SBJ 07-01-10 by The Southern Illinoisan

JULY 2010

Directory of Advertisers

Inside J U LY |

20 10

Century 21 House of Realty ................ 7

COVER STORY

FORMULAS FOR SUCCESS

Home sales looking up: It’s no secret that the federal tax credit of $8,000 for first-time home buyers and the $6,500 credit for repeat buyers sparked growth in home sales, both nationally and in the region. But even though the tax credit program has expired, home sales in Southern Illinois still are tracking upward. Experts see opportunities for both buyers and sellers; there is a good selection of available homes and some quick sales are being reported. Those homeowners who are selling rapidly are gaining from the everreliable real state maxim, “location, location, location.” But there is another important consideration in the regional market for homes: price point. Pages 4-5

Put me in coach, I’m ready to play: Baseball and the rituals and tradition of the game offer strategies for success in the larger game of life. Teamwork, leadership, a strong work ethic and trust are all part of baseball and essential to success in any endeavor. Think about it. How can we expect to get ahead in life if we don’t consider practice more important than the game, take our eyes off the ball, fail to watch for the curveballs thrown our way or miss golden opportunities to hit a home run? Page 11

FINANCIAL OUTLOOK Global economy/local impact: Investors are worried about the financial meltdown facing Greece and as many as four other members of the European community. Growth in the global market is hampered by that instability and also by increasing concerns about inflation in China and Brazil, along with the massive oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, financial reform legislation advanced by the U.S. Senate and the likelihood of growing state and municipal layoffs in the coming year. There is an opportunity for learning from the difficulties, however, and Illinois would be wise to look at examples of belttightening in Europe as a model for budgetary restraint in Illinois. Page 6

INDICATORS Sales on increase for new vehicles: The Illinois Secretary of State’s office reported new vehicle sales jumped 13.2 percent in April over the same month one year earlier for the 18 counties of Southern Illinois. Increases were reported in the counties of Alexander, Gallatin, Hardin, Jackson, Johnson, Massac, Pope, Pulaski, Saline, Union, Washington, White and Williamson. There also was good news on the jobless front for the period. The unemployment rate dropped in all 18 counties for the month of April, the last month for which complete statistics are available, for a 1.7 decrease in joblessness across the region. Pages 12-13

ACHIEVEMENTS Catch up: Find out who has been hired, who has been promoted or who has received an award. If you know of a business or business person who deserves recognition, please let us know at sbj@thesouthern.com. Pages 18

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 e-mail at SBJ@thesouthern.com. The Journal is published 12 times per year monthly, and

Corbell Telephone and Electronics ........ 5 Feirich, Mager, Green & Ryan ................ 5 Graphics Galore .................................. 7 Hyannis Air Service ............................ 17 Jim’s Mobile Offices and Homes .......... 6 John A. Logan College ........................ 24 Midwest Backgrounds, Inc. ................ 22 Milwood .............................................. 9 Oliver and Associates, Inc. ................ 10 Pepsi MidAmerica .......................... 3, 22 Property with TLC, LLC .......................... 9 Raymond James Financial Service ...... 6 Sandberg, Phoenix and Von Gontard .. 10

Publisher: Bob Williams n 618-351-5038

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

Editor: Gary Metro n 618-351-5033

Southern Illinois Healthcare................ 15

Advertising: Abby Hatfield n 618-351-5024

Southern Illinois University ................ 20

Circulation: Trisha Woodside n 618-351-5035

University Mall .................................. 13

Database Coordinator: Mark Doman n 618-351-5042

Your Jeweler ........................................ 9

mailed to businesses, community development leaders, chambers of commerce members and other professionals in Southern Illinois. Copyright 2010 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 Web site.

JULY 2010

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Mark Your Calendar EV E N TS

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

July 21

Aug. 2 Beginning Excel 2007: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

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

Intermediate Excel 2003: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry. Time & Stress Management: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F110, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry. Cost is $90.

July 14

July 22

Team Building: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F110, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry. Cost is $90.

Intermediate Access 2007: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry. Intermediate QuickBooks 2009: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room H125, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

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

July 13 July 7 Beginning Excel 2003: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

July 8 Beginning Access 2007: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry. QuickBooks 2009: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room H125, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

M E E T I N G S

July 15 Intermediate Excel 2007: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

July 27

July 12 Beginning Word 2007: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry. Beginning/Intermediate Adobe

July 20 Intermediate Access 2003: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

Aug. 3 Beginning Excel 2003: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

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

Aug. 5 Beginning QuickBooks 2009: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

Beginning/Intermediate Adobe Acrobat: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry.

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

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

JULY 2010

Cover Story Southern Illinois home sale market looking good for both buyers, sellers BY LES O’DELL SBJ CORRESPONDENT

As the housing market in Southern Illinois goes, so goes Jim Johnson’s business. As the owner of Another Look Home Inspections in West Frankfort, Johnson is called upon to make the necessary evaluation of a property before any sale is final. In recent months, he’s been busy — a result of an upswing in home construction and sales in the region. The National Association of Realtors reports that April sales of single-family homes were up more than 20 percent over last year, and first-quarter sales in Illinois increased more than 23 percent compared to early 2009. Johnson says, as far as he can tell, the Southern Illinois home market is on the upswing. “It seems to have been picking up,” Johnson says. “April and May were really pretty good.” Johnson and local real estate agents credit some of the increase in home sales to the recently expired $8,000 income tax credit on new home purchases. “It’s hard to say if the market has picked up on its own or if it’s all due to the tax credit,” Johnson explains. “Part of it also might be that interest rates are down, and some people think that means the strong market will keep going.” Jim Steinbach, owner of Five Star Realty in Carbondale, says he thought the market would slow without the tax credit, but that has not been the case. He adds that while the housing sector is less than vibrant, things are improving. “It’s not booming, of course, but it is coming along,” he says. “While it takes a short time to get in a recession, it takes a long time to get out.” The increase in housing sales shows that the national improvement is reaching Southern Illinois, says Vicki Vaughn, an agent with Century 21 House of Realty in Marion. “We had a very good first quarter,” she

explains. “Things have slowed down some since the tax credit, but things are still good. We have a lot of listings and are doing a lot of showings.”

Benefits for both buyers and sellers Vaughn says the improvement in the Southern Illinois housing market is good news for both sellers and buyers. “The values are coming back somewhat,” she says. “Home values are not yet where we’d like to see them, but they are coming back.” Vaughn adds that there are more homes on the market right now, with some counties having hundreds of homes for sale at any given time. That is good news for potential home buyers such as Steven Darby of Carbondale. Darby and his wife, Amanda, have been shopping for a new home “on and off” for about 18 months. “It seems that there are more homes on the market now than there were,” he says. “Lately, there’s been, it seems, more house available for the money. It gives us much better options right now.” Real estate experts say more homes listed for sale often translate into more interest — and sometimes quicker sales — for sellers such as Paul Doan of Makanda. Doan recently sold his home within a few weeks of putting it on the market. “The day we listed it, we had someone wanting to look at it right away, and we had four potential buyers look at it in the first week,” Doan says. He says he believes his home’s location and price were right. “I think the Southern Illinois market is picking up in spots, especially in certain geographic areas and specific price points,” he says. Steinbach agrees. He says that midpriced homes are making up a significant segment of the market. “Homes in the $90,000 to $170,000 range are selling right now; the higher-

ART SERVICES

The National Association of Realtors reports that April sales of single-family homes were up more than 20 percent over last year, and first-quarter sales in Illinois increased more than 23 percent compared to early 2009.

end homes are not selling. Eventually, when the economy gets better, though, that will change,” he says. Vaughn also points out that higher dollar homes are seeing fewer buyers. “They seem to be on the market a little longer due to the fact that there are fewer buyers looking in that price range,” she says. Both Steinbach and Vaughn say they feel Doan’s assessment — that some geographic areas in Southern Illinois are doing better than others — is correct.

“The trend is that Jackson and Williamson are doing better than other counties, although Franklin County is also doing well,” she says.

Lenders seeing more traffic Real estate agents are not the only people seeing an increase in interest in new homes. Mortgage lenders also report an increase in inquiries. “I see a lot of people putting in applications to get pre-qualified or to

JULY 2010

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

Cover Story see what they can qualify for,” says Mike Rice, residential lending officer at The Bank of Carbondale. “There is a desire out there; a lot of people want to buy.” Rice says low interest rates are attracting a lot of attention, but the weaker economy has impacted available credit. “Credit has tightened up some, and subprime loans are gone,” he explains. “Now you have to have reasonably good credit, and you have to have income that can be verified.” He says his bank offers both the standard conventional mortgage, which requires a 20 percent down payment, as well as loans through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program. He says as many as 40 percent of applicants are interested in the USDA’s no-downpayment loans. Rice says that more restrictive credit is a symptom of the national economy, not the strength of local banks. “In my opinion, we don’t have the bank problems here that they have in other areas,” he adds. “Our banks are very secure.”

New construction rebounds Not only is the sale of existing homes on the increase, but local builders say that new housing starts are also on the rise. “I probably have more business now than I’ve ever had,” says Edd Knight, owner of Carterville-based E.A. Knight Construction. He says his company is currently building five new homes and has a list of others yet to be started. Things are similar for Terry Mott,

ART SERVICES

Real estate experts say more homes listed for sale often translate into more interest — and sometimes quicker sales — for sellers.

owner of Mott Builders in Harrisburg. “I’ve actually started another crew,” he says. “Things have picked up this spring.” He says people seem to be interested in less expensive homes than a few years

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ago, but he expects to continue to stay busy. “I think that trend will continue as long as interest rates stay low,” he says. Knight says he is not certain why the uptick in construction.

“I can’t explain it,” he adds, “but I’m sitting back and enjoying it.” — LES O’DELL is a Carbondale freelance

writer who contributes to SBJ, The Southern Illinoisan and SI Magazine.

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

JULY 2010

Financial Outlook Impact of belt-tightening in Europe being felt in Illinois BY MICHAEL P. TISON SBJ CONTRIBUTOR

Investors are nervous, confused and becoming more defensive as they worry about the ramifications of the challenges facing the European financial community, as Tison Greece and potentially four other European countries are now at risk of defaulting on their sovereign debt. As Dr. Scott Brown, chief economist, Raymond James & Associates Equity Research department, points out in his Weekly Market Monitor of May 24-28, “the problem was addressed on May 9 when the European finance ministers agreed to a stabilization fund, worth up to 500 billion Euros, to be supplemented by an additional 250 billion Euros from the International Monetary Fund (which brings the total size to roughly $1 trillion).” As Brown points out, “the solution, which should be considered a leastworst alternative, is austerity cuts in government spending and tax increases for specific countries. Such moves

dampen the pace of economic recovery and, in some cases, may lead to recession.” The European Union also announced tightened rules on hedge funds and Germany unilaterally announced new curbs on traders of government debt and bank stocks. Investors are aware of the difficult economic, political and financial changes that will need to be imposed on the populations of countries such as Greece, Portugal, Spain and Italy in order to promote viable long-term solutions there. In the meantime, investors worry about heightened risk in European debt markets putting downward pressure on European bond prices and the growing risk to interbank lending in Europe, which can threaten liquidity and economic growth and impact demand for U.S. goods and services. This will, in turn, impact European companies’ revenue and operating income when translated into U.S. dollars. The value of the euro (in U.S. dollar equivalents) declined from $1.36 to $1.23 (-9.6 percent) and $1.41 to $1.23 (-12.8 percent), respectively. Also, more economists and strategists are concerned about rapidly rising inflationary pressures in China and Brazil and rising interest rates in more foreign markets. These conditions tend to slow economic growth, slow the

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demand for imports (particularly when the value of local currencies are weakening) and deflate the value of local financial assets. The LIBOR rate in Europe has also been rising in recent weeks. Additional issues to perplex and worry investors include: the continuing calamity in the Gulf of Mexico; the U.S. Senate approving its version of the biggest planned overhaul of the regulations that govern the U.S. financial sector since the 1930s; and negative news of the financial budgetary challenges of municipalities causing expectations of huge 2010 layoffs nationwide of teachers and other municipal employees. On the good news front, the U.S. inflation rate hit a 44-year low in April when the core Consumer Price Index (excluding food and energy) rose at only a 0.9 percent rate versus the comparable month of 2009. The U.S. CPI actually declined 0.1 percent in April versus March 2010 levels. Moderate employment growth continues (with more than 500,000 new private sector jobs added year-to-date) even if the unemployment rate has risen to 9.9 percent as the rate of new applicants reentering the search for jobs is accelerating. Real salary and wages remain slightly negative and inflationary pressures appear likely to remain muted

near term. While credit conditions remain fairly tight, business spending continues to be the strongest driver to U.S. economic growth while consumer spending has strengthened in recent months as savings rates have declined from 4.9 percent a year ago to 3.6 percent in April of this year (but up from March’s revised 3.1 percent), according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The month-to-month volatility of this number (which is subject to large revisions over time), coupled with high consumer debt loads and rising costs of carrying credit card balances, is likely to keep consumer spending highly erratic over the balance of this year. This will clearly be a limiting dynamic to future U.S. GDP growth. Lastly, all of the financial problems in Europe hit home right here in Illinois. At least one European country required all state employees to take a 5 percent pay cut on all income over $80,000. France just raised its retirement age from 60 to 62. It will be nice when Illinois starts righting its own ship. — 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@raymondjames.com.

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JULY 2010

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

Sports Business University of Nebraska and the Big Ten: Looking at the power of football and academics BY J. FRED GIERTZ SBJ CONTRIBUTOR

Early June was a difficult month for seemingly happy families. First, it was learned that the Gores were separating. Then, the Big Twelve Conference was torn asunder by the Giertz departures of Colorado and Nebraska with more changes possible in the future. The Gores’ breakup appeared to be considerably less acrimonious than that of the Big 12. The major impact of this locally is the entrance of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln into the Big Ten. The Big Ten is the oldest and most stable major college sports conference. The only departure from the conference has been the University of Chicago, which deemphasized athletics in 1946. The conference is comprised of large public high quality research universities. Most of the focus has been on the athletic implications of the change. Nebraska will bring a premier football program to the conference, giving the league four of the 10 programs with the

most wins, including Michigan (1), Nebraska (4), Ohio State (5) and Penn State (7). Clearly, football was the driver of the change with the Big Ten needing at least 12 teams for a conference playoff game that will add both revenue and late-season visibility. Nebraska also brings a strong women’s program with top 10 basketball and volleyball teams. Colorado and Nebraska exercised what is known as first-mover advantage in acting quickly and decisively in the game of musical chairs. Most of the Big 12 leaders were offering statements of support for the conference, many were secretly seeking a new home. It was reported in the Lawrence newspaper that the day before Colorado bolted to the Pac 10, the CU chancellor visited the KU chancellor in Lawrence to discuss matters of institutional concern without bothering to mention Colorado’s departure. The focus of the entrance of Nebraska into the Big Ten has largely been on the athletic benefits to the league and the new entrant. The league will gain greater exposure, and a football playoff game, and Nebraska will receive a substantial increase in television revenue because of the Big Ten’s prominent position with much larger media markets and the now

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profitable Big Ten Network. What has not been emphasized is the huge boost the move will provide to the overall status of the UNL. The Committee on Institutional Cooperation is a parallel organization that includes the 11 Big Ten universities along with the University of Chicago. It was organized to advance the academic mission of their member institutions. These are world-class research institutions that brought about a revolution in higher education in the middle 50 years of the 20th Century. The emergence of large public research institutions (such as the public Big Ten members and the University of California system) brought high quality to higher educational opportunities to the masses. Entry into this elite group is a major coup for Nebraska. It is assumed that UNL will be invited to join the CIC in due course. This process reverses the logic of University of Chicago President Robert Maynard Hutchins, who spearheaded the withdrawal of Chicago to emphasize academics. Nebraska will increase its academic position because of its athletic (football) prowess by gaining access to an elite group of public research universities. If Notre Dame and Missouri actually had the chance to join the Big Ten, they will at some point rue the day that they failed

to act. For example, while Notre Dame is still a great force in football and is an elite university in terms of the quality of its undergraduate students and programs, it lacks the cachet of a major research institution that association with the other Big Ten (CIC) schools might provide. Note also the folly of those who suggested in the early 1980s that Illinois leave the Big Ten because of the perceived unfairness of the punishment meted out by the conference to the football program. Nebraska is poised to take advantage of its new position. Nebraskans still have the quaint notion that a strong university can provide widespread benefits to their state, similar to the beliefs in the older Midwestern states in decades past. The state appears willing to provide increased support for both academics and athletics. This may, in part, be the result of Nebraska’s 5 percent unemployment rate when the national rate is around 10 percent with even higher rates in most other Midwestern states. However, increased support is likely to continue for the long term. — J. FRED GIERTZ is a professor of

economics within the University of Illinois’ Institute of Government and Public Affairs. He can be reached at 217-244-4822 or jgiertz@ad.uiuc.edu.

JULY 2010

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

Small Business Bankers across region take a look at small business lending BY CAVANAUGH L. GRAY SBJ CONTRIBUTOR

No matter where you look, you are likely to find a headline on the present state of small businesses and their lack of access to capital. Instead of getting Wall Street’s take on Gray the situation, I decided to go straight to the sources. While teaching Small Business Management over the last several years, I often checked in with regional bankers to get their opinion on the current financial landscape and how it affects small businesses in the region.

State of current lending The consensus among lenders is that today’s environment is, in a word, tough. Many would agree that things have gotten slightly better, but acknowledge that we are still a long way from being OK. According to Sara Palmer, financial center manager at Fifth Third Bank in Marion, “The environment is a lot tougher today. In years past, family reputation, collateral and businesses outside of the box could get financed. The Small Business Administration makes it easier for these businesses to get financing. It is also a much longer process; instead of a couple of days, it is at least a 10-day to two-week process.” While some entrepreneurs would say that the lending guidelines have gotten more stringent and that banks aren’t lending, Tim Hecht, assistant vice

president of Percy Banking Center in Percy, has a different perspective. “There is no demand at this time for small business loans, as many small businesses are operating on very short capital,” he said.

The intangibles Lenders say they have had to become more prudent in their lending decisions. However, business owners should not be so quick to throw in the towel. Small business lending is not an exact science. There are often lending intangibles that could tip the scale in the owner’s favor. For starters, an entrepreneur looking to secure a loan must have industry experience. In addition, you can’t underestimate the power of sufficient cash flow. Stephen Schauwecker,

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executive vice president of First Southern Bank in Carbondale says, “The primary intangible that I look for is character. However, I can tell you that there are now many more well-intentioned borrowers that are unable to meet their contractual agreements. No longer is a lender able to rely on many years of performance without taking a good look at the current financial condition.”

Proper planning My last question centered on the role of a well prepared business plan in securing a loan. Ron Gibbons, community bank president for MidCountry Bank in Harrisburg, views the development of a business plan as very important. “For those that do not have a business plan, I review with them the information that will be needed for completion. They are encouraged to return after their plan is complete, so that we may explore different loan options that may be available.” John Barnett, assistant vice president of Old National Bank in Carbondale, notes that business owners should be more specific. “The most important part of a business plan is projecting sales, income, expenses and trends,” he said. Other questions posed to our bankers included the effects of personal and business credit on lending and common pitfalls that hinder the chances of getting a loan. Faced with increased risk, it is easy to see why so many lenders have exited the small business segment. Overall lending is down significantly and small businesses can expect to face strict lending requirements for the foreseeable future. — CAVANAUGH L. GRAY is the director of

business development for The Entrepreneur Café L.L.C. in Carbondale. He can be contacted at cgray@ecafell.com or 618-206-7013. For more information on small business lending or for more information on how to start, grow and succeed in small business, be sure to follow The Entrepreneur Café L.L.C. on Twitter www.twitter.com/TheECafe or at www.ecafellc.com.

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

JULY 2010

Economic Conditions European debt and U.S. markets: Why is Wall Street stressed? BY SCOTT MCCLATCHEY SBJ CONTRIBUTOR

It would be wonderful if the U.S. financial markets could “decouple” themselves from what is going on in Greece, Portugal and Spain. Unfortunately, the debt situation in McClatchey these countries is like a ripple in a pond. The question is, how strong will the ripple ultimately be and will its full force reach our markets?

The problem Greece, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Ireland are all carrying enormous debts. On May 1, the New York Times put up a chart breaking this down: Greece owes $236 billion, which, believe it or not, is the smallest debt among these five countries. Portugal’s debt stands at $286 billion, and it owes roughly a third of that to Spain. Spain carries around $1.1 trillion in debt, and its economy is in horrible shape (20 percent unemployment). According to the Bank for International Settlements, it owes $220 billion to France and $238 billion to Germany. Ireland has $867 billion in debt, with about 40 percent of

that owed to the U.K. and Germany. Italy owes $1.4 trillion, including $511 billion to France (almost 20 percent of France’s GDP). After the Euro was launched, Greece had access to a whole bunch of cheap debt, and the country used it nonchalantly. In the years since the establishment of the Euro, Greece’s debtto-GDP ratio has remained repeatedly above 100 percent. Europe’s biggest banks are heavily exposed to these debts, and so are some of ours, including Citigroup, Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase and Morgan Stanley. In fact, these five banks have $2.5 trillion of cross-

border exposure in the crisis, with Citigroup the most exposed. So, you have potential risk to these banks, the Euro, and the European and world economy.

The offer on the table Fortunately, Greece has the chance to accept a $146.5 million bailout from the International Monetary Fund and the European Union in exchange for austerity measures (less government spending and a lower standard of living). This would help Greece avoid default — that is, having to renegotiate its debt and assume more. SEE ECONOMIC / PAGE 16

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JULY 2010

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

Formulas for Success Skills built by baseball also can be used to achieve success on the field of life BY DENA KIRK SBJ CONTRIBUTOR

“Now that’s good baseball!” I say this often at my son’s baseball games when I am giving the other baseball moms a fist bump for a good play. I am part of a baseball family. We love the Kirk game. We try to visit a new Major League Baseball field every year, and I thoroughly enjoy the season. As an SBJ contributor and baseball fan, I wanted to write about the valuable lessons that baseball can teach us about our careers and our workplace. My son is a baseball fanatic. My husband has told him time after time that if you want to be successful, you have to practice, be committed and respect the game. I am often amazed as to what the game of baseball has taught him about life. I have come to realize that the principles of baseball have also taught us how to be successful in the workplace. Cal Ripken Jr.’s Baseball Hall of Fame induction speech was not only inspiring, but also relevant to the workplace. Cal’s speech discussed commitment, preparation, teamwork, personal development and pride. Of course, we all remember when Cal broke Lou Gehrig’s record of 2,130 consecutive games played (usually known as “The Streak”) by playing three more years and reaching 2,632 consecutive games — virtually 15 straight years of starting every game. Cal stated, “Some fans have looked at ‘The Streak’ as a special accomplishment, but I always looked at it as just showing up for work every day. I see thousands of people who do the same. You all may not have received the accolades I have, but I’d like to take the time out to salute you for showing up, working hard and making the world a better place.” Cal’s idea of workplace commitment extends beyond perfect attendance. Cal

stated that teamwork, leadership, work ethic and trust are all part of the game. These principles are also part of the workplace. It means consistently performing your job well by showing up for work every day and being proud of what you have accomplished. Cal’s speech talked about how baseball imitates life. Everything that happens in baseball happens in life, and everything that happens in life happens in baseball. How can we, as business professionals, use Cal’s example in our own workplace to inspire and motivate employees? I have taken a few baseball terms and translated the baseball term into the workplace. These terms can help us be successful professionals in our game.

Never miss practice We all know those employees who call in for work because they have a stuffy nose or a headache or maybe they just do not feel like coming to work. Successful professionals never miss work. They show up day after day, and they are the ones who will wake up at 3 a.m. to shovel the snow out of their driveway, so they can still get to work on time. Perfect attendance is not rewarded much anymore; we do not want sick employees coming to work and spreading illness. But we can recognize employees who are always prepared, pay attention to detail, strive to improve themselves and take pride in their own work — no matter what their jobs. As managers, supervisors and executives, we can inspire our employees and lead by example, the way Cal Ripken Jr. does.

Keep your eye on the ball Keeping up with technological changes in the workforce and the increased need to multitask, we often think we need to “control” every aspect of our professional and personal lives. We must be able to delegate tasks to other members of the team and let go of those things that are out of our control. If we “keep our eye on the ball,” we will

be more successful with accomplishing those things we can control.

Step up to the plate Everyone would admit to having a lot to do and a lot on his or her “home plate.” However, when opportunities arise, “step up to the plate” and offer to take on new projects, help other employees with tasks and lead new initiatives for your company. Be committed to excellence and be willing to handle the strikes and balls that come your way.

PROVIDED

Dena Kirk and her son, Logan, are baseball fanatics.

Step out of the box We often walk into meetings trying to “swing” at those strikes and we miss because we want to win. Although we all have the goal of victory, we should strive for mutual satisfaction. Think “winwin.” Many people approach a work situation with a personal agenda. There is no “I” in TEAM. People can’t win by themselves. That’s why it is important to “step out of the batter’s box.” Workplace rules have changed and we should try to look at things from a different perspective and think out of the box. We do not need to approach the situation as someone who is going to win.

Watch out for curveballs Develop the skills of curveball hitters. We need to be adept at handling the unexpected and react professionally when those curveballs cross home plate. In today’s unpredictable and chaotic workplace, our reactions to these curveballs can teach us valuable lessons. We often let our emotions get involved, especially when we experience a conflict with a co-worker. By removing our emotions and allowing time for

reflection, we can clearly see the situation and then decide what, if anything, to do about it.

Hit a home run Many opportunities may arise within your company. Be a role model and hit a home run. Everyone who knows Albert Pujols knows that he is capable of hitting a home run any time at bat. Every at-bat is an opportunity for him. In relation, every day at work is an opportunity for us to use our talents to shape the culture of our organization. Cal Ripkin Jr. was always thinking and devising strategies. His motto was his father’s: “If you take care of all the little things, you’ll never have a big thing to worry about.” It’s obvious that there are many workplace lessons that have been brought to us from the baseball diamond. I hope that I can use Cal’s examples as I continue to mold my children in hopes that they, too, will be successful in the game of life. Moreover, as a family, we will continue to support America’s favorite pastime. Baseball. — DENA KIRK is the manager of Fit For

Work in Herrin and can be reached at 618-942-3088 or dena.kirk@sih.net.

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 March 2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

31.5 16.8 155.1 9.8 12.2 26.4 50.7 41.9 2.9 167.7 18.9 127.2 32.3 22.1 8.9 17.6 31.1 9.5 22.3 28.8 $833.7 $35,244.7

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

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

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

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

109.7 70.4 579.4 32.7 51.1 95.0 164.9 127.9 11.5 545.9 69.4 475.3 94.6 101.1 38.0 82.5 127.7 32.7 70.8 102.3 $2,983.0 $167,459.0

N I L L I Chicago Fed Midwest % change 05-09 Manufacturing Index

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

4.4% 1.4% 2.4% 22.0% 3.5% 6.1% 16.4% 15.1% 8.7% 23.8% 11.1% 0.3% 53.4% 6.7% 2.1% 15.0% 1.0% 13.5% 29.8% 8.9% 8.5% 16.6%

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

The CFMMI is a monthly estimate by major industry of manufacturing output in the Seventh Federal Reserve District states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin. It is a composite index of 15 manufacturing industries, including auto and steel, that uses electrical power and hours worked data to measure monthly changes in regional activity. It is compared here to the national Industrial Production index for Manufacturing (IPMFG). Base year is 2002. Starting in November 2005, the index excluded the electricity component. 115 114 113 112

IPMFG Apr 10 103.0

111 110 109 108 107 106 105 104 103 102 100 98 94

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

3,090 18,182 2,732 4,111 1,862 33,291 20,524 5,265 7,289 9,474 1,889 2,905 15,564 12,872 8,161 8,334 7,536 34,962 198,043 6,669,566 154,715,000

Jobless 310 2,383 283 391 215 2,527 2,047 566 663 1,184 197 349 1,433 1,311 1,063 699 683 3,458 19,762 77,184 15,260,000

Apr 2010

Mar 2010

Apr 2009

10.0% 13.1% 10.4% 9.5% 11.5% 7.6% 10.0% 10.8% 9.1% 12.5% 10.4% 12.0% 9.2% 10.2% 13.0% 8.4% 9.1% 9.9% 10.0% 10.8% 9.9%

12.5% 15.6% 11.3% 12.1% 12.7% 8.5% 11.2% 12.3% 10.1% 14.2% 11.5% 12.1% 10.3% 11.2% 14.7% 9.4% 10.5% 11.2% 11.7% 11.7% 9.7%

9.0% 11.6% 8.6% 10.8% 8.6% 5.9% 10.3% 9.1% 7.6% 11.3% 8.4% 9.7% 8.2% 8.3% 10.2% 7.7% 7.8% 8.2% 9.0% 9.4% 8.9%

COMING SOON

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 q

2.5 2.5 0.9 2.6 1.2 0.9 1.2 1.5 1.0 1.7 1.1 0.1 1.1 1.0 1.7 1.0 1.4 1.3 1.7 0.9 0.2

90 88

Change year p p p q p p q p p p p p p p p p p p p p p

CFMMI Apr 10

84 82

1.0 81 85.2 1.5 80 1.8 1.3 78 2.9 76S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A 1.7 0.3 SOURCE: FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF CHICAGO 1.7 1.5 1.2 2.0 2.3 May 10 May 09 Change 1.0 1.9 MONTHLY TOTALS 2.8 584 227 p 157.3% 0.7 YTD TOTALS 1.3 1.7 2,670 1,004 p165.9% 1.0 2009 2008 Change 1.4 ANNUAL TOTALS 1.0 2,750 2,636 p 4.3% ’08

’09

’10

Williamson County Regional Airport passengers

I S I N Consumer credit score

Credit scores are numeric reflections of financial behavior and credit worthiness and they are based on information included in a credit report. Ranging from 330 to 830, a higher score means a lower credit risk. Scores are from May 2010. SOURCE: EXPERIAN

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

Apr 09

10 63 12 16 9 92 49 39 25 44 5 10 55 73 38 44 40 141 765

6 63 10 17 4 90 51 20 19 45 4 4 70 46 34 35 29 129 676

694

698

Benton

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 Apr 10

Change

p 66.7% 0.0% p 20.0% q 5.9% p 125.0% p 2.2% q 3.9% p 95.0% p 31.6% q 2.2% p 25.0% p 150.0% q 21.4% p 58.7% p 11.8% p 25.7% p 37.9% p 9.3% p 13.2%

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

2008 169 1,341 294 287 109 1,969 1,270 481 422 689 123 221 1,208 1,064 596 621 721 2,515 14,100

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

Change 13.3% 7.5% 30.7% 10.4% 19.3% 21.4% 14.9% 14.8% 3.7% 8.0% 10.8% 11.1% 7.3% 15.7% 11.6% 4.4% 8.6% 9.7% 11.1%

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

May 10 90.6

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

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

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

SOURCE: ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS

Change

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

2008 17 276 NA 7 0 383 332 78 112 126 10 13 149 80 101 639 107,075

2007 32 332 NA 8 0 467 381 92 128 149 9 4 136 78 91 705 140,378

q q

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

’10

Hotel/motel stats

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

Mar 10 Mar 09 MONTHLY TOTALS YTD TOTALS $1,551,848

Change

$588,283 p

$634,575

$1,616,593 q

2009 ANNUAL TOTALS

2008

7.9%

220

U.S. city average Apr 10 218.0

218

4.0%

Change

$7,520,856 p

Change

MEDIAN SALES PRICE Q1 10 Q2 09

46.9% 16.9% NA 12.5% 0% 18.0% 12.9% 15.2% 12.5% 15.4% 11.1% 225.0% 9.6% 2.6% 11.0% 9.4% 23.7%

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

Total units sold, including condominiums

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

216

214

212

2.7% 210

Home sales

’07INSTITUTE OF GOVERNMENT ’08 AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS, UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS’09 SOURCE:

$7,725,727

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

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

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

Midwest urban Apr 10 207.8

208

Change

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

206

204

200 A

A ’09

F M ‘10

SOURCE: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Prices at the pump Average price per gallon of regular, unleaded gas as of June 8 and May 16, 2010.

June 10 Metro East Springfield Illinois U.S. SOURCE: AAA

$2.85 $2.65 $2.83 $2.72

May 10 June 09 $2.95 $2.74 $3.00 $2.86

$2.60 $2.85 $2.87 $2.62

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

JULY 2010

Workplace Most gender communication differences are based in biology BY JANE SANDERS SBJ CONTRIBUTOR

Yes, a controversial statement to make. But important to understand and accept in order to approach these communication differences with an open mind and Sanders positive attitude. Certainly there are variations among men and women. However, the studies below (and I’ve included only a few) highlight some key differences and erase the notion that differences stem primarily from social conditioning and are therefore merely stereotypes. When you think about it, doesn’t it make sense that if we are built differently, inside and outside, physically and genetically, that we would communicate differently as well? In “Why Do Men Act The Way They Do?” an article reprinted from the New York Times Magazine by Reader’s Digest in September 2000, Andrew Sullivan reports: “Men and women differ biologically mainly because men produce some 10 times as much testosterone as most women do, and because this chemical profoundly affects physique, behavior and mood.” (Many experts now claim that men have 10 to 100 times more testosterone than women.) When researchers injected newborn female rats with testosterone, they went on to develop male mounting behavior. Newborn male rats that had the hormone blocked failed to develop normal sexual organs, and presented themselves to untreated male rats in a way typical of female sexual behavior. In our society, males commit more crimes, four to one, than females, and the proportion is even higher with violent crimes. Other results of the male fetal testosterone wash: Women have 400

percent more neurons then men in the brain centers for language and hearing; men have 2.5 times the brain space devoted to sex, as well as larger centers for action and aggression. In women, the control center for anger and aggression is larger, not the center itself, so it’s generally easier to anger a man. In April 2006, the headline of an article written by Ronald Kotulak, a science writer for the Chicago Tribune, read this way: “Gender and the Brain — New evidence shows how hormones wire the minds of men and women to see the world differently.” In the article, Larry Cahill, a neurobiologist at the University of California, Irvine, says, “The bias of mainstream neuroscience for the last 25 years has been, ‘OK, sure there’s some sex differences way down deep in the brain in this little structure called the hypothalamus, but otherwise the brains of men and women were pretty much the same. That was wrong, as wrong as could be.” Scientists thought that sex differences were generally controlled by the hypothalamus, a small organ in the brain. Recently, however, a hormone called kisspeptin has been discovered, which at puberty triggers other hormones, which in turn stimulate estrogen and testosterone, initiating physical changes. Blocking kisspeptin prevents these changes from taking place. This hormone bath also affects the brain and impacts female/male characteristics. Another intriguing recent finding was published in the journal Nature in the fall of 2005. That study identifies the genetic difference between men and women at about 1 percent. Comparatively, the genetic makeup of chimpanzees and humans differs by only 1.5 percent. So, women and men differ genetically almost as much as humans differ from chimpanzees! The Science Daily on March 3, 2008, reported that although researchers have long agreed that girls have superior language abilities than boys, until now no one has clearly provided a biological

basis that may account for their differences. For the first time, and in unambiguous findings, researchers from Northwestern University and the University of Haifa show that areas of the brain associated with language work harder in girls than in boys during language tasks, and that boys and girls rely on different parts of the brain when performing these tasks. The Napa Valley Register, in early March of this year, reported that clinical psychologist Dr. Daniel Peters, who practices in Napa and San Ramon, said the reason for the contrast in English test scores between boys (lower scores) and girls has to do with brain development. Girls have larger hippocampuses, the part of the brain that aids in learning and, in particular, language arts. Girls also use more cortical areas of the brain for verbal and emotional functioning, Peters said. Conversely, boys use more cortical areas dedicated to spatial and mechanical functioning, he said. The result is that, neurologically, girls are better wired for language skills than boys, Peters said. “What are boys and men always known as? Not being able to express their feelings or even themselves,” Peters said. “Writing is just another layered version of being able to express themselves. Boys and men just don’t seem to be as good at that as girls and women.” A larger corpus callosum, which is the connective tissue between the right and left hemispheres of the brain, and a larger portion of the brain dealing with emotions, are thought by some researchers to give women a leg up on relationship-building and communication skills. Of course, just as women can compete successfully in math and science, men can improve their skills in these verbal/intuitive areas with study and practice. Emotions being controlled in the cerebral cortex also help explain why women generally feel and express emotion more readily, more visually and

more verbally, than men. Physiologically, men cannot access their feelings and emotions as easily as women can. The difference in visible expression of emotion is one of the biggest trouble spots between men and women. Brain areas responsible for emotions, memory and tracking gut feelings are larger and more sensitive in women. Who knew? Biology explains women’s intuition. Most emotions in men trigger rational thought, not so much gut sensation. Pain areas in women’s brains are visibly activated when they see or are told that other people are in pain. Men’s brains do not respond the same way. Those are only a few of the biological differences between men and women. We are very different! And that’s a good thing. All we need to do is to become aware of the resulting communication differences and learn how to work with them more effectively. I will address some of these differences in future columns and offer tips and strategies to help improve communication between men and women. Until then, viva la difference! — JANE SANDERS is a speaker, trainer and facilitator in the areas of gender communication, strategic business or work/life planning, presentation skills, authentic leadership confidence, recruiting and retention of women, and selling to women. She also facilitates brainstorming, best practice, and strategic planning sessions and retreats. Her clients include Toyota, MassMutual, Prudential, U.S. Steel, Walgreens, Mayo Clinic and many more. Located in Mount Vernon, she is the creator of the “Undercover Confidante” service, offering discovery and solutions to challenging employee issues. Sanders is author of “GenderSmart: Solving The Communication Puzzle Between Men and Women,” available on her website. She can be reached toll-free at 877-3432150, jane@janesanders.com or www.janesanders.com.

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

JULY 2010

Employment Law Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act protection extended to more employers, employees BY ED RENSHAW SBJ CONTRIBUTOR

Almost seven years ago, the Illinois legislature enacted a law that required 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a 12-month period for employees who were victims of domestic or sexual violence (including Renshaw stalking) or who had family/household members who were victims of such violence. The law, called the Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act, or VESSA, took effect Aug. 25, 2003. Originally, VESSA applied only to employers with 50 or more employees. Because that number has been significantly reduced, it’s probably a good time for a refresher on the law. The purpose for leave under VESSA is to permit the affected employee time to obtain medical attention, victim services, counseling, safety planning, relocation help or legal assistance without fear of job loss. Remember, this leave does not have to be for violence against the employee; it can be for the employee to help a family member or even an unrelated member of the employee’s household. If leave is requested, employers can

ECONOMIC: Debt FROM PAGE 10 (As a sovereign nation, Greece cannot go bankrupt.) Many economists think Greece will go into a deep recession (or depression) which could last most of the decade.

The potential ripple It looks like the bailout will be accepted by Greece and its EU partners. This means some confidence will return and other Eurozone nations with big debts will be

require a sworn statement from the employee supporting the need for the leave. An employer may also ask for independent documentation of the domestic situation, such as report from a victim services organization, an attorney, a member of the clergy or a medical professional. A police report may also provide documentation of the need for leave. During the leave time, the employee must remain on the employer’s group health plan under the same terms as if the employee had continued in employment. The employee will still be required to pay the employee’s portion of health insurance premiums if required to do so before taking the leave. The taking of the leave cannot result in the loss of any benefits which accrued before the leave. Once the leave is over, the employee must be restored to the same or an equivalent position with the same benefits, pay and other terms of employment. The employee can substitute paid leave time such as vacation, personal or sick days in lieu of unpaid leave. However, an employer cannot force an employee to use these types of paid leave as part of VESSA leave. This is different than the Family and Medical Leave Act, or FMLA, which permits an employer to require the employee to use paid days before using unpaid days. VESSA is also different from

FMLA in a couple of other significant ways. First, under FMLA, an employee has to work for at least a year before being eligible for leave; under VESSA, there is no minimum time of employment before using the leave. Second, VESSA requires only 48 hours notice before using leave time, while FMLA normally requires 30 days notice. Third, VESSA applies to domestic violence incidents involving household members who are not family members and to spouses of the employee’s children. FMLA applies only to medical conditions of family members. Fourth, FMLA applies only to employers with 50 or more employees. With amendments that were effective in August of 2009, VESSA now applies to employers with 15 or more employees, making its reach much more widespread. (Note, however, that employers with 15 to 49 employees are required to provide only eight weeks of unpaid leave, rather than 12 weeks.) There is another facet of VESSA which could create serious problems for an employer. VESSA includes a provision prohibiting discrimination against people who exercise their rights under VESSA or who are, or are perceived to be, victims of domestic or sexual violence. There may be instances where the workplace is disrupted by a person

involved in a domestic violence situation. Historically, an employer might tend to put the safety of all employees first and take some action to exclude the employee involved in domestic violence from the workplace. VESSA explicitly prohibits this kind of action, stating that an employer cannot discriminate against an employee because “the workplace is disrupted or threatened by the action of a person whom the [employee] states has committed or threatened to commit domestic or sexual violence against the [employee] or the [employee’s] family or household member.” Unfortunately, VESSA may force an employer to choose between workplace safety and a charge of discrimination. Finally, as with so many state and federal employment laws, employers are required to post a notice informing employees of their rights under VESSA. So, if you have 15 or more employees, be sure you have a VESSA notice posted.

slightly less threatened. However, Greece still has a risk of default. Should Greece default even with the bailout, some major lenders in France and Germany would be hit very hard. They would have to raise capital ratios and reduce the frequency of loans. That would hamper economic growth in France, Germany and in turn across Europe. In coming months, the U.S. and other nations could feel the pinch from such a slowdown. Keep in mind, Greece only represents about 2 percent of the Eurozone economy. In the roughest scenario, Spain or Italy defaults and the shock wave to European

banks (and U.S. banks exposed to the debt) is significantly greater. What would happen then? A credit freeze across Europe? Diving stocks? A trashed Euro? A flight to gold? These are merely scenarios, not present realities. But, in a nutshell, this is what had Wall Street biting its nails this spring.

the Euro’s value. The worry is that other bailouts will be needed to preserve the fiscal health of other Eurozone nations. We all hope these countries can effectively manage their debt levels, for the sake of the stock market and the economy in our country.

— ED RENSHAW is a partner with the Carbondale law firm of Feirich/Mager/Green/Ryan. F/M/G/R is a general practice law firm offering a full range of legal services, including labor and employment law, commercial transactions, banking, real estate, workers’ compensation, municipal law and estate planning.

— SCOTT MCCLATCHEY is a founder and

Is the bailout truly a solution? It was unpopular throughout the EU, but the right step to take. The move certainly helped defend the stability of the Euro; in fact, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy have jointly pledged to preserve

LPL Financial Advisor with Alliance Investment Planning Group, a Carbondale-based investment firm located at 115 S. Washington St. He can be reached at 618-519-9344 or scott@allianceinvestment planning.com.

JULY 2010

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

Elder Law If you expect to need care within five years, take action now to protect your assets BY RICHARD HABIGER SBJ CONTRIBUTOR

At the risk of sounding like the boy who cried wolf once too often, you need to take heed that Illinois is finally about to adopt the draconian federal law called the Deficit Reduction Act. Habiger This means you, the reader, need to take immediate action to protect yourself, your loved ones, your home and your lifetime savings, if you own a home or farm or have savings or

investments, and, within the next five years you may need: l care or assistance to continue living in your home. l to transition to assisted living. l care in a nursing home. First, consider a little background for context. In 2005, Congress got very concerned about the rising cost of health care and, in particular, the cost of nursing home and other long-term care, the majority of which is paid for through the Medicaid program. On Feb. 8, 2006, Congress passed and President Bush signed into law the DRA. The federal DRA law required Illinois to adopt rules to implement the DRA by July 1, 2006. Those rules were

written in May 2006 and passed “up the line” per this author’s June 2006 conversation with the two Illinois assistant attorney generals who wrote the new rules. Since that time, the DRA implementation rules have not been adopted and, thus, Illinois has been in violation of the federal DRA law. Undoubtedly, this is a legacy of the Gov. Rod Blagojevich years. On March 24, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (the state agency that is in charge of the Medicaid program in Illinois) issued a four-page document captioned, “Summary of Long Term Care Eligibility Rules.” This author managed to obtain a copy through confidential sources. While neither the

source nor I have seen the actual rules, the summary indicates that the DRA implementation rules are about to be adopted, and, to the horror of myself and other elder care and elder law professionals, will make Illinois one of the toughest states in the nation — much tougher than what was required by Congress when it enacted the DRA. The summary provides for the following: l Five-year “look-back” period. [Note: this does not mean you cannot protect yourself or your assets if there is less than five years. It simply means that Medicaid is entitled to look at all asset transfers SEE ELDER / PAGE 22

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SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

JULY 2010

Achievements AWA R DS

VNA-TIP HealthCare opens in McLeansboro VNA-TIP HealthCare recently acquired Hamilton Memorial Hospital District’s Home Health Agency. The new office is at 303 W. Randolph St. in McLeansboro, allowing shorter commutes and quicker responses to homes in the area. In effect since Feb. 1, the name has changed to VNA-TIP Healthcare. The employees remain the same. VNA-TIP Healthcare is the largest independent home health care agency in the bi-state region, founded in 1917.

Nuernberger opens Allstate office Allstate exclusive agent Kai Nuernberger recently opened an insurance office at 4503 W. DeYoung St., Suite 105C, in Marion. His new agency, called Kai Nuernberger Insurance Agency, offers customers a full line of Allstate insurance products and

P RO M OT I O N S

services, including auto, homeowners, renters, business and commercial, boat, RV, life, retirement and Allstate Motor Club. He can be reached at 618-997-8710 for more information or to receive a quote.

Coracy participates in familiarization trip Helen Coracy of B and A Travel Service in Carbondale recently returned from an all-expense paid educational familiarization trip to Italy as the guest of Globus Vacations. During the seven-day trip, Coracy accepted the agency’s recognition as a Globus Premier Agency Partner for superior sales performance and product knowledge. Information on Globus Vacations worldwide vacation destinations may be obtained from B and A Travel Service in Marion and Carbondale or at www.bandatravel.com.

R E T I R E M E N T

Coracy reappointed to travel agent advisory board David Coracy of B and A Travel Service in Carbondale and Marion has been reappointed to the travel agent advisory board for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. The 25-member board recently met during the annual conference of Authorized Disney Vacation Planners at Walt Disney World Resort to shape creative marketing strategies for Disney’s continuing theme park campaign, “Celebration Vacations.”

Holistic Wellness Institute opens in Carbondale Dr. Linda Hostalek’s Holistic Wellness Institute recently opened in the Murdale Shopping Center just three doors east of the Neighborhood Co-op at 1827 W. Main St. in Carbondale. Formerly Holistic Healing Arts located in Herrin, Hostalek’s new practice, Holistic

Wellness Institute, is focused on wellness care and education, featuring a number of classes, workshops and retreats. For more information, call 618-457-5577 or visit www.tinyurl.com/Holistic Wellness.

Edward Jones branch awarded for excellence Gary Gray and Susan Buttitta of the financial services firm Edward Jones in Herrin recently received the firm’s Client Service Excellence award. Edward Jones, which ranked No. 2 on Fortune magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” in 2010, is headquartered in St. Louis.

Owen Automotive and Detailing opens Guy Owen, formerly of Kenny Shreve Ford in McLeansboro, recently opened Owen Automotive and Detailing at 506 N.

JULY 2010

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

Achievements AWA R DS Harris Place in McLeansboro. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. A Ford certified technician and Ford diesel specialist, Owen has 32 years of experience in truck and auto repair. For an appointment, call Owen at 618-925-1937.

Gibbs-Monroe elected to board of directors Tina Gibbs-Monroe, a Harrisburg resident and Ameren Illinois employee, has been elected to serve on the Prevent Child Abuse Illinois Board of Directors. Gibbs-Monroe, who has long been active in community affairs, is a strong advocate for the prevention of child abuse. She serves as a community relations coordinator for Ameren Illinois and is based in Marion. She was elected to the board at the organization’s June 2 annual meeting.

Crossroads CEO receives Outstanding Achievement Award

P RO M OT I O N S

R E T I R E M E N T

executor of an estate or acting as an agent in providing investment management services. Michael Neill, TrustBank trust officer, is managing the Carbondale branch office. He has 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. Also, he is a licensed attorney and a certified financial planner.

with the University Bank of Carbondale as cashier. In 1972, He accepted the position of president/CEO of Lebanon Trust & Savings Bank (MidAmerica Bank & Trust Company) and became, at age 29, one of Illinois’ youngest bank presidents. He joined Buena Vista National Bank in 1986 as president/CEO and a member of the board of directors.

Tennant receives Patient Choice Award at HRMC

Southern Illinois Stone Company receives safety award

Debra Tennant, a registered nurse at Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion, has been awarded the Patient Choice Award for 2010. Tennant won the award based on the number of votes from the community at large for her work caring for patients. She has worked for seven years in the hospital’s Medical-Surgical Unit.

Southern Illinois Stone Company, a division of Delta Companies Inc., was honored at the Illinois Association of Aggregate Producers annual convention May 11 in Springfield. Clark Bollinger, plant manager, accepted IAAP’s highest honor, the Rock Solid Excellence in Safety Award on behalf of the company’s quarry, located in Buncombe. The award program was developed to publicly recognize members producing crushed stone, sand or gravel, as well as companies providing services to this industry.

Aisin receives Toyota Excellence Award

Ed Cunningham, CEO of Crossroads Community Hospital, has been honored with an Outstanding Achievement Award from Community Health Systems, one of the nation’s leading systems of general acute-care hospitals. Cunningham has served as CEO of Crossroads since April 2007.

For a second year in company history, Aisin Electronics Illinois LLC. was awarded the Toyota Excellence Award at this year’s Annual Toyota Supplier Awards dinner and ceremony. Aisin Electronics Illinois, located in Marion, has received the Certificate of Achievement Award for Quality and Delivery previously for 2007 and now for 2009.

St. Mary’s receives Outstanding Patient Experience Award

Kyle Brown joins E. R. Brown Furniture

St. Mary’s Hospital is among the top 5 percent in the nation for patient experience, based on an analysis of patient surveys from 3,775 hospitals across the country by HealthGrades, the leading independent health care ratings organization. St. Mary’s Hospital was one of only 14 recipients of the HealthGrades Outstanding Patient Experience Award in Illinois and only one of six recipients in Illinois to be ranked in the top 5 percent in the nation.

Kyle S. Brown, a 2010 business graduate of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, has joined E. R. Brown Furniture in West Frankfort. He is the fourth generation of the Brown family to own and manage the 96-yearold, two-store retail furniture operation in West Frankfort, the furniture capitol of Southern Illinois.

Kaisor recognized for 50 years in banking

Buena Vista National Bank recently recognized Allen A. Kaisor for 50 years in banking with a solid gold commemorative TrustBank opened a new branch April 5 pin from Community Bankers Association at 3200 Fishback Road in Carbondale. of Illinois. Trust Services include acting as trustee of a Kaisor started his banking career in 1960 testamentary or living trust, serving as the in Decatur. In 1967, he accepted a position

TrustBank opens new branch in Carbondale

Johnson attends light fair Steven Johnson, owner of the Carbondale-based Southern Lights, LLC, attended Light Fair International for Commercial and Architectural Lighting May 10 to 14 in Las Vegas. Southern Lights LLC is an electrical contracting and lighting company and member of Illuminating Engineering Society. Johnson acquired information about the newest energy-saving lighting products, lighting design for aesthetics and efficiency and improved lighting installation techniques.

Marnati named Correctional Officer of the Year Juvenile Justice Specialist Jeff Marnati at Illinois Youth Center in Murphysboro is among five outstanding front-line employees honored as 2010 Correctional Officers of the Year. The Illinois Department of Corrections and the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice recently honored Marnati and the other four officers at a ceremony in Springfield.

Land donated to Shawnee Mass Transit District Shawnee Mass Transit District, d.b.a. SMART, received approximately five acres of land in Johnson County. The land was donated to the organization by Johnson County 2000, Inc. Industrial Park in Vienna will be the future home of SMART. All of the organization’s operations will be headquartered at this location.

Razer attends leadership special quest Barb Razer of Sparta attended the National Leadership Special Quest on April 24 to 28 in Denver to participate and act as coach for Missouri State Leadership Team. The Special Quest Birth to Five: Head Start/Hilton Foundation Training Program was funded by the Office of Head Start in October 2007.

Hart attends course on estate planning Richard Hart of Hart & Hart, Attorneys at Law, recently completed a two-day course on estate planning. The course was hosted by the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education in Champaign. Hart and Hart is located at 602 W. Public Square in Benton. Richard Hart practices with his son, Murphy Hart.

Bonifield achieves master status Country Financial representative Larry Bonifield of Carterville recently achieved the designation of master status for the organization. Bonifield is among 23 financial representatives selected to receive the honor. This is the second time he has achieved master status. He serves clients from his office at 2702 17th St. in Marion.

Gollhuir named ‘hero’ in long-term care As part of National Nursing Home Week May 9 to 15, the Health Care Council of Illinois recognized Richard Gollhuir as a hero in long-term care for 2010. Gollhuir is a maintenance supervisor at Helia Healthcare of Energy. He was among the heroes HCCI recognized from longterm care facilities in Illinois.

ENHANCING GROWTH & BUILDING PROSPERITY

The Southern Illinois University Carbondale Economic Development team is committed to our mission in southern Illinois focusing on three key areas:

• Entrepreneurship • Innovation • Community Engagement SIUC supports the region’s entrepreneurs through our 25-yearold flagship program, the Illinois Small Business Development Center, and through the Operation Bootstrap training, Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center, CampCEO youth program, and many more. SIUC is highly committed to advancing research and innovation through our Southern Illinois Research Park and our Small Business Incubator. SIUC is also dedicated to advancing healthcare through our Center for Rural Health and Community Development Programs assisting southern Illinoisans throughout the region to be healthier and have greater access to new technology and broadband connectivity.

WWW .GROW SI. COM

618.536.2424

Congratulations to one of our valued clients on being named the Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Small Business of the Year. We and all of southern Illinois are very proud of your accomplishments.

Hwy 127 South, Alto Pass 618.893.4898 www.altovineyards.net

JULY 2010

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

Business Fine Print PERMITS | BANKRUPTCIES

Building permits Carbondale JRB Property Investments, 301 E. Mill St., $120,000 Wayne Banks, 1012 Villa Court, $7,000 John Coles, 901 N. Bridge St., $1,800 Christine Bauer, 510 N. Michaels St., $20,000 Vaughn Properties, 311 W. Main St., $5,000 Chili’s Restaurant, 1240 E. Main St., $1,200,000 Sato Robbins, 1310 E. Grand Ave., $6,000 Italian Village Restaurant, 405 S. Washington St., $35,000 Pointe at SIU, 900 E. Park St., $1,187,500 University Place 8 Theatre, 1370 E. Main St., $115,000 Stephanie Dollinger, 210 S. Greg Lane, $1,500 John Hartman, 1714. W. Colonial Drive, $1,700 Home Rentals, 407 Cherry Court, $500 Home Rentals, 408 Cherry Court, $500 Mikolaj Sawicki, 907 S. Taylor Drive, $250 Tracy Bryant, 606 N. Springer St., $500 Midwest Lodging, 1180 E. Main St., $1,000 Key West, 1108 W. Main St., $500 Gold’s Gym, 2421 W. Main St., $600,000 Pedro Delgado, 2431 New Era Road, $250

Herrin Wal-Mart, 1703 S. Park Ave., $150,000 Jim Greeney, 305 S. 20th St., $10,000 Mitchell McRaven, 2517 N. 14th St., $90,000 Mar y Kat Cattaneo, 1904 S. 27th St., $180,000 Beverly Shelton, 1321 N. 8th St., $8,000 Lillie Slover, 820 N. 27th St., $60,000 Lillie Slover, 820 N. 27th St., $12,000 Deon Sellers, 1413 S. 22nd St., $25,000 First Church of God, 901 N. 3rd St., $200,000

Marion Maxine Burns, 110 S. Vicksburg, $600 Lynn Hanley, 1705 N. State, $36,000 Tim Barnett, 302 E. Clark, $140,000 Aspen Dental, 2702 W. DeYoung, $115,000 B.W. Bruce, 200 Tower Square, $210,000 Ed Hayes, 2707 E. Hickory, $15,000

Metropolis Waterway AG Inc., $261,700 Rendezvous Day Spa and Salon, 1102 E. 5th St., $0 Holly Wood Fun Golf, 1515 5th St., $15,000 Harry W. Douglas, 404 E. 13th St., $0 Lannis L. Walters, 1502 Catherine St., $800 Waterway AG Inc., $196,000

SMGSH, 4001 Veterans Memorial Drive, $500 Bryan Campbell, 602 21st St., $200 Greenwalt and Sons, 909 Water Tower Circle, $0 Edward Sanders, 701 20th St., $2,600 Kay Taylor, 915 Gilbert, $0 America’s Best Inns, 222 44th St., $18,000 Richard Etienne, 3409 Nature Trail, $1,300 Family Life Assembly of God, 2901 Veterans Memorial Dr., $0 Carroll Engineering Co., 5101 Lake Terrace, $300 Kay Developers, 4805 Broadway, $30,000 Jeff Scoville, 725 White St., $3,500 John Brenster, 713 17th St., $0 Gloria McKiness, 1117 Wescott, $0 Jefferson County Tractor Pull Association, Wells Bypass Road, $50 Craig Milligan, 1010 21st St., $0 Christian Fellowship Church, 2417 Cherry St., $0 Jefferson County Shriners, Illinois 37 South, $0 Tavern on 10th, 224 10th St., $300 JJ’s Ice Shack, 310 Old Fairfield Road, $2,500 Peoples Choice Cash and Pawn, 1119 Jordan, $0 Merle Shurtz, 401 W. Beacon Court, $2,800 Oak Grove Village, 28 Willow Court, $6,700 Oak Grove Village, 19 Cottonwood, $6,700 JoAnn Puckett, 2801 Snyder, $2,500

Murphysboro Clarence and Sandra Sherman, 1912 Edith St., $5,700 Harry Raines, 429 N. 12th St., $2,000 Marcus McCoy, 811 Illinois Ave., $1,000 Leslie Williams, 1133 Roberta Drive, $5,300 Robert McCann, 510 Murphy St., $4,100 James and Heather Bean, 27 Westwood Lane, $4,000 Ronald Manwaring, 902 Keough Drive, $1,000 Bob and Mary Herd, 210 N. 19th St., $9,000 Bob and Mary Herd, 1846 Pine St., $9,000 William Crawshaw, 1524 Spruce St., $3,300 Brenda Lipe, 2130 Rains St., $1,800 David Zaragoza, 524 N. 11th St., $4,500 Floyd Hopkins, 1314 Illinois Ave., $10,000 Marion Eye Center, 1934 Walnut St., $4,800 St. Andrews, 724 Mulberry, $6,000 Gerald Hartline, 1821 Division St., $3,000

West Frankfort T.A. Pollack, 200 S. Taft, $39,500 Barney Mack, 704 E. 8th St., $23,190 Terry Williams, 1806 E. Garland, $4,000 LaFiesta Restaurant, 1402 W. Main, $8,500

Mount Vernon

Bankruptcies

Charles Simer, 3403 Nature Trail, $2,500 Victor y Christian Center, 1719 Broadway, $30,800 Misty Paracell, 7 E. Crownview, $450 Cedarhurst Center, 2600 Richview Road, $0

Chapter 7 Richard Pollard and Pamela Pollard, 504 Schumaker St., Carmi Marsha Post, 1402 W. Boulevard St., Marion

Jason Miller and Randie Miller, 495 Puckett St., Carrier Mills Timothy Carter and Dolly Carter, 1162 W. No Name Road, Carbondale Latreshia Russell, 7960 New Bethel Church Road, Brookport Jean Daley, P.O. Box 203, Mounds Jean Murrah, 148 Mark Drive, Goreville Randy Baker, P.O. Box 174, Alto Pass Jennifer Shaw, 1205 N. Main St., Benton Linda Lowe, 900 Big Four St., Eldorado Thomas Biggs and Stacey Biggs, P.O. Box 165, Royalton Jeffrey Blair, P.O. Box 336, Energy Darren Stubblefield, 709 S. Emma St., West Frankfort Jessica Stubblefield, 501 N. Stotlar St., Benton Albert Carr and Sandra Carr, P.O. Box 566, Rosiclare Stephanie Avery, 16498 Old Town Road, Sesser Joseph Mar tinez, 506 1/2 N. Main St., Harrisburg Brandon Vaughn, 200 W. Clay St., Herrin Lisa Payne, R.R. 1, Box 2D, Rinard Robert Watson, P.O. Box 52, Herrin Robyn Smith, 1016 N. Market St., Marion Mark Scott, P.O. Box 145, Irvington Carla Scott, 405 E. Pine St., Irvington Ricky Tongate, 21948 Lakeland Drive, Keyesport Maria Tongate, 167 E. Madison St., Ashley Adam Mileur and Judith Mileur, 1104 B. Sandra Court, Murphysboro Allen Tolbert, 1427 S. Granger St., Harrisburg Warren Modglin and Melissa Modglin, 1019 Gower Lane, Percy Phillip Jerkins, 11468 Illinois 37, Benton Timothy Spurgeon, 200 Pinewood Court, De Soto Kelly Johnson, 1801 Butler St., Metropolis Sarah Bailey, 14971 Somers Church Road, Thompsonville Gary Roman, P.O. Box 1234, Marion Marilyn Crowe, 1913 Saline Ave., Eldorado Alisha Miner, Route 1, Box 212, Albion Henry Clark, 17177 Illinois 127, Murphysboro Don Buedel, 2118 Division St., Murphysboro Ricky Johnston and Deborah Johnston, P.O. Box 246, Mount Vernon Carol Bourland, 12473 Lebo Lane, Cairo Frankie Hester and Pamela Hester, 692 Beech Road, Du Quoin Daniel Coomer and Deana Coomer, 1105 Florence Drive, Fairfield Cindy Cobb, 3790 Illinois 37 North, Goreville Thomas Elliott and Carolyn Elliott, 504 E. Washington St., Karnak Stephanie Bennett, 5985 Bluebird Road, Benton Carl Cash, R.R. 3, Box 223, Albion Theodore Webster and Opal Webster, R.R. 2, Box 74, Elizabethtown Stephen Damron and Roberta Damron, 5220

Marion Road, Metropolis Ronald Stallings and Denise Stallings, 6565 Waldo Church Road, Metropolis Meagon Ford, 2 Union Ave., McLeansboro Marshall Girtman, P.O. Box 491, Marion Jessica Gir tman, 1312 W. Concord St., Harrisburg Alice Shelton, 409 N. 8th St., Herrin Todd Driscoll, R.R. 2 Box 50A, Elizabethtown John Mitchell and Cheryl Mitchell, R.R. 1 Box 111, Elizabethtown John Follmer and Janice Follmer, 12012 Moffat Road, Sparta Todd Walters, 7840 Walter Lane, Walsh Thelma Wettstain, 808 W. 9th St., Johnston City Arnold Burris, P.O. Box 212, Cairo Ryan Tygett, P.O. Box 340, Olmsted Earl Burns and Rhonda Burns, P.O. Box 254, Cambria Wednesday Gray, P.O. Box 464, Metropolis Jason Tedrow and Talia Tedrow, 14267 4 Mile Lane, West Frankfort Mary File, 112 Illini St., Vienna Larry Marvel and Patricia Marvel, 4776 Marvel Road, Thompsonville Burl Ritcheson, P.O. Box 875, Murphysboro William Ketring and Elaine Ketring, 603 E. 4th St., West Frankfort Melony Robinson, 7476 Deering Road, Benton William Scroggins, 129 Ashlar St., Jonesboro Bennie Amburgey, 23973 N. Illinois 37, Dix Angela Amburgey, 3156 Nation Road, Salem Ricky Hammontree, 113 N. Douglas St., West Frankfort Stephen Gosney and Mary Gosney, 11796 Calsburg Road, West Frankfort Dawn Griebe, 19147 Bunyan St., Marion Michael Lagow, 15981 Friendsville Ave., Mount Carmel Alisa Lagow, 1715 Michael Ave., Mount Carmel Robert Goss, P.O. Box 31, Ewing Randell Knight, 1104 County Road, Carmi Roderica Jenkins, 3415 Westmont. Apt. 2, Mount Vernon Joshua Gayer, 16678 E. 300th Road, Mount Carmel Leon Hobbie, 9431 Steel City Road, Benton Mary Sirach, 501 N. Emma St., West Frankfort James Atwood and Tommie Atwood, 1102 S. Mechanic St., Marion Thomas Maramba and Shelly Maramba, 108 N. Locust St., McLeansboro Johnson Tire Service, P.O. Box F, Grayville James Head and Jean Head, P.O. Box 257, Christopher Keith Brasher and Paula Brasher, 400 S. 17th St., Herrin Randall Barwick and Janet Barwick, 12250 Poordo Road, Pittsburg SEE FINE PRINT / PAGE 23

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

JULY 2010

ELDER: Take action now FROM PAGE 17 during the 60-month period prior to the application for Medicaid. l Expanded “penalty” period. Nonallowable transfers are subject to a penalty period for all transfers made on or after Feb. 8, 2006. [Note: this means the rules will be retroactive to Feb. 8, 2006. But it does not necessarily mean that all asset transfers made since that date will result in a penalty.] l Annuities owned by the applicant or his/her spouse must be disclosed and the state must be made the remainder beneficiary. Also, annuities are available assets if they are revocable, assignable or can be sold. l The equity in a home or homestead farm cannot exceed $500,000 unless there is a spouse or a disabled, blind or minor child who lives in the home. l Funds used to purchase a promissory note, loan or mortgage will be treated as a non-allowable asset transfer. l In determining the fair market value of farm property, farmland value tables established by the University of Illinois

Farm Bureau may be used instead of the values used by those who know best — the local tax assessor. l Personal Care Contracts may be used, but must be in writing and must meet very strict criteria. l To cure a non-allowable asset transfer, only the full return of the asset will be permitted. l Medical (and long-term care) expenses incurred during a penalty period cannot be deducted from income as they can be under the pre-DRA rules. There are many other provisions covered in the summary. Stay tuned to this monthly column for further updates and an in-depth analysis of the provisions of the new rules once they are published in the Illinois Register. — RICHARD HABIGER is an elder law

attorney who focuses on asset protection, Medicaid and VA benefits, Alzheimer’s and life care planning — all in collaboration with a multi-disciplinary staff. You may contact him at 618-5494529 or info@habigerelderlaw.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

1-800-827-7020 www.pepsimidamerica.com

JULY 2010

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

Business Fine Print PERMITS | BANKRUPTCIES Clara Trout, R.R. 1, Box 125A, Broughton Brenda Blattel, P.O. Box 456, Dongola Toni Donas, P.O. Box 104, Thompsonville Vicky Babb, 1425 Shawnee Drive, Marion Elke Hayes, 3479 Illinois 13 West, Harrisburg William Weiss, 105 N. First St., Enfield Derek Batterton, 531 W. First St., Mount Carmel Connie Keele, 15727 E. Tolle Road, Mount Vernon Terry Gee and Mary Gee, 5988 N. Spruce Lane, Waltonville Lindsay Quesenberr y, P.O. Box 326, Olive Branch Christopher Newby and Risa Newby, 97 Chippewa Drive, Carbondale

Chapter 13 Timothy Everly and Raven Everly, 1633 West Road, West Frankfort Tony Holland, 208 S. Illinois Ave., Du Quoin Charles Carroll and Sandra Carroll, 1200 Da Cla Mar Court, Carbondale Rutherford Eubanks and Ginger Eubanks, P.O. Box 38, Valier William Stockton, 11310 Norman Road, Marion Jean Stockton, 909 Independence Ave., Marion Jonathan White, 530 Beagle Road, Stonefort James Todd and Katrina Todd, R.R. 5, Box 188, Fairfield Donald Rowland and Debra Rowland, 1806 E. Oak St., West Frankfort Thomas Schaefer, 7462 Veath Lane, Evansville William Morgan and Elizabeth Morgan, 202 E. Holmes St., Chester Rober t Ticer and Meredith Ticer, 219 S. Mulberry St., Du Quoin Robert Brooks and Cynthia Brooks, 700 N. 12th St., Herrin David McCaleb, 56 Francis Lane,

Murphysboro Sharon Clayton, 1526 N. Franklin St., Benton Jason Stephenson and Alycia Stephenson, 1809 Julianne DrBrenda Gray, 405 S. Douglas St., West Frankfort Christa Ramsey, P.O. Box 56, Colp Johnny Biggerstaff and Shaelyn Biggerstaff, 1801 Organ St., Eldorado Connie Hernandez, P.O. Box 387, Shawneetown Flora Spears, P.O. Box 127, Ullin William Hollen and Amy Hollen, 8291 N. 900 Boulevard, Mount Carmel Kirk Skelton, 230 N. 14th St., Murphysboro Diana Buck, 310 Forest St., Anna Florida Cherry, 309 N. Elm St., Mounds Jeffrey Grob and Kimberly Grob, 706 E. Murray St., Sesser Debra Winterberg, P.O. Box 288, Willisville Jason Kruse and Christine Kruse, 11528 Hafer Road, Carterville Charley Ralston and Nancy Ralston, 225 W. Cleveland St., West Frankfort Rachel Ebel, 626 N. 15th St., Murphysboro Terra Smith, 811 S. Main St., Harrisburg Thomas Coffey and Suzzette Coffey, 810 Illinois 149, Royalton Billy Jones and Debbie Jones, 103 W. Sixth St., West Frankfort Danny Sena and Kathleen Sena, 401 W. Park St., Benton Alvin Willes and Connie Willes, 505 S. Aikman St., Marion Kimberly Watkins, 211 E. Lindell St., West Frankfort Janet Leach, 2622 Orient Road, West Frankfort Robert Prosise and Tammy Prosise, 211 N. Main St., Zeigler William Church and Jamie Church, 6810 U.S. 45 South, Carrier Mills Chris Dillman, P.O. Box 156, Benton David Gammill and Cynthia Gammill, 712 E.

Clark St., West Frankfort Mary Lewis, 12451 W. Ruembler Crossing, Benton Charles Hand and Jeanie Hand, P.O. Box 177, Freeman Spur Rober t Szakurski, 732 W. Market St., Christopher Bettina Daniel, 1309 W. North St., Carbondale Seth Dawley, 211 Apple Lane, Anna Mandy Kahl, 280 Sweet Potato Road, Dongola John Allen, P.O. Box 22, Ava Rebekah Allen, 203 N. Second St., Ava Jeremy George, 1736 Old Du Quoin Road, Du Quoin Jackie Catron, 1 Nor thbrook Drive, McLeansboro Kenny Smith, 2920 Milligan Hill Road, Alto Pass James Bar tley, 301 S. Marion St., West Frankfort Jared Whitehead and Michelle Whitehead, 11422 Simon St., Marion Joseph Lattina and Linda Lattina, 4719 Yung Road, Sesser Christopher Wieseman and Tammy Wieseman, 10405 Old U.S. 51 North, Cobden John Burke and Terri Burke, 8621 E. Boyd St., Mount Vernon Melissa McClure, 213 George St., Anna Daniel Hammonds and Sherrie Hammonds, 303 S. Ward St., Benton Michael Wright, 309 E. Church St., Galatia Vallery Holland, 1118 Monroe St., Johnston City Joseph Holder, P.O. Box 223, Cairo Joyce Holder, 504 Martin Luther King Ave., Cairo Bobbie Rucker, 706 E. Reeves St., Marion Wilma Greenlee, 1401 W. Grand Ave., Carterville Merle Garrison and Paula Garrison, 700 S.

Duncan St., Marion Cher yl Anderson, 1898 N. Illinois Ave., Carbondale Patricia Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neal, 1955 Stephens Road, Carbondale Joyce Griffin, 17376 Garrett Road, Johnston City Lynn Moore, 2520 New Era Road 61, Murphysboro Earl Moore, P.O. Box 435, Sparta Gary Wedeking and Tammy Wedeking, 7280 Riepe Ridge Road, Metropolis Lance Choate and Desirea Choate, P.O. Box 82, Harrisburg Jonathan Beer, 16178 Illinois 3, Ava Jolene Harsy, 605 E. Main St., De Soto Jeffrey Emery and Tammy Emery, 130 U.S. 51 South, Du Quoin David Williams and Tina Williams, 300 Gibbons Road, Harrisburg Sandra Stone, 735 Murphy School Road, Anna Ernest Johnston and Mary Johnston, 3125 Lime Ave., Mount Vernon John Clarida and Katherine Clarida, 202 N. Fair St., Marion Megan Sperry, P.O. Box 74, Dongola Christopher Lundeberg, 3507 Shenandoah, St. Louis Eric Harris, 8 Bermuda Road, Murphysboro Douglas Hargis and Lonna Hargis, 108 Prairie St., Zeigler Latoria Mayfield, 607 E. Park St., Carbondale Garry Gilbert and Barbara Gilbert, 903 S. Madison St., Marion Bradley Owens and Tara Owens, 18256 N. Hails Lane, Mount Vernon Dennis Driscoll and Penny Driscoll, R.R. 2 Box 50 A, Elizabethtown Clinton Boldrey and Billye Boldrey, 20832 N. Duncan Lane, Dix Marion Stallman, 318 Schroder St., Chester

Achievements AWA R DS

Century 21 wins technology award

P RO M OT I O N S

in using technology to connect with customers in an innovative way. The agents Century 21 House of Realty, Inc. of utilize social media, including Facebook, Marion has won the 2009 Century 21 Technology Award. The award is presented LinkedIn, YouTube and blogs, to post annually to one company in the Century 21 listings, open houses and industry information. They have also developed system that has successfully integrated technology into its business and anticipates their website, www.buySIhomes.com, into a marketing channel that highlights the new ways technology can enhance attributes of their listings with virtual customer relationships. tours, slide shows and a wide selection of Under the direction of Rich and Janie photos. Davis, Century 21 in Marion has excelled

R E T I R E M E N T

Ike Auto Park Collision Center relocates Ike Auto Park Collision Center recently relocated its main facility to the old Ike Auto Park building on Illinois 13 East at Spillway Road. Ikeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Collision Center has been in operation since 1983. Steve Gilbert, who has been a service advisor at Ike Honda, is now the Collision Center manager.

Let the region know Have you been promoted? Has a colleague at work completed an intensive continuing education program? Others in the business community will want to know it, so please consider passing on your milestone employment news to the Southern Business Journal. Feel free to e-mail the information to sbj@thesouthern.com or fax a written update to 618-457-2935.

John A. Logan College Highway Construction Careers Training Program (Funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation, Administered by the Illinois Community College Board)

Do you have a valid Illinois driver’s license? Are you 18 years or older, have your high school diploma or GED and have an interest in working in the construction trades? Would you like to learn how to participate in the Highway Construction Careers Training Program?

If YES, contact us today! A Highway Construction Careers Training Program has been implemented to increase the number of minorities, women and disadvantaged individuals working on IDOT highway construction projects. The training consists of an intensive 8-week program to learn the skills necessary for acceptance into the highway construction trades and the opportunity for a career with high wage earning potential. The training includes, but is not limited to: • Math for the trades • Job readiness • Technical skills coursework • OSHA 10 certification Classes Begin July 19, 2010 Contact: Dennis White (618) 985-2828 denniswhite@jalc.edu

JOB PLACEMENT OPPORTUNITIES: Laborers • Equipment Operators • Ironworkers • Carpenters • Cement Masons • Electricians • Pipefitters, Plumbers • Painters