Southern Business Journal

Working

smart Smartphones and tablets change the way we do business COVER STORY BEGINS ON PAGE 4

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Fine Print Building permits

James D. Curtis, 2511 S. Illinois Ave., Lot 51, Carbondale Kristi L. Belville, 1008 S. Carbon St., Marion Carbondale‌ Jada Nicolle Wiseman, 19162 Coal Marc Cummins, 2005 Gray Drive, Valley St., Marion $5,000 Yvonna E. Keeps, 376 N. Second Leslie Pappas, 904 E. Cindy St., St., Albion $2,500 Steven Charles and Misty Lynn Alleman Properties, 707 S. Poplar Cole, 836 Pierce Square, Herrin St., $5,000 Erin M. Comley, P.O. Box 563, AT&T Wireless, 1236 E. Main St., Anna $372,796 Rebecca Jo Braden, Route 3, Box Robert Buffington, 2016 E. 129, McLeansboro Creekwood Drive, $15,000 Dustin R. Bloodworth, 604 S. Highline Corporation, 1075 N. 28th, Herrin Reed Station Road, $75,000 Spencer Frieman, 673 S. Neurorestorative, 600 E. Campus Kaskaskia, Nashville Drive, 15A, $5,000 Doris L. Lloyd, 402 E. Seventh, West Twig/Murdale Shopping Center, Frankfort 1925 W. Main St., $30,000 Jesse Michael Kincheloe, 611 E. Noah’s Lounge, 104 W. Jackson Charles St., West Frankfort St., $13,000 Kevin Strong, 605 E. Snider St., MD, LLC, 921 E. Larch St., $25,000 Carbondale Southern Illinois Hospital Corp., Murphysboro‌ Charles L. Wood, 109 Dewmaine 405 W. Jackson St., $25,400,000 Anthony Bryant, 823 Maple St., Lane, Carterville $500 Kayla M. Shults, 68 Roack Springs Anthony Cruz, 417 N. Eighth St., Marion‌ Road, Makanda $10,000 E&S Construction, 106 Allen Susan L. Davis, 1301 W. Central St., William Porter, 429 Fiddler Ridge Drive, $80,000 Marion Road, $1,200 Vicki Nalley, 1801 Dew Drop, Kevin D. and Amanda S. Filkins, 118 Barry Threlkeld, 524 N. Sixth St., $132,000 Maple St., Zeigler $15,000 SI Properties, 1702 Easy St., Andrew J. Casillas, 808 Vale St., Michael Bergant, 640 N. 11th St., $250,000 Benton $3,000 Shawnee Enterprises, Inc., Nathaniel Scott Head, 11509 E. Shawnee Drive, $27,500 Radio Tower Road, Mount Vernon Brokton Webb, 800 S. Court St., Carolyn S. Fitzsimons, 125 Fair St., $220,000 Carmi Bruce Trummer, 1717 W. Cherry Arleen A. Moreno, 4235 Lincolnshire St., $110,000 ‌CHAPTER 7 Drive, Apt. 11C, Mount Vernon Rose M. Guntz, 13817 Peoria Road, Connie Sue Williams, 207 E. Main Marion St., Apt. A, Sparta Metropolis‌ Stephen M. and Jill M. Moon, 795 Kelly J. Bastien, 887 Mount Joy Teresa David, 415 11th St. W, $1,100 Road, Murphysboro Michael B. Whitelock, 19 Crestview, N. Main St., Nashville Gary and Lisa Wiedwilt, 146 N. Louie M. Ferando, 444 S. Main St., $3,600 East St., Addieville Ewing James E. Story, 104 Oak Drive, James E. Lovell, 11471 Norman Brandon T. and Rauleana S. $1,500 Road, Marion Bundren, P.O. Box 505, Cambria Douglas P. McLelland, 415 12th St. Dawn Lynn Rackley, P.O. Box 23, Joe Baker, P.O. Box 382, Ullin E, $3,500 Coulterville Clint E. Hopper, 604 Cherry St., Gary Windhorst, 413 Third St. E, Gary L. Shoemaker, 1021 W. Oak, Waltonville $4,200 Alisa May Smith, 205 Judi Lane, Martin Robertson, 210 Seventh St. Herrin David A. and Sara N. Call, 16059 Steeleville E., $17,000 Illinois 13 East, Marion Thomas Lee Twiggs, 39 Mateer Brenda Jean Meadows, 1400 S. Drive, Mount Vernon Mount Vernon ‌ Tommy Joe Fenton, 1113 Shawnee Sylvia Owens, 1004 S. 13th St., $0 12th, Mount Vernon Lois Plumlee, 1774 Hickory Lane, St., Mount Vernon Christian Counseling fundraiser, Thompsonville Glenn M. and Lorraine C. Martin, 1400 Broadway, $0 Elizabeth A. Hileman, 203 Brady 11708 Simon St., Marion All Asian Cuisine, 101 S. 27th St., Mill Road, Anna Jamie D. Hertter, 404 S. 20th St., $40 Cedar Point, 510 S. 15th St, $85,116 Martin and Bayley/Huddle House (Huck’s), 101 S. 45th St., $550,000 Jason Tate, 8 Curtis Lane, $20,000 Career Development Center, 721B E. Illinois 15, $111,000 Mike Herzing Construction, 1112 Airway Drive, $100,000 Family Fun Day, 13 Locations, temporary, $0 B Piper Memorial Drive, two locations, temporary banners, $0 Dave Houseworth, Nichols Investment, 500 S. 34th St., $1,950 Sheonna Hill, 2406 College St., $2,000 Danielle Stewart, 29847 S. 13th St., $0 Glenn Maxedon, 403 N. Seventh St., $12,000

Bankruptcies

Murphysboro Jordan Scott Flare, 19162 Coal Valley St., Marion Brian Jason Roland, P.O. Box 633, Cambria, and Michele Denise Roland, 109 Van Wick, Carterville Kathleen S. Bernard, 702 Rodd St., Carterville Katherine M. Newman, 2108 Melanie Lane, Apt. 1, Marion John Warren and Stacy M. Allen, 1149 W. Third St., Lot 42, Mount Carmel Rhonda K. Hill, 810 S. Fly Ave., Goreville Richard L. Johnson, 9021 227th St., Unit 3, and Amanda K. Johnson, 209 N. 16th, Herrin John Carey, 1200 S. 14th, Herrin Denise L. Ford, 704 Aubert, Benton Curtis D. Messamore Jr. and Karen E. Messamore, 801 Pear St., Carterville Carmen E. Francoeur, 301 E. Elm St., No. 605, West Frankfort Bobby Dean and Linda Jean Spiller, P.O. Box 292, Johnston City Tessa Leanne Menfree, 733 Palace Drive, Pinckneyville Melba Lee Nork, 35 Williams Lane, Cobden CHAPTER 13 Orval Joe and Cynthia Ann Knop, 9618 Country Club Road, Sparta Betty J. Glover, 510 Moore Road, Eldorado Robert B. Howell, P.O. Box 71, Royalton Chastity B. Wilson, 1226 E. Baylor Road, Woodlawn Heidi N. Sobel, 1613 W. Cherry, Marion Dacia K. Garrett, 1508 Roberta Drive, Murphysboro Kimberly J. McRoberts, 1314 N. Seventh St., Murphysboro Catherine Rebecca Hungate, 135 Timber Trail, Carterville Shannon L. Clanahan, 511 Poplar St., Mound City Sandra K. Gwaltnet, 909 Follis Ave., Johnston City Julie L. Murphy, 342 W. Chester St., Nashville Edie A. Ice, 206 Wilson St., Anna Sharlet M. Summers, 806 Parkview Lane, Apt. A, Metropolis Mark Graham Fitton, 400 N. Oakland Ave., Apt. 20, Carbondale Karen S. Stucker, 507 S.

Washington St., Galatia Ray Hameria, 310 Morgan St., Anna Terry L. and Kimberly D. Leonard, 105 S. Sims, Royalton Eric J. Hyde, P.O. Box 104, De Soto David A. and Sabrina F. Groves Crawford, 800 E. McKinley St., Marion Nola Fern Elliott, 18173 Saltpetre Road, Creal Springs Gary A. and Connie L. Lipe, 19166 E. Illinois 15, Mount Vernon Treena M. Stacey, 400 E. Poplar, Herrin Paula M. Engleby, 200 Bankston Church Road, Harrisburg Robert D. and Sharon Lynn McCoy, P.O. Box 84, Cairo Daryl L. and Leslie O. Johnson, 1015 Brentwood Lane, Carterville David Ray Mayberry, 607 N. Washington Blvd., West Frankfort Brian Lee and Wendy Dawn Cobb, 41 N. Third St., Ashley Jack L. and Marilyn C. Kennedy, P.O. Box 136, Dongola Maurice L. Peek Jr., 2506 Locust St., Eldorado Michael R. Smith Jr., 7219 Kilman Lane, Carbondale David J. and Shari J. Jones, 2428 Cherry St., Mount Vernon Elizabeth C. Shallenberger, 1520 Cedar Grove Road, Buncombe Crystal Lynn Bennett, 404 Marshall, Apt. 2, Benton Melissa J.Taylor, 209 McFall St., Benton Frank J. Dolgner Sr. and Jessica N. Dolgner, 19153 N. Maple Lane, Bluford Irene L. Powe, 723 Maple St., Murphysboro Kim Annette Olivier, R.R. 1, Box 17W, Dahlgren Roger Kent and Julie E. Felix, 1016 Randolph St., Ruma Donna L Berendt, 301 S. Goldhimer, Benton James R. Shimkus, 602 N. Mulberry, West Frankfort Pamela K. Austin, P.O. Box 101, De Soto Brandon Ray and Heidi Sue Atwood, 200 Old Illinois 146 Loop, Vienna Gerald M. Sims, P.O. Box 584, West Frankfort Kristopher S.Burns, 907 W. 11th St., Johnston City Douglas Lee Wedeking Jr., 510 N. Gordon, Pinckneyville

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Southern Business Journal November 2014

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November 2014

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Investments

Asset allocation: Main determinate of risk in portfolio of the portfolio to increase.

Additionally, it is my opinion that as a portfolio approaches 100 percent in equities, the risk/ return trade-off does not seem to work in an investor’s favor. As investors approach 100 percent in equities, they are adding much more to risk than to return.

Diversification does not eliminate the risk of experiencing investment losses. Government bonds are guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government as to the timely payment of principal and interest, while stocks are not guaranteed and have been more volatile than bonds.

fluctuation of returns around the arithmetic average return of the investment. The higher the standard deviation, the greater the ‌Asset Allocation is used to variability (and thus risk) of the decide how investors should investment returns. An investdivide their money between ment cannot be made directly in stocks and an index. bonds. It The data assumes reinvestis the main ment of all income and does not determiaccount for taxes or transaction nate of costs. Also, please remember that risk in a diversification and asset allocaportfolio. tion do not ensure a profit or We use the protect against a loss. following This material is being provided Ibbotson for information purposes only chart as Tison and is not a complete descripa start to tion, nor is it a recommendation make recommendations on how to buy or sell any investment. clients should divide their money Investing involves risk, and between stocks and bonds.

About the data you may incur a profit or loss, they tend to move independently An optimal portfolio is simply Stocks in this example are the mix of assets that maximizes of each other. Sometimes stock represented by Standard & Poor’s regardless of strategy selected.

Stocks and bonds: Risk Any opinions are those of returns may be up, while bond portfolio return at a given risk 500, which is an unmanaged versus return 1970-2013 Michael P. Tison and not necesreturns are down and vice versa. group of securities and considlevel. This image illustrates an sarily of Raymond James.

An efficient frontier represents efficient frontier for all combina- These offsetting movements help ered to be representative of the tions of two asset classes: stocks reduce overall portfolio volatility U.S. stock market in general and every possible combination of MICHAEL P. TISON is a registered (risk). As a result, adding just a and bonds. bonds by the 20-year U.S. govassets that maximizes return at principal/financial advisor with small amount of stocks to an all- ernment bond. Risk and return Although bonds are consideach level of portfolio risk and bond portfolio actually reduced ered less risky than stocks, the are based on annual data over the Raymond James Financial Serminimizes risk at each level of vices, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. minimum risk portfolio does not the overall risk of the portfolio. period 1970–2013 and are meaportfolio return.

However, including more stocks consist entirely of bonds. The sured by standard deviation and He can be reached at 618-253An efficient frontier is the 4444. Raymond James has offices beyond this minimum point reason is that stocks and bonds arithmetic mean, respectively. line that connects all optimal Standard deviation measures the in Marion and Harrisburg. portfolios across all levels of risk. are not highly correlated; that is, caused both the risk and return MICHAEL P. TISON SBJ CONTRIBUTOR‌

FROM PAGE 5

to parents,” he said. “It is very easy and convenient to communicate things like homework and upcoming events in the classroom.”

Because Owens also coaches, he doesn’t always have time to make phone calls at lunch or after school, so he uses other technology.

“I’m also able to immediately notify parents of behaviors that they can immediately address when the students get home,” Owens added.

SCHOOLS: Technology prominent in educational settings The major benefit is faster, easier and more convenient communication between home and school.

“I personally like to ‘work smarter, not harder,’ and the use of technology helps me achieve that goal,” Owens said.

“I really think this technology is a major part of our lives, and students should become responsible consumers of the technology. I try to model appropriate uses of it in my classroom. I remind my students that my phone

does way more than just call and text. It’s a grade book, student management system, method of research, etc., all in one device.”

On the college level, incoming freshmen at SIU receive tablets to use for classes.

This is the second year for the program.

Last year, 2,750 freshmen received tablets; this year, 2,900 students got tablets.

Student fees pay for the tablets, which students use for a variety of classroom activities.

“This tablet even has a keyboard,” project manager Kris Guys said. “It’s like a minilaptop.”

Students’ textbooks are downloaded to the tablets, saving the average student $250 last year, Guys said.

According to a recent survey, 75 percent of the students access their textbooks on the tablets, and 78 percent use them to do homework.

Students also can use the tablets to send email, use the Internet and access SIU’s

Desire2Learn program, which provides classroom materials and activities for on-campus and distance education courses.

SIU was the first large, public university to give tablets to incoming freshmen, Guys said.

The tablets are not only saving students money, he said, they are a great recruitment tool for the university.

“In the student survey, 31 percent said the tablets were a factor in choosing SIU,” Guys added.

— DEB SAUERHAGE‌

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Southern Business Journal November 2014

Join us as we celebrate 30 years of helping southern illinois businesses grow!

illinois small business Development center 3-6 p.m. friday, nov. 14 Dunn-richmond economic Development center 1740 innovation Drive, carbondale entrepreneurship awards • client trade show including “taste of southern illinois” • refreshments rsvp by nov. 10, online at siusbDc.com or 618/536-2424

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.

November 2014

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Achievements Pirsein re-elected regional vice chairman ‌David Pirsein, president and CEO of First National Bank in Pinckneyville, was re-elected regional vice chairman of Community Bankers Association of Illinois at the association’s annual convention recently in Chicago.

As a regional vice chairman, Pirsein serves on CBAI Board of Directors as well as its strategic planning committee, and he is chairman of its communications committee.

He has been an active community banker for more than 35 years.

Carroll named advertising sales manager ‌Karen Carroll has been named advertising sales manager of VUE magazine in Paducah.

Carroll had worked with VUE as an independent contractor, and, in September, she was brought on as a fulltime employee to manage the

FROM PAGE 5

independent sales contractors working with VUE.

Saylor-Connell have joined Centerstone.

Formerly The H Group, Centerstone provides behavioral Combs joins Heartland health services in Franklin, Women’s Healthcare Jackson and Williamson counties. ‌Dr. Douglas V. Combs has Ahuja practices in Carbonjoined Heartland Women’s Healthcare team, which consists dale and Marion with a focus on holistic psychiatry with chilof 13 physicians, two midwives dren and adults, Casey treats and four nurse practitioners in children and adults in Cen14 locations. terstone’s Carbondale office, A board certified physician, and Saylor-Connell provides Combs graduated from Wright State University School of Medi- psychiatric services to adults in Carbondale and Marion. cine in Dayton, Ohio, in 1992.

He completed his obstetrics and gynecology residency in Middleton presents 1996 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where lecture at conference he served as chief resident his ‌Steve Middleton, director last year. Combs is accepting of rehabilitation and sports new patients at 121 N. 13th St., medicine at Assess, Treat & Suite 4, in Herrin, behind the Condition in Carbondale, Professional Building. He can be recently lectured to more than reached at 877-456-2496.

100 physical, occupational and massage therapists at a conference in Oklahoma City.

Three psychiatric The topic of his six-hour providers join Centerstone lecture was how to apply kinesiology taping for immediate ‌Dr. Reno Ahuja, Dr. Terpain relief and performance rence Casey and Deborah

SMART: Technology changing business

have the time to return all of the phone calls that I would receive on a daily basis,” he said. “Sharing of information is critical in my line of work.”

Working smart is also important to Emily Finnegan, anchor at WSIL 3, who uses iPads at the anchor desk and for field reporting.

“What I love about the increased use of smartphones and tablets in this industry is the flexibility it gives us to do our jobs,” Finnegan said.

“You’re not tethered to your computer in the newsroom, and I’ve seen that produce some really incredible results.”

Finnegan said smart technology has made her job easier.

“It’s wonderful to have so many resources at your disposal, to be able to check a script without being in the newsroom or to get live video from a location where our live truck can’t get a signal,” she said. “The only downside is when the technology doesn’t work.”

Technology makes work easier, more efficient and mobile, but privacy is also important, according to Dave Holland, vice president of innovation and information technology for Southern Illinois Healthcare.

“While I believe technology is going to reshape our usage of computers, privacy has to be our No. 1 priority,” Holland said.

SIH currently provides limited access.

“We take a variety of precautions so no information is breached,” Holland said.

Patient information is deleted automatically after viewing.

Using even more smart technology is in the works for SIH. “We see our doctors use tablets more and more,” Holland said, “and we are currently evaluating mobile apps for nurses for next year.”

Personal health information is limited, however. “As much as we’d like to make it easy to access,” Holland added, “we have to protect patient data.”

DEB SAUERHAGE is a correspondent for Southern Business Journal.‌

enhancement in athletic, orthopedic and neurological conditions.

Brown joins accounting firm ‌Matt Brown, CPA, of West Frankfort has joined the accounting firm of Kevin W. Bragee, CPA, LLC in Marion.

Brown has completed the CPA exam.

He graduated in December from SIU, where he earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in accountancy.

He can be reached at 618993-1040 or matt.brown@ kwbcpa.com.

Turner joins WSIL-TV as anchor ‌Broadcast news veteran Dennis Turner has joined Southern Illinois ABC station WSIL-TV as anchor and senior reporter.

Turner comes from WREG-TV in Memphis, Tennessee, where he spent 25 years as an anchor/ reporter.

He will co-anchor the 10 p.m. weekday newscasts with Emily Finnegan and report on a regular basis.

Turner was born in Marion, but raised in South Florida. He still has many family members in Southern Illinois, which was a major motivation for him to return to the area.

Corporate headquarters move to Mount Vernon ‌On Oct. 1, Heartland Women’s Healthcare began moving its corporate headquarters to 1407 McPherson Ave. in Mount Vernon.

With the new location, Heartland Women’s Healthcare is developing a call center that will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

This will allow patients to call with questions or concerns they may have with their health or pregnancy, before or after practice hours.

The development of the call center will create 10 to 15 new jobs for the community.

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Southern Business Journal November 2014

Achievements English Jewelry Box opens in Herrin

Starbuck completes Steinway training

‌Sherra English of Herrin recently opened English Jewelry Box at 120 E. Monroe St. in Herrin.

The business is online at www.englishjewelrybox.com 24 hours a day, while storefront hours are from 3 to 5 p.m.

Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and by appointment.

English Jewelry Box carries necklace sets, bracelets, rings, hats, T-shirts, scarves, flips flops and purses. For more information, call 618-9889890.

‌Karl Starbuck of Herrin and St. Louis recently completed the last of four classes taught at the Steinway factory in Queens, New York.

According to Starbuck, the C.F. Theodore Steinway Academy is considered the most prestigious training in the piano industry for established piano technicians.

Starbuck completed the final class on concert preparation with two classmates, the last technicians to complete Steinway training until 2016. His Steinway training has been a four-year process.

FACES IN THE NEWS

Ahuja

Have you been promoted? Send a photo. Has a colleague at work completed an intensive continuing education program? 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.

Casey com. Find more business news at www.sbj.biz

Saylor-Connell

He has been a full-time technician since 1986 and received honors last year for 25 years as a registered piano technician of the Piano Technicians Guild.

Barnes joins Mercy Medical Associates ‌Dr. Lindsey Barnes, a graduate of Massac County High School in Metropolis, recently joined the medical staff of Mercy Medical Associates, Lourdes’ employed-owned physician practice in Paducah.

Barnes graduated from SIU School of Medicine in Springfield and completed her general surgery residency at University of Kansas School of Medicine

Barnes

Brown

Deering

English

Starbuck

Turner

in Wichita.

She joined Mercy General Surgery, the office of Dr. Daniel Howard, Dr. Edwin Grogan, Dr. David Mauterer and Dr. Rebecca Gill.

Deering certified in computed tomography

Aden receives CertainTeed certification ‌Jeff Aden Building & Remodeling in Dongola recently received CertainTeed Corporation’s 5-star siding contractor certification.

The program provides contractors with high-level training and tools to improve installation skills as well as enhanced product information for CertainTeed’s vinyl and polymer siding and Restoration Millwork Exterior PVC Trim. Jeff Aden Building & Remodeling can be reached at 618-967-1290.

‌Bridget Deering, a radiologic technologist at Pinckneyville Community Hospital, recently was certified in computed tomography by The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Deering, a graduate of SIU, has been with Pinckneyville Community Hospital for the last Organizations honored for 10 years. community partnership In addition to being certified in CT, she is a registered ‌Nature Trail Health Care technologist in radiography and Center and SSM Hospice of mammography. the Good Samaritan have been recognized for excellence and outstanding service in longRongey joins term care by receiving Illinois Ross Construction Health Care Association’s 2014 Community Partnership of the ‌Bob Rongey recently joined Year Award.

Ross Construction Inc. in They were nominated for this Marion as project manager/ award in recognition of their superintendent. efforts to honor World War II Rongey is a longtime profesveterans. In August, Nature sional in the building trades Trail and SSM Hospice hosted community with more than 20 years of experience in commer- a celebration of the 69th anniversary of the end of World War cial construction.

II and observed Spirit of ’45 Day In addition to assisting on the company’s current projects, to honor those who served in World War II, both in uniform such as the new Marion High and on the home front.

School and Hub Recreation Center, he will manage the construction of a new safe room Crossroads offering at Lincoln Elementary School 3D mammography in Marion. ‌Crossroads Community Hospital kicked off National Breast Beckemeyer elected Cancer Awareness Month Oct. vice chairman 1 by performing a 3D mammogram, a service line it has been ‌Kevin Beckemeyer, president developing for several months. and CEO of Legence Bank in “We worked very hard to Eldorado, was elected first vice chairman of Community Bank- launch our new service by ers Association of Illinois at the Oct. 1,” said Kerri Carr, direcassociation’s annual convention tor of imaging services. “Many women have their annual exam recently in Chicago. in October, and we wanted to be Beckemeyer has been presiable to offer 3D mammography dent and CEO of Legence Bank because of its clinical benefits.” since 2001.

November 2014

Interested in

Southern Business Journal

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Southern Business Journal November 2014

Money Matters

Overview of college funding-assistance programs Grant Program) was named for Sen. Claiborne Pell, who sponsored the legislation that established the program. A Pell Grant is based solely on ‌Federal and state college financial need. The amount of financial aid programs the award is based on student The cost of financing a college need (within certain limits) and on how much money Congress education can be daunting to appropriates to the program many families. Although most each year. It is important to colleges apply for a Pell Grant even if you agree that think you won’t qualify, since the fammany college and state aid proily should grams require it. Just check the be the proper box on the financial aid primary application. support The Academic Competitivevehicle, ness Grant (ACG) provides financial assistance need-based grants for the first does exist. two years of undergraduate McClatchey study to full-time students. The In addiNational Science and Mathtion to private sources such as trade unions, fraternal or service ematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant is available durorganizations and professional ing the third and fourth years associations, there are numerof undergraduate study to fullous state and federal aid protime students who are majoring grams available. in physical, life or computer sciThe good news is that a famences, mathematics, technology ily does not have to be in a or engineering or in a foreign low-income bracket to qualify language determined critical for many current aid programs. to national security. These two Most need-based programs grants are for U.S. citizens who take into account family living are eligible for the federal Pell expenses, the number of children in the family and how many Grant, and who have successfully completed a rigorous high children are in college. school program, as determined by the state or local education Federal programs agency and recognized by the The federal government Secretary of Education. administers several major financial-assistance programs.

Some are direct assistance proStafford Student Loans grams; that is, the assistance The Stafford Student Loan goes directly to the student. (formerly the Guaranteed StuOther programs are administered dent Loan) is a federally subsithrough the college that the dized loan program that allows student attends. Funds are sent the student to borrow from pridirectly to the college, which in vate lenders and the government turn dispenses the money to the at lower interest rates. Families student in accordance with fed- with high incomes are eligible eral guidelines. for the program if certain needs Pell, Academic Competitivetests are satisfied. The loan is ness, and National SMART Grants insured either by the federal The Pell Grant (formerly the government or a state agency.

Basic Educational Opportunity Banks and other lending SCOTT MCCLATCHEY SBJ CONTRIBUTOR‌

institutions voluntarily take part in the loan program. Repayment of principal and interest is deferred until six months after a student graduates or leaves school, and standard repayment is made over a 10- to 30-year period, depending upon the amount owed. An undergraduate may borrow up to certain limits each school year under the program. The government pays the interest for all undergraduate and graduate school years and for six months after the last class.

College Work-Study Program

variety of assistance programs.

But most state assistance is available only to state residents The College Work-Study Pro- attending schools within that state (e.g., Monetary Award gram is a program administered Program or “MAP grants” in by each participating college to provide employment for students Illinois). Some states do make who demonstrate financial need. exceptions and permit state residents to attend out-of-state The federal government grants schools. A few states allow nonfunds to colleges for this purresidents to receive assistance pose. Students normally obtain employment under this program while attending a school within as part of an overall financial aid the state or have reciprocity arrangements with other states. package. They generally work Many states have special 12 to 15 hours per week during programs for teachers and school sessions, and up to 40 National Guard enlistees. Others hours a week during vacation offer work-study programs and periods. Examples of college PLUS loans for special academic supplements. employment include library undergraduates Application procedures vary clerks, faculty aides, maintefrom state to state. While most nance workers and cafeteria PLUS loans are availstates allow the student to use workers. The awards are deterable to parents of dependent mined by the colleges, and once a one of the same need analysis undergraduate students, and student has earned the full award application forms used by the to graduate or professional federal programs, some states amount, employment is termistudents who reach their Stafrequire separate application nated for that academic year. ford Loan limits. Repayment forms that must be completed Application is made through of a PLUS loan begins 60 days for state programs. Students may after parents receive the money, the college financial aid office. find out about state programs Eligibility is based solely on and lenders typically establish and requirements through their financial need. Students must a repayment period of 10 to 25 high school guidance counselor, be enrolled at least half-time in years. Graduate students may defer payment while in school at an accredited college and main- college financial aid office or a state agency. tain good academic standing least half-time.

It is important to begin early while employed. These earnings and thoroughly investigate all will not reduce the student’s Supplemental Education financial aid eligibility; however, potential sources of financial aid.

Opportunity Grant funds are limited, so apply early. Your child’s college placement office can be a good starting A Supplemental Education point for information on finanOpportunity Grant (SEOG) is Perkins Loans cial aid sources. a grant to a student with demPerkins Loans (formerly onstrated financial need. The National Direct Student Loans) money is sent by the federal are administered by colleges that SCOTT MCCLATCHEY is a certified financial planner with Alligovernment directly to the also act as lenders. Eligibility is colleges, which determine the based on the student’s calculated ance Investment Planning Group, a Carbondale investment firm award amount and dispense the need. Although the interest located at 115 S. Washington money to the students. (These rate is low, funds are limited St. He can be reached at 618are in addition to Pell Grants.) and students should submit the 519-9344 or scott@allianceinThe Department of Education financial aid application early. vestmentplanning.com. He also allocates a specific amount of A student will pay no interest provides investment, retirement money to each participating col- while still in school. There is a planning and insurance services lege. Once distributed, there are nine-month grace period after to SIU Credit Union members no additional sums. Applications leaving college. Repayment is through the SIU Credit Union are made through the academic stretched out over 10 years.

Investment Services partnership. institution’s office of financial Securities offered through LPL aid. Early application is strongly State programs recommended.

State governments also offer a Financial, member FINRA/SIPC.

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

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2010

2009

83.3 65.3 394.0 33.4 37.0 99.6 118.6 140.5 8.3 477.0 59.1 361.1 91.6 94.5 27.9 56.1 89.0 27.6 64.1 80.0 $2,408.0 $112,855.1

121.8 92.7 594.5 42.8 55.7 119.1 217.0 160.7 12.2 726.7 85.3 519.2 136.2 136.0 41.7 82.6 131.7 41.6 93.2 122.3 $3,533.0 $165,238.9

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

R

% change 09-13 6.4% 33.6% 5.1% 7.3% 5.3% 18.2% 13.1% 9.2% 2.4% 7.5% 10.6% 9.0% 5.5% 26.0% 12.1% 17.8% 4.2% 12.1% 1.4% 9.8% 9.2% 18.4%

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

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

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

Jobless

Sept 2014

2,478 16,715 2,519 4,229 1,626 30,760 20,176 4,938 7,059 9,059 1,817 2,556 15,012 11,995 7,629 9,160 7,093 33,794 188,615 6,510,680 155,903,000

234 1,480 191 249 145 1,772 1,290 382 549 707 148 211 893 881 572 435 429 2,154 12,632 403,502 8,962,000

8.5% 8.9% 7.6% 5.9% 8.9% 5.8% 6.4% 7.7% 6.5% 7.8% 8.1% 8.3% 5.9% 7.3% 7.5% 4.7% 6.0% 6.4% 6.7% 6.2% 5.7%

Aug 2014 Sept 2013 9.7% 10.5% 8.1% 6.4% 10.7% 6.9% 7.5% 9.0% 7.2% 9.2% 10.2% 10.0% 7.0% 8.5% 8.9% 5.4% 6.8% 7.4% 7.8% 6.7% 6.3%

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. This chart has been suspended until further notice.

IPMFG Dec 13 97.8

105 104 103 102 100 98 94 90 88 86 84 82 81

Unemployment rates for Southern Illinois counties, state and nation Labor force

N I L L I Chicago Fed Midwest Manufacturing Index

11.2% 12.6% 9.6% 7.0% 11.6% 7.4% 8.7% 10.4% 8.4% 11.5% 10.2% 10.6% 8.2% 10.3% 10.5% 6.2% 7.9% 8.5% 8.4% 8.6% 7.0%

80 78

Change month

Change year

q 0.8 q 1.6 q 0.5 q 0.5 q 1.8 q 1.1 q 1.1 q 1.3 q 0.7 q 1.4 q 2.1 q 1.7 q 1.1 q 1.2 q 1.4 q 0.7 q 0.8 q 1.0 q 1.1 q 0.5 q 0.6

q 2.7 q 3.7 q 2

.0 q 1.1 q 2.7 q 1.6 q 2

.3 q 2.7 q 1.9 q 3.7 q 2.1 q 2

.3 q 2

.3 q 3

.0 q 3

.0 q 1.5 q 1.9 q 2.1 q 1.7 q 2

.4 q 1.3

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

thesouthern.com

76

72 70

website in Southern Illinois.

I S I N D Consumer credit score

SOURCE: EXPERIAN

J

A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N

’12

’13

SOURCE: FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF CHICAGO

Williamson County Regional Airport passengers Sept 14 Sept 13 MONTHLY TOTALS 834

843

Change q

1.1%

YTD TOTALS 7,601

2013 ANNUAL TOTALS 10,476

7,769

q 2.2%

Change

2012 10,170

A

T

673

O

673

Local

Region

675

666

State

U. S.

Total cars, trucks sold based on title applications filed.

Excludes motorcycles, trailers.

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

0.0% p 21.2% p 5.0% q 21.7% q 57.1% p 16.8% p 18.9% q 14.0% q 26.5% q 9.1% p 66.7% q 11.1% p 4.7% p 33.7% p 26.3% p 26.7% p 15.4% 0.0% p 8.7%

July 14

July 13

20 160 21 36 6 195 126 43 36 70 20 16 112 139 72 76 90 266 1,504

20 132 20 46 14 167 106 50 49 77 12 18 107 104 57 60 78 266 1,383

Change

2013 165 1,522 282 384 129 1,705 1,172 500 390 734 106 199 1,115 1,078 601 700 796 2,498 14,076

2012 128 1,134 265 278 102 1,572 894 389 240 618 82 141 1,039 1,056 476 493 633 2,250 11,790

Change p 28.9% p 34.2% p 6.4% p 38.1% p 26.5% p 8.5% p 31.1% p 31.1% p 62.5% p 18.8% p 29.3% p 41.1% p 7.3% p 2.1% p 26.3% p 42.0% p 25.8% p 11.0% p 19.4%

p 3.0%

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

7 89 4 5 4 97 84 31 27 33 6 7 32 43 21 180 41,791

Q2 13 6 63 1 1 5 100 103 26 38 34 3 2 42 35 26 196 43,401

Change

p 16.7% p 41.3% p 300.0% p 400.0% q 20.0% q 3.0% q 18.4% p 19.2% q 28.9% q 2.9% p 100.0% p 350.0% q 23.8% p 22.9% q 19.2% q 8.2% q 37.1%

R S U of I Flash Index 108 107 106 105 104 103 102 101 100 99 98 97 96 95 94 93 92 91 90 89

2013 15 288 13 3 16 325 306 103 122 106 18 6 148 136 100 704 151,720

2012 12 306 12 13 11 346 269 61 118 92 10 8 130 164 93 646 127,588

Change p 25.0% q 5.9% p 8.3% q 77.0% p 45.5% q 6.1% p 13.8% p 68.9% p 3.4% p 15.2% p 80.0% q 25.0% p 13.8% q 17.1 % p 7.5% p 9.0% p 18.9%

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.

Sept 14 106.3

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

N

D

J

F M

A

M

J

J

A

S

’14

Hotel/motel stats

Consumer Price Index

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

July 14 July 13 MONTHLY TOTALS $663,841

Change

$729,138 q

9.0% 238

YTD TOTALS $4,564,118

$4,303,127 p

2012 ANNUAL TOTALS

2011

6.1%

Change

$7,500 $48,000 $21,000 $20,020 $100,000 $105,250 $85,000 $72,500 $79,500 $65,000 $75,000 $23,250 $58,650 $56,000 $92,369 $127,000 $158,000

236

234

U.S. City Average Sept 14 238.0

232

230

$7,728,261 q <0.01%

MEDIAN SALES PRICE Q2 13 Q2 12 $20,000 $45,500 $53,250 $91,450 $40,000 $97,000 $85,000 $102,250 $53,950 $87,000 $60,000 $47,500 $58,625 $42,000 $75,000 $119,000 $168,000

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.

228

226

224

Change p 166.7% q 5.2% p 153.6% p 356.8% q 60.0% q 7.8% 0.0% p 41.0% q 32.1% p 33.8% q 20.0% p 104.3% q 0.1% q 25.0% q 18.8% q 6.3% p 6.3%

222

Midwest Urban Sept 14 226.9

220

218

216

S

O ’13

N

D

J

F

M

A

M ‘14

J

J

A

S

SOURCE: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Prices at the pump Average price per gallon of regular, unleaded gas as of Oct. 21 and Sept. 24, 2014.

Oct 14 Sept 14 Metro East Springfield Illinois U.S. SOURCE: AAA

Monthly Page Views:

Monthly Unique Visitors:

Monthly Visits:

2,305,933

349,335

802,849

Let us help grow your business. Call (618) 529-5454

O

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

SOURCE: ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS

*October 2014 omniture

S

’13

’12

$7,732,810

Total units sold, including condominiums

Q2 14 A M J

C

New vehicle sales

66 64

I

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 May 2014.

Home sales

68

 1 most visited news, information and advertising #

O

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

CFMMI Dec 13 97.4

74

N

$2.91 $2.84 $3.16 $3.09

$3.37 $3.27 $3.47 $3.34

Oct 13 $3.34 $3.28 $3.45 $3.35

November 2014

Southern Business Journal

| 9

Workplace

Replace your worn-out welcome mat with a red carpet ANGELA HOLMES-YOUNG SBJ CONTRIBUTOR‌

‌How shabby is that welcome mat that you welcome your new hires with? What do you do to welcome new hires? What is the first thing they see when they begin their long career at your organization? Once you have wowed them and sweettalked them at the Holmes-Young interview, do you flick the lights on and reveal the ugly truth? Is it like Jerry’s “two-face” date (Seinfeld) who sometimes looks attractive, depending on the lighting? How do you greet your new hires? Whether it is the first or 21st job as a new hire, we all want to feel good and wanted when we start at a new organization. What are you doing to make your new hires feel that way too?

I’m set to speak at a senior seminar at SIU about the new hire experience from the HR perspective and, clearly, it has me thinking. I’ve also recently been involved in some onboarding improvements. So, that being said, I believe that we can always do better. I would like to challenge you to think about how your organization brings in new members and then make improvements where you can. This does not have to cost money. Many onboarding programs cost little or nothing to administer.

As always, let’s begin by asking

why you should care about this?

Why is it important that new hires feel welcome? A strong “onboarding” program will help retain the new hire that you desperately need. I’m sure that you need them or you would not have hired them. Don’t forget about all of the money that you spent to find them. Truly, it’s the recruiting process that costs money.

Acclimation of a new hire goes a long way toward employee satisfaction and retention. Plus, the new hire time is a great teaching/training time. Use this time wisely. Handling this time well will come back to support you in the end.

First impressions are important. Likewise, new hires will always remember how they were treated during those first few days on the job. Don’t you remember how you were treated as a new hire? Start by thinking about all of the things that you wish someone had told you as a new hire. What items would have helped you with your job?

What pieces of information would have been beneficial to know? I have broken it all down into the following different categories.

Things that are mandated

Many items that you are reviewing with your new hires are probably the forms and mandated items required by state and federal governmental agencies. This would include the collection of new hire data, W4s and I9s. You most likely go over your employee handbook, policy manual and/or collective bargaining agreement. You should also be reviewing any and all safety items at this time as well.

Things that are important, but not required

of paper on the CEO’s desk if he has stepped away because it sets him off, or even though Friday is “Casual Friday,” that does not Now, here is where we can mean you can wear jeans. I like include things like the quality to suggest that you put the new policy, the company vision, the dress code, etc. Explain where they person with a buddy for the day or the first week if you can. Set can get the cool company shirts up a job shadow if possible. that you require on Fridays. I also feel like when you have new hires you have the chance to really tout All the rest.... the company and why it is the Who tells them that you must best place to work. Give your new label your yogurt in the fridge hires reason after reason why it is because, if you don’t, Anita in where they should want to learn, accounting will eat it? Who grow and stay until they retire. tells them that if you park in the Give them bragging points to use wrong spot, even though they so they can be proud of what they are not assigned, that you will are doing. Don’t be bashful; don’t be shunned for life? These are leave out a thing. If you donate cultural items and important. Do to United Way or Toys for Tots, not discount the importance of explain it here. If you have a family these items in your day. These picnic in the summer, make sure tiny bits of info can make or your people know it. Now is the break a new hire. If you are the time to brag on yourself. Your new new hire, you are not off the hires should be excited to work hook either. You are expected to for you. Give them something to take the lead on a few things and talk about. This is also great PR for at least act like you are happy to your organization. be there. Do not come in looking like a hot mess. Come in well rested and ready to work. No one Things that would wants to meet a person who has be nice to know poor hygiene and looks less than thrilled to be there. Please take Now, let’s move on to things the following advice: Act like you that new hires should know, but want to be there. Be on time. Pay you may or may not be telling them. I am referring to things like attention. Ask questions. Take where the bathrooms are, where notes. Dress for success. the break room is. Yes, give them ANGELA HOLMES-YOUNG is author a tour for heaven’s sake. Show of “Bring It On: The Aspiring them where to park and where Professional’s Guide to Getting a the fridge is. Yes, I am sure that Leg Up on the Competition.” Her they could figure it out on their book is available at Bookworm, own, but wouldn’t it be nice amazon.com and barnesandnoble. if you or someone told them?

These items are the “insider” tips com. Angela is also the corporate recruiter for National Railway and tricks that take new hires Equipment Co. (NRE). She can be forever to pick up if left to their reached at ang_holmes@yahoo. own devices. These are the tips for success, like never put a piece com or @A_Holmes_Young.

I would like to challenge you to think about how your organization brings in new members and then make improvements where you can.

This does not have to cost money.

Many onboarding programs cost little or nothing to administer.

8

|

Southern Business Journal November 2014

November 2014

Southern Business Journal

| 7

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Southern Business Journal November 2014

Entrepreneur’s Mailbag

Disruption and the death of a shoe salesman CAVANAUGH L. GRAY SBJ CONTRIBUTOR‌

‌The postcard caught me off guard as I had just visited the store a few weeks prior, “Store Closing Sale — Entire Store 20-50% Off.” Since 1932, Altman’s Shoes and Boots for Men in Chicago’s Loop has been a staple of men’s fashion. I have fond memories of my dad taking me to the store as a kid to find shoes that would cover our Sasquatch-sized feet. Now, after 82 Gray years in business, another retail institution has gone the way of Montgomery Ward, and the question is what happened? How could a store that provided the best shoe brands in the industry, sizes you couldn’t find anywhere else and excellent customer service be going out of business? The answer is pretty clear, Altman’s, like so many other industries and businesses, became a victim of disruption.

What is disruption?

Disruption to me is the art of creating and innovating in such a way that an industry is completely turned upside down. I’ll use the music industry as an example. Imagine a time when all music was live music. Then, in 1877, Thomas Edison invented the phonograph, which allowed for the recording and playback of sound on vinyl records. The phonograph remained the standard until the invention of the modern-day turntable. From the mid-1960s until the late 1970s, eighttrack players made automotive music portable. The retirement of the eighttrack player ushered in the cassette-tape era (early 1970s to the late 1990s) aided by inventions like the Sony Walkman. While the cassette may have led to the demise

of the eight-track and cut into the vinyl industry considerably, I don’t feel that the music industry was truly disrupted until the invention and release of the compact disc in 1982. In 1999, Shawn Fanning’s innovative Napster would allow for the digital sharing of musical files. This disruptive technology laid the foundation for the iPhone in 2007, which would change the way we consume music forever.

So what happened?

I stopped into Altman’s yesterday, which was bustling with lunchtime activity, hoping to get a good deal on a pair of dress shoes and to see the store for the last time. If I had to put a finger on the one thing responsible for the demise of a store like Altman’s, that word would have to be Zappos! This is how a local company came under assault from a shoe company some 1,500 miles away in Las Vegas.

Unlimited selection: If you’ve ever purchased shoes from Zappos, you’ll notice that there is no shortage of options for men, women and children. Pair the shoes with a selection of clothing, handbags, accessories, etc., and Zappos is hard to beat.

Videos and reviews: At times it can be hard to tell if shoes are what they seem to be, especially when viewed online.

Zappos offers video reviews of its shoes, along with customer comments, so you’ll know what you’re getting before you make the purchase.

Free return shipping: Zappos takes the hassle and frustration out of shoe returns by offering free return shipping.

The company will even send out your new shoe selection before receiving the returned items.

Exceptional customer service: Before committing to a customer service hire, Zappos will offer to pay candidates to leave the company. Those who choose to stay are hired as customer service reps.

One interaction with a Zappos rep and it is clear that there are no Al Bundys working

for the company.

Convenience: I’m not a fan of shopping and can honestly count only my time in the Craftsman’s Tool section as quality shopping time. After completing this article, I intend to patronize Zappos to replace a pair of worn-out loafers, and I will do it from the comfort of my couch.

Convenience is one of those intangibles that is hard to put a price on.

When you put all of these things together, it’s no wonder that Zappos has put together a dominant brand that’s hard for anyone in the industry to match up against.

What can be done differently?

I’m not sure if any industry or any company is safe when a giant like Apple introduces a product like the iPhone.

However, reporter Lisa Bertagnoli in a July 14, 2014, article entitled, “Potbelly: The Next Cosi?” offers some insight as to how future companies can avoid the same fate as Altman’s.

Build the brand: With such a long history of quality footwear and service, it might have been a good idea for the shop to expand into large cities with a high concentration of Chicago transplants.

Instead, all of the store’s eggs were put into one basket (location).

Invest in technology: I often read and write about how new technologies can go a long way in aiding small businesses, and this case is no exception. How would the business have been affected if Altman’s were able to add an ecommerce component to its website?

Shuffle management: Downturns in industries usually don’t happen overnight. You see it all of the time. Businesses can begin to suffer from a “business as usual” mentality. This often

makes being progressive and making the necessary changes to move the company forward difficult. The time to start mixing things up by Altman’s management might have been when Zappos first showed up on the radar.

For what might have been my last time in Altman’s, I tried on a pair of quality leather shoes, smelled the unique scent of those cedar shoe trees, and remembered the times my dad brought me into the store as I was coming of age, “This is the place you come to for good shoes” he would say, and I admit I’ll miss all of those things. But the closing of Altman’s is a strong reminder that not even the most respected companies can rest on their laurels and that no industry is safe from disruption.

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 book, “The Entrepreneurial Spirit Lives: 25 Tales to Help Entrepreneurs Start, Grow, and Succeed in Small Business,” log on to 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. ‌

November 2014

Southern Business Journal

Technology also prominent in schools

SMART: Phones, tablets change business to digitally carry on business remotely,” Binder said. “As a microbusiness forwarding office calls co-owner who’s on the after hours, the phone road constantly, this abilcamera for social media ity is invaluable. And, yes, posts, email availability my Bluetooth hands-free and discrete chat funcphone device goes on after tions.”

I strap on my seatbelt.”

Binder also uses the Communicating on the Square portable cash register app on her smart- go is vital.

Murphysboro High phone, which allows her to School Athletic Director take care of tasting room purchases if another staff Len Novara communicates member is using the com- almost exclusively electronically. pany’s tablet.

“Whether its email, text Google Apps Suite, especially Mail and Drive, messages, Twitter or webbased programs, almost to share spreadsheets is all of my communication also an important tool. with other schools, refer“The combination of ees, fans, general public, the smartphone techmedia, etc., is done elecnology, armed with the tronically,” said Novara, Google Apps, allows me FROM PAGE 4

| 5

who has been in his position for 15 years.

Novara pointed out that technology saves him time, allowing him to accomplish more throughout the workday.

“Instead of spending 15 minutes or so on the phone with one person, I can communicate with thousands with a keystroke,” he said.

Sports games and practice schedules can be updated by Twitter for students, staff, refs and players, said Novara, who upped his technology game to get more accomplished.

“Quite honestly, I didn’t SEE SMART / PAGE 15

‌Technology is an important part of any educational setting, from grade school to college.

Doug Owens, fifthgrade teacher, team leader and assistant football coach at Carterville Elementary School, uses smart technology along with multiple education apps daily, something he said he feels passionate about.

“In the classroom, I use it to monitor classroom behaviors (good and bad) through and app called Class Dojo,” Owens said.

“It generates reports and is used for communication between home and school.”

He said the program

•

also helps motivate students to follow the school’s expectations and be attentive during classroom lessons.

Owens uses technology, even when he isn’t at school. One app that he really likes is called “Show Me.” “I’m able to easily record tutorials for substitute teachers and/or parents to use when solving math (or other) problems,” he said. “This has been very helpful with the transition to the Common Core. We also have all of our game film through a service called Hudl, which allows all players online access though the Internet, smartphones

and tablets. We can record and upload anything from game film to practices.”

The information is shared with the team to correct mistakes or make adjustments.

“It provides instant feedback to our athletes, as well,” Owens said.

“Finally, it allows us to share films with neighboring towns instead of having to drive and exchange DVD films.”

Owens also uses technology to communicate with parents.

“The benefits are the instant results and feedback that you can receive and communicate SEE SCHOOLS / PAGE 17

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Southern Business Journal November 2014

Cover Story

Working smart Smartphones, tablets change the way we do business DEB SAUERHAGE SBJ CORRESPONDENT‌

‌T

ablets and smartphones have changed the way we communicate and spend our leisure time.

They have also changed the way we do business and our jobs by improving customer service and increasing the bottom line.

Richard Davis, owner and managing broker of Century 21 House of Realty, Inc., said smartphones and tablets allow his company to be “faster and more responsive” with customers.

“Customers expect immediacy,” Davis said, “now more than ever before.”

Property inventory and even something as simple as leaving a voice mail have changed.

“The evolution of technology has made our entire real estate inventory available for view on a mobile device,” Davis said. “We were able to design our mobile site so when a person goes to our mobile site, it is ‘framed’ for that device.”

The site’s layout adapts to the smartphone or tablet size, making it easier for customers to view the information. Employees also use smartphones both in and out of the office.

“There used to be a phone at every desk,” Davis said. “Now it’s just one phone system. Their cell phone is their extension.”

A program sends the messages

and emails to the smartphone or tablet.

“We can listen to our email,” Davis said. “Laptops are going by the wayside, and iPads are taking their place.”

Shawn Stearns, owner of Modern Office Connections in Murphysboro, recently upgraded to a software package to help run his business more efficiently through smartphones and tablets.

In the past, work orders and other paperwork were often done in duplicate or triplicate.

The company is using its smartphones and tablets to go paperfree.

“We use tech folders for the service calls for the day,” Stearns

said. “None get printed. We dispatch employees with the click of a mouse.”

In addition, Stearns can pinpoint where his employees are while out on a service call; and, by the same click of a mouse, add a service call to their list of things to do. Customer supplies can be ordered, invoiced automatically and even emailed immediately, eliminating the need for paper.

“We also have a quicker response time. It allows us to do more for the customer and to give them better customer service,” Stearns said. “It has streamlined our process, and we are saving some trees.”

Cory Mohr, owner of Cory

or anything, I can make it into a note and post it to Evernote,” Mohr said. “No more sticky notes.”

Mohr’s notes can be automatically shared with employees who are on the paid app, keeping the information organized and accessible to everyone working on the project. The programs allow him to bring the office anywhere.

“That mobility is a big deal,” Mohr added.

For local farmers, whose office may be in a tractor or combine, mobility also means a lot.

“Farmers are keeping track of the grain market through their smartphones or tablets,” said Jeff Suchomski of Suchomski Equipment in Pinckneyville. “If they break down in the field, they can also access part books and part numbers and tell the repairman what they need before he gets there.”

Their smartphones and tablets help them be more efficient Mohr Design, Inc., in Carbondale, said smart technology not and save time. Other technology allows them to auto steer their only allows him to give better equipment, precisely pinpointcustomer service, it helps him ing where to start the next row. be more organized.

“If you can save a two- or Mohr uses CAD, or computeraided design, to produce design three-inch overlap per round, you can save fuel and time,” plans to show customers.

Suchomski said. “You get the Along with design, Mohr maximum that machine can do uses several apps to make work every time.” easier and organized, including Karen Binder, owner of Grand Dropbox for online in the cloud file storage. The program, which River Spirits in Carbondale, also uses a variety of apps to help her can be synced with staff memcompany be more efficient. bers’ smartphones and tablets, “My cellphone is indispensmakes all files accessible for all able for a multitude of reasons,” employees at any time.

He also uses Evernote, a digi- Binder said. “Among the top tal workspace, for keeping a file reasons for me include of items for projects.

“If I find faucets, tile, paint SEE SMART / PAGE 5

November 2014

Southern Business Journal

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From the publisher

‘I don’t need to be online’ matter of belief. Digital advertising is not a theological state of being; it is a reality. So, we move quickly to have our customers clarify, to admit that they’re o issue of the SBJ having to do with technology would be either too busy to be online, or that they complete without a few words don’t look up business information on their desktop and can’t look it up from to those who aren’t there their flip phone. When they admit this, yet. There are among us those who are we’ve uncovered the real objection not either innovators or early adopters.

Some of us even fall outside of the main- that needs to be overcome. And, we overcome the objection by asking, in as stream; to this group belongs the compolite a tone as possible, “Who cares?” pletely unflattering label of “laggards.”

Your business is not all about you. My Now, none of us wants to trumpet business is not all about me. It doesn’t our laggard-dom matter what my media consumption (or is it lagardhabits are when creating a marketism?); none of us ing plan. includes the word It matters a great deal what the media laggard on our consumption patterns are for my curbusiness cards. rent customers — and for my potential And yet laggards future customers. exist, and are If my readers and customers are conallowed to exist, necting on our website, I have to market because they too to them there. frequently go Pfeifer If my readers and customers are conunchallenged. necting on their tablets, I have to marAs our online ket to them there. and mobile audience increases daily, I If my readers and customers are confrequently hear our salespeople return necting on their smartphones or on our from unsuccessful digital sales calls by app, I have to market to them there. reporting, “Joe business owner isn’t You may not be online or want to online and doesn’t have a smartphone. be online. But your customers are He doesn’t believe in digital advertisalready there, and you have to place ing.”

In sales, this is known as an objection. your message where they are. It’s really that simple.

The next step on our Sales 101 playbook is moving directly to Overcoming JOHN PFEIFER is publisher of Southern Objections.

Business Journal and The Southern IlliAnd the answer to “I don’t believe in noisan. digital advertising” is this: It is not a JOHN PFEIFER

N

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Inside

Directory of Advertisers

NOVEMBER 2014

1st Bank & Trust ........................ 5

COVER STORY

MONEY MATTERS

Working smart: Tablets and smartphones have changed the way we communicate and spend our leisure time.

They have also changed the way we do business and our jobs by improving customer service and increasing the bottom line.

College funding-assistance: The cost of financing a college education can be daunting to many families, but financial assistance does exist. And, the good news is that a family does not have to be in a low-income bracket to qualify for many current aid programs.

ENTREPRENEUR’S MAILBAG

ACHIEVEMENTS

PAGE 4

Disruption and the death of a shoe salesman: The story of one shoe store is a reminder that not even the most respected companies can rest on their laurels and that no industry is safe from disruption.

PAGE 6

WORKPLACE Worn-out mat or red carpet: Which do you lay out? Whether it is the first or 21st job as a new hire, we all want to feel good when we start at a new organization. What are you doing to make your new hires feel that way, too?

PAGE 12

Who’s in the news: Find out who has been hired, promoted or received honors for efforts in businesses. Be sure to check out our latest Faces in the News collection, too.

PAGES 14-15

INVESTMENTS Asset allocation: It’s used to decide how investors should divide their money between stocks and bonds. A special chart helps financial advisers begin to make recommendations to clients.

Pepsi MidAmerica....................18

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

Small Business Growth Corp. .. 3

Southern Illinois Healthcare ..20

PAGE 17

Southern Illinois University .....16

PAGE 9

Publisher The Southern Business Journal 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 email at SBJ@ thesouthern.com. The Journal is published 12 times per year monthly and distributed by The Southern Illinoisan and www.thesouthern.com.

Copyright 2014 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.

John A. Logan College .............13

John Pfeifer 618-351-5038

Advertising Alicia Lorenz 618-351-5820

Design and Layout Rhonda May 618-529-5454, ext. 5118

20

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Southern Business Journal November 2014

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