be argued that the general strategy to success in both the private market and in the political arena is to satisfy customers and constituents. In the market, firms succeed by providing goods and services that attract willing

customers. In politics, candidates win elections by establishing records of accomplishment that garner votes. No one would expect a telecommunications firm to adopt a strategy of providing poor service prior to a contract renewal date in order to retain its customers. Would dentists attempt to maintain their patient base by performing in an unprofessional and unreliable way? Unfortunately, many politicians view responsible behavior prior to an election as the way to certain defeat. Making tough, but necessary, choices such as cutting spending or raising taxes is a distinctly inferior strategy to continued expedient behavior. There is at least a partial explanation for this phenomenon. Consumers should be more difficult to fool than voters. Consumers know that they must live with the consequences of their purchases. They pay the full cost and capture its benefits. This process can provide a strong incentive for them to make a careful evaluation of possible purchases. This involves the investment in the acquisition of information about the consequences of their choices. The same incentives do not exist for voters. Any individual voter has virtually no chance of impacting the outcome of an election. Since individual voters cannot expect to affect the outcome, they may spend little time and effort acquiring information about the plans and performance of candidates. Therefore, voters may be rationally ignorant about many public policy issues. However, this explanation may let Illinois voters off too easy. It hardly requires heroic efforts for citizens to understand the basics of Illinois’ fiscal problems. In fact, it would be hard for citizens to insulate themselves from this information. Unfortunately, the problem may be more fundamental and troubling. Voters with the encouragement of politicians appear to believe that that governments at the state and national level can continually spend more than they generate in tax

ART SERVICES

By the 2006 election, the impacts of Blagojevich’s policies were well-known, and he received little, if any, support from his own party.

revenues and, to the extent that problems exist, they can be solved without any real pain. The recent health care reform bill is an example of this, where voters were led to believe that this huge program can be financed by only taxing the rich. Gov. Rod Blagojevich was elected twice in Illinois on the promise to expand state programs without imposing any costs on the working people of the state. This was the path leading to the state’s current budget mess. It might be argued that Blagojevich foisted his policies on an unsuspecting public. This might explain his first election in 2002, but his reelection in 2006 is another story. By the 2006 election, the impacts of

Blagojevich’s policies were well known and he received little, if any, support from the editorial pages of the state’s newspapers and only lukewarm support from his own party. Nevertheless, he coasted to victory because he told voters what they wanted to hear. The current behavior of the Illinois politicians suggests that, while they distance themselves from Blagojevich’s ethical failings and bizarre antics, they believe that his “something for nothing” approach is still a political winner. Note that the current state budget approved after one governor’s removal from office and the one currently under consideration are equally unsound compared to the Blagojevich years. This cycle of planned budget failure must come to an end. A useful first step would be for voters to take the lead in changing the process, since politicians have been unwilling to do so. If Illinois voters’ attitudes do not change, the politicians’ strategy of planned failure will be validated with dire consequences for the state. J. FRED GIERTZ is a professor of economics at the University of Illinois and an elected member of the State Universities Retirement System Board of Trustees. The views expressed here are his and not necessarily those of these institutions.

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