Southern Business Journal - March 2016

outhern

MARCH 2016

USINESS URNAL

southern

BUSINESS JOURNAL “ONE REGION,

ONE VISION”

REGION,ONE VISION”

THE COST OF GOING

SOLAR COVER STORY BEGINS ON PAGE 4

INSIDE

Directory of Advertisers Rare Chophouse .....................6

MARCH 2016 ON THE COVER

THE COST OF GOING SOLAR

PAGES 4-5

BEING THE BOSS

ELIZABETH STRUSZ, OWNER OF E. CLAIRE SALON IN CARBONDALE

PAGE 6

THE LIST

10 WAY TO GO GREEN AND SAVE GREEN IN THE PROCESS

YOUR OPINION

THE QUESTION: WHAT HAS THE GREEN INITIATIVE DONE FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

PAGES 9

PUBLIC RECORD

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS BANKRUPTCIES AND BUILDING PERMITS

PAGE 11

PAGE 8

southern

BUSINESS JOURNAL “ONE REGION,ONE VISION”

SIU Credit Union ................... 10 Southern Illinois Healthcare .. 7 Southern Illinois University .. 12 Williamson County Airport ....11

southern

BUSINESS JOURNAL “ONE REGION,

ONE VISION”

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 2016 by The Southern Illinoisan, all rights reserved. A subscription may be obtained by calling 618-529-5454 or 618-9973356, or by visiting our website.

Publisher John Pfeifer 618-351-5038 Special Projects Coordinator Rhonda May 618-351-5077

FROM THE

PUBLISHER

Backing into Green-ness

W

hen the Kindle and other e-readers were first introduced, the pent-up demand drove sales skyward. The marketing message: carry hundreds of books with you wherever you go, caught on despite the fact that even the most highly literate individuals do not read hundreds of books at the same time. Eventually their marketing took a secondary, more eco-friendly twist when Amazon and the like determined that there was a segment of the population that would respond to the “Why print hundreds of books?” message.

Similarly, the Southern occasionally receives notification from one of our preprinted advertising customers informing us that they will be skipping a week here or there throughout the year. Rarely do they come out and admit a desire to save money. Rather, such notifications are made with the aura of green-ness all around them – “We want to preserve the environment and reduce our contribution to landfills throughout the land.”

Hmmm, why didn’t I think of that? Monday’s announcement that we would be eliminating our Monday print publication beginning in April could have included an elegant accounting of the tons of newsprint that would be saved and the care for the environment involved in our Monday decision. But it wouldn’t have been true. The decision – as difficult as it was to arrive at – will save us money.

Many companies have made adjustments to how they do business out of a concern for the environment. Those truly committed to “Going Green” often do so in spite of increased costs and reduced short-term profitability. Certainly a company so committed can and should let the marketplace know about this, especially if they have the opportunity to target their marketing message to those most receptive to the message.

But there’s a substantial difference between those who run green businesses and those who back into a green explanation for a decision made for vastly different reasons. The savvy American consumer has actually gotten pretty good at telling the difference – and refusing to be duped by false green-ness.

We applaud those companies committed to caring for the environment. We encourage businesses to look for ways to do business with them. But, Caveat Emptor. Let the buyer beware of those who back into their green-ness.

JOHN PFEIFER | PUBLISHER, SBJ

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL MARCH 2016 PAGE 3

COVER

STORY

THE COST OF GOING

SOLAR

“It converts the photons coming from the sun into electrons which are electricity,” he said.

“It is an appliance that instead olar energy isn’t just of using electricity, it creates a nice option when thinking about saving electricity. It stops the meter from turning.” the environment, it Beck said the solar panels conis potentially a large money-saving venture nect to the wiring in the home.

The initial cost of solar can because it starts to pay for itself, according to those in the profes- be daunting to some consumers with average cost between sion. $15,000 and $40,000 for instalAur Beck, owner of Advance lation on an average American Energy Solutions in Carbondale, installs solar panel systems on res- home, according to energyinforidential homes. He says he designs mative.org.

Brent Ritzel, co-owner of systems for worst cases scenarios, meaning in the middle of the win- Equares Energy and a solar projter without much sunlight, his sys- ect developer with Straight Up Solar in St. Louis, said in Illinois, tems may still be able to produce the incentives to using solar are solar power for the home.

Also, his systems make it pos- incredible. He said for residential usage, the owner of the system sible for people to live without will get half of the up-front costs electricity from the power comback because of state incentives. pany. Legally, he said residents “For business, there are incenin the city must be connected to tives where they can get 90 to the power and water company because otherwise a home would 110 percent of the upfront costs back,” Ritzel said. “They can be considered abandoned. But, with the installation of solar pan- actually get paid to go solar in some cases.” els, during the day when people He said if a family get a solar typically aren’t home, the home system installed on their home, is producing more energy than they are going to get their energy people need, and then at night needs for one-quarter of the cost they use the electricity. than if that same family used traBasically, the house is storing ditional fossil fuel methods. energy while nobody is home, “The biggest obstacle is upyet, the power meter isn’t turning which means no electric bill, front costs, and a lot of that is paid back by incentives,” he said.

Beck said.

DUSTIN DUNCAN THE SOUTHERN‌

S

RICHARD SITLER, THE SOUTHERN‌ Aur Beck of Advanced Energy Solutions (AES) handles a solar panel that was installed on a residence in Johnston City in August 2015.

PAGE 4 MARCH 2016 SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

COVER

STORY

“That is a barrier that solar companies are working to get over by creating more financing opportunities.”

Ritzel said when households go solar, they can usually shift $30,000 to $60,000 away from fossil fuel companies back into their own pockets because of reduced energy costs over time.

“It doesn’t always have to be about the environment, it can be a financial argument,” he said.

Other ways to save energy outside of going solar, Beck said, involves making lifestyle changes. It can be through electricity, hot water, growing their

own food supply and changing the transportation used. He said people can check with any government agency online and see different ways to make changes.

“People need to create lifestyle changes,” Beck said. “They don’t have to. They can spend more money on solar or pay the electric bill.”

He said although he makes money by installing solar energy, he also consults people on how to live more efficiently. He teaches a one light, one person rule.

Meaning, if there are five people in the room, then five lights can be on, but if only one person in

the room, then have the light directed where that person is.

Also, programmable thermostats can save on energy, by programming the house to be colder when not at home during the winter, or hotter in the summer.

Beck said people started shifting to green practices initially to save money, but then it created a shift in mentality.

“It started as a convenience and it became a mentality,” he said. “If you can change one thing on a regular basis, it becomes a habit, then it becomes a mentality.”

Installers for Advanced Energy Solutions (AES) install solar panels on a house in Johnston City in August 2015.

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL MARCH 2016 PAGE 5

BEING

THE BOSS

ELIZABETH STRUSZ Owner of E. Claire Salon in Carbondale

MATERIAL CONTRIBUTED

Q. What was your first job and what did you learn from it?

A. My first job was washing dishes

COURTESY AIMEE WIGFALL‌

--- FINE DINING • WINE • STEAKS • MEETING ROOMS ---

and waiting tables at Martha and Mary’s in Murphysboro. I learned that even the “non-glamorous” jobs, like washing dishes, had its role, too.

That no place could work without every person working together. And I love food ... definitely learned a love for food.

Q. Did you have a mentor early in your career?

A. Yes, I have been blessed with many.

— and head to the gym. I try to get my emails done before I go into work.

Because I am also behind the chair as a stylist, I want to make sure my business mind is at ease so I can spoil my guests.

Q. What do you look for when you hire someone? Are there key interview questions that you ask?

A. Smile. I look for a genuine smile and an amazing handshake. Most of the questions in the interview revolve around if they are willing to be a team player, what can they bring to the table. My team plays well together, and we want to add to that.

I have had many mentors in hair and in Q. What is the best way to business. It takes a village.

Q. What is the biggest management lesson you’ve learned in your years as a leader?

A. Be honest and humble. Sometimes

being the boss means showing you are human as well.

back to honesty. Ask your team. See the little things they do day-to-day and compliment them. Rewards go a long way; we are all seeking validation of some kind.

Q. What is your morning routine?

How do you prepare yourself for the day?

A. I get up before any human should

Q. What advice would you give to someone just starting out in their career?

A. Find a mentor in your same career

be awake. Drink my Jen’s Joe (coffee) — seriously only way to get un-cranky

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improve employee morale?

A. Food. Ok, in all seriousness, it’s

field. Someone you trust. It has made all the difference for me.

“I learned that even the ‘non-glamorous’ jobs, like washing dishes, had its role, too.

That no place could work without every person working together.”

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL MARCH 2016 PAGE 7

THE LIST

10 ways to go green and save green TOO ‌The following information is provided by worldwatch.org, an independent research institute devoted to global environmental concerns. Here are 10 ways to go green and save while doing it:

1

6

Save energy to save money.

• Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs.‌ • Install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) when your older incandescent bulbs burn out.‌

2

Save water to save money.

3

Less gas = more money

4

Eat smart.

• Take shorter showers to reduce water use. This will lower your water and heating bills too.‌ • Install a low-flow showerhead. They don’t cost much, and the water and energy savings can quickly pay back your investment.‌

5

Page 8 MARCH 2016 Southern Business Journal

8 9

Buy smart.

• Buy in bulk. Purchasing food from bulk bins can save money and packaging.‌ • Wear clothes that don’t need to be dry-cleaned. This saves money and cuts down on toxic chemical use.‌

• If you eat meat, add one meatless meal a week.

Meat costs a lot at the store-and it’s even more expensive when you consider the related environmental and health costs.‌ • Buy locally raised, humane, and organic meat, eggs, and dairy whenever you can. Purchasing from local farmers keeps money in the local economy.‌

• Use a water filter to purify tap water instead of buying bottled water. Not only is bottled water expensive, but it generates large amounts of container waste.‌ • Bring a reusable water bottle, preferably aluminum rather than plastic, with you when traveling or at work.‌

7

Borrow instead of buying.

• Borrow from libraries instead of buying personal books and movies. This saves money, not to mention the ink and paper that goes into printing new books.‌ • Share power tools and other appliances. Get to know your neighbors while cutting down on the number of things cluttering your closet or garage.‌

• Walk or bike to work. This saves on gas and parking costs while improving your cardiovascular health and reducing your risk of obesity.‌ • Consider telecommuting if you live far from your work. Or move closer. Even if this means paying more rent, it could save you money in the long term.‌

Skip the bottled water.

Think before you buy.

• Go online to find new or gently used secondhand products. Whether you’ve just moved or are looking to redecorate, consider a service like craigslist or Free Sharing to track down furniture, appliances, and other items cheaply or for free.‌ • Check out garage sales, thrift stores, and consignment shops for clothing and other everyday items.‌

Keep electronics out of the trash.

• Keep your cell phones, computers, and other electronics as long as possible.‌ • Donate or recycle them responsibly when the time comes.

E-waste contains mercury and other toxics and is a growing environmental problem.‌

Richard Sitler, The Southern‌

Thomas Atkins, a senior studying production horticulture at SIU, mans a vegetable stand for the SIUC Sustainable Vegetable Farm in front of the Agriculture Building. The Sustainable Vegetable Farm sells their produce from noon to 4:00 p.m. on Wednesdays in front of the Agriculture Building and also at Beimfohr on campus as well and also at the farmers market at Carbondale High School. The program has also started a CSA program and has 24 members in the first year. For more information about the Sustainable Vegetable Farm program contact April Bigardt.

10

Make your own cleaning supplies.

• The big secret: you can make very effective, nontoxic cleaning products whenever you need them.

All you need are a few simple ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, lemon, and soap.‌ • Making your own cleaning products saves money, time, and packaging, not to mention your indoor air quality.‌

YOUR

OPINION

Coal industry offers opposing view on clean air initiatives low for coal combustion they ruled out the use of any low-emissions technology but carefully protected combined cycle gas. By this time, the White House had dropped any mention of coal from the comprehensive list of energy sources it pledged to support.

With new coal plants out of the way, it othing has been less of a secret remained to destroy existing ones remainthan President Barack Obama’s ing from the mercury rule. Meet the Clean desire to demolish his country’s Power Plan, the president’s gift to the global coal industry. Way back in 2008 environmental industry gathering at the candidate Obama promised UN Climate Conference in Paris. With the to bankrupt the coal industry and even connivance of the states, the administration acknowledged that “electricity rates will skyrocket.” But his eagerness to do so wasn’t hopes the CPP will finish off what the mercury rule started. always so blatant.

He’s not done yet. So far, the fight against Early in his presidency he began by takcoal communities has largely been carried ing potshots at us — here vetoing a mining out by EPA. No longer. Not to be outdone by permit, there cooking up new water quality its sister agency, the Department of the Inte“standards” to protect big flies that reproduce in West Virginia ponds. When bugs are rior has now joined the coal killing frenzy.

First it released the Office of Surface Minmore important than coal miners, it’s time to write your congressman. Back then the pres- ing’s “Stream Protection Rule,” a 2,200-page ident’s men were still talking about support- behemoth that would keep more than 60 ing “clean coal” and the “all-of-the-above” percent of the nation’s coal reserves in the ground and according to one study more energy portfolio that his Natural Resources Defense Council appointees were reluctantly than 100,000 unemployed. Then came Intesupporting. It was too soon in his presidency rior’s attack on the federal coal leasing program with the announcement of a three-year to start making enemies. moratorium on coal leases (spoiler alert: read Later, impatient with this piecemeal “permanent” moratorium). approach, this death by a thousand cuts, So accepted is this two front assault on coal the White House reached for heavier weapthat few even blinked when the administraons against coal, taking the leash off EPA tion quietly withdrew its support for Futureand its NRDC handlers and sticking coal Gen, an initiative first proposed by President power plants with a mercury and air toxics Bush in 2003. Mattoon, Illinois was picked as rule that will end up shutting down about the site for this project to build a zero emis20 percent of the coal fleet. The damage wasn’t from the mercury standard itself, but sions coal burning power plant. After years of the Obama Administration giving lip service from the air toxics limits that were hastily support for clean coal technology, the project added to the rule in the 12th hour, despite is dead. Instead of showing the world how the absence of any discernible benefit technological innovation can make affordable from them. fossil energy cleaner and its jobs safer, the The mercury rule was followed by the New president chose to show how he can test the Source Performance Standards for power plants. Recall these were technology standards limits of executive authority to eliminate both for new construction that set CO2 emissions so coal and coal miners.

Editor’s Note: Monthly, SBJ’s “The Question” asks two different people in the business community to answer the same question. This month’s question was “How have green initiatives affected your business?” We received only one response this month.

N

The administration’s war on coal is bigger than its war on terror — and arguably more effective. Coal has been stopped in its tracks while global terrorism metastasizes.

Of course, the casualties in the war on coal are the good guys, and the impacts in Illinois are real and being felt now. In 2015 our coal industry lost 727 direct mining jobs, or 16 percent of the workforce, and the near future looks bleak.

Announcements in 2016 to close mines or cutbacks in production have been made by coal operators American Coal, Peabody, Alliance and Foresight that will result in another 600 direct jobs lost. This will certainly have a PHIL GONET negative impact on the Southern Illinois economy. These miners and their families, and the tens of thousands of others who rely on coal, are all victims of “friendly fire” from their own government.

At the UN climate conference, the president boasted of his plans to shut down his coal industry. Mr. Obama may have a climate change legacy, but he’ll certainly be recalled for having destroyed more blue-collar, highwage employment opportunities than any president in history.

PHIL GONET is president of the Illinois Coal Association.

Luke Popovich is Director of Communications, National Mining Association

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL MARCH 2016 PAGE 9

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PAGE 10 MARCH 2016 SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

FINE

PRINT

Bankruptcies ‌Chapter 7 Tony L. Dugaro, 160 Edmister Road, Eldorado Christopher R. and Kyle D. Johnson, 805 N. Van Buren, Marion Crystal D. Norris, 405 N. Mill, Carrier Mills Adam C. Smith, 309 S. Pecan St., De Soto Shonda L. Crisp, 603A S. Land St., Harrisburg Kayla Renee Hines, 110 N. McKinley, Royalton Helen R. Hayes, 51 Russell Road, Eldorado Darren S. Small, 821 W. Fifth St., Johnston City Bradley J. and Belinda J. Jerolds, 627 S. Main, Anna Milton Brent and Angelia Kay Seibert II, 1108 Cedar, Mount Carmel Sally Ann Heather, 21004 N. Snapdragon Lane, Texico Tracy J. Douglas, P.O. Box 244, Cutler John J. Connolly, 1321 Richie Drive, Marion Teresa D. Stanley, 8524 Ezra Road, West Frankfort Michael L. Gossage, 106 N. Fifth St., Marion Beverly A. Gossage, 106 N. Fifth St., Marion Kristin J. Scott, 221 S. 10th St., Herrin Kristin Michaellee Daughenbaugh, 101 W. South St., Harrisburg Lisa M. Dial, 700 E. Cleveland St., Apt. 2D, West Frankfort Steven D. and Tracy D. Speakman Danner Sr., 14 N. Washington St., Apt. 35, Du Quoin Buddy T. and Jami J. Seibert, 515 Hwy 127, Vergennes Roxanne Bryant, 11268 Linck Road, Marion Scott E. and Donelle R. Wiggs, 708 Baggott, Zeigler Jacob G. and Alyssa R. Mocaby, 410 W. 10th St., Johnston City Richelle L. Craig, 208 Jackson, Carterville Patricia Yvonne Magnotti, 320 N. 30th, Herrin Perry E. Allen, 535 W. Cherry St., Herrin Deborah Rae Davison, 122 N. Maple, Du Quoin

Larry E. Robinson Jr., 1935 Elm St., Murphysboro Louis L. Halfacre, P.O. Box 35, Ina Catherine Arlean Bourland, 206 W. Williams St., Benton Walter E. and Tammy M. Simmons, 704 N. St., Murphysboro Brent Adam Hughes, 12832 N. Liebengood Lane, Mount Vernon

Chapter 13 Jesse L. Higgerson, 538 S. Jefferson, Du Quoin Anthony Cardoza II, 9554 Old Highway 13, Murphysboro Dana L. Roland, 3928 Baptist Camp Road, Carterville Gary L. Russell, 1122 E. Sloan St., Harrisburg John L. Milani, 319 W. Herrin St., Herrin Barbara Alice Zimmerman, P.O. Box 884, Jonesboro Brian Edward and Judy Kay Martin, P.O. Box 553, Herrin Thomas Ardell Needham, 9358 Mulkeytown Road, Mulkeytown Barbara E. Raugust, 275 Spanish Bluff Road, Anna Mary K. Bledsoe, 3823 State Route 127, Pinckneyville Kristopher B. and Tara C. Reese, 7806 Spillway Road, Apt. 4, Carbondale Michael W. and Venita D. Maples, 1585 Hall Church Road, Makanda Teresa M. Wilson, P.O. Box 323, Royalton Robert B. Howell, 300 S. Sims St., Royalton Dennis W. and Donna J. Fowler, 809 N. Eighth St., Benton Kevin J. and Karen L. Summers, 7414 Lake Creek Road, West Frankfort Kevin Lee Holmes, 1400 N. State St., Apt. B, Marion Tracie J. Deaton, 1381 N. Cypress Drive, Carbondale Doc Horsley, P.O. Box 3335, Carbondale Rick G. and Shirley J. Fletcher, 1284 Hoffman Road, Murphysboro Jody Dewayne and Angela R. Loeh, P.O. Box 302, Royalton Diana Faye George, 29 N. Elm, Tamaroa Michael Avat Isom, 105 Ashlar St., Apt. D, Jonesboro Stephen Michael and Amber Lynn Ferguson, 615 N. Washington, Du Quoin

Permits

Metropolis ‌

Carbondale‌ Shoe Carnival, 1340 E. Main St., $137,794 Verizon Wireless, 1230 E. Main St., $274,800 Cellco Partnership, 1072 N. Reed Station Road, $20,000 Garden Grove Event Center, 1215 E. Walnut St., $40,000 Anita And David Presley, 400 S. Forest Ave., $2,500 Suzanne A. Gorrell, 616 N. Oakland Ave., $28,000 Darren Asbaugh, 711 N. McKinley St., $34,500 Mary and Terrence Lyes, 208 S. Hanseman St., $1,500 Allen Arnold, 2571 S. Illinois Ave., $6,500 Heather L. Purifoy, 602 E. Cindy St., $8,200 Pale, 106 S. Glenview Drive, $200 Hampton Inn, 2175 Reed Station Parkway, $250,000 Loretta Cooley, 1075 E. Park St., $10,000 Burger King, 1395 E. Main St., $145,000 AMC University 8 Theatre, 1370 E. Main St., $1,607,000

Marion‌ Marion High School, 803 N. Granite St., $50,000 Eddie and Ryann Dixon, 503 E. College St., $4,000 JMB Development, 1812 Court St., $400,000 LaDonna Howell, 1706 W. Chestnut St., $3,500

Bill’s BBQ, 1105 E. Seventh St., $5,000 Samuel Smith, 205 W. 19th St., $13,000 Alma Kennedy, 732 E. 12th St., $700

Mount Vernon ‌ Leonard Lane, 210 Opdyke, $0 Plaza Tire, 403 S. 42nd St., $52,000 John Hercules, 1403 S. 26th St., $1,300 Marco’s Pizza, 2629 Broadway, $3,000 Charles Sakonyi, 2519 Casey, $13,000 William T. Jones, 12835 E. Harlan Road, $0 Housing Authority of Jefferson County, 621 Lamar, $235,000 Sears, 4700 Broadway, $4,500 United Methodist Children’s Home, 2023 Richview, $27,500 David Clark, 14700 E. Mick Road, $20,000 Anytime Fitness, 612 S. 42nd St., $200,000 Carl Helverson, 13999 N. County Farm Lane, $90,000 JPB Rentals, 9390 E. Illinois Highway 15, $200 Neil Sinks, 501 N. Seventh St., $0 Paul Shields, 208 S. Fourth St., $0 Ed Skelton and Heather Vitle, 1220 S. 13th St., $0 Milano Railcars Services, 510 S. Sixth St., $0 City of Mount Vernon, nine properties, $0 El-Rancherito Restaurant, 4303 Broadway, $50,000 Clay City Banking Company, Elizabeth Phelps, 303 S. 27th St., $0

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SOUTHERN MARCH1,2016 Southern BusinessBUSINESS Journal JOURNAL Tuesday, March 2016 PAGE Page 11 11

Creating, attraCting, and SuStaining impaCtful CompanieS in Southern illinoiS Success has never been easier with the resources available in the SIU Research Park. We offer modern, affordable, commercial office space, conveniently located near the Southern Illinois University Campus.

More than just office space, the SIU Research Park is a business atmosphere complete with consultants providing training in operations and management, marketing, business planning, and financing.

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PAGE 8 MARCH 2016 SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL