SBJ 02-2012 by The Southern Illinoisan

FEBRUARY 2012

Directory of Advertisers

Inside F E B RUA RY 20 1 2

Ameren Illinois ....................................10

COVER STORY

INDICATORS

Money in politics: Savvy business owners pay attention to political candidates and campaigns, and not just because of their personal preferences. They know those men and women who are elected to local, state and national offices create policies and make decisions that affect the bottom lines of their business, and every other business. Politics is a high-stakes competition and the cost of seeking and winning office can be considerable, especially in crafting the media image and messages for a candidate. Pages 4-6

Still waiting for big rebound? U.S. markets recently rose with better-than-expected results on job growth and a decrease in unemployment, but does that translate well for Southern Illinois? On the unemployment front, the answer appears a confident ‘yes’ with joblessness dropping in 16 of the 18 southernmost counties and remaining flat in the remainder. Get the latest on home, motor vehicle and retail sales and other measures of economic health. Pages 12-13

Architechniques, Ltd. ........................ 17

Bank of Marion....................................15

Bill Ecker, State Farm Insurance ..........17

Country Financial, Dennis Woodside .. 19

Datalock .............................................. 8

ACHIEVEMENTS FINANCIAL OUTLOOK Getting off on the right foot in 2012: Staying on top of the shifting sands of money management requires extra diligence at the start of a new year. To make the most of your money, pay attention to changes in retirement plans, income taxes and estate and gift taxes in 2012. Best tip? Don’t wait until the deadline for filing your income taxes to have a meeting with your financial planner. Page 11

Who is in the news? Find out who has been hired, who has been promoted or who has received an award for their efforts in business. Make sure you check out our newest ‘Faces in the News’ collection of business portraits and learn more of achievements and honors in regional businesses. If you know of a business or business person who deserves special recognition for advanced training, a unique honor or a business expansion, please let us know at sbj@thesouthern.com. Pages 16-19

Contact us 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

Publisher: Bob Williams n 618-351-5038 Editor: Gary Metro n 618-351-5033 Advertising: Jason Woodside n 618-351-5015

mailed to businesses, community development leaders, chambers of commerce members and other professionals in Southern Illinois. Copyright 2011 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.

Feirich, Mager, Green & Ryan.............. 17

John A. Logan College .......................... 3

Oliver and Associates, Inc. ................ 20

Pepsi MidAmerica ........................ 17, 20

SIU Credit Union .................................. 5

SIU Small Business Development ........15

Small Business Growth Corp. ..............10

Southern Illinois Healthcare................ 24

Southern Illinois University ................ 22

Circulation: Trisha Woodside n 618-351-5035 Database Coordinator: Mark Doman n 618-351-5042

Find more business news at www.sbj.biz.

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

FEBRUARY 2012

Cover Story Money in politics BY LES O’DELL SBJ CORRESPONDENT

Politicians, candidates and campaign watchers have circled two dates on their calendars: Tuesday, March 20 (the date of the Illinois primary), and Tuesday, Nov. 6, when the American people will go to the polls to elect office-holders ranging from precinct chairs to the president. As both dates approach and campaigns get into full swing, the business of elections and candidates’ efforts to reach out to businesses also hit full stride. While some Southern Illinois businesses benefit from election cycles themselves, the role of elected officials, candidates and their platforms are important for all businesses. “The policies of government affect the bottom lines of every business,” said David Yepsen, director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at SIU Carbondale. “With the economy in such poor shape, business people have to be paying close attention to where candidates stand and what those candidates want to do about things. I think, for a business person, paying attention to politics is part of the job.”

Reaching out to businesses Business leaders say that even though elections only come around every few years, the impact of those elections is felt continuously. “Decisions made at the local, state or even national level greatly affect our businesses every single day,” explains Liz Lynn, executive director of Herrin Chamber of Commerce. Lynn says that many of the issues under discussion can sway the actions of every business. “Things like compensation laws and tax plans impact spending and profits,” she says, “and all of that is determined by who is elected. That’s one reason businesses need to be involved.” Matt Moberly, manager of Common Grounds Coffee House in Carbondale, said, that in some ways, the “quieter” campaigns can have the biggest effect on local businesses. “National elections don’t have much influence on small business, with the exception of changes in taxation or similar policies,” he says. “Most of the time, it’s

the state and local elections that really matter. Even then, it seems that the ones that get the most attention are the ones that have the least impact on us as a small business.” For that reason, Yepsen says, business people need to stay informed on the candidates for all offices and understand their positions, as well as think about how they, themselves, as business leaders feel about those issues. “If business people are more informed, then they can have intelligent conversations with candidates or office holders,” he says. “That can have an effect on governmental policy by having an impact on the candidates.” He adds that it means business people have to reach out to candidates through chambers of commerce, trade associations and other means. Likewise, Lynn says, candidates looking to win the business vote have to also reach out to the people in industry, storefronts and service companies. “I think it’s important for candidates to touch base with business owners. The more that candidates can do to interact with business leaders, the better. They need to show that they are listening and caring about how business works in our communities. The more they talk to business, the more they’ll understand,” she says. It is a very simple concept, says Greg Berner, owner of Pro Deck Builders from Elkville. “Candidates have to let business owners know that they are business-minded themselves. If a candidate is honest with me and they’ve got the same pro-business principles I have, they’re going to get my vote,” he says. “We’re looking for people who understand that running a business is not easy,” Moberly adds. “Finding candidates that understand what a business brings to a community and who have a grasp of where we are now with a plan to move us forward is important.” For candidates, state Rep. Mike Bost of Murphysboro says campaigning within the business community differs little from getting individual votes. “Just like with residents, you have to go door to door, going from business to

Good business to know link between government and bottom line

STEVE JAHNKE AND PAUL NEWTON / SBJ

Mary Stone of Pinckneyville takes a seat while voting at the Pinckneyville Fire Department. Signs, right, for mayoral candidates Joel Fritzler and Sam Goldman are displayed in yards on opposing sides of South Parrish Lane in Carbondale.

business,” he explains. “That’s especially important early as someone new on the campaign; once you have the office, the business leaders will find you.”

The business of elections For some businesses, campaigns by their very nature are good for business. Among those businesses are media outlets, advertising developers and commercial printers. Bost says that a contested legislative race can see candidates spend as much as $750,000 on an election. He says a large percentage of expenditures go to the production and purchase of advertising. “We use all types — newspaper ads, cable and radio, even some TV,” he says. Yepsen explains that a good campaign utilizes all forms of media. “There’s no one way of doing it,” he says. “To reach business people, you have to target your advertising. While they are very busy, their news and media consumption probably isn’t any different than anyone else, so you have to use television, newspapers, radio and even new forms, such as the Internet, Facebook and Twitter to reach people.” Newspapers, including The Southern Illinoisan, see an increase in advertising from political candidates and

organizations during an election cycle, says Jason Woodside, the newspaper’s advertising director. He adds that the publication works to assist candidates through the advertising process. “We have one staff member that handles most of the political advertising, and we also conduct a seminar to help candidates learn ways that they can work with us both in advertising and editorially to get their message out,” he explains. Woodside adds that advertising is completely separate from the newspaper’s endorsement of candidates; in fact, he says they are handled by completely different departments. Endorsements are made by the newspaper’s editorial board, following careful review of candidates’ platforms and, in the case of local candidates, personal interviews and discussions. Gary Metro, editor of The Southern Illinoisan and Southern Business Journal, says political campaigns, news about government and election coverage are vitally important to voters, the newspaper and its website, www.thesouthern.com. Metro joined Bob Williams, publisher of The Southern Illinoisan, in a first-ever political news seminar for candidates, campaign staffs and interested others on SEE COVER / PAGE 6

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COVER FROM PAGE 4 Jan. 26 in Carbondale Civic Center. In attendance were 12 different state and local candidates, as well as chairmen for the Southern Illinois Republican and Democratic party. “The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Both the Republican and Democrat chairmen asked if we would be willing to conduct the same seminar for just their candidates who could not make the meeting,” says Williams. PAUL NEWTON / SBJ Bill McDonald of Carbondale casts his ballot in the primary One of the campaign election in Carbondale Civic Center. managers told Williams after the seminar that it had been an outstanding and 25,000 of the cards, depending on session, and he wished the paper had what office they’re running for.” done this 27 years ago when he first got Cheryl Endres of Silkworm in into politics. He also asked to have the Murphysboro says much of what her newspaper schedule it again after the company provides for candidates are the primary election. signs that pop up in supporters’ yards and With each type of advertising venue comes nuances, says Janet Jensen, general windows. “Depending on the office, a candidate manager of Withers Broadcasting in may get anywhere from 50 yard signs to Marion, especially in making sure 250 or more for a local race like a mayoral messages get through the pre-campaign election,” she says. “For state or national clutter and stay within the law. ones, it goes into the thousands.” “When there are some hotly contested Silkworm also produces campaign races, we work to make certain that materials, such as buttons, balloons and candidates’ voices are really heard,” she says, adding that political advertisements polo shirts. “But, the bulk of it is the yard signs,” on television and radio are subject to Endres says. “It’s a nice revenue generator specific federal guidelines and for us, but it’s not a ‘make it or break it’ regulations. Jensen says advertising situation. It’s a nice addition to our representatives often work with business.” candidates to complete and file required Additionally, Bost says campaigns paperwork. themselves usually employ a few people Then there are non-media campaign for a few months leading up to the materials, such as flyers, signs and even election. Once the campaign is complete, shirts. newly elected state or federal officials will “We get quite a bit of business from hire staff members for their legislative both parties,” adds Rita Sigley, owner of offices. Hill Printing in Marion. “We also do “Often, it is the people who got election-related materials for the county. involved in the campaign,” he says, noting Campaigns are good for business.” that members of Congress will often look She says her company stays busy for people with unique specialties. “For during election season, providing example, a Congressman’s staff will have materials for candidates to use as they go 12 or 15 people, each handling a specific from door to door and business to area, such as agriculture, social services business. or veteran’s affairs.” “We do walk pieces and candidate cards, which are slightly larger than LES O’DELL of Carbondale is a frequent business cards, that they hand out contributor to Southern Business Journal everywhere they go. Right now, and The Southern Illinoisan. candidates are running between 10,000

FEBRUARY 2012

Entrepreneur’s Mailbag Today’s entrepreneurs: It’s hip to be square BY CAVANAUGH L. GRAY SBJ CONTRIBUTOR

This year, I have committed myself to pushing my technology comfort level. As a lover of traditional media, for me there’s nothing better than grabbing the paper and a cup of coffee Gray to catch up on the day’s news. Being partial to old school media, I’m not easily swayed by the latest gizmos, as I think we would all agree the zenith of technology occurred with the invention of Pong and Beta Max machines. With that said, I was surprised when the Square caught my attention a couple of years ago. Since that time, I have seen this credit card processing system used everywhere from coffee houses to county fairs, and it’s made me wonder how effective this system would be when applied to our consulting projects.

A history lesson The Square credit card reader has positioned itself as the technology that allows you to “Accept payments...everywhere.” Square is the brainchild of Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, who probably just got bored with the success of his media platform and turned his attention to helping small businesses. First introduced in 2009, Square is the complete opposite of the traditional point of sales credit systems that most brick and mortar establishments use. Looking to take the place of these bulky readers is a miniaturized system that takes the headache out of credit card processing.

Getting started I recently stopped into Radio Shack as curiosity got the best of me. After asking

a couple of questions and paying my $7.99, I left with a neatly designed Square package. If you log onto the company’s website at www.squareup. com, you register to have one card reader sent to you free of charge. As the system works with my iPhone, I first had to download the Square App from iTunes. After reading some product information and recommendations, I completed the download. The entire process took no more than three minutes at which point I was on to the account set-up, where I entered basic personal and company contact information.

An easy transaction Not really sure where to begin, I plugged my card reader into the phone to attempt a test deposit. The process was as simple as swiping my card, entering an amount and then authorizing the transaction by using my finger as the pen. I then had a copy of the transaction sent to me via email. (It can be sent as a text, if you prefer.) Having just completed my first Square transaction, I was eager to check my web-based account, where it immediately showed up in my daily register. There are also areas for checking receipts, payments and deposits. Despite Square’s simplicity, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was missing something. Was there a giant manual that I forgot to read or a four-hour training course that I needed to attend? To my surprise, there was none.

Proceed with caution By now, most of you have seen Square in action, as well. However, I’m not so smitten with the uniqueness of the technology that I would overlook the obvious. At 2.75 percent, Square’s fees are considered high as lower processing rates exist. Square is considered by many as too niche, focusing only on start-ups SEE MAILBAG / PAGE 11

FEBRUARY 2012

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

Money Matters Eleven resolutions for 2012 to improve fiscal health BY MICHAEL P. TISON SBJ CONTRIBUTOR

Instead of hauling out those familiar New Year’s resolutions about dieting and exercising more, how about focusing on something that’s also very good for you in the long run? Tison We’re talking about your fiscal health, if you will. With that in mind, here are 11 suggested resolutions that should go a long way toward helping ensure that your later years will be financially secure. l Get your balance sheet in order. You can’t realistically expect to reach a goal without knowing where you’re starting from. Using Dec. 31, 2011, as the effective date, update your personal balance sheet (assets versus liabilities, broadly speaking). You should already have — or develop, if you don’t — an idea of what you’re going to need to reach important financial goals. If you’re already retired, you also need to know if the income you receive from Social Security, pensions, retirement plan assets or other sources is still going to support your lifestyle. Either way, you’ve got to have a scorecard. l Review your budget and spending habits. How close did you come to what you had planned to spend last year? Where did you go off track and what can you do about that? Has something fundamental changed in your life that affected your expenses, and is that a onetime item or an ongoing cost? Where can you trim expenses? Although some budget items are fixed, a sharp pencil can produce significant savings on other costs. l Review the titling of your accounts. Account titling often occurs haphazardly — an individual opens a bank or brokerage account, meets Mr. or Miss Right, they get married and, down the line, there’s a problem. If one partner dies and that bank or brokerage account is still titled only in the original holder’s name, those assets can’t be readily accessed by the survivor. The solution may be changing to joint accounts, but it’s not always that simple.

Find more business news at www.sbj.biz. Titling has implications across a range of estate planning issues, as well as situations, such as Medicaid, special needs qualifications and borrowing power, to mention a few. l Designate and update your beneficiaries. If you don’t correctly document and update your beneficiary designations, who gets what may not be determined according to your wishes, but by law or by the default plan document used in your retirement accounts. Has something changed in your life (divorce, remarriage, births, death) that necessitates changing your beneficiaries? Have you provided for the possibility that your primary beneficiary may die before you? You need a good estate planner to walk you through the various scenarios. l Evaluate your cash holdings. Everyone should have a certain amount of their assets — six or more months of living expenses is a common rule of thumb — set aside in cash accounts that can be quickly and easily accessed. The cash portions of your brokerage and/or retirement accounts serve a different purpose and shouldn’t be counted as emergency reserves. Think about where your cash reserves are located. Keep in mind that only banks that are members of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. can offer FDIC coverage, and only up to a maximum of $250,000 per accountholder. l Revisit you portfolio’s asset allocation. Many investment professionals believe that market volatility is here to stay. If it is, are you comfortable with the level of risk in your portfolio? Risk tolerance isn’t static; it changes based on your net worth, age, income needs, financial goals and various other considerations. It may be that your current asset allocation and the resulting risk profile are just fine. But, you want to make informed decisions here. l Evaluate your sources of retirement income. Most retirees have several sources of income, such as Social Security, pension(s), retirement portfolios, rental properties, inheritances, etc. Think about how secure each source is. Can you really

ART SERVICES

Get your balance sheet in order. You can’t expect to reach your goal of being financially secure without knowing where you’re starting from.

count on that inheritance? Are there likely to be vacancies in your properties that would interrupt the cash flow? Are the notes receivable backed up by collateral? If too much of your retirement income is from sources you consider less than solid, it may be time to reposition your assets. l Review your Social Security statement. If you’re not yet retired, you need to go online and establish an account with the Social Security Administration. SSA isn’t going to be mailing individual statements of benefits anymore. Review your statement, and be sure all of your earnings over the years have been recorded. Use SSA’s online calculator to compute your benefits at various retirement ages. And, if you’re already retired, good news. Your benefits will increase by 3.6 percent in 2012 under the Cost-of-Living Adjustment provision. l Review the tax efficiency of your charitable giving. Deductions for charitable donations may be limited, starting in 2013, so it may be wise to step up your donations in 2012. Think strategically about your contributions; donate low-basis stocks rather than cash, for example. Consider establishing a Donor-Advised Fund, which enables you to take an upfront deduction next year for contributions made over the next several years, and provides other benefits. l Check your retirement plan. The past few years have derailed and/or delayed

retirement plans of many investors. In evaluating the current state of your plan, don’t fixate solely on a number — “We’ll be fine when our retirement portfolio is worth $X.” That just isn’t the way retirement works anymore, if it ever did. You need to drill down into what types of assets you have, what your cash flow situation is and is going to be, what rate of return you’re assuming, what inflation rate you’re assuming and how long you’re planning for, as well as all of the other important details that go into achieving a successful retirement. l Set up a regular review schedule with your advisor. It’s vital that you communicate fully with your advisor, telling him or her not only what’s happening in your life today, but what’s likely to happen in the future. Are you going to move, change jobs, have kids coming up on college age, face the possibility of significant medical expenses? Advisors can’t help you manage what they don’t know. Establish a regular schedule for getting together and reviewing your portfolio, your financial and retirement plans and what’s happening in your life. MICHAEL P. TISON is an investment advisor and registered principal with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., with offices in Harrisburg and Marion. He can be reached at 618-253-4444 or michael.tison@ray mondjames.com.

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

The Buzz Who are the top leaders in Southern Illinois? BY THE SOUTHERN

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We all know leaders who are working to make Southern Illinois a better place to live, work and get an education in the coming years. Now is your chance to make sure their accomplishments are recognized. We are seeking nominees for Southern Business Journal and The Southern Illinoisan’s “Leaders Among Us Class of 2012.” We are seeking visionary leaders and tireless workers. They may be established, veteran leaders, or newer leaders, who see our region as a special place for opportunity, prosperity and growth. Perhaps, they will be enthused by the potential for aviation and automotive industry development as complements to the $60 million Transportation Education Center of SIU Carbondale, or excited by a retail destination development planned by Marion or involved in our region’s tourism industry, which relies on the growing popularity of our vineyards and wineries, Shawnee National Forest, rental cabins, golf courses, SIU athletics and events, our towns and their various specialty stores. Perhaps, they will be involved in some other sphere of culture, commerce or community involvement. This is your invitation to tell us about these special persons. Perhaps, they are essential for volunteer efforts offered through churches, civic groups or schools. They may also be outstanding performers at work, but we’re looking for those who excel beyond their careers. Some may be well known and recognized by many as leaders, who will serve Southern Illinois through several generations. Others are likely to be behind-the-scenes stars — the human engines who power great initiatives — those folks who are both willing and able to serve as top leaders. Each spring for the last eight years, we have honored a group of people from across SEE THE BUZZ / PAGE 9

FEBRUARY 2012

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

Workplace Onboarding: What is it and why should I try it? BY ANGELA HOLMES-YOUNG SBJ CONTRIBUTOR

If you have heard of onboarding as it pertains to new employees, then you are in the minority. Onboarding is still a fairly new concept for most, but it has been gaining attention in the Holmes-Young human resources arena for about a decade. Many believe onboarding to be the same thing as new-hire orientation. This could not be farther from the truth. Onboarding takes orientation to the next level. Think of onboarding as a standard new-hire orientation that includes paperwork, rules, policies and general training, but add to it the unwritten rules and processes needed for a new hire to successfully navigate the new workplace and actually do the job. Onboarding is a more robust and organized approach to acquainting the new employee with the organization and that person’s job. Onboarding attempts to take time at the front end to foster a solid foundation for the new employee. In theory, this time spent will add valuable tools to the new hire’s toolkit and encourage the employee to stay and grow with the organization. Onboarding at its best is the perfect mix of training and socialization. Leading organizations are using onboarding within all levels and striving to make it a constant part of their culture. An organized onboarding program can be truly value-added and can pay off in many ways. Increased job satisfaction, increased productivity, a better understanding of the job and purpose for the job are all documented benefits of an onboarding program. Alone, these components are

valuable; together, they are an even more powerful argument for onboarding. The result can certainly impact the organization in a positive way and ultimately decrease the likelihood of job turnover. Many onboarding programs are lengthy, with some lasting into the 18th month on the job because most new-hire turnover typically occurs between the first and eighteenth month. Onboarding strives to combat this issue and transition the new hire into a solid footing on the job. While we know that the perfect job candidate does not exist, we are always striving to hire the best person initially. Certainly, this person does possess the skills and abilities to do the job, while also fitting into the company culture. We make the best choice we can, often choosing someone with little or no experience in our industry. This may add unspoken pressure to the new hire. He or she may truly want to succeed, but may be lacking skills, information or the confidence to make it through the new-hire period. The potential for the new hire to drown, especially if left unattended, is great. New hires are scared to make mistakes and take risks, so they do not dive in or even jump in. They wade in slowly. Your onboarding program could be just what they need. Think of it as offering a life raft, which can literally save them and you from turnover. In the end, having a program that allows new hires to learn about the organization, but to also meet managers, HR members and co-workers, is important. Quickly, these employees — even good ones — can feel overwhelmed and may think about quitting without asking for help or additional training. In fact, they may feel that they do not even know who to ask for help. The socialization piece is crucial; whether these new hires are blue collar, white collar or pink collar, it is the same for everyone. If you cannot afford to put an

THE BUZZ FROM PAGE 8 Southern Illinois — more than 100 outstanding people. It’s easy to help us get started in this search for leaders. Just look around your community and identify those

onboarding program in place, start small. Start with a smaller version or at least a one-day session. If even one day is too much, then do two half days. If you do not have the time to plan this, ask an employee to devise a plan for you to review. Those doing the job know better than anyone what information is needed for success in that job and in your organization. Don’t forget that successful programs require planning and accountability. Someone must be responsible for the program or it won’t last. Be sure to measure your results and analyze your turnover before and after the program is implemented. Strategic components to successful onboarding programs Onboarding checklist: Create a planning document that can be used to ensure that each new hire has access to every component of the program. The planning document becomes a tracking system and then should be filed. As different departments may have different needs and requirements, allow some time in the program for department-specific training and socialization. Welcome activity: Welcome your new hire as you would an important guest or VIP. Add your new hire’s name to your visitor board in the lobby, post this person’s photo in the break room, send a welcome email to all or interview the new hire for your monthly newsletter. Some employers have a cake party or send a welcome card to the new hire’s home address. Mentor program or buddy system: Assign a mentor or buddy to each new hire. The buddy is responsible for sharing “behind the scenes” information with the new hire. This information is typically items that are not included in the policy manual, but are passed down from co-worker to co-worker in story form. The buddy can not only take the new hire on a tour, but also can physically show the employee

folks, who are leading and succeeding. Please email your nominations to gary.metro@thesouthern.com and include the person’s name, occupation, a description of the person’s community work and a few sentences on why you believe the individual deserves this honor. Please include your telephone number, too, in case we

where the break area is and which vending machine keeps quarters and which parking lot is best to park in and why. These “behind the scenes” items are truly valuable to a new hire, who has begun a new job and is most likely overwhelmed. Oftentimes, friendships or alliances form between buddy and new hire. These relationships can sometimes span an entire career. Follow-up meetings: Schedule a followup meeting for the new hire with a member of upper management and then one with HR to allow the new hire to attend with specific questions. Follow-up meetings like this should happen at least every 30 days to the 30th day, the 60th day and the 90th day. These meetings are very important to your new hire, so do not cancel them. Make the time to answer any questions or confront issues now. This may save the new hire from making a costly mistake later on. This many also save you from cleaning up a costly mess later on. 90-day evaluation: Plan and schedule this event, so that it actually happens and is not postponed. The new hire and supervisor or manager can use this time to communicate and discuss the job duties, goals and objectives to be met. This is crucial, whether the new hire is doing well or poorly. Use this time to coach the employee. Don’t wait until it is too late. ANGELA HOLMES-YOUNG is vice president of consulting and human resource services for Your Professional Partners, Inc. in Marion. She consults with clients of all sizes in a variety of human resource areas, including executive coaching. To reach her, email angela@yourprofessionalpartners.com or call 618-969-8800.

Find more business news at www.sbj.biz.

need more information. Please submit the information before Feb. 24. Those chosen for the Class of 2012 will be featured in a glossy, full-color magazine to be published in early May. The Class of 2012 will be honored and presented with awards at the Community Leaders’ Breakfast on May 1 at John A. Logan College.

FEBRUARY 2012

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

Financial Outlook Getting off on the right foot in 2012 A look at some financial changes and the opportunities they may present BY SCOTT MCCLATCHEY SBJ CONTRIBUTOR

Every year brings some financial change, so here are some relevant changes relating to investment, tax and estate planning for 2012.

McClatchey

Retirement plans

401(k), 403(b) and 457 plan annual contribution limits rise slightly to $17,000, and you can contribute an additional $5,500 to these accounts if you are 50 or older this year. IRA contribution levels are unchanged from 2011. The ceiling is $5,000; it’s $6,000 if you will be 50 or older this year. As you strive to contribute as much as you comfortably can to these accounts this year, you will probably notice changes with the retirement plan at your workplace. In 2012, retirement plan sponsors (i.e., employers) will have to note all fees and expenses linked to the funds in the plan to plan participants. So, if you have a 401(k) or 403(b), you may notice some differences in the disclosures on your statements, and you will probably notice more information coming your way about fees. There is also a push in Washington,

D.C., to have financial companies provide lifetime income illustrations on retirement plan account statements, projections of your expected monthly benefit at retirement age.

Income taxes Wealthy Americans are set to face greater income tax burdens in 2013, so this year may be the last year to take advantage of certain factors. For example, the top tax bracket in 2013 is slated to be at 39.6 percent, instead of the current 35 percent. This year, capital gains and dividends will be taxed at 15 percent or less for everyone, 0 percent for those in the 10 percent and 15 percent tax brackets. In 2013, the qualified capital gains tax rate is scheduled to rise to 20 percent, and qualified dividends will be taxed as ordinary income. So, taking a little more income in 2012 could be smart. In 2013, the wealthiest Americans are supposed to be hit with new Medicare taxes — a new 3.8 percent levy on unearned income (such as capital gains, income from real estate, dividends and interest) and a new 0.9 percent tax on earned income. So, next year, the truly wealthy could effectively face in the neighborhood of 45 percent federal taxes. Additionally, the IRS is planning to limit itemized deductions for upper-income taxpayers in 2013. A phase-out will also apply for the personal exemption deduction.

Estate and gift taxes At the end of 2012, some very nice estate tax breaks could sunset. Barring action by Congress, 2013 could see a 20 percent leap in the federal estate tax rate from 35 to 55 percent. The individual estate tax exclusion (currently $5.12 million) is scheduled to be reduced to $1 million. As we have unified gift and estate tax rates, those numbers and percentages also apply to gift taxes. That is, from 2012 to 2013, the top federal gift tax rate is set to go from 35 to 55 percent, and the lifetime gift tax exemption amount is scheduled to fall $4.12 per individual to $1 million. The annual gift tax exemption is $13,000 per recipient in 2012; there is an exemption limit for qualifying educational and medical payments. If you want to gift relatives or friends, you may want to avoid procrastinating for another very good reason. When you make such a gift early in a year, the recipient will gain both the principal and any appreciation tied to the gifted asset in that year. Speaking of gifts, we said goodbye to charitable IRA gifts in 2011. The IRA charitable rollover, a boon to non-profits and a handy tax deduction option for taxpayers older than age 70 1/2, was not extended into 2012, not even temporarily as a sweetener to the payroll tax extension bill. There is hope it will be back. Two bills have been introduced in Congress with that goal, one sponsored by Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) and Sen. Charles

Schumer (D-N.Y.) and another by Rep. Wally Herger (R-Calif.) and Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.). The proposed legislation would let IRA owners start making charitable IRA gifts at age 59 1/2 and remove the $100,000 limit on the rollovers. The limits on the generation-skipping transfer tax could change, too. Assuming the Bush-era tax cuts do sunset, the GSTT rate would jump from 35 percent this year to 55 percent in 2013, with the GSTT exemption falling from $5.12 million per person this year to roughly $1.3 million per person next year. So, given all of these changes, it might be wise to meet with the financial professional you know and trust early in 2012 as you strive to start the year off on the right foot. You have until April 17 to file your federal return, but you can plan now. SCOTT MCCLATCHEY is a certified financial planner with Alliance Investment Planning Group, a Carbondale investment firm located at 115 S. Washington St. He can be reached at 618-519-9344 or scott@alliance investmentplanning.com. He also provides investment, retirement planning and insurance services to SIU Credit Union members through the SIU Credit Union Investment Services partnership. Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC.

MAILBAG: Today’s entrepreneurs: It’s hip to be square FROM PAGE 6 and not suitable for more established companies. Consulting company McKinsey estimates the U.S. credit processing industry at $13 billion ($40 billion worldwide). With those types of numbers, Square will continue to face increased competition from copycats and pioneers, such as PayPal. Security concerns persist because if

ADP, Google, Citibank and Zappos can be hacked, then so can a cell phone carrying sensitive credit card information. Lastly, customers complain of problems with large transactions not going through and poor customer service. There’s no doubt that Square has caught on, staking its claim in credit processing convenience. Currently, The Entrepreneur Café, LLC

Find more business news at www.sbj.biz.

uses PayPal for company transactions, and I don’t anticipate making a major shift any time soon. But, now that I have actually used the system, I’d hate to find myself in a situation where I needed it for a client and didn’t have it available.

Square may not become the credit processor of choice for small business owners, but there is no denying that Square is just plain cool! CAVANAUGH L. GRAY is director of business development for The Entrepreneur Café, LLC. For more information on how to start, grow and succeed in small business, be sure to follow The Entrepreneur Café, LLC at www.ecafellc.com or on Twitter @TheECafe.

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 Oct 2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

99.8 73.3 495.5 35.7 46.2 94.9 178.4 129.0 9.3 575.3 77.1 443.0 109.5 94.4 90.0 62.3 108.1 34.5 73.3 103.2 $2,932.8 $128,607.9

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

114.5 69.4 565.5 39.9 52.9 100.8 191.9 147.2 12.5 676.0 77.1 476.7 129.1 107.9 37.2 70.1 126.4 37.1 91.9 111.4 $3,235.5 $139,593.2

113.3 71.4 587.7 40.1 51.5 91.9 179.3 135.9 12.4 673.4 75.9 482.8 117.1 101.8 39.0 77.7 130.5 40.5 89.6 111.2 $3,223.0 $237,438.0

112.3 72.4 607.4 40.3 51.7 94.4 173.6 134.4 11.3 662.4 79.8 461.5 94.9 105.2 35.8 73.7 129.5 39.8 82.8 111.4 $3,174.7 $180,162.7

111.7 75.0 610.4 39.9 54.0 103.1 168.5 137.5 11.5 592.7 74.8 501.0 93.0 105.7 41.7 82.5 133.1 36.9 77.7 106.8 $3,157.6 $173,362.8

N I L L I Chicago Fed Midwest % change 06-10 Manufacturing Index

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

8.2% 7.3% 2.0% 5.8% 2.4% 25.2% 15.7% 11.6% 2.6% 15.3% 9.6% 1.2% 40.4% 8.6% 7.7% 8.8% 3.5% 8.1% 13.0% 5.2% 4.6% 15.1%

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. 105 104 103 102

IPMFG Nov 11 92.4

100 98 94 90 88 86 84 82

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

81 80

Unemployment rates for Southern Illinois counties, state and nation Alexander Franklin Gallatin Hamilton Hardin Jackson Jefferson Johnson Massac Perry Pope Pulaski Randolph Saline Union Washington White Williamson .,REGION ILLINOIS U.S.

Labor force

Jobless

Nov 2011

Oct 2011

Nov 2010

3,019 17,899 2,683 4,010 1,885 33,357 20,332 5,335 7,132 9,578 1,959 2,796 15,817 13,126 8,381 8,788 7,916 35,579 199,592 6,614,724 153,683,000

347 1,910 229 331 181 2,396 1,744 483 547 990 170 268 1,264 1,175 921 608 609 2,905 17,078 621,383 6,923,000

11.5% 10.7% 8.5% 8.3% 9.6% 7.2% 8.6% 9.1% 7.7% 10.3% 8.7% 9.6% 8.0% 9.0% 11.0% 6.9% 7.7% 8.2% 8.6% 9.4% 8.4%

12.1% 11.1% 9.1% 8.3% 10.2% 7.6% 9.0% 9.7% 8.7% 10.4% 9.4% 10.3% 8.1% 9.7% 11.0% 7.1% 7.9% 8.5% 8.9% 9.5% 8.5%

11.2% 11.2% 9.2% 8.8% 10.1% 7.2% 8.8% 10.0% 8.5% 10.4% 9.7% 10.0% 8.3% 9.3% 10.9% 7.0% 8.1% 8.6% 9.3% 9.1% 9.3%

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

Change month q q q

q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q

0.6 0.4 0.6 0.0 0.6 0.4 0.4 0.6 1.0 0.1 0.7 0.7 0.1 0.7 0.0 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.1 0.1

Change year p q q q q

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

76 74

CFMMI Nov 11

0.3 72 85.8 0.5 70 68 0.7 0.5 66 0.5 64A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N ’11 ’10 0.0 0.2 SOURCE: FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF CHICAGO 0.9 0.8 0.1 1.0 0.4 Nov 11 Nov 10 Change 0.3 0.3 MONTHLY TOTALS 0.1 877 728 p 20.5% 0.1 YTD TOTALS 0.4 0.4 4,336 3,378 p 28.4% 0.7 2010 2009 Change 0.3 ANNUAL TOTALS 0.9 7,478 2,750 p 171.9%

Williamson County Regional Airport passengers

I S I N Consumer credit score

Credit scores are numeric reflections of financial behavior and credit worthiness and they are based on information included in a credit report. Ranging from 330 to 830, a higher score means a lower credit risk. Scores are from January 2012.

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

15 99 19 22 9 107 104 23 22 34 7 24 79 90 41 44 61 179 979

10 67 14 15 6 86 55 17 14 28 6 7 61 44 37 20 36 114 633

698

Murphysboro

Region

699

692

State

U. S.

O R S U of I Flash Index

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

New vehicle sales Nov 10

694

SOURCE: EXPERIAN

Nov 11

Change

p 50.0% p 47.8% p 35.7% p 46.7% p 50.0% p 24.4% p 89.1% p 35.3% p 57.1% p 21.4% p 250.0% p 242.9% p 29.5% p 104.5% p 18.9% p 80.0% p 69.4% p 57.0% p 54.7%

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

2009 137 989 184 224 94 1,348 842 353 278 565 85 124 936 719 447 515 471 1,868 10,179

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

Change 8.0% 3.3% 20.7% 5.4% 3.2% 2.1% 0.7% 7.4% 3.2% 1.2% 14.1% 4.0% 9.8% 10.3% 8.7% 13.4% 21.2% 3.9% 0.8%

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

4 70 5 0 6 107 87 20 25 20 5 2 28 38 31 172 29,644

Q3 10 5 71 2 0 4 99 67 25 22 27 2 1 31 33 21 165 24,719

SOURCE: ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS

Change

q 20.0% q 1.4% p 150.0% 0.0% p 50.0% p 8.1% p 29.9% q 20.0% p 13.6% q 25.9% p 150.0% p 100.0% q 9.7% p 15.2% p 47.6% p 4.2% p 19.9%

Dec 11 99.1

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

2009 15 258 9 7 13 382 278 64 92 126 6 13 135 100 94 654 107,782

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

' 09

' 10

' 11

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

Hotel/motel stats

Consumer Price Index

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

The CPI measures average price changes of goods and services over time, with a reference base of 100 in 1982-84.To put into context, a current CPI of 194.5 means a market basket of goods and services that cost $100 in 1982-84 now costs $194.50.

Nov 11 Nov 10 MONTHLY TOTALS YTD TOTALS $7,268,753

Change

$626,290 q

$604,603

3.5%

$7,267,476 q <0.1%

2009 ANNUAL TOTALS

2008

Change

$7,520,856 p

Change

MEDIAN SALES PRICE Q3 11 Q3 10

26.7% 0.4% 11.1% 14.3% 38.5% 6.3% 5.0% 21.9% 1.1% 7.9% 33.3% 53.8% 3.0% 22.0 % 10.6% 9.8% 4.0%

$41,750 $40,700 $57,000 $0 $80,000 $100,500 $90,000 $99,750 $70,000 $82,750 $75,000 $66,250 $92,000 $64,450 $99,000 $115,000 $145,500

Total units sold, including condominiums

Q3 11

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

$7,725,727

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

The Flash Index is an early indicator of the Illinois economy’s expected performance. It is a weighted average of growth rates in corporate earnings, consumer spending and personal income. An index above 100 indicates expected growth; an index below 100 indicates the economy is contracting.

$50,000 $42,500 $35,800 $0 $75,750 $104,000 $78,000 $62,000 $89,750 $75,000 $15,000 $39,000 $83,900 $47,000 $115,000 $98,000 $153,000

228

226

224

U.S. city average Dec 11 225.7

222

220

2.7%

218

216

q q p

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

Change 16.5% 4.2% 59.2% 0.0% 5.6% 3.4% 15.4% 60.9% 22.0% 10.3% 400.0% 69.9% 9.7% 37.1% 13.9% 17.3% 4.9%

214

Midwest urban Dec 11 215.2

212

210

208 D ‘10

M ’11

SOURCE: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Prices at the pump Average price per gallon of regular, unleaded gas as of Jan. 26, 2012 and Dec. 19, 2011.

Metro East Springfield Illinois U.S. SOURCE: AAA

Jan 12

Dec 11

Jan 11

$3.45 $3.28 $3.44 $3.38

$3.24 $3.19 $3.30 $3.22

$3.15 $3.15 $3.22 $3.11

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

FEBRUARY 2012

Elder Law Annuities and long-term care planning for married couples BY RICHARD HABIGER SBJ CONTRIBUTOR

compliant annuity, Mrs. Miller has potentially saved $137,020 ($4,030 x the 34-month time frame that Mr. Miller would have privately paid for his care). In a case such as this one, where the community spouse purchases a Medicaid-compliant annuity in order to eliminate the spend-down amount, the concern is that upon the death of the community spouse, any residual benefits remaining in the Medicaid-compliant annuity will revert to the state of Illinois. Thus, if Mrs. Miller does not survive the 86-month term of her Medicaid-compliant annuity, the Illinois Medicaid program will be entitled to recover the residual benefits remaining in her Medicaid-compliant annuity to the extent that benefits were provided to or on behalf of Mr. Miller. To reduce this risk, Mrs. Miller might choose to reduce the 86-month term of her Medicaid-compliant annuity. Finally, I would be remiss if I did not warn you that the foregoing is the “short version” of the Miller’s Medicaidcompliant annuity plan. Do not attempt to devise such a plan for your clients without the assistance of a qualified elder law attorney, one with substantial experience in using Medicaidcompliant annuities. In coming months, we will explore the use of Medicaid-

compliant annuities in other factual situations. 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 contacted at 618-549-4529 or info@habigerelderlaw.com.

ES ERVIC ART S

A Medicaidcompliant annuity is a planning tool offered by a limited number of insurance companies for longterm care planning. The Medicaidcompliant annuity Habiger is designed to convert a spend-down amount into an income stream. With the spend-down amount eliminated, the nursing home resident can become eligible for Medicaid benefits to pay the nursing home bill. If a client is a resident of a supportive living facility or receiving community care benefits for at-home care, the same strategy can work to obtain governmental benefits through those programs. If the client is a war-time veteran or the surviving spouse of a war-time veteran, a somewhat similar, but different, strategy using a properly structured annuity can be used to help the client obtain VA benefits. If married, the VA benefits can be as much as $24,238 per year. If the client is the surviving spouse of a veteran, the yearly VA benefits can top $13,136 per year. These valuable benefits can help pay for care, which will allow the veteran or surviving spouse to remain at home or transition to an assisted or supportive living facility. Let’s take a look at an example to see how a Medicaid-compliant annuity would work in a case involving a married couple, neither of whom is a war-time veteran. Keep in mind that every case is “fact-specific,” and the laws in this area are extremely complex. Assume that Mr. and Mrs. Miller are each 84 years of age and that Mr. Miller has Alzheimer’s. On Jan. 1, 2012, Mr. Miller entered a nursing home in Southern Illinois for long-term custodial care. The Millers have a home, one automobile, standard household furnishings and personal property. In

addition, they have a small checking account and an investment account, with a combined total of $250,000. Mrs. Miller is entitled to retain a community spouse asset allowance of $113,640, while Mr. Miller can retain no more than $2,000. Thus, the couple has a net spend-down amount of $134,360. After meeting with their financial advisor and an elder law attorney, Mrs. Miller learned that, without a Medicaid plan, their spend-down (the greater portion of their current investment portfolio) will be exhausted in approximately 34 months. Working together, the financial advisor and elder law attorney devised a plan to immediately qualify Mr. Miller for Medicaid benefits. In February 2012, Mrs. Miller invested the spend-down amount of $134,360 in a Medicaidcompliant annuity, which provides guaranteed monthly payments of $1,619.36 for 86 months. With Mrs. Miller having a 7.17 year/86.04 month life expectancy per the Medicaid Life Expectancy Tables, and with her Medicaid-compliant annuity returning more than $134,360 to her within her Medicaid life expectancy, the Medicaid-compliant annuity is deemed “actuarially sound” within the meaning of the Medicaid laws and regulations. Assuming Mrs. Miller has $1,300 monthly Social Security income, as well as the $1,619.36 monthly payment from her Medicaid-compliant annuity, she has total monthly income of $2,919.36. With her income exceeding the $2,841 community spouse income standard allowed by the Medicaid rules, Mrs. Miller is not entitled to receive any monthly income from Mr. Miller. Further, assuming that Mr. Miller has monthly Social Security income of $1,500, his monthly co-pay to the nursing home is $1,470. (He is allowed to retain only $30 per month out of his income.) Mr. Miller would be paying $5,500 per month for his nursing home care if not for the Medicaid plan devised by the elder law attorney and financial advisor. By qualifying for Illinois Medicaid benefits, the Millers will save $4,030 per month. By using the Medicaid-

www. ankofmarion.com “I was in search of a particular business product for Golden Eagle that no bank in our area was offering at the time. After presenting my idea to the Bank of Marion, they created that product and tailored it to the specific needs of my business. Everyone there is friendly and does whatever it takes to keep things simple for the customer. I would be surprised to find any bank in Southern Illinois that is easier to work with or more accommodating than the Bank of Marion.” Jim Pugh

Golden Eagle Distributing Business Account holder

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SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

FEBRUARY 2012

Achievements Springhouse Woodworking opens

Faces in the news

Anderson

Parton

Garver

Blankenship

Ramsey

Hoffman

Paul McHargue of Herrin has opened Springhouse Woodworking at 1404 E. Clark Trail in Herrin. Springhouse offers repair, restoration and refinish of all types of furniture for commercial or residential use. McHargue is self taught and served an internship with woodworker Bob Brown of Herrin. New furniture can be designed and built with fine woods from Southern Illinois. Delivery and set up is also offered. Hours are by chance or appointment. For an appointment, call 618-889-7746.

Hargraves joins Alliance Rehab

Frank

Turner

Calvert

Scott

Carlson

Boyer-Myers

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

Feldhake named director Find more business news at www.sbj.biz.

Willis retires after 43 years in banking industry

Evelyn’s Restaurant hosts grand opening

Harrah’s donates $11K to food pantries

Gary Willis retired recently from The Bank of Herrin Carterville facility. He last served as senior vice president and branch manager of the bank. Willis was honored with a reception. A lifelong resident of Southern Illinois and SIU graduate, he has worked 43 years in banking. He spent 18 of those years with The Bank of Herrin.

Evelyn’s Restaurant hosted its grand opening recently at 519 S. Illinois Ave. in Carbondale. Kenneth Lynon is owner. The restaurant is named after Lynon’s grandmother, who died last year. He attributes the style of cooking and menu to her. Lynon also works as a neighborhood inspector for the city of Carbondale.

Harrah’s Metropolis recently presented $3,700 each to Happy Helpers Food Pantry of Tamms, Christian Outreach Program Emergency in Metropolis and Merryman House in Paducah in an effort to assist in the increased demands of their services. Each organization also received a surplus of frozen baked goods to assist in the demand for holiday preparations.

Hepp earns board certification

Tyler’s donates $10K to children’s home

Hunter celebrates 20 years in business

Tyler’s Jefferson Motors, Inc. in Mount Vernon recently donated $10,000 to United Methodist Children’s Home. For more than 60 years, Tyler’s has been giving back to the community by annually selecting a charity to support. Tyler’s raised the money for the Mount Vernonbased children’s home through a combined effort from employee donations and fundraising efforts, such as the Turkey Trot.

Kitrina Hunter, a licensed massage therapist and owner of In Sync Mind Body Therapy Center in Carbondale, is celebrating her 20th year as a massage professional. Hunter will offer special savings throughout the year in recognition of her 20-year milestone. In Sync Mind Body Therapy Center is located at 2031 S. Illinois Ave.

Cindy Hepp, a teacher at Trico Elementary School in Trico CUSD 176, recently earned the highest credential available to American educators by becoming a national board certified teacher through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. National board certification is achieved through a rigorous, performance-based assessment of a teacher’s pedagogical skills and content knowledge. The certification takes one to three years to complete.

Riane R. Hargraves of Royalton has accepted a position with Alliance Rehab in St. Louis. Hargraves recently received her Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree from Maryville University in St. Louis. She is a 2005 graduate of Zeigler-Royalton High School and the daughter of Jim and Ramona Chamness and Richard L. Hargraves of Royalton.

Karli Feldhake of Carterville recently joined the staff at SIU Credit Union as its new marketing director. Feldhake has her bachelor’s degree in marketing and management from SIU and more than 10 years marketing experience in Southern Illinois.

Cox named top sales advisor Lori Cox of Herrin recently was named a top sales advisor in lia sophia’s Excellent Beginnings Program. For more information about lia sophia, which offers fashion jewelry through personalized in-home demonstrations, contact Cox at www.liasophia.com/ lorilovesjewelry.

Joyner Therapy’s Anderson earns degree Dr. Joshua Anderson, who has worked for Joyner Therapy Services for seven years, recently graduated with a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree from University of Findlay in Ohio. Anderson, a resident of Marion, plans to continue working for Joyner Therapy Services, dividing his time between the Marion and Harrisburg clinics, and seeing Home Health patients in their houses.

F M G R Feirich / Mager / Green / Ryan

Attorneys at Law Providing Business and Personal Legal Services to the Midwest Commercial Transactions Workers’ Compensation Labor Negotiations Employment Matters Municipal Law Administrative Law

Banking Law Real Estate Transactions Probate and Estate Planning Business Organization

Located in the Westown Centre • 2001 West Main, Carbondale • (618) 529-3000

Visit our web site at www.fmgr.com

Proudly Offering Thomas Coffee in Southern Illinois Thomas Coffee is now available at your local grocery store and your favorite restaurant. Enjoy it at your business too! FOOD SERVICES

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SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

FEBRUARY 2012

Achievements Baptist Health Line wins ICARE award Baptist Health Line at Western Baptist Hospital in Paducah recently received its third ICARE award from RelayHealth, a McKesson Company, for work with the hospital’s transfer center. The call center’s registered nurses answer calls from outlying smaller hospitals and physicians who want to transfer their patients to Western Baptist.

Ramsey qualifies as investment advisor

Aisin team members rallied and collected toys, plus more than $800 in monetary donations that was used to purchase more toys.

Tyler Ramsey of Carterville recently passed his Series 65 examination administered by the Financial Industry Children’s home receives Regulation Authority (FINRA). Ramsey is now qualified to be an accreditation investment adviser in the state of Illinois. United Methodist Children’s Home in He has attained the title of financial advisor Mount Vernon is now completely for Alliance Wealth Management, LLC, a accredited by the Council on Accreditation registered investment advisory firm in for the next four years. Carbondale. UMCH has provided services to children since 1913. Last year, UMCH served more Hospice partners with veterans’ than 1,300 children, families and Solar Works for America campaign individuals through several programs Southeast Hospice in Cape Girardeau has profiles Beck throughout the community. become a national partner of We Honor Aur J. Beck of Pomona recently was Veterans, a pioneering campaign developed picked to be profiled by Solar Works for Hoffman, Frank join by National Hospice and Palliative Care America, a project of Solar Energy Organization in collaboration with the Industries Association. He is one of only Community Connections Department of Veterans Affairs. two people profiled in Illinois. Beth Hoffman and Melissa Frank Southeast Hospice will implement Beck is certified as a solar photovoltaic recently joined Community Connections ongoing veteran-centered education for its (PV) installer by North American Board of Counseling and Professional Services as staff and volunteers to help improve the Certified Energy Practitioners. He is full-time outpatient therapists. CCCPS is a care they provide to the veterans. president and chief tech for Green Geek service of United Methodist Children’s Squad solar installation network of Home in Mount Vernon and Norris City. Advanced Energy Solutions. Hoffman received her master’s degree in Jim’s Mobile Offices donates community counseling and is a licensed $4K to Brehm clinical professional counselor. She has Vintage Soul opens in Carbondale Jim’s Mobile Offices of Marion recently Vintage Soul, a coffee shop and furniture experience working with individuals who donated $4,000 to Brehm Preparatory have depression, panic and anxiety, resale store, recently opened at 821 S. School in Carbondale. The money will be relationship/family and marital issues, Illinois Ave. in Carbondale. used to purchase a facility generator for the eating disorders, post traumatic stress By investing 50 percent of the profits school. disorder, and bi-polar disorders. She also back into the community, Vintage Soul Jim Helleny is the owner of Jim’s has provided therapy to individuals who plans to build it up through programs Mobile Offices, a company he founded in have been sexually abused. working with single parents and people 1986. Frank is a graduate of SIU with a double who are homeless. major in psychology and social work. She Parton, Garver attend has completed her master’s degree in social Illinois Supreme Court financial forum work with a mental health focus. reappoints Sanders Betty Parton of Marion and Lisa Attorney John W. Sanders of the law Garver of Ava, both Modern Woodmen of Turner receives merit award firm Sanders & Sanders in Marion has been America representatives, recently Former Harrisburg resident Kenneth E. completed a five-day educational program reappointed by the Illinois Supreme Court Turner, Ph.D., a supervisory research at Modern Woodmen’s home office in Rock to the Illinois Board of Admissions to the animal scientist with Appalachian Farming Bar. Island. Systems Research Center in Beaver, W.V., This will be Sanders’ third term. He The program focused on comprehensive recently received the Merit Award from the continues to serve on the Character and financial services for families and small American Forage and Grassland Council Fitness Committee, which involves businesses. during the annual conference in Louisville, interviewing recent law school graduates Ky. The Merit Award is presented to before they receive their law licenses. Blankenship named individuals who have made superior contributions in some phase of forage and compliance director Aisin contributes to local charities grassland agriculture. Robyn Blankenship recently was Aisin Mfg. Illinois, LLC recently donated Turner grew up on his family’s farm near named director of hospital compliance and gifts and stockings for the residents of Harrisburg, where he was involved in the privacy for Western Baptist Hospital in Lighthouse Homeless Shelter in Marion. production of beef cattle, swine, hay, corn, Paducah. Blankenship is responsible for the Aisin Mfg. Illinois and Aisin Electronics soybeans and wheat. He graduated with a hospital’s compliance with government Illinois joined forces and conducted a toy bachelor’s degree in microbiology and a regulations and protecting the privacy of drive last month to benefit Toys for Tots. master’s degree in animal industries from patients.

SIU. He is a 1975 graduate of Harrisburg High School and the son of Jim and Norma Turner of Galatia.

Calvert named to board of Prison Performing Arts SIU graduate Winston Calvert, an Armstrong Teasdale litigator and former professional clarinetist, has been named to the board of the Prison Performing Arts, a program that involves incarcerated youth and adults in the performing arts. Calvert graduated from SIU, where he earned a degree in music performance.

Scott named 2012 Illinois Super Lawyer Veteran Belleville attorney Russell K. Scott has been honored with placement in the 2012 edition of Illinois Super Lawyers. Only 5 percent of Illinois attorneys are chosen for the honor each year. Scott, an attorney with Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale P.C., practices law throughout Southern Illinois.

Carlson joins SIU Public Broadcasting Ellen Carlson recently was named assistant director of corporate support for SIU Public Broadcasting in Carbondale. Carlson, a Missouri resident who graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication and public relations, is a marketing and sales professional with experience in television, radio and non-profit development. She previously worked for KBSI Fox 23, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Greater Media Detroit and Mississippi River Radio.

UCH acquires VitalStim Therapy System Late last year, Union County Hospital acquired the VitalStim Therapy System, a specialized technique in the treatment of dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing). This system is a non-invasive, neuromuscular external electrical stimulation therapy to be used together with traditional swallowing therapy. Sally Boyer-Myers, a speech language pathologist with the hospital’s therapy department, is certified to provide the VitalStim Therapy.

FEBRUARY 2012

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

AT A GLANCE Union County Hospital opens pool for aquatic therapy Union County Hospital has announced completion of its aquatic therapy pool. An open house and ribbon cutting was Jan. 27. The new pool is located in the therapy services department adjacent to the Physicianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Annex on the west end of the hospital at 517 N. Main St. Aquatic therapy services will be offered through the hospital therapy services department, which currently offers physical, occupational and speech therapies. A portion of the cost was funded by the Union County Hospital District. Aquatic therapy is provided in a heated pool with temperatures ranging from 94 to 96 degrees. The warm water relaxes muscles, allows for increased blood flow and improves joint range of motion. The versatility of therapy in a pool assists individuals in a variety of ways. Movement can become less painful. Movement that may be difficult or absent during land based activities can be accomplished almost effortlessly in the water. Improved range of motion at joints, strengthening of muscles, and reduced stress at joints and muscles makes water an optimal exercise environment for individuals with trauma, repetitive stress or sports injuries, hip and knee surgery, degenerative conditions of the spine, and neurological conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy. For more information, visit UnionCountyHospital.com/pool.

Du Quoin Chamber of Commerce Home and Garden Show The 2012 Du Quoin Chamber of Commerce Home and Garden Show will be at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall on Feb. 18 and 19. Builders, home repair and remodeling contractors, lumber and furniture businesses, landscapers, lawn care contractors, lawn equipment dealers, gardening specialist and advisors will participate at the show. Vendors registered include Janix Terminex, Ye Olde Country Store, Anderson Overhead Door, Coach House Garages, D & C Heating and Cooling, ConKlin, Ridgeway Carpet Cleaning, Flashback Steel Art, Distinctive Flooring, Haggard Custom Siding Inc, Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Daniel Inc., Hughes Net/Next Alarm, Outdoor Creations, Suchomski Equipment, Cabinetworks Kitchen and Creative Scapes! Booths are $125 ($100 for Chamber members) for a 10 by 10 space. Admission to the show is $1 for persons 12 and older. With paid admission, visitors are entered in to a drawing for a $500 cash prize. For more information call 618-542-9570 or email dqchamber@comcast.net or visit www.duquoin.org.

PROVIDED

Union County Hospital CEO Jim Farris, seated in the lift over the pool, cut the ribbon during the open house for the new aquatic therapy services. Pictured are members of the Union County chamber, hospital staff and community members who attended the open house.

Find more business news at www.sbj.biz. The show is sponsored by Knight Hawk Coal Co., Pepsi Mid-America, Du Quoin State Bank, Illinois Small Business Development Center at SIU, Mathis and Sons, Inc. Crane and Excavating Service, River Radio and WDQN AM Radio 1580.

Lovin to retire from Crossroads Linda Lovin, an employee at Crossroads Community Hospital in Mount Vernon since its doors opened in April 1981, will retire Friday as environmental services supervisor. Lovin was honored with a reception Thursday afternoon in the hospital cafeteria.

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FEBRUARY 2012

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

Business Fine Print Building permits Carbondale Jack Baird, 601 S. University Ave., $100,000 Wallace Building, 317 E. Main St., $22,000 Selective Site Consultants, 1070 N. Reed Station Road, $4,000 Sun Valley Apartments, 1205 Black Diamond Drive, $219,800 Sun Valley Apartments, 1215 Black Diamond Drive, $219,800 Home Rentals, 312 W. College St., $2,500 Jetaime Rachatanavin, 100 S. Illinois Ave., $5,000 Tobias Merriman, 1200 W. Chautauqua St., $2,500 Nancy Cunningham, 606 N. Allyn St., $15,000 Home Rentals, 501 S. Beveridge St., $5,000 Chapman Inv. Group, 905 E. Cindy St., $1,000 Home Rentals, 602 N. Oakland Ave., $1,000 Roger Webb, 605 E. Eastgate Drive A, $3,000 Jackie Nunley, 905 N. Marion St., $2,500 Clark Gyure, 1202 W. Chautauqua St., $2,500 Chapman Inv. Group, 937 N. Oakland Ave., $250 Patricia Dix, 602 N. Springer St., $1,000 Cool Spoons Frozen Yogurt, 695 N. Giant City Road, $155,000 IL Central School Bus, 975 W. Charles Road, $185,000 Jimmy Johns, 515 S. Illinois Ave., $3,000 Demetrius Tulloch, 916 N. Marion St., $2,500 American Eagle Homes, 504 Deer Trail, $225,000 Robert Stokes, 514. S. Forest Ave., $2,500 Sorensen Enterprises, 809 S. Valley Road, $115,000 Sorensen Enterprises, 1175 Grand Oak Drive, $2,500 David Braeutigam, 305 S. Eason Drive, $2,500 Vernon Rigney, 601 W. Walnut St., $44,000 Vonda Summers, 605 N. Springer St., $600 Shannon Jackson, 1330 E. Grand Ave., $1,500 Lawrence James, 531 E. Archie Jones St., $1,500 Home Rentals, 207 S. Maple Street, $1,000 Home Rentals, 908 W. McDaniel St., $250

Marion Ron and Kay Eckiss, Champions Lot 19, $310,000 Vernon Ragain, Lot 9 Kokopelli, $250,000 Larry Howell, 1607 Posey, $20,000 Roof Bolt Express, Inc., 3302 W. Commercial Road, $53,000

Mount Vernon Kelly Morgan, 512 Broadway, $0

Mark Lehmann, 1815 Isabella, $1,000 Dan and Jane Northcut, 507 Cardinal, $8,000 Watta Wash, 1901 Broadway, $0 Brehm Library, 101 S. 7th St., $6,000 St. Mary Church, 1601 Main St., $4,700,000 Michael Day, 810 6th St., $0 Verizon/Cellco Partnership, 1501 Doctors Park Road, $989,300 Landers Collision Centers, 2501 10th St., $7,600

Bankruptcies Chapter 7 William J. and Sharon Y. Knapp, 447 N. West St., Du Quoin William A. and Tara M. Kern, 301 Dakota Road, Villa Ridge Donald L. and Melissa D. Evans, 303 E. Ninth St., Brookport Sandra D. Roberts, 1203 White Pine Lane, Metropolis Christopher T. and Cynthia M. Triplett, P.O. Box 1390, Vienna Zachary Alan and Roni Shannon Schafer, P.O. Box 112, Johnsonville Aviance C. Ray, 907 W. Cherry St., Unit E, Marion Dan Baird Saxton, 301 E. Elm, Apt. 501, West Frankfort Michael W. and Debra A. Ward, P.O. Box 354, Carterville Dale W. and Lillian K. Almaroad, 3013 S. Park Ave., Herrin Betty L. Collins, 806 W. Hendrickson St., Marion Jon D. Mohring, 200 Washington Ave., Johnston City Bryan Christopher Boleware, P.O. Box 261, Mount Vernon James D. and Tracey L. Brown, P.O. Box 415, Anna James Randall Sumpter, 520 N. 11th St., Mount Vernon Debra C. Weedman, 925 County Road 100 E., Norris City Jami Sue Poole, 141 S. 11th St., Bonnie Joshua L. and Neysa K. Dix, R. R. 1, Box 135AA, Golconda Barr y Steven Pearce, 16 Eric Drive, Christopher Jeffery K. Peebels, 602 A E. Reeves, Marion Richard L. Sprague, 200 E. Patrick, Lot 7, Marion Wayne A. and Clara M. Clark, 5806 Union School Road, Karnak Robert James and Kathy Charlyn Massey, 5232 Ava Road, Murphysboro Michael T. and Elizabeth S. Robinson, 3925

Chautaqua Road, Carbondale Danny J. and Jera D. Sheeks, 512 W. Washington, Benton Arrion J. Mayberry, 1020 Poplar St., Mount Carmel Linda S. Rosenberger, 45 Crab Orchard Lane, Carbondale Shannon R. and Angela R. Walker, 16584 N. Illinois 37, Lot 43 Kristy Dawn Goebel, 624 E. North St., Ridgway Juanita L. Bingham, 7615 Ruby Lane, Baldwin Bobby T. VanBuskirk, 11 S. Walnut, Apt. 4, Du Quoin Brent P. Boaz, 501 E. Meridian, Marion Joshua L. Gass, 10239 Gass St., West Frankfort Lisa M. Tippy, 9527 Dykersburg Road, Marion Linda Ann Mann, 18462 Illinois 149, West Frankfort Kimberly J. Turnage, 506 Nevada St., Carterville Thomas Ray and Sharon Ann Carter, 521 S. 12th, Herrin Gerald Wane Downs Jr., 2108 Melanie Lane, Apt. J, Marion Ronnie Lee and Margie Mae Lively, 635 N. Summers, Du Quoin Richard W. Kerrigan, 317 S. 19th St., Herrin Norma J. Kerrigan, P.O. Box 444, Herrin Bruce A. and Gracie I. Bardle, 712 S. East St., Pinckneyville Cheryl A. Clutts, 27 Shirley Lane, Murphysboro Carol D. Leady, P.O. Box 120, Cambria Janet E. Sparks, 501 N. Market St., Apt. 605, Marion Brian V. Casteel, 806 N. Main St., Harrisburg Todd B. and Mary B. Moran, 1185 Gilead Church Road, Vienna Michael Lee and Melissa A. Higgerson, 138 Illinois St., Pinckneyville Loardio S. and Vicky Ann Alaniz, 907 Ferry St., Metropolis Ashley K. Pearson, P.O. Box 34, Marion Ashok A. and Minaxi A. Patel, 1502 W. 10th St., Metropolis Julia L. Atkison, 800 Chase Lane, Metropolis Thomas G. Adair, 601 Salem Road, Mount Vernon David E. and Mary Ann Armstrong, 410 E. Main St., McLeansboro Martha D. McMahon, 47 Pecan Court, Mount Vernon Karen R. Millenbine, 412 E. Jefferson St., McLeansboro Jimmy J. and Rhonda Combs, 802 W. Lindell St., West Frankfort Douglas L. and Tricia A. Wingfield, 11182 E. Illinois 148, Mount Vernon Ruth S. and Jay B. Easton, 405 Biggs lane,

Lot 12, Christopher Mona L. Parkhill, 5424 N. Parrish Road, Thompsonville Kevin Charles Terry, 370 E. Elm St., Albion Kelly J. Schwaner, P.O. Box 322, Mount Vernon David K. Bigham, P.O. Box 345, Ullin Melissa J. Case, 702 Jenkins St., Murphysboro Jerry L. Ratchford, 608 S. 16th St., Herrin Mary Ruth Barbre, 522 W. Lane, Apt. 4B, Equality Roy Lee Locke Jr., P.O. Box 14, Carbondale Terry E. Ragain, 1708 Julianne Drive, Marion Zion Swansey, P.O. Box 72, Ullin Michael A. Fernando, 8458 Illinois 166, Creal Springs James R. Sandage Jr., 1215 E. Elm, West Frankfort Nicole Renee Minnick, 426 1/2 E. Main, Du Quoin Clyde L. and Marian Tennyson, 16531 N. Illinois 37, Mount Vernon

Chapter 13 Brian K. and Traci L. Hendrickson, 15543 Crabtree School Road, Marion John W. and Crystal G. Lollis, P.O. Box 172, Stonefort Larry Wayne Jr. and Patricia J. Knupp, P.O. Box 443, Olive Branch William F. and Linda F. Durham, 2104 Illinois Ave., Murphysboro Timothy A. and Pamela S. Robinson, P.O. Box 119, Valier Patrick N. Mocaby, 1601 S. Dallas Lane, Marion Jane K. Hicks, P.O. Box 11, Chester Beverly S. Logan, 832 Fairground Road, Pinckneyville Patricia E. Rober tson, 501 Mason St., Pinckneyville Connie Lee Bailey, 118 Illinois 34, Thompsonville Bryan J. Edmonds, 4781 Yellowbanks Road, Mulkeytown Robert L. and Gayla S. Coulter, 228 Cinnamon Lane, Murphysboro Jared A. and Michelle L. Whitehead, 2508 Rae Alan Lane, Marion Kevin R. and Kimberly A. Jeralds, 301 Elm Ave., De Soto Connie K. Wells, 16971 Fowler School Road, Marion Michael D. and Lisa K. Wilson, 1501 S. 13th, Herrin Gary L. and Judy Arterberry, 1131 E. Autumn Ridge Road, Carbondale SEE FINE PRINT / PAGE 23

FEBRUARY 2012

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

Mark Your Calendar Feb. 8 Intermediate Access 2003: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

Feb. 9 Beginning Excel 2010: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry. Beginning Adobe Illustrator: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room H123, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

Feb. 10 iPad 101: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room H127, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

Feb. 13 Intermediate Access 2007: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

Feb. 14 Intermediate Excel 2010: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room H125, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry. Beginning Adobe Flash Catalyst: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room H123, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

Feb. 15 Time & Stress Management: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F109, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry. Cost is $90.

Feb. 16

Center for Business & Industry. Beginning Adobe InDesign: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room H123, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry. Finding Financing: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., room 150, Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center, 150 E. Pleasant Hill Road, Carbondale. Free. Call 618-536-2424 or email sbdc@siu.edu.

Feb. 23 Feb. 17 Intermediate QuickBooks 2009: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry. Starting a Business in Illinois: 9 to 11 a.m., room 150, Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center, 150 E. Pleasant Hill Road, Carbondale. Free. An optional business start-up kit is available for $15. Call 618-536-2424 or email sbdc@siu.edu. Intro to Government Contracting: 11 a.m. to noon, room 150, Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center, 150 E. Pleasant Hill Road, Carbondale. Free. Call 618-536-2424 or email sbdc@siu.edu. Beginning Excel 2007: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry. Beginning Adobe Fireworks: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room H123, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry. Team Building: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F109, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry. Cost is $90.

Feb. 22

FINE PRINT

Katherine A. Barnhill, 3250 Joppa Road, Metropolis Jerry D. and Susan G. Triplett, 209 Vaux, Zeigler Pamela A. Martel, 240 Raccoon Valley Road, Makanda Louise M. Fekete, 211 W. Goodall, Marion Claude E. and Kimberly G. Otterson, 9508 Aden St., Benton Michael E. and Cheryl L. Shadowens, 301 E. Ford St., Energy Patricia A. Butler, 1902 E. Clark St., West Frankfort Katherine J. Smith, P.O. Box 141, Cutler Kyna Tart, 1155 Glenbeth Drive, Carbondale Demitri Cosby, 1701 Winchester Cour t, Marion Rebecca Dawn Coy, 1111 County Road 1625 North, Carmi Angelo J. and Janice A. Fiorino, 724 Walnut, Murphysboro

Jeffery Scott and Marilyn K. Watkins, 13903 S. County Line Road, West Frankfort Kathy L. Barclay, 202 W. Sylvia Ave., Christopher Teresa D. Greathouse, 300 S. Second St., Marion, Kevin Edward and Sheila Lavern Rowland, 736 E. Park, Du Quoin Mark Allen and Rebecca Jo Przygoda, 6061 Puffin Road, Pinckneyville Shadley J. Bigham, 414 Union St., Cairo Dennis R. and Evelyn M. Jones, 3069 Dr Springs Road, Carterville Robert G. Howe, P.O. Box 383, Irvington Keith V. and Charlotte A. Lukes, 103 S. Walnut, Sparta

Beginning Adobe Dreamweaver: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room H123, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry. Beginning Adobe Bridge: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room H123, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

Feb. 27 Advanced Access 2007: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry. Beginning Publisher 2010: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room H125, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

Feb. 28 Feb. 21

Intermediate Excel 2003: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College

FROM PAGE 21

4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry. Advanced Excel 2010: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room H125, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry. Adobe Acrobat Pro: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room H123, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

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

Feb. 29 Advanced Excel 2003: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry. Beginning Adobe Device Central: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room H123, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

Advanced Access 2003: 8:30 a.m. to

Find more business news at www.sbj.biz. Jack Dale Lambert, 408 Ophia St., Metropolis Bradley G. and Donna M. Paulding, P.O. Box 345, Dongola Jerid S. and Allison P. Stevenson, 211 W. St. Louis, Pinckneyville Timothy L. Bundren, 11610 Cedar Grove Road, Marion Jammie P. Tyson, 620 N. Madison St., Benton David T. Guill, 1241 Nighthawk Road, Royalton Larry D. and Linda D. Clover, 275 Fair City Lane, Jonesboro Whitney N. Tyson, 620 N. Madison St., Benton Stephanie K. Knight, 908 W. Cherr y St., Marion Thomas J. Hobbs Sr., P.O. Box 255, Harrisburg Freddie L. Laird, 3622 Doug Sumner Lane, Metropolis

March 1 Beginning Access 2007: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

March 2 Beginning QuickBooks 2009: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry. Starting a Business in Illinois: 9 to 11 a.m., Herrin Chamber of Commerce, 3 N. Park Ave. Free. An optional business start-up kit is available for $15. Call 618-536-2424 or email sbdc@siu.edu.

March 5 Beginning Excel 2007: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

March 6 Beginning Excel 2003: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry. Beginning Adobe Photoshop: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room H123, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

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

For more information on John A. Logan or to register for classes, call 618-985-2828, ext. 8510 or email cbi@jalc.edu. John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry is at 700 College Road, Carterville, and cost is $55 unless otherwise noted.

Jackie D. and Regina S. Williams, 12473 Chestnut St., Cairo Johnny D. Henke II, 1312 W. Tyler St., Herrin Joseph E. and Leisa Y. Hudson, 2135 Illinois 146 W., Vienna Anthony J. Filarski, P.O. Box 606, Herrin William C. and Terri A. Vaughn, P.O. Box 212, Creal Springs Terry L. and Christina L. McCaty, P.O. Box 515, Ridgway Tabatha Rene James, 438 S. Main, Grayville Roy Thomas Leonard, 19188 E. Divide Road, Bluford Captain E. and Stacy M. Prak, P.O. Box 582, West Frankfort Jessica M. Hutchinson, 1214 Grayson St., Benton Ryan N. and Felisha M. Jones, P.O. Box 245, Royalton Terry W. and Rebecca I. Stuby, P.O. Box 73, Ozark