Our Town: July - August 2014

So You Graduated:

What Now?

Colleges say resources are there for new grads seeking jobs

July/August 2014

CharterBusiness.com

July/August 2014

Contents 4 finance Keep a Lid on Vacation Costs

By Jason Alderman My young editor asked me to write this

5 expert advice

letter about college graduation in to-

Dress for Success: Tips for building a professional wardrobe

day’s economy, sort of a commencement speech about finding a career,

6 County Business NEWS

not just a job. Well, that is a tough as-

Greater North County Chamber of Commerce Maryland Heights Chamber of Commerce North County Incorporated, Regional Development Association

signment. I admire my young editor for his ability to weave together a patchwork of employment that lets him pursue his career path and still make a liv-

12 The Medical Memo

ing. It works for me, it works for him. And

Navigating the landscape of sunscreen labels

I would suggest him as a role model for

By Mary Noel George, MD

all young graduates facing a new world, but I fear he may be the exception. I be-

13 ADVERTISER PROFILE - Bylery RV

lieve it is probably very hard to find even

Explore weekend delights — the RV Way

a part-time job in your chosen career. I

By Russ Patton

know that many of you have found fulltime career opportunities. You are the fortunate ones, because there are not enough full-time career opportunities to go around.

14 FIVE WAYS TO MAKE A BIG IMPACT WITH YOUR SMALL BUSINESS 15 FUN FOR ALL Brothers ‘til the End

By Dave Welborn

But don’t ask me, what do I know? My generation graduated into a world overflowing with opportunity and growing, a good thing because there were way too many of us. We were the baby boomers and we created a bulge in the economy. Today, that bulge is working in your

16 SO YOU GRADUATED: WHAT NOW? Colleges say resources are there for new grads seeking jobs

By Shawn Clubb

19 Calendar of Events

favor. We are retiring, leaving behind a lot of empty slots. True, not all the slots will be filled, but there are a lot of them.

And many require a college education.

So, my message to our young grads today is please keep trying to find that career slot. If not a full-time or a part-time now, someday that degree will be your ticket.

Thank you for reading Our Town.

Robert Huneke Publisher

VOL 5 / NO 4

Our Town is a Community News publication. It is published every other month and directmailed to 7,150 business executives in North and Northwest St. Louis county, plus online circulation.

Online subscriptions are FREE and available at www.mycnews.com For advertising information please contact: Community News 2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Drive | O’Fallon, MO 63366 | 636.379.1775 | www.mycnews.com Publisher - Robert Huneke Editor - Andrew Tessmer Staff Writer - Shawn Clubb Contributing Writers - Jason Alderman | Mary Noel George, MD | Russ Patton | Dave Welborn Photographer - Ray Rockwell Art Director - Chris Oth Cover Photo - Courtesy of Big Stock Photo Copyright 2014 Huneke Publications, Inc. No part of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the express written consent of the publisher.

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Finance Keep a Lid on Vacation Costs

By Jason Alderman Summer vacation is right around the cor-

for additional adults.

Entertainment

– Include meals and snacks, event admission and ticket-ordering charges, transit passes or taxis, sporting equipment rental, babysitters, and special clothing or accessory requirements (sunscreen, hiking boots, etc.)

ner. I’m not a big believer in pre-planning every single detail – sometimes the best vacation moments are spontaneous.

But unless your rich uncle is paying for the trip, you’ll need to do a certain amount of preparation or your budget will fly out the window.

Throw in an extra 10 or 15 percent for unanticipated expenses – lost luggage, flat tire, etc.

You do have a vacation budget, right? If not, here are a few suggestions for creating one and some cost-saving ideas to help keep expenses down:

Search for deals on flights, hotels and rental cars at comparison sites like Orbitz.com, Kayak.com, Priceline.com, Hotwire.com, Hotels.com and Travelzoo.com. But beware: Before clicking “confirm,” make sure the final price matches the initial quote.

I’ve seen fares jump $50 or more in just minutes or had the seat I was booking suddenly become unavailable.

First, be realistic about what you can afford. If your vacation will take more than a month or two to pay off, you may want to scale back on this year’s trip and start setting aside money now for next year.

When building a trip budget, try to anticipate all potential expenses. Consider things like:

A few additional tips:

Airfare-related expenses – Include taxes and fees for items like changing flights, extra leg room, priority boarding, Wi-Fi access, meals, and checked, oversized or overweight baggage.

Kayak.com, Airfarewatchdog.com and Travelnerd.com provide handy charts that compare various fees for popular airlines; however, always double-check the airline’s own posted rules before booking your flight.

Transportation to and from the airport – at home and all travel locations.

Car rentals. Factor in taxes, gas, fill-up penalties and insurance (check your auto insurance and credit card policies to ensure you don’t pay for duplicate coverage).

Hotel/lodging – Don’t forget taxes and other local fees, charges for phone/Internet, room service, early check-in or departure, gratuities, etc.

Hotel room rates often are based on double occupancy. Although kids usually can stay for free, many hotels charge extra

4

Follow and “like” airlines and ticketing sites on Facebook and Twitter. They’ll often share sales, discounts and promotional codes with their followers.

If the airfare goes down after you’ve purchased your ticket, ask the airline or ticketing site to refund the difference – it couldn’t hurt to ask.

Print and carry a copy of your airline’s Contract of Carriage, which outlines your rights and the airline’s obligations should your flight be cancelled or delayed for reasons besides weather or other “acts of God.” Consider vacation rentals listed on sites like Airbnb.com, VRBO. com and HomeAway.com. You can often find cheaper accommodations with more space and amenities than hotels offer.

Before booking a hotel room online, call the individual property to see if they can beat the company’s posted rate. Also ask for member discounts for organizations you belong to like AAA or AARP. Bottom line: A little preplanning now can ensure you don’t blow your whole budget on unexpected vacation expenses. OT Jason Alderman directs Visa’s financial education programs.

Our Town

Expert advice Dress for Success: Tips for building a professional wardrobe

Whether you are a recent grad or someone re-entering a professional work environment, building a work wardrobe that strikes a balance between professionalism and personal style is key.

considering jewelry. Make sure you don’t forget to use an appropriate purse or messenger bag and no matter where you live, you should have a professional trench in your wardrobe.

“Dress for the job you want, not the job you’re being hired for,” says Stephanie Thomas, fashion instructor at The Art Institute of California - Los Angeles, a campus of Argosy University. “Your job description, and that of the next step up your career ladder, should be the driving force behind your apparel purchases,” adds Stephanie Pierotti, fashion instructor at The Arts Institute of Las Vegas. To get you started, fashion experts from The Art Institutes system of schools offer tips to have you dressing for the corner office.

Tailoring and maintenance

Suit up “I know it sounds boring, but a suit is an absolute must,” says Thomas. “Look upon your suit purchase as a long term investment,” adds Pierotti. “This is not an area where you’ll want to skimp. Seasonless fabrics, like lightweight wool, worsted wool and wool crepe are your best bets.” She recommends purchasing a suit in a classic color such as black, gray, tan or navy blue and saving the more trendy colors and patterns for your accessories.

Thomas says to also think about the colors in your current wardrobe and look for a suit that can be interchangeable with pieces you already own. For women, a suit with both pants and a skirt will offer more variety. You should also feel comfortable in your suit. A good fit will make you look polished, professional and more confident. “The chances of you finding a suit that fits you perfectly off the rack is slim to none, so be sure to budget some funds for tailoring,” says Thomas.

Wardrobe building blocks You will also need some staples that will serve as wardrobe building blocks that enable you to walk right into a new job. “Women should purchase two or three buttondown shirts of a good fit and quality. Men may want to purchase five, if button-downs

are a staple in their field,” says Pierotti. For women, a wrap dress is a great alternative to pants and a button down. Women can also incorporate knit shirts that will mix and match with their suit separates.

For men, a sports jacket in an all-weather fabric is a good investment. “Think less trend, more modern classic that will cut across many seasons,” says Thomas. “Men and women need a great blazer and some type of sweater they can dress up or down.”

Both men and women can mix in sweaters and cardigans to go with their separates.

Pierotti advises, “Look for versatile items that can take you from desk to dinner and from workdays to weekends. Also consider a dark or black jean for casual days at the office.

Shoes To put your best foot forward at a new job, make sure you also have professional footwear to go with your new wardrobe. Pierotti recommends two pairs of practical shoes for day-to-day work life and one or two for more formal events, in neutral colors such as brown, gray and black. And for women, 4 inches should be the maximum height for a professional setting.

Accessories Don’t forget about accessories, which can add personality to your outfits. “Men should have a couple of ties with a little bit of personality, meaning different patterns or maybe a bold color,” says Thomas. For women, necklaces and bracelets can add a pop to an outfit, but less is more when 5

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Once you’ve built your wardrobe, you’ll want to keep it neat and polished. To make you clothing look custom made, find a good tailor who can make small tweaks to your garments. A garment steamer, a clothes shaver, stain remover sticks and fabric freshener sprays will help save on dry cleaning costs, by helping your garments looking and smelling fresh.

“Investing in core pieces lays a solid foundation for your new professional wardrobe,” says Pierotti. “You’ll create a classic yet stylish work collection that makes you feel confident and professional.” (BPT) OT

County Business NEWS Greater North County Chamber Installs New Board and Officers Jon Vogt, general manager of Catering To You Banquet Center, recently was installed as the 2014 Chairman of the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors during a gathering at Norwood Hills Country Club.

Vogt, a lifelong resident of North County, attended Hazelwood West High School and Florissant Valley Community College.

He lives in Florissant with his fiancé, Ali, and their two boys Mason, 5, and Colin, 3.

Vogt has worked in the catering and event-planning business for 20 years. In 1997, his father, Steve Vogt, started Catering to You. Vogt started as the kitch-

en manager and has since become a minority partner in their business. Catering to You has won many local food and service awards including the “Best of North County” five times.

Vogt currently sits on the Board for T.E.A.M., a food pantry that serves the Florissant and Hazelwood communities. He is also a member of the Florissant Valley Jaycees Scholarship Foundation, which provides scholarships to high school seniors that excel in community service.

Joining Vogt on the 2014 Executive Board are Vice Chairwoman Elizabeth Wade, Pulaski Bank; Secretary Rick Dorsey III, Ahl-

heim & Dorsey LLC; Treasurer Brice VanSant, Labor Ready; and Past Chair Colleen Hannibal, NHC HomeCare St. Louis.

The members of the 2014 Board of Directors are Ricky Hopkins Sr., A-List Realtors LLC; Chief Mike Gantner, Black Jack Fire Protection District; Bret Berigan, Christian Hospital; Dick Cerame, Paul Cerame Auto Group; Grayling Tobias, Hazelwood School District; Keetra Thompson, Life Is A Party; Melissa Rakers, Neighbors Credit Union; Dhari Pearson, Papa Murphy’s Pizza; Chris Hamilton, Shelter Insurance; Rosemary Hodges, SSM DePaul Health Center; and Judy Taylor, Taylor Land Management. GNCC

Great Turnout at the Greater North County Chamber Golf Tournament The Greater North County Chamber of Commerce wants to thank everyone for helping to make the 2014 Golf Tournament a sell-out.

Golfers enjoyed a beautiful day and great golfing on June 6 at The Golf Club of Florissant. Event Sponsor was SSM DePaul Health Center and Eagle Sponsors were Commercial Bank and Lutheran Senior Services at Hidden Lake. Birdie Sponsors included Christian Hospital, City of Florissant and Valley Industries.

First place “A Flight” winner was the Team of Dr. Kevin McClain, Josh Loeffler, Howard Nimmons and Glen Otto. Second place “A Flight” winner was the Team of Goldkamp Heating & Cooling— Jeremy Roberts, Kevin Kelly, Dave Beckham, and Kyle Breneman.

First place “B Flight” winner was the Team of Bob Smith, Rich White, Bill Clark and Mike Dodd. Second place “B Flight” winner was the Team of Don Zykan, Frank Stahlschmidt, Ron Gabbard, and St. Louis County Councilman Mike O’Mara.

The winner of the third annual Mayor’s Challenge was Florisssant Mayor Thomas Schneider, who successfully defended the title from last year. He competed against Ferguson Mayor James Knowles III and Bellefontaine Neighbors Mayor Robert Doerr. This traveling trophy will be awarded annually at the tournament.

Players enjoyed competing in several events, including the Ford 6

“A” Flight winners, from left to right, are Glen Otto, Dr. Kevin McClain, and Howard Nimmons. (Not pictured is Josh Loeffler).

Escape Hole in Once Challenge, sponsored by Paul Cerame Auto Group; Closest to the Pin, sponsored by Life Care Center of Florissant; Putting Contest, sponsored by Nimmons Wealth Management; and Closest to the Line, sponsored by Handyman True Value Hardware. They also enjoyed the drink cart, sponsored by Here Today, Norwood Hills Country Club and Schaefer Auto Body Centers; lunch sponsored by Vantage Credit Union; dinner sponsored

by Hutchens Mortuary and provided by Longhorn Steak House; and Gus’s Pretzels donated by Black Jack Fire Chief Mike Gantner.

Specialty Hole Sponsors included “Lynchburg Lemonade” Hole, Garden Villas North; “Cigar Cart,” Schaefer Auto Body; “Margarita Stand,” USA Mortgage; “Adult Snow Cones,” Charter Business; and “Tire Hole,” Firestone Complete Auto Care. Other sponsors included Attendance Prize Sponsor, White Auto Body; Trophy Sponsor, Danna McKitrick, P.C. Attorney at Law; Pin Flag Sponsors, Black Jack Firefighters; Labor Ready; and Zykan Family Partnership; and Tub of Booze Raffle Sponsor, Catering to You Banquet Center. GNCC

Our Town

County Business NEWS Area Leaders to Celebrate North County Inc.’s Anniversary To commemorate North County Incorporated’s (NCI) service to the community, NCI is holding its annual Anniversary Fundraiser at Hendel’s Market Café & Piano Bar on Sunday, July 27, 2014 beginning at 6 pm.

Space is limited for this event to the first 80 paid registrants who will enjoy an elegant dinner and wine pairing with a silent auction.

Hendel’s Chef, Nathan Bennett will prepare an exquisite 5-course meal of his

fantastic culinary creations. Certified Sommelier, Ryan Peterson, with Classique Wines & Spirits will present an educational and hands on wine pairing and tasting.

A silent auction event will accompany the dinner and wine pairing with many terrific lots going to the highest bidder.

To be one of the first 80 to register for this event, or for more information on how to donate an item for the auction, call the NCI offices at 314.895.6241 or visit

www.NorthStLouisCounty.com.

North County Incorporated is a regional development organization, which acts as a catalyst to define and advocate economic and community development for North St. Louis County. NCI was established in 1977. The Board is composed of community leaders and business owners. Chief Michael Gantner with the Black Jack Fire Protection District is the current Chairman of the Board of Directors. NCI

GNCC Holds New Member Showcase The May membership meeting of the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce included the semi-annual “New Member Showcase.”

Twenty-six new members showcased their businesses and organizations to a packed house at Yacovelli’s restaurant and banquet center in Florissant. Chamber chair-

www.byerlyrv.com 7

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man Jon Vogt and board member Ricky Hopkins Sr. were on hand as several of the Chamber’s newest members received their membership plaques. GNCC

County Business NEWS GNCC Recognizes Bellefontaine Neighbors The Greater North County Chamber of Commerce made a point in June to recognize the city of Bellefontaine Neighbors, calling it a “vibrant, growing community,” and noting its proximity to the Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis.

miniature golf course, sand volleyball court, children’s playground and gazebo.

Bellefontaine Neighbors also has 50-plus acres of park land where you will find tennis courts, ball diamonds, a nature trail, pavilions and playgrounds.”

the 4th Ward Alderman. He served from 1995 to 1996 on the Police Advisory Board, and in 1995 as a court bailiff. From 1996 to 2005 he served on the Planning and Zoning Commission. He was elected mayor in 2011.

“Amenities available to residents include a beautiful recreation center with indoor and outdoor pools, racquet ball court, weight room, gym and meeting rooms,” according to the Chamber. “Outside, behind the recreation center is an 18-hole

Bellefontaine Neighbors Mayor Robert Doerr has served the city in many different capacities over the years, as noted by the Chamber. His service began in 1980 with the Youth Welfare Commission. He then served from 1983 to 1995 as

Members of the Bellefontaine Neighbors Board of Alderman are Ward 1, Shirley Paro and Tony Migliazzo; Ward 2, Don Merz and Scott Schultz; Ward 3, John Jordan and Mark Roth; and Ward 4 Anthony Smith and Audrey Hollis. GNCC

Maryland Heights Chamber of Commerce Announces New Board Members The Maryland Heights Chamber of Commerce has announced it has elected two new members to its Board of Directors. They are David Goldfarb, of David A. Goldfarb, CPA, P.C., who has been elected to serve a two-year term, and Christy Parks, of Community News, who has been elected to serve a one-year term.

David Goldfarb

Photo courtesy MHCC

The chamber is excited to welcome the new board members as it believes it will allow them to better advance the welfare of the Maryland Chrisy Parks Heights community and local businesses. MHCC

STAGES St. Louis extends ‘Always…

Patsy Cline’ “Always... Patsy Cline” has been such a hit that STAGES St. Louis has extended the run of the show through Labor Day. The show is the true story of Country music legend Patsy Cline and her friendship with Texas housewife Louise Seger, combining humor and heartache.

Tickets are on sale now. Call 314.821.2407or visit StagesStLouis.org. MHCC

Nominations Being Sought for Best of Maryland Heights Community News and the Maryland Heights Chamber of Commerce will be accepting nominations for the “Best of Maryland Heights” including zip codes 63043, 63146 and 63045.

Industries include accounting and bookkeeping, apartment complex, attorney, bank, bar and grill, catering, chiropractor, construction or home remodeling company, computer services, child care, dentist, financial and investments, gym, primary healthcare, hair salon, hotels and lodging, insurance, janitorial service and supplies, landscaping and lawn care, mortgage company, optometrist and ophthalmologist, painting, plumbing, real estate company or agent, restaurant and dining, retirement and senior living, and others.

Winners will be listed in a special section in Community News and 8

awards will be presented by the mayor of Maryland Heights at the MH Chamber luncheon on Aug. 13.

Winners will also receive an ad on the Maryland Heights Chamber website, an ad in the Maryland Heights Chamber newsletter, an email blast by Community News and the Maryland Heights Chamber, an ad in Community News, and promotion on social media.

Anyone can nominate up to three of their favorite businesses by submitting a nomination form to Community News (Attn: Christy Parks), 2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr., O’Fallon, MO 63366 or via email cparks86@charter.net. Include the name of the nominee, the reason for nomination, and your name, company and email address. The deadline for submissions is July 18, 2014. MHCC

Our Town

County Business NEWS

Photo by Debbie Wright

Photo courtesy Maryland Heights Chamber of Commerce

MHCC and BookKeeping Express Host Ribbon Cutting The Maryland Heights Chamber of Commerce and BookKeeping Express hosted a ribbon cutting on April 29 at 11629 Old Ballas Rd., Creve Coeur.

Bookkeeping Express provides peace of mind to small and medium business owners by providing them the tools and information they need to make business decisions. The business works to help them reduce their taxes, increase their profits and manage their cash flow so they have money in the bank to operate and grow their business. Each client is set up based on their individual needs so they don’t pay for something that isn’t contributing to their bottom line. For more information, visit them at westcounty.bookkeepingexpress.com. MHCC

www.rickniblettphotography.com

Intro Studio Salon & Spa Celebrates Grand opening

Intro Studio Salon & Spa owners Rosetta and Keith Robinson cut the ribbon in front of their new business at 11260 W. Florissant Ave. in the Clock Tower Plaza. They are joined by staff, family and members of the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce. The full-service salon offers facials, manicures, pedicures, and shampoo and styles. For more information, call the salon at 314.839.7470. GNCC

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County Business NEWS Maryland Heights Chamber of Commerce Awards Scholarships The Maryland Heights Chamber of Commerce has announced its 2014 scholarship recipients.

They are Kevin Deng, Gabriel Sanders and Abby Williams from Parkway North, and Juana Gordilla and Jain Bushra from Pattonville.

Each student was awarded a $1,000 scholarship at the chamber’s May luncheon.

These scholarships were made possible through the generosity of the chamber’s membership, Edward Jones, Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital and Fred Weber Inc. To date, the MHCC Education Foundation has been able to raise more than $97,000 that has been awarded to local high school students through scholarships. MHCC

Kevin Deng (left), Gabriel Sanders, Juana Gordilla and Jain Bushra hold giant scholarship checks at the chamber luncheon. Abby Williams, who also received a chamber scholarship, is not pictured.

Greater North County Chamber Plans 2014 Scholarship Bowl The Greater North County Chamber of Commerce will sponsor its 2014 Scholarship Bowl from 6 – 9 pm Aug. 6 at Crest Bowl, 650 N. Florissant Rd., Florissant.

The proceeds from the Scholarship Bowl fund the Chamber’s scholarship program, which annually awards scholarships to area high school seniors. The following students each received a $1,000 scholarship in 2014: Tiara Gibson, Incarnate Word

Take it from

Academy; Kristen Henderson, Hazelwood West High School; Olivia Rivers, McCluer High School; Marrio Roberts, Riverview Gardens High School; Michaela Sutherlin, McCluer High School; and Brenden Stealey, Christian Brothers College High School.

The cost for bowlers is $25 per person, which includes three games, shoes, a slice of pizza and unlimited refills on soft drinks.

a ar b ar B

The cost for a team of six bowlers is $150.

Sponsorships are available at the following levels: Strike Sponsor, $300, which includes team of six bowlers; Drink Sponsor, $150; Lane Sponsor, $100; Pizza Sponsor, $75; and Frame Sponsor, $75.

For more information on sponsorships or to register to bowl, call the Chamber office at 314.831.3500 or visit www.greaternorthcountychamber.com. GNCC

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County Business NEWS NCI Seeks Nominees and Sponsors for NCI Salutes 30 Leaders in Their Thirties North County Inc., along with media partners the Community News and Gateway Television News Network, seeks nominations for this year’s NCI Salutes 30 Leaders in their Thirties campaign.

The 2014 campaign will recognize leaders who are making a significant positive impact on North County through their profession or community involvement and are in their 30s.

Nominees should work or live in North County. They can be outstanding professionals, excel at their company, or be committed volunteers who use leadership skills for the betterment of a civic or charity organization. They also can be municipal employees who are proactively involved in helping create a more liv-

able community, or entrepreneurs who have become successful and who are giving back to North County.

available for purchase in the Community News by calling 636.379.1775. A portion of the proceeds will benefit NCI.

Anyone wanting to make a nomination can call NCI for a nomination form, go online to www.NorthStLouisCounty.com or fill one out below. All nominations are required by July 14.

To make a nomination, make reservations, or sponsor this event, contact the NCI office at 314.895.6241 or visit www.NorthStLouisCounty.com for more information.

The 30 leaders chosen will be honored at the NCI Salutes 30 Leaders in their Thirties reception and luncheon at 11:30 am Sept. 26 at Norwood Hills Country Club off Lucas and Hunt Road. The public is invited to attend. Reservations are required and tickets are $45 per person.

North County Incorporated is a regional development organization, which acts as a catalyst to define and advocate economic and community development for North St. Louis County. NCI was established in 1977. The Board is composed of community leaders and business owners. Chief Michael Gantner of the Black Jack Fire Protection District is NCI’s 2014 Chairman of the Board. NCI

Sponsorship packages are available for companies interested in sponsoring this event. Advertising packages are also

www.northstlouiscounty.com

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By Mary Noel George, MD Promotion

Navigating the landscape of sunscreen labels Did you know that one in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime? Choosing the right sunscreen is important in order to reduce your risk of skin cancer caused by the sun, but navigating through product labels to pick the best one can be daunting.

Last year, the FDA established labeling guidelines for manufacturers in order to make consumers fully aware of what their products can and cannot protect against.

Under the new regulations, sunscreen that protect against all types of sun-induced skin damage (UVB and UVA rays) must be labeled as “Broad Spectrum” and “SPF 15” (or higher). If any sunscreen is not labeled “Broad Spectrum,” or if the SPF is between 2 and 14, it can only state that it has been revealed to prevent sunburn.

The product’s front label must also state how much time the user can expect to get the maximum SPF level of protection while swimming or sweating. Also, manufacturers cannot make claims that sunscreens are “waterproof” or “sweat proof” or identify their products as “sun blocks.” There cannot be a label stating “instant protection” or protection for more than two hours without reap-

plication, unless the manufacturer submits specific data and obtains approval from the FDA.

Given the new FDA guidelines, here are some recommendations you should follow:

• Use sunscreens with a broad spectrum, SPF of 30 or higher, daily and as directed.

• Limit time in the sun, especially between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm, when the sun’s rays are the most intense.

• Wear clothing to cover skin exposed to the sun, such as long-sleeved shirts or pants.

• Re-apply sunscreen at least every two hours, and more often if you’re sweating or swimming.

Be sure to talk with your dermatologist if you have any questions or concerns and to find out which sunscreen is right for you. OT Mary Noel George, MD, is board certified in dermatology and is on staff at SSM DePaul Health Center. Her office is located at 12255 DePaul Drive, Suite 770, in the North Medical Office Building. She can be reached at 314.344.0004. For a physician referral, please call 1-866-SSM-DOCS.

www.windowworld.com

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Promotion

Explore weekend delights — the RV Way

By Russ Patton The neat thing about RVs is the versatility of designs that fit any purpose. From $5,000 folding campers to $500,000 motorhomes, Byerly RV in Eureka stocks a large inventory of new and pre-owned RVs.

your stuff secured in your RV. And hunters should take notice. These little campers are a perfect retreat from the elements.

For campers who just want a step or two above the primitive, Byerly RV also sells Palomino folding tent trailers. We have represented Palomino campers for 35 years. They are lightweight, innovative and affordable. But we offer more than just Palomino. Check out the Wildwood, Solara and Passport ultra-lite, smaller travel trailers.

The new Palomini travel trailer is a perfect weekender for three seasons. A variety of models start at about 2,000 pounds.

That light weight makes it easy to tow, while still having the comforts of home.

The Memorial Day weekend always inflames the RV fervor.

People pour in with determination. Having an RV means no more sleeping on soggy ground, no more midnight hikes to the public bathrooms, no more suffering through the summer’s sweltering heat, and no more cramming the car with all of your gear. You can just hook up and enjoy the ride. And when you want to leave the campground to explore, you can leave all of

Check us out at www.byerlyrv.com to see our entire selection. Byerly is celebrating our 66th year in business. Byerly RVThe Center of the RV World, is located along I-44 in Eureka, Mo., just one exit east of Six Flags. For more information, call 636.938.2000. OT

Reduce College Debt Four ways to reduce college costs in high school

College is a significant investment and how to pay for it can be a major source of concern for parents and students. However, there are ways to reduce the amount of debt you take on when preparing for higher education.

“It’s never too late for families of collegebound students to reduce costs, if they consider options well before senior year,” said Cynthia Tidwell, CEO and president of Royal Neighbors of America, one of the first women-led life insurers in the U.S. Royal Neighbors has also awarded more than $4 million in college scholarships since 1962.

“The key is to think creatively — whether it’s earning college credits in high school, using financial tools that allow for cash savings, or researching scholarship options — don’t mortgage your own financial future or saddle your child with debt that could keep her or him from reaching their dreams,” Tidwell added.

Four Ways to Reduce College Costs 1.

Earn college credit in high school. Many high schools offer students the opportunity to earn dual high school and college credit, before college, through advanced placement (AP) courses. You can learn more about AP programs online.

2. Consider a community college. Average annual community college tuition and fees are less than half those at public four-year colleges and universities and one-tenth those at private four-year colleges and universities, according to a 2008 report from the National Center of Education Statistics.

3. Learn about college savings financial options. There are many different financial products to help save for college. Under certain circumstances, some colleges and universities lock in tuition for all four years. Even certain life insurance policies offer cash savings options to help pay for expenses such as college tuition, weddings, or starting up a business. Look for permanent or whole life policies with cash value accumulation options.

4. Research scholarships early. Scholarships are available for traditional and non-traditional students, but don’t wait until senior year to research. Some require organizational membership, volunteer hours, or criteria that may take time for the student to be eligible.

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Five Ways to Make a Big Impact with Your Small Business When it comes to offering specialized, one-on-one support and niche product offerings, nothing beats shopping with a locally-owned small business.

courage them to also help out. Sponsor a company-wide volunteer event at a local food pantry or offer paid time off for such charitable endeavors.

In a recent survey fielded by The UPS Store to get the pulse of business in America, 94 percent of consumers believe that supporting small companies within their community is important.

The survey also found that consumers are increasingly willing to spend more money and travel further out of their way to shop with a small business.

3. Make products and services stand out

“We know that small businesses are a vital part of our neighborhoods and our entire economy,” said Tim Davis, president of The UPS Store. “Small business owners, from startups to well-established neighborhood businesses, have the ability to make a big impact within their community and beyond.”

As an entrepreneur, you may wonder how you can cash in on this rising popularity and expand your own enterprise to reach these quality-seeking customers. Here are a few ways to make a big impact with your small business:

1. Go above and beyond for customers While it seems companies keep getting bigger, instances of excellent customer service seem to be dwindling. Due to this widespread lack of quality, many individuals are choosing to support small business when it comes to obtaining what they need. Small companies have the unique opportunity to provide one-on-one attention to their customers. Those who excel at enticing and serving customers set themselves apart from the competition.

2. Get involved in your community Some of the best marketing you can provide your small company is with involvement in philanthropic efforts in your local community. Though restricted budgets cause some small businesses to keep charity to a minimum, there are a variety of other meaningful ways to show your organization’s generosity. Give your time to charitable causes related to your field. For example, if you sell pet products, offer to volunteer at a local animal shelter. Or, if your field is architecture, get your company involved in organizations that build homes for families in need. If you have employees, en-

As a small business owner, you have the advantage over big box stores who lack specialized knowledge. Offer your customer base a niche product or service that can’t be found elsewhere. Give them quality, both in the product and customer support, and your business will reap the rewards of happy, repeat customers and word-of-mouth promotion. If you offer several products, but find that most customers want only one or two offerings, focus on increasing the quality on that area of business.

4. Share your knowledge through education and mentorship As a small business owner, you offer those within your community a unique background and expertise. One of the easiest ways to give back is by educating eager minds interested in your field. Whether lecturing at the local college or getting involved in a mentorship program, presenting yourself as a respected colleague not only sheds a positive light on your company, it also helps you build relationships. These relationships can be informal or you can team up with an organization like SCORE to volunteer as a mentor. For more information, visit www.score.org.

5. Expand your reach through technology Social media allows small businesses to reach a global population like never before. Start small with just one social media outlet and then build on your presence from there. If you have a marketing team, ask that they maintain the account, or hire an outside consultant. Your website is also a powerful tool, so make sure it reflects your business in the way you want to be portrayed. Regularly update your site to keep it current with the changing times.

Also, make sure your website is optimized so more people looking for your unique products and services can easily find you.

For other tips for growing your business, visit www.smallbiz.theupsstore.com.

Small Business, Big Impact For The UPS Store small business customer and author Fred Koehler, making an impact on people’s lives is what gives him genuine satisfaction.

“My small business is not as small as you might think. Through the stories I tell, I get to impact the lives of parents and kids all around the world.”

This celebrated children’s book author of “How to Cheer Up Dad” believes that being an active community member has shaped his success, expanding his business to new heights. Like Koehler’s story? Read more at: www.smallbiz.theupsstore.com/blog. OT

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FUN FOR aLL Brothers ‘til the End

By Dave Welborn

“All for one and one for all My brother and my friend What fun we have The time we share Brothers ’til the end.”

- Author Unknown Like many, I share a special bound with my brothers. My brothers were my first male friends, my confidants and my protectors. They teased me to make me tougher (or so they claimed), wrestled me to make me stronger and stole my desserts to keep me fit (didn’t work). Through it all, they have been at my side to pick me up and keep me moving on the right track. There is nothing like brotherly love.

Marc Brown, a noted author of children’s books once said, “Sometimes being a brother is even better than being a superhero.”

Sometimes it is the same thing.

Hunter Gandee, a 14-year-old from Michigan, is as close to a superhero-brother as you will find, at least in his little brother’s eyes.

In June, the teenager strapped his 7-year-old brother, Braden on his back and made a 40-mile trek to help raise awareness for cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy keeps Braden from doing things many of us take for granted, including walking. Braden uses mobility devices like a walker to assist him in getting around. Hunter hopes that the awareness will compel researchers to develop technology to aid in mobility.

“We’re trying to get people to want to know more about cerebral palsy,” Hunter said. “They don’t understand the work he has to go through, for all the simple things in life that you and I just kind of do.”

“I just want them to know I’m just like everybody else,” Braden said.

“I just have difficulty walking.”

Hunter, 155-pounds, is a wrestler on his high school team. Braden never misses a match and often assists in his training by wresting on the gym floor after practice. The older brother often lets his sibling win. “Not always,” he said. Spoken like a true brother “I can’t even describe to you how special Braden is to me. I can’t put it into words,” the teen told reporters after the walk. “He’s awesome. He’s always there for me. I really just wanted to give back to him in some way.”

Photo courtesy The Cerebral Palsy Swagger on Facebook

ical engineering so they can design mobility equipment. Their mom, Danielle Gandee, said she’s confident they’ll succeed in whatever they attempt.

“We expect the same out of Braden as we do of everyone else,” his mother said.

There is an old proverb that says, “Help your brother’s boat across, and your own will reach the shore.” OT Dave Welborn is the Executive Director of KEEN St. Louis, a local nonprofit which provides free recreational programs for kids with physical and mental disabilities ages 5-17. For more information visit www.keenstlouis.org

According to reports, both boys hope one day to study biomed-

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So You Graduated:

What Now? Colleges say resources are there for new grads seeking jobs

By Shawn Clubb

Countless students complete their degrees each year. They’ve made it. Semester after semester, they have taken classes, written papers, crammed for tests, and completed courses. Graduation day seems like the end of a long, difficult road.

But it was worth it. They earned a degree in their field of study. What a relief!

Then reality sets in. These students went to college to get the degree, but they sought the degree to get a job.

A whole new road is ahead of them — the road to gainful employment in a career field related to their major. Will it be as difficult or as long?

The answer to that question will vary from person to person. The good news is there are many resources out there to help new grads and soon-to-be grads in their quest. Sometimes they need look no further than their own college to get started.

Many colleges have a career services department to help students and alumni get on the right track. Sometimes that help comes in the form of some straightforward advice.

Teresa Balestreri, director of the office of career services at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, said recent graduates need to broadcast to everyone that they are out there looking for a job. However, she said they need to take a targeted approach. They are not just looking for anything.

a percentage on social media. LinkedIn can be a big one,” Balestreri said. “It’s really talking to the people that you already know that will help bridge you to the right contacts.”

LinkedIn, Gomez-Palacio said, is not just another Facebook, where people post content that is rarely useful for a job search. He said his office really pushes students to be on LinkedIn, where they can connect with faculty from the department of their major and connect with other students, and where they can also find jobs posted. An added benefit is joining career-field specific groups in LinkedIn. For example, if a student or graduate has studied human resources as his desired career field, he can look for groups on LinkedIn that are associated with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

“SHRM is going to have local groups you can join as a budding student or a young professional,” Gomez-Palacio said. LinkedIn is also a place where people can talk about career transition. “You’re setting yourself up for the next stage.”

Gomez-Palacio said some people are surprised by one social media resource that he recommends for job searches. That resource is Twitter.

“You can follow specific types of recruiters,” he said. “You can follow specific types of jobs.”

“They should target what skill set they can bring to a full-time employer,” Balestreri said. “Handling their job search like a full-time job is important. The recent graduates really need to put themselves on a 24hour alert.”

Dan Gomez-Palacio, assistant director of career services at Columbia College, echoed those thoughts.

“Your job is going to be looking for a job,” he said.

Treating the job search like a job is not the only way grads should mentally prepare themselves. They should also learn to deal with the pitfalls they will encounter.

“Staying motivated will be difficult,” Balestreri said. “They should stay positive and take care of their physical, mental and emotional selves.

“It’s really easy to personalize the job search because you’re the product. Try to put on that armor. Know that it’s a process they are going to have to be a part of, and not personalize it.”

Gomez-Palacio said the job market now is tough. There’s more competition than in the past. Job seekers should cast as big of a net as they can.

Regardless of whether the responses they get are positive or negative, the job seekers need to keep putting themselves out there, he said.

“Don’t stop after one positive response. Keep looking,” he said. And, if you send out resumes and don’t even get a response from some prospective employers, “know it’s not a reflection of you.”

Balestreri said it is important for them to make their job search more than just sitting at home with a laptop. She said it is important to go out, even if it’s to take a laptop to a public library, use the computers at the public library, or use the computers at a career center lab.

“Get out there,” she said. “It’s really important to stay connected to people.”

But just being around people isn’t the only way staying connected is helpful. Both Balestreri and Gomez-Palacio advocate using social media to put the “who you know” to work in a job search.

“Networking, it’s a huge part, certainly with social media. There can be

An UMSL student speaks with a representative from Express Scripts during a job fair hosted by the Office of Career Services at UMSL. Photo by August Jennewein/UMSL Photographer

Plus, recruiters get a similar benefit on Twitter as they get on Craigslist.

They can use it for free. He said there are jobs posted to Twitter that job seekers might not find posted anywhere else.

“It’s become a very necessary part of your job search,” he said.

Gomez-Palacio said recruiters are using fewer large career boards like Monster and Career Builder. He said many prefer to target a more specific group.

Again, he mentioned the example of Human Resources major. He said such a person could get involved with SHRM. He said a student could pay for a student membership, which is usually cheaper than a full membership. A student could also volunteer at their meetings, or follow them on Facebook. In this way, students can make connections with professionals and learn what the hot topics are in their field.

The college career service centers have their own resources for students. Gomez-Palacio said Columbia College (website: http://web. ccis.edu/Offices/CampusLife/CareerServices.aspx) has an online job posting center call Cougar Career Net or CCNet. Students and alumni have access to the postings.

The center also hosts a lot of events and job fairs.

“I really am a big fan of job fairs,” he said. “It’s a chance to meet with recruiters.”

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UMSL’s career services pages are at www.umsl.edu/depts/career.

Balestreri said the site has a database of employers and job postings.

She said there are employers who post there who are looking specifically for UMSL students.

“I would definitely encourage them to look back at their career centers,” she said. “They could get career coaching. There are some (other) options. An organization called GradStaff (www.gradstaff.com) is a third-party recruiter for recent college grads. They won’t take everybody, but they will evaluate everybody. There are niche options, but they have to find the right fit.”

Another strong resource is www.onetonline.org, Balestreri said. It is a good resource for researching and understanding what the market is bearing, she said.

“The more knowledge that these recent graduates can gain, the more powerful they are going to feel in their search,” she said.

If the search seems monumental and overwhelming, as it can for those fresh out of college, Balestreri recommends that people reevaluate their strategies. Some can get tunnel vision and focus too much on the idea that they have to find a job. She said it can be helpful to break down the job search into manageable bits.

For example, they can focus on their resume and what it is doing for them.

“Is the resume you’re sending out yielding interviews? If the answer is ‘no,’ reevaluate your resume. It might need restructured. If the answer is ‘yes,’ they might need to reevaluate the interview process,” she said.

“They probably should do a mock interview. They should practice it, maybe get it videotaped.”

Some job seekers put together resumes that are pretty bad, if they

don’t get help with them,” Gomez-Palacio said. The career services center can help them with it.

Another pitfall for graduates seeking jobs is that they need experience to be considered for some jobs. They might not have had time to get the experience while they were in school.

It’s never too late to gain experience, Gomez-Palacio said. Many postgraduate students do internships, he said, and others volunteer in the community. Through volunteering, they develop skills and network.

“Volunteer while you’re looking,” Balestreri said. “It gets you out giving back to community, making connections, and you’re showing your work ethic. (But) it has to be something that they feel passionate about and want to do. Don’t volunteer just to get into a job.”

One piece of positive news for job seekers is the job market is looking up for new graduates, Balestreri said. She cited a survey of employers that was released in April that was compiled by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. The report states that hiring expectations for the Class of 2014 are holding steady.

“They plan to hire 8.6 percent more graduates this year over last year (according to the report),” she said. “It’s slowly inching up and looking a little bit better.”

The association had the “Job Outlook 2014 Spring Update” survey conducted in February and March. It was sent to 1,015 employer members, and 161 responded.

The projections are up from fall 2013, when a 7.8-percent increase was anticipated by those who responded to the survey.

“Nearly half of respondents to the Job Outlook 2014 Spring Update survey anticipate an increase in their hiring, which is also consistent with the projections reported in fall 2013,” the report concluded. OT

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July

CALENDAR of Events

3 MHCC Breakfast Club, 7:30-9am at Days Inn & Suites 8 GNCC Coffee Klatch Networking, 7:30-8:30am at Starbucks on Graham Road 9 GNCC Business After Hours, Papa Murphy’s Pizza & Pulaski Bank at Pulaski Bank on North Lindbergh 9 MHCC Luncheon, 11:30am-1pm at Holiday Inn Airport West in Earth City 16 GNCC Membership Luncheon, 11:30 am-1pm at Delmar Gardens North 18 MHCC Best of Maryland Heights nominations due 19-20 Teens In Motion TEEN EXPO, 11am-8pm at District 9 Machinist Hall on St. Charles Rock Road 23 GNCC Women in Networking, noon-1:30pm at Cannoli’s Restaurant 24 GNCC Young Professionals, 6-8pm - location TBA

august

6 GNCC Scholarship Bowl, 6-9pm at Crest Bowl in Florissant 10 4th Annual Show Off Auto Show, 9am-4pm at the District 9 Machinist Hall on St. Charles Rock Road 12 GNCC Coffee Klatch Networking, 7:30-8:30am at Starbucks on Graham Road 13 MHCC Luncheon, 11:30am-1pm at Hollywood Casino & Hotel in Maryland Heights 20 GNCC Membership Luncheon, 11:30am-1pm at St. Catherine Retirement Community 21 GNCC Business After Hours, 5-7pm at Village North Retirement Community 27 GNCC Women in Networking, noon-1:30pm at Cannoli’s Restaurant 28 GNCC Young Professionals, 6-8pm - location TBA

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