September 2016 Business Journal

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2 | BUSINESS JOURNAL | September 2016

YOU R C A L E N DA R

Thursday, Sept. 1‌

Thursday, Sept. 22‌

Early Bird Kiwanis, 6:45 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility, 3909 W. Main St. Decatur Metropolitan Rotary Club, noon, Decatur Club.

Human Services Agency Consortium, noon, Central Christian Church, 650 W. William St. Metro Decatur Home Builders Association, Beach House, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr.

Early Bird Kiwanis, 6:45 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.

Decatur Metropolitan Rotary Club, noon, Decatur Club.

Decatur Camera Club, 7 p.m., Rock Springs Environmental Center.

Friday, Sept. 23‌

Decatur Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.

Friday, Sept. 2‌

Saturday, Sept. 24‌

Decatur Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.

Decatur Frontiers Club, 10:30 a.m., Decatur Club.

Saturday, Sept. 3‌

Monday, Sept. 26‌

Decatur Frontiers Club, 10:30 a.m., Decatur Club.

Decatur Noon Lions Club, Diamonds Family Restaurant.

Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club.

Tuesday, Sept. 6‌

Tuesday, Sept. 27‌

Kiwanianne Club of Decatur, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.

Lincolnland Decatur AMBUCS, noon, Decatur Club.

Noon Kiwanis Club, Decatur Club.

Noon Sertoma, Decatur Club.

Kiwanianne Club of Decatur, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.

Decatur Building Construction Trades Council, 10 a.m., IBEW Local 146 Hall.

Noon Kiwanis Club, Decatur Club.

Noon Sertoma, Decatur Club.

Wednesday, Sept. 7‌

Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce Breakfast, 7 a.m., Decatur Club. Scheduled speaker is Special Agent Darren Holtz of the Federal Bureau of Investigations Cyber Squad.

Decatur Golden K Kiwanis Club, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.

Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Facility.

Wednesday, Sept. 28‌

Decatur Golden K Kiwanis Club, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.

Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Facility.

Thursday, Sept. 29‌

Thursday, Sept. 8‌

Early Bird Kiwanis, 6:45 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.

GFWC Decatur Woman’s Club, 11:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.

Senior Resources Network, noon, Keystone Meadows, 1455 W. Mound Road.

Decatur Metropolitan Rotary Club, noon, Decatur Club.

Decatur Area Women’s Network (DAWN), 5:30 p.m., Decatur Club.

Decatur Camera Club, 7 p.m., Rock Springs Environmental Center, 3939 Nearing Lane.

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Early Bird Kiwanis, 6:45 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.

Decatur Metropolitan Rotary Club, noon, Decatur Club.

Friday, Sept. 30‌

Decatur Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.

Thursday, Sept. 15‌

Saturday, Oct. 1‌

Early Bird Kiwanis, 6:45 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.

Decatur Frontiers Club, 10:30 a.m., Decatur Club.

Decatur Metropolitan Rotary Club, noon, Decatur Club.

Decatur Christian Women’s Connection, 11:30 a.m., Scovill Monday, Oct. 3‌ Banquet Facility.

Decatur Noon Lions Club, Diamonds Family Restaurant.

Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce Business After Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club.

Friday, Sept. 9‌ Decatur Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Banquet Fa- Hours, 5 to 7 p.m., Decatur Earthmover Credit Union, 260 W. Women’s Progressive Club, 6 p.m., Greater Northside Bapmarion Ave., Forsyth. cility. tist Church.

Lincolnland Decatur AMBUCS, 6:30 p.m., MRI, 2121 Hubbard Ave. Saturday, Sept. 10‌ Tuesday, Oct. 4‌ Decatur Frontiers Club, 10:30 a.m., Decatur Club.

Kiwanianne Club of Decatur, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Friday, Sept. 16‌ Facility.

Decatur Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Banquet FaNoon Kiwanis Club, Decatur Club.

Monday, Sept. 12‌ cility.

Noon Sertoma, Decatur Club.

Decatur Noon Lions Club, Diamonds Family Restaurant.

Saturday, Sept. 17‌ Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club.

Decatur Frontiers Club, 10:30 a.m., Decatur Club.

Altrusa International of Decatur, 6 p.m., location varies Wednesday, Oct. 5‌ Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce Breakfast, Monday, Sept. 19‌ Tuesday, Sept. 13‌ 7 a.m., Decatur Club. Scheduled speaker is political science Decatur Noon Lions Club, Diamonds Family Restaurant.

Kiwanianne Club of Decatur, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet professor Larry Klugman.

Decatur Rotary 180, noon, Decatur Club.

Facility.

Decatur Golden K Kiwanis Club, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Women’s Progressive Club, 6 p.m., Greater Northside Bap- Facility.

Decatur Building Construction Trades Council, 10 a.m., tist Church.

IBEW Local 146 Hall, 3390 N. Woodford St. Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Facility.

Decatur Area Society for Human Resource Management, Tuesday, Sept. 20‌ 11 a.m., location varies.

Thursday, Oct. 6‌ Kiwanianne Club of Decatur, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Noon Kiwanis Club, Decatur Club.

Early Bird Kiwanis, 6:45 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.

Facility.

Noon Sertoma, Decatur Club.

Decatur Metropolitan Rotary Club, noon, Decatur Club.

Noon Kiwanis Club, Decatur Club.

Human Service Agency Consortium, noon, Central ChrisNoon Sertoma, Decatur Club. tian Church, 650 W. William St. Wednesday, Sept. 14‌ Decatur Landlords Association, 6 p.m., Doherty’s Pub, Decatur Golden K Kiwanis Club, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Metro Decatur Home Builders Association, Beach House.

242 E. William St. Facility.

Mount Zion Chamber of Commerce Luncheon, 11:15 a.m., Friday, Oct. 7‌ Wednesday, Sept. 21‌ Crawford’s Pizza and Pub, 170 Debby Drive, Mount Zion.

Breakfast Sertoma, 7 a.m., Scovill Banquet Facility.

Decatur Golden K Kiwanis Club, 9:30 a.m., Scovill Banquet Decatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Facility.

To submit items for Your Calendar, contact Scott Perry at Decatur Real Estate Investors Association, 6:30 p.m., Facility.

(217) 421-7976, at sperry@herald-review.com, or click the “SubDecatur Shrine Club, noon, Scovill Banquet Facility.

Perkins Family Restaurant, 2999 N. Monroe St. mit an Event” link at www.thebusiness-journal.com

September 2016 | BUSINESS JOURNAL | 3

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FROM THE EDITOR

‌G

etting the high score on Donkey Kong and experiencing the goodness of a mashed potato and gravy burger. ‌That’s the answer I gave most people when they asked about the highlights of a recent training trip at the Herald & Review’s mother ship in Davenport.

While there, I also learned some stuff about digital tools we can use to enhance the experience of our online readers.

It’s crazy how much stuff you can do with your phone these days. A year ago, all I could do on mine was call and text. Now I can read email, play games, check websites, edit photos, listen to music and the list goes on and on and on. Not sure all this added ability a good thing, but I’m ready to dive into the deep end of the pool.

As business budgets get tighter, training opportunities often go by the wayside. That’s a real shame.

Aside from the primary topic, the greatest benefit of a trip like this comes from the interaction among all the participants.

It’s fun to share horror stories and success stories, and meet the people behind the columns, stories and tweets you read. The importance of this interaction, which included teaming up to kick some Shredder butt with colleagues on a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle game, can’t be underestimated.

Did I forget to mention I also got the high score on Donkey Kong?

Volume 21

Issue 9

601 E. William St. Decatur, IL 62523 217.421.7976 217.421.7965 (fax) Publisher: Julie Bechtel General Manager: Joel Fletcher

Scott Perry, editor Business Journal of Midcentral Illinois

Editor: Scott Perry Advertising: AnnaMarie Hanes Cover photo: Jim Bowling

September 2016 Contents 5 Meet Cris Valdez

STANDING FEATURES Biz Bites

9

Business Clips

16

Fred Spannaus

17

Free Time calendar

11

Health calendar

20

Julie Shields

17

Liz Reyer

22

Office Coach

22

Wendy Gauntt

21

New president of Richland Community College settles in.

‌Back in session Our annual Back to School issue takes a look at some of the changes greeting area students as they return to the classroom, makes a pit stop at Lockhart’s Barber College and examines the importance of a college education, among other things.

10 Citizen of the year Jeanelle Norman honored for community service.

ADVERTISING: The deadline for ad and ad copy for the Octoberissue is Sept. 15. Call 217.421.7953 for rate information.

STORY IDEAS: Email sperry@herald-review.com or call 217.421.7976 SUBSCRIPTIONS: To order additional copies, call 217.421.7931 The Business Journal of MidCentral Illinois is printed monthly and is a publication of Lee Enterprises, Inc. Information published is the responsibility of the author and does not reflect the opinions of The Business Journal of MidCentral Illinois. To submit articles, mail typewritten and 500 words or less to: The Business Journal, 601 E. William St., Decatur, IL 62523. Articles will not be returned.

Any editorial content or advertising published is the property of Lee Enterprises, Inc., DBA The Business Journal of MidCentral Illinois.

Herald & Review All rights reserved for entire content.

4 | BUSINESS JOURNAL | September 2016

YOU R C OM M U N I T Y

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Millikin University a hub of activity Construction projects, new majors, staff changing campus THERESA CHURCHILL Business Journal Writer‌

‌DECATUR – Millikin University began the new school year with two dozen new faculty members, a new dean and five new academic majors.

But the biggest elephant in the room will remain the construction in the heart of campus on the $27 million University Commons at Staley Library, set to open one year from now as Millikin’s new student center/ library.

“We are actually working extra, in the evenings and on weekends, to get ahead,” said Ruby James, vice president of finance and business affairs. “The building will likely be ready in early July, then we need to move in and get settled.”

The ongoing construction, plus last year’s demolition of two residence halls, have made dramatic changes to campus parking options.

James said the lot in front of current project is closed, for example, and the former parking lot northeast of Richards Treat University Center and west of Oakland Avenue will become a thorough fare.

Visitors are asked to park near Westminster Presbyterian Church west of campus, use the three lots behind Dolson Hall and in front of the power plant east of Oakland Avenue or go south of there behind West Towne Square at Oakland and West Wood Street.

Chris Ballard, director of public safety, said the latter parking lot typically has more than 100 spaces available during the day.

“It’s underutilized and is a short walk from the core campus,” he said.

As for University Commons, the university’s Capital Program Manager Brad Owens said the current work is centered on reinforcing existing steel supports of the gutted building before adding new ones to support an addition to the front.

He expects to have walls up and roof on, with openings covered in plastic, before winter sets in.

“There’s no option for us to stop work,” Owens said. “We’re about to have a lot more subcontractors come on, and the (closed parking lot) will become quite the hub of activity.”

In conjunction with the construction on University Commons, Provost Jeff Aper has appointed a planning group looking at how to best intersect curricular and co-curricular leadership programming at Millikin in anticipation of the new Doug and Diane Oberhelman Center for Leadership Performance to be located just inside the main entrance.

Aper is also welcoming twice the usual number of new faculty members after a wave of retirements and after welcoming Najiba Benabess as the new dean of the Ta-

JIM BOWLING PHOTOS, BUSINESS JOURNAL‌

A view from the second floor of the University Commons construction project shows ongoing work at Millikin University. Gorin Hall is pictured on the left.

Most recently director of the School of Business and Management at Norwich University in Northfield, Vt., Benabess is originally from Morocco and earned her master’s degree at Western Illinois University at Macomb and her doctorate at the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.

Both degrees are in economics.

“Economics impact our daily lives and shape the world around us,” Benabess said.

“I like economics because it intersects with many other disciplines, including law, social science, psychology, education, computer science and political science and international studies.”

She added that she hopes to strengthen the Tabor School of Business by enhancing the educational experience and further developing the faculty.

As for new academic majors, three are the School of Education and designed to produce the kind of educators that are in demand.

They are early childhood developmenWork is under way to create a loading dock tal therapy, instructional development and on the east side of the building during the Spanish education (the latter pending apUniversity Commons construction project. proval from the Illinois State Board of Education). bor School of Business on July 1.

Associate professor Christie Magoulias, She replaces professor Mark Munoz, who the school’s director, said Millikin is the only served as interim dean after Susan Kruml college downstate offering the coursework left in November for another job. to become a developmental therapist for

young children and their families and that the instructional development major is for students who would like to work for organizations other than schools, such as a YMCA, Boys & Girls Club or children’s museum.

As for Spanish education, the school is hoping to get Spanish majors to consider graduating from Millikin with more job options.

“Foreign language education and English as a second language instruction has been a high need area in Illinois since the 1990s,” Magoulias said.

The other new majors are environmental studies in the College of Arts and Sciences and arts technology in the College of Fine Arts.

For the Decatur School District, a new theater production class will also offer dual credit for the first time to students at Eisenhower and MacArthur high schools.

In other construction news, James said work will begin around Sept. 1 on a $2 million Workman Family Softball Field on the southwest corner of West Eldorado Street and North Oakland Avenue.

The money for the project was provided by university Trustee Gary Workman and his wife, Judy, and it is expected to be complete by the start of the Big Blue softball season in March.

September 2016 | BUSINESS JOURNAL | 5

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Valdez dives in as new Richland president CHRIS LUSVARDI Business Journal Writer‌

‌DECATUR — After moving to different places every few years, new Richland Community College President Cristobal “Cris” Valdez has been looking for a place for his family to call home.

He’s hoping to have found it in Decatur.

At the same time the family settles in and discovers everything the Decatur area has to offer, Valdez is focused on what Richland is able to provide the community.

“We see people realize their dreams here every day,” Valdez said. “The college touches the lives of a lot of people.”

Valdez, who became Richland’s seventh president on Aug. 1, has been watching enrollment figures closely with the start of the fall semester. He said student numbers for the fall have exceeded the projected target but that it’s still down after a conservative estimate.

“We’re trying to reverse that trend,” Valdez said. “We want people to see we do fantastic things here.”

To be able to provide the most impact for students, Valdez said Richland needs to keep classes affordable. Tuition costs have been rising as the college looks for alternative sources to state funding, Valdez said.

“We are developing a financial model to reduce dependency on state funding,” Valdez said. “If we can do that, we will be able to be sustainable and strengthen our financial position.”

The Richland Foundation has shown it can help in easing the financial burden on students and taxpayers, as Valdez said it awards approximately $750,000 annually in scholarships. He said it has also shown the ability to provide funding for capital projects, particularly with the $3.5 million Carroll Center for Business project.

Unlike the state-supported Student Success Center project, Valdez acknowledged plans for the Carroll Center are moving forward because of the donations the college has received.

One of the first tasks will be finding a new executive director for the Foundation, following the retirement of Richard McGowan earlier this summer. A new director could be in place later this fall, but Valdez said in the meantime, the current staff has been incredible in stepping up.

The new president has been impressed by what he’s seen with the dedication of faculty and staff throughout the college.

They’re motivated to help students navigate the higher education process and succeed, he said.

“We want to have the strongest team possible,” Valdez said. “That’s already built into the structure.”

Valdez is learning about the culture at Richland, particularly as he meets individually with employees.

Bruce Campbell, Richland Board of Trustees chairman, said Valdez was selected for the job in part because of his work experience, which Campbell thinks can assist in

JIM BOWLING PHOTOS, BUSINESS JOURNAL‌

Cristobal “Cris” Valdez is getting settled as the new president of Richland Community College.

“We see people realize their dreams here every day. The college touches the lives of a lot of people.”

Richland Community College President Cristobal “Cris” Valdez

Valdez and Dean of Health Professions Ellen Colbeck enjoy a light moment during a Health Professions division meeting. dealing with issues such as the state budget. Campbell said Valdez can help Richland move forward as it’s at a point to build on the great things that are already in place.

With a contract at Richland running through June 30, 2019, Valdez is starting off by trying to build on experience, having most recently been president of Central Wyoming College since 2014 and prior to that president of Edison Community College in Ohio.

“With that experience, we’re moving quicker as there’s not a steep learning

curve,” Valdez said. “I believe in the mission of the community college.”

He indicated part of the college’s mission will continue to prepare students to meet the community’s workforce needs, particularly for employers such as Archer Daniels Midland Co., Caterpillar Inc. and Tate & Lyle. He said Richland will work to align its curriculum with the need of employers to continue providing the area with a well-prepared, skilled workforce.

After moving and living around the country while he’s been working in higher

education administration, Valdez said his family has been looking forward to getting back to the Midwest where they feel most comfortable. Valdez and his wife Robin have four children, with Antonio, the oldest, in college and the others, Ali, Aaron and Andi, in middle and high school.

He said they’ve already felt at home with the welcoming spirit of the community.

“This is one of the most inviting communities I’ve seen,” Valdez said. “It’s a great fit for our family.”

They’ve been to events, including Decatur Celebration and the Blue Mound Fall Festival. During a lunchtime meeting prior to the school year with faculty from the Health Professions Division, Valdez was offered more suggestions for things to do in the area.

6 | BUSINESS JOURNAL | September 2016

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September 2016 | BUSINESS JOURNAL | 7

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Area students greeted by host of changes BUSINESS JOURNAL WRITERS

Argenta-Oreana‌ Two principals are trading places for the 2016-17 year with Amanda Ryder, hired two years ago as principal of Argenta-Oreana Middle School, taking over at Argenta-Oreana Elementary School.

That frees Decatur native Pat Blair to return to his former job at the middle school after occupying the top spot at the elementary school since the 2014-15 year. He previously was middle school principal for four years and taught seventh-grade history and computers for 13 years before that.

A 1984 graduate of Warrensburg-Latham High School, Blair also taught history for two years at Thomas Jefferson Middle School in Decatur before joining the Argenta-Oreana district.

Ryder is 2005 graduate of Monticello High School who taught English at St. Joseph-Ogden High School for five years before coming to Argenta-Oreana.

Superintendent Damian Jones also said the district is also welcoming eight new teachers.

Central A&M‌ Central A&M High School has a new student kitchen, with all-new appliances, freshly-painted cabinets and new countertops, thanks to financial assistance from the Central A&M Foundation. The kitchen hadn’t been updated since the 1950s.

Another update is the lights for the football field and fresh paint in the high school lobby in the school colors. The parking lot has been resurfaced and new panels and windows have been installed in the high school.

Central A&M celebrates 25 years as a district this school year and the foundation will host an event 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, at the Arpeggio Winery, during Homecoming weekend. Tickets are $25 and available at First National Bank, Assumption; Ayers Bank, Moweaqua; Perfectly Picked and Wash House Equipment.

Cerro Gordo DeLand-Weldon has dropped out of Cerro Gordo’s high school sports coop to partner with Blue Ridge.

That leaves Bement as the district’s sole partner for football, girls basketball, baseball and softball, as well as for boys basketball, competitive cheer and track.

The only other changes for the 2016-17 year, according to Superintendent Brett Robinson, are eight new new teachers.

Decatur With the departure of former Superintendent Lisa Taylor for the Heyworth district, the Decatur Board of Education named Bobbi Williams and Michael Dugan to be co-interim superintendents.

Superintendent searches can take several

months and board members said they preferred to go into the school year with experienced hands at the helm.

Board member Dan Oakes said that the superintendent duties are a “24-hour-aday job” and that with Williams and Dugan also doing their own jobs as assistant superintendents, they were trying to fit 48 hours of work into 24. “We don’t want to burn you out,” he said.

Other board members lauded the two for the efficiency with which they’re performing their combined jobs, and member B.A. Buttz said he thought asking the Illinois Association of School Boards to provide a retired superintendent, which had been discussed and is one of the services the IASB offers, would be a mistake. Retirees can only work 100 days a year, and that would mean the interim would only be available two or three days a week. In his opinion, he said, that would stall progress, and would bring in someone who doesn’t know the district and its needs the way Williams and Dugan do.

The board plans a retreat this month and will likely discuss next steps in the search for a permanent superintendent then.

Washington School has been demolished.

Its campus is adjacent to Johns Hill Magnet School, and a committee, Facility Advisory Committee for Exceptional Schools, or FACES, has held several meetings in the early stages of considering reorganization of buildings in the district. The committee has not yet made any recommendations, but in the course of holding meetings to solicit community input, Johns Hill’s age and inaccessibility for those with mobility issues came up several times. Among the ideas suggested during these meetings was building a new facility for Johns Hill on the campus.

Former Buildings and Grounds Director Mike Sotiroff said Washington had deteriorated to the point that it had to be demolished anyway, but its removal also provides for the possibility of an addition or new construction, should FACES and the board decide on that option someday.

Futures Unlimited alternative high school has moved to the former technical academy building at Jackson and Eldorado streets, which already houses the Adult Education Department, Milligan Academy and Phoenix Academy. Each program has its own area in the Alternative Education Center, as it’s now known. Futures and Milligan are operated by the Regional Office of Education, while Adult Education and Phoenix are Decatur district programs.

Decatur Christian‌ Decatur Christian School is “still putting up with me,” said Randy Grigg, administrator for the school, noting few changes from last year.

Grigg said there are some new teachers, a new athletic director and new coaches. The school’s overall motto is “Equipping Warriors for Victory Through Excellence, Relationships, and Service.” Over the last three

years, the school has focused on the individual components of excellence, relationships and service, and this year is combining them into the theme of “Blessing Others.” Each month will have its own focus, beginning with Blessing First Responders in September.

“We will highlight and bless police, fire, ambulance, and other first responders through our activities. Obviously, September 11th will be highlighted. We will sponsor a Red Cross Blood Drive during that month,” Grigg said. “October will be Blessing Pastors and will coincide with national Pastor Appreciation Month in many of our churches.”

Holy Family‌ Holy Family School will focus on academic achievement, social, emotional and physical growth this year, said Principal Debbie Alexander.

“Our missions within the community as well as reaching globally within the world will be an instrumental part of our year,” she said.

“Our Catholic faith will guide our steps each day as we make our best attempt to make a difference in the lives of those around us.”

The school will continue its commitment to the WSOY Community Food Drive, the American Heart Association, the Adam Carter 5K/Fun Run/Walk and the Good Samaritan Inn. Students will have weekly opportunities to serve in Mass, and extracurricular activities will include baseball, volleyball, scholastic bowl, Chess Club, music, band, basketball, track and field, cross country and football through the Junior Football League.

Lutheran School Association‌ Two administrators left the Lutheran School Association last year. Executive Director Kyle Karsten is now with The Salvation Army and elementary Principal Lisa Dippel retired.

Allison Hicklin Nolen is interim high school principal and guidance counselor this year, and the new elementary Principal is Joel Witt. Nolen served as assistant high school principal last year. Witt is new to the LSA.

Maroa-Forsyth‌ A solution was found just days before the school year started for one of the biggest concerns impacting the Maroa-Forsyth School District.

The school board approved the hiring of two teachers at the grade school in an effort to lower class sizes in third and fourth grade which had been expected to approach or surpass 30 students. Enrollment following registration was higher than expected, Superintendent Mike Williams said.

Principal Kris Kahler said the additional teachers would get classes to more manageable levels.

The decision came despite concerns that it

would add to the district’s anticipated budget deficit.

The district is already facing a tight budget, as the board is planning to ask voters to consider providing additional funding through a referendum in the November election. The proposal is seeking a 50-cent tax rate increase, 10 cents higher than one voters rejected last year. The 50-cent increase is projected to generate $963,000 at a cost of $167 for a $100,000 home or $333 for a $200,000 home.

At the same time, the board was looking to cover a vacant high school principal position following the resignation of Scott Adreon, who took a similar position at Dunlap High School.

A tentative agreement pending board approval was reached with middle school principal Brice Stewart to expand his duties to the high school, Board President Russ Corey said.

An additional change for the 2016-17 school year will be for Phil Applebee to become assistant to the principal and high school/ middle school athletic director, Corey said.

The search for a new superintendent is beginning with the resignation of Williams effective at the end of the school year. The board is in what is considered prime position to find its desired superintendent, who could be hired before winter break.

Interviews with about six candidates could be scheduled in November with input from the community sought prior to selecting those the board will interview.

Corey said the superintendent selection is the most important decision the board will make.

Meridian‌ For the first time since Eric Hurelbrink became principal at Meridian High School in 2013, when he pulls into the parking lot, he sees a finished product.

New high school, new gym, new auditorium, new middle school, new elementary school, new football field and track, new baseball, softball and soccer fields — $45 million of new construction and improvements that began in the spring of 2012 — they’re all done.

“You drive in here now and it just looks so different,” Hurelbrink said. “It’s nice to come into a building that’s brand new, as opposed to what we were in before. We made the best of it, but the building just wasn’t built for today’s technology.”

Last year, because of last-minute details that had to be finished, school didn’t start until Sept. 8 and it made for a strange year.

The second quarter didn’t get over until the end of January and the school year didn’t end until mid-June.

“It’s been a long time. Three years we’d had something going on construction-wise,” Hurelbrink said. “I’m looking forward to starting a school year feeling like it’s a normal year.”

Please see Students, Page 8

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Students From 7

Now, Meridian staff and students can reap the benefits of their state-of-the-art facility.

With two buildings now instead of four, Hurelbrink said it’s easier to use staff.

“We used to have some staff — our art teacher and band instructors — who traveled back and forth to Blue Mound,” Hurelbrink said. “Now our band instructor can do a music appreciation class and he’s going to do a guitar class as an elective. We can do that because he’s going to be here all day.”

Hurelbrink said Meridian can also now offer course work to eighth graders they can get high school credit for.

“We’re going to let some eighth-graders take Spanish to get a foreign language requirement,” Hurelbrink said. “Our kids now have the ability to take four years of high school Spanish. What these eighth-graders will be able to do is finish the fourth year their junior year, then their senior year take a different elective that they wouldn’t have otherwise been able to take.”

Mount Zion‌ Drug testing will become the norm at Mount Zion High School this year.

The policy will require students in extracurricular activities to undergo random drug tests to continue their participation.

The policy has been discussed for nearly two years, and Superintendent Travis Roundcount said he was pleased to get the feedback from the community and staff to implement a plan that most would find agreeable.

“From all the conversations and public discussions from last year, we wanted to fine tune it,” he said.

Under the policy, students on their first offense face suspension from activities “until a negative test can be provided” but would still be able to participate in practice.

Initial tests will be paid for by the district, but those who seek a follow-up test after testing positive will be required to pay for a test at St. Mary’s or at Decatur Memorial hospitals.

Parents who seek to retest a sample that previously tested positive can go that route for $150. If that retest yields a negative result, the district will reimburse the parent for the cost of the test and the student’s first offense will be eliminated.

A positive result can comes from the use of recreational drugs and alcohol, as well as performance-enhancing drugs.

Another notable change for the coming school year will be in the administrative leadership. Cheryl Warner, who previously served as principal of McGaughey Elementary School, will take over the same role at the high school. The school board has appointed Brandy Kelly, previously the principal of Ramsey Elementary School, to fill the same role at McGaughey.

Our Lady of Lourdes‌ Thanks to the annual dinner and auction fundraiser in May, Our Lady of Lourdes be-

gan the new school year with new bathrooms.

Thanks to an unexpected donation, the halls have new carpet.

Principal Chris Uptmor said the bathrooms were original to the building and badly in need of upgrades, and was done in time for the start of the school year.

The junior high students in grades six through eight visited Little Galilee Camp for a team-building retreat the first week of school, something Uptmor said used to be done at all the Catholic schools, but hadn’t been done for a while.

“We felt it was important to talk about team building and leadership skills during the first part of school,” he said.

Technology teacher Faith Carr will teach a gifted program that will meet twice a week, one section for junior high and one for intermediate grades. The focus will be on strengthening the connection between Lourdes and its sister parish in Guatemala.

“It kind of gives our parish community more of an idea of what our sister parish is and our role and how we interact with them,” Uptmor said.

Sangamon Valley‌ Sangamon Valley School District is looking forward to a new academic year by going boldly where none of its high school science classes have gone before: into a state-of-the art science lab.

The school district has been busy sorting through bids and work will start soon on the $400,000 project at the high school building in Niantic. The completion date is expected before the second semester.

The new lab will cover some 2,000 square feet and be fully loaded with the latest gear.

It will also be capable of being sub-divided to make more flexible use of the space.

Sangamon Valley Superintendent Robert D. Meadows said science classes are presently stuffed into a room that struggles to hold 17 students in a school with a population this year pegged at 240. He said the lack of adequate facilities to teach science properly has been a long-standing concern and one that hasn’t gone unnoticed by the students the school sends out into the world.

“Talking with graduates who had moved onto college, I think one of the things they felt like we didn’t have when they came through was a real science lab, a hands-on type space, similar to what they would see at a college or university,” added Meadows, 50.

“Now we are converting an old family-consumer science room into what will be a state-of-the-art lab. It’s going to be a great opportunity for our kids.”

And the good news for school district taxpayers is no extra charges on their property tax bills. Meadows said revenue from the county-wide 1 percent sales tax passed some five years ago made the new lab possible. And the superintendent credited his predecessor, Ernie Fowler, for careful stewardship of the tax proceeds and building up a healthy savings balance in the bank.

“We’re getting no state help,” Meadows said. “All of it is going to be done with sales tax revenue.”

St. Patrick‌

field in Illinois, and will also serve as pastor of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit in Mount Zion St. Patrick Catholic School hasn’t had a and St. Isidore Parish in Bethany. new paint job for about 24 years, but it does now. The pink will give way to blue, which goes with the new carpeting.

Late last year, the school adopted a The emphasis for the WarrensSTREAM focus – science, technology, re- burg-Latham School District remains topligion, engineering, art and math – which notch learning opportunities for their stuwill be continued this year. Students built a dents, said Superintendent Kristen Kendboat that they’re going to launch after school rick-Weikle.

As students return to school this fall, one starts, and a photography club for the junior high students will begin this year. of the major ways the district will prepare students at the high school is through multiple dual-credit classes in partnership with Richland Community College. Among the Larry Daly has taken the reins as principal classes that will be provided includes AP of St. Teresa High School, succeeding Ken psychology and sociology, as well as busiHendriksen, who has scaled back to part- ness computer classes like web page design. time after over 40 years as an educator and Students in the elementary school will the loss of his wife last year. have their own unique learning experience Daly has worked under Hendriksen as starting this fall, as the district has comassistant principal and dean of students pleted work on an interactive classroom for several years. Hendriksen will focus on with touch screen monitors on the walls fundraising, a significant necessity in a pa- and arranged seating that Kendrick-Weikle rochial school, as well as personnel and the said will help lead to more collaborative work budget, while Daly takes over day-to-day done by classes.

“It will be an ideal setting to really spark duties.

Theresa Bowser will serve as assistant some creativity and innovation with these principal and dean of students. Recently kids,” she said. retired from Decatur schools, Bowser is a In a similar vein, the district plans to dedgraduate of St. Teresa and member of St. icate space in the middle school and high Patrick Catholic Church. school library for a makerspace lab area for New staff include the Rev. Steven M. Aris- students to work on more advanced projects. man, who has been appointed chaplain and Teachers are able to sign up to use the space director of retreats by the Diocese of Spring- for their classes.

Warrensburg-Latham‌

St. Teresa‌

September 2016 | BUSINESS JOURNAL | 9

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BIZ BITES

Now open‌ The Infusion Bar & Banquet Center in Decatur believes variety is the spice of life.

The business has a food and drink option for everyone, and is ready to host special occasions, wedding receptions or business meetings in its banquet space that can seat more than 500.

There is also an outdoor stage area.

The bar and banquet center is housed in the former AIW Hall at 2882 N. Dineen St., the location renovated from ground to ceiling and featuring an outdoor patio with bar. The new owners are Decatur business couple Shannon and David Binder who have recruited David Binder’s daughter, Nichole, fresh from running a five-star resort in Costa Rica, to manage the enterprise. Bar manager is Brylin Brown, described by Shannon Binder as a “master mixologist” and Jen Strain is the chef.

Drink options range from craft beers to “infused” cocktail drinks where, for example, vodka, whisky or whatever can be flavored with anything from Skittles to watermelon and strawberry, to name a few. “And we mean actual strawberry and actual Skittles,” Binder said. “Not some flavored syrup. Infusion is a hot new drink trend.”

Food options go from fried pickle poppers and baked zuchini parmesan crisps to infused offerings like a bourbon-infused barbecue meatloaf slider. Desserts include a chocolate mint martini served with chocolate-dipped strawberries and strawberry-drizzled pound cake.

Binder said people are curious about the new bar and find their curiosity rewarded when they venture in.

“They can’t believe the transformation,” she said. “They have nothing but positive things to say.”

Insfusion is open 3 p.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, 3 p.m to 2 a.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sunday. Go to infusiondecatur.com or call (217) 875-2416.

Expanding‌ The addition of a store inside Decatur Memorial Hospital has helped Coffee Connection reach more customers.

Owner Julie Stalets said the remodeling project to add the store at the hospital’s east entrance next to the gift shop in the Barnes Lobby turned out well. The location provides additional flexibility for hospital employees and visitors to go along with its first store at 2505 N. Main St., she said.

“It has given us a whole new customer base,” Stalets said. “It hasn’t taken away anything.

It’s helped to expand our business.”

The DMH location has a similar selection of beverages, baked goods and wraps, Stalets said.

The lobby area has seating available, she said.

Hours for the DMH location are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call (217) 8762850 or (217) 330-8065.

On the move‌ After years in Brettwood Village, the Red Wing Shoe Store has moved to 1260 U.S. 51, Suite C, across from Hickory Point Mall in Forsyth.

The Red Wing Shoe Store has been a stable fixture in Brettwood Village in Decatur several decades and has been locally-owned and managed by Jeff Gedrose since 2006.

Inside the new store, leather chairs, brick walls, custom fixtures and a state-of-the-art sound system bring visitors into an industrial work-themed atmosphere that provides comfort for customers and connects them with the core principals of the Red Wing Shoe Company.

Store hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Call (217) 875-1125.  FedEx is making changes to its network with plans to close its shipping center in Decatur in early October.

The changes will take place when the lease for its facility at 3443 Rupp Parkway expires, said Davina Cole, a senior communications specialist for the company.

“For better customer service and efficiency, we are relocating our routes and service currently based in Decatur to other area stations, most moving to Bloomington,” Cole said. “Employees will be able to move to other locations with their work assignments.”

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Packages are currently transported from Bloomington to Decatur for sorting and delivery, Cole said. Starting Oct. 3, Cole said service will be provided directly from Bloomington.

Making changes‌ Striglos Companies, Inc., Striglos Office Equipment, and Striglos Computer Center have merged under the umbrella of a new brand with a brand new look.

The company’s new logo was designed to be clean, inviting and modern as a reflection of the way Striglos likes to run their business.

The decision to move away from the iconic building logo was a difficult one, company owner Scott Striglos said.

“While we loved the building in our logo, and we are still in that building, we feel that the bricks and mortar gives a poor representation of our vast product and services offerings that reach every corner of your office and North America.”

The new logo is accompanied by a new positioning line, “Everything Office” which very simply states Striglos’ emphasis on the broad range of services available to any office. Striglos offers office supplies, computer systems, networking, copiers, digital imaging, office furniture, and much more all with an unrivalled level of customer service.

For more information about Striglos, call (217) 429-2500 or visit striglos.com.

10 | BUSINESS JOURNAL | September 2016

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Jeanelle Norman named Citizen of the Year Chamber honors businesses for leadership, innovation CHRIS LUSVARDI Business Journal Writer‌

‌DECATUR — Over the years, Jeanelle Norman has been actively involved in efforts to improve the Decatur community.

One of her most recent focuses has been to improve communication between community members and the Decatur Police Department. She took a leading part last summer in forming Norman the Area Leaders and Education Response Team, known as ALERT, which was put to the test in July during a high-profile incident when a man was shot by a Decatur police officer.

Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe recognized Norman as Citizen of the Year during the Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce Awards Luncheon in large part because the group was credited with keeping the situation from escalating like what has happened in other parts of the country.

“It is because of that partnership Decatur

was mentioned as a model response for how these incidents should be handled,” Moore Wolfe said. “The relationship was tested in the early morning hours of Monday, July 11, but the group was able to ensure calm.”

Norman, who is president of the Decatur branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, said she was humbled by the recognition in receiving the award. She credited Decatur Police Chief Jim Getz and the officers of the department for their willingness to work with the group.

Getz joined Moore Wolfe on stage inside Heartland Community Church’s Grand Palace banquet facility to present the award to Norman along with officers Jon Jones and Lorne Sturdivant.

Despite the shooting occurring in the early morning hours, Getz said Norman answered his call right away and put the response plan into action. Getz said Norman has always been genuine in his interactions with her.

Norman was standing by Getz’s side a few hours later during a news conference announcing the first details of the case, helping to ensure information was released in a timely, responsible manner. She was there again at an afternoon news conference.

“If you don’t put accurate information

out, people will go ahead and make up the story anyway,” Getz said. “I couldn’t be more proud of the citizens in Decatur and how they handled the situation to be patient so we could get the truth out there.”

Norman said Decatur’s ability to remain calm following the shooting highlights what kind of community it has become.

“Decatur is generous and giving, making life a little easier for those less fortunate,” Norman said. “If we work together, we can ensure inclusion, equality and justice.”

Other award recipients are part of efforts to create more opportunities for young people in the community. The Boys and Girls Club of Decatur was selected as the NonProfit of the Year.

“Decatur has some of the most phenomenal children as any community has,” said Bruce Jeffery, the club’s executive director. “The club is a second home for many of them. They can come and feel safe. Most importantly, they can reach a level of success.”

Jeffery said anyone visiting the club can meet some amazing young people.

Chamber President Mirinda Rothrock said all of the nominees and award recipients are well-deserving of recognition for their contributions to the community with

quality service and by promoting economic growth.

“It takes an extreme amount of character and tenacity to be a leader and run a business,” Rothrock said.

“We want to celebrate the contributions of our members.”

Rothrock said the Chamber’s Small Business Executive Council selected the recipients of awards in seven categories from which nominations were received. She said each of the nominees were asked to answer why they would be deserving of the award for which they were nominated.

The winners were Lockhart’s Barber College for Micro Business of the Year, Brinkoetter & Associates for Small Business of the Year, Lockhart’s Barber Shop for Business Expansion, Vieweg Real Estate for Outstanding Development, Decatur Magazine Publisher Beth Stringer as Entrepreneur of the Year, and Investment Planners, Inc. CEO/President David Koshinski with the Leadership Masters Award.

Awards for two additional categories did not require nominations. Jason Doyle of Tate & Lyle was picked as Decatur Leadership Institute Alumnus of the Year and Hank Norris of Vieweg Real Estate was named Chamber Ambassador of the Year.

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YOUR FREE TIME CALENDAR

The Arts‌

BANQUET UET

Kirkland Fine Arts Center. For tickets, go to www. the purchase of Christmas gifts for Macon County veterans in need, on Sunday, Sept. 11 in Central Anne Lloyd Gallery: “OTHERWORLDLY: Sci-Fi kirklandfinearts.com or call (217) 424-6318.

Park. Car and bike show beginning at 8 a.m., en& Fantasy,” featuring the works of 11 artists. tertainment

by Lisa Kaye at 1:30 p.m., 9-11 meOn Stage‌ Opening reception from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, morial service and awards at 2 p.m. and the 11David Earl Reed’s “The Secret of my UnsucSept. 2. Visitors are encouraged to come wearing their favorite sci-fi or fantasy character. A variety cess,” 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, Decatur Civic mile BG Nevitt Yellow Ribbon Memorial Cruise at of events planned during the evening. Call (217) Center Theater. For tickets, go to decaturciviccen- 3 p.m. For more information, call (217) 791-1385. ter.orgcall or call (217) 422-7300.

Shorline Classic, Sunday, Sept. 18, Nelson 423-3189. www.decaturarts.org Mid-Summer Moon Productions presents Park Main Pavilion.This Tot Trot, 5k run/walk or Gallery 510: Works by Carol Kessler. Opening “Alice in Wonderland,” Friday and Saturday, 15k run benefits local and high school running reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2.

Sept. 23-25, in the Deatur Civic Center Theatre. programs. To register visit, www.shorelineclasCall (217) 422-1509.

Decatur Airport: Works by Sue Goodpaster. For tickets, go to decaturciviccenter.org or call sic.com.

Fido Scurry, 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, Decatur Public Library: Works by William (217)422-7300.

Kirkland Fine Arts Center: “Wonder Bread in Fairview Park. This event, which benefits the Fletcher.

Blue Connection: Culmination of “Humans of Years,” featuring Pat Hazell, 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. Macon County Animal Control and Care Center 9; and Johnny Peers and Muttville Comix, 2 p.m. and the Decatur Park District’s Fido Fields Dog Decatur” exhibit by Emma Morrison.

Arts in Central Park: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Satur- Sunday, Oct. 30. For tickets, go to www.kirkland- Parks, includes a 5k or 1 mile walk/run, pet parade, dog demonstration, and a costume contest. day, Sept. 17, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. finearts.com or call (217) 424-6318.

Theatre 7 presents “The Great American Call (217) 423-7387.

18. Includes art activities for kids. A preview night Brew Ha Ha, to benefit The Decatur Area Arts will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16. For Trailer Park Musical,” Oct. 14-16 and Oct. 21-23, in the Decatur Civic Center Theatre.

For tickets, Council, 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, in a tent in more information, call (217) 423-3189. call (217) 422-7300.. www.theatre7.net. front of the Madden Arts Center. Includes live Gallagher, 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28, at the Lin- music and a Taste of Germany (beer and food).

Music‌ coln Square Theatre. For tickets and more in- Go to www.decaturarts.org or call (217) 423-3189.

Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra: formation, go to www.lincolnsquaretheatre.com Prairie Pedal, Sunday, Sept. 25, at Rock Annual Labor Day Pops concert, 6 p.m. in NelSprings Nature Center. This 20, 40 or 62 mile son Park. Opening Night performance, 7:30 p.m. route through quiet country roads is hosted by Saturday, Sept. 24, at Kirkland Fine Arts Center. Charity events‌ Cocktails and Canapes Garden Party, to the Macon County Conservation Foundation and Featured performer is pianist Mikhail Yanovitsky. benefit the Children’s Museum of Illinois, 5:30 benefits the natural area preservation projects at For tickets, call (217) 424-6318.

A Night of Blues and Brews featuring Hurri- to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, at the museum. Macon County’s conservation areas. Go to www. cane Ruth, 8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 16, Mount Zion Meet new director Amber Kaylor and enjoy a maconcountyconservationfoundation.org. champagne toast, live music and heavy hors Walk to End Alzheimer’s, a 2-mile walk to Convention Center. d’oeuvres.

For more information, go to www. benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, 9:30 a.m.

“Presley, Perkins, Lewis & Cash: A Night childrensmuseumof il.com or call (217) 423-5437.

Saturday, Oct. 1, in Fairview Park. Fior more into Remember,” 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, at Cruise 11 to Remember 9-11, to assist with formation, go to alz.org/walk.

GUIDE

Featured Business:

WSOY Community Food Drive, to benefit local food pantries, 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7, at Kroger, 1818 Airport Plaza.

The Decatur Craft Beer Festival will held on Friday Oct. 7 at Doherty’s Pub & Pins. The event will benefit MRI, Northeast Community Fund and the Good Samaritan Inn. the cost is $20 and includes four beer samples from a selection that will feature over 80 craft beers and ciders. For tickets or information, call (217) 875-8850.

Misc.‌

The Rock Springs Nature Center hosts a long list of mini camps, family adventures and classes.

So many, in fact, that there are too many to list.

Go to www.maconcountyconservation.org and click on the Programs and Activities tab for a complete listing.

Macon Speedway: Dirt track racing at its very best every Saturday night. Gates open at 5 p.m.

Racing begins at 7 p.m. www.maconracing.com Labor Day Parade, 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 5, downtown Decatur.

Decatur Civic Center: Seniorama, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9; Decatur Train Fair, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 18. For information, go to decaturciviccenter.org or call (217)422-7300.

For the kids‌ Children’s Museum of Illinois is host to a variety of activities. For information, go to www. childrensmuseumof il.com or call (217) 423-5437.

Scovill Zoo: Granparent’s Day, Sunday, Sept.

11; Family Camp Out, Friday, Sept. 23,www.scovillzoo.com. Call (217) 421-7435.

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3909 W. Main St., Decatur Contact: Kevin Brewer 421-7470 1410 Mt. Zion Pkwy, Mt. Zion Contact: 864-5424

12 | BUSINESS JOURNAL | September 2016

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September 2016 | BUSINESS JOURNAL | 13

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14 | BUSINESS JOURNAL | September 2016

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Growing a brand Nostalgia, service put Lockhart’s on the cutting edge THERESA CHURCHILL Business Journal Writer‌

‌DECATUR – By opening a 1950s style barbershop in downtown Decatur, interestingly enough, Shelbyville native Brandon Lockhart started his new profession on the cutting edge.

“I believed men wanted to be pampered, but in a manly way like traditional barbers did,” he said.

Lockhart capitalized on that desire, first with Lockhart’s Barber Shop at 248 W. Main St. starting on July 10, 2012, then by opening Lockhart’s Barber College at 1624 S. Taylorville Road on Sept. 8, 2014.

Since then, graduates of the college have helped him open two more barbershops in the Decatur area, with at least four grads taking the concept elsewhere in Central Illinois, where they have either opened a subsidiary shop or gone into business for themselves.

They include Black Hat Barber & Shave Company in Monticello, Floyd’s Barber Shop in Tuscola, Wicked Rascal Grooming Co. in St. Joseph and Lockhart’s & Elam Barber Shop in Shelbyville.

Lockhart said Decatur-area competitors have also “upped their game” by adopting a similar business model and/or adding straight-razor services possible since the invention of the disposable straight-razor.

As a result, the Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce recently named Lockhart’s Barber College as its Micro Business of the Year. The college also became the No. 1 trade school and No. 2 barber shop in the Herald & Review’s annual Reader’s Choice Awards right after it opened, trailing only Lockhart’s Barber Shop in the No. 1 spot.

“What sets us apart from other schools is our business model,” Lockhart said. “People dress a certain way. The décor reflects a time period when the traditional barber flourished. There’s a professionalism and quality customer service you don’t find everywhere.

“We also offer quality haircuts, from traditional to trendy, and straight-razor services,

JIM BOWLING PHOTOS, BUSINESS JOURNAL‌

Brandon Lockhart, owner of Lockhart’s Barber College and several barber shops in the area, is successfully growing his brand. including shaves, beard lineups, and cleaning up the back of the neck, all with warm lather, alcohol, talcum power and a steamed towel.”

Lockhart’s Barber College has produced 30 graduates to date with some of the first taking what they learned to smaller communities in Central Illinois.

They include Michael Long, the Urbana native who opened Monticello’s Black Hat just off the square in February and is eager to open a second shop in Mahomet once Lockhart’s produces a new crop of graduates and he can hire at least one of them to help him.

“I won’t let anybody else touch my hair, except for Brandon’s students at the college or a couple of guys from my class in Champaign,” he said.

Long said his shop has done well from the beginning, with his customers waiting as long as three hours for his attentions, and he’s unwilling to compromise quality to get more customers in and out.

“People like the pace and the nostalgia, but also the option to get stylish haircuts that famous people or athletes wear,” Long said.

Jason Armstrong of Mattoon, who started working at Floyd’s Barber Shop in Tuscola in April and bought the business in May, agrees that the feeling of not being rushed is part of the appeal.

“You get a hot lather shave, good conversation and a hot towel at a fair price,” Armstrong said. “The smell of the place reminds me of my grandpa, and it’s a pleasant association.”

Lockhart’s other Decatur-area locations employ his graduates, including the shop at

“What sets us apart from other schools is our business model.

People dress a certain way. The décor reflects a time period when the traditional barber flourished. There’s a professionalism and quality customer service you don’t find everywhere.”

Student barber Otha Phillips helps Carter Corwin,6, out of the chair after giving him a haircut with fellow student barber Alex Neubauer, back, during a back-to-school haircut event at Lockhart’s Barber College.

Brandon Lockhart, owner of Lockhart’s Barber College

1425 E. Village Parkway in Mount Zion and the newest one at 3777 N. Woodford St., Suite B, in Decatur. Those expansion earned the business the Chamber’s Business Expansion award.

Lockhart himself is a graduate of Illinois Quad Cities Barber & Hairstyling College in Moline, as well as Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Lake Land College in Mattoon

and Shelbyville High School.

“Ten of our graduates work in our barbershops and we’re training 10 or 11 students at the college at any given time,” Lockhart said.

“First of all we want to maintain quality, and second, we don’t want to saturate the market too quickly.

“The next availability to enroll is March of 2017.”

September 2016 | BUSINESS JOURNAL | 15

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Ready-to-bake cookies rise to the top First Food Innovation Challenge has winner THERESA CHURCHILL Business Journal Writer‌

‌DECATUR – Food entrepreneurs can use help changing a small operation over to mass production.

Meanwhile Archer Daniels Midland Co. and its new partner, National Foodworks Services, can use new customers.

The first-ever Food Innovation Challenge brought the two groups back together last month, with 10 semifinalist businesses from around the Midwest making their pitches to the judges, and finally with three finalists giving it one last shot leading up to an awards banquet at the Decatur Club attended by 200 people.

The winning idea, netting $50,000 in seed money from ADM and $50,000 in services from National Foodworks, was precut cookie dough produced by Soozie’s Doozies LLC of Union, Mo., and Chicago.

Dena Strehlow, technical director of customer innovation and strategy for ADM, said the judges were especially impressed by the company’s patent-pending technology that keeps the refrigerated cookies from sticking

together.

“They have the potential to be a disruptor to two major competitors who own that category, namely Nestle and General Mills,” Strehlow said. “They are also in 650 stores since launching one year ago.”

Owners Olivia Kelvin and Robert Stanton had special thanks for their mentors, whose input already led them to switch three of their flavors with a positive impact on sales: Oatmeal raisin became oatmeal blueberry, sugar cookies became sugar cinnamon snickerdoodles, and double chocolate became chocolate chip candie melt.

“They came up with a lot of different flavor ideas and have greatly, greatly helped us,” Kelvin said.

Mentors were partnered with semifinalists in June to help them fine-tune everything from product formulations and ingredients to target markets and business plans.

Mentors for Soozie’s Doozies were Jon Seighman, senior director, food applications, ADM’s Wild Flavors and Specialty Ingredients business unit; and John Wellehan, managing director, Good Food Business Accelerator.

Runners-up in the competition, who will also receive prizes and services, were: Second place: Vidalia onion relish by Kathy’s Kitchen of Virginia, Ill., owned by Kathy and Daryl Keylor. Mentors were Randy

Bird, regional sales manager for Matsutani Ingredients; and Myung Kim of Decatur’s SCORE Chapter.

Third place: Gluten-free cupcakes by Sweet Freedom Gluten Free Bakery of New Hampton, Iowa, owned by Chantal and Al Papousek. Mentors were Mark Floerke, bakery applications research chef at ADM; and Doug Brauer, vice president of economic development at Richland Community College.

Hope Danielson, director of health and wellness for County Market/Niemann Foods, said she was excited to be one of the judges.

“I was blown away by all the ideas here,” she said. “It was a very difficult decision.”

Other lead sponsors were Aripack, Dale’s Southlake Pharmacy/Colee’s Corner Drugs, Jones & Thomas, Merieux NutriSciences, Millikin University, Production Techniques Ltd. and Richland Community College.

Keynote speaker Daryl Travis, CEO and founder of BrandTrust and author of “Little Things Big Returns,” said he was encouraged by the products he saw.

“I love the graphics, I love the names; you guys are off to a really good start,” Travis said.

“But there is a secret ingredient beyond the product: It’s the brand, and brands are about feelings, not facts.”

During an introduction of the finalists at Richland, Mark Matlock, senior vice president

“They have the potential to be a disruptor to two major competitors who own that category, namely Nestle and General Mills. They are also in 650 stores since launching one year ago.”

Dena Strehlow, technical director of customer innovation and strategy for ADM of ADM food research, said that much of the innovation in the food industry is coming from entrepreneurs like the more than 50 who entered the Food Innovation Challenge.

“The idea was to engage entrepreneurs directly to see where the cutting edge is going,” Matlock said. “This is exactly the kind of external innovation our larger customers are looking for.”

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Fletcher named H&R general manager Ad director will retain current duties, Perry is interim editor H&R STAFF REPORT

‌ ECATUR – Joel Fletcher has been proD moted to advertising director/general manager of the Herald & Review.

“I’m incredibly excited about this opportunity. We have a tremendous team of people at the Herald & Review who work together to deliver a top-shelf product every day” said Fletcher, who has been with the newspaper since 2006.

Fletcher will retain his advertising duties, in addition to Fletcher being responsible for production and operations at the Decatur plant. He also will lead the Herald & Review’s involvement in the Decatur community.

He replaces Gary Sawyer, who retired af-

ter 15 years as editor of the Herald & Review.

Since 2014, Sawyer served as editor and general manager.

“I am so pleased Joel agreed to accept this position,” said Julie Bechtel, publisher of the Herald & Review. “He brings so much energy to everything he does and will be a great ambassador for the Herald & Review through his community involvement.”

Fletcher moved to Decatur in 1987. He was general manager of the Cromwell Group from 1990-99 and general manager of NextMedia Group, now Neuhoff Media, before joining the Herald & Review.

“Decatur is our home. I love this community and all the positive partnerships it offers. I’m really looking forward to increasing our involvement throughout the area.” Fletcher said.

It also was announced that Managing Editor Scott Perry will serve as interim editor. A search for Sawyer’s newsroom replacement is under way.

BIZ CLIPS

THE WEBSITE IS STILL KING Q

Out of all the things I can do as a business to enhance my digital presence on the Internet, what is THE MOST IMPORTANT thing I can do?

A

Undoubtedly, the MOST IMPORTANT thing you can do is make sure that you have an awesome website that is RESPONSIVE! I’m amazed how many times in a week that I encounter a business that does not have a website. I seriously want to scream, “C’MON Grandpa…you gotta do this!” But I don’t, at least not out loud (I totally do in my head though).

Seriously, a website is the foundation of all things digital for ANY business.

Even if you have the type of business that NO ONE would ever need to visit a website for, YOU STILL NEED A WEBSITE! Why, you ask? Because if you want to be found on the Internet when people are searching for what you offer, you MUST have a website that is responsive in order for Google (or any other measly search engine someone is using) to deem you worth of showing up in search results. To take it one step further, it’s not even enough for you to just have a website, that website MUST be responsive. Meaning, it needs to automatically adapt in size to whatever type of device is being used, in other words MOBILE-FRIENDLY. Google has one concern, the user experience. So, they decided that if your website is cumbersome on a mobile device, they won’t allow it to show up in search results. End of story. So, my friends, you simply don’t have a choice if you want to survive in the digital world. The website is still King and the content on your website is Queen. You must have the content on your site that people are looking for in order to perform well in search.

If you’re one of the “Grandpas” or “Grandmas” I mentioned earlier that still doesn’t have a website for your business, call me. I promise not to yell at your or mock you (out loud).

Cayla Hittmeier Digital Specialist Herald & Review

601 E. WILLIAM ST. DECATUR, IL 62523 217.421.6994

Busey

Brandon

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We are Multi-Media Consultants.

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New staff members‌ Wayne and Sally Benedict have joined the Decatur Salvation Army as interns to lead youth programs.

Alex Corwin has joined BKD as an audit associate, Mike Hurm has joined First Mid Insurance Group as a senior solutions representative.

Optometrist Timothy D. Busey has joined Vision Source Macon County.

Carrie Jassman has joined Busey Wealth Management as a tax specialist.

Dave Brandon has joined Hickory Point Bank an associate in the Trust and Wealth Management Group.

Achievements The National Committee for Quality Assurance recently announced that Sunni Ammann, P.A.; Revathi C. Belur, M.D.; Patrick J. Cavanagh, M.D.; Mary Coventry, N.P.; Kathy Derrick, N.P.; Janet Ellis-Marciano, P.A.; William B. Franklin,

Patterson M.D.; Prasanna S. Gowdar, M.D.; Sudhakar R. Konda, M.D.; Anthony T. McCormack; Patricia Miller, N.P.; Roberto G. Pabalate, M.D.; Jane Piraino, N.P.; Maryam Qureshi, M.D.; Megan Shelton, N.P.; Kenneth W. Scribner, M.D.; Keith R. Smith, M.D.; Mo Tabatabaei, P.A. and Michael M. Wall, M.D. of the DMH Medical Group at Decatur Memorial Hospital have received recognition from the Diabetes Recognition Program for providing quality care to their patients with diabetes.

Promotions‌

Online Contesting

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National Website

Website Design

YouTube Advertising

Search Engine

Kacy Patterson and Rebecca Kingery have been promoted to senior associate at BKD. Business Clips are abbreviated versions of paid Business Achievements which appear on Mondays in the Herald & Review. For more information about Business Achievements, go to www.thebusiness-journal.com and click on the Submit a Business Achievement link.

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September 2016 | BUSINESS JOURNAL | 17

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Make the most of an efficient email message

‌H

ave you experienced a long, winding and pointless email? Bet you have.

You know exactly what I’m talking about. ‌You open an email.

First, you notice that it’s from a coworker, or maybe the boss.

Next, you see that it’s long. Really long.

Then you begin reading it. You scroll down, inch by inch.

After a while, you wonder two things: Why did they send it to you? Do they want to do someHuman Resources you thing? What could it be?

Today, I offer a simple course in composing the perfect – and perfectly effective – business email.

This course comes in six easy lessons.

Fred Spannaus

Lesson 1: Make the subject line short and relevant. “Friday morning meeting with regional managers” is great. “Sales proposal to Acme ready for your review” is terrific.

The subject line should say what the email is about.

Do not reuse an old subject line when you reply to a prior message that concerned another matter – please type in the new topic. And don’t be too generic; you may get caught in a spam filter. “Hello” is terrible.

Lesson 2: In the first sentence, tell the recipient what it is about, and why you are sending this to them. “Attached is the draft of our proposal.” “I want you to be aware of a situation that could affect our recruitment campaign.” Make it brief and to-the-point.

Lesson 3: In the second sentence, tell them what you want them to do, and by when. “Please review this draft and send me your comments and corrections by Friday morning at 9:30.” “I would like your

feedback on this plan by Wednesday at 1:30 p.m.” Or “This is FYI only – you don’t need to do anything with it.”

When setting deadlines, it works best to put a specific time rather than a general date (“4:30 Tuesday afternoon” is better than “next Tuesday,” and it’s way better than “sometime this month”). I don’t know why, but people really do respond better to a specific time.

Lesson 4: Keep the rest of it succinct.

Use clear, straightforward language. People tend to read emails between – or in the midst of – other tasks. They want to know what it’s about, and they want to know fast. Emails are not a place for leisurely chats.

Lesson 5: Summarize at the end. Repeat what you want them to do, and when you want it done by.

Lesson 6: Always end with a thank you.

Always. If you can give your thanks in a specific and meaningful way, do it. Here’s an example. “I appreciate your spelling

and grammar skills, so I’m grateful to you for looking this over.”

That’s it.

Except for one more thing and you already know it. Emails are permanent. They never go away.

Don’t put anything in an email that you wouldn’t want to see in the morning newspaper.

When you need confidentiality it’s a whole lot safer to have a regular old-fashioned conversation, face-to-face or on the phone, than to send electronic messages.

So at times the most effective email is the one that goes something like this: “I need to talk with you about a personnel matter. I have time Tuesday afternoon between 2 and 4. Can you squeeze me in for 15 minutes?”

Fred W. Spannaus, principal of Spannaus Consulting, is a senior professional in human resources. He loves feedback to his columns.

Fred can be contacted by e-mail at spannaus@ ameritech.net or by phone at (217) 425-2635.

Performance Learning has far-reaching benefits

‌S

ummer is over and it’s back to school. ‌Summer college interns are returning to their universities all over the map.

But in Decatur and Macon County, projects and internships with Millikin carry on year-round.

In fact, their frequency is increasing due to Millikin’s leadership with the concept of Performance Learning.

Millikin’s Performance Learning emphasis is pervasive. In non-academic terminolEntrepreneurship ogy, Performance Learning can be defined as students practicing their craft and learning from real-world risks and rewards. This may be accomplished through an internship, a class project with a community client, performing on stage, teaching in a K-12 school, starting a new business venture, etc.

The key element is not just the “doing” of the aforementioned list and then some, but also intentionally reflecting on the experience (which very likely did not go quite as planned), learning from it and making plans for the next project.

It can be a messy process and it does not

Julie Shields

lend itself well to all classes, of course, but it does mean that there are a great many professors in all fields who are interested in designing projects with both profit and non-profit businesses as Performance Learning partners.

Two example projects might include: 1) A small-business with an interest in podcasting working with WJMU to record and produce a series. 2) A non-profit organization with a new leader who might find it helpful to work with the non-profit certificate classes to help with a board planning retreat.

The possibilities are endless for history professors, museum studies, theatre administration, etc. Performance Learning opportunities exist all over the community when we are willing to think creatively.

It realistically requires a few months of collaborating with the instructor to plan, prepare and set expectations appropriately.

Not all projects are appropriate because essential learning happens through failures. There needs to be an understanding that the desired outcome may fall short of expectations.

Another limitation on many of the projects is the semester system. A project may be too long or short to fit a semester.

To address this factor, Millikin’s Center for Entrepreneurship will be establishing Agile Teams unconstrained by semesters.

The term represents a convergence of the customer-focused “Agile” methodology

that gained momentum in the aughts, as well as the Lean Startup model, which has made a global impact since its dawn in 2011 with its emphasis on quickly launching a minimum viable product and directly responding to customer feedback.

Entrepreneurs in many fields, not just IT, are starting to adapt and use Agile to launch customer-centered products and services quickly and nimbly and then flex to customer feedback. The concept at Millikin was piloted last year with students who were on a team to help launch the Food Innovation Challenge, which proved to be a remarkably successful endeavor.

Agile teams at Millikin consist of five or six students in various disciplines from all over campus. This creates a multi-disciplinary team with diverse skills (technical, communication, artistic, etc.), and they work together on a business problem for

six to eight weeks. The business owner or the organizational leader also takes an active role in the team and contributes some kind of financial or in-kind investment to the team to ensure commitment.

While the students will learn a great deal from the experience, the business owner or organizational leader will gain a new skill with Agile Management and hopefully an appreciation for students that may be studying things other than the type of employees they typically hire. It’s like going back to school without having to actually go back to school.

For more information or to be connected with other departments for Performance Learning projects, please contact the Center for Entrepreneurship at (217) 424-6296.

Julie Shields is director of Millikin University’s Center for Entrepreneurship.

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18 | BUSINESS JOURNAL | September 2016

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Your Healthcare Starts with YOU

WATCH FOR IT -- September is bringing the launch of the exciting, new hyper-localized CentralIllinoisHealthCare.com multimedia platform.

CentralIllinoisHealthcare.com features local articles, profiles and information designed to provide insights and understanding of the rapidly-changing medical and healthcare environment in Central Illinois.

Fresh material, written by well-informed, actively-engaged medical professionals and service providers is available to you 24/7 through digital access.

To discuss submitting a guest article, placing branded content or partnering with this dynamic, new platform, call or email Phil Zeni at 217-421-6931 or Phil.

Zeni@Herald-Review.com.

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YOU R H E A LT H

Best-kept secret

September 2016 | BUSINESS JOURNAL | 19

Master’s Entry into Nursing Program offered at Millikin

JUSTIN CONN Business Journal Writer‌

‌DECATUR — Lauren Horve had never heard of MENP. Neither had Allison Wells, Izez White, Akya Adams, Abby Robertson or Edouard Kalaubi.

But MENP changed Horve’s life. She’s not even done with the program yet, but has already started her new career.

MENP is Millikin’s Master’s Entry into Nursing Program. It’s designed for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree but are interested in the nursing field. Those who complete the two-and-a-half year program earn a Master’s Degree in nursing and are prepared to take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) and the Nurse Educator Certification exam.

MENP has been around since 2010, but Millikin professor and MENP Chair Mary Jane Linton said a lot of prospective students are unaware of the program.

“Some say it’s the best-kept secret in the facility,” Linton said.

Horve, a 2009 Maroa-Forsyth graduate, always knew she wanted to be involved with healthcare. She went to the University of Missouri, taking pre-med courses and earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.

But during her junior year, she was volunteering in an emergency room and realized something.

“There were trauma patients coming in and out, and as I was watching, I thought, I don’t want to be the one standing and giving orders. I want to do the CPR and be the one starting the lines — I want to be a nurse,” Horve said. “But I was already a junior.”

Horve graduated, then prepared to re-enter college to get another Bachelor’s — in nursing.

“I started looking around for one-year Bachelor’s programs, which after just completing a Bachelor’s, really sucked,” Horve said, laughing. “Then I was talking to someone my mom knows and they said, ‘You have a Master’s entry program right in town. Why don’t you look at that?’ I had no idea.”

The same thing happened to Wells, a Bloomington native who graduated from Augustana in Rock Island with a Biology degree and has just recently started the program.

“After doing some job shadowing, nursing just really popped out at me as a good option,” Wells said. “I’d never heard of the program, but a friend who was also looking into going into nursing had heard about it.

I wanted to be able to commute, so it was perfect for me.”

White, also new to MENP, got a Sociology degree from Illinois Wesleyan and worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse at a nursing home when she heard about the program.

“I was interested in becoming a physi-

SUBMITTED PHOTOS‌

Millikin University’s Master’s Entry into Nursing Program students, from left, Taylor Flanders, Mac McClintock and Mellanie Olson learn through simulation.

Millikin Master’s Entry into Nursing Program student Darrah Hulva, with professor Mary Jane Linton, graduated from Milllikin with a communications degree in 2012. She decided to enter the MENP program to earn a master’s degree in nursing and is on course to graduate in Dec. 2017. cian’s assistant, but then I decided nursing was the better path — I just didn’t know what route to take,” said White, who is from Chicago. “I learned about MENP from a co-worker. He told me about a program in Wisconsin, but then I searched and found Millikin’s.”

White also told Adams about the program. Robertson went to Millikin for four years and graduated in 2012, but didn’t know about MENP until her sister heard

about it from a co-worker at a local hospital.

Kalaubi, who was living in Chicago, found the program on a Google search. Kalaubi’s degree was in Theology and he was a teacher and chaplain when he decided he wanted to get into nursing.

MEMP is an intensive, fast-paced curriculum delivered in the classroom, but also in clinical and practical settings. The program is five days a week for 30 continuous months. And it’s not for slackers.

“They have to meet rigorous criteria to be admitted and it’s a rigorous program,” Linton said. ““These are mature, motivated accelerated learners who shine in the classroom.”

Horve has always excelled as a student, but admitted MENP was a challenge.

“You learn the fundamentals first — the basic nursing process. And throughout it all, there’s no fluff — it’s nursing all the time. You also learn all the different types of nursing, the research process, policy and nurse education,” Horve said.

“I knew it would be extremely tough and it was. There were times I thought: I’m not doing this anymore. But I would do it all over again in a second.”

Horve doesn’t graduate until December — she still has to do her teaching residency and a research project — but she’s passed her NCLEX and recently began working as

a Labor and Delivery Nurse at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.

“I’m excited,” Horve said. “That’s exactly what I thought I wanted to do, and now I’m doing it.”

Linton said she’s not surprised at Horve’s success, considering that 100 percent of MENP graduates pass their NCLEX. “They’ve been very successful — none of them have had a problem getting a job,” Linton said. “They quickly move up the ladder to administration or advanced roles. We’ve also had students come back and teach. And some have gone on to get their doctorate. We’ve had students go on to be nurse practitioners. And we had one who went on to become an MD.” Millikin School of Nursing Director Pam Lindsey said MENP is beneficial to both Millikin’s students and the nursing program.

“It’s a career-change opportunity — there are plenty of available jobs in nursing, and the Masters just makes them more sought after,” Lindsey said. “Plus, people think nursing shortage and they think the typical nurse at the bedside. But the shortage extends to administration and university faculty. I think the average age of faculty is the late 50s. Any dean or director of a nursing program will tell you they’re worried about the nursing faculty shortage.

Everyone is looking for faculty.”

20 | BUSINESS JOURNAL | September 2016

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COMMUNITY HEALTH CALENDAR

Support groups‌

Helping Hands Bereavement for Children, 3:30 p.m. Thursdays, Cancer Care Center of Decatur, Art Therapy Classroom, 210 W. McKinley, Ave. Register online or call (217) 876-4735.

Grief support group, 12:30 p.m. Friday, Sept.

2, HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital, Conference Room 561. Call(217) 464-1074.

Bariatric support group, 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, DMH Specific Performance Enhancement Center, 2122 N. 27th St. Call (217) 876-4249.

TOPS Club IL 49 Decatur, 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Main Street Church of God, 2000 N. Main St. (enter from Garfield Street). Weight loss support group. Go to www.topsclub.org or call Chris Granda at (217) 521-2420.

Pink Link breast cancer support group, 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, Cancer Care Center of Decatur, Education Classrooms, 210 W. McKinley Ave. Call (217) 876-4377.

Breastfeeding support group, 10:30 a.m.

Monday, Sept. 12, and Sept. 26, Baby TALK, 500 E. Lake Shore Dr. To register, call (217) 464-2334.

Postpartum emotional support group, 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 12, HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital, Assisi Conference Room. Call (217) 464-2334.

SHARE support group, 7 p.m. Monday, Sept.

12, HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital, Room G18. Support group for those who have experienced the death of a baby during pregnancy, at birth or early infancy. Call (217) 464-2045.

Epilepsy support group, 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital, Assisi Con-

ference Room. Call (217) 853-1655.

Facing Cancer Together, 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14, Cancer Care Center of Decatur, Education Classrooms, 210 W. McKinley Ave. For cancer patients and their families. Register online or call (217) 876-4735.

Parkinson’s disease support group, 1 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 15, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1360 W. Main St. Call John Kileen at (217) 620-8702.

Brain tumor support group, 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, Cancer Care Center of Decatur, Education Classrooms, 210 W. McKinley Ave. Call (217) 876-4735.

Breath of Life, noon Tuesday, Sept. 20, HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital, Room 561. Speakers available to answer questions from those with breathing problems. Call (217) 464-2603.

Cardiopulmonary rehab wellness group, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, Decatur Memorial Hospital, Classroom A. Call (217) 876-2496.

Diabetes support group, 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, DMH Diabetes Education Center. Call (217) 876-2699.

Widowed support group, 11:30 a.m.. Thursday, Sept. 22. Monthly lunch gathering. For location or to register, call (217) 428-7733.

Lyme-MTHFR support study group, 6 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 22, Mari-Mann Herb Co., 1405 Mari Mann Lane. Call (217) 429-1555.

Renewal bereavement support group, 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 26, Cancer Care Center of Decatur, Education Classrooms, 210 W. McKinley Ave. Register online or call (217) 876-4735.

Us TOO prostate cancer support group,

4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27, Cancer Care Center of Decatur, Education Classrooms, 210 W. McKinley Ave. Register online or call (217) 876-4735.

Classes‌

Cardiopulmonary rehab nutrition, 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, Decatur Memorial Hospital Classroom B. Heart-healthy eating with an emphasis on reading labels. Call (217) 8762496.

Sibling class, 5:15 p.m. Monday, Sept. 12, HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital, Assisi Conference Room. Children 3-12 learn about being a big brother or sister. To register, call (217) 464-2334.

Infant CPR, 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 12, Decatur Memorial Hospital, OB Classrooms, third floor.

Register online or call (217) 876-3100.

Cardiopulmonary risk factor education, 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 16, Decatur Memorial Hospital, Classroom B. Call (217) 876-2496.

Newborn care and breastfeeding basics, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, Decatur Memorial Hospital, OB Classroom. Registration required online or call (217) 876-3400.

Breastfeeding class, 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept.

22, HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital, Assisi Conference Room. To register, call (217) 464-2334.

Real Dads Rock!, a class for new dads, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 29, HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital, Assisi Conference Room. To register, call (217) 464-2334.

Happiest Baby on the Block-Magic?, a class for new moms, 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29, HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital, Assisi Conference Room. To register, call (217) 464-2334.

ANNOUNCING THE SECOND VOLUME

Macon County MEMORIES II The 1940s, 1950s and 1960s

A LIMITED-EDITION HARDCOVER BOOK ON SALE NOW

Immunizations aren’t just for the kiddos BUSINESS JOURNAL STAFF REPORT

‌Immunizations conjure up thoughts of back-to-school for most, but many forget that vaccines aren’t just for kids.

The Illinois Department of Public Health would like to remind parents and other adults that immunizations are important for people of all ages.

“Immunizations are recommended throughout our lives based on age, lifestyle, occupation, travel destiIDPH offers addinations, medical tional immunizaconditions, and tion information vaccines received on its website at in the past,” IDPH dph.illinois.gov.

Director Dr. Nirav D. Shah said. “Immunization not only protects the person receiving the vaccine, but also helps prevent the spread of disease, especially to those who are most vulnerable, such as infants, the elderly and those with chronic conditions and weakened immune systems. I encourage all adults to check their immunization status.”

MORE INFO

Pre-order by mail now (discount expires 10/26/16). Select an option: ☐ Ship my order to me ☐ I’ll pick up my order $29.95 plus $2.70 tax and $6.95 shipping and handling $29.95 plus $2.70 tax per book. Pick up order at the per book. Order will be shipped to the address below Herald & Review office (601 E. William Street, Decatur) after 12/02/16. after 11/28/16.

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September 2016 | BUSINESS JOURNAL | 21

Powerful software you don’t use ... yet use… ‌E

very small business relies on accounting software and a productivity suite, usually QuickBooks and Microsoft Office. But there are many more software applications that will improve efficiency and help grow your business. ‌Wondering what will help most? Here are some powerful tools to run your business better.

File sharing‌ File sharing applications, such as DropBox, Box. com, and OneDrive (included with Office365) allow flexible file storage in the cloud. Individuals sync their local files between the cloud and their computer, so that access is fast and easy at the office, but files are also accessible from Technology home or remote locations — anywhere, anytime.

In addition, it is simple to share files and folders with people inside and outside your company. There’s no longer the need for huge email attachments with file sharing tools, and most have built-in version control so you never have to worry about losing someone’s changes. It’s a big change from the typical server-based “share drive,” but once you get used to it, you’ll never switch back.

Wendy Gauntt

Dashboard analytics‌ Do you have key company metrics that you track and share? Or would like to share? Imagine having those metrics prominently displayed, dashboard style, on large-screen monitors around your office. When your team has clear, shared, measurable goals and can see instant progress, it’s incredibly motivating. Many business books are available on the topic, notably The Great Game of Business, and this is a case where technology can keep your team updated on a real-time basis. If the information you need is in one of your software systems, there’s almost always a way to get it displayed on a metrics board.

Some software tools have built-in analytics and real-time reporting that can be used. If yours doesn’t, then you can use a third-party tool. For commonly-used programs like QuickBooks and Excel, connection should be a very simple process.

If you use less well-known software, you might need some programming help to link it up to your database. Then get your IT people to help you mount the displays and link everything up.

Customer Relationship Management‌

If you have a sales team, you need sales management, and the best tool to help you manage your sales team is a Customer Relationship Management system. CRM tools will track the sales pipeline. They also track nearly any sales-related activity you wish to measure. Start simple, and build from there. The biggest challenge you’ll face is getting your sales team to track information reliably. However, if your sales team sees value in it (and are held accountable), they are far more likely to comply. Tracking your sales pipeline gives you huge insight into future cash flow and revenue. Salesforce.com is the best known CRM, but there are many other excellent tools depending on your needs, from the limited functionality of Act! up to a more robust system like SugarCRM. You can even get applications that link directly into QuickBooks, if that makes sense for your business.

Unified communications‌ Unified communications cover a broad spectrum of communication tools, but these tools usually involve some combination of phone, voicemail, email, chat, fax and video calls. Voicemails and faxes will arrive via email. Phone or video calls can be initiated directly from chat. Presence awareness will alert the team and route your phone based on whether you are in the office, out of the office or in meetings, using entries in your calendar. Some versions of Office365 include portions of this functionality. Many phone systems also include software with some or all of these features.

Check first to see what you already have, and consider using that as a first step. If you need more features, you can upgrade later.

track progress. Collaboration tools offer online workspaces for just this purpose.

Features and functions vary considerably between different applications. To get a feel for what’s available, start by reviewing some of the most popular, such as Basecamp, Asana, and Trello. If one of these looks like a good fit, pilot it with a small project. That’s the best way to learn how these tools work in real life. If the first tool doesn’t work out, try another.

Social media management‌ Tools for social media management give you a way to keep up with postings on all of the main social media channels. You can schedule posts in advance, distribute them to multiple sites simultaneously, and even automatically post content that comes up that fits your specific business parameters. Another huge benefit is traffic analysis. These tools can provide insight into who’s engaging with you, so that you can quickly respond to inquiries and best determine your social media strategy. Another key feature is the ability to monitor what’s being said about your company, and respond as needed. A fast response to a

Project management, collaboration‌ Teams that work together on projects need a reliable way to collaborate and

And more‌ There are literally millions of software applications available. If you have a specific business need, there is likely an app that will satisfy it. Keep this in mind as you go through your workday. Anytime you see an inefficiency, ask yourself whether technology might have a way to streamline or improve it. If the answer is yes, start Googling!

Thursday, Oct. 6th Decatur Conference Center 7 am - 9 am

Mack Dryden

MACK DRYDEN is a comedian/writer who has performed on legendary stages from Las Vegas to Atlantic City, on The Tonight Show with both Johnny and Jay, and in 125 episodes of his comedy team’s syndicated TV show, Comedy Break with Mack & Jamie. As a writer, he was hand-picked

by Bill Maher for the writing staff of Politically Incorrect. On October 6th, Mack will be here to entertain us and to share some of the tools he’s used to achieve his many goals. Join us!

Online training‌ Your staff will always benefit from training, and there are many great online resources that offer huge libraries of training material. Some offer general business and professional skills, some offer computer and software training, some are extremely technical or industry specific. Pick whatever is best for your business. Skillsoft.com and Lynda.com are two excellent training websites to explore. The services are affordable but not inexpensive. If you choose to subscribe, the key to getting good return on your investment is to ensure your staff make use of these libraries.

poor customer service experience can turn a disgruntled customer into an online success story.

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22 | BUSINESS JOURNAL | September 2016

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Getting past ‘We’ve always done it this way’ ‌Q:

As part of my new responsibilities, it has been suggested that I provide advice and assistance to co-workers to be in compliance with some regulations. The problem is that they are not interested and are satisfied with “We’ve always done it this way.” How can I get them to accept my assistance?

A: Without clear authority over this team, you’ll have to rely more on the “carrot” to help bring about change.

That said, it’s surprising to see such weak organizational commitment on something

Liz Reyer

WEEKLY TIPS Get weekly tips form Liz Reyer and the Office Coach at www.thebusiness-journal.com as cut and dried as regulatory compliance.

Obtaining a stronger mandate from the top should also be on your list of actions.

Focusing on influencing the team, consider the ways you can lead them to adopt a new approach. It’ll be challenging, since they’re not experiencing any downsides from their current way of doing business. Start by taking a look at the people involved, thinking of them as individuals with their own needs, fears and goals. Find a way to get acquainted so that you’ll understand the most relevant ways to motivate them.

For example, maybe you’ve got a longtimer in a job who just wants to keep things

smooth without rocking the boat. Having to learn a new approach might be intimidating.

In this case, find all the ways you can to make it easy. Demonstrate how you’ll be carrying the load on the new steps, and make it simple for them to go along.

Perhaps someone else is afraid that they’ll be found to be at fault if a new way is better.

In this case, position the change as a build on the team’s past approach, and provide visibility to them for their leadership in endorsing the new direction.

Also make the case for impending risk. If you know, for example, that increased outside scrutiny is on its way, paint a picture of what will happen if the status quo is still in place. This will also be an excellent tactic for building executive buy-in. But be sure to start with the team. Even if you don’t get them on board, you won’t have gone behind their backs, which could create a corporate

enemy for life. And the prospect of you escalating it may be enough to gain their support.

You’ll be better able to have constructive conversations if you’ve prepared a list of concrete steps that need to be taken.

This will take out the fear of the unknown.

Specify steps, time frames, and roles and responsibilities. Frame even minor advances as wins to help build momentum and enthusiasm.

Share the plan in a way that takes out the mystery and makes it feel achievable. When you talk about it, use active language. Say, “When we do Step A,” not “If …”

Also consider all the things that could interfere with successful adoption. This will allow you to minimize disruption if they occur. It’ll also prep you for addressing objections that the team might raise and increase your chances for success.

Sit-down meetings with staff ease transition ‌Q: In my new supervisory position, I will be managing two people who may already resent me. “Grace” worked with my predecessor for 20 years and says they are best friends.

“Becky” applied for the job that was given to me. Fortunately, the third employee is a recent hire who seems perfectly happy. How can I get off to a good start with this group?

A: Anticipating resistance is the first step toward reducing it, so your sensitivity to these issues puts you ahead of the game. Many newly promoted managers immediately dive into the work without taking time to build relationships. However, a few hours spent in group and individual meetings can result in a much smoother transition.

To begin making connections, gather your team for a get-acquainted session. Tell them about your work history and your reasons for choosing this job, then share any personal details that seem appropriate. Give them a chance to ask questions and provide some information about themselves.

If you’re new to the organization, you might also ask your staff about the company culture and the history of this group. Remember that your goal is simply to learn, so listen to their comments without making judgmental remarks.

Before adjourning, explain that you plan to meet with them individually to learn about their work, ask for suggestions and discuss any concerns. Then schedule those sessions as quickly as possible. These one-on-ones will also provide an opportunity to raise touchy issues without too much fanfare.

Of course, these initial conversations are only a first step. But investing time in getting to know the staff can go a long way towards preventing future problems.  Q: My manager likes to discuss our performance reviews before he fills out the official

evaluation form. During our conversation, his feedback was all very positive, with no negative comments. However, on my written review, I was shocked to find a below-average rating for communication skills. Why would he praise me to my face and then criticize me on the form?

A: Your boss clearly took the coward’s way out, delivering the good news in person and the bad news in writing. On top of that, he saved up his critical comments for the review instead of addressing issues when they occurred. Performance feedback should always be given in real time.

But despite his mishandling of the process, there are apparently some issues which you need to address. So put aside your understandable irritation and ask how you might improve your communication skills. To circumvent this appraisal maneuver in the future, periodically request some constructive feedback from your gutless manager.  Q: My manager doesn’t like dealing with people. “Karen” usually asks me to handle any matters involving the staff or other departments, while she spends her time working on the computer. She also has me rewrite her emails because she has a history of getting into conflicts.

Although my official job title is assistant manager, I have many duties that are not management-related. Whenever I propose delegating certain tasks to the staff, Karen says the staff members are too stupid to be trusted.

As a result, I’m stuck doing a lot of work that should really belong to other employees or my boss.

To make it worse, my pay is based on a job description that does not reflect the management duties I’ve been given. When I asked human resources to review my position, I was told that despite my title, I am not considered

a manager because I don’t do performance reviews. They suggested that I should just refuse to do Karen’s tasks.

I can’t seem to find a solution to this problem. Our higher-level manager never intervenes in department issues, so he won’t be any help. Human resources is obviously useless. Karen says she would be lost without me, so I can’t abandon her. What should I do?

A: To sum things up, you have an immediate supervisor who shuns human interaction and insults her staff, a senior manager who refuses to manage and an HR department that advises you to blatantly defy your boss. It’s no wonder you’re feeling hopeless, because that is one screwed-up organization.

Since you can’t fix this dysfunctional management culture, it’s time to reconsider your reluctance to “abandon” your boss. Karen is a grown woman whose problems are clearly of her own making, so you have absolutely no obligation to save her from herself. Instead, you need to save your own career by getting out of this crazy place.  Q: One of my co-workers is constantly asking me for advice. For example, “Brad” might want me to review a report or give my opinion about a project plan. Although Brad earns twice what I do, he seems unable to operate independently. I’ve tried to be helpful, but his questions take up a lot of time. What can I do about this?

A: Your pesky colleague continues to ask questions because you keep giving him answers. If you want Brad to become more self-sufficient, then you must stop rewarding his needy behavior. Although you don’t have to be rude, you do need to be consistently non-responsive.

In the future, when Brad asks for assistance, be prepared to offer some standard discour-

aging replies. Examples might include “I’m sorry, but I really don’t have time to talk right now,” or, “That’s probably a question for your manager,” or, “I don’t think this is something I can help with.”

To avoid seeming harsh, always remember to deliver these comments with a friendly smile.

If you keep this up and avoid offering any advice, eventually Brad will find a new security blanket.  Q: After being laid off from my previous job, I was recruited by a temp agency for a long-term assignment with a very good company. Unfortunately, I had to leave that position after only three months when an unexpected medical problem required complex surgery.

My recovery is now complete, but the temp agency won’t return my calls. I assume they no longer want my services because they view me as a health risk. This makes me reluctant to include them on my resume. How should I explain all this during interviews?

A: First, remember that you have absolutely no obligation to discuss your medical history with interviewers. However, when they ask what you’ve been doing for the past few months, you must be prepared to give a brief, truthful response.

For example, you might say something like “After being laid off, I decided to delay my job search because I had some personal matters to attend to. I did take one temporary assignment, but now I’m looking forward to returning to work full-time.” Then explain why you are interested in the available position.

As for your resume, there’s no need to mention the agency. Since you only had one placement, simply list the company where you worked for three months. In reality, most employers will be much more interested in the rest of your work history.

YOU R MON E Y

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September 2016 | BUSINESS JOURNAL | 23

Going to college is worth it, study finds GAIL MARKSJARVIS Tribune News Service Writer‌

‌A new study provides a dramatic answer to the question nagging potential college students: Is college worth it?

The short answer is yes, according to a study from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce.

For the first time in U.S. history, people with college degrees make up a larger portion of the workforce than those with high school diplomas, the report found. And the recovery from the 2007-09 recession has barely made a dent in bringing back the jobs people with high school diplomas used to count on for decent pay and benefits.

Although the economy has created 11.6 million new jobs since the recession, 11.5 million have gone to workers with at least some education beyond high school, said Anthony Carnevale, director of the center and author of the study done with Tamara Jayasundera and Artem Gullish.

In addition, workers with some postsecondary education have captured the vast majority of the good jobs, the researchers said. They define “good” jobs as those that are full time, pay more than $53,000 a year and provide benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

Workers with bachelor’s degrees, or higher, now make up 36 percent of the workforce.

The workers with high school diplomas are less than 34 percent of the workforce. That’s down 5 percentage points from 2007, when the economy began to crash.

Of the 7.2 million jobs lost in the recession, about 5.6 million of the jobs that vanished had been held by people with high school diplomas or less. And they have recovered only 1 percent of those jobs over the past six years, the researchers note. Only 80,000 jobs held by workers with high school diplomas or less have been added since the recession.

There has been “no growth of well-paying jobs with benefits” for the group that didn’t go beyond high school, Carnevale said. The result has been an increasingly divided country, with “college haves and college have-nots,” he said.

The people with college degrees have incomes that have averaged 80 percent more than high school graduates over a lifetime.

The nation still is feeling the hangover from the recession. The economy still is missing 6 million jobs that would have been created if the recession hadn’t occurred, he said, and construction employment is still 1.6 million jobs short of its 2007 level, while manufacturing has 1 million fewer jobs. Construction and manufacturing in the past have provided some of the best jobs for workers at lower education levels.

But Carnevale does not see the current job

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and income divide as a short-term issue resulting from the rough years set in motion by the recession. While the recession sped up job losses in industries such as manufacturing, Carnevale has traced the erosion of opportunity for people without college degrees to the 1980s.

Many jobs require more elaborate skills than they once did. For example, he said a person with a high school diploma used to make a fine auto mechanic if he had good mechanical skills. Now, computers are key to operating cars, so mechanics need electronic skills as well. The same applies to the factory floor.

The growth in jobs now is in health care, consulting, business, education, government and financial services. Those industries accounted for 28 percent of the workforce in 1947, and now account for 46 percent, the researchers noted.

Yet, old-style service jobs such as clerical work have been cut sharply because computers now make it possible for managers to do their own typing and take on responsibilities once done by clerical staff.

Carnevale said critics of college did not seem to realize that people with high school diplomas or less had unemployment rates about 22 percent. Also workers who had graduated from college lost about $5,000 a year in wages compared to $6,000 for those with no

college.

Now, Carnevale said, income data make it clear that “if you don’t go to college, you will do a lot worse.” But while true on average, people evaluating future education need to see choices as more complex than simply going to college or not going to college.

Beyond going to college, the choice of majors and careers is also critical to outcomes, he said.

People who major in the humanities, early childhood education or psychology have a 30 to 40 percent chance of not making any more than high school graduates, he said.

Yet, if college graduates in the humanities get master’s degrees, they raise their pay.

Meanwhile, engineers do better with bachelor’s degrees than master’s degrees. Thirty percent of people with two-year associate degrees make more than college graduates, and those with certificates in heating and ventilation and computers do especially well.

The study notes that the number of jobs for workers with associate degrees or some college has increased by 47 percent since 1989, to 43.5 million from 30 million. Meanwhile, jobs for people with bachelor’s degrees or higher has doubled, to 54.2 million from 26 million.

Yet, jobs for workers with high school diplomas or less declined by 13 percent over the same period, with a loss of 7.3 million jobs.

24 | BUSINESS JOURNAL | September 2016

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