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Hometown inc. delivery

Connecting Central Illinois business

NOVEMBER 2013

STAY UP TO DATE: The latest business news and promotions

McLean County produces products that are found around the world

SUGAR, SUGAR The owners of Sugar Mama Bakery answer questions about what makes their business so sweet

PLUS: Expert help on health, hiring and tourism

TAXES Several proposals may INCREASE the cost of doing BUSINESS in the Twin Cities

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Welcome to BN Inc.

BNinc.

Connecting Central Illinois business

TODD NELSON Publisher

BERNARD BEOLETTO Advertising manager

MARK PICKERING Pantagraph editor

KAREN HANSEN Editor, BN Inc.

STEVE GARDNER Designer

November 2013 www.pantagraph.com/bninc A publication of Pantagraph Publishing Inc. 301 W. Washington St. Bloomington, IL 61701 The entire contents may not be reproduced in any manner, either in whole or part, without permission of the publisher.

Advertisements are not endorsed by the publisher. The publisher is not responsible or liable for errors or omissions in any advertisement beyond the paid price of that advertisement.

New subscriptions, renewals, inquiries or change of address, mail to: BN Inc. Circulation 301 W. Washington St., Bloomington, IL 61701 To advertise or questions regarding advertising, call 800-747-7323 309-820-3359. © 2013

by Lee Enterprises Inc. Any editorial content or advertising published is the property of Lee Enterprises Inc.

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If someone said “Twin City business” to you, what would be the first thing that comes to mind?

A Fortune 500 company?

An automotive manufacturer?

A mom and pop store?

A neighborhood barber shop?

A new start-up or a venerable favorite?

The Bloomington-Normal area is all these things and more, and it’s this diverse business community that will be the focus of BN Inc., the area’s new business journal.

The Twin Cities are home to thousands of businesses that make things, sell things and provide services. Each month that economic engine will be the focus of a range of content that will complement the news coverage you see daily in The Pantagraph and pantagraph.com.

We’ll tell you stories about the world of work, take a closer look at important local issues and trends and get the inside scoop on local businesses and what makes them tick. We’ll showcase the creativity, enterprise and sweat equity that has made our local economy robust and resilient. Those stories will be augmented by local columnists with expertise in areas including banking, human resources, economic development, small business, agriculture and more.

Our goal is to share some insights, perhaps tell you a few things you might not have known and provide information useful to your workplace and its employees. I can be reached at khansen@pantagraph.com; please let me know your thoughts as we move forward.

Karen Hansen Editor, BN Inc.

INSIDE ON THE COVER FEATURES Made in McLean County

While it might be best known for its insurance industry, the area also produces products for markets near and far, the scope of which might surprise even longtime residents.

Employee relations

It takes about the same amount of time to hire a great employee as it does to settle for a lesser one. What makes the difference?

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Healthy workplace

Following a few simple steps will help you stay well during flu season.

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CLOSER LOOK

Sales tax hike?

Several competing interests are deciding whether to ask for a local sales tax increase. How might that affect the business community?

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BUSINESS BIO

Sugar Mama Bakery

Satisfy your sweet tooth at this downtown destination.

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Tourism

Visitors to McLean County spent more than $347 million in fiscal year 2012.

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About town Athena Award

Commerce Bank Economic Update

PAGE 21 PAGE 22

News in brief

Events of note around the area.

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A round of applause

Awards and achievements in the business community.

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Commercial Lots • • • •

Commercial Lots — Golden Centre — Leroy (agent interest)…………….Call for Size & Pricing 1.27 acres —Rt. 51 South — Bloomington…….…$180,000 1.4 acres — I-55 interchange, Springfield, IL…………$4/sf 1.91 acres — Rte’s Corner of 47 & 165,Sibley….…$60,000

• • •

26,118 sq ft — 1202 Morrissey (Great Retail Site, Zoned B-1, Make Offer………………….$150,000 30,391 sq ft — 2403 G.E. Road (Prime Location, some Engineering Complete)……………...$6.50 sf 31,338 sq ft — 1418 Woodbine (B-1, Multi-Use Site, East Side, agent interest)………………...$5.75 sf

Available for Lease • • • • • • • • • •

785 sq ft — 211 Landmark (office)……………….$950/mo.

1,000 sq ft — 3703 Ireland Grove Road (office)…….$18/sf 1,100 sq ft — 321 Susan Dr. (Executive Office).$1,500/mo.

1,200 sq ft — 510 I.A.A. Dr. (office/retail)…….$1,200/mo.

1,200 sq ft — 2424 Lincoln (office/retail)….......$1,500/mo.

1,266 sq ft — 211 Landmark (office)………………...$14/sf 1,400 sq ft — 1531 Ft. Jesse (Office/Retail)……. $900/mo.

1,403 sq ft — 211 Landmark (office)…………….…GONE 1,700 sq ft — 1210 Warriner (Warehouse/Shop).$1,000/mo.

1,824 sq ft — Rt. 9 West (Warehouse/Shop……$1,250/mo.

• • • • • • • • •

2,000 sq ft — 1319 Veterans Parkway (Office)……….$14/sf 2,300 sq ft — 1531 Ft Jesse (Office/Warehouse)..$2,450/mo.

2,390 sq ft — 321 Susan Dr. (Executive Office)……...$18/sf 2,500 sq ft —3703 Ireland Grove Rd. (Retail)…..ON HOLD 2,500 sq ft — 407 Kays Dr (Class A Office)………….$12/sf 3,050 sq ft — 2303 E. Washington (Prime Retail).$14/sf nnn 3,200 sq ft — 1107 1/2 Croxton (Warehouse)………….$5/sf 3,349 sq ft — 806 Four Seasons Rd (Multi-Use)..PENDING 3,712 sq ft — 710 Eldorado (Prime Retail)……….$12/sf nnn

For Sale / Investment Opportunities • • • • •

3,600 sq ft — I-55 & PK Keller Hwy, Lexington, IL (Insulated Warehouse/Shop)……...…$324,900 3,816 sq ft — 706 1/2 W. Beaufort (Prime Retail former Foul Shots Restaurant Bar)……..…...$424,900 12,400 sq ft — 2812 Tractor Lane (5.2 Acres off Interstate Excellent Business Site)…………...$750,000 13,240 sq ft — 2010 Jacobssen (Medical Office/Multi-Use w/2 outbuildings)………………...$2,900,000 32,440 sq. ft — 1107 E. Cemetery, Chenoa, IL on 5 Acres 2 Outbuildings, Possible TIF…..…$295,000

• • • • •

Operating Car Wash — 2 Automatics & 3 Self-Serve Bays...Recently Refreshed…(Reduced)……...…$460,000 40 Acres, Rte. 9 East (Saybrook Area) — Pasture, CRP, 2 Ponds (Home Site, Ranch, Hunting/Fishing…….CALL 10 Acres, Development Property, Just off I-74 @ Exit 174, Mahomet, IL…(Zoned for Business)…...$1,300,000 1.91 Acres, Sibley, IL (Corner of Rte.’s 47 & 165) Zoned Commercial…………………………….…$60,000 Restaurant — Operating Schlotzsky’s Deli, 508 IAA Dr., 3697 sq. ft., Compete F.F.&E. Package………$150,000

Call for Information on Income Producing Commercial Properties For Sale: Operating Car Wash • 104 Wexford, Normal • 5 Bays, Fully Automated • Between Meijer & Jewel

Business For Sale — Leasehold • • •

“Selling your Business ….is our business”

With or Without the Franchise

3697 sq. ft. Building Motivated Seller — Make Offer

Registered Business Brokers Real Estate Services Property Management

Greg Schrof 309-825-0101 gschrof@frontier.com

Carl Schrof 309-825-0677 cgs36@aol.com

SCHROF COMMERICAL.COM 2303 E. Washington—Suite 5-A — Bloomington, IL 61704

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Closer look SALES TAXES

Divided by tax plans Business community split by increases for area projects

By Mary Ann Ford mford@pantagraph.com

BLOOMINGTON — Bob Hermes, president of Hermes Service and Sales, supports a proposed quarter percent increase in sales tax for a new YMCA in Bloomington and soccer complex in Normal.

“Nobody likes to have taxes increased but this money is earmarked and has a sunset,” he said.

“The value is worth much more to the community, particularly the kids and seniors who will benefit.”

Winnie Feken, owner of Chuck’s HarleyDavidson, thinks raising sales tax for that project — or others discussed for McLean County schools and the Bloomington-Normal bus service — is “totally insane.”

“It’s one more stick on the bonfire,” said Feken, who has operated her Bloomington store for 42 years. “It’s gonna destroy our community.”

A group called Citizens Advocating for Area Youth has proposed an eight-year, quarter percent increase in the Twin City’s sales tax to raise $32 million — about half for a 26-field soccer complex on 130 acres on Normal’s west side, bordered by College Avenue on the north and Wylie Drive on the west; and the rest for a community center proposed at the current location of Great Escape, 1710 R.T. Dunn Drive, Bloomington.

There also would be $500,000 to revamp some existing community centers.

The proposed community center would be owned by Bloomington and leased to the YMCA and other organizations. Business and community leaders also have pledged $3 million to ensure future operating costs are covered.

Normal would own, operate and maintain the soccer field complex.

McLean County school districts are also considering taking advantage of the County School Facility Occupation Tax. Law allows schools to seek a referendum asking voters to approve up to a 1 percent hike in sales taxes for school facilities.

See TAX, Page 6

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The Pantagraph/DAVID PROEBER

Winnie Feken, owner of Chuck's Harley-Davidson, holds Harley-Davidson “hog” piggy banks as she contemplates the effects of a potential increase of the city's sales tax.

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TAX From Page 4

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The Pantagraph/DAVID PROEBER

Winnie Feken, owner of Chuck's Harley-Davidson, said the cost of motorcycles could go up if the the city's proposed sales tax increase becomes law. size. Bloomington-Normal’s current sales tax rate is 7.75 percent. If approved, the proposed sales tax increase would take it to 9 percent.

Moore believes the Twin Cities would see more sales tax revenue if consumers would buy locally and has started a “Make Your Money Mean More” campaign.

BUSINESS FOR SALE!

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Call Cindy for all your Commercial Real Estate Needs! ©2013 Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities. An independently owned and operated broker member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company.

Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license.

Equal Housing Opportunity.

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The Unit 5 school board is expected to decide in December whether it will seek the referendum. If it does pursue it, the question would go on ballots in all school districts within McLean County. If the referendum is approved by a simple majority of voters, the expected $17 million in annual sales tax revenue generated will be distributed to all the schools based on enrollment.

The County School Facility Occupation Tax does not have a sunset.

In addition, Connect Transit, which operates the Twin City bus service, also is looking for ways to increase local funding and a potential increase in the l o o m i n g to n - No r m a l “I have to budget Bsales tax is on the table. for that. The schools General Manager Andrew said Connect need to budget like I Johnson Transit won’t necessarily for a sales tax increase do. We don’t need try but at least wants to be all these new part of any conversations about raising taxes. schools.”

While Hermes supports Winnie Feken, the limited and specific owner of Chuck’s Harley-Davidson idea of a sales tax hike for the community center and soccer fields, he’s not as “Nobody likes to supportive for a general tax increase. have taxes inBesides charging the increased but this creased sales tax to his Hermes said it money is earmarked customers, would affect the products and has a sunset. he purchases for his busiHe buys about 40 The value is worth ness. percent of those locally, he said. much more to the “That does increase the community, particu- cost of a project,” he said.

Feken said her business larly the kids and already has had to absorb increased costs as a seniors who will Harley-Davidson franbenefit.” chise.

Bob Hermes, “I have to budget for president of Hermes Service and Sales that,” she said. “The schools need to budget like I do. We don’t need all these new schools.”

And, she said, if there is a group wanting soccer fields, they should use their own money.

An increased in sales tax could affect her customers’ ability to buy, she said.

Charlie Moore, president and chief executive officer of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber “supports a fair tax climate.” One consideration is the Twin Cities’ sales tax rate compared to other communities of similar

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Employee relations RICHARD D. GALBREATH

Galbreath is the founder and president of Performance Growth Partners Inc., a full-service organizational development firm. Contact him via email at rick@performtogrow.com.

Special starts with hiring right

Hiring right Organizations often spend hundreds of hours considering a capital equipment purchase of $200,000. Those involved in the process understand that this is a lot of money, and are willing to spend the time and effort necessary to make an optimal decision.

All cash outlays in business aren’t treated the same, unfortunately. Assume you hire a $40,000 per year employee and they stay with you for four years; the typical amount of time an employee stays with an organization today. Add benefits and a wide range of other costs and, over a four-year period, you will spend over $200,000 on this labor purchase.

How much time does the average company allocate to hiring an employee?

Most people hired today are interviewed for less than 45 minutes. Most interviewers aren’t trained on how to do a good interview. Few have spent the time to develop good questions. Many companies don’t even attempt to check prior employment references or criminal background. Too many companies spend far

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customized application form. It’s worth too little time on the hiring process. the time it takes to do this; a good appliMany consultants tell you not to treat your employees like machines. That’s not cation is a powerful tool. ◗ Spend the time necessary to develop a my advice. I recommend that you treat good interview. Looking at the interperyour human capital as well as you treat sonal, performance, technical skills and your machinery. cultural fit requirements, develop quesHiring outstanding employees really tions, candidate demonstration activities isn’t that tough. Here are the steps: ◗ Commit to hiring employees who fit and other means of getting information the organization’s needs. Settling for the on candidates’ strengths and weaknesses. merely inoffensive candidate is still setWrite the resulting list down so that you tling. Hire the best. can run each candidate through the same ◗ Understand what you really want be- process. ◗ Learn to interview correctly. If you fore you place the ad. What interpersonhaven’t had good interview training, take al, performance and technical skills are the time to get it. The best questions in most important to ensure the success of the world won’t help if you don’t know the person in the position? ◗ Understand the culture of your busihow to use them properly, how to ask imness and hire people who fit that culture. portant follow up questions or how to set Lack of a cultural fit between employee the stage for a good interview. and company is one of the leading reaThe amount of time necessary to hire sons for unnecessary turnover. Every great candidates really isn’t that much company has a personality. If your commore than it takes to hire lesser candipany is full of elephants, don’t hire a dates. Spend the time to hire people who mouse. will assist you in growing a profitable, fun ◗ Get a good employment application. business by thrilling your customers.

The vast majority of applications don’t You’ll be happy you did — and so will provide enough candidate information. your customers.

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ou either thrill your customers, make the profits and have the fun that doing so creates or you don’t.

It’s that simple.

If your organization isn’t “special,” customers will buy from you only until they can find a better price, more convenience or better service. You end up on the daily treadmill of a “typical” business.

Business owners can’t thrill customers alone — they need great employees to help. Great companies understand the connection between a great staff and great service, and invest in their employees. The first investment they make is the hiring process.

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Business bio SUGAR MAMA BAKERY

A sweet touch Krista Gaff and Susie Tod opened Sugar Mama Bakery at 405 N. Main St. in downtown Bloomington last January, after initially beginning the business in rented kitchen space at Bloomington’s Crosswinds Community Church. The shop tempts with cupcakes and minicupcakes in flavors such as Irish Car Bomb; Cinnayum; Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough; Maple Bacon and Apple Crisp, as well as cakes, cake pops and more. It offers gluten-free and Vegan Vends-day cupcakes, in addition to custom orders.

Why did you start your business?

Krista: I love baking, and always wanted to test and try different cake decorating techniques. It started as a hobby and with friends’ and family’s encouragement, my hobby grew into a fullfledged business.

Susie: Both my parents owned their own businesses so I grew up with self-employment as an example to me. It has always been a dream of mine to own a diner, bakery, some sort of food business. Who doesn’t love to eat ... and who doesn’t love cake.

What drew you to baking?

Krista: My grandmother and mom are great bakers. I also love how food brings The Pantagraph/DAVID PROEBER people together. Some of the Susie Tod, left, and Krista Gaff, have been whipping up sweet cupcakes and have earned the right to best conversations and See Sweet, Page 10 be called "Sugar Mamas.”

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The Pantagraph/DAVID PROEBER

A salted cara mel cupcake approaches a work of art produced by Sugar Mama. Bakery.

SWEET From Page 8 memories with friends and loved ones have been around my dining room table.

Susie: It began as a hobby for friends and family; the fun of experimenting with new flavors and having them work is the best part of my day.

Why did you choose downtown Bloomington as the location for your shop? What do you like about being there?

We love the character and history of downtown Bloomington. Downtown is filled with a wide variety of small businesses: boutiques, gift shops, thrift stores, restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries and more. It’s an honor to be part of such a rich neighborhood.

What have you learned about running a small business since you’ve opened?

What is your most popular cupcake flavor?

How do you develop new flavors?

Susie: Birthday Cake and Salted Caramel. We take into See Sweet, Page 11

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Krista: I knew this in theory, but owning a business is a 24/7 job. The bakery is our child that we work hard to nurture so it can grow and thrive. It’s exhausting, but continues to challenge us to continue to make the very best desserts we can.

Susie: It takes many people ... family and friends. Lots of time, energy, methodical planning. Not an easy process but worth every ounce of it!

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SWEET From Page 10 consideration seasons, flavors we like, things customers have mentioned ... trial and error.

Krista: My personal favorite is Cookies & Cream, but our new Cinnayum is a contender as well. New flavors come from all sorts of places: family recipes, inspiration from favorite flavors, customer requests, etc.

What types of custom orders do customers request?

Krista: We receive a wide variety of custom order requests: from a simple customized birthday cupcake topper to a wedding cake inspired by the bride’s dress, or a Heinz ketchup bottle groom’s cake. I love adding that special touch that highlights the uniqueness of the specific event.

How did you choose a name for your business?

Krista: With the help of a few friends, we brainstormed a long list of ideas. Sugar Mama was the one that never failed to make me laugh. Laughter is always a good thing to have around.

What are the biggest challenges you face?

Krista: The challenges change as we grow. At the very beginning, developing the pricing and understanding how to build a

solid budget was tough. Today, our biggest challenge is how to train employees and refine our procedures so that our bakery’s operations are fluid, efficient and producing a consistent, delicious product. Sales projections and fun seasonal promotions are tricky but oh, so fun!

How important is social media to your business?

Krista: Sugar Mama started as a Facebook page. Our community of loyal customers grew from Facebook and Twitter.

They have been our biggest cheerleaders and provided feedback for us as we continue to move forward. It’s been exciting to see social media move into such a prominent role for advertising and reaching our customers.

How would you like to see the business grow in the next five years?

Krista: As we continue to create new desserts to our menu, we would like to add another location or a food truck, as well as set up Internet ordering to ship our cupcakes.

What is one thing most people don’t know about your business?

Susie: How passionate we are about each cupcake/cake that goes out of our shop. We truly want to bring fellowship to people through our product business and shop. Our employees are not employees but family ... and I hope it shows in each visit people have.

HEART OF AMERICA REALTORS®

Commercial Real Estate Services retail • office • apartments • industrial land • buildings • investment • lease space • business

John Armstrong

Dave Ashbrook

Mike Flynn

Michael O’Neal

Laura Pritts

Darren Sheehan

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309-662-3377 • 802 S. Eldorado Rd., Bloomington, IL • www.CBHOACOMMERCIAL.com 20580583

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Healthy workplace DR. LAMONT TYLER

Dr. Lamont Tyler is the regional medical director for OSF Medical Group Bloomington Specialty Care. He is board certified in the specialties of family medicine and urgent care medicine. He is actively involved in clinical practice and sees patients in the urgent care and occupational health practice.

Have a healthy flu season N

ovember’s chilly weather reminds us that fall is in full swing — and so is flu season! As influenza viruses circulate through workplaces and schools, it’s important to take strides to stay healthy. By following a few simple strategies, you can lower your risk of getting sick this flu season.

Influenza vaccination is safe and effective, and is the best way to help prevent influenza infection. You can get a flu shot from your primary care physician, your local pharmacy or a nearby OSF PromptCare.

Many people hate the idea of needles and getting a shot.

However, the flu shot is quick and painless and it can help protect you against the flu virus. Annual influenza vaccinations are recommended for everyone six months of age and older. Vaccination is especially important for people at high risk of flu complications, including pregnant women, adults over the age of 65 and young children. Individuals with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, cancer, kidney disease or liver disease also are highly encouraged to receive the flu vaccine.

It is important to get a flu shot every year. New flu vaccines are released each year to keep up with the rapidly adapting flu viruses. Last year’s vaccine may not protect you from this year’s viruses.

Along with getting vaccinated, washing your hands is one of the easiest ways to prevent the spread of illness. Adopting this simple habit can play a major role in protecting your health during flu season. Wash your hands often throughout the day, especially after using the restroom, blowing your nose or shaking a colleague’s hand. Be sure to wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol.

Keep yourself and others healthy this flu season by covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. The flu virus is passed from one person to the other through fluids from mouth and nose secretions. When we cough and sneeze, those secretions are released into the air.

If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze in your elbow or upper arm, but never into your bare hands. This can help prevent others from catching your germs.

If you are sick, the best way to prevent the spread of influenza is to stay home. Whether it means calling in sick to work or school, staying home will allow your body to recu-

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perate energy it needs to fight off any infection.

There are countless ways to help you stay healthy this flu season. Getting plenty of sleep is crucial to helping your body stay healthy and fight off illnesses. Try to get at least six to eight hours of sleep each night. Wearing warm clothes when you go outside will keep your body warm and help you avoid getting sick. Whether it’s walking to your mailbox or walking your dog down the block, be sure to bundle up with a jacket, gloves, scarf and a hat. Adopting these simple habits can play a major role in protecting your health this flu season.

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GREG YOUNT Lis ng Agent Direct: (309) 664-3527 gyount@cbhoa.com

HEART OF AMERICA REALTORS®

LAURA PRITTS

AVAILABLE PROPERTY November 2013

Licensed Assistant Direct: (309) 662-3370

COLDWELL BANKER COMMERCIAL HEART OF AMERICA REALTORS¨ 802 S. Eldorado Rd Bloomington, IL 61704 OFFICE: (309) 662-3377 FAX: (309) 664-3570 www.cbhoacommercial.com

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3901 General Electric Rd, BL

1713 A Tullamore, BL

1414 Woodbine, BL

Office - For Sale/Lease 3,122 sq. .

Office - For Sale/Lease 2,280 sq. .

Office - For Sale 5,697 sq. .

808 Eldorado Rd, BL

205 E. Gridley, Gridley

2002 Fox Creek Rd, BL

Office - For Lease 7,060 sq. .

Office - For Sale 2,500 sq. .

Office - For Sale 4,928 sq. .

2200 Ft. Jesse, NL

1501 N. Main, NL

1701 E. Empire, BL

Office - For Sale 14,771 sq. .

Restaurant - For Sale 2,650 sq. .

Retail - Lease 3,600-7,200 sq. .

1329 E. Empire, BL

1540 E. College, NL

1540 E. College, NL

Retail - For Sale/Lease 4,760 sq. .

Retail - For Lease 1,300 or 3,350 sq. .

Restaurant - For Lease 3,500 sq. .

No warranties or representation, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy of the information contained herein, and same is submitted subject to errors, omissions, change of price, withdrawal without notice, and to any special listing conditions imposed by our principals.

© Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. Coldwell Banker Commercial® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. An Equal Opportunity Company. Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated Except Offices Owned and Operated by NRT Inc.

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803 Lafaye e, BL

1414 Leslie, BL

2444 S. Main, BL

Office - For Lease 2,600 sq. .

Retail - For Sale 10,456 sq. .

Convenient/Gas - For Sale 3,000 sq. ., 4 pumps

1010 S. Main, NL

607 Arcadia, BL

2439 S. Main St, BL

Retail/Office - For Lease 4,806 sq. .

Industrial/Flex - For Lease 6,000 sq. .

Industrial - For Lease 61,075 sq. .

2402 E. Empire, BL

3001.5 Gill St, BL

482 Wylie, NL

Industrial - For Lease 43,125-86,250 sq. .

Industrial/Flex - For Lease 1,800 sq. .

Office – For Lease 5,538 Sq. Ft

COMMERCIAL LAND 1041 Wylie Drive, BL

420 Kays Drive, NL

419 Bronco Drive, BL

52,272 sq. . - Excellent corner site, close to I-55/I-74, Wal-Mart

1.15 Acres - Great corner lot at Towanda and Kays. Good traffic counts.

1.83 Acres - Corner lot in developing area.

Easy access to I-55/I-74

Wylie Drive (5 Acres), BL

2805 E. Empire, BL

Lot 1, Highpoint Hill, Lexington

5 Acres - Across from Wehrenberg Theaters, minutes from I-55/I-74

62,700 sq. . - Near Central Illinois Regional Airport, high traffic area

1.16 Acres - Prime commercial lot, off I-55 Interchange.

611 W. Raab, NL

2613 S. Veterans Parkway, BL

1271 Airport Rd, BL

34,078 sq. . - At I-55/I-39 Interchange, near Heartland Community College.

3.92 Acres - Corner of S. Veterans and Fox Creek, ready for development.

1.1 Acres - High residen al growth area.

Fully developed lot.

N. Veterans (Shepard Rd), NL

Trucker’s Lane, BL

Empire Business Park, BL

7.4 Acres - Next to Home Depot, excellent retail or developer site.

6.4 Acres & 5.88 Acres - Excellent interstate visibility.

Various sizes available - Located in the Enterprise Zone, across from CIRA.

2016 S. Main, BL

4013 Pamela Drive, BL

LeRoy Plaza Sub, LeRoy

1.4 Acres - Lighted intersec on at Main and Hamilton, across from McDonalds.

23,381 sq. . - Corner lot in growing area, near many new developments.

1-3 Acres - at I-74 Interchange

2402 E. Empire, BL

Olympia and Wicker, BL

6.04 Acres - U li es to site. Deten on basin included.

10.24 Acres - Divisible. Fully developed lots.

BNinc.

GREG YOUNT • (309) 664-3527 • gyount@cbhoa.com

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On the cover HOMETOWN PRODUCTS

Pride of the prairie Central Illinois products are showcased all over the globe

By Lenore Sobota lsobota@pantagraph.com

The next time someone shrugs off the Twin Cities as “just” a college town or insurance headquarters and says the area is nothing but “normal” with a lower case “n,” tell them this community is actually a little nutty, kind of sweet, made of the write stuff and keeps the world rolling along.

While it might not be a manufacturing mecca, McLean County makes more products for markets near and far than most people — even longtime residents — would realize.

“One of the reasons Mitsubishi decided to locate here is the history of manufacturing in the community,” said Dan Irvin, general manager of the Mitsubishi Motors North America plant. “There is a manufacturing tradition here. You just have to look for it.”

The Chicago & Alton Railroad Shops opened in 1855 on the westside of Bloomington and, at its height, employed about 1,800 people to repair and build locomotives,according to Mike Matejka,co-author of “The C&A Shops.”

The shops, which closed in the 1970s,

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The Pantagraph/LORI ANN COOK-NEISLER

Emad Helmy inspects a 57-inch tire at the Bridgestone Americas plant in Normal.

Did you know?

A few fun facts about products made in McLean County: w The largest tire made at the Bridgestone Americas plant in Normal is the 70/70-57, which is 15 feet tall, weighs 14,500 pounds and was featured on the cable program “Modern Marvels.” w Bridgestone’s 70/70-57 is used in the mining industry on the LeTourneau L2350 loader, w The Mitsubishi Outlander Sports made in Normal are sent to 25 countries, in addition to the United States. w In one minute, one production line at the Beer Nuts plant can produce 42 12-ounce cans, 120 1.25-ounce bags, 65 3-ounce mid-size bags or 55 5-ounce value pack bags. w The Beer Nuts plant is an updated 1940s-era building that used to be a dairy. w Nestle makes more than 80 million Nestle Toll House white chocolate chips a day. w The more than 5 million pieces of Laffy Taffy made each day by Nestle would stretch 268 miles if the pieces were laid end to end.

“established a tradition of skilled labor” in the county, Matejka said, and many people used what they learned there as blacksmiths, ironworkers and machinists to open other businesses.

About 4,300 people were employed in manufacturing in McLean County in 2012, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, up from 4,000 in 2010.

Mitsubishi is the largest employer in McLean County in the manufacturing sector and sixth overall, with 1,294 workers.

But also among the top 20 are Bridgestone Americas and Nestle USA, which each have

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more than 400.

Both of them trace their roots back for decades.

The original Firestone tire plant opened in 1964 and was sold to Edwards Warren Tire Co. in 1987, the year before Firestone merged with Bridgestone. In February 1994, Bridgestone-Firestone (now Bridgestone Americas) bought the Normal plant.

The Beich candy company began in Bloomington in 1892 and was sold to the Nestle in 1984.

“We take pride in Nestle’s long history in

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Beer Nuts marketing efforts utilize logos such as their original copyright to create new items like this stylishT-shirt. While it tries to keep items within good taste, the trademark boxer shorts have been one of their hottest selling items.

PRIDE From Page 15 the community and making quality confections and baking products,” said Nestle spokeswoman Patricia Bowles.

At one time or another, McLean County was the home to the makers of vacuum cleaners, television sets, locomotives, castiron stoves and even an electric car.

Cheap gasoline prices spelled the demise of the “Henney Kilowatt” battery-operated car in 1960. How times have changed!

But what hasn’t changed is the continuing role manufacturing plays in McLean County.

Companies large and small continue to make products large and small, from a 15-

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foot-tall, 14,500-pound tire made by Bridgestone to a Beer Nuts peanut weighing a single gram.

Talk to manufacturers about why they make their products in McLean County and two common themes are repeated: central location and a well-educated, hard-working labor pool.

Irvin noted that the auto assembly plant is “located at the nexus of three interstate highways” and also has access to excellent rail transportation and air service. He said having two universities and a community college is also beneficial and people here have a strong work ethic.

Monty Greutman,general manager of the off road tire plant that is part of Bridgestone Americas’ manufacturing group, said the transportation system and proximity to Caterpillar — one of its primary customers

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— is important, but so is the workforce, who Greutman refers to as “teammates.”

“The teammates here at the plant are extraordinary,” Greutman said. “We have teammates with 35 years of service to one year of service.”

As Greutman walked through the 70acre plant, located on a 500-acre site on Fort Jesse Road, people waved and talked.

“This is the friendliest group of people you’ll ever see,” Greutman said.

As with many family-owned companies, Beer Nuts located here because it was the home of its founder, Russell Shirk. But location continues to be a key factor.

Jim Shirk, the founder’s son, said, the location made it easy to distribute the product to population hubs in Chicago, Indianapolis and Milwaukee in the early days. As the

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PRIDE From Page 16 company has grown — Beer Nuts are available in all 50 states — the central location has continued to be an advantage, both for distribution and getting raw materials, such as peanuts from the Southeast.

Andy Shirk, the third generation involved in the plant, said the employment base and community support are other reasons why the company has stayed.

“People from Bloomington are really our best salespeople,” Andy Shirk said.

That includes college students and people who spend time in McLean County for training or short assignments,he said.“They identify with Beer Nuts, then they go back across the country” and spread the word.

The retail side of the business has been growing,

See PRIDE, Page 18

The Pantagraph/LORI ANN COOK-NEISLER

Jay Day works on inspecting tires at the Bridgestone Americas plant in Normal.

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Michele Bills, Beer Nuts retail assistant supervisor, puts out items in the company's Bloomington retail store. The innovative packaging and marketing of the famous nut brand has led to worldwide recognition.

PRIDE From Page 17 too, including non-food items with the Beer Nuts logo.

“It’s gained some kind of iconic status,” Jim Shirk said. “The name kind of brings a smile to the face and memories of good times.”

But while Mitsubishi, Nestle, Bridgestone and Beer Nuts may have higher profiles than other manufacturers, there are many products with a national reach.

Franmar Chemical in Bloomington was founded 25 years ago by Frank and Marilyn Sliney, starting with a soybean-based cleaning product for screen-printing.

“The main focus of the company is all-natural, environmentally friendly products that replace hazardous or petroleum products,” said Jason Davenport, Franmar’s marketing director.

Screen-printing and the home restoration continue to be the strongest markets for the company, which has about 25 employees, according to Davenport.

“A lot of our products come out of consumer requests,” Davenport said. “We typically start with soy,” he said, but also use other “environmentally friendly solutions” from corn oil to seaweed.

Alexander Manufacturing makes pens, emery boards and other products used for promotional purposes.

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“We do pens for the White House for special occasions,” said Mike O’Connell, president of company, which moved its operations to Towanda in 1990, after starting in Lexington in 1943. He declined to say how many people work for the company but said it is doing well.

“One of the biggest things we produce is the pocket screwdriver,” O’Connell said. “Go to the bottom of your toolbox and you’ll probably find one. Look at the clip. It probably says, ‘Alexander.’”

Candy production in McLean County isn’t the only sweet product that traces its roots to the 19th century.

The Funk family began commercial maple syrup production in Funks Grove in 1891. Other than a brief break during World War II, Funks Grove Maple Sirup has continued to be produced in Funks Grove since then.

The Funk family is still involved, producing an average of 1,800 gallons of syrup annually.

Bridgestone has bounced back from the recession, employing about 450 people now after sinking to 250 in 2009, Greutman said.

More employees will be hired when a new production area in the plant, dedicated to the largest tires, is completed.

Mitsubishi, which produces the Outlander Sport SUV crossover, expects to meet its goal of producing 50,000 vehicles at the Bloomington-Normal plant this year.

“If you see that (Outlander Sport) anywhere in the United States, you can poke the person next to you and say, ‘That’s from my hometown,’” Irvin said.

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Tourism CRYSTAL HOWARD

Crystal Howard is the director of the Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. She can be reached at crystal@visitbn.org.

The power of visitors H

opefully you have noticed the groups of cheerleaders at the mall, the softball teams at restaurants, the State Farm shuttle picking up guests from hotels or maybe the religious groups gathering outside of the U.S. Cellular Coliseum.

At the Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, we are excited and feel a sense of accomplishment when we see groups of visitors in our community. These visitors are creating economic activity. By shopping, dining or staying in a hotel room they are infusing new dollars into our community, strengthening our local businesses, and, by paying sales taxes, assisting the city of Bloomington and the town of Normal budgets.

These new dollars enhance the quality of life which we are privileged to have here. Visitors to McLean County spent over $347 million in fiscal year 2012 ranking us eighth in the state for visitor expenditures. The only counties with larger visitor expenditures are Cook, Lake, DuPage, Will, St. Clair, Sangamon and Kane. The Illinois Office of Tourism and the U.S. Travel Association have identified the top five visitor expenditures as travel, lodging, dining, retail and entertainment.

These visitors don’t just happen to be in BloomingtonNormal by chance. There are many destination drivers that attract them — along with an intensive effort by the CVB, local hotels, corporations headquartered here, universities and more.

Our communities have a lot to offer, including a great location in the middle of the state within driving distance from larger cities such as Chicago, St. Louis and Indianapolis. We have premier hotels, unique attractions and affordability.

Bloomington and Normal recognize that visitors create economic activity. Accordingly they have allocated a percentage of the visitor-paid hotel tax to support the CVB. The CVB is the promotion agency for our communities, an information center and the liaison between visitors and the facilities that host them. Our office has full-time sales managers who reach out on a daily basis to organizations that might host a meeting, sporting event or bring in a tour group.

We attend tradeshows to share our community assets with representatives of these organizations. We advertise outside the Bloomington-Normal area to seek out these planners and we work closely with local groups such as the Illinois High School Association, meeting facilities and hotels.

We are a full-service bureau, which means we provide re-

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sources that will enhance a group’s experience in Bloomington-Normal.

We print 75,000 visitor guides annually to promote and entice visitors to McLean County. They are also distributed to all the Tourist Information Centers in Illinois. We also have programs in place that allow businesses to partner with us.

So the next time you see those cheerleaders, the State Farm van full of visitors or the religious group at the Coliseum, think about their contribution to the great quality of life we enjoy here and let them know how pleased we are to have them in our charming communities.

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ATHENA The Pantagraph/DAVID PROEBER

Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner talks with Athena Award winner Vicki Tilton and Sally Pyne of Lincoln College during the awards presentation at Illinois State University's Brown Ballroom. Tilton was named the award recipient of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce's efforts to promote managers who help pave the way for women into business and industry.

Vicki Tilton, owner of Fox & Hounds Hair Studio & Day Spa, recently became the 17th recipient of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce’s annual Athena leadership award.

This award recognizes individuals in our community who inspire and encourage the empowerment of women leaders.

Tilton was praised for providing help to cancer patients, helping young women compete in local pageants and her support of women-owned, local businesses.

“This nominee is known locally as a leader, someone ahead of her time,” said Leanna Bordner, deputy director of athletics at Illinois State University, introducing Tilton’s nomination during a recognition event at ISU’s Bone Student Center.

Tilton is currently the 2014 co-chairman of the Red Cross 21st Annual Evening of Stars, a member of the Bloomington Cultural Commission and Chestnut Health Systems Auxiliary, past chairman of the McLean County Chamber board and past president of the OSF Foundation board. She received the 2002 YWCA Women of Distinction award and 2008 Gale Keeran Spirit of Success award.

The other nominees, also recognized at the event, were: Nannette Castañeda Fosen, associate general counsel, State Athena Awards nominee Laura Furlong, left, chief executive officer at Farm; Laura Furlong, chief executive officer, Marcfirst; and Marcfirst, talks with former award winner Mary Ann Webb during the Karen Schmidt, university librarian, Illinois Wesleyan Uni- awards presentation at Illinois State University's Brown Ballroom. versity.

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Robert Lakin, president of Commerce Bank's Bloomington market, joked with Marlene Woodruf and Steve Aderson, managers for National Alamo Car Rentals, before a bank-sponsored luncheon for community leaders at the DoubleTree by Hilton.

Expert: Outlook improving

By Lenore Sobota lsobota@pantagraph.com

BLOOMINGTON — The chief economist for Commerce Bank expects the nation’s economic recovery to continue and thinks President Obama’s nominee to head the Federal Reserve will have a positive effect.

“We’re even more positive on the economic outlook this year than we were last year,” Scott Colbert, who is also a senior vice president, said at a recent economic update sponsored by Commerce Bank and the Commerce Trust Co. More than 200 people attended the luncheon talk at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel.

The recession from which the country is emerging “was the worst financial

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beating ever taken since the Great Depression,” he said.

But Colbert said all global leading economic indicators are pointing up.

Comparing the recovery to a dance using the box step, he said, “The good news is we’ve made three steps in this dance.”

The financial sector is in much better shape, household debt is decreasing and corporate productivity is improving, he said.

The missing step is reduction in federal debt.

“This is the last head wind that we have to fight,” Colbert said.

Among the positive signs he cited were increasing production and employment by automakers, a growing

November

number of housing starts and improving consumer confidence.

In answer to a question about student loans, Colbert said, “It’s a big and growing problem, but not as bad as people think it is.”

He noted the $1 trillion in outstanding student loans represents less than 10 percent of overall household debt.

Speaking after the meeting, Colbert noted that Obama’s nomination of Janet Yellen to succeed Ben Bernanke as Federal Reserve chairman had a positive effect on the financial markets.

“She’s not nearly as dovish as people think she is,” Colbert said.

He thinks she will be less polarizing than Bernanke, but expects her to continue similar policies.

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News in brief BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTS Uptown hotel financed NORMAL — Developers of One Uptown Circle have secured financing, sealed a deal with Hyatt and hope to break ground for the nearly $35 million hotel/apartment project planned on the west side of Uptown Circle this month.

Doug Reichl of Tartan Realty said Bank of the Ozarks will finance the development. The town provided the land for $1 and will float a $7.35 million, 20-year bond for the project.

Bar hit with record fine BLOOMINGTON — A downtown tavern received what Mayor Tari Renner said was the city’s largest-ever fine for a Bloomington liquor establishment.

Chasers, 110 W. Washington St., has been ordered to pay $14,000 in fines for admitting and serving alcohol to 26 underage patrons on May 3 and six underage patrons on April 26.

Renner said the fine signaled that the City Council and liquor commission are “committed to revitalizing downtown Bloomington” and believe “we need to get control of the situation downtown.”

Pinnacle Actuarial to expand BLOOMINGTON — An era of data and more interest in alter-

MEETINGS MADE EASY . ..because they should be.

native insurance markets are fueling growth for a local company that’s building a new home base to meet increased demand.

Pinnacle Actuarial Resources recently broke ground on a 3.3acre plot at 3109 Cornelius, the future site of Pinnacle Office Park and a 22,000-square-foot building, said Pinnacle President and Managing Principal Joe Herbers.

Pinnacle is an actuarial consulting company focusing on property and casualty insurance, including self-insurance.

New art cooperative opens BLOOMINGTON — Bloomington’s first art cooperative wants to make one thing perfectly clear: It’s accessible to one and all.

Meaning, said co-founder Cindy Lawson-Kester, “We want it to be a place where people will come in and not be intimidated … we want it to be comfortable for everyone.”

Thus the name, Inside Out: Accessible Art Cooperative, which celebrated it opening at 318 N. Main St., on Sept. 6.

Eastland restricts youths BLOOMINGTON — After ongoing problems with troublemaking youths, Bloomington’s Eastland Mall instituted a new policy in September requiring minors to be escorted by a parent

See NEWS, Page 25

IT ’ S E A SY TO P O I NT YO U R G R O U P S I N O U R D I R E C TI O N !

The Bloomington-Normal area benefits economically when meetings are held in our hometown. The Convention & Visitors Bureau wants to find out what meetings, sporting and special events you attend on a regular basis, so we can try to bring them to BloomingtonNormal! Help point your groups in our direction by emailing info@visitbn.org with your group’s information and receive a Visitors Prize Pack!

BloomingtonNormalCVB.org 800.433.8226 3201 CIRA Drive, Suite 201 Bloomington, IL 61704 20580392

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News in brief or guardian after 6 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

The policy shift is a response to concerns of store owners and mall patrons who have complained that large crowds of unsupervised youths on weekends cause trouble and make shoppers feel unsafe. Unsupervised youths accounted for about 60 percent of the mall’s bans or arrests on Friday and Saturday nights.

dispute with its landlord.

The landlord, Chicago-based Greyhound Properties, intends to pursue legal action, property manager Leslie Smith said.

Sweet & Savory Grille owner Stephanie Karonis said “if it’s necessary,” she also will consider litigation, adding the economy also factored into the decision to close the eatery.

The restaurant, which featured gourmet cheesecakes as its signature, opened in October 2012 in the Morrissey Crossing shopping center, formerly known as Brandtville Center. Greyhound Properties purchased Brandtville Center for $3.1 million at a sheriff’s sale in March 2012.

Broadband transition extended

REAL ESTATE

NEWS From Page 23

NORMAL — A grant that funded the Central Illinois Regional Broadband Network has been extended to the end of the year, giving Illinois State University more time to transfer the operation over to a new limited liability corporation.

Originally, the grant was slated to end July 31.

Dick Runner, a consultant for the project, said construction is complete and the network — which took the broadband network to 109 original participants in rural communities and the Twin Cities — is fully operational.

Corn Belt picks new CEO BLOOMINGTON— A vice president at Corn Belt Energy will become the company’s fourth president/CEO in its 75-year-history.

Don Taylor, vice president of utility services, will replace Jeff Reeves when he retires at the end of the year after 40 years of service.

While the exact date of the change in leadership has not been announced, Taylor said the Don transition will move fluidly. It is an advantage Taylor for him to know the day-to-day operations of the cooperative, as well as being able to work closely with Reeves and others who know the business so well.

Sweet & Savory shuttered amid dispute BLOOMINGTON — Sweet & Savory Grille closed and vacated its premises at 1605 Morrissey Drive, apparently in a financial

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Home sales drop slightly BLOOMINGTON — Home sales in the Twin Cities dropped slightly in September, but the pace is still well ahead of last year, according to data released from the Bloomington-Normal Association of Realtors.

Total sales in September were 220 units, down 95 from the previous month, but an increase of 26 from September 2012.

Of those, 17 were new units, bringing the total number of new homes sold in 2013 to 192, a 28 percent increase over the first nine months of last year. The remaining 203 units were existing homes, bringing the total number of existing homes sold this year to 2,009, a 17.6 percent increase over the same period in 2012.

Since Jan. 1, there have been 2,201 homes sold, a pace that is 18.5 percent ahead of last year.

Housing market still ‘fragile’ NORMAL — The Twin City housing market is showing signs of recovery, but still has a way to go, a panel of housing experts agreed at the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council’s quarterly “BN By the Numbers” meeting.

Thom Jones, past president of the Bloomington-Normal Association of Realtors, said there has been “reasonable growth” in home appraisals and he thinks prices will work out over time.

However, he noted, “I think we are still correcting. The recovery is pretty fragile still.”

BJ Armstrong, managing broker with Keller Williams Realty

See NEWS, Page 26

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News in brief NEWS From Page 25 and a builder with BJ Armstrong Custom Homes, said the housing market overall is doing better but, “we still haven’t seen the return of the high-end buyer.”

GOVERNMENT/TAXES

New county planner on job

Bloomington names police chief BLOOMINGTON — Retired Illinois State Police Lt. Col. Brendan Heffner started work Oct. 7 as the city’s next police chief with an annual salary of about $130,000.

The 53-year-old Bloomington resident has lived in the area since 1978, is a graduate of Illinois State University and in the 1980s worked as a patrolman and detective with the Normal Police Department.

He retired from the state police’s division of internal investigation in 2010.

ISU president hopeful on pensions NORMAL — Illinois State University President Timothy Flanagan said Oct. 3 he was hopeful after talking recently with state officials that a solution can be found to the state’s pension problem.

“Both sides of the aisle seem to think there are enough good ideas to make progress,” Flanagan said.

Under a plan endorsed by several public university presidents, employer contributions to state pension plans for their workers would be shifted from the state to colleges and universities over a 12-year period. As of earlier this year, the State University Retirement System had an unfunded liability of $19.3 billion.

County ends juror lunches BLOOMINGTON — The days of a free lunch for McLean County jurors are over.

Beginning Oct. 1, those chosen to serve on a jury are on their own for meals — a change that will save McLean County taxpayers about $15,000 a year, said Elizabeth Robb, chief judge of the 11th Judicial Circuit.

County tax rate edging up BLOOMINGTON — Taxpayers would see a small increase in McLean County’s tax rate under a proposed $80.6 million 2014 budget expected to be voted on this month.

The county’s property tax levy would increase by $152,489 (0.47 percent) to almost $32.9 million, said County Administrator Bill Wasson.

The resulting tax rate of $0.916 per $100 equalized assessed valuation would be an increase of $0.00436 per $100 EAV. The owner of a $165,000 home whose assessed valuation remained the same would pay $2.40 more for McLean County taxes in 2014 — $503.80 compared to the current $501.40.

Library expansion questioned BLOOMINGTON — Mayor Tari Renner faced skepticism from

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Bloomington Public Library board members over his push to expand the crowded facility where it currently is rather than build a branch on the city’s east side.

Renner opposes an east-side branch because he believes it would encourage sprawl.

He said an expansion at the current facility, 205 E. Olive St., would help revitalize downtown, a priority he campaigned on during the spring election.

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BLOOMINGTON — Vasudha “Vasu” Pinnamaraju is a selfdescribed social butterfly and is unlikely to stay behind her new desk with her nose in the numerous studies and plans she and her staff will produce.

“The interactions with people are the best part of my job,” said Pinnamaraju, 35, the new executive director at the McLean County Regional Planning Commission. She was hired in to succeed retiring, longtime Director Paul Russell.

HEALTHCARE Advocate sued over data breach NORMAL — A class-action lawsuit has been filed in Cook County Circuit Court on behalf of Advocate Medical Group patients whose personal information was in four computers stolen in a July 15 burglary of an Advocate building in Park Ridge.

Advocate, parent of Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal, has said the computers contained information on 4 million patients of Advocate Medical Group physicians’ offices. How many are from Central Illinois isn’t known.

Cancer center addition progresses NORMAL — Structural-steel work was recently completed on the $9.7 million, two-story expansion at the rear of the 27,000square-foot Community Cancer Center at 407 E. Vernon Ave., Normal.

The 35,000-square-foot addition will double the capacity for chemotherapy and add examination and waiting room space and support services, including a chapel.

Mental health care blasted BLOOMINGTON — A federal report on housing conditions of mentally ill inmates at the McLean County jail offered a blistering review of the county’s overall mental health system, including a lack of engagement by local mental health leaders and beds to stabilize people during a mental health crisis.

The National Institute of Corrections report drew a direct connection between deficiencies in community mental services and an increase in the number of inmates with behavioral issues who are entering the jail.

TRANSPORTATION East-side highway route set BLOOMINGTON — A “preferred option” for a proposed highway on Bloomington-Normal’s east side would follow McLean County Road 2000 East, about a mile east of Towanda

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News in brief NEWS From Page 26 Barnes Road.

The route produced by Clark Dietz engineers after several studies, would displace 13 residences, 794 acres of farmland, six farm residences and no businesses.

While the route has been designated, there currently are no plans to build it.

EDUCATION ISU enrollment down 2.5% NORMAL — Enrollment at Illinois State University dropped about 2.5 percent this fall, to 20,272 students.

That figure is bolstered by 348 students studying off campus in programs such as ISU’s Chicago MBA program, up from 204 last year.

On-campus enrollment is 19,924, according to Troy Johnson, associate vice president of enrollment management. Johnson said that’s close to the university’s goal of 20,000 to 21,000.

Heartland enrollment drop goes on NORMAL — For the second year in a row, Heartland Community College’s fall semester enrollment is down.

The unduplicated headcount this fall is 5,005, down nearly 6 percent from last year’s 5,324, the college reported Thursday.

More important, from a financial standpoint, is the decrease in credit hours from 50,504 to 47,865 a drop of 5.23 percent.

Had the decline hit 7 percent, budget cuts would have been needed, officials said.

“It is not an easy task,” said board member Mike Trask following the budget hearing and unanimous approval of a $149.2 million budget for all funds. While the education fund, the district’s main operating fund, actually showed a $5,000 surplus, other funds showed expected deficits or surpluses for various reasons.

SOCIAL SERVICES Strassheim to retire NORMAL — Dale Strassheim, a leader in health care and human services in Central Illinois for 22 years, will retire effective July 1, 2014, as president and chief executive officer of The Baby Fold.

Strassheim, 67, spent 10 years as president and CEO of what was then called BroMenn Healthcare before he became The Baby Fold’s CEO in June 2002. The Baby Fold specializes in programs for vulnerable children, including residential care, foster care, Hammitt elementary and junior-senior high schools, the Healthy Start program for mothers and children and adoption preservation.

AGRICULTURE Area in severe drought BLOOMINGTON — Several Central Illinois counties, including McLean, Logan, DeWitt, Tazewell and Woodford, were designated this fall as being in a severe drought by the National Weather Service in Lincoln.

Severe droughts indicate that crop or pasture losses are likely and water shortages are likely to become more common. Voluntary water restrictions have been requested in Bloomington.

Dist. 87 hopes to cut deficit

Farmers see better yields, lower prices

BLOOMINGTON — The Bloomington District 87 school board approved a 2013-14 operating budget of $67 million with a deficit of $2.15 million in the education fund, but officials are hopeful the deficit might not be that large.

“We may be able to bring down the deficit below $2 million, but it won’t be much below,” David Wood, the district’s chief financial and legal officer, told the board before its Sept. 25 vote.

Spending in the education fund, the district’s primary operating fund, is expected to be about $48.8 million.

BLOOMINGTON — Central Illinois farmers expect better yields than last year, but less profit because of falling prices for soybeans and corn.

Harvest season in Central Illinois, which usually starts about Labor Day weekend, started two weeks later than usual, said John Hawkins, spokesman for Illinois Farm Bureau.

Hawkins said corn is selling in the low $4 range compared to $7 per bushel last year. Soybeans are on either side of $13, compared to $15 to $16 per bushel last year.

Hancock Stadium dedicated

Corn disease not affecting area

BLOOMINGTON — The Central Illinois harvest doesn’t seem to be affected by a corn disease plaguing farmers from Minnesota to the Texas Panhandle.

The culprit, known as Goss’s Wilt, has cut some farmers’ yields by half this year. The disease was once considered a minor threat here until it ran rampant through Illinois, Iowa, Indiana and Wisconsin two years ago, cutting yields in Piatt County, for example, by 20 to 30 percent.

Unit 5 balances budget “We haven’t seen any farmers who have found it in their fields NORMAL — The difficulty of balancing a school budget with a in McLean County this year,” said Brain Lambert, program coor$96.3 million education fund was recognized this fall by McLean dinator for local food systems and small farms for the University County Unit 5 school board members, who approved the 2013-14 of Illinois Extension. spending plan.

NORMAL — Illinois State University officially dedicated Hancock Stadium after a $26 million renovation launched in 2011.

Hancock, which was built in 1963, now has a capacity of 13,391 people, including seating available on grass berms. That total includes approximately 5,500 on the east side and 5,800 on the untouched west side.

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Round of applause Timmermann completes banking program MINIER — First Farmers State Bank Vice President Steve Timmermann was recently awarded a diploma at commencement exercises during the Graduate School of Banking’s 69th annual session at the University of WisconsinMadison. Timmermann earned a finance degree from Illinois State University in 1998. He has been with First Farmers since 2006 and has 20 years of banking experience.

The Graduate School of Banking, sponsored by the University of WisconsinMadison and state bankers associations across the central United States, was established in 1945 to provide bankers an opportunity for advanced study and research in banking, Steve economics and leaderTimmermann ship. Instruction takes place during two-week resident sessions for three consecutive summers, along with comprehensive study between summer resident sessions. The curriculum focuses on managing strategic issues faced by banking executives and financial services industry professionals. The Graduate School of Banking enrolls approximately 550 professionals each year. Over 85 esteemed academicians, economists, government officials and industry professionals comprise the school’s faculty.

Timmermann and his wife, Karen, have two children and live in rural

The Illinois House Building Bloomington. First Farmers State Bank, established in 1875, is a locally owned and managed community bank with offices in Minier, Delavan and Bloomington.

Illinois House Building celebrates renovations BLOOMINGTON — The historic landmark Illinois House Building for-

mally celebrated its enhanced building upgrades and features at 10 a.m. Oct. 10 at a special ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the McLean County Chamber of Commerce.

Illinois House Building completed a three-month renovation to its passenger elevator this summer to enhance building efficiencies and safety for its

See APPLAUSE, Page 30

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Round of applause oversees several bank function areas including internal auditing, loan review, compliance, BSA and customer security. Zurkamer is located at Heartland Bank’s 405 N. Hershey Road office, tenants and visitors. The new elevator Bloomington. officially went into service on Sept. 3.

Zurkamer brings 13 years of experiOriginal owners and tenants Ralph ence, serving as a financial institution Turner and Darrell Hartweg continue to auditor and providing audit and conpreserve Illinois House Building’s trasulting services to banks and credit Don Meyer graduates ditional style while introducing new unions in the Midwest. She is a certified and improved methods to ensure the auction school public accountant and is a member of safety of its tenants and visitors.

BLOOMINGTON— Lee Realty Group, the Illinois CPA Society, American InSince 1977, Hartweg and Turner have Inc. in Bloomington is pleased to anstitute of Certified Pubrenovated and revitalized this historic lic Accountants and the nounce that real estate associate and landmark to accommodate six floors of Institute of Internal Aubroker Don Meyer is a 2013 graduate of commercial office building space. The the Missouri Auction School, the oldest ditors. She is also a majestic, copper-topped brick buildand largest auction school in the world. committee member of ing, surrounded by traditional style and Meyer, of Lexington, joined Lee Real- the Illinois Bankers Aselegant accents, offers tenants impres- ty in 2011 and is a licensed real estate sociation Women in sive space and unique backdrops. broker, farm manager and land auction- Banking.

From an onsite building manager to a eer. He also teaches agriculture and Zurkamer is a gradufull-time maintenance professional, ate of Illinois State Uniconsumer courses for Illinois State UniAndrea Illinois House Building has a rich histo- versity. He was county director for Uni- versity where she Zurkamer ry of providing tenants with exception- versity of Illinois Extension–McLean earned a bachelor’s deal service. If you are interested in preCounty for many years and received nu- gree in accountancy, mier commercial office space, contact and also graduated from Normal Commerous Extension awards prior to his Illinois House Building at 309-824retirement in 2010. Meyer was honored munity West High School. She is a na8062. You may also view available space as the 2011 McLean County Chamber of tive of Hudson and currently lives in at www.IllinoisHouseBuilding.net.

Commerce “Legacy of Excellence” win- Bloomington-Normal.

Heartland Bank and Trust Co. is an ner, and as a McLean County Farm BuAdvocate BroMenn independently owned community bank reau “Golden Clover” at reaccredited with assets of $2.9 billion. Headquarthe 2011 McLean County tered in Bloomington, the bank has ofNORMAL — Advocate BroMenn 4-H Fair. fices in communities throughout IlliMedical Center, Normal, recently was “Don’s years of expenois. The bank offers a complete line of reaccredited as a Chest Pain Center rience in agriculture and financial services to commercial and with Percutaneous Coronary Interven- his knowledge of Central retail customers. More information is tion (PCI) by the Society of CardiovasIllinois farmland make available at www.hbtbank.com. cular Patient Care (SCPC). him an excellent reBroMenn Medical Center engaged in source for our clients,” Roesch hired as Don Meyer rigorous evaluation by SCPC for its said owner Jeff Lee. residential lender ability to assess, diagnose and treat pa- “With Don in this additients who may be experiencing a heart tional role, we have been BLOOMINGTON– Flanagan State attack. This means that processes are in able to expand our services.”

Bank welcomes Andy place to meet strict criteria aimed at: Lee Realty also includes broker Chris Roesch as residential w Reducing the time from onset of lender. Andy has lived in Behl and office manager JoAnn Beyers. symptoms to diagnosis and treatment. the Bloomington-NorThe company is celebrating 85 years in w Treating patients more quickly dur- business and is located at 3002 GE mal area for over 30 ing the critical window of time when years. He currently reRoad, Bloomington. the integrity of the heart muscle can be sides in Hudson. Andy preserved. has a bachelor of arts Heartland Bank hires w Monitoring patients when it is not degree in management certain that they are having a heart atZurkamer from the University of Andy tack to ensure that they are not sent Illinois-Springfield.

Roesch home too quickly or needlessly admitAndy brings many BLOOMINGTON — Heartland Bank ted to the hospital. years of sales and customer service announces the addition of Andrea “People tend to wait when they think Zurkamer as senior vice president and they might be having a heart attack and See APPLAUSE, Page 31 director of audit and compliance. She

APPLAUSE From Page 29

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that’s a mistake,” said cardiologist Dr. James McCriskin, medical director for the hospital’s cardiovascular services.

“The average patient arrives in the ER more than two hours after the onset of symptoms but what they don’t realize is that the sooner a heart attack is treated, the less damage to the heart and the better the outcome for the patient.”

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Round of applause APPLAUSE From Page 30

Her understanding of logistics and international business relationships offers a perfect complement to Commercial Packaging’s business mix.

Upon acceptance of the board position, Ames said, “I’m looking forward to serving on the board of a successful, growing local company with a dedicated team of service-oriented individuals.”

Ames is active in the Bloomington-Normal community, including serving on the school board at Holy Trinity.

Ames holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Eastern Illinois University and is a licensed real estate broker.

Commercial Packaging is a global supplier of high-quality packaging materials, recognized as a leader in the industry for more than 30 years.

experience to Flanagan State Bank. He attributes his success to his strong work ethic and desire to help others. Andy is happy to be part of Flanagan State Bank’s family, where he can continue to service his community with their financial needs.

Stop by the Bloomington branch at 2401 E. Washington St. or call 309-661-6333 to say hello to our friendly staff and learn about our banking services. Be sure to congratulate Andy on his new position!

Relationship building is an integral part of how Flanagan BroMenn names vice president State Bank operates. Founded in 1913, the bank has been famNORMAL — Advocate BroMenn Medical Center has apily-owned and operated since the 1930s and its employees work hard to serve each of its customers in a thoughtful, per- pointed James L. Nevin Jr., M.D., as vice president of medical sonal and confidential way. When you do business with FSB, management.

Dr. Nevin joined Advocate BroMenn after you become a part of the bank’s extended family. serving in consultant roles for the past two Ceresa promoted by The Snyder Cos. years in Indianapolis and in Tampa, Fla. Before that, he served as president of a 1,800BLOOMINGTON — The Snyder Cos. is pleased to anmember medical staff at St. Vincent Hospital nounce that Raymond Ceresa has been promoted to senior in Indianapolis. director of hotel sales and development. Ceresa has worked In this role, he served in several key leaderfor The Snyder Cos. for 12 years, since August 2001, starting ship positions, including chairman of the in the food and beverage department for Eastland Suites Homedical executive committee, professional tel Bloomington, moving to director of catering and later to affairs committee and quality and safety director sales and operations.

James L. committee.

For the past three years Ceresa was the Nevin Jr. He also served as vice chairman of emergeneral manager of the Urbana, Eastland gency medicine for St. Vincent Health System Suites Hotel & Eastland Apartment Homes, and as an emergency medicine physician for 18 years with St. Urbana. Ceresa was named the Illinois Hotel Vincent Hospital and for six years with Naples Community and Lodging Association Downstate Hotelier Hospital in Naples, Fla. of the Year in 2012 and the 2005 IHLA DownDr. Nevin earned a bachelor of science degree in social state Manager of the Year. work from Florida State University in Tallahassee and a docRaymond and his wife, Kimberly, reside in tor of medicine from the Indiana University School of MediMorton with their three young children. cine in Indianapolis.

Raymond Ceresa is a member of St. Patrick Catholic He completed his residency in emergency medicine at Ceresa Church of Merna and is a graduate of St. Bede Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. He is a certified physiAcademy in Peru. cian executive through the American College of Physician The Snyder Cos., a diversified, family-owned company Executives. based in Bloomington, has a 100-year history of providing innovative solutions to our customers seeking real estate, new home and commercial construction, business and per24 Big Tenders sonal insurance, hotel and apartment community development and operations. for $2999

Ames joins Commercial Packaging board BLOOMINGTON— Karen Ames of Bloomington joined Commercial Packaging’s board of directors, effective September 2013.

Commercial Packaging, based in Normal, is pleased to have such a valuable resource added to its board. Ames offers more than 22 years of sales and business experience, currently serving as a worldwide account manager for FedEx.

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November

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