July 2014 BN Inc.

BN

Out of inc. the office

Connecting Central Illinois business

July 2014

More companies find that remote working can pay off

Plus A look at Eaton Galleries Expert advice news you can use

INSIDE

BNinc.

Connecting Central Illinois business

Julie Bechtel Publisher

Bernard Beoletto Advertising manager

MARK PICKERING Pantagraph editor

karen Hansen Editor, BN Inc.

Steve Gardner Designer

July 2014 www.pantagraph.com/bninc A publication of Pantagraph Publishing Inc. 301 W. Washington St. Bloomington, IL 61701

CARLOS T. MIRANDA, The Pantagraph

Pam Eaton, left, answers questions from Skye and Nikki Jackson while looking at Herb Eaton’s “Let’s Dance” painting at Eaton Studio Gallery in Bloomington.

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. Advertising 301 W. Washington St., Bloomington, IL 61701 To advertise or questions regarding advertising, call 800-747-7323 309-820-3359. © 2014

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

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BN inc.

Connecting Central Illinois business

July

Cover Story

Features

Working away from the office

Farming

Some employees are finding the right work-life balance by working from everywhere but the office.

Page 11

Business Bio Adding art to the community Herb and Pamala Eaton share their thoughts on running Eaton Studios Gallery in their historic downtown Bloomington location.

Page 4

On the Cover:

Water regulations may hurt more than just farmers.

Page 15

Workplace health Occupational health physicians play important role in keeping workers healthy.

Page 16

Local business Chamber of Commerce promotes program to make area money mean more to community.

Page 18

News in brief Find out the latest happenings in the B-N area.

Page 19

LORI ANN COOK-NEISLER, The Pantagraph

Doug Reynolds and Patricia Evans-Reynolds, owners of dcrsoft, a social media company, work at the Coffee Hound in Bloomington.

www.pantagraph.com/bninc

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).(REDUCED TO: $179,000) 31,338 sq ft — 1418 Woodbine (B-1, Multi-Use Site, East Side, agent interest)………………………...$5.75 sf 37,200—83,375 sq. ft — 3 Lots Available (B-2, Utilities) SOLD Lafayette Business Park…………...…….$1.75 sf

Available for Lease            

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

1,260 sq ft — 1319 Veterans (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.

1,700 sq ft — 1210 Warriner (Warehouse)…..…$1,000/mo.

2,000 sq ft — Rt. 9 West (Warehouse/Office)….…$8.00 sf 2,000 sq ft — 1319 Veterans Parkway (Office)……..$14/sf

         

2,000 sq ft— 2303 E. Washington—Great Veterans Exposure … Prime Retail……….…………………….CALL 2,300 sq ft — 1531 Ft Jesse (Office/Warehouse)..$2,450/mo.

2,390 sq ft — 321 Susan Dr. (Executive Office)……..CALL 2,500 sq ft — 407 Kays Dr (Class A Office)………….$12/sf 3,050 sq ft — 2303 E. Washington (Prime Retail).$14/sf nnn 3,712 sq ft — 710 Eldorado (Veterans Retail Exposure.$12N 4,000 sq ft — 1001 W. Market (Retail)…………$10/sf (nnn) 4,608 sq ft — 108 S. Grove, Colfax (Warehouse) ..$850/mo.

7,000 sq ft — 1507 Circle Ave (Warehouse/Office)… $3,500 9,041 sq ft — 115 Merle Lane (Warehouse/Office)…$7.50sf

For Sale / Investment Opportunities      

3,600 sq ft — I-55 & PK Keller Hwy, Lexington, IL (Insulated Warehouse/Shop)…...…$324,900 32,440 sq. ft — 1107 E. Cemetery, Chenoa, IL on 5 Acres Big Reduction 2 Outbuildings, Possible TIF….$199,900 Operating Car Wash — 2 Automatics & 3 Self-Serve Bays...Recently Refreshed…(Reduced)……...…$460,000 3,000 sq ft — C-Store w/Gas, 2444 S. Main, Bloomington Closed/Ready For Fresh Start….$475,000 4,608 sq ft — 108 S. Grove, Colfax (Warehouse) $84,900 BAR & GRILL—Downs, IL—Leasehold-FF&E $89,900 Just Listed!!!

    

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…………………………….…$60,000 350 sq ft — 1209 1/2 Towanda (Retail w/2 Drive-Thru Windows/Grease Trap) Leased Ground…...…….$89,000 6,000 sq. ft. — Flex Space, Free Standing Bldg., 1,800 sf office/4,200 sf warehouse, 2 14’ O/H Doors, can divide in half for additional revenue—McLean, IL……...$250,000

Call for Information on Income Producing Commercial Properties Eastside Office Location 11,000 sq. ft. Freestanding Bldg. $765,000 Airport & Gill Street

Warehouse/Office 1,000 — 32,440 Sq. Ft. 6 Locations to Choose From Call for Pricing!!

“Selling your Business ….is our business”

Registered Business Brokers Real Estate Services Property Management

Greg Schrof 309-825-0101 gregschrof@gmail.com SCHROF COMMERICAL.COM

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

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

Business bio

Eaton Studio Gallery

CARLOS T. MIRANDA, The Pantagraph

Herb and Pam Eaton, right, enjoy the evening with friends outside their Eaton Studio Gallery in Bloomington. From left; Cathy Wentwhorth, Dennis Wentworth and Garrett Scott.

Bringing art to the city Local artist Herb Eaton and his wife, Pamala Eaton, opened Eaton Studio Gallery in 2000 at 411 N. Center St. in historic downtown Bloomington to show and sell Herb’s paintings, sculpture, drawings and prints. Herb describes himself as “a guy who likes to make things, usually utilitarian things. I also make art and music. My paintings, sculpture and drawings reflect the scenes, stages and music that are emotionally important to me.” The Eatons also work to keep the arts a vibrant part of the community at-large by exhibiting and selling new and rotated work monthly, offering musical and theatrical events and holding cultural discussions focused on local community interests, often partnering with others in the community.

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Herb, what inspires you?

Working with my hands inspires me. Everything is somehow an extension of the crayons and scissors of kindergarten. I have come to the opinion that the only reason I am an artist is that I didn’t quit making things when I became an adult. Eventually those joyful actions of youth were disciplined into skills. I still enjoy them as much as I did in kindergarten. I seldom get “inspired,” mostly I just “decide” out of all of the drawings, past work, failures, befuddlements and experiences I need to create. Over the years I acquired several degrees and lots of experience but I still ask myself questions. How does paint magically look like flowing water? What would make the shape that just popped into my head? What sound would best tell the story of this song?

Please see art, Page 6

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Justice Providers Jason S. Bartell

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Bloomington

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Criminal Defense: Felonies & Misdemeanors; Family; Juvenile A lawyer CANNOT buy the distinction of being a Leading Lawyer. This distinction was earned by being among those lawyers who were most often recommended by their peers in statewide surveys. Respondents COULD NOT recommend themselves or lawyers at their law firm. For a complete list of all Leading Lawyers and to view profiles of the lawyers listed on this page, go to www.LeadingLawyers.com.

312.644.7000 | LeadingLawyers.com A Division of Law Bulletin Publishing Company–est. 1854

Business bio

Eaton Studio Gallery

E

art

From Page 4

The answers to myself can only be in evidence I can share: a squiggle of paint, a cut in wood, a bend in steel, a momentary vibrato with my trombone.

Fortunately, other people have found these efforts worth having. Some have listened to me teach or make music; others have purchased my art, designs and the things I make. I am honored that they would want them in their lives.

o d h t a c a n

What kinds of projects are you currently working on?

One of my best memories of kindergarten was making a zoo/circus. I know that my cardboard tube and tempera paint giraffe did not come to life, but you never know, right?

I am currently reworking circus-themed art that I started in graduate school in the 1980s while I was studying Renaissance-era book illumination and altars, both great storytelling forms.

Look back to Catholic grade school and the nuns giving us holy cards, which became my first introduction to art history. The imagery continues to work its way into my current work. So now I am advancing the circus idea mixed with the altars/holy cards of my youth in both my sculptures and paintings. Circus characters are displayed like saints on altars to imply a story about human fears, follies and the occasional finesse of our actions.

How is painting different from sculpture? What compels you to choose one medium over another for a project?

Sculpture (three-dimensionality) is how I think, painting (two-dimensionality) is how I emote and drawing is the evidence of actions that notate and simplify, and remind my body for future work. The mediums I work in are many times dictated by the commissions I receive, the places or locations where my work will be displayed, or the availability of my time, space and money. My paintings are oil on canvas/paper and watercolors. My sculptures are primarily metals or wood and my sketchbooks are filled with years of ideas, idle thoughts, and plans and designs to be worked on.

How do you know when a work is finished?

This is probably the most difficult question for any artist and the part of art-making least capable of rational control.

My process toward an answer to the problem that seems to work is to make groups or a series of paintings, drawings or sculpture at the same time. They may be on my walls or floors for months. As I walk by and notice them I either decide they are done or if something bothers me about the piece I will grab them and cut them apart or splash some new color on them until I feel they are finished.

How did you acquire your current gallery space? What are the advantages to having a gallery?

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g

CARLOS T. MIRANDA, The Pantagraph

Herb Eaton stands in Eaton Studio Gallery in Bloomington.

We bought the building in 1997 because I did old-house restoration construction and built for children’s museums and I needed the space to work and create exhibits. In 2001 I decided it was time to make art and only art so I began remodeling the building to create a gallery space to exhibit my work. The building was in poor condition and needed many repairs. The sale of my art allows us to continue to make the needed repairs so we can continue to exhibit art and present music and theatre performances. I often tell young artists that they only need two things: low fixed-costs and storage space. If they have those two things they can spend their money, time and energy on making what moves them and not be forced to sell their art until they have found the best place, and price, to sell it. Owning the building provides exactly that and has allowed me enormous freedom.

a t c p a s n

w

Why does the gallery also periodically showcase the work of other artists?

Art is good for me to experience and be around. Not just my art but the art of other artists as well. I also like to meet and become friends with other artists and their friends, families and patrons because it makes me happy. That is the reason I go to art galleries, museums and performance centers. We invite other people to show or perform here for that simple reason.

In recent years, the Eaton Gallery has also evolved into a downtown venue for salons, theater, music and other events.

Tell us a bit about how that came to be.

What is the gallery’s role in the community?

The older I have become, the more convinced I am that “the arts” are necessities in a community’s life. Sadly, most of the world has decided that the commercial exploitation Please see art, Page 7

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Business bio

Eaton Studio Gallery

art

From Page 6

of the colors, movements, sounds, characters, etc. are best done in the hidden privacy of one’s TV room. Pam and I have tried to convince people that you can fill a local downtown space with color, movement, sound and characters by attending an exhibit, a play, music performance, salon discussion or local event at Eaton Gallery. We share our space and art because it is something good for us and the community.

Pam, how do you envision your role as gallerist?

I see my role as maintaining and helping to improve the artistic and commercial success of our art gallery in downtown Bloomington, as well as working with others in the community in establishing and promoting art events and programs at Eaton Gallery. My administrative duties include accounts, marketing, developing relationships with patrons, sales, assessing and selecting the artworks to exhibit, organizing and supervising Herb’s and other artists’ exhibits.

I find it very important to make guests and patrons feel welcome and comfortable in our gallery setting so we host

a variety of events that bring people to the gallery so they become more comfortable around the art. Many in our community are intimidated or uncomfortable when first entering an art gallery so we invite guests and families to take their time to look around both floors of our exhibiting space and to ask any questions they may have about the work.

How does the gallery use social media?

Pam is really good at getting upcoming events posted on emails, Twitter and Facebook. We don’t try to sell online because that would require a staff position with skills other than what Pam and I possess. I have recently started a blog.

Some people have told me they would like to see some of my poems and writings that relate to or accompany my art. It can be found at herbspuddle.wordpress.com.

How has downtown Bloomington changed since the gallery opened?

We have seen more art galleries open up in the downtown area in the last 14 years that show and sell local work. First Fridays started in downtown Bloomington seven years ago so there are now more opportunities for local artists to exhibit

Please see art, Page 10

HEARt Of AMERICA REALtORS®

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

July

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GREG YOUNT: AVAILABLE PROPERTIES HEART OF AMERICA REALTORS

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52,272 sq. ft. ‐ Excellent corner site, close to I‐55/I‐74, Wal‐Mart 5 Acres ‐ Across from Wehrenberg Theaters, minutes from I‐55/I‐74 34,078 sq. ft. ‐ At I‐55/I‐39 Interchange, near Heartland Community College.

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Coldwell Banker Commercial Heart of America Realtors 802 S. Eldorado Rd Bloomington, IL 61704

Coldwell Banker Commercial and the Coldwell Banker Commercial Logo are registered service marks licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

Business bio

Eaton Studio Gallery

REm

art

From Page 7

in the galleries and at local businesses. The galleries are also getting more requests from clubs, school art classes and community groups for field trips and private afternoon and evening visits and tours. There are more first-time art buyers coming downtown to purchase art for themselves and for gifts.

Why is it important to buy local art and support local artists?

We hope more people will choose to visit the downtown galleries and artists’ studios to purchase a one-of-a-kind original work of art for their home, office or gift-giving.

Buying local helps support local and helps to keep the galleries and artists in our downtown community, which adds to the enrichment of all of our lives. Art is direct from my hands, an original painting or sculpture is alive with my spirit and vision!

Buy a piece of art because you love it, and let your own sensibility and intuition be the best guides in choosing what speaks to you and makes you feel good when you view work by a local artist you have met.

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CARLOS T. MIRANDA, The Pantagraph

Herb and Pam Eaton, right, answer a question from Noel Weer on the “Corn Maidens and Wind Dancers” display at Eaton Studio Gallery in Bloomington.

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On the cover

REmote working

LORI ANN COOK-NEISLER, The Pantagraph

Holly Gasperi of Ohio joins a Country Financial marketing meeting via video conference. Gasperi is one of about 200 employees at the company that work remotely.

Remote control More companies offering employees the ability to work remotely

By Pat Shaver pshaver@pantagraph.com

Holly Gasperi enjoys her leisurely commute to work every day.

She walks from her upstairs bedroom downstairs to an office on the main level of her home in suburban Cleveland.

In 2010 when she decided to leave Bloomington, her Country Financial managers wanted to keep her on staff so they offered her the option to work from home full- time. She was among the more than 13.4 million people who worked at home or outside the office at least once a week that year — an increase of more than 40 percent from a decade earlier, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census.

About one-fourth of home-based workers were in management, business and financial occupations. There was a 67

July

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percent increase in home-based work for employees of private companies from 1999 to 2010.

But working a job outside the office may not be the best fit for all employees. A remote worker needs to have the discipline and motivation to stay productive outside the office, and the ability to find a proper work-life balance. Those who don’t may be better in an office environment.

“I don’t think it is for everybody. You have to be very disciplined. I work in my home office when I’m in that office,” said Gasperi, a project manager in the market planning department.

“People will say ‘You are so lucky to work at home’ but I probably work more here than in an office.”

Country Financial began a remote-work policy in 2009, said

Please see Remote, Page 12

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11

On the cover

REmote working

REm

Doug Reynolds and Patricia EvansReynolds, owners of dcrsoft, a social media company, work at the Coffee Hound in Bloomington while their son, Zach, 12, plays video games on his phone.

LORI ANN COOK-NEISLER, The Pantagraph

remote From Page 11

Shelly Prehoda, director of corporate compensation and HR systems. Generally, if it works for the position, people can request to work from home after three months with the company and the decision requires the approval of a manager and Prehoda.

“It was primarily to retain people who might have left us,” Prehoda said.

Of about 3,000 Country Financial employees, about 200 of them work remotely, she said. Many of those who work remotely do customer service for call centers or specialize in underwriting.

The company benefits because remote employees seem to be more productive and can work better independently.

“You eliminate the commute and you eliminate interruptions,” Prehoda said, adding that some employees in its Atlanta, Ga., office have a 90-minute commute each way.

Gasperi agreed.

“That half-hour between meetings I get a lot done that I couldn’t get done in the building,” Gasperi said. “My best piece of advice for people who work from home is to get ready for work everyday. It keeps you disciplined. Having a physical space that’s separate for your work is key. I couldn’t do this at the dining room table, I would get too distracted.”

Matthew Sheep, an Illinois State University associate professor of management, said it is important for people to find worklife balance. Some people blur life and work together and then it seems like they are always connected to their jobs, he said.

“To enable people to be mobile I think is going to be preferred by most. If a good idea strikes you at 8 p.m., you want to be able to work on it at home,” Sheep said “(But) some people might view it that they are never really away from work; that it is Please see Remote, Page 13

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What do you want your business to be?

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On the cover

REmote working

Holly Gasperi of Ohio takes part in the usual pre-meeting chatter and joking with her co-workers at Country Financial.

LORI ANN COOK-NEISLER, The Pantagraph

remote From Page 12

always with them. Technology has upsides and downsides.”

For Gasperi, who stays in touch with colleagues through video or phone meetings, and returns to the office a few times each quarter, one tech-related challenge is missing out on the faceto-face conversations people have before and after meetings.

“I’ll try to call someone after the meeting and ask if anything was said or discussed after-hours,” Gasperi said.

For Douglas Reynolds and Patricia Evans-Reynolds, the freedom technology offers is a key benefit. The husband-wife team owns drcsoft, a social media and marketing company that offers web design, business analysis and other services.

They have an office at the Launch Pad, a co-working space in downtown Bloomington, work from home and at local coffee shops and restaurants.

“We have our own hours and structure but we have the flexibility to change our scenery,” Evans-Reynolds said.

They bring a laptop, cellphone and iPad wherever they go and are ready to work.

“As long as we’ve got Internet,” Reynolds added.

They might spend a few hours at one shop before moving on to a different business. If they have a conference call, they might work from home where it is quiet. If they have a meeting with a client, they may meet in a conference room at the Launch Pad office.

“I can come in here and focus a lot better with all of this noise in the background than I can in the quiet,” Reynolds said while working at the Coffee Hound in downtown Bloomington. “We try to respect the business owners. We know they want to turn tables, so we don’t spend all day there.”

Lance Ruppert, an agronomy marketing and implementation

The Bloomington Normal Economic Development Council will host the next CEO Coffee on Wednesday, August 13th from 7:30-8:30am at Commerce Bank, 1339 E. Empire St., Bloomington.

CEO Coffee is a free event, open to the public that provides a chance for you to learn more about economic development in an informal setting. You will learn more about why the EDC targets specific industries, what tools and programs are available to grow the economy and how you can get involved in the process.

Call the EDC office today at (309) 452-8437 to reserve your spot.

200 W. College Avenue, Suite 402, Normal, IL 61761 P 309.452.8437 | bnbiz.org

Please see Remote, Page 13

July

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Connecting Central Illinois business

13

On the cover

REmote working

LORI ANN COOK-NEISLER, The Pantagraph

The home page of dcrsoft shows a photograph of downtown Bloomington.

remote From Page 13

manager for Growmark in Bloomington, worked remotely the first 15 years of his career in various sales jobs.

Now, he’s based in an office and man-

We Work for You!

ages a team of six employees who work outside the office. But he said he is much more productive and creative when he is working remotely.

“I’ve worked with other people who need that structure of an office to be effective. They need that to be successful; I don’t need that structure as much,” Rup-

wallmania; (wall-MAYN-ee-AH)

pert said.

But ISU’s Sheep cautioned it’s not for everyone.

“I do think it is generally becoming more of a norm but I still think it can’t be viewed simplistically,” he said. “It has to be understood that different individuals will do better at this than others.”

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Farming

Rich Guebert Jr.

of Ellis Grove, is currently serving as president of the Illinois Farm Bureau, elected in December 2013. Prior to serving as president, Guebert served as vice president and president of the Randolph County Farm Bureau. He farms corn, soybeans and wheat.

When ‘waters of the United States’ aren’t even waters F rom unpredictable and uncooperative weather to high input costs, successful farming takes a thick skin, perseverance and the ability to work around obstacles.

One obstacle farmers hope to never have to work around — or fight against — is the federal government.

Still, for the last three years, Illinois Farm Bureau members have overwhelmingly said the federal government and over-regulation are their biggest work-arounds and threats to long-term profitability.

And that government over-regulation talk is about to ramp up again — not only for farmers, but for a variety of small businesses — with the Environmental Protection Agency’s latest try at a government land-grab — its pro-

Belina Trunell

Please see guebert, Page 16

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However, the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are seeking to expand the definition of “waters of the U.S.” to include not only navigable waters, but also puddles,

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Workplace health Dr. Thomas L. Sutter

is medical director of Advocate Medical Group Occupational Health, which has offices in Bloomington and the Chicago area. Dr. Sutter is board certified in occupational medicine and is a certified Medical Review Officer, a certified Independent Medical Examiner and a certified Aviation Medical Examiner.

Occupational health physicians help to keep workers healthy I

llinoisans spend a large part of their day at work. As an occupational health physician, my colleagues and I believe we play an important role as a bridge between the health care system and companies.

We know that the health of a company’s employees impacts the long-term success of that business, so occupational health focuses not only on excellent care of an injured worker, but also prevention of further injuries.

Here are some things that a good occupational health team should do for its customers: 1. They should work hard to prevent illness and injury in the workplace, visiting company sites, walking through the plant/office and offering medical advice as needed.

2. They should help patients return to work in a safe way and give appropriate restrictions so that a returning employee can be productive but also protected.

3. They should treat health care workers and their injuries, including giving immunization boosters when needed to prevent disease.

4. They should perform “return to work” exams for companies that need a medical opinion on one of their workers to make sure the employee is safe to return to his or her regular job.

5. They should care for workers exposed to blood and body fluids, providing rapid evaluation of both the source

and the exposed employee.

6. They should champion health and safety issues with companies, including giving ergonomic insights when onsite at a company.

7. They should give travel shots for workers who need to be overseas for prevention of Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, malaria, yellow fever and other international diseases.

8. They should assist companies with their drug testing programs and review positive results to ensure that the result is a “true” positive.

9. They should perform audiology tests for hearing conservation programs and, if hearing loss is detected, council the patient to seek further evaluation.

10. They should perform pulmonary function tests like spirometry for respiratory protection programs and review OSHA requirements and test results to ensure the safety of an employee prior to fit-testing of equipment.

11. They should be nationally certified to provide Department of Transportation exams for truckers and follow all DOT guidance to help ensure safety on the road.

12. They should be available to serve in a medical director role for companies, where they can give input to senior company officials on medical issues in the workplace — focusing on prevention.

Guebert

and related small businesses. They would also be negatively impacted as the proposed role would increase federal regulatory power over private property. The definitions would create confusion and, because they were intentionally created to be overly broad, could be interpreted in whatever way the federal agencies see fit.

Agencies like the EPA and the Corps of Engineers are not charged with writing the laws of the land. Congress is.

And when Congress wrote the Clean Water Act, it clearly intended for the law to apply to navigable waters. Yet these agencies seek to stretch the meaning in order to gobble up privately owned and managed lands.

Is a small ditch navigable? How about that dry ditch that only fills with water during a rainstorm? Or even that puddle in your backyard? Those bodies of water don’t sound navigable to farmers, either.

From Page 15

ponds, ditches, small wetlands and even land that resembles a stream during a rainstorm but is dry otherwise. If the expanded definition is allowed, permits and other regulatory roadblocks — having to hire environmental consultants, for example — would stand in the way of conducting routine business activities like building fences, removing debris from ditches, spraying for weeds and insects, and removing unwanted vegetation.

The U.S. Census Bureau’s County Business Patterns report indicates there are nearly 2,700 businesses in McLean County that employ 100 or fewer people. Among them are homebuilders, real estate agencies, aggregate producers

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Connecting Central Illinois business

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Local business

Charlie Moore

is the president and CEO of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce. An Illinois native, Moore has devoted his career to promoting local commerce, advocating for small business, creating relevant programs and establishing relationships for business success.

Make money mean more Q

uality communities are created by citizens who just shy of $13.6 million (unaudited). understand that they have the ability to make an Unfortunately, that’s over $1 million less than what impact on their present and their future. While was generated in 2013. Just think of the services and infrastructure projects that the city will be forced to operwe can agree that McLean County is indeed a quality regional community, a question you need to ask yourself ate with reduced budgets due to a lack of funding. is “Have I done my part to How could those reduced aid in that effort?” If not, services affect your wants, now is the time to put your “Make Your Money Mean More” is a buy needs or service expectamoney where your house is tions? and Make Your Money Mean local campaign championed by the McLean We owe it to our commuMore. nity to shop where we live County Chamber of Commerce which Over the last five years and ensure that our sales McLean County has been stresses the importance of spending our taxes are reinvested here fortunate to remain insuin our own backyard on esdollars at any business in McLean County. sential services we take for lated from the struggling national economy. While granted.

Regardless of the size of business or the there were businesses that That’s why we’re askwere affected and jobs that amount of your purchase, or if you trade ing you to help “Make Your were lost, in comparison to Money Mean More”! with a locally owned business, chain communities that surround “Make Your Money Mean Bloomington-Normal, we More” is a buy local camretailer or big box store, every purchase fared well. paign championed by the There are many hypothcontributes to our local economy. The best McLean County Chamber of esis as to why that may Commerce which stresses part — everyone can participate. It doesn’t the importance of spending be, however the question now is: How do we provide dollars at any business matter if you’re a member of the chamber, our for the future security of in McLean County. our community and unite but it does matter if you’re a member of our Regardless of the size of together to continue to inbusiness or the amount of community. Let’s work together to ensure your purchase, or if you sulate our economy from external forces? with a locally owned that McLean County continues to be a trade There’s one easy, short business, chain retailer or answer... buy local. Make big box store, every purvibrant and progressive community, your purchases here. Keepchase contributes to our lowhere we buy from and work with loing your shopping local cal economy. means more than you might cal businesses, investing in a unique and The best part — everyone can participate. It doesn’t suspect. Local purchases ensure that employers can matter if you’re a member sustainable future. support their workforce, of the chamber, but it does keeping unemployment low matter if you’re a member and potential buying power high. It also means that sales of our community. tax revenue generated with your purchase is redistribLet’s work together to ensure that McLean County uted to pay for the services each and every citizen has continues to be a vibrant and progressive community, come to expect. When one buys online or out of town, where we buy from and work with local businesses, inthose dollars are collected elsewhere which in turn helps vesting in a unique and sustainable future. someone else’s community, not ours.

For more information about the Make Your Money For example, the city of Bloomington recently anMean More campaign, visit makeyourmoneymeanmore. nounced that its 2014 state sales taxes collected were org.

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e

News in brief Government/taxes

‘Flat’ budget tight for social services BLOOMINGTON — The “flat,” $35.7 billion state budget approved by the General Assembly in May — which keeps funding for the fiscal year that begins July 1 at this year’s levels — is leaving Central Illinois human service agencies disappointed, but relieved.

“Another year of flat budgets is better than draconian cuts, but we’re on life support,” said Dale Strassheim, CEO of The Baby Fold, whose programs include foster care, adoption, residential care and special education. “We’ve received a flat budget in our state allocation 14 of the past 15 years ... and it’s getting harder and harder to raise money.”

While severe cuts were avoided, the budget — which had yet to be signed by Gov. Pat Quinn in early June — actually reflects a small cut as demand for services and costs increase, said agency representatives.

Enterprise zone for CIRA advances NORMAL — The Normal City Council on June 2 approved extending the enterprise zone to include nearly 1,300 acres at the Central Illinois Regional Airport.

In an enterprise zone, developers are exempt from paying state sales tax on building materials. While that would benefit a planned FedEx facility at the airport, officials said they hope to attract other

July

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businesses, too.

All local and county government entities involved in the enterprise zone will have to approve the expansion. The Bloomington City Council approved it May 27.

Economic development official leaves BLOOMINGTON — The city’s first economic development coordinator is leaving the city for a private-sector position in St. Louis.

The city hired Justine Robinson in January 2012 to help grow the city’s retail sector and add to the efforts of the Economic Development Council of the Bloomington-Normal area.

Prior to working for the city, Robinson served as Eastland Mall’s assistant general manager. She is leaving the city after more than two years for a marketing specialist position in St. Louis with CBL Properties, the same company that owns Eastland Mall.

Normal library remodels layout NORMAL — The planned addition of an automated book sorter prompted a layout change at the Normal Public Library this spring that brought a more open concept to the first floor and takes advantage of natural light.

“It’s opened up space for people and tables for laptops; it’s amazing,” said Joan Steinburg, president of the library board.

The cost of the entire project — including the book sorter and remodeling work — was about $100,000.

Please see News, Page 20

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News in brief news

From Page 19

Town switches newspaper recycler NORMAL — The Normal City Council has approved a three-year contract with Midwest Fiber of Normal to recycle newspapers, ending a 14-year agreement with Phoenix Paper of Lostant that expired May 31.

The new pact is expected to save the town about $27,730, the annual cost of trucking the paper to Lostant plus maintain a semitrailer truck. In addition, Midwest Fiber will pay the town about $12.50 more a ton for the paper. Phoenix Paper offered $35 a ton compared to $47.50 from Midwest Fiber.

The town originally sent all of its newspaper to Phoenix Paper, but the amount was reduced after the town went to curbside, single-stream recycling in 2011. Only newspapers that were separated through the town’s drop-box program went to Phoenix; newspapers in the co-mingled curbside program went to Midwest Fiber.

Normal hires city attorney NORMAL — Brian Day, lead attorney for the Illinois Municipal League, was hired to replace Normal Corporation Counsel Steve Mahrt, who retired June 2.

In his job at the Illinois Municipal League, Day managed the day-to-day affairs of the league’s legal department and advises municipal governments in the state on a wide range of legal topics. He also served as the primary staff representative to the Illinois Home Rule Attorneys Committee, a group of municipal attorneys from throughout the state that meets monthly to discuss issues facing local governments.

Before joining the league in 2008, he worked several years for the Legislative Reference Bureau of the Illinois General Assembly

County Board OKs pay hike BLOOMINGTON — McLean County Board members were split 9-9 on a proposal to give themselves a raise effective Jan. 1, 2017, but a vote cast by Chairman Matt Sorensen allowed the measure to pass.

Salaries for board members who are not on the Executive Committee will increase from the current $4,640 a year to $4,805 on Jan. 1, 2017, and to $4,900 on Jan. 1, 2018. Action by the board in 2012 froze the salaries from 2013-2015 and provided a 1.5 percent increase in 2016. Members of the Executive Committee continue to be under a salary freeze and will receive $5,640 through calendar year 2016.

The chairman of the board will receive $14,073 effective Jan. 1, 2015, and $18,764 effective Jan. 1, 2016, and a $200 monthly mileage and business expense allowance. Other County Board members receive a $40 mileage and business expense allowance; the vice chairman and chairmen of board committees receive a $75 monthly stipend.

City to fix ice center parking deck BLOOMINGTON — The city will begin working toward reinforcing a $3.3 million parking garage built in 2006 that’s been nearly vacant since October after inspectors found major structural deficiencies.

The city believes the 264-space Pepsi Ice Center parking garage contains only 70 percent of the steel it was designed to include.

The problematic structural elements were precast off-site. The

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city is pursuing mediation and arbitration with several companies involved in the garage’s construction to get responsible contractors to pay for the repairs that could cost up to $1.6 million.

The mediation and arbitration process could take several months, but the repairs are temperature-sensitive, said City Manager David Hales.

Normal firefighter contract adds officers NORMAL — A new contract that will add three firefighters and bring battalion chiefs to the Normal Fire Department was approved by the City Council.

Normal Fire Chief Mick Humer said the addition of battalion chiefs to the administration line up will, among other things, allow more firefighters to begin tackling a fire when they arrive at a scene.

The resulting chain of promotions will open spots for three new firefighters.

The contract foregoes a pay raise this year but does include a onetime $1,000 payment to all bargaining unit members. On April 1, 2015, base wages will increase by 2.85 percent.

The changes will cost about $243,000 this fiscal year.

Education MAP funding stable, deemed inadequate NORMAL — Area colleges and their students are feeling the crunch without increases in funding for the Illinois Monetary Award Program that provides grants to needy college students.

The state’s fiscal year 2015 budget set aside $373 million for MAP grants — essentially the same amount as the current year. The point at which the money runs out might be even earlier in 2015, officials said.

Jana Albrecht, Illinois State University director of financial aid, said 4,100 to 4,300 ISU students usually receive MAP grants, totaling about $15 million each year.

ISU expects larger freshman class BLOOMINGTON — Illinois State University is expecting an “exceptionally larger freshman class” this fall compared to recent years after receiving a record number of more than 15,400 applications, President Larry Dietz told the McLean County Chamber of Commerce.

Dietz said the university has received more than 3,900 freshman enrollment deposits, up more than 700 from this time a year ago.

After the meeting, Chief of Staff Jay Groves said it was too soon to give a figure on how many incoming freshman ISU will have. Last fall, there were 2,981.

A larger class will cause a few problems, such as the need to stretch on-campus housing, but Dietz called it a “good problem to have.”

IWU on track to enrollment goal BLOOMINGTON — Illinois Wesleyan University is on target to reach its enrollment goals for fall semester and is expecting an increase in minority and international students.

President Richard Wilson said May 24 the goal is 500 to 530 incoming students in fall 2014. Total enrollment is about 2,000.

“We’re not in a growth mode,” said Wilson, pointing to the capacity of IWU’s facilities and the diminishing number of high school graduates nationwide.

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Fish & friends

CARLOS T. MIRANDA, The Pantagraph

Dick Johnson, right, attends the Seafood Club on April 11 at Ed Brady’s home in Bloomington. The group of local business men meet once a month to eat seafood, drink and socialize.

Long running Seafood Club brings together area leaders

By Pat Shaver pshaver@pantagraph.com

BLOOMINGTON — There are a few rules to a longtime, little-known Bloomington dinner club.

Members can only eat saltwater seafood, no women are allowed and you must drink beer from a cup, no bottles or cans.

The Seafood Club has held many of its traditions since it began in 1942. Today, the club still meets once a month to eat seafood and socialize. The organization is made up of 27 men, and includes community leaders, bankers, real estate

July

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agents, attorneys, finance professionals, leaders in the insurance industry, business owners and retired professionals.

The Seafood Club was started by Bloomington architect Phil Hooton and several of his associates. Hooton received a barrel of oysters from a friend in Baltimore and decided to share them with friends.

The group began pooling their funds to order fresh seafood to enjoy once a month.

The men socialize, munch appetizers, drink beer and some smoke cigars before sitting down for dinner about Please see fish, Page 22

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21

fish

From Page 21

7:30 p.m.

Membership includes only one person from any given business, with the exception being State Farm, said David Hiltabrand, marketing manager at McLean County Title.

New members are nominated by current members and then voted on by a secret ballot that is mailed out. Each member of the club pays $400 a year for 12 meals.

Don Barnes, retired from the insurance industry, has been a member for 32 years.

“I’ve enjoyed the friendship and camaraderie of the group,” he said, adding that they often have conversations on political and social topics. “It’s wonderful to have these great friends to share this with.”

Members are allowed to bring male guests to the dinner for a $25 fee. The club also frequently holds “ladies night,” when women are invited.

“I used to be a guest and they finally said ‘Oh, just let him be in,’” said Lee Menken, a retired banker in Bloomington. Menken has been a member since 1980.

In his early years, Menken remembers the group having dinner and then going out on the town for drinks.

“Now, we have enough here and go home,” he said.

Each month, a different member hosts at his home, with a co-host assigned to help cook.

The dinner is held on the first Friday of each month. Ed Brady, with Brady Homes in Bloomington, was the host in April. Brady served appetizers like coconut shrimp and salmon and crackers. For dinner, a lettuce salad was served along with a seafood pasta featuring shrimp and scallops.

Hiltabrand, a member for 20 years, said he once served crab legs that he ran through his dishwasher a few times. The group has also feasted on shark, redfish caught and brought back by a member, gumbo and soft shell crab flown in from the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland.

Bob Gipson, a retired insurance professional, is among the oldest members in the group. He joined in 1958.

“I think they took it more seriously back then. The club is more casual now,” Gipson said, while sipping a beer.

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CARLOS T. MIRANDA, The Pantagraph

Members of the Seafood Club enjoy dinner at Ed Brady’s home in Bloomington.

An invitation for the Seafood Club was on display at Ed Brady’s home in Bloomington.

Gipson said some of his favorite memories are in years past when the group would carry the party to a local bar and stay out into the early morning.

Paul Van Ness, an attorney at State Farm, is one of the newer members of the group, but grew up hearing stories

from his father.

“There’s a lot of history in this group. And the food is always good,” Van Ness said, who became a member in 2009. His father, Bloomington Dr. Albert Lyle Van Ness, became a member in the late 1970s.

“The club has had very successful professional people and business people over the years,” Van Ness said.

Prominent former members include: Davis Merwin, former publisher of The Pantagraph; Dr. Watson Gailey, founder of Gailey Eye Clinic; Herbert Livingston, attorney with Livingston, Barger, Brandt; Will and Bill Costigan, with Costigan and Wollrab law firm; Gene Paxton, owner of Paxton’s Inc.; Vince Trosino, senior vice president of State Farm; William Matheson, president of Portable Elevator Manufacturing Co.; Bruce Hiser, agency manager at State Farm; and Fred Dolan, president of Pantagraph Printing and Stationary.

Guy Fraker, a Bloomington attorney and author of “Lincoln’s Ladder to the Presidency,” has been a member for 10 years.

“Bloomington has a tradition of being a really great community. This club is totally unique, and there is a real mix of people” Fraker said.

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Using powerful technology, The Pantagraph reaches more people in more ways than ever before. In fact, each week we reach 87% of adults in print, online and via mobile technology.

Let us show you how we can deliver powerful results to your bottom line.

For more information on how we can help your business grow, contact your Pantagraph Consultant today.

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The relationships I have forged with other members are invaluable...

Being a member of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce gives me a sense of belonging to my local business community. In the Chamber I find my colleagues, my fellow business owners, my friends, and in a sense, my local professional family.

The relationships I have forged with other members are invaluable and they have helped shape me into the business owner I am today.

The members have not only supported Jack Lewis Jewelers by patronizing our business, but many have also mentored me, personally, through each phase of my career. When I am in need of advice or support, I always know that scores of fellow members are just a phone call away. I can’t imagine owning a business in McLean County without being a member of our Chamber of Commerce!

John Carter Owner Jack Lewis Jewelers