JULY 2012

InsideJ U L Y 2 0 1 2

The Southern Business Journal is a publication of The

Southern Illinoisan. Contact us via mail at 710 N. Illinois

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INDICATORS Employment trend positive: Recentnews about the region’s loss of correctional jobs and dark positions at SIU are discouraging, but overallunemployment dropped across theregion in April, the most recent monthfor which complete statistics are available. Joblessness dropped in all18 of the southernmost counties in Illinois, with the biggestimprovement, a 1.6 percent decrease,in Union County. Significant drops of1.1 percent also were seen in Franklin,Johnson and Perry counties.

Pages 12-13

ACHIEVEMENTS Who is in the news? Find out who hasbeen hired, who has been promoted orwho has received an award for effortsin business. Make sure you check outour newest ‘Faces in the News’collection of business portraits andlearn more of achievements and honors in regional businesses. If youknow of a business or businesspersonwho deserves special recognition foradvanced training, a unique honor or abusiness expansion, please let usknow at sbj@thesouthern.com.

Pages 16-18

Inside1st Bank & Trust of Murphysboro ..........7

Bill Ecker, State Farm Insurance ..........20

Datalock .......................................... 22

John A. Logan College ........................ 17

Modern Office Connections ................ 20

Occupational Performance and Rehab ....5

Oliver and Associates, Inc. ................ 10

Pepsi MidAmerica .......................... 5, 10

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

SIU Small Business Development ..........3

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

Southern Illinois University ................ 24

Williamson County Airport....................20

Directory of Advertisers

INVESTMENTS Planning for the self-employed:

There are many advantages to self-employment, but perhaps an evengreater number of responsibilities.Those who are their own bosses alsoare ultimately responsible for theirfinancial well-being in retirement. It’simportant for the self-employed to becognizant of the financial planningissues surrounding retirement andtake some important steps beforereaching retirement.

Page 7

ELDER LAW Putting seniors at risk: With a recentstroke of a pen, Gov. Pat Quinn putmany of Illinois’ most vulnerable senior citizens at risk. Described asMedicaid reform, the changesapproved by the General Assemblyand signed into law by Quinn makesignificant and harsh changes to theMedicaid eligibility rules for seniorswho need financial assistance to helppay for the high cost of nursing-homeand other long-term care. Most of thechanges in the Medicaid law becameeffective immediately.

Page 11

Find more business newsat www.sbj.biz.

JULY 2012 SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL 3

Cover Story

Smartphones revolutionizingthe way people do business

“There’s an app for that.”What originally was a tag line to boost

interest in Apple’s iPhone actually hasbecome a mantra for the ways thatpeople in Southern Illinois and aroundthe globe do business. There are morethan 100 million smartphone users inthe U.S. — nearly half of all cellularphone users — and, according tocomScore, a company that measuresdigital media behaviors, one-fourth ofthem have used a tablet, such as an iPad,within the last 90 days.

Across the world and the region, theseonce gee-whiz products have become astaple of conducting business.

“Smartphones have revolutionized the

way people do business,” says JessiMiller, manager of Cellular Connection,a Verizon wireless dealer in Herrin.“We’re no longer tied to the office; we’recompletely mobile now. We can doanything from our phones or tablets thatwe can do from our desktop computers.”

Just how are Southern Illinois businessleaders and owners using thistechnology? With more than 250,000applications available, there is one foralmost any need. Miller says she doeseverything from handling her scheduleto printing documents directly from oneof her handheld devices. But, what about

BY LES O’DELLSBJ CORRESPONDENT

Find more business newsat www.sbj.biz.

ART SERVICESFor some business people, the best uses of smartphones are some of the simplest tools —things such as Internet access. Joe Helleny, owner of Moneta Enterprises of Marion, likes theiPhone because it gives him access to the Internet.

SEE COVER STORY / PAGE 4

JULY 2012SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL4

Cover Storythose people who don’t work fortechnology companies? What devicesare they utilizing, and what software andapps do business people consider must-haves?

We asked local businessmen andwomen to tell us about their personal technology.

Floyd Jerkins, owner and projectdirector at Creative Consulting inBenton, uses both an iPhone and aniPad.

“For me, it’s all about informationcontainment,” he explains. “I lovehaving the information I need at myfingertips.” A news hound, he says hisfavorite apps include SkyGrid, USAToday and Bloomberg.

Mark Feldhake, vice president ofArchitechniques in Herrin, uses his HTCIncredible and a Droid-based tabletcalled an Asus for a number of work-related activities.

“On my phone, I’m mainly checkingemails while I’m out of the office, as wellas text messaging, maintaining contactsand synching my calendar,” he says. “Ido have an app called PdaNet that letsme link to my home computer, laptop ortablet and lets me use my phone as amodem.

Feldhake also uses some veryspecialized apps on his tablet.

“There are some just for architecturaldrawings, and PocketCloud allows me tolink back to my desktop computer andcontrol it remotely,” he says. “RedstickSite CAD is an application specific forarchitecture that lets me do fieldmeasurements and import them intosoftware on my computer.”

Herrin Chamber of CommerceDirector Liz Lynn says she uses theHeyTell application for her iPhone.

“It’s an easy way to communicate. Itmakes your phone work like a walkie-talkie, kind of like text messages, butwith your voice,” she says.

With children ages 2, 5 and 7, Lynnsays she also has plenty of children’sactivities on her iPad.

“It’s a great way to keep their fingersand minds busy,” she adds.

TJ Martin, owner of TJ’s Fine Jewelryin Carbondale, also is a fan of a businesscard reader, but it’s a different one thanwhat Lynn recommends. He suggestsCardMunch, as well as a number ofjewelry industry-specific applications.He uses both an iPhone and iPad.

“In my vehicle or traveling, I haveaccess to anything that I need. It’s likebeing in my office. If I need to look atinventory or see contacts or even dovideo conferencing, it’s all there. It’s likehaving a portable office,” he says.

Jeff Speith, regional president at OldNational Bank in Carbondale, uses bothan iPhone and an iPad, but admits thetablet is more for recreation than work.On his phone, he uses the built-incalendar app more than any other, oftensetting reminders for himself.

“It makes me more productive, and Ithink it melds your personal andbusiness lives together in some ways. It’sall right there,” he explains.

Michael Jessup, territory manager forEcoLab in Carterville, says hissmartphone keeps him organized andallows him to do things that he couldn’tdo with a regular cellular phone.

“I love being able to schedule thingsany time and being able to put thingstogether in a nice, easy package,” hesays. “Plus, I can reach customers inways that I wasn’t able to before. Ihaven’t really found a downside totechnology that hinders what I do.”

Financial representative atMassMutual Financial Group in

Carbondale, Bobby Diehl chooses eitherhis iPhone or iPad, depending on thesituation. He’s usually on the iPhoneduring the day, unless he is meeting withclients.

“If I’m in front of a prospect or client,all of my paperwork and illustrations areon the iPad,” he says. “I use an app calledSignMyPad, where I can have clientssign paperwork through it. Later, I canemail it and it will be sent to the homeoffice. Without it, it would be me withthree brief cases and a bunch ofpaperwork. It’s compliant and safe, and Ithink it is the most efficient I can be.”

Sometimes a business customer’sneed can drive a leader’s need for atechnology. Tracy Askari of SI MedicalWeight Loss in Marion says one of thereasons she has a smartphone is becauseher clients have them.

“It’s become a business necessity,” shesays. “Our patients are using apps totrack their food intake and using the webto evaluate nutrients. I needed to havethe same access so that we could reviewand recommend things.”

For some business people, the bestuses of smartphones are some of thesimplest tools — things like Internetaccess. Joe Helleny, owner of Moneta

Enterprises of Marion, likes the iPhonebecause it gives him access to theInternet.

“It helps me do my work in a mobileenvironment,” he says. “I don’t have tocarry a laptop or worry about anyhardware. It gives me access wherever Iam in the region.”

Michael Crips, president and CEO ofFirst Bank and Trust in Murphysboro,likes the convenience of smartphones.

“I can conduct business at all hours ofthe day or night,” he says. “And, with text messages, I can get to it when I get to it.

He adds, however, that there can be adownside to all of the technology.

“You can get information overloadpretty easy,” Crips says. “When youstructure your life around these devices,and what you request is constantly beingdelivered to you, sometimes you can’tassimilate it all.”

The answer, he says, is as simple aspushing the power button.

“Sometimes you just have to take avacation and turn the thing off.”

LES O’DELL of Carbondale is a regularcontributor to Southern Business Journaland The Southern Illinoisan.

ART SERVICES‘If I’m in front of a prospect or client, all of my paperwork and illustrations are on the iPad,’ says Bobby Diehl, financial representative atMassMutual Financial Group in Carbondale. ‘I use an app called SignMyPad, where I can have clients sign paperwork through it. Later, I canemail it and it will be sent to the home office. Without it, it would be me with three brief cases and a bunch of paperwork.’

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JULY 2012SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL6

Legal MattersThe paperless chase:

Legal firms embrace the digital age

The most paper-laden movie justmight be the 1973iconic film, “ThePaper Chase,”which chroniclesthe challenges of afirst-year Harvardlaw student. Nearly40 years later, thelegal profession’s

paper deluge is unchanged. A survey byArnold & Porter LLP reports the averageattorney uses about 200 reams of paper,weighing two tons, every single year!Multiply that by office headcount, andsuddenly costs mount. Criticalinformation may be hard to find, and theentire judicial process is slowed by themanual transmission of paper. But, thedigital age is catching up.

Complex litigation often requires thefrequent transfer of importantdocumentation with great immediacyand security. Saving the industry frommountainous paper piles and clientsfrom bills that are larger than theyabsolutely need to be are two rapidlydeveloping technologies: customizablefile servers and document production,storage and sharing sites.

By enhancing communicationsbetween parties, these sites securelyorganize, manage and share confidentialrecords in one centralized location,speeding the entire judicial process. Thetwo services, accessible 24/7, work in thebest interest of all parties because theyare accessible by everyone involved in acase from any Internet connection.

Customizable file server

The typical 9-to-5 business day nolonger dictates when legal practitionerstransfer and access crucial caseinformation. A customizable file server(a networked server that stores andtransfers documents between case

participants) allows users to:� Upload and share case files.� Store files in a document repository,

accessible by all case parties.� Download all case documents as

portable document format (PDF) files.� Receive summary reports on all case

activity, emailed real time, daily orweekly.� Communicate to all case

participants, simply and securely,through one common email address,keeping case communiqués out of spamfilters.

Municipal court systems that use acustomizable file server have additionalcapabilities, such as docket managementand the ability to upload emergencycancellation of hearings and courtmemoranda. Court personnel also areable to review, accept/reject and managedocuments.

While many offices are equipped withinternal file-sharing technology, today’scustomizable file servers are accessibleby all verified case parties from anyonline location. And, the technology isbuilt to meet the exacting needs of lawprofessionals.

Document production, storage

and sharing site

New to the market is a documentproduction, storage and sharing site,which brings great organization to thediscovery process of large litigation.Specifically designed to centralizeinformation and make record-sharingfast, easy and secure, the service allowsusers to:� Request, track, download and print

records, such as medical records andmore.� Securely store and transfer files

using the latest encryption technology.� Share a one-time record

procurement cost with other users.� Communicate via an open forum

that significantly reduces emails andphone calls between parties.

By facilitating communication and

securely managing and sharing caserecords in one location, documentproduction, storage and sharing sitesspeed the judicial process. The servicealso joins all historical case material foreasy future reference.

And, the new service boasts the latestencryption technology to keep law firmstransferring private health informationin full compliance with the HealthInformation Portability &Accountability Act which requires:� Only authorized persons may access

electronic PHI.� Systems that contain electronic PHI

must record all access and activity.� Electronic PHI may not be altered or

destroyed.� Technology must guard against

unauthorized access.Document production, storage and

sharing sites use advanced technology tomeet each of HIPAA’s securityrequirements. Common file transfermethods NOT in compliance withHIPAA include Hyper Text TransferProtocol Secure, File Transfer Protocoland email.

The value of technology

As law firms are tasked to deliverquality service with the greatest costefficiency, customizable file servers anddocument production, storage andsharing sites are proven to producemeaningful cost savings to clients.

First, the technologies significantly

reduce man hours required to locate andaccurately communicate caseinformation and transfer recordsbetween multiple participants. Onaverage, 10 hours are saved per case, perparticipating firm.

The services also eliminate the cost ofpostage and/or potentially costly delaysin the delivery of physical copies.Average cost savings exceed $3,600 perfirm, per case.

Given that all case material is stored ina central location, no time is wastedsearching for information. And, movingdocuments faster expedites the overalljudicial process — a very importantfactor in cases that involve seriously illor injured and/or end-of-life plaintiffs.

As large, complex litigation mandatesthe rapid and secure transfer of recordswith greater frequency, law practitionerscan escape the paper chase and attainsignificant time- and cost-savings byturning to these two new high-techlitigation support technologies. Theservices are proving to makeinformation-sharing fast, easy andsecure. Plus, 24/7 communicationcapability keeps all participantsorganized, speeding the entire judicialprocess. It’s a win-win-win for lawfirms, their clients and the courts.

VICKI POHLMAN is the founder andpresident of litigation support services firmPohlmanUSA Court Reporting in St. Louis.More information can be found atwww.pohlmanusa.com.

Pohlman

BY VICKI POHLMANSBJ CONTRIBUTOR As law firms are tasked to deliver quality service with the greatest

cost efficiency, customizable file servers and document production,storage and sharing sites are proven to produce meaningful cost savings to clients. Given that all case material is stored in a centrallocation, no time is wasted searching for information. And, movingdocuments faster expedites the overall judicial process — a veryimportant factor in cases that involve seriously ill or injured and/orend-of-life plaintiffs.

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Financial planning for the self-employedSelf-employed

individuals have alot of benefits. Theyget to be their ownboss, often get towork in a field theyenjoy, have moreflexibility to seetheir kids’important eventsand get the profits

of their labor. However, they often get towork 60 hours a week and retire withouta pension. They are ultimatelyresponsible for their financial well-being in retirement. Therefore, theyneed to be cognizant of the financialplanning issues in retirement and someimportant steps that can be made.

Contribute 10 percent of income to aretirement plan. In the book “The RichestMan in Babylon,” the wise Arkad givesthis advice: “A part of all you earn isyours to keep. It should not be less thana tenth no matter how little you earn. Itcan be as much more as you can afford.”

There are many retirement plansavailable for the self-employed: IRAs,SEP plans, SIMPLE IRAs, and 401(k)plans and defined benefit plans for thehighly compensated. Your choice ofretirement plans depends on yourincome, number of employees and age.

Invest what you save wisely. Follow anasset allocation model whileaccumulating money so your portfoliodoes not have too much risk or not havethe ability to make enough. It isimportant to have a diversified portfolioto give you the potential rate of returnand appropriate risk level you are

comfortable with. You certainly shouldnever fall in love with any investments,but it is important to be a patientinvestor.

Use a Variable Annuity with a livingbenefit. Most good quality variableannuities have good mutual fund choicesto invest your money in. Now thebenefit for someone retiring withoutpension plan is to have some guaranteedincome in retirement. A good livingbenefit can work as a private pensionplan for some of your money. In thatVAs have higher imbedded fees, only apart of your investable assets for a self-employed person should be in VA.However, if the market moves againstyou, it is nice to know what yourminimum income is.

Transfer all the risk you can. You need tomake sure you have adequate Property &Casualty insurance and an umbrella

policy to protect your assets. You need tohave adequate Health Insurance to makesure your family can be taken care of ifanyone is not well. It is amazing howexpensive health care is and you do notwant all your hard work to be spent onillness. It is already not fun to be ill orhave a loved one not well, but it is evenworse if it breaks you.

Lastly, you should consider long-termcare insurance. This is sometimes thedifference between competent care andreally good care on your terms. It is alsocan be the difference between your heirshaving an inheritance or not.

These are four important issues forself-employed individuals. There aremany others we are not mentioning butare also important, such as successionplanning, titling assets correctly and

Tison

BY MICHAEL P. TISONSBJ CONTRIBUTOR

SEE INVESTMENTS / PAGE 22

JULY 2012 SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL 9

Employment Law

In many ways, the Great Recessionforced businesses to address issues thatshould have been dealt with years ago.For some, it was too late. For those whosurvived, there may have been missedopportunities in the partial recovery wehave enjoyed. But, of all the lessonslearned in the last several years, oneseemingly remains lightly regarded: thepotentially devastating consequences ofmultiemployer plan withdrawal liability.

Multiemployer pension plans arecommon in many industries, coveringunion employees who may work formany different employers. Mostemployers who are parties to unioncollective bargaining agreements areobligated to contribute to multiemployerpension plans. Multiemployer plans aregoverned by the Employee RetirementIncome Security Act of 1974. UnderERISA rules, if an employer pulls out of amultiemployer pension plan (i.e.,withdraws) — such as, by offering adifferent type of plan, closing itsbusiness, going non-union — theemployer must pay a portion of anyunfunded benefits the plan may have.The withdrawing employer’s portion ofunfunded benefits is known aswithdrawal liability.

Withdrawal liability is oftenparticularly painful to employersbecause it can be a very large dollaramount, even for a small number ofemployees. Also, the employer may berequired to pay the withdrawal liabilityin a single payment within a very short

time, depending on the circumstances ofthe withdrawal.

Pension plan trustees work withactuaries and other consultants todetermine each employer’s obligation tofund the plan. But, most often thisobligation is set through collectivebargaining, and that’s where the processcan break down. Collective bargainingtypically involves compromise on bothsides in work rules, wages and benefits.While a multiemployer pension planmay need $50 per employee each weekto ensure that the plan is notunderfunded, union negotiators maysettle on $35 per employee in an effort toreach the best economic packagepossible for both sides. What manyemployers do not realize, however, isthat this agreement to contribute alesser amount does not reduce theemployer’s overall liability to fund theplan. Employers can still be held liablefor any underfunded amount that mayexist.

Businesses need to fully consider thepotential long-term impact ofmultiemployer plan contributionrequirements in collective bargainingagreements. Pension benefits are basedon actuarial projections, which changeconstantly, depending on the

demographics of an employer’sworkforce, market conditions andmyriad other factors. Yet, collectivebargaining agreements often lock in a setamount of contributions for severalyears. Unions and employers areextremely reluctant to open up hard-fought contracts to adjust onecomponent; so, the funding deficit cangrow over time.

Add to that a plummeting stockmarket (as in 2008) and wide variationsin interest rates, and a plan’sunderfunding problem can quickly gofrom bad to worse.

When the full force of the recessionhit, it accelerated the triggering ofwithdrawal liability as companies shutdown or opted for a different businessstrategy that forced them out ofcollective bargaining agreements.What appeared to be a sound businessstrategy to survive the recession wasblown up by a significant withdrawalliability.

For multiemployer plans, asbusinesses went bankrupt and could notpay their withdrawal liability, theunderfunding problem just got worse.The situation today has not improvedmuch for many plans.

Planning for withdrawal liability is a

lot easier before the full weight of theobligation hits than afterwards.Businesses should consider thefollowing:

Under ERISA, some businesses may beeligible for a cap on withdrawal liabilityif the owner sells substantially all of thecompany’s assets. If the business isbeing sold, it may even be possible tostructure the sale in a manner that shiftsthe withdrawal liability obligation to thepurchaser.

Businesses that are consideringshutting down operations and startingup an entirely different line of serviceshould examine potential withdrawalliability first. A more practical solutionmight be to keep the existing businessopen and gradually add the new line ofservice.

There are several very nuancedexceptions to withdrawal liability. Abusiness that is concerned about itspotential withdrawal liability shoulddiscuss its options with its employeebenefits attorney.

In the end, the best advice is to avoidputting off the tough decisions. Payclose attention to the pension fundingobligations in collective bargainingagreements. With savvy negotiation, anemployer may be able to minimize, oreven eliminate, the threat of withdrawalliability. Nonetheless, an employer maybe faced with a “pay me now or pay melater” decision that should be weighedcarefully to avoid being unexpectedlyburdened by a large withdrawal liabilityobligation.

DOUGLAS S. NEVILLE is an officer of the lawfirm Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C. andmanages its employee benefits practicegroup.

KRISTY J. WRIGLEY-DURER is an associatewith the firm’s employee benefits practicegroup.

BY DOUGLAS S. NEVILLE AND KRISTY J. WRIGLEY-DURER

SBJ CONTRIBUTORS

Find more business newsat www.sbj.biz.

Businesses need to address withdrawal liability burdens

Neville Wrigley-Durer

Planning for withdrawal liability is a lot easier before the full weight of the obligation hits than afterwards. Businesses should consider the following:

The best advice is to avoid putting off the tough decisions. Pay closeattention to the pension funding obligations in collective bargainingagreements. With savvy negotiation, an employer may be able tominimize, or even eliminate, the threat of withdrawal liability.Nonetheless, an employer may be faced with a ‘pay me now or payme later’ decision that should be weighed carefully to avoid beingunexpectedly burdened by a large withdrawal liabilityobligation.

JULY 2012 SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL 11

Elder Law

The IllinoisGeneral Assembly’srecent slash andburn “Medicaidreform” legislationteed-up Senate Bill2840, the so-calledSMART Act (SavingMedicaid Accessand ResourcesTogether), and, with

the stroke of his pen, Gov. Pat Quinn putmany of Illinois’ most vulnerable seniorcitizens at risk.

The SMART Act makes significant andharsh changes to the Medicaid eligibilityrules for seniors who need financialassistance to help pay for the high costof nursing home and other long-termcare. Most of the changes in theMedicaid law became effectiveimmediately. Among the mostdraconian provisions are the following:� The amount of assets the

Community Spouse (the spouse whoremains at-home and is not in a carefacility) is allowed to keep was reducedfrom $113,640 to $109,560. Moreover,this sum is now fixed and will not rise infuture years, as was the practice inearlier years. When one considers thefact that the Community Spouse(generally the wife) will lose the SocialSecurity and pension income of hernursing home spouse when he dies(often the spouse who was the higherwage earner and thus the one with thehigher Social Security income), thepaltry sum of $109,560 may not besufficient to prevent the now-widowedspouse from impoverishment and herown eventual dependence upon theMedicaid system for her Medical andlong-term care needs.� The monthly income allowance for

the Community Spouse was reducedfrom $2,841 to $2,739. This sum is nowfixed and will not be adjusted upward tokeep pace with the cost of living asauthorized by federal law.� Persons older than 65 will no longer

be able to participate in OBRA pooledtrusts, unless they are a ward of the state

or county public guardian and “a courthas found that any expenditures for thetrust will maintain or enhance theperson’s quality of life.” Before theenactment of the new law, these trustsenabled persons to set some moneyaside in the pooled trust without penaltyso they could have assets available tocover things (like clothing, hair care,etc.) that Medicaid does not. Thischange will not allow thesesupplemental care trusts to beestablished once an applicant reachesthe age of 65. If the elder does not usesome other planning option, this willforce the elder to spend down to becomeeligible for Medicaid-paid long-termcare. Moreover, if the elder is to haveany quality of life beyond that point, theelder’s family will have to pay for the“extras” (clothes, hair care, etc.) thatMedicaid will not pay for.� Homestead property held in a trust

(even a revocable living trust) will nolonger be considered exempt homesteadproperty, even if the at-home spouseresides there. Thus, individuals whohave a home in a revocable living trust asan estate planning measure (e.g., toavoid probate) may need to transfer thehome out of trust in the event onespouse needs to apply for Medicaid topay for care in a nursing home.

In addition, the new law makes otherchanges that will negatively impactseniors in need of Medicaid assistancefor long-term care.� The new law does away with the

“spousal refusal rule.” Thus, Medicaidmay now refuse to grant assistance to anapplicant whose at-home spouse refusesto disclose his or her assets. Before thechange, this rule allowed a stay at-homespouse to not disclose her assets and tokeep her separate assets, regardless ofthe amount of those assets. As aconsequence, many spouses may findthey will need to consider a divorce or alegal separation to obtain the necessaryfinancial benefits their spouse needs andalso avoid their own impoverishment.� Medicaid also will be able to pursue

support payments from the at-homespouse. This “change” is not so much atrue change, for Medicaid has alwayshad the right to obtain supportpayments from the at-home spouse;rather, it is a legislative mandate for theMedicaid bureaucracy to actually goafter the at-home spouse.� The Home Equity Exemption was

reduced from $750,000 to $500,000. Asa result, many small-family farms inSouthern Illinois may be at risk should asenior member of the family have anequity interest in the farm greater than

$500,000 and need to apply forMedicaid to help pay for long-term care.� Illinois Cares Rx is terminated.

Previously, this program provided grantsto senior citizens and persons withdisabilities to help reduce the impact ofthe high cost of prescription medication.The program literally was a “life saver”for many.

The bottom line for all seniors: it isextremely important to not wait for acrisis to develop, to not wait until youare on the door step of a nursing home.With pre-planning and pre-positioningof your assets, using the techniques andstrategies that remain, i.e., that have notbeen closed off by the new law, you andyour loved ones can still be protected ...provided you do not hesitate.

RICHARD HABIGER is the author of theIllinois edition of How to Protect YourFamily’s Assets from Devastating NursingHome Costs: Medicaid Secrets and is anelder law attorney, who focuses on assetprotection, Medicaid and VA benefits. Youmay contact him at 618-549-4529 orinfo@HabigerElderLaw.com.

BY RICHARD HABIGERSBJ CONTRIBUTOR

Habiger

Find more business newsat www.sbj.biz.

ART SERVICESWith the stroke of his pen, Gov. Pat Quinn put many of Illinois’ most vulnerable senior citizens at risk.

Governor’s pen puts seniors at risk

S O U T H E R N I L L I N O I S I N D I C A T O R S

Prices at the pumpAverage price per gallon of regular, unleadedgas as of June 26 and May 23, 2012.

686Marion

Consumer credit scoreCredit scores are numeric reflections of financialbehavior and credit worthiness and they are basedon information included in a credit report. Rangingfrom 330 to 830, a higher score means a lowercredit risk. Scores are from June 2012.

688U. S.

694State

693Region

SOURCE: EXPERIAN

SOURCE: AAA

Metro East $3.36 $3.74 $3.65Springfield $3.23 $3.64 $3.38Illinois $3.57 $3.90 $3.79U.S. $3.40 $3.68 $3.58

June 12 April 12 May 11

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Consumer Price IndexThe CPI measures average price changes of goodsand services over time, with a reference base of 100in 1982-84.To put into context, a current CPI of194.5 means a market basket of goods and servicesthat cost $100 in 1982-84 now costs $194.50.

U.S. city averageMay 12 229.8

Midwest urbanMay 12 219.1

SOURCE: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

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

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U of I FlashIndex

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

May 12 102.0

Home sales Total units sold, including condominiums

SOURCE: ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS

Alexander 1 6 � 83.3% 16 19 � 15.8% $17,500 $25,000 � 30.0%Franklin 67 54 � 24.1% 283 259 � 9.3% $37,000 $42,550 � 13.0%Gallatin 2 2 0.0% 12 8 � 50.0% $79,375 $18,250 � 334.9%Hamilton 2 3 � 33.3% 6 8 � 25.0% $77,500 $89,900 � 13.8%Hardin 3 4 � 25.0% 14 8 � 75.0% $18,000 $50,000 � 64.0%Jackson 58 58 0.0% 325 358 � 10.2% $89,950 $79,900 � 12.6%Jefferson 57 45 � 26.7% 258 264 � 2.3% $75,000 $70,000 � 7.1%Johnson 10 16 � 37.5% 66 78 � 15.4% $78,500 $88,000 � 10.8%Massac 25 15 � 66.7% 82 91 � 9.9% $55,000 $80,000 � 31.3%Perry 21 19 � 10.5% 86 116 � 25.9% $49,900 $55,000 � 9.3%Pope 1 1 0.0% 10 8 � 20.0% $279,000 $38,000 � 634.2%Pulaski 2 0 NA 11 6 � 83.3% $19,000 $0 NARandolph 31 19 � 63.2% 117 131 � 10.7% $65,000 $74,500 � 12.8%Saline 34 28 � 21.4% 148 122 � 21.3 % $62,000 $54,700 � 13.3%Union 15 26 � 42.3% 89 84 � 6.0% $68,200 $110,000 � 38.0%Williamson 109 83 � 31.3% 539 590 � 8.6% $88,000 $85,000 � 3.5%ILLINOIS 23,112 19,081 � 21.1% 103,294 103,455 � 0.2% $125,000 $130,000 � 3.8%

Q1 12 Q1 11 Change 2011 2010 Change Q1 12 Q1 11 ChangeMEDIAN SALES PRICE

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

Hotel/motel statsTotal amount of revenue generated in Carbondaleby hotels and motels for room rentals only.

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

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

Alexander 11 12 � 8.3% 142 126 � 12.7%Franklin 100 83 � 20.5% 1,174 965 � 21.7%Gallatin 18 17 � 5.9% 265 222 � 19.4%Hamilton 30 23 � 30.4% 279 236 � 20.8%Hardin 14 10 � 40.0% 96 97 � 1.0%Jackson 127 92 � 38.0% 1,482 1,320 � 12.3%Jefferson 95 93 � 2.2% 1,025 848 � 20.9%Johnson 28 28 0.0% 392 327 � 19.9%Massac 30 29 � 3.4% 297 269 � 10.4%Perry 46 55 � 16.4% 606 558 � 8.6%Pope 10 7 � 42.9% 96 73 � 31.5%Pulaski 15 10 � 50.0% 159 129 � 23.2%Randolph 68 93 � 26.9% 975 844 � 15.5%Saline 98 83 � 18.1% 1,022 793 � 28.9%Union 52 29 � 79.3% 502 486 � 3.3%Washington 39 29 � 34.5% 583 446 � 30.7%White 53 32 � 65.6% 625 571 � 9.5%Williamson 174 199 � 12.6% 2,060 1,796 � 14.7%REGION 1,008 924 � 9.1% 11,780 10,097 � 16.7%

Apr 12 Apr 11 Change 2011 2010 Change

$645,672 $635,004 � 1.7%

$1,651,833 $1,561,192 � 5.8%

March 12 March 11 Change

2011 Change

YTD TOTALS

MONTHLY TOTALS

$7,706,931 $7,710,436 � <0.01%

2010ANNUAL TOTALS

100

102

103

104

105

78

90

AJ F M A M J J O N D J

98

94

88

86

84

82

81

80

76

S’10

74

72

70

68

66

64F M AS O N D

’11 ’12

Chicago Fed MidwestManufacturing IndexThe CFMMI is a monthly estimate by majorindustry of manufacturing output in the SeventhFederal Reserve District states of Illinois, Indiana,Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin. It is a compositeindex of 15 manufacturing industries, includingauto and steel, that uses electrical power andhours worked data to measure monthly changesin regional activity. It is compared here to thenational Industrial Production index forManufacturing (IPMFG). Base year is 2007.Starting in November 2005, the index excludedthe electricity component.

IPMFG April 1295.7

CFMMI April 1294.2

SOURCE: FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF CHICAGO

Williamson County RegionalAirport passengers

756 648 � 16.7%

3,023 2,649 � 14.1%

Apr 12 Apr 11 Change

2011 Change

YTD TOTALS

MONTHLY TOTALS

Anna 33.3 119.1 120.9 114.5 113.3 112.3 � 6.1%Benton 23.1 86.4 69.5 69.4 71.4 72.4 � 19.3%Carbondale 167.3 593.5 598.0 565.5 587.7 607.4 � 2.3%Carterville 10.5 42.0 42.2 39.9 40.1 40.3 � 4.2%Chester 14.8 55.7 55.3 52.9 51.5 51.7 � 7.7%Du Quoin 30.8 113.5 77.1 100.8 91.9 94.4 � 20.2%Harrisburg 60.4 214.0 195.0 191.9 179.3 173.6 � 23.3%Herrin 48.2 154.0 153.4 147.2 135.9 134.4 � 15.6%Jonesboro 3.7 11.4 11.8 12.5 12.4 11.3 � 0.9%Marion 195.6 686.9 683.1 676.0 673.4 662.4 � 3.7%Metropolis 22.9 84.4 82.0 77.1 75.9 79.8 � 5.8%Mount Vernon 149.8 533.6 507.0 476.7 482.8 461.5 � 15.6%Murphysboro 35.9 135.2 130.6 129.1 117.1 94.9 � 42.5%Nashville 28.4 110.3 96.6 107.9 101.8 105.2 � 4.8%Pinckneyville 10.8 42.3 38.5 37.2 39.0 35.8 � 18.2%Red Bud 20.1 74.7 75.2 70.1 77.7 73.7 � 1.4%Sparta 35.0 128.2 128.5 126.4 130.5 129.5 � 1.0%Vienna 10.5 40.1 39.9 37.1 40.5 39.8 � 0.8%West City 24.2 88.3 87.8 91.9 89.6 82.8 � 6.6%West Frankfort 33.3 122.5 112.4 111.4 111.2 111.4 � 10.0%REGION $958.6 $3,436.1 $3,304.8 $3,235.5 $3,223.0 $3,174.7 � 8.2%ILLINOIS $45,088.2 $154,650.6 $147,232.0 $139,593.2 $237,438.0 $180,162.7 � 14.2%

YTD April 2012City 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007% change

07-11

Retail sales for Southern Illinois cities

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

Labor force Jobless Apr 2012 Mar 2012 Apr 2011 Change month Change year

Unemployment rates for Southern Illinois counties, state and nation

Alexander 2,907 302 10.4% 11.0% 10.6% � 0.6 � 0.2Franklin 17,325 1,670 9.6% 10.7% 10.5% � 1.1 � 0.9Gallatin 2,636 201 7.6% 8.6% 8.0% � 1.0 � 0.4Hamilton 4,146 284 6.8% 7.7% 7.8% � 0.9 � 1.0Hardin 1,810 159 8.8% 9.5% 9.8% � 0.7 � 1.0Jackson 32,830 2,102 6.4% 7.0% 6.6% � 0.6 � 0.2Jefferson 19,724 1,538 7.8% 8.5% 7.9% � 0.7 � 0.1Johnson 5,158 439 8.5% 9.6% 9.0% � 1.1 � 0.5Massac 7,431 553 7.4% 7.8% 8.2% � 0.4 � 0.8Perry 9,399 903 9.6% 10.7% 9.8% � 1.1 � 0.2Pope 1,889 148 7.8% 8.4% 8.9% � 0.6 � 1.1Pulaski 2,699 250 9.3% 9.9% 9.5% � 0.6 � 0.2Randolph 15,261 1,168 7.7% 8.4% 7.4% � 0.7 � 0.3Saline 12,634 984 7.8% 8.4% 8.3% � 0.6 � 0.5Union 7,961 806 10.1% 11.7% 10.6% � 1.6 � 0.5Washington 8,553 545 6.4% 7.0% 6.4% � 0.6 0.0White 7,672 515 6.7% 7.4% 7.4% � 0.7 � 0.7Williamson 34,318 2,564 7.5% 8.3% 7.9% � 0.8 � 0.4 .,REGION 194,353 15,131 8.1% 8.9% 8.6% � 0.8 � 0.5ILLINOIS 6,552,411 565,966 8.6% 9.0% 9.2% � 0.4 � 0.6U.S. 153,905,000 11,910,000 7.7% 8.4% 8.7% � 0.7 � 1.0SOURCE: ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT SECURITY, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR. FIGURES ARE NOT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED. 9,682 7,478 � 29.5%

2010ANNUAL TOTALS

I S I N D I C A T O R S

Prices at the pumpAverage price per gallon of regular, unleadedgas as of June 26 and May 23, 2012.

686Marion

Consumer credit scoreCredit scores are numeric reflections of financialbehavior and credit worthiness and they are basedon information included in a credit report. Rangingfrom 330 to 830, a higher score means a lowercredit risk. Scores are from June 2012.

688U. S.

694State

693Region

SOURCE: EXPERIAN

SOURCE: AAA

Metro East $3.36 $3.74 $3.65Springfield $3.23 $3.64 $3.38Illinois $3.57 $3.90 $3.79U.S. $3.40 $3.68 $3.58

June 12 April 12 May 11

208

222

226

228

O

210

‘12

212

M

214

J J

216

A

218

S

220

N D J F M A’11

M

224

230

Consumer Price IndexThe CPI measures average price changes of goodsand services over time, with a reference base of 100in 1982-84.To put into context, a current CPI of194.5 means a market basket of goods and servicesthat cost $100 in 1982-84 now costs $194.50.

U.S. city averageMay 12 229.8

Midwest urbanMay 12 219.1

SOURCE: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

95949392919089

96979899

100101102103104105106107108

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

’09

S O

’10 ’11

J’12

U of I FlashIndex

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

May 12 102.0

Home sales Total units sold, including condominiums

SOURCE: ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS

Alexander 1 6 � 83.3% 16 19 � 15.8% $17,500 $25,000 � 30.0%Franklin 67 54 � 24.1% 283 259 � 9.3% $37,000 $42,550 � 13.0%Gallatin 2 2 0.0% 12 8 � 50.0% $79,375 $18,250 � 334.9%Hamilton 2 3 � 33.3% 6 8 � 25.0% $77,500 $89,900 � 13.8%Hardin 3 4 � 25.0% 14 8 � 75.0% $18,000 $50,000 � 64.0%Jackson 58 58 0.0% 325 358 � 10.2% $89,950 $79,900 � 12.6%Jefferson 57 45 � 26.7% 258 264 � 2.3% $75,000 $70,000 � 7.1%Johnson 10 16 � 37.5% 66 78 � 15.4% $78,500 $88,000 � 10.8%Massac 25 15 � 66.7% 82 91 � 9.9% $55,000 $80,000 � 31.3%Perry 21 19 � 10.5% 86 116 � 25.9% $49,900 $55,000 � 9.3%Pope 1 1 0.0% 10 8 � 20.0% $279,000 $38,000 � 634.2%Pulaski 2 0 NA 11 6 � 83.3% $19,000 $0 NARandolph 31 19 � 63.2% 117 131 � 10.7% $65,000 $74,500 � 12.8%Saline 34 28 � 21.4% 148 122 � 21.3 % $62,000 $54,700 � 13.3%Union 15 26 � 42.3% 89 84 � 6.0% $68,200 $110,000 � 38.0%Williamson 109 83 � 31.3% 539 590 � 8.6% $88,000 $85,000 � 3.5%ILLINOIS 23,112 19,081 � 21.1% 103,294 103,455 � 0.2% $125,000 $130,000 � 3.8%

Q1 12 Q1 11 Change 2011 2010 Change Q1 12 Q1 11 ChangeMEDIAN SALES PRICE

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

Hotel/motel statsTotal amount of revenue generated in Carbondaleby hotels and motels for room rentals only.

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

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

Alexander 11 12 � 8.3% 142 126 � 12.7%Franklin 100 83 � 20.5% 1,174 965 � 21.7%Gallatin 18 17 � 5.9% 265 222 � 19.4%Hamilton 30 23 � 30.4% 279 236 � 20.8%Hardin 14 10 � 40.0% 96 97 � 1.0%Jackson 127 92 � 38.0% 1,482 1,320 � 12.3%Jefferson 95 93 � 2.2% 1,025 848 � 20.9%Johnson 28 28 0.0% 392 327 � 19.9%Massac 30 29 � 3.4% 297 269 � 10.4%Perry 46 55 � 16.4% 606 558 � 8.6%Pope 10 7 � 42.9% 96 73 � 31.5%Pulaski 15 10 � 50.0% 159 129 � 23.2%Randolph 68 93 � 26.9% 975 844 � 15.5%Saline 98 83 � 18.1% 1,022 793 � 28.9%Union 52 29 � 79.3% 502 486 � 3.3%Washington 39 29 � 34.5% 583 446 � 30.7%White 53 32 � 65.6% 625 571 � 9.5%Williamson 174 199 � 12.6% 2,060 1,796 � 14.7%REGION 1,008 924 � 9.1% 11,780 10,097 � 16.7%

Apr 12 Apr 11 Change 2011 2010 Change

$645,672 $635,004 � 1.7%

$1,651,833 $1,561,192 � 5.8%

March 12 March 11 Change

2011 Change

YTD TOTALS

MONTHLY TOTALS

$7,706,931 $7,710,436 � <0.01%

2010ANNUAL TOTALS

JULY 2012SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL14

Entrepreneur’s Mailbag

This pastweekend I had theopportunity totrade the politicalhustle and bustle ofWashington, D.C.,for the familiarblue-collar grind ofChicago. Cominghome is always fun,but this trip was

special as I was attending one of myfavorite events, the 2012 Printer’s RowLiterature Festival — one of the largestliterary events in the country. As Istrolled through the crowds, I wasreminded of my childhood growing upin Chicago. As a kid, I worked a lot ofthe major fairs and neighborhood eventsin order to make a little extra spendingmoney. However, my marketing effortspaled in comparison to what’s possibletoday. Today’s events are moresophisticated and entrepreneurs lookingto effectively capitalize on events bothlarge and small should plan accordingly.

What are your objectives?

Initially my goal for the Lit Fest was tograb a booth, post myself in whateverlocation I was assigned and catchpasserby’s to discuss the company. Butseveral weeks before the event, Iswitched my strategy opting to give myassigned booth to someone else. My newstrategy involved being mobile, givingme a greater opportunity to roamaround connecting with the never-ending groups of self publishers,independent bookstores and nationalpublishers. My number one goal was toidentify those individuals that couldhelp our company more effectivelyadvance its publishing efforts. With thatin mind, make sure you go into anyevent with a plan of action for what youhope to accomplish.

Location, location, location

Just as location is important for thesuccess of any bricks and mortarsoperation, this applies to events as well.

If you wind up getting a booth at the farend of the event, then you run the riskof seeing marginal amounts of traffic.Try focusing on attending events thathave the best attendance numbers andones you could expect the greatestreturn from. It’s important to registerquickly for your event in order to have ashot at the prime locations. If you wantto increase your odds of beingpositioned near maximum floor traffic,try getting a copy of the event’s floorplan during the early registrationprocess — then choose the best locationavailable.

Lure potential customers

If you were lucky enough to get thelocation you wanted, try investing in atable skirt that can make your boothmore inviting. A plain skirt might beenough to make an impression, butsome color — along with your name andlogo — is the way to go. Exhibitors and

attendees often make the mistake of notbringing enough business cards, so besure to stock up. People love filling theirbags with information at these events,so be sure to go beyond the businesscards and bring some extra marketingcollateral about your company. Onething that an exhibitor can do to greatlyimprove their efforts is to better engageattendees. Instead of letting potentialcustomers accidentally wander to yourbooth, try asking questions that start aconversation. Once that conversationhas begun, it opens the door for morebusiness.

Focus on partnering and promotion

If the event permits, try getting awayfrom the table in order to make somenew friends. Locate some like-mindedindividuals that might be open to havingsome of your marketing materials attheir table and be willing to reciprocate.

Many exhibitors attend the same eventsyear after year, so if you find some goodpartners, it could pay off for many yearsto come. Start promoting early byletting past and potential customersknow about the event well in advance.Also, try doing some live promotions atthe event, such as entering attendees ina drawing for a free copy of your book orgiving away an electronic reader, such asa Kindle or an iPad. Make every effort tosign up attendees for your newsletter soyou can keep the conversation goingafter the event has concluded.

CAVANAUGH L. GRAY (cgray@ecafellc.com)is the director of business development forThe Entrepreneur Café LLC 877-511-4820.To learn more about marketing at an eventor for more information on how to start,grow & succeed in small business log on towww.ecafellc.com or follow TheEntrepreneur Café, LLC on Twitter@TheECafe and on Facebook.

Gray

BY CAVANAUGH L. GRAYSBJ CONTRIBUTOR

PROVIDEDThe 2012 Printer’s Row Literature Festival in Chicago is one of the largest literary events in the country. Entrepreneurs looking to effectivelycapitalize on events both large and small should plan accordingly.

Learning to maneuver and market during an event

JULY 2012SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL16

Achievements

Stein presented award for servicePaula J. Stein of Murphysboro recently

was presented with a plaque in honor of 20years of dedicated service to Barnett &Levine LLP, Certified Public Accountants,in Carbondale.

Boswell earns quality

auditor certificationHaley Boswell, formerly of Herrin,

recently earned her certified qualityauditor certification. The exam isadministered by the American Society ofQuality, which is a global community ofexperts and a leading authority on qualityin all fields, organizations and industries.

Boswell, a 2009 graduate of SIUCarbondale, has a bachelor’s degree inindustrial engineering and works as aquality specialist for AdvancedTechnology Services, Inc. in Peoria.

Fager earns top construction

credentialBrad Fager of Murphysboro recently

completed the requirements to earn thedesignation of certified professionalestimator. This is a prestigious, nationallyrecognized credential that provides anobjective measure of an individual’sbroad-based knowledge and competencyin construction estimating.

Fager is employed by Fager-McGeeCommercial Construction inMurphysboro, a design-buildconstruction firm since 1986.

Chamber conducts

ribbon-cuttingsMarion Chamber of Commerce recently

conducted ribbon cuttings and grandopening ceremonies at the followingMarion businesses:�Rides Mass Transit District, REDCO

Industrial Park, 9250 Aisin Drive.�Graham Family Medicine, 4501 W.

DeYoung., Ste. 107B.�La Dolce Vita Spa, 1108 N. Carbon,

Ste. G.�Five Brothers Lawn & Tractor, 1300 E.

Main St.

Tokarev joins Northwood facultyAlexander D. Tokarev is among three

new faculty members at NorthwoodUniversity in Midland, Mich. He has beenhired as an assistant professor ofeconomics.

Tokarev earned a Ph.D. in economicsfrom SIU. His hometown is Carbondale.

BeeHive supporting

childhood cancer researchThe BeeHive Hair Studio and Fine Art

Boutique, 205 1/2 E. Poplar St., in WestFrankfort is donating 10 percent of thecost of all haircuts, between now and Aug. 11, to St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a volunteer-driven charity dedicated to raising money for childhood cancer research,will host one of its signature head-shavingevents Aug. 11 at The Beehive Hair Studio, where supporters will shave theirheads in solidarity with kids with cancerand raise money for children’s cancerresearch.

For more information, call The BeeHiveat 618-364-2770.

Vaillancourt attends

psychology conferenceDr. Annette Vaillancourt, a

Carbondale psychotherapist, attended the14th annual International AssociationComprehensive for Energy Psychologyconference June 1 to 3 in San Diego.

Energy psychology and energy medicineis a revolutionary approach to healing andmental illness.

Carlson participates

in financial advisors forumJames R. Carlson of Pinckneyville, a

Modern Woodmen representative,recently completed a five-day educationalprogram at Modern Woodmen’s homeoffice in Rock Island.

The program focused on comprehensivefinancial services for families and smallbusinesses. Using a computer softwareprogram, participants also studied theimpact of social security benefits andinflation on a client’s financial plan.

Salon earns wave certificationCheveux Salon in Marion recently

received certification on the AmericanWave. Owner Sherry Almaroad andstylists Katie Breeding, Rachel Wassonand Riki Redfearn all receivedcertification.

The salon is located at 1403 Joe AbbotWay.

SIU graduate selling

portable Saluki grillBernie DiMeo, a radio/television and

journalism graduate from SIUCarbondale’s class of 1971, has launched anew business, Hot Sports Grills, Inc. Hisvery first product, in honor of his almamater, is a portable Saluki grill.

Hot Sports Grills offers other products,including cooking aprons and baseball,soccer and golf ball shaped grills. HotSports Grills is also selling Fighting IlliniGrills, and DiMeo has plans to add at least10 more schools this year.

“I did SIU first out of respect to my almamater,” he said. For more information,go to www.hotsportsgrills.com or call866-223-9985.

Middleton hosts

kinesiology taping seminarSteve Middleton, certified athletic

trainer at Woodard Wellness Group inCarbondale, recently hosted a seminar onkinesiology taping.

Seminars were conducted inPhiladelphia, Pa., and Cherry Hill, N.J.More than 100 clinicians, primarilyphysical and occupational therapists, weretrained by Middleton on assessment forand application of kinesiology tapingtechniques for pain and dysfunction.

Faces in the news

Stein Boswell Tokarev

Faces in the newsHave 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 youremployment news and photos to the Southern Business Journal. Feel free to email the

information to sbj@thesouthern.com.

Breeding Wasson

Almaroad

Redfearn Bertschman

Hummel Pettijohn

Find more business newsat www.sbj.biz.

SEE ACHIEVEMENTS / PAGE 18

JULY 2012SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL18

AchievementsEd Automate launches

new web frameworkEd Automate recently launched its new

education mobile web framework for smartphones and tablets. Located in Marion, EdAutomate serves school districtsthroughout the U.S., delivering technologythat allows schools to improve productivityand build capacity while providing reportsand analytics for data-driven decisions.

A Southern Illinois owned and operatedenterprise, Ed Automate’s team has morethan 16 years of solely focusing on theneeds of school districts.

Mentors 4 Kids hires

one, promotes anotherMentors 4 Kids, which is headquartered

in Benton, has hired one and promotedanother to accommodate the organization’sexpansion of services in Franklin, Gallatin,Hamilton, Jefferson, Saline, White andWilliamson counties.

Kerry Kluzek of Logan has been hiredas a new case manager, and Vickey Taakeof Marion has been promoted from officemanager to program administrator.

Bacher donates $15K

for disaster reliefJ. Bacher Fine Jewelry Design at 301 N.

Commercial St. in Harrisburg recentlypresented a $15,257 check to Mayor EricGregg. All proceeds will benefit Harrisburgdisaster relief.

After the tornado hit Harrisburg andRidgway in February, the local businessbegan raising money for disaster relief bypurchasing gold and silver and acceptingdonations from the community.

Align Healthcare hosts

ribbon-cuttingSpecializing in chiropractic services,

massage therapy, occupational therapy andphysical therapy, Align Healthcareconducted a ribbon-cutting ceremonyrecently at 1245 E. Walnut St. inCarbondale.

Align Healthcare is owned by Dr. DavidBinversie and Dr. Tessa Binversie.

Duffy earns life

underwriter designationCountry Financial representative

Matthew Duffy of Murphysboro hasearned the Life Underwriter Training

Council Fellow designation from TheAmerican College in Bryn Mawr, Pa.

Duffy became a financial representativewith Country in 2001. During his career, hehas been named an All American 10 times.This recognition is awarded annually foroutstanding insurance sales and service. Heserves clients from his Country office at220 N. 10th St. in Murphysboro.

Hughes earns credentials

in implant dentistryAfter passing an exam on implant

dentistry, Christopher H. Hughes, DMDjoined 379 other dentists in the U.S. andCanada in becoming a Diplomate of theAmerican Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry, making Hughes one ofthe nation’s leading experts in implantcare.

His practice is located at 504 RushingDrive in Herrin.

Bertschman named GM

of Saluki Sports PropertiesLearfield Sports recently appointed

Ryan Bertschman general manager for itsSaluki Sports Properties’ entity, theexclusive athletics multimedia rightsholder for SIU.

Bertschman comes to Carbondale fromDetroit, where he served as director ofgroup sales and premium events for PalaceSports & Entertainment and NBA’s DetroitPistons. He will work closely with SIUAthletics and assume primary duties inoverseeing the Salukis’ rights relationship.

Hummel named account managerTrent Hummel has been named the

account manager for Jerkins CreativeConsulting North American Peer Groupprogram.

Hummel joined JCC team in February of2011 as a general account manager, but hehas now been given additionalresponsibilities of overseeing thedevelopment of the peer group program.The North American Peer Group is aprogram that gives dealership owners andprinciples opportunities to work with eachother to grow the strength of theiroperation.

Pettijohn receives MLK

Public Service AwardKen Pettijohn of Carmi was presented

with the Martin Luther King Jr. Public

Service Award May 7 in Springfield by theIllinois Association of Community ActionAgencies. Pettijohn is executive director ofWabash Area Development, Inc, knownlocally as WADI.

The not-for-profit agency has offices inAlbion, Bridgeport, Carmi, Enfield,Fairfield, Harrisburg, McLeansboro, MountCarmel and Shawneetown.

Mandy’s salon hosts

grand openingMandy’s Spoiled Rotten Salon recently

hosted a grand opening at 212 W. MonroeSt. in Herrin.

The event featured discounted haircuts,and all proceeds were donated to ChristianSocial Services of Southern Illinois.

Scott named director

of SIU Family MedicineDr. Quincy Scott has been named

director of Southern Illinois UniversityFamily Medicine in Carbondale. Hesucceeds Dr. Penny Tippy, who retired inApril after 28 years as director of theprogram.

Scott is a professor in the Department ofFamily and Community Medicine. He hasbeen a faculty member at SIU School ofMedicine and a family physician atSouthern Illinois Family Medicine centersin Carbondale and West Frankfort since1994.

MBI Worldwide director

appointed to boardBrian Chapman, director and CEO of

MBI Worldwide in Herrin, was appointedas a board member to the BackgroundScreeners Code of Conduct Board for theNational Association of ProfessionalBackground Screeners.

The board is designed to upholdprinciples and provisions, and imposesanctions upon violators within thebackground screening industry. MBIWorldwide, founded in 1998 by KandiChapman, meets the pre-employmentand membership background needs ofbusiness and non-profit organizations.

Heartland Kids awarded

NAC accreditationThe National Accreditation Commission

for Early Care and Education Programs(NAC) has announced that Heartland Kids

Early Learning Center, Inc. in Marion hasbeen awarded NAC accreditation.

As a NAC accredited center, HeartlandKids Early Learning Center, Inc. has beenrecognized as an early care and educationprogram that exemplifies excellence in thecare of young children.

Align Healthcare

making wishes come trueDrs. David and Tessa Binversie of

Carbondale recently opened a newchiropractic clinic, Align Healthcare, at1245 E. Walnut St. in Carbondale. Theclinic is currently raising money for theMake-A-Wish Foundation, and theBinversies hope to raise more than $10,000by the end of the year.

Align Healthcare will donate $35 to theMake-A-Wish Foundation for every newpatient seen at the clinic until the end ofthe year. The clinic also is donating $1 forevery new like on its Facebook page and forevery new follower on Twitter,@AlignHealthcare, until the end of theyear. For more information, call the officeat 618-519-9334.

Weight Watchers

comes to CarbondaleWeight Watchers opened a new facility

last month in SIU Student Center, 1255Lincoln Drive, in Carbondale. Weeklymeetings are at 5 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Visitor parking is available across thestreet. Mashama Coger will lead theWednesday meetings. Like all of WeightWatchers’ leaders, Coger lost weightfollowing the Weight Watchers program.For more information, visitwww.weightwatchers.com or call 800-651-6000.

Faces in the newsHave 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 toknow it, so please consider passing on youremployment news and photos to the South-ern Business Journal. Feel free to email the

information to sbj@thesouthern.com.

Find more business newsat www.sbj.biz.

JULY 2012 SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL 19

WorkplaceYour dress code:

The headache that lasts all summer long

The summermonths are the timeI typically receivemany calls fromclients wanting todiscuss their dresscode, uniform policyor lack thereof. Ifthey do not haveone, they want to getone right away. As

the client soon finds out, a dress code is avery detailed policy that cannot be createdin a hurry. Obviously, every industry andorganization is different. Many industrieshave dress codes or specific uniformsbecause of safety requirements for specificjobs. If there is OSHA required PPE, youshould know this already and must buildyour dress code around theserequirements. Safety first. Beyond that,many other elements of dress codes areoptional on the employer’s part.

I will admit it. I find the whole idea ofdress codes quite fascinating. I also find itinteresting how some employees really dopolice other employees when it comes towhat is worn in the workplace. It made methink about the original, historical reasonsfor uniforms in the workplace. In manyorganizations, uniforms are used one oftwo ways. Companies like Target useuniforms to give people feelings ofinclusiveness and teamwork. We all knowthat anyone wearing a red shirt and khakipants in a Target store most likely worksthere and can help us. Now, many otherretailers, including Wal-Mart, arefollowing their lead. Uniforms are alsoused by some to distinguish rank amongmembers of the work groups like themilitary (badges, medals, etc.). Manycompanies do this by having those in acertain rank wear a certain color shirt orhat to further enforce and communicatethe management hierarchy.

It is very possible that you may not havea dress code and may not feel that youneed one. If this works for you, I

understand. Truly, dress codes can eitherbe seen by your employees as a positive ora negative. So, in other words, they see itas a benefit to them or a take-away. Forexample, if you provide uniforms for youremployees to wear during each and everyshift all year, they most likely would seethis as a benefit. Certainly, the companypaying for clothing for each person eachshift is an employee benefit. Employeesare benefiting by not having to purchaseand ruin their own clothes during theirshift. This is a benefit just like dentalinsurance or vision insurance. However, ifyou require employees to wear khaki pantsand not jeans, but do not provide thesekhaki pants for the employees, this may beseen as a take-away. The employees maysay that all they wear at home is jeans andthat now they have to go out and purchasespecial pants for work. Many of us mayconsider this the cost of the job, but manyemployees would not. They would arguethat they are not allowed to wear whatthey want. This all really boils down to thepossibility of the dress code requirementsaffecting the morale of your workers.Maybe the employees used to be able towear jeans, and now they cannot, and it isa constant point of contention for them.Maybe, then, it is worth changing back.Weigh your options and consider yourmorale.

I have been in some organizations whereeveryone was impeccably dressed. I admit,it gave the impression of a well-oiled, yetpossibly stuffy, machine. It wasimpressive to see. I have also experiencedbusiness casual organizations, where poloshirts and khaki pants ruled. Even there,people found ways to show theirindividualism without violating the dresscode. Other places have no rules, and beerT-shirts and halter tops are commonplace.My point is, there is no right or wronganswer here. Also, your policy is only asstrong as the enforcement of it. Have youever heard of the saying, “Dress for the jobyou want?” Well, I think that you shouldchallenge your organization to dress likethe organization you are trying to be. Now,I don’t think requiring your minimum

wage workers to wear suits and a tie isquite fair, either. Make the dress codesomething that is actually achievable, likeany other company target, if it truly isimportant to you. You may say that itreally doesn’t matter. Would it matter toyour customers? If your customers camein to visit and saw your staff, would theybe impressed? Would they leave with agood feeling? Maybe or maybe not. Onlyyou know the answer.

If you are thinking about instituting adress code, make sure to think it through.There are many other details to considerother than dress. Many employers want tocontrol things like visible tattoos,piercings and jewelry. Some employeesmay dress appropriately for their cultureor religion, but this may put them outsideof the policy that you have set up. Ofcourse, ensure that your attorney reviewsyour policy before implementing.Determine who and how the policy will be

enforced, as well. If it will not be enforced,why bother drafting and rolling it out? If you want a dress code, make it specificso it addresses the needs and concernsthat you have. However, make sure yourconcerns are truly work-related.Dress like the organization you want to be.

My favorite Kurt Vonnegut Jr. quoteapplies here: Be careful what you pretendto be because you are what you pretend tobe.

ANGELA HOLMES-YOUNG is vice president ofconsulting and human resource services forYour Professional Partners, Inc. in Marion.She consults with clients of all sizes in avariety of human resource areas, while alsooffering executive coaching and publicspeaking. Angela can be reached atangela@yourprofessionalpartners.com,618-969-8800 and on Twitter atA_Holmes_Young.

Holmes-Young

BY ANGELA HOLMES-YOUNGSBJ CONTRIBUTOR

ART SERVICESMake the dress code something that is actually achievable, like any other company target, if ittruly is important to you. If your customers came in to visit and saw your staff, would they beimpressed? Would they leave with a good feeling? Maybe or maybe not.

JULY 2012SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL20

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Business Fine PrintBuilding permits

MarionPeebles Family Trust, Lee and Lear, $150,000Ryan and Lisa Pinkston, 2004 Norman Road,

$148,000Brian Ziegler Engineering, 410 N. Court,

$455,100Toby and Donna Shadowens, 812 W. Chestnut,

$6,000Robert Waltemate, 2603 Old Creal Springs

Road, $5,000Robert Benak and Dustyn Taylor, 405 E. White,

$12,000

MetropolisLarry and Kathy May, 1062 Cedar Lane, $2,000Thomas Mittendorf, 6093 Midway Road,

$2,500James Phelps, 941 Country Club Road, $3,000Wilbur Lindsey, 204 W. 21st St., $4,200Todd Smith, 1780 Scott St., $2,500Larry Ward, 2295 Belgrade Road, $1,200,000Richard Hutchison, 3959 Mizell Lane, $51,000James Burnett, 1908 Simmons St., $400Larry Roberts, 713 Broadway St., $1,268,100

Mount VernonLaura Stroud, 1202 25th St., $0Craig Milligan, 620 16th St., $600Panda Express, 4201 Broadway, $20,000Crossroads Hospital, 8 Doctors Park Road,

$4,000Keith Sheeler, 1106 24th St., $13,000Keith Sheeler, 1106 24th St., $0Terry Friedman, 301 Caborn, $795Chris Braden, 3414 Nature Trail, $0Eddy Merriman, 720 Airport Road, $3,000Eddy Merriman, 720 Airport Road, $0VFW, 110 8th St., $0City of Mount Vernon, 313 10th St., $0

Mike O’Dea, 903 18th St., $21,365Brian Pate, 2221 Casey, $0Crossroads Community Hospital, 8 Doctor’s

Park Road, $0Linda Smith, 912 25th St., $1,000UPS – Ken Beasley, 4712 Broadway, $6,500Brenda Heifner, 810 7th St., $5,000Lea Dodson, 1113 Veterans Memorial Drive,

$0Harlow Moving and Storage, 2901 Benton

Road, $13,000Cadle, Ryan and Colette, 528 Meadowbrook,

$11,000GSRHC-MOB Build-out, 4003 Veteran’s

Memorial Drive, $4,352,000Dennis Hoffman, 418 20th St., $0Sharon and Marvin Gill, 4348 Woodglenn,

$12,500Thelma Bullock, 304 3rd St., $0Physicians Surgery Center LLC, 4901 Veterans

Memorial, $2,150,000

MurphysboroTina Shinskey, 404 N. 8th St., $1,000Russ Wright, 2043 Elm St., $2,000Angela Fisher, 2122 Spruce, $5,200Frank Coniglio, 705 N. 7th St., $6,500El Penn, 444 S. 15th St., $1,150Larry Reinhardt, 1604/1606 Shoemaker,

$2,500Susan Birkner, 420 Birkner Lane, $600Darcia Garrett, 2009 Commercial, $3,100Michael Bergant, 640 N. 11th St., $3,000Lucy Achebo, 416 N. 16th St., $3,441

Bankruptcies

Chapter 7Matthew Richard and Phyllis Wanda Andrew,

3663 First St., Thompsonville

JULY 2012 SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL 21

Business Fine PrintCleta R. Carter, 714 S. Duncan, MarionMonina A. Hooten, 1403 Posey St., MarionJames D. Chrisley, 1615 Yost Ave., Apt. B,

MarionCraig E. and Amber A. Williamson, 10584

Modesto Road, CarbondaleRebecca R. Etherton, 914 W. Maplewood,

MarionRickie L. Ellis, Route 2, Box 50, CisneThomas Paul Koch, P.O. Box 108, BonnieMarcus D. and Brandie R. Coleman, 1509 E.

Walnut St., CarbondaleSandra L. Gosa, P.O. Box 14, PulaskiLouis R. Davis, 32401 Main St., TammsLeonard C. Jackson, 1101 Ohio St., Apt. 504,

CairoLoren T. and Michele L. Jackson, P.O. Box 325,

EldoradoMichael D. Chandler, 1920 W. Tyler St., HerrinMatthew D. and Tiffany L. Vaughn, 805 Candy

Lane, MarionDennis L. and Maranda K. Rush Jr., 415 S.

Wilson, BentonBruce Dale and Linda Sue Williams, P.O. Box

112, PercyDale E. and Bonnie J. Carrell, 1423 N. First

St., GrayvillePaula M. Trice, P.O. Box 703, ShawneetownDonald G. Stewart, 15096 Laminack,

CartervilleJames E. and Deanna C. Spencer, 601

Madison, P.O. Box 62, DowellJesni R. White, 1201 N. McLaren Apt. D,

MarionRebecca M. Marquis, 1005 Pace Ave., Mount

VernonJay David Rossi, 163 Parkwood Road,

CarbondaleDwaine and Roberta Hubbell, R.R. 1 Box 86,

Golden GateLynsey M. Followell, 8804 Illinois 13, MarionJean P. Dawson, 200 Bowling Alley Road,

BentonDeborah L. Lund, 601 S. Mulberry St., West

FrankfortBetty Marlene and Michael James Mezo, 500

N. Washington St., McLeansboroTracy A. Robinson, P.O. Box 186, MurphysboroCyrella F. Tyler, 16825 Pittsburg Road,

MarionRobert M. and Carol N. Emery, 6331 Tyner

Lane, MarionStephen R. III and Ali S. Frattini, 402 Pine St.,

WaltonvilleDavid M. Jr. and Christina L. Lehman, 608 E.

Broadway Blvd., Johnston CityMichael and Vanessa Shaw, 9374 N.

Monmouth Lane, Mount Vernon

April D. Richey, 1100 W. Goodall, MarionDavid A. and Nicole Dickinson, 385 Lingle

Creek Road, JonesboroRobert L. Day III, 173 Hickory St., New HavenJimmy R. and Rachel M. Jordan, 508 E.

McKinley, HerrinBasil R. Holmes, 1003 E. Jackson, MarionRex E. and Regina D. Dungee, 613 Cypress

Lane, SpartaRegina Marie Wilson, 1038 N. Robert Stalls

Ave., CarbondaleRhonda Kay Graham, 308 W. Kaskaskia,

PinckneyvilleRichard Dean Hammond, 539 W. Park, Du

QuoinCasey Lynn Hawkins, 401 W. Water,

PinckneyvilleDaniel Wayne and Dorothy May Hinton, 529 E.

Keyes St., Du QuoinRussell John and Jill Ann Steiner, 351 E. South

St., Du QuoinViolet Theola Van Hoorebeke, 2 S. Walnut, Du

QuoinTammala M. Kink, 14339 Illinois 14 East,

BentonJeffrey W. and Carrie L. Pate, 466 E. Park St.,

Du QuoinLarry D. Parsons II, 412 S. Stotlar St., BentonKara Kaye Ford, 8592 No. 1900 Blvd., Mount

CarmelThomas Reinsager, 1000 N. 14th St., HerrinAlexandra M. Pokrzywinski, 4757 Rosa Ave.,

St. LouisLacretia T. Turner, 2898 N. Main, EldoradoLucile W. Warnhoff, 5785 N. Goshen Lane,

Belle RiveTracy L. Greene, 1416 Allendale St.,

ChesterDeborah K. Lefler, 807 Michael Drive,

BentonCameron D. and Mylena G. Skidmore, 1249

Hallidayboro Road, ElkvilleJared L. Brooks, 1704 Landon Lane,

MurphysboroArletta G. Jann, 1011 Murphy St., EldoradoHeather L. Petty Weston, 1210 W. Schwartz,

CarbondaleShawnee Masonry and Restoration Inc., 2443

Dillinger Road, CarbondaleAudrey M. Garrigus, 301 N. 14th St., Apt. 204,

HerrinMichael D. and Kathleen A. Pritchett, 321 W.

Collins St., GorevilleEddie and Dorothy M. Lewis, 408 E. Sycamore,

CarbondalePaul L. Murray, P.O. Box 71, HerrinSherri A. Murray, 113 S. 10th, HerrinJason H. and Malinda S. Lewis, 2901 Crescent

Lane, CartervilleLouis M. and Sarah A. Needham, 17 N. Illinois

Ave., Du QuoinJoyce Marie Dye, P.O. Box 136, BrookportCurtis L. and Amber N. Woolever, R.R. 1, Box

163A, Wayne CityTex W. Halfacre, 3408 Veterans Memorial

Drive, No. 602, Mount VernonJay B. and Christine R. Helton, 635 Lincoln

Green Road, CypressRebecca A. and Jerry L. Rednour, 509 24th

St., CairoJames Michael Phelps, 310 Edna Lane, SpartaTravis R. and Danielle C. Cox, 1508 W. Monroe,

HerrinAmy L. Coyle, 221 Michigan St., CartervilleRachel E. Lipe, 2294 Truax Traer Road, ElkvilleRonald W. Oakley, P.O. Box 934, MarionKathryn D. McDonald, 1400 N. Illinois Ave.,

469, CarbondaleAshley R. Gutherie, 14824 E. Clearview Road,

Mount VernonDanny F. Kelly, 817 Lamar Ave., Mount VernonKim and Joan Michele Keneipp, 519 Plum St.,

Mount CarmelDavid J. Pawloski, 300 Heritage Drive,

De SotoKenneth R. Beal, 1205 W. Fifth St., BlufordGerald Dean Hoy, 207 Seventh St., CarmiTomas L. Mills, 6 Neal Drive, Mount VernonJerry McDowell, 719 Main St., Apt. 3, Mount

VernonGail Robert and Julia Elaine Heimgartner, 402

Walton St., AnnaKermit R. and Shelly L. Watkins, 110 Illinois

37, West FrankfortHeather Lynn Gower, 1502 Browns Lane,

Marion

Chapter 13Larry D. and Karen D. Bullock, 1625 Ozark

Road, OzarkLisa A. Dirks, 510 S. 22nd St., HerrinScott Middendorf, 811 Windy Way, SteelevilleCheryl L. Brimberry, 32 Gene’s Lane,

MurphysboroRobin L. Goodwin, 1415 N. Lincoln Drive, Apt.

11, BentonMary Elizabeth Westley, 307 Brichlane Drive,

CarbondalePeggy S. Grant, 250 Lick Creek Road, Apt. E,

Anna

Jason P. and Heather S. Russell, 1760 E.Grange Hall Road, Murphysboro

Dennis D. Sullivan, P.O. Box 485, Carrier Mills

Larry D. and Mary B. Baltzell, 402 21st St.,Grand Tower

William A. and Brittany J. Karnes, 15711Thompsonville Road, Thompsonville

Amy J. Treece, 5647 Silver Fox Drive,Carterville

Roy E. and Carol M. Elledge, 818 N. First St.,Vienna

Jaime D. Childers, 32 Hardin St., Apt. 32,Rosiclare

Christine K. Weldon, P.O. Box 232, HurstFrank and Mary J. Marcan, 2335 Lake Shore

Drive South, GorevilleJeffrey A. and Tammy L. Whitehead, 11582

Angleville Road, PittsburgLinda S. Mays, No. One Court F, HerrinPhillip G. Dawson, 107 Boswell Road, MarionClinton V. and Christa L. Henderson, 23565

Greg Hollow Road, ThebesCrystal L. Purdiman, P.O. Box 41, Mound CityKenneth R. Williams, 303 E. South Third St.,

Red BudDavid A. Christ Sr., 955 Vines Road,

CobdenRobin Marie Clark, P.O. Box 95, CobdenJoshua J. and Deaudra V. Roddy, 621 Railroad

St., UllinJanet C. DeFord, 825 Fairground Road,

PinckneyvilleWalter G. and Mildred E. Matthews Jr., P.O. Box

264, AnnaMark W. Brumfield, 406 Leafland Ave.,

CentraliaMichael Scott and Sherri Lynn Phillips, 8367

Bluebird Road, TamaroaJane Ann Malone, 1318 W. Delaware,

FairfieldEarl L. and Brenda L. Chamness, 804 Schorie

Road, MarionDenver Bryan and Billie Jo Cox, 207 W. Main

St., EwingShawn Avery and Montana Nicole Duty, 2430

S. Illinois Ave., CarbondaleJeremy D. Miller, P.O. Box 43, BonnieChristopher M. Hilker, 703 E. Elm St.,

West FrankfortGreg E. Tackett, P.O. Box 783, GolcondaShirley J. Dillon, 601 S. Logan, Creal

SpringsDavid Matthew and Jerri Lynn Pigg Shoemake,

304 W. Ninth, Johnston CityJesse L. and Angel D. Hall, P.O. Box 162,

StonefortFreddie L. Wilson, P.O. Box 592, Eldorado

Find more business newsat www.sbj.biz.

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL22

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CalendarJuly 18

Starting a Business in Illinois: 1 to 3p.m., room 150, Dunn-Richmond EconomicDevelopment Center, 150 E. Pleasant HillRoad, Carbondale. Free. An optionalbusiness start-up kit is available for $15.Call 618-536-2424 or email sbdc@siu.edu.

International Trade: Are You Ready toExport?: 3 to 4 p.m., room 150, Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center,150 E. Pleasant Hill Road, Carbondale.Free. This seminar is for companies thatwant to begin exporting. Call 618-536-2424 or email sbdc@siu.edu.

Aug. 15Starting a Business in Illinois: 9 to 11

a.m., Man-Tra-Con, 3000 W. DeYoung St.,Marion (Illinois Star Centre). Free. Anoptional business start-up kit is availablefor $15. Call 618-536-2424 or emailsbdc@siu.edu.

personal/business balance sheetmanagement. If you are deliberate withall your dealings and get the advice ofexperts when you can, you can spend thetime in your business doing what’snecessary to accomplish what you need.Owning your own small business is oftenconsidered the American dream. Dowhat you need to make sure it’s a dreamthat puts a smile on your face every day.

MICHAEL P. TISON is an Investment Advisorand Registered Principal with RaymondJames Financial Services Inc., with offices inHarrisburg and Marion. He can be reachedat 618-253-4444 or michael.tison@raymond james.com.

INVESTMENTSFROM PAGE 7

JULY 2012 SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL 23

Money MattersParents, Alzheimer’s and money:

Easing into a difficult conversation

Every eighthAmerican age 65 and older hasAlzheimer’sdisease, and 43 percent ofAmericans 85 andolder have it,according to theAlzheimer’sAssociation.

(And, on a personal note, my 84-year-old mother is one of those afflicted withthe disease.) Consider those percentagesin light of the Social SecurityAdministration’s estimate that about 25 percent of today’s 65-year-olds willlive past 90. These statistics haveserious implications for family wealth.

What are your options when it comesto helping a parent out with moneymanagement? Informally, you can lend ahelping hand and check in with momand dad to make sure that bills andpremiums are paid and deadlines aremet. But, if you elect to formally take thefinancial reins, you are looking at a two-phase process:

Power of attorney

You can get a power of attorney andassume some of the financialresponsibilities. A power of attorney is adetailed and strictly constructed legaldocument that gives you explicitlystated measures of financial authority. Ifyou try to handle financial matters foryour parent(s) without a valid power ofattorney, the financial institutioninvolved may reject your efforts.

A durable power of attorney lets youhandle the financial matters of anotherperson immediately. The alternative, aspringing power of attorney, takes effectonly when a medical diagnosis confirmsthat person’s mental incompetence.Copies of the power of attorney shouldbe sent to any financial institution at

which your parents have accounts orpolicies. It may be wise to get a durablepower of attorney before your parent isunable to make financial decisions;many investment firms require theoriginal account owner to sign a form toallow another party access to an accountowner’s invested assets.

You are going to have to hunt forinformation, such as:� Where mom or dad’s income comes

from (SSI, pensions, investments, etc.)� Where the wills, deeds and trust

documents are located.� Who the designated beneficiaries

are on insurance policies, IRAs, etc.� Who the members of mom or dad’s

financial team or circle are. You need totalk with them; they need to talk withyou.� The crucial numbers: checking and

savings accounts, investment accounts,insurance policies, PIN numbers and, ofcourse, Social Security numbers.

It will also help to learn about theirmedical history and prescriptions.

Conservatorship

If the disease progresses to the pointwhere your mom or dad can’t makecompetent financial decisions, then youare looking at a conservatorship. You canact to become your mom or dad’sconservator. This means going toprobate court. You or your parent caninitiate a request for conservatorshipwith a family law attorney; if the need ismore immediate, you or your family’sattorney may petition the court. Ineither case, you will need to showdocumentation that your parent is nolonger financially competent. You mustprovide medical documentation of his orher dementia to the court, as well.

The court will interview the involvedparties, look at the documentation andperform a background check on theproposed conservator. This is allpursuant to a hearing at which the courtpresents its decision. If conservatorshipis granted, the conservator assumes

control of some or all of the protectedparty’s income and assets.

How do conservatorships differ fromguardianships? A guardianship gives aguardian control over many aspects of aprotected person’s life. Aconservatorship limits control to themanagement of the protected person’sassets and financial affairs.

What if I don’t want to assume thiskind of responsibility? Some wealthmanagement firms offer daily moneymanagement as an option in a familyoffice suite of services. The firms makehome visits to help with bill paying,filing medical claims and other recurring

tasks; carefully scrutinize anyoneoffering this service. (Visit aadmm.comfor the American Association of DailyMoney Managers.)

The other choice is to give a relative, afinancial services professional, or afamily lawyer durable or springingpower of attorney or limited or fullconservatorship. Such a decision mustnot be made lightly.

Keep your parents away fromunprincipled people. These steps mayprove essential, yet they will not shieldyour family from scam artists. Be on thelookout for new friends andacquaintances. If your instincts tell yousomething is wrong, investigate. Mymother recently fell for the “yourgrandson is in trouble and needs cashright now” scam that’s been operatingfrom various foreign countries forseveral years. Fortunately for us and her,the two Western Union offices shevisited wouldn’t wire the cash overseaswithout confirmation from a familymember, which stopped the transfer inits tracks. Of course, she had alreadybeen warned (by yours truly) severaltimes about this very scam, but whenthe phone call comes, it’s difficult forsomeone in her condition to refuse tohelp her grandson. Some of thesescammers are ruthless and despicableand prey on society’s most vulnerablecitizens.

SCOTT MCCLATCHEY is a certified financialplanner with Alliance Investment PlanningGroup, a Carbondale investment firmlocated at 115 S. Washington St. He can bereached at 618-519-9344 or scott@allianceinvestmentplanning.com. He also providesinvestment, retirement planning, andinsurance services to SIU Credit Unionmembers through the SIU Credit UnionInvestment Services partnership. Securitiesoffered through LPL Financial, memberFINRA/SIPC.

McClatchey

BY SCOTT MCCLATCHEYSBJ CONTRIBUTOR

ART SERVICESWhat are your options when it comes tohelping a parent out with moneymanagement? Informally, you can lend ahelping hand and check in with Mom and Dadto make sure bills and premiums are paid anddeadlines are met.

Find more business newsat www.sbj.biz.

Illinois Small Business Development Center/International Trade CenterIllinois Small Business Development Center/International Trade Center

It’s your great idea It’s your great idea and we can help make it better! and we can help make it better!

STARTING A BUSINESS IN ILLINOISThis two-hour informational seminar covers the basic requirements of starting your own business including: legal structure, start-up requirements, fi nding fi nancing and business planning basics. An optional business start-up kit is available for $15. Our Business Start-Up Kit, available in both print and electronic format, includes the following materials: a business start-up checklist, the presentation slides, fi nancing questions and answers packet, a sample business plan, federal and state tax identifi cation applications, and much more.

JULY 18 .............................WEDNESDAY ............1PM – 3PM .................... DUNN-RICHMOND, ROOM 150AUGUST 15 .......................WEDNESDAY ............9AM – 11AM .................. MARION, MAN-TRA-CON* (3000 W. DeYoung St., IL Centre Mall)SEPTEMBER 20 ................... THURSDAY ................9AM – 11AM ................. DUNN-RICHMOND, ROOM 150OCTOBER 4 ....................... THURSDAY ................10AM – 12PM ................ CHESTER, RANDOLPH COUNTY COURTHOUSE** (1 Taylor Street)OCTOBER 16 ...................... TUESDAY .................5PM – 7PM .................... DUNN-RICHMOND, ROOM 150NOVEMBER 12 ..................MONDAY ................1PM – 3PM .................... DUNN-RICHMOND, ROOM 150DECEMBER 12 ....................WEDNESDAY ............1PM – 3PM .................... DUNN-RICHMOND, ROOM 150JANUARY 8 ....................... TUESDAY .................5PM – 7PM .................... DUNN-RICHMOND, ROOM 150*Co-sponsored by Man-Tra-Con. **Co-sponsored by Randolph County Economic Development.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE: ARE YOU READY TO EXPORT?This brief workshop will help access the readiness of a small business to venture into the global marketplace. This seminar is for companies that want to begin exporting.

JULY 18 .............................WEDNESDAY ............3PM – 4PM .................... DUNN-RICHMOND, ROOM 150

NAVIGATING THE HIDDEN PERILS OF INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTIONThe most common, and dangerous, mistake that anyone can make when dealing with international distributors is to treat the international relationship in the same manner as the domestic one. Since international issues and the accompanying distinctions are not always readily apparent, they can be diffi cult to spot and easily overlooked. Being unaware or otherwise turning a blind eye to these differences will only result in larger problems down the road. This seminar reviews the various pitfalls a U.S. based supplier can run across and provides guidance and tips to use when selling products and services internationally. Guest Speaker: Jennifer Schwesig, Armstrong Teasdale LLP, St. Louis.

SEPTEMBER 20 ................... TUESDAY .................9AM – 11AM .................. DUNN-RICHMOND, ROOM 150

FINDING FINANCINGThis informational seminar details how to put together funding for your small business as well as provides in-depth information on all the possible fi nancing options currently available for small businesses.

SEPTEMBER 20 ................... THURSDAY ................1PM – 3PM .................... DUNN-RICHMOND, ROOM 150

USING SOCIAL MEDIA IN BUSINESSThis informational seminar covers the different types of social networking platforms that are available as well as the benefi ts of incorporating social networking into a business’s marketing plan.

OCTOBER 10 .....................WEDNESDAY ............1PM – 3PM .................... DUNN-RICHMOND, ROOM 150

SUMMER & FALL 2012 WORKSHOP SCHEDULESUMMER & FALL 2012 WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is supported and sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO),

and is hosted by Southern Illinois University as a service to Illinois small businesses.

Have a dream of starting a business? Tired of what you’re doing at your job and feel like you can do it better? Want to see if you have the entrepreneurial spirit? Attend one of our free classes and put it to the test. Our experienced counselors will be able to help you walk through your ideas to see if they can become reality. Give us a call today!

TO REGISTER FOR THESE CLASSES OR IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS. PLEASE VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.SIUSBDC.COM OR CALL 618-536-2424.

Special Business Development Tools Now Available: Offering seminar participants and client Business Plan Pro software at a special price of $69.95. This software is rated the No. 1 Recommended Tool for Building a Great Business Plan. Also available is LivePlan, an easy, online, interactive business planning program. LivePlan sells through us at a special discount price of $10 per month for a 6-month subscription. Ask one of our counselors how you can get these tools!