Southern Business Journal by The Southern Illinoisan

S O U T H E R N

Serving 18 Illinois counties • www.sbj.biz

OFFICE PARTY!

Reports of its death greatly exaggerated COVER STORY BEGINS ON PAGE 3

APRIL 2014

“One Region, One Vision” ™

Directory of Advertisers

Inside APRIL 2014

SIU Credit Union ....................... 3

WORKPLACE

MONEY MATTERS

Dress for success: You may not want to admit it, but we all judge a book by the cover and people by the first impressions they make. What you wear in the workplace says a great deal about you and sends a message that precedes your words. Do you give any thought to what you will be doing that day when you dress? How will you know what to do?

Stretch for success: It’s widely known that an IRA can be an effective way to save for retirement. But the IRA can be used for other purposes, too. It can be an effective estate-planning tool, allowing participants to transfer wealth to future generations while reducing, deferring or even eliminating income taxes on retirement savings.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Not the best response: Panic may be the first and most-powerful reaction when siblings recognize their parents have declined mentally, physically or both and need help caring for themselves. What to do? Some families realize the parents may need to spend down all of their savings to pay for their care in a nursing home, and they may even lose their home or farm.

PAGE 9

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

PAGE 12

PAGE 6

ELDER LAW

John A. Logan College .............. 5

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

Southern Illinois University .....13

Southern Illinois Healthcare ...16

1st Bank & Trust .......................18

PAGES 14, 15, 17

Pepsi MidAmerica...................20 S O U T H E R N

Serving 18 Illinois counties • www.sbj.biz

“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 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.

Publisher Bob Williams 618-351-5038 Editor Gary Metro 618-351-5033 Advertising Mark Dynis 618-351-5815 Design and Layout Rhonda May 618-529-5454, ext. 5118

APRIL 2014

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

The office party is not dead DEB SAUERHAGE SBJ CORRESPONDENT

Event planners in Southern Illinois are staying busy year around with a variety of corporate events from post-holiday parties to summer staff picnics and customer appreciation get-togethers. Walker’s Bluff Event Coordinator Kelcey Keith has seen an increase in corporate events over the past two years. “Several companies have hosted customer appreciation events, celebrated

company milestones, anniversaries and holidays or birthdays,” Keith said. “Larger corporations with over 3,000 guests have rented our outdoor space for a day of entertainment, food, wine and music.” Walker’s Bluff has also hosted strategic planning events, team building activities, meetings, conferences, private dining parties and company picnics. “I have also noticed an increase in company dinner meetings, as well,” Keith said. “On average, we host 10 private dinner meetings per month.”

The events, a mix of office social gatherings and business meetings, fluctuate significantly during the fall and holiday seasons according to Keith. Post-holiday parties are on the rise, according to Nicole Davis with the Hospitality and Tourism Administration program at SIU. “Prices are cheaper in January and February for the event host and the venues love the business in what would traditionally be slow months for events,” Davis said. “It also gives employees a chance to spend more time with family during the holiday season.” But different types of businesses are nearly always hosting parties. “The majority of our venue space is booked by repeat customers and includes large corporations, university systems, physicians, businesses and SEE PARTY / PAGE 4

NOT EVERY PARTY IS PERFECT Not every can be perfect. Lack of organization, attention to detail and uncontrollable events, like the weather, can make your party an epic fail. Here are some tips to help your event along: - If you use an event committee, make sure it stays on-track and effective. - Pay attention to food presentation and safety - Consider a licensed caterer. - Get everyone from the company on board. Make sure top managers are present. - Having a backup plan and an event planner with a can-do attitude. - Pick an event planner carefully. Look for appropriate experience and check references.

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

FROM PAGE 3

APRIL 2014

PARTY: Local businesses are nearly always hosting events

pharmaceutical companies,” said Keith. Corporate events are not just for employees. “The effort of hosting an office party for employees or a customer appreciation event not only builds good will, but its smart public relations,” said Karen Binder an owner of Southern Sisters Spirits LLC, a rural Carbondale craft distillery. Binder has experience working with caterers and planning group events for groups of eight up to more than 200,000 people as a winery consultant and former director and marketing specialist for Illinois Wine. “These events are one way to show appreciation, celebrate success and build camaraderie,” Binder said. Keith agrees. “Employee recognition and team building are two critical components of any successful business,” said Keith. Team building, a department dinner or company gala off site may be a great opportunity for employees to interact. “It’s also a perfect time to reinforce your company’s vision and/or short- and long-term goals or to launch a new product or service,” said Keith. Many corporations are using professional event planners for their parties. “Until recently, there really haven’t been any formal training programs beyond apprentice-type situations,” said Davis, who is also president of the International Society of Travel and Tourism Educators.” However, degrees and degree concentrations or certificates, are becoming more common in university hospitality and related programs. SIU offers an online professional development sequence in event planning and management that is very popular.” Many event planners have extensive on-the-job and work experience. “Experience counts, but I wouldn’t discount someone a little green if they have the right background and network, especially for smaller event,” Davis said. “You’ll want to meet and essentially interview the event planner. Select someone with experience in the type of event you’re planning.” According to Davis, experienced event planners have a large network of vendors and suppliers and can call in favors to make things happen. “The more experience means the higher the rate, however. Ask for references and then check them,” Davis said. College degrees in marketing and event planning — uncommon at the moment

DON’T FORGET THE DETAILS Walker’s Bluff Event Coordinator Kelcey Keith offers this advice for planning an event. For the company: • Determine meeting goals and objectives. • Identify potential dates and guest list. • Complete a preliminary budget. • Determine meeting theme. For the planner: • Identify appropriate venue. • Determine seating arrangement. • Determine decorating needs. • Determine entertainment. • Determine and negotiate hotel accommodations and transportation. • Identify menu options and beverage needs. • Identify registration needs For the company and planner: • Determine promotional strategy—invitations, press releases, etc. • Identify technology needs.

— communications, or hospitality are common among event planners. “The Certified Meeting Professionals designation through the Convention Industry Council is common among corporate event planners, but still not something that is a must-have,” said Davis. Finding an event planner can be as simple as looking online, working with a caterer or asking a favorite restaurateur who’ve they’ve enjoyed working with in the past, Binder said. Keith recommends looking for past experience, attention to detail, contingency planning, creativity, problem solving skill and venue flexibility. You may also want to ask potential event planners if they are a member of the Professional Convention Management Association, PCMA, and or Meeting Professionals International, MPI. SIU has an MPI chapter on campus. Like any other business meeting, when working with an event planner, be prepared. “Have the event in your mind before you select and/or meet with a third-party event planner,” Davis said. “You’ll want to discuss the event purpose, desired theme, type of food, potential entertainment and budget.” And sharpen your pencil.

“Make sure to negotiate rates with the planner. Everything in this industry is negotiable,” Davis said. “And get it in writing (even) if there isn’t a formal contract. Don’t just hire an event planner and step completely away. Stay involved in the process.” Also, budget for the cost of the event planner, which may vary. “There are so many variables here that it’s hard to really pin down and there are several ways a planner can charge for their services,” Davis said. Most will ask for a flat fee while others charge by the hour or day. Another option is working with an event planner from the venue. “Our coordinators have an intimate knowledge of our different venues and will select the most appropriate location and options for your final approval,” said Keith. Their goal is to make your event special at their venue. “We will plan and organize every detail of your event to make sure your guests have an unforgettable experience,” said Keith. “We take care of everything from lodging, transportation, A/V equipment needs, venue set up, culinary and entertainment requests and more.” If you decide to plan an event on your own, Davis offers this advice. “First, decide the purpose or objective of the event — (for instance) a holiday party to award employees versus an awards banquet,” Davis said. “This will help you determine theme, type of food and beverage served, and any entertainment.” Pay attention to the timeline and budget. “Set the date for the event with your chosen venue and work backward to develop a timeline that will help you stay on track,” Davis said. “Determine your budget and reserve some for a contingency for emergencies.” Binder recommends drawing on your creativity. “Be creative about how to celebrate: an organized picnic, an in-house chili cook off, a catered meal, a group dinner out, a night at the ballpark or even a simple potluck lunch,” Binder said. Binder recommends getting employees involved. “Appoint an employee committee, but ensure they know the budget and other constraints,” Binder said. Organizational experience is key. Not every party is perfect. Lack of organization, attention to detail and uncontrollable events, like the weather, can make your party an epic fail.

An ineffective event committee can hurt. “Many corporate events are planned this way and make for unorganized and ineffective events and sometimes disastrous events as well,” said Davis. Food safety is one concern. “If you are serving food, make sure you’re working with a licensed caterer,” Davis said. “If the venue has a preferred providers or caterers list, you’ll be able to select from many.” A licensed caterer can prevent an event headache or even stomachache. “For buffet service especially, make sure your caterer uses appropriate buffet equipment to keep food at the correct temps to prevent food-borne illness,” Davis said. “I’ve seen a lot of buffets at events where the food wasn’t served properly..” It is important to get everyone on board. “If you’re hosting an employee function, ensure the management shows up,” said Binder, Having a backup plan and an event planner with a can-do attitude is also important. A local customer appreciation picnic for a national financial institution was nearly derailed due to weather. “Plans included an outdoor picnic, barbecue and music for approximately 500 people, slated to begin at 10 a.m.,” said Keith. “A major storm hit the area after midnight, continuing into the early morning hours.” The customer was reluctant to cancel event because invitations were sent to major customers in a three-county area. Rescheduling would be a huge expense. “We were on the phone at 6 a.m. with the company representatives and quickly decided to move the party into our wine processing and tasting room, utilizing our covered patios for the music and children’s activities,” said Keith. The event went off without a hitch, and the event planner coordinated the save. “They had one point of contact, the event coordinator, who took care of all the details. She had a team of experts that she deployed to make the changes transparent to the company and their guests,” said Keith. “The company was able to bask in the compliments without the stress.” Making changes at the last minute takes a lot of experience, which may be your best criteria for picking an event planner. DEB SAUERHAGE is a correspondent for the Southern Business Journal.

April 2014

Southern Business Journal

| 5

Southern Business Journal April 2014

Workplace

Dressing for success in the workplace ANGELA HOLMES-YOUNG SBJ CONTRIBUTOR‌

‌Have you ever found yourself making judgments about others without really knowing them? I am sure you would never admit to doing such a thing. However, we all know that this happens all of the time. Take this information and reverse it. What image do you think that you are projecting out into the world? What do you think that others are saying or thinking about you? Specifically, what kind of image do you project in the Holmes-Young workplace? Do you give off a sense of professionalism? This can be about more than just the dress code that you keep, but that is a good place to start. Does what you wear to work make a difference? Does anyone even notice? What if the clothes you are wearing to work is bringing you attention, but not in a positive way? I assure you that people are taking notice. A book is judged by its cover. Do you give any thought to what you will be doing that day when you dress? Does it matter? Now, keep in mind that every organization is different. Some industries have their own dress codes. Also, sometimes the type of work being done can dictate what should or should not be worn to work. How will you know what to do? The following list will keep you out of trouble. 1. Keep it appropriate for the industry. Let me use these guidelines to further explain. Many manufacturers have dress codes or provide uniforms to those working in manufacturing areas. The industry can dictate what is appropriate, and there are reasons for this. Some clothing items or accessories may not be allowed because they could scratch the finished product. Safety concerns also come into play in an industrial setting. Other industries, such as banking or health care, typically have very specific dress See dress / Page 8

April 2014

Southern Business Journal

| 7

Investments

Company analysis: Build your business moat MICHAEL P. TISON SBJ CONTRIBUTOR‌

‌There are many ways to analyze a company. You can look at the most minuscule portions of a company to analyze it very closely. You can also analyze the company in a big-picture way. Morningstar, in its Stock Investor newsletter, talks about companies with a competitive advantage — companies with wide moats. In medieval times, moats protected castles from enemies. Well, these are not medieval Tison times, but the more protection a company has from competitors, governments and pricing, the greater advantage the company has. Morningstar mentions five core sources of moats.

Cost advantage

It is great to be able to build a product or sell it cheaper than competitors. Walmart is an example of a company that is both streamlined and so large that it can negotiate pricing from suppliers that is often better than its competitors and then sell those products cheaper than its competitors. This has been going on for a while. It helps Walmart compete, and it or another to switch from one company/ is one of the reasons that Walmart is one supplier to another. It is very difficult to of the largest corporations in the world. switch the company you get your power from. If you are a jet manufacturer, you might use Rolls Royce or General Electric Intangible assets jet engines. Not a lot of other choices. An example of intangible assets might be patents, which are awarded by govern- When an industry is controlled by just a few companies, it is called an oligopoly. ments. This gives companies the ability to sell a product without any competition Often, these companies have such an advantage that it is difficult to switch for a period of time. Many companies do among them. a tremendous amount of research and Another example might be your comdevelopment to get and keep this advantage. Another intangible asset that might puter system or software. If your company give a company a wide moat is marketing has written many programs to tailor the or name-brand recognition. Many people software to your exact uses, it might be just have to have an Apple phone. It might very expensive to switch to another comnot be much better than the competition, puter or software company. but it is perceived to be better.

Switching costs

It can be really difficult for one reason

Network effect

An example of this is eBay, which has developed the largest online grouping of

ART SERVICES

buyers and sellers of non-standard goods. It is really hard for a competitor to develop the scale to compete. Another example is that Google does such a good job with search, many want to use only Google. Sure, Yahoo might compete; but few can compete on Google’s scale because it has developed such a great network.

Efficient scale

I often think of this as economies-ofscale. It is really easy to add a barbecue place to a town. A nice barbecue place like 17th Street Bar & Grill might invest in a great building and serve a lot of customers, but it is not that hard for Billy Bob to start a business like this out of his house. Conversely, it is really hard to build a pipeline or power plant or become a car manufacturer. These might cost a lot of

money or require close work with the state or national government. Suffice to say, that can be difficult. Therefore, existing companies in those industries have an advantage because of competitors’ entry barrier. This material is provided for information purposes only and is not a complete description, nor is it a recommendation to buy or sell any investment. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss, regardless of strategy selected. Any opinions are those of Michael Tison and not necessarily of Raymond James. MICHAEL P. TISON is a registered principal/financial advisor with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/ SIPC. Raymond James has offices in Marion and at 37 S. Main St. in Harrisburg. Mr. Tison can be reached at 618-253-4444.

Southern Business Journal April 2014

From page 6

Dress: Think about dressing for the job that you want to have

codes that have industry-driven reasons. 2. Keep your clothing appropriate for the temperature and environment that you will be working in. Common sense? You would think so, but not always. If you are working outdoors, keep that in mind and dress in layers. If you know you will be outside, then plan for it. Whether it is winter or summer, bring what you need. Plan ahead and do not be caught off guard. If you work in an office and it is always cold, then bring a sweater. 3. Keep it appropriate for the organization. Different organizations have differing cultures, so use this to guide you when it comes to your dress choices. Many places these days advocate business casual. This may or may not mean that jeans are acceptable. Business casual does not necessarily equal jeans, and it certainly does not include pajama pants. I repeat. Do not wear your pajama pants to work! Make sure you get a full understanding of what is acceptable. 4. Never wear anything offensive or

suggestive. Do not wear items that have phrases or slogans that are offensive in any way. I guarantee that this will be a violation of your employer’s dress code policy. Do not wear suggestive items. Do not wear the same clothes that you may wear out on the weekends. You are not going to a bar (unless you work at a bar), so dress appropriately. Dress for the job that you have now, and then think about dressing for the job that you want to have. So, how do you know what to wear? It is simple. Ask. Ask a co-worker. Ask your boss. Ask human resources. If you are not comfortable asking, then take a look around. What are others wearing? What is your boss wearing? Take a cue from that. If you still feel like you do not know what to wear, then always be cautious. Go conservative. Nothing racy. Keep it simple. Try reading the actual dress code policy. You may or may not have very strict limitations on what you can and cannot wear. It truly depends on your organization. What you wear to work can and

does say a lot about you. Let’s take this conversation into a slightly different direction. Let’s bring hygiene into the mix. Now, I am sure that you are thinking that this cannot possibly apply to you. Never say never. You would be surprised at the hygiene items that get addressed every day in the workplace. These conversations are happening with professionals at all levels. Some of these things are simple. Some may just be perceived issues. Some are true problems. My advice is simple. Get a handle on this, please. We are adults, so act like it. 1. Take a minute to think about what you are wearing. Is it appropriate for your workplace and the work that you will be doing that day? 2. Is your choice of work clothes making you stand out from the crowd, but not in a good way? If your friend was wearing the same thing, what would you say about it? 3. Are you in compliance with your company’s dress code? 4. Is your hygiene under control? I don’t just mean in regards to showering or

deodorant. I am talking about your entire overall workplace presence. A true professional thinks of others, as well. Take your hygiene standards to the next level. For example, I like smelly hand lotion. I think it smells great. Several of my co-workers do not. Now that I am aware of that, I do not use that hand lotion at work. It seriously causes my co-workers to be uncomfortable and makes one of them nauseous. I know this because we discussed it. It is amazing what a little communication can do. I urge you to be open to conversations like this because everyone can benefit. In the end, we do not want others to be uncomfortable. Plus, you get the chance to be professional. ANGELA HOLMES-YOUNG is a workplace expert, author and speaker in Southern Illinois. Follow her @A_Holmes_Young. Look for more information on her new, soon-to-be-released book that is available for pre-sale at https://www. tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book. php?w=9781630631321.

April 2014

Southern Business Journal

| 9

Elder Law

Married couple saves home, $164K through solid planning Months later, Mr. Vick entered a nursing home, and an application for Medicaid benefits to help pay for his care was made. The application was referred to the Illi‌When families recognize that their parents have declined and they now need nois Office of Inspector General (OIG) because a number of transfers had been help caring for themselves, panic often made (all pursuant to the plan developed sets in. The families realize that their by the elder law attorney). The OIG parents may need imposed a penalty due to the transfers, to spend down all making Mr. Vick ineligible for Medicaid of their savings to benefits for 23 months. An administrative pay for their care appeal followed. in a nursing home, In an extensive 35-page decision, the and they may even hearing officer analyzed federal and state lose their home or law, as well as case law from other states. farm. Panic, howThe hearing officer rejected the governever, is not the best ment’s arguments that the transfers were response because it non-allowable, reversed the 23-month may lead to somepenalty period, and held that appellant thing akin to a deer Habinger Robert E. Vick was eligible for long-term staring into the headlights of an oncoming truck. Picking care Medicaid benefits, retroactively to the first day of the third month prior to up the phone and calling an advisor is a much better response, depending on who the month in which the Medicaid application had been made. you call for assistance. The first two transfers to which the This is the third of three articles in government objected were Mr. Vick’s Southern Business Journal that discuss transfers of his interest in approximately three cases. The February and March $135,639 of marital assets to his wife’s editions discussed cases that were badly Revocable Living Trust (RLT). Subsehandled by reckless persons who lacked quently, when the wife died, the assets sufficient experience and seasoned were transferred from the wife’s RLT to maturity to know when they ought to the trustee of a Testamentary Supplenot use techniques and strategies that ment Needs Trust (TSNT) created for the were unworkable, resulting in a loss of benefit of Mr. Vick pursuant the terms assets to the government. This month’s of his wife’s “pour-over/pour-back” last article examines a case in which the will. The Illinois Medicaid agency made family essentially kept everything the an argument that was essentially the government claimed, including a home same argument the Connecticut Medand $164,067. icaid agency had made regarding very In this month’s case, the Vick family similar facts and Medicaid policy in that consulted with an elder law attorney to set up a plan that would work in the event state. Following an extensive analysis of applicable federal law and Illinois state that either one, or both, of the parents regulations and policies, and following the might need care in a nursing home. The logic of the Connecticut Supreme Court, plan included, among other documents, powers of attorney for health and property the hearing officer held that the TSNT was created by the last will of Mr. Vick’s for both spouses, deeds and a revocable deceased wife, and, thus, it was exempt trust and last will for each spouse.. RICHARD HABIGER SBJ CONTRIBUTOR‌

from the transfer rules that otherwise would require the imposition of a penalty for transfer of the marital assets. The OIG argued in its brief that the appellant was required to renounce the wife’s will and claim his statutory share of the wife’s estate; in support, the OIG cited appellate court decisions in Wisconsin and New Jersey. Those two cases were distinguishable because the Wisconsin and New Jersey statutes specifically required the Medicaid applicant to renounce the will of a deceased spouse. On the other hand, at the time Mr. Vick’s application was filed, neither the Illinois Administrative Code nor the Medicaid Policy Manual required the appellant to renounce the last will of his spouse. While the code was amended Jan. 1, 2012, adding specific language in this regard, the new provision did not apply in the Vick case because the provision was added to the Illinois code after the application was filed and after the administrative hearing was held. A third and fourth transfer in the Vick case ($16,345 and $7,494) were to the appellant’s son and daughter-in-law for care services pursuant to a written care contract that had been created years earlier. Although the evidence clearly established that Mr. and Mrs. Vick had been cared for at home and out of the nursing home for a number of years, the OIG argued that there was insufficient proof that Mr. and Mrs. Vick had received fair market value for the two transfers made as partial compensation for the care services provided pursuant to the written care contract. Citing an Indiana case, the hearing officer held that the determination of whether fair market value for services under a written care contract is highly dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each case. Following a factspecific analysis, as in a similar Missouri case, the hearing officer found that the

services required by the contract, as evidenced by time and expense logs (supplemented by documentary and testimonial evidence), was in fact provided and helped to delay Mr. Vick’s placement into a nursing facility. Moreover, Mr. Vick did not pay a lump sum for the services, but rather an hourly rate per the terms of the contract, which rate was far below what a privatecare agency would have charged Mr. Vick for the same services. Accordingly, the hearing officer concluded that fair market value was received by Mr. Vick, and, thus, no penalty period was created by these two transfers. A fifth transfer, totaling $4,588, was for reimbursement to the son for payment of real estate taxes, insurance, tree service and the repair of a broken window. Because this transfer was made in order to maintain the appellant’s home, the hearing officer held the transfer to be allowable and not subject to a penalty period. The moral of the Vick case, as well as the cases discussed in the February and March issues of SBJ, is as follows: When selecting an advisor to assist you or your parent with planning for long-term care, you need to work with an elder law attorney who is mature enough to not take reckless and unnecessary risks with your family’s home and savings. This advisor should know the system inside and out — from long-range planning to filing the Medicaid application to handling all aspects of an OIG audit, and, if necessary, to the presentation of evidence in an appeal. RICHARD HABIGER is author of the Illinois edition of “How to Protect Your Family’s Assets from Devastating Nursing Home Costs: Medicaid Secrets” and an elder law attorney who focuses on asset protection, Medicaid and VA benefits. He can be reached at 618-985-4529 or info@habigerelderlaw.com.

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

YTD Jan 2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

12.3 7.4 65.0 3.3 4.8 9.2 21.8 16.0 1.0 69.8 7.4 51.6 13.5 10.6 3.4 6.6 12.4 3.7 9.7 12.2 $341.7 $16,087.0

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

N I L L I Chicago Fed Midwest % change 09-13 Manufacturing Index

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%

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

105 104 103 102

IPMFG Dec 13 97.8

100 98 94

90 88 86 84 82 81

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.

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.

Labor force

Jobless

Jan 2014

Dec 2013

Jan 2013

2,739 16,765 2,516 4,181 1,649 30,101 19,849 5,044 6,970 9,165 1,785 2,648 14,917 12,176 7,693 8,969 7,096 33,436 187,699 6,502,446 154,381,000

314 2,227 245 377 194 2,452 1,800 611 622 1,131 199 316 1,373 1,296 970 659 597 3,064 18,447 589,404 10,855,000

11.5% 13.3% 9.7% 9.0% 11.8% 8.1% 9.1% 12.1% 8.9% 12.3% 11.1% 11.9% 9.2% 10.6% 12.6% 7.3% 8.4% 9.2% 9.8% 9.1% 6.6%

10.9% 12.9% 9.4% 7.9% 12.0% 7.7% 9.0% 10.9% 8.6% 11.7% 10.5% 10.6% 8.6% 10.4% 11.4% 6.5% 8.2% 8.8% 9.3% 8.6% 6.7%

12.4% 13.8% 10.3% 9.5% 13.4% 8.8% 9.4% 12.8% 10.8% 13.2% 11.3% 12.2% 9.9% 11.2% 13.3% 8.0% 8.8% 10.0% 10.6% 10.2% 7.9%

Change month

Change year

0.6 0.4 0.3 1.1 0.2 0.4 0.1 1.2 0.3 0.6 0.6 1.3 0.6 0.2 0.8 0.8 0.2 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.1

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

thesouthern.com

76 74

CFMMI Dec 13

0.9 72 97.4 0.5 70 0.6 68 0.5 66 1.6 64M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D ’12 ’13 0.7 SOURCE: FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF CHICAGO 0.3 0.7 1.9 0.9 0.2 0.3 Feb 14 Feb 13 Change 0.7 0.6 MONTHLY TOTALS 0.7 680 692 1.7% 0.7 0.4 YTD TOTALS 0.8 1,446 1,460 1.0% 0.8 2013 2012 Change 1.1 1.3 ANNUAL TOTALS 10,476 10,170 3.0%

Williamson County Regional Airport passengers

 #1 most visited news, information and advertising

website in Southern Illinois.

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 March 2014. SOURCE: EXPERIAN

671

Local

Region

673

665

State

O R S U of I Flash Index

U. S.

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

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

Jan 14

Jan 13

Change

2013

11 115 21 26 17 128 70 41 29 40 9 16 83 73 30 58 51 169 987

11 94 25 43 9 142 91 41 34 49 5 20 106 78 44 55 75 180 1,060

22.2% 2.5% 8.7% 0.0% 30.8% 17.4% 9.1% 28.1% 3.6% 35.5% 28.6% 77.8% 7.8% 3.9% 37.5% 17.4% 21.5% 14.6% 6.9%

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

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

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

Hotel/motel stats

Consumer Price Index

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

Oct 13 Oct 12 MONTHLY TOTALS $829,592

Change

$801,312

3.5%

YTD TOTALS $6,716,604

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. 234

232

$6,761,219 <0.01%

2012 ANNUAL TOTALS

2011

Change

230

228

U.S. City Average Feb 14 234.8

226

$7,728,261 <0.01%

224

222

Total units sold, including condominiums

Q4 13 Alexander Franklin Gallatin Hamilton Hardin Jackson Jefferson Johnson Massac Perry Pope Pulaski Randolph Saline Union Williamson ILLINOIS

Feb 14 106.8

$7,732,810

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

Home sales

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

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.

1 82 3 1 6 63 54 27 32 22 7 1 39 39 24 159 31,507

Q4 12 6 75 1 4 3 80 65 19 21 25 3 2 25 30 31 164 32,975

Change

83.3% 9.3% 200.0% 75.0% 100.0% 22.2% 16.9% 42.1% 52.4% 12.0% 133.3% 50.0% 56.0% 30.0% 27.3% 3.0% 4.5%

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

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

MEDIAN SALES PRICE Q4 13 Q4 12 $30,000 $54,000 $74,000 $8,000 $72,500 $97,000 $76,000 $79,000 $74,000 $44,000 $81,660 $94,100 $75,000 $46,000 $80,365 $82,000 $148,000

$15,500 $43,000 $75,000 $59,000 $46,000 $98,250 $89,000 $66,000 $69,500 $69,000 $42,500 $300,000 $24,500 $60,000 $65,150 $98,000 $134,000

220

Change

218

93.5% Midwest Urban 25.6% Feb 14 223.5 1.3% 86.4% 57.6% 1.3% SOURCE: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR 14.6% 20.0% 7.2% 3.5% Average price per gallon of regular, unleaded gas 72.8% as of March 23 and Feb. 18, 2014. 284.1% Mar 14 Feb 14 Mar 13 25.0% $3.67 $3.36 $3.85 29.4% Metro East 7.3% Springfield $3.63 $3.28 $3.71 16.3% Illinois $3.75 $3.49 $3.88 $3.53 $3.37 $3.68 10.4% U.S. 216

214

212

J ’13

Monthly Page Views:

Monthly Unique Visitors:

Monthly Visits:

2,708,645

468,452

925,726

Let us help grow your business. Call (618) 351-5014 *March 2014 omniture

Prices at the pump

SOURCE: AAA

SOURCE: ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS

F ‘14

Southern Business Journal April 2014

Money Matters

Stretching your wealth to future generations SCOTT MCCLATCHEY SBJ CONTRIBUTOR‌

‌You probably understand that an IRA can be an effective way to save for retirement. But, did you know that it can also be an effective estate-planning tool, allowing you to transfer wealth to future generations while reducing, deferring or even eliminating income taxes on your retirement savings? Transferring wealth with a multigenerational “stretch” IRA could be an ideal solution for you. McClatchey A stretch IRA is a traditional IRA that passes from the account owner to a younger beneficiary at the time of the account owner’s death. Since the younger beneficiary has a longer life expectancy than the original IRA owner, he or she will be able to “stretch” the life of the IRA by receiving smaller required minimum distributions (RMDs) each year over his or her life span. More money can then remain in the IRA

with the potential for continued taxdeferred growth. Creating a stretch IRA has no effect on the account owner’s minimum distribution requirements, which continue to be based on his or her life expectancy. Once the account owner dies, however, beneficiaries begin taking RMDs based on their own life expectancies. Owners of a stretch IRA must begin receiving RMDs after reaching age 70½, whereas, beneficiaries of a stretch IRA begin receiving RMDs after the account owner’s death. In either scenario, distributions are taxable to the payee at then-current income tax rates. Beneficiaries also have the right to receive the full value of their inherited IRA assets by the end of the fifth year, following the year of the account owner’s death. However, by opting to take only the required minimum amount instead, a beneficiary can theoretically stretch the IRA — and tax-deferred growth — throughout his or her lifetime. If you do not currently have any IRA beneficiaries, employing the “stretch” technique by naming a beneficiary could provide significantly more long-term benefits than simply allowing the account balance to be paid out to your estate as

a taxable lump-sum distribution. So, if you’re unlikely to deplete your IRA assets during retirement, consider creating a multigenerational stretch IRA. By doing so, you could help build long-term financial security for a loved one.

of the oldest beneficiary.) zz ‌The ability of beneficiaries to base RMDs on their own life expectancy means that the money you accumulate in your IRA and leave to heirs has the potential to last longer and produce more wealth for younger generations. Keep in mind that this information is Consider the implications zz ‌The ability to name new beneficiaries presented for educational purposes only and does not represent tax or financial after RMDs have begun means that you advice. While it’s true that recent regulacan include a child in your stretch IRA tory changes have indeed made it much strategy, regardless of when the child easier to incorporate a stretch IRA into was born. your multigenerational financial planning zz ‌The ability to change beneficiary initiatives, it’s always a good idea to speak designations after the account owner’s with tax and investment professionals death means that one beneficiary may before implementing any new tax strategy. choose to disclaim his or her own beneficiary status so that more assets pass SCOTT MCCLATCHEY is a certified finanto another beneficiary. For example, if cial planner with Alliance Investment an account owner names his son as the Planning Group, a Carbondale investment primary beneficiary and his grandson as firm located at 115 S. Washington St. He the secondary beneficiary, the son could remove himself as a beneficiary and allow can be reached at 618-519-9344 or scott@ allianceinvestmentplanning.com. He also the entire IRA to pass to the grandson. RMDs would then be based on the grand- provides investment, retirement planning son’s life expectancy, not on the son’s life and insurance services to SIU Credit Union members through the SIU Credit Union expectancy, as would have been the case Investment Services partnership. Securities if the son remained a beneficiary. (When there is more than one beneficiary, RMDs offered through LPL Financial, member are calculated by using the life expectancy FINRA/SIPC.

April 2014

Southern Business Journal

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| 13

Southern Business Journal April 2014

Achievements Eagan earns CLU designation

‌ ountry Financial representative C Curtis N. Eagan of Golconda has earned the Chartered Life Underwriter designation from The American College, Bryn Mawr, Pa. The CLU program covers all aspects

Wiltowski

Boots

Eagan serves clients at 211 E. Main St. of insurance planning, estate and retirement issues, taxation, business insurance in Golconda and can be reached at 618683-4501. and risk management. Eagan became a financial representative with Country Financial in 2001. During his career, Blacklock attends summit he has been named an All American two times. ‌ arbara J. Blacklock, managing B director-investments for Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC in Carbondale, recently attended the seventh annual Barron’s Top Women Advisors Summit in Florida. The summit was hosted by Barron’s magazine to promote best practices in the industry and the value of advice to the investing public. Blacklock was among approximately 500 financial advisers who were selected by their firms to participate in the invitation-only Misselhorn Burns conference.

Law firm adds attorneys

Sievers

Johnson

Betts

Brombaugh

Squibb

Partain

Emling

Gorton

Faces in the news Have you been promoted? Send a photo. Has a colleague at work completed an intensive continuing Goforth Williams education program? Eagan Send a photo. Others in the business community will want to know it, so please consider passing on your employment news and photos to the Southern Business Journal. Feel free to email the information to sbj@thesouthern.com. Find more business news at www.sbj.biz

‌The Carbondale law firm of Feirich/ Mager/Green/Ryan has added three attorneys, Bentley J. Bender, Brandy L. Johnson and D. Brian Smith. With his graduate degree in taxation, Bender has an increased capability to serve clients with tax and estate planning concerns. Johnson concentrates her practice in workers’ compensation and employment law, and Smith focuses on workers’ compensation, civil litigation, appellate practice and education law.

Marlow retires from Diagraph

‌After 44 years of service, Stephen C. Marlow retired Dec. 30 from Diagraph, a business unit of Illinois Tool Works. He was honored during retirement parties at the Marion and St. Louis facilities. Marlow has an accounting degree from SIU and spent 35 years of his career at Diagraph as its controller and head of the accounting department. In more recent years, he served as human resources manager.

Product endorsed on program ‌Bruce Mitchell, The Alligator Man on the History Channel’s reality television show, “Swamp People,” recently endorsed a Johnston City man’s product on “The Outdoor Shopper,” a televised shopping program focused solely on outdoor products. “The Outdoor Shopper” selected Louie’s Italian Seasoning as a featured product for cooking wild game and beef. Louie’s Italian Seasoning is a product of Louie’s Seasoning Company, based at 506 Water Ave. in Johnston City. Chris Gualdoni is president of the company. Gualdoni said he ships his products to more than 1,600 stores in 19 states.

Goforth attends educational seminar

‌Phyllis J. Goforth of Mulkeytown, a Modern Woodmen of America representative, has completed a five-day training Rollins writes journal article program at Modern Woodmen’s home office in Rock Island. ‌Angela J. Rollins of Royalton, a law The program focused on helping famiclerk to the Hon. J. Phil Gilbert, Southern District of Illinois, U.S. District Court, is lies plan for life and reach their financial goals with Modern Woodmen. Technolthe author of “Collateral Consequence ogy, fraternalism and underwriting were Considerations for Illinois Practitioners among the topics covered. after Padilla v. Kentuck.” The article appeared in the February issue of Illinois Bar Journal, the monthly Office named Bright Spot magazine of the Illinois State Bar Association. ‌The office of Leslie P. Williams, CPA, has been recognized as a Bright Spot in Carbondale. Nosacka named hospital CFO The former home at 2501 West Murphysboro Road has been transformed ‌David Nosacka has been into an inviting setting for clients. appointed chief financial officer Re-using some of the original elements, of Hospital Sisters Health System, like the weather vane and the old Southern Division. Nosacka will take the place of Johnny windows that are now parts of tables, Watkins, who announced his retirement lends a special charm and reflects appreciation for history. in July and will serve HSHS until The Keep Carbondale Beautiful, April 30.

April 2014

Southern Business Journal

| 15

Achievements Inc., Board selects businesses or residences to receive the Bright Spot Award for revitalization of property, new construction, plantings and beautification, upkeep and maintenance, or rehabilitation.

Weinhold attends training seminar ‌Michelle Weinhold, property rehabilitation director of Jackson County Housing Authority, recently attended a three-day Procurement and Section 3 training seminar in Tunica, Miss. Weinhold was hired in August as the new property rehabilitation director for the Public Housing Authority after working for Eggemeyer Associates Architects for the last nine years.

Accu-Grow employees earn certification ‌Paul Arps, Gordon Atwood, Jeff Crowell and Al Lenz, all employees of Accu-Grow Lawn and Tree Care, completed the 2014 certification for commercial applicator or operator license, sponsored by the Illinois Department of Agriculture and University of Illinois Extension. Jeremy McGee, already licensed, also attended the classes. Training includes a variety of aspects involving the care of trees and shrubs. Although the state doesn’t require annual retraining, Accu-Grow technicians are trained each year to stay current on all products and procedures in the lawn care industry. Accu-Grow has been in business since 1976 and serves the Southern Illinois area. It is located at 315 S. Granite St. in Marion.

Gorton joins Scheffel Financial Services ‌Matt Gorton has joined Scheffel Financial Services in Edwardsville. Gorton will serve as a financial consultant. He has six years of experience in the financial services industry and an additional two years in the banking industry.

Ameren Illinois earns recovery award ‌The Edison Electric Institute recently awarded Ameren Illinois with the

association’s Emergency Recovery Award for its exceptional power restoration efforts after a widespread severe weather outbreak in November. The award is presented annually to EEI member companies to recognize their extraordinary efforts to restore power to customers after service disruptions caused by severe weather conditions or natural events.

Green selected to attend conference ‌ atherine Green of Du Quoin was K selected by faculty in the Health and Sport Sciences Division at Missouri Baptist University to attend the Sports Management Worldwide NFL Combine Football Career Conference Feb. 21 and 22 in Indianapolis. Green, one of 11 students chosen to represent MBU at the conference, is a senior majoring in sports management.

Wiltowski accepts managerial position ‌Jacek Wiltowski is Regions’ new business banking relationship manager for its Southern Illinois market. In this role, Wiltowski focuses on serving local business banking clients. He formerly served as the Carbondale West branch manager. Wiltowski has nine years of experience in the financial industry. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from SIU.

Partain promoted at Legence Bank ‌Destiny Partain has been promoted to mortgage loan officer at Legence Bank. Partain will be based at the Harrisburg branch on Commercial Street, and she will focus on residential mortgage loans in the Saline County area. Most recently, Partain served as a mortgage processor at the Legence branch in Harrisburg.

Local psychotherapist writes book ‌Annette Vaillancourt, Ph.D., a Carbondale psychotherapist, recently published her first book, “How to Manifest Your SoulMate with EFT: Relationship as a Spiritual Path.”

Klein joins local practice

‌ r. Brian M. Klein has joined Klein D Orthodontics of Mount Vernon and Salem as a full-time associate. Klein is a recent graduate of St. Louis University Center for Advanced Dental Education, where he completed a residency in orthodontics. He also is a graduate of SIU School of Dental Medicine. He will divide his time between both the Mount Vernon and Salem offices.

TCC donates school supplies to local teachers ‌Ten Herrin teachers recently received school supply packs from The Cellular Connection, a Verizon premium wireless retailer. A total of 3,500 teachers across the country received school supplies through TCC’s Teachers Rock Supply Giveaway. TCC stores across the U.S. preselected 10 local teachers to receive the packs valued at $80 each. They were filled with supplies, including glue, pencils, pens, markers, erasers, paper, tissue boxes and more. The 10 Herrin teachers who received packs include Annette Zavala, Angela Farley, Kelly Childers and Jene Workman from North Side Primary Center and Krystal Mofield, Glynda Ryan, Nathan Robinette, Julie Lingle, Christy Jordan and Heather Engram from Herrin Elementary School.

McGrath qualifies to attend conference ‌Mike McGrath, an Edward Jones financial advisor in Anna, qualified for the firm’s 2014 Financial Advisor Leaders Conference. This conference recognizes financial advisors who are among the leaders in the financial-services firm. It will be in May at the firm’s headquarters in St. Louis. McGrath was one of only 1,003 financial advisors who qualified out of the firm’s nearly 12,000 financial advisors in the U.S. and Canada.

Helia Healthcare honors Squibb ‌Helia Healthcare of Carbondale honored Janet Squibb during Long Term Care Administrator’s Week from March 9 to 15. As an administrator, Squibb oversees and directs the center’s overall operations in accordance with customer needs, government regulations and company policies. Additionally, she focuses on providing excellent resident care, while achieving the facility’s business objectives. Helia Healthcare group operates 10 skilled nursing facilities in Illinois. See Achievements / Page 17

Southern Business Journal April 2014

Barb loved to cook for her church, but mysterious weight gain in her abdomen made it hard for her to even walk. Little did she know, it was cancer. What to do? With help from an SIH cancer patient navigator, who just happened to be a fellow church member, Barb had guidance throughout the journey. She found out that not one, but a team of physicians and cancer specialists could personalize her treatment right here in southern Illinois. With that, she chose to stay here for her care. Barb feels better than she has in years. This new burst of energy is putting her on the path to doing what she loves — cooking for her church members and especially the children. Barb has beaten the odds. She’s a cancer survivor with a strong team on her side.

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April 2014

Southern Business Journal

| 17

Achievements From page 15

Emling, Betts join Anna Rehab staff ‌R. Steve Emling and Sally Betts have joined the staff at Anna Rehabilitation & Nursing Center at 315 Brady Mill Road. Emling, a Du Quoin native now living in Anna, has been named administrator, and Betts is the new business office manager/admissions coordinator.

Sievers attends training seminar ‌Attorney Tiffanny H. Sievers, owner of SI Elder Law, LLC in Marion, received two days of training recently in Effingham for her anticipated service as Marion-Noon Rotary Club president. Sievers, who will assume the presidency of her local club on July 1, attended the President-Elect Training Seminar in preparation for that service. She was one of 37 Southern Illinois presidents-elect to attend the seminar.

first-class operation — from their initial due diligence on the land to be sold, to clearly managing a seller’s expectations.”

Laundry center opens in Marion ‌Wonder Wash Laundry Center opened last week at 804 N. Court St. in Marion. This new-concept laundry center has 24-hour access, Wifi Internet and cable TV, as well as state-of-the-art laundry equipment. Owners Jim and Christel Prater of Anna also own laundry centers in Anna and Mounds. Jim Prater can be reached at 618-8330975.

Misselhorn attends farm academy

‌Clint Misselhorn of Misselhorn Insurance Agency in Campbell Hill participated in Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company’s inaugural farm academy from Feb. 24 to 28. Misselhorn joined 22 agents from the Midwest to learn more about farm insurance coverages, services Agri-Services collaborates and Grinnell Mutual’s operations in with Lorando Group Grinnell, Iowa. He also toured a local ‌The Freeburg-based U.S. Agri-Services grain farm and implement dealership to reinforce concepts learned in Group has collaborated with Loranda the classroom. Group, one of the premier farmland auction companies in the Midwest. “Auction services were the next logical Comedy club opens at Birdies step for us,” said Bill Hughes, president of U.S. Agri-Services Group. “Loranda is a ‌The recently opened Birdies Sports

Grille at Rend Lake Golf Resort has added a comedy club. The new stage in Birdies banquet room features two national touring comedians every weekend. For reservations, call 618-513-5507 or visit birdiessportsgrille. com.

Burns earns management honor ‌John P. Burns of Marion, a Modern Woodmen of America managing partner, has earned membership in the organization’s Managing Partner Round Table Inner Circle. The Inner Circle includes the top managing partners in Modern Woodmen’s Managing Partner Round Table. The Round Table recognizes outstanding leadership and is based on high achievement in life insurance sales. Modern Woodmen’s Marion office is at 502 S. Court St. Burns can be reached at 618-993-8056.

Harvey earns recognition from Honda ‌American Honda Motor Co., Inc., recently honored Jeremy Harvey of Ike Honda in Marion with Gold Master-level membership in the 2013 Council of Sales Leadership program. This honor is reserved for Honda sales consultants who consistently display leadership and provide world-class

customer service. Harvey has attained membership in the Council of Sales Leadership for the sixth time and has achieved Gold Master status for the second time. While more than 14,000 Honda sales consultants competed nationally, Harvey was one of just 519 to earn the honor. He has served local Honda owners for more than six years.

Three join American Farm Mortgage ‌Tricia Johnson, Matt Brombaugh and Melody Boots recently joined the staff of American Farm Mortgage & Financial Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of Legence Bank, and will work at the Harrisburg branch of Legence Bank. Johnson, director of marketing and communications, joined the company in October, and she heads up American Farm’s marketing, communications and agent relations efforts. Brombaugh, business development officer, is responsible for developing business and assisting current American Farm customers in Illinois and Missouri and traveling in Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana and Missouri. Boots, a native of Harrisburg, brings more than five years of retail banking and customer service experience to her position of marketing and communications assistant.

Southern Business Journal April 2014

Andreessen skewers Buffett for doubting bitcoin MICHAEL LIEDTKE The Associated Press‌

‌SAN FRANCISCO — Billionaire Warren Buffett has established his credentials as a savvy money manager, but Internet trailblazer Marc Andreessen doubts the stock market sage knows much about financial innovations such as the virtual currency bitcoin. The wild swings in bitcoin’s value during recent months prompted Buffett, 83, to dismiss the currency as a “mirage” during an interview on the financial news channel CNBC earlier this month. The putdown irked Andreessen, who is now running a Silicon Valley venture capital firm that has invested about $50 million in startups betting that bitcoin will continue to catch on as an alternative payment system around the world. “The historical track record of old white men who don’t understand technology crapping on new technology is, I think, 100 percent,” Andreessen quipped to the delight of bitcoin enthusiasts

attending a conference Tuesday in San Francisco. Buffett, who has built a $64 billion fortune through his control of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., didn’t respond to requests for comment. Andreessen, 42, is also white. He is revered in technology circles for cofounding Netscape Communications, which helped popularize and commercialize the Internet during the mid-1990s with a then-revolutionary Web browser. His venture capital firm, Andreessen Horowitz, has emerged as one of the country’s most successful tech investors. An early investment in virtual reality headset maker Oculus paid off Tuesday with Facebook Inc.’s announcement that it is buying the startup for $2 billion. Buffett has shied away from technology investments because he believes it’s too difficult to identify which companies will consistently generate reliable returns. Berkshire Hathaway generally puts its money into more staid industries, such as railroads, financial services,

oil, food and retailing, though it does own a major stake in IBM Corp., one of the world’s largest and oldest technology companies. Andreessen evidently didn’t think his criticism of Buffett was too outlandish. After his onstage appearance at the bitcoin conference, Andreessen noted on his Twitter account that Buffett’s technological naiveté has been well-known for decades. Andreessen then pointed out that he avoids expressing his opinions about things he doesn’t understand. “I myself know nothing about railroads,” Andreessen tweeted. “Correspondingly have no view on them.” Andreessen’s skewering of Buffett comes amid an intensifying debate about bitcoin’s long-term prospects. The concept, hatched five years ago by a mysterious figure or group identified as Satoshi Nakamoto, has been brushed off as a fleeting fad by many other critics besides Buffett. Supporters such as Andreessen, however, are convinced bitcoin is destined to challenge

government-backed currencies as the preferred way to buy things, especially across international borders. The conflicting viewpoints about bitcoin’s fate have contributed to the currency’s dramatic fluctuations. During the past year, one bitcoin has traded for under $100 and more than $1,100. Recently, it has been trading around $600. At that price, a bitcoin is still worth about eight times more than it was a year ago. That prompted Andreessen Horowitz general partner Balaji Srinivasan to tell the bitcoin conference that the currency has generate better returns than Berkshire Hathaway’s Class A stock, which has climbed by about 21 percent during the past year. Buffett, though, has said he doesn’t view bitcoin as a currency, and the Internal Revenue Service is siding with him for now. In a Tuesday ruling, the IRS said that for U.S. tax purposes, virtual currencies will be treated as a piece of property instead of legal tender.

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Southern Business Journal

| 19

Fine Print ‌ Bankruptcies Chapter 7

Richard Clayton Schneider, 7858 Rod and Gun Club Road, Du Quoin Andrew Dylan Bennett, 700 Solitude Lane, Du Quoin Phillip Merle and Christine Mayuko Weiss, 12400 E. Bethel, Mount Vernon Jerry J. Hill, 785 Hapertown Lane, Tunnel Hill Teri A. Greene, 912 Ellis Drive, Apt. 3F, Mount Vernon LaShonda W. Thomas, 606 E. Cindy St., Carbondale Gary R. VanZant, 2121 Ridge St., Eldorado Matthew L. Owens, R.R. 1 Box 143A, Elizabethtown Corey A. Zimmerman, 2123 Clarke St., Murphysboro Misty D. Cook, 423 E. Jefferson St., Trailer 64, Anna Zane Ashton Martin, P.O. Box 234, Stonefort Derek G. and Carla E. Holland, 211 W. Florence, Sesser Deborah Lyn Lee, 3224 N. Reardon Lane, Bonnie Benjamin Thomas and Maria Barlow Hodges, 1709 W. Colonial Drive, Carbondale Patricia A. Andrews, 65 Rolling Acres Drive, Murphysboro Amber L. Melendez, 3673 Apple Road, Tamaroa Damon B. and Ashley K. Larkin, 408 N. State, Grayville Steven S. and Sherrie M. Ehrman, 1011 S. 25th St., Mount Vernon Amber N. and William W. Hubbs, 314 S. Locust St., Jonesboro Jennifer Lynn Bush, 233 W. Poplar St., Albion Steven Douglas Hill, 1402 W. Boulevard St., Apt. J, Marion Melissa M. Poling, 117 N. 7th St., Marion Timothy A. and Karen J. Hurst, 26 Webber Hill Estates, Mount Vernon Lisa Dawn Graham, 219 E. 4th St. D, Sparta Jaleesa L. Hughes, 718 Bridgewood Lane, Murphysboro John N. and Donna M. Johnson, 1906 E. Pickett Lane, Marion Brandon A. and Sue E. Daniels, 418 E. Church St., Benton Brandon M. and Abby J. Moore, 840 N. First St, Grayville Timothy M. and Billie I. Commean, 1510 N. Garfield St, Apt. 104, Marion

Myra Davis, P.O. Box 13. 359 Railroad St., Tamms Harry D. Taylor Sr., 506 E. Chestnut St., Anna Metrena Alice Newsome, 1925 Evergreen Terrace Drive, East Apt. 1, Carbondale Tomas Edward Boswell, 820 White St., Mount Vernon Kathleen A. Adkins, 527 NW 6th St., Fairfield Olen Lee and Patricia Jane Hiltibidal, 1712 Warren Avenue, Apt. 7, Mount Vernon Catherine Fay Talbott, 521 N. 16th St., Herrin Todd Wade Williford, 3889 Macedonia Road, Thompsonville Lloyd H. Estes Jr. and Carolyn Sue Estes, 9466 Hickory Ridge Road, Murphysboro Donald L. Clarida, P.O. Box 1023, Harrisburg Laurie A. Austin, P.O. Box 75, Grand Chain Christopher A. Carl, 3655 Gilead Church Road, Simpson Melanie E. Burke, P.O. Box 37, Bonnie Robert Dean Price, 414 Small St., Apt. 3, Harrisburg Nicholas A. and Brandi K. Wright, 1340 S. Walnut Grove Road, Marion Shirley M. and Kerry Riley, 912 Fairlane, Marion Jamie L. Cartwright, 606 N. Webster, Harrisburg Geoffrey Edward Tubbs, 1063 St. Louis Ave, Tilden Larry D. and Patricia A. Boles, 1206 Midway Court, Marion Aaron J. and Ashley B. Windings, 755 Olmsted Road, Villa Ridge Patricia J. Becker, P.O. Box 85, Carterville Thomas R. Rudd, 927 Barnet, Strip 7D, Harrisburg Amanda M. Johnson, 800 N. Johnson, Marion Maria Love, 205 N. Wall St. 8B, Carbondale Zietta Roman, 212 N. 5th St., Elkville Nathanael P. Peeler, 12228 Lake of Egypt Road, Marion Betty J. Kleszewski, 325 E. Webster St., Benton Jason W. Vinyard, P.O. Box 322, Galatia Billy D. Simmerman, P.O. Box 798, Jonesboro Justin E. Ford, 9417 Noble Lane, Apt. 2, Marion Thomas L. Davis Jr., 5798 Brownsville Road, Carterville Sherry L. Campbell, 15784 Illinois 37, Whittington Nicole M. Bazik, 1325 Ritchey Drive, Marion Chapter 13 Jacqueline M. Mulkins, 1000 W. 5th, Johnston John M. Lowe, 613 S. 25th, Herrin City Gary D. and Deborah L. Hines, 6795 New Melissa M. Ritchey, 16584 N. Illinois 37, Lot 37, Hope Road, Belknap Mount Vernon Brian Dean and Amy Marie McCulley, 16282 Lee Bowmen, 208 Hoffman St., Irvington N. Clear Lane, Mount Vernon Kellie J. Smith, 1511 Trout Ave., Johnston City Tracy B. Adams, 50 Stever Road, Harrisburg Jerimi Lee Musselman, 204 W. Grand, Virginia F. McCann, 311 S. Park St., Sesser Pinckneyville Bruce A. Morehead Sr. and Tina M. Morehead,

107 E. 6th St., Metropolis Stephanie K. Williams, 15369 Lake Moses Lane, Benton James R. and Kim A. Sparks, 453 Illinois 14, Enfield Jeffery C. Richey Sr., 707 Toby Drive, Marion Tiera S. Roddy, 621 Railroad St., Ullin Steven M. Isom, 212 N. Reader St., Mounds Mandi R. Gualdoni, 1402 W. Chestnut, Marion James C. and Tera R. Wangler, 2100 Dorris Heights Road, Harrisburg Lina J. Wagoner, 195 Jones Road, Harrisburg Paul K. and Nancy C. Harris, P.O. Box 976, Carrier Mills Heather L. Browning, 321 Pine Drive, Mount Vernon Deborah Kay Kramm, P.O. Box 84, Whittington Theresa L. Teeters, 19104 E. Liberty Road, Opdyke Shirley M. Simmerman, P.O. Box 331, Dongola Melinda D. Reynolds, 109 S. Burlison St., Buckner Richard L. Miles Jr. and Bethany N. Miles, 1500 B. Cornerstone Court, Marion Sandra L. Schlueter, 1317 South St., Murphysboro Marilyn K. Myers, 15878 Jordon Fort Road, Pittsburg Kimberly A. Pind, 8255 Old Cape Road, McClure John D. and Julie A. Triplett, 1395 Rose of Sharon Road, Galatia Robert E. Coffel Jr. and Patricia L. Coffel, 807 E. Murray St., Sesser Sean P. and Julie A. Newell, 15197 Paulton Road, Thompsonville Jeffery Neal and Lesa D. Welch, 311 W. 10th St., Metropolis William M. and Teresa M. Davis, 1005 W. Goodall, Marion Terri L. Knop, 12545 Shady Lane, Percy Justin R. Vannoy, 1709 Crown Road, Herrin Kitty M. Triplett, P.O. Box 2505, Carbondale Bryan K. and Dawnita G. Blumenstock, 12644 Poordo Road, Pittsburg Marvin Wade Arkinson, P.O. Box 202, Rosiclare Kenneth Edward and Amy Louise Lomax, 8994 N. Triton Lane, Mount Vernon Victoria L. Kinsell, 404 E. Park St., Du Quoin Garrett W. Pribble, 404 E. Park St., Du Quoin Shantel M. Harris, 417 Elmwood Place, Cairo Kenya Barnett DeWalt, 1207 W. Freeman, Apt. B, Carbondale

Southern Illinois Properties, 1921 S. Illinois Ave., $20,000 Keith Gregory, 600 N. Bridge, $5,000 RBF Dome NFP, 407 S. Forest Ave., $179,000 JKH Realty Services, 600 W. Freeman St., $100,000 Joyce Metcalf, 910 N. Bridge St., $29,500 Bus To Chicago, 270 E. Miller Court, $83,000 American Resources, 127 N. Washington St., $18,899

Marion‌

E&S Construction, 211 N. Fifth St., $75,000 Phil Ozga, 1405 N. Van Buren, $10,000 Marie Rainey, 601 W. Boyton, $60,000 Tina Sommer, 1510 Broeking, $28,000 Absher, LLC, 3209 Banterra Drive, $3,131,523 Venus Properties, 440 Comfort Drive, $4,367,000 Farm Credit Illinois, 2601 Henry Drive, $1,200,000 SQ Carpentry, 1903 Dew Drop, $170,000 Cathy Bailey, 1311 N. Van Buren, $8,800 Dane Castellano, 310 N. Bentley, $110,000 Jim Shotton Construction, 1507 Lisa Lane, $330,000 Jason Deatherage, 905 N. State St., $38,000

Metropolis‌

Gene Hall, 15 A & K Drive, $800 Timothy R. Shinn, 603 Sixth St., $9,000 West End Plaza, 810 10th St., 7,500 Steven Mills, 6 White Oak Lane, $3,000 Eastland Baptist Church, 716 Third St., E, $20,000 Alley Land Trust, Number 1, 1708 Metropolis St., $208, 000 Mount Vernon‌ State Farm, 1810 Broadway, $0 Mount Vernon Associates, LLC, 3909 Broadway, $1,130,000 Wal-Mart, 110 Davidson, $425,000 Vanex/PPg, 1700 Shawnee, $338,229 Subway, 3917 Broadway, $90,000 Steven Zelman, 2809 Caroline, $0 Times Square Mall, 3917 Broadway, $6,000 Times Square Mall, 3917 Boradway, $8,900 Times Square Mall, 3917 Broadway, $69,600 Doris Meredith, 701 S. 17th St., $129,000 Hobby Lobby 4107 Broadway, $15,000 Hobby Lobby 4107 Broadway, $200

Murphysboro‌

Bob Chambers, 384 Birkner Lane, $55,000 Byron Pinnon, 1628 Tina Drive, $8,000 Rebecca McIntosh, 104 S. 20th St., $5,000 James B. Ricks, 703 North St., $2,000 Carbondale‌ Segundo Lopez, 2220 Clay St., $12,000 Geraldine Owen, 902 S. Skyline Drive, $2,500 Pat and Glenda Sullivan, 1300 N. 16 th St., Gordon Plumb, 708 S. Emerald Lane, $3,000 $14,500 Gold’s Gym, 2421 W. Main St., $8,000 Habitat for Humanity, 1914 Clarke St., $75,000 SBA Communication, 602 E. Park St., $71,225

Building permits

Southern Business Journal April 2014

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