Southern Business Journal

OBAMACARE

MARCH 2011

Our next

SBJ Community Leaders’ Breakfast Tuesday, March 29 at John A. Logan College SEE PAGE 4 FOR STORY

Directory of Advertisers

Inside M A RC H

OBAMACARE Will it hurt or help? Our Community Leaders Breakfast March 29 will explore the impact of national health care reform, popularly known as Obamacare. Sponsored by the Southern Business Journal and The Southern Illinoisan, the breakfast begins at 7 a.m. at John A. Logan College in Carterville. Keynote speaker Ron Galloway will assess the shortterm difficulties he anticipates with Obamacare, but he also will discuss the long-term promises he foresees of the landmark legislation: Lowers costs and improved health care.

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ENTREPRENEUR’S MAILBAG Think about public relations: Today’s public relations practices are more sophisticated than the wing-and-aprayer tactics that got results just a decade ago, but the dividends are better, too. Columnist Cavanaugh L. Gray offers a personal perspective on effective public relations – beginning with the basic premise that business people who don’t tell their own stories first will later on learn about an outsider’s story about the business. To get the job done right, Gray provides a handy checklist for getting started.

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EMPLOYMENT LAW Employees need facts on laws: Columnist Ed Renshaw reports that many of the state and federal laws

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Carbondale Civic Center ...................... 7

protecting employee rights include a requirement that signs be posted to inform employees of their rights.

Renshaw says the signs must be posted in a conspicuous place where other notices to employees are usually placed. It’s not an optional thing. Failure to follow the sign-posting requirements may result in a fine or limit an employer’s ability to defend against a lawsuit involving one of these employment-related laws.

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Southern Illinoisan. Contact us via mail at 710 N. Illinois Ave., Carbondale, IL 62901, or at P. O. Box 2108, Carbondale, IL 62903. Also reach us on the Web at www.sbj.biz and via e-mail at SBJ@thesouthern.com. The Journal is published 12 times per year monthly, and

DataLock .......................................... 22 Dutch Guttering ................................ 23 Feirich, Mager, Green & Ryan.............. 22

INDICATORS Jobless rate improving: Unemployment fell in all 18 Southern Illinois counties during December. Joblessness dropped a full 1 percent in Franklin, Washington and Gallatin counties; and 1.5 percent in Pulaski County. For the year, unemployment dropped in all counties for a 1.8 percent improvement over the prior year. To learn more about home sales, new vehicle sales and retail sales across Southern Illinois, check the monthly compilation.

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ACHIEVEMENTS Learn the latest: Find out who has been hired, who has been promoted or who has received an award for their efforts in business. Make sure you check out our newest ‘Faces in the news’ collection of business portraits. If you know of a business or person who deserves special recognition for advanced training, a unique honor or an expansion of business, please let us know at sbj@thesouthern.com.

Pages 18-19

Contact us The Southern Business Journal is a publication of The

Custom Cleaners .............................. 22

Ferrellgas .......................................... 17 Glass Haunt ...................................... 23 Jim’s Mobile Offices and Homes .......... 9 John A. Logan College ........................ 15 Millwood .............................................. 4 Oliver and Associates, Inc. ................ 10 Pepsi MidAmerica ........................ 10, 17 Sandberg, Phoenix & Von Gontard ...... 17 Silkworm Inc. ...................................... 7 SIU Credit Union ................................ 20

Publisher: Bob Williams n 618-351-5038

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Editor: Gary Metro n 618-351-5033

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Circulation: Trisha Woodside n 618-351-5035

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Your Jeweler ........................................ 9

mailed to businesses, community development leaders, chambers of commerce members and other professionals in Southern Illinois. Copyright 2011 by The Southern Illinoisan, all rights reserved. A subscription may be obtained by calling 618-529-5454 or 618-997-3356, or by visiting our website.

MARCH 2011

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

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Cover Story Prepare to feel the pinch of tax hikes Individuals, businesses are going to see the impact of state’s decision

BY LES O’DELL SBJ CORRESPONDENT

Like many Southern Illinoisans, Jesse Wilham of Carbondale vowed to exercise more in 2011. Late last year, he worked at paying off debts so he could afford a gym membership. Then he learned of a 2 percent increase in Illinois state income tax withholding, causing him to cancel plans to join a fitness center.

“What I thought was going to be extra money isn’t there,” he explains. “I need what was going to be the gym membership money for other bills.”

The state increase essentially negates a one-year, federally mandated 2 percent decrease in FICA or social security withholding.

“I don’t think the general population has felt it yet,” says Jim Skiersch, owner of The UPS Store in Marion. “The state now takes 5 percent as opposed to what was 3 percent, while the FICA taxes went down. It’s kind of a wash for the employee.

What the federal government gave, the state took away.”

Not all local residents are breaking even.

Wilham, a Southern Illinois University Carbondale staff member, and others are feeling the 2 percent pinch. Some state employees, teachers and railroad workers are among those exempt from Social Security, so their paychecks are actually lower.

Businesses also are taking a hit. Along with the increase in personal income tax, corporate tax rates jumped from 4.8 percent to 7 percent, says Ramon Rodriguez Jr., an assistant professor in the SIUC School of Accountancy.

“The state government made changes on two fronts, both temporary increases,” he says. “For individuals, there is a jump to 5 percent for four years, then it will drop back a bit for 10 years, then 15 years from now it drops to 3.25 percent. The corporate rate will drop in four years back to 5.25 percent for 10 years and back to the current rate. This is assuming nothing changes in the Legislature in the meantime.”

It’s that increase in the corporate rate,

ART SERVICES

The increase in personal taxes is masked this year by the decrease in FICA. The social security withholding level goes back up next year, negatively affecting virtually all wage earners.

along with higher workers’ compensation rates and talk of an increase in the minimum wage, that makes business leaders and economic development officials nervous.

“The logic of it makes people feel like it’s going to make attracting business more difficult,” Mary Ellen Bechtel, executive director of the Jefferson County Development Corporation, says. “When you have a perceived adverse environment, you just have to put more incentives on the table to make it more attractive.”

“If a business is looking to expand into Illinois, Indiana, Missouri or Kentucky, we as a state are definitely going to be last on the list,” he says. “A business has to look at the bottom line and do what’s best for the stock holders. It’s difficult for us to draw in business from other states.”

Port says some local accountants have heard from business leaders who are considering leaving the state.

“It potentially could mean a loss of business, revenue and maybe even citizens for our communities,” he adds. “It certainly adds to the strain businesses are under in this weakened economy.”

“With the corporate rate, I think there is a fear that businesses will relocate,” Rodriguez explains. “When the tax increase is stated as a percentage — a 67 percent increase for individuals and 45 percent for corporations — it sounds very scary. I think there are two sides of this. One is that it is supposed to be a temporary increase, and it is very expensive to uproot and leave Illinois for just a four-year increase. The counter to that is that especially in Southern Illinois, if there’s a small business near the state line, it may be easy for them to move out of the state.”

He says the added tax burden for a small business with a profit of $100,000 is just $2,200.

“That’s not really enough to force a business to have to lay off someone. I don’t think we’re in crisis mode where it will cost jobs, but the sound of a 45 percent increase may scare some current businesses into leaving and prevent other businesses from coming to Illinois. I think businesses will see it as an extra cost, but it’s not a shut-thebusiness-down sort of extra cost.”

A definite impact ‘Last on list’ Carmi Mayor David Port says his community, located just miles from the Indiana border, is trying to lure in new business without much luck. He says the increased taxation is making the task very difficult.

Still, businesses and communities will be impacted by the higher tax rates.

“At the moment, it affects employees more,” Skiersch says. “In three months, I’ll have to pay my portion of the increased taxes for the state. It’s going to take more money, and it definitely will

Find more business news at www.sbj.biz. affect my bottom line.”

Rodriguez says that while the increase in personal taxes is masked this year by the decrease in FICA, the social security withholding level goes back up next year, negatively affecting virtually all wage earners.

Bechtel says that could lead to a decrease in consumer spending.

“I think it will affect retailers, services and even tax revenue for cities,” Bechtel adds. “My gut feeling is that it will affect our retail revenues and the level of discretionary money that households have to spend. When you take $1,200 out of someone’s annual pay, they may go out to eat less often, for example. They’ll definitely spend their money a little differently.”

So what can communities and businesses do as a result? Port says that the answers must come both from the local and statewide levels.

“We need incentives to draw business into areas like ours. We need carrots to offer them, things like lower taxes, lower worker’s compensation and a lower minimum wage, but those may not be options right now,” he says.

“I think eventually businesses here will just adjust their business models to make it all work,” Bechtel adds. “It does make it harder, but I thing we’ll balance it out. We have to just press on and do the best we can.”

The result is that individuals and businesses have a new obligation to meet.

And, like Wilham’s gym membership, it may mean making do without other options for a while.

“It’s like you’ve made the last credit card payment and think you’ll have money, when suddenly something happens and you have to use the card again. It’s frustrating,” Wilham says.

LES O’DELL of Carbondale is a regular contributor to Southern Business Journal and The Southern Illinoisan.

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SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

MARCH 2011

Obamacare: Rx for progress?

BY GARY METRO SBJ EDITOR

Wondering about the impact of national health care reform — popularly called Obamacare — on your business? You’re not alone, even if your business is not part of the region’s health care network.

Our Community Leaders Breakfast in late March should help sort facts from fiction about Obamacare.

The keynote speaker, nationally known business expert Ron Galloway, sees better and more affordable care in the future as a result, but not without some difficulties.

Sponsored by the Southern Business Journal and The Southern Illinoisan, the program starts at 7 a.m. Tuesday, March 29 at John A. Logan College in Carterville.

Registration is required by March 21. The cost of $15 includes a full breakfast buffet.

To register, go online at www.sbj.biz or call The Southern Illinoisan at 618-351-5002.

Galloway, 49, of Atlanta, said in a recent interview he would address the unintended consequences of Obamacare, including its impact on the nation’s business climate, a predicted decrease in physicians, hospital mergers and closings, increased medical tourism by Americans and the great potentials of electronic recordkeeping, “doc in a box” walk-in clinics and personalized, self-managed health therapies.

It might sound frightening, but Galloway, a self-described conservative, believes the eventual benefits will warrant the early difficulties.

“Something had to change. Ultimately, I’m optimistic about it, if it forces people to take control of their own health care.”

It won’t be much different from managing your own 401(k) retirement plan, in Galloway’s view.

Right now, the newness and lack of realworld application of health care reform create uncertainty for business.

“In the economic world, uncertainty equals risk. It makes the small business climate riskier,” which inhibits new ventures and expansions, Galloway said.

Hospitals will close and merge, the total number of doctors will decrease as the number of nurse practitioners expands, and there will be more Americans seeking foreign medical care than foreigners seeking medical care in America, Galloway said.

Though it might sound discouraging, Galloway sees the transition yielding significant savings by avoiding costly duplications and limiting physicianadministered care to those cases requiring more than a nurse practitioner — among other changes. Everyone will need to take more responsibility for their own health, both through growing wellness initiatives required in the private sector and the availability of walk-in medical services for known medical conditions.

Galloway sees the expansion of clinics operated by Walgreen’s, CVS, Wal-Mart and others as a sign of things to come.

Though derided by the term “doc in a box,” the clinics often are chosen by people who know what care is needed and prefer to save time and a great deal of money.

Perhaps the area of greatest potential is the electronic medical recordkeeping that will be required by Obamacare. It may be an unintended consequence, but the standardized and instantly available records will enable medical researchers to quickly analyze vast amounts of data on the effectiveness of new drugs and existing treatment therapies. Galloway said costly clinical research projects will largely be replaced.

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SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

MARCH 2011

Money Matters Reasons why you should do asset protection planning

BY RICHARD HABIGER SBJ CONTRIBUTOR

When you have spent a lifetime accumulating what you have obtained, you do not want all (or even a part) to be lost to creditors or predators, either now or at any time in the future.

Habiger If you are a physician, dentist, lawyer, financial advisor or other professional in a high-risk career, you understand, or should understand, the need to do asset protection planning, as well as to have adequate liability insurance. Every time you treat a patient or counsel a client or otherwise engage in providing your professional services, there is a certain

risk, no matter your professional skill, that an accident or mistake will be made. You do not want to risk all that you have worked so hard to achieve going down the drain defending your reputation or preventing impoverishment of yourself and your family should a law suit result in a settlement or judgment that exceeds the amount of liability insurance you have been able to afford.

But, there are other situations that cry out for asset protection planning.

Common situations can result in substantial losses to you and your family.

For example: death taxes; the cost of longterm care; the remarriage of your spouse after your death; the financial abuse of your surviving spouse by a loved one or a care provider; a child or grandchild who simply is unable to be a responsible mature adult; an in-law who may wastefully consume an inheritance; or the liability of heirs due to lawsuits,

bankruptcy or business failures.

Let me describe situations to illustrate why all smart persons, not just doctors and other professionals, consult qualified counsel to do asset protection planning. l You have a special needs child.

Perhaps she (or he) has never left home.

She is a very sweet person and thrives in a home environment. She may need practical help with daily tasks. Maybe she is easily upset by changes in her routine, but flourishes with loving care and attention. Since reaching 18 years of age, she has been receiving SSI and medical benefits. If this describes your child, you need to understand that she will lose these benefits if you leave an inheritance directly to her. This includes custodial accounts under the uniform transfers to minors or uniform gifts to minors acts (UTMA or UGMA). If, instead, you leave her inheritance to a trustee for her benefit in a Special (or Supplemental) Needs Trust,

you can give her a higher quality of life than she would otherwise enjoy — all without the need to “spend down” her inheritance and without jeopardizing her governmental benefits. l You have a grandson (granddaughter, niece, nephew, etc.) that lives independently, but you and his parents refer to him as being “slow.” While he currently seems to be functioning well living independently, he receives Medicaid to help pay for his medications. Also, you realize that he is vulnerable to being exploited by so-called “friends” and may eventually need to reside in a sheltered environment. Again, you need to understand that he would lose his Medicaid and other governmental benefits until he had “spent down” an inheritance left directly to him; but if left to a Special Needs Trust, there would be no SEE MONEY / PAGE 16

Choosing a financial professional There’s nothing like doing your homework and being selective

BY SCOTT MCCLATCHEY SBJ CONTRIBUTOR

When we buy a car or a house, consider a school for our children or plan our next vacation, what kind of approach do we take? For one thing, we take our time. We shop McClatchey around and consider our choices.

Yet, when it comes to selecting a financial consultant, not everyone takes such care.

MarketWatch.com senior columnist Chuck Jaffe sometimes speaks to audiences on this topic, and when he does, he likes to conduct an informal poll.

First, he asks people to raise their hand if they have ever worked with a financial adviser. Many hands go up.

Next, he asks these people to keep their hands in the air if they hired the first financial advisor they met with in their search. Few, if any, hands are lowered.

Then, he asks them to keep their hands up if they did a background check on that person before agreeing to work together.

After asking that question, Jaffe writes, “I have never had a single hand stay in the air.”

Credibility and compatibility both matter. When it comes to the “alphabet soup” of financial industry designations, some of them carry more clout than others. Some of the most respected professional designations are Certified Financial Planner, Chartered Financial Consultant and Chartered Financial Analyst. These designations are earned only after thorough examinations and a required curriculum of college-level studies in financial planning applications, retirement, insurance and estate planning fundamentals and other topics. Realworld experience must also complement

this course of study.

Beyond a financial professional’s credentials and designations, you have the matter of compatibility. You don’t want to work with someone who insists that you fit into a preconceived box, for you are not simply Investor A, Investor B or Investor C who deserves this or that generic strategy. Better financial professionals really get to know you, and they will not be offended if you make the effort to get to know them.

This is a relationship-based business, and when a financial consultant offers a thoughtfully considered, personalized strategy to a client resulting from one or more discovery meetings, he or she has taken a step to earn the respect and trust of that client. Finer financial professionals abide by a client’s preferences and risk tolerance and take the client’s values, needs and priorities into account.

How do you “check out” a financial professional? You can visit www.finra.org (the Financial Industry Regulatory

Authority) and use FINRA BrokerCheck to see if anything questionable has occurred in that person’s career. If that financial professional is an investment advisor, you can go to the Securities and Exchange Commission and look at that advisor’s Form ADV at advisorinfo.sec.gov. Part 1 will tell you about any issues with clients or regulatory agencies; Part 2 will tell you about the advisor’s services, fees and investment strategies.

In addition, AARP offers you a financial adviser questionnaire, and websites like abika.com, paladinregistry.com and advisorbackgroundcheck.com can provide you with further information.

SCOTT MCCLATCHEY is a certified financial planner with Alliance Investment Planning Group, a Carbondale investment firm he co-founded, at 115 S. Washington St. He can be reached at 618-519-9344 or scott@allianceinvestmentplanning.com.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC.

MARCH 2011

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Entrepreneur’s Mailbag Public relations lets you tell the story of your business

BY CAVANAUGH L. GRAY SBJ CONTRIBUTOR

I remember my first real attempt at public relations. I was in college operating as a novice entrepreneur, and my new nonprofit, Young Entrepreneurs Program, was just really getting off of Gray the ground. At the time, my strategy was simple. Get an envelope, include an archaic brochure with a Post-It note, and then close my eyes, cross my fingers and hope for the best. The result was that renowned marketer Jerry Fisher did an article on the Young Entrepreneurs Program, entitled “Fishing for Ideas.” The column ran in the February 1999 issue of Entrepreneur Magazine and brought me a level of national recognition and credibility that would have taken years on my own. Today’s public relations efforts are far more sophisticated than my wing-and-a-prayer approach and, if done right, could pay big dividends.

PR 101 There are two adages of public relations.

The first says that if you don’t tell your story, then someone else will definitely tell it for you. The other is that all PR (even bad PR) is still good PR. I am a fan of the former, and I think that companies like BP would agree with me. Public relations allow you to connect with the greater viewing audience in order to let them know what your business is all about.

Publicity is not a one-sided deal, but a free-exchange between you and the media. If you are planning to embark on a public relations campaign, be sure to define your goals and objectives before you begin.

Tips for getting started If managed properly, public relations could lead to increased credibility and sales. These tips may not be exhaustive, but will definitely start your press efforts off right. l First determine if your message is newsworthy. Does your story piggy-back on a popular news trend? l Be selective where you publicize, and determine if the media of choice gives you greater access to your target market? l Know who covers what, and be respectful of the press’ time and deadlines.

I often marvel at how reporters and journalists manage to keep it all together. l Develop a one-page press release with all of the key information front-loaded.

Your release should answer who, what, when, where, why and how. l Lastly, be sure to check your information for spelling and grammatical errors.

Public relations should not be confused with marketing, although it plays a key role in getting your company’s message out. In today’s hyper-connected society, all news about your company may not leave the general public with warm and fuzzy feelings. In January, Taco Bell CEO Greg Creed used public relations in defense of a lawsuit that claimed his company was engaging in false advertising. Taco Bell used PR to tell its story and got it right. If you are not currently using public relations on a regular basis, you may be missing out. But, don’t fret; now is a good time to start.

CAVANAUGH L. GRAY is director of business development for The Entrepreneur Café L.L.C. in Carbondale. For information on developing an effective public relations campaign or for more information on how to start, grow and succeed in small business, be sure to contact 618-206-7013 or follow The Entrepreneur Café L.L.C. on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TheECafe or at www.ecafellc.com.

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

Illinois Small Business Development Center/International Trade Center Spring 2011 Workshop Schedule Starting a Business in Illinois This two-hour informational seminar cover the basic requirements of starting your own business including: legal structure, start-up requirements, finding financing, and business planning basics.

• Friday, March 11: 9am - 11am (West Frankfort, Sam Mitchell Law Building - 115 E. Main St.) • Wednesday, March 30: 9am - 11am (Dunn-Richmond, Room 150) • Tuesday, April 12: 1pm - 3pm (Herrin, Chamber of Commerce* - 35 Park Ave, Suite A) • Wednesday, May 11: 6pm - 8pm (Dunn-Richmond, Room 150) • Tuesday, June 7: 9am - 11am (Marion, Man-Tra-Con** - 3000 W. DeYoung St., IL Centre Mall) *Co-sponsored by the Herrin Chamber of Commerce. ** Co-sponsored by Man-Tra-Con

Finding Financing • Wednesday, May 11: 2pm - 4pm (Dunn-Richmond, Room 150)

Intro to Government Contracting • Wednesday, May 11: 4pm - 6pm (Dunn-Richmond, Room 150)

International Trade: Are You Ready to Export?

• Wednesday, March 30: 11am - 12pm (Dunn-Richmond, Room 150)

TO REGISTER Workshop location is the Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center, 150 E. Pleasant Hill Road, Carbondale, unless otherwise noted. Pre-registration is required for all workshops. To register for any of these workshops or for more information, please call 618.536.2424 or email sbdc@siu.edu or visit our website at www.siusbdc.com.

MARCH 2011

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

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Special Report Sam Gove: Reflections and impact

BY J. FRED GIERTZ SBJ CONTRIBUTOR

Samuel Kimble Gove died Jan. 28 at 87 years of age. Sam was well known for his service at the University of Illinois and for the state of Illinois. His expertise was in state and local politics with a special Giertz focus on the state of Illinois. He provided expert advice for the state, including service in support of the Illinois Constitutional Convention in 1970. He also was active in local civic affairs.

Sam’s passing has been memorialized in obituaries, tributes and editorials. These can be found at this website: http://igpa.uillinois.edu/node/1269. My purpose is not to summarize this material, but to provide some personal reflections on his life and impact.

Sam’s passing has generated for me a sense of personal loss, as well as a renewed appreciation for his contribution to state and local public policy issues and his monumental work relating to the state of Illinois. I am also realizing that I have lost a wonderful resource for the history of the University of Illinois, the state of Illinois and politics in general over the last 60 years.

I feel like my reference library has burned or my hard drive has crashed. Sam knew virtually everything about a range of issues. From Sam, I know why John Kerr never became the head basketball coach at Illinois. (Answer: He did not complete his degree at a time when college graduation was becoming a requirement for coaches.)

I learned what U of I Professor Revilo Oliver (who created a controversy after the Kennedy assassination) was really like and how Red Grange performed, not on the gridiron, but as a member of the university’s board of trustees. I got the inside information about the slush fund scandal, since Sam was head of the Athletic Board at the time. This led to Sam’s appearance of Kup’s Show in Chicago.

With Sam gone, I may be the only

person who knows that Kansas once had an elected state printer. I was surprised to learn that the city of Chicago is technically a “weak-mayor” form of governance.

Chicago residents would be astounded by this, as well. He also was the first male member of the League of Women Voters.

The list goes on and on.

When I have a question about Illinois’ constitution and the history of its drafting, I will have no place to go, but it will always remind me of Sam. Sam was an avid tennis player and tennis fan. When the noted economist Paul Samuelson died a little over a year ago, someone reportedly said that he was an amusing storyteller and a great tennis player. One of Samuelson’s friends pointed out that the adjectives were in the wrong order. Sam had much in common with Samuelson.

Nevertheless, Sam had some memorable tennis matches. For example, he once played against a truly mixed doubles team of Judges Antonin Scalia and Abner Mikva at the Army Navy Club in Arlington. His navy blue tennis shorts did not meet the club’s dress code, and the match could not proceed until Sam purchased white shorts.

Sam also had some notable triumphs.

On two occasions, Sam and I, as senior tennis-playing members of Institute of Government and Public Affairs, accepted the challenge of less senior members of the Institute for a tennis match. One of these challengers was Mike Bass when he was better known as a place kicker than a university administrator. Sam took

considerable pride in defending the honor of the old guys, illustrating that in sports, as in academic politics, there is no victory too insignificant to celebrate.

In many ways, Sam was the exemplification of the governmental expert in the public administration tradition of Woodrow Wilson. Prior to his political career, Wilson was a distinguished scholar who promoted the role of experts to improve the functioning of government. Sam was extremely well informed about all aspects of state government in Illinois and around the country. He was non-partisan and always willing to provide his expertise to government officials in an accessible way.

Wilson’s view was that the expert’s contribution would temper the excesses that resulted from the rough and tumble of the political system. Unfortunately, time has not proven this hope to be true.

Experts are essential in providing politicians with options, as well as evaluating the implication of these policies. Ultimately, however, the final decision still rests with the politicians who still operate in much the same way as the past. Good information and analysis are essential to good decision making, but it does not guarantee that good decisions will be made.

Sam learned this well in that many of his ideas were not welcomed by those in power or even the voters. In 1980, Sam led the efforts to bring about a merger of Urbana and Champaign. The proposal was overwhelmingly rejected by voters in both cities.

Economist Robert Shiller stated recently that politicians do not really want advice unless it reinforces their existing views.

This is the environment in which Sam and all experts have to operate. When Sam came to Illinois in 1950, he probably did not realize the degree of difficulty of the task he undertook. Nevertheless, he provided valuable guidance on a wide range of issues. His contributions should be rated even more positively given the harsh environment in which he worked.

J. FRED GIERTZ is a professor of economics within the University of Illinois’ Institute of Government and Public Affairs. He can be reached at 217-244-4822 or jgiertz@ad.uiuc.edu.

Find more business news at www.sbj.biz.

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MARCH 2011

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11

Employment Law Make sure your employees know which laws protect them

BY ED RENSHAW SBJ CONTRIBUTOR

It’s been five years since we looked at the requirements for providing information to your employees about their rights under state and federal employment laws.

With a new year Renshaw upon us, and some additional requirements added in the last couple of years, this is a good time for a refresher on what information you are legally required to make available to your employees.

There are numerous state and federal laws which give employees various rights.

However, there’s not a lot of benefit to having a legal right if no one tells you about it. So, many of the laws protecting employee rights include a requirement that signs be posted to inform employees of their rights. The signs must be posted in a conspicuous place where other notices to employees are usually placed.

Failure to follow the sign-posting requirements may result in a fine or may limit your ability to defend against a lawsuit where one of these employmentrelated laws is involved. So, making sure

you have these signs posted can benefit not only your employees, but also your business.

Let’s first take a look at federal laws that require notices informing employees of their rights. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 requires a notice that the employer may not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. The notice also must tell employees how they can contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for information or to file a charge of discrimination or harassment.

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act requires a notice that employers cannot discriminate against an employee based on age if the employee is 40 or older.

The Americans with Disabilities Act notice informs employees that discrimination based on disability is prohibited and that employers are obligated to provide reasonable accommodations to their disabled employees. The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act requires employers to let employees know that discrimination against an employee based on genetic information is illegal. All of these notices must tell employees how to contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission about violations of the laws.

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, employees must be provided a notice

about the minimum wage, overtime, child labor and other requirements of that law.

The Equal Pay Act requires a notice that the employer must pay equal wages to men and women performing substantially the same work.

A sign must also be posted to inform employees of all their rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act, including how to file a complaint should any of those rights be violated. The Occupational Safety and Health Act mandates a notice to employees about their employer’s obligation to provide a safe workplace and to comply with safety requirements under OSHA. The required notice under the Employee Polygraph Protection Act must tell employees that, except under certain limited circumstances, they cannot be required to take a polygraph (lie detector) test or be discriminated against for refusing to take one. The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act requires a notice explaining the rights of employees who may be called to active duty in the military.

That’s a lot of signs. The good news is that the U.S. Department of Labor can provide a single poster that covers all of these posting requirements, and there are several private companies selling consolidated posters, as well.

As to Illinois law, employers must post

notices about the Illinois minimum wage, wage payment requirements, overtime, equal pay for men and women, child labor, unemployment compensation, workers’ compensation, non-discrimination rights for victims of domestic violence, the prohibition against smoking in the workplace and employees’ right to one day of rest per week. There are many companies (just check the Internet) providing all-inclusive posters which comply with all of these Illinois and federal posting requirements.

Keep in mind that not all employment laws apply to all employers. You may need a minimum number of employees or you may need to be doing business directly with the federal government in order to be subject to certain laws and notice requirements. If you need to know if a law applies to your business, you may want to contact an attorney or the Illinois or U.S. Department of Labor.

EDWARD RENSHAW is a partner with the Carbondale law firm of Feirich/Mager/ Green/Ryan. F/M/G/R is a general practice law firm offering a full range of legal services, including labor and employment law, commercial transactions, banking, real estate, workers’ compensation, municipal law and estate planning. The firm’s telephone number is 618-529-3000 and its website is www.fmgr.com.

Personal Investments Making a will: An important way to extend your love

BY GENE HONN SBJ CONTRIBUTOR

Honn

As you plan for your future, you can direct your assets to the people and causes you care most about. Making a will is an important way to extend your love, care, generosity and gratitude to family,

friends, and the charitable. So, why have 60 percent of the adults in the United States, living in households with children, not created a will? Are you in the 60 percent or 40 percent category?

For you “60-percenters,” perhaps the whole process seems too time consuming, difficult or even mysterious. To overcome these obstacles, review these helpful hints that give clear answers to the questions you may have. l What happens if you don’t have a will? If you die without a will, your estate

will be divided according to laws in the state where you live. The resulting transfer of assets may be very difficult from what you have wished. While certain family members will likely receive part of your estate, close friends or charities that you may have intended to remember will not be included. l What can you put in your will? Only you know the special circumstances of your family members and heirs. That’s why it is important to discuss these factors with your attorney. Some things to

address include how you want to distribute your estate, whom you want to be executor and what charities you wish to support.

For example, you may want your will to name the executor of your estate, give your property to those you choose, set up trusts to save on taxes and provide financial management, name a guardian for minor children, ensure lifetime care for a child with a disability, pass what you SEE WILL / PAGE 14

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Retail sales for Southern Illinois cities City Anna Benton Carbondale Carterville Chester Du Quoin Harrisburg Herrin Jonesboro Marion Metropolis Mount Vernon Murphysboro Nashville Pinckneyville Red Bud Sparta Vienna West City West Frankfort REGION ILLINOIS

YTD Nov 2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

111.1 62.3 546.9 38.9 50.2 78.4 177.2 142.0 11.0 625.5 75.4 468.1 120.0 88.0 35.0 69.0 117.8 36.5 79.8 102.9 $3,036.0 $134,556.5

114.5 69.4 565.5 39.9 52.9 100.8 191.9 147.2 12.5 676.0 77.1 476.7 129.1 107.9 37.2 70.1 126.4 37.1 91.9 111.4 $3,235.5 $139,593.2

113.3 71.4 587.7 40.1 51.5 91.9 179.3 135.9 12.4 673.4 75.9 482.8 117.1 101.8 39.0 77.7 130.5 40.5 89.6 111.2 $3,223.0 $237,438.0

112.3 72.4 607.4 40.3 51.7 94.4 173.6 134.4 11.3 662.4 79.8 461.5 94.9 105.2 35.8 73.7 129.5 39.8 82.8 111.4 $3,174.7 $180,162.7

111.7 75.0 610.4 39.9 54.0 103.1 168.5 137.5 11.5 592.7 74.8 501.0 93.0 105.7 41.7 82.5 133.1 36.9 77.7 106.8 $3,157.6 $173,362.8

109.7 70.4 579.4 32.7 51.1 95.0 164.9 127.9 11.5 545.9 69.4 475.3 94.6 101.1 38.0 82.5 127.7 32.7 70.8 102.3 $2,983.0 $167,459.0

R

N I L L I Chicago Fed Midwest % change 05-09 Manufacturing Index

p q q p p p p p p p p p p p q q q p p p p q

4.4% 1.4% 2.4% 22.0% 3.5% 6.1% 16.4% 15.1% 8.7% 23.8% 11.1% 0.3% 53.4% 6.7% 2.1% 15.0% 1.0% 13.5% 29.8% 8.9% 8.5% 16.6%

The CFMMI is a monthly estimate by major industry of manufacturing output in the Seventh Federal Reserve District states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin. It is a composite index of 15 manufacturing industries, including auto and steel, that uses electrical power and hours worked data to measure monthly changes in regional activity. It is compared here to the national Industrial Production index for Manufacturing (IPMFG). Base year is 2007.

Starting in November 2005, the index excluded the electricity component.

105 104 103 102 100 98 94 90

IPMFG Dec 10 92.9

88 86 84 82

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

81 80

Unemployment rates for Southern Illinois counties, state and nation Alexander Franklin Gallatin Hamilton Hardin Jackson Jefferson Johnson Massac Perry Pope Pulaski Randolph Saline Union Washington White Williamson .,REGION ILLINOIS U.S.

Labor force

Jobless

Dec 2010

Nov 2010

Dec 2009

3,180 18,106 2,835 4,203 1,876 33,751 20,731 5,266 7,941 9,458 2,007 3,028 15,838 13,326 8,505 8,454 7,874 35,541 201,920 6,675,950 153,156,000

335 1,944 243 377 186 2,276 1,728 528 586 968 188 270 1,238 1,173 922 528 626 2,949 17,065 588,848 13,997,000

10.5% 10.7% 8.6% 9.0% 9.9% 6.7% 8.3% 10.0% 7.8% 10.2% 9.4% 8.9% 7.8% 8.8% 10.8% 6.2% 8.0% 8.3% 8.9% 8.8% 9.1%

11.2% 11.7% 9.6% 9.3% 10.3% 7.3% 9.1% 10.5% 8.6% 11.0% 10.0% 10.4% 8.4% 9.6% 11.3% 7.2% 8.6% 9.0% 9.6% 9.2% 9.3%

12.0% 13.4% 10.5% 9.5% 12.7% 7.7% 10.7% 11.2% 9.2% 12.5% 11.4% 11.1% 9.6% 10.7% 12.5% 8.3% 9.2% 9.8% 10.7% 10.8% 9.7%

SOURCE: ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT SECURITY, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR. FIGURES ARE NOT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED.

Change month q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q

0.7 1.0 1.0 0.3 0.4 0.6 0.8 0.5 0.8 0.8 0.6 1.5 0.6 0.8 0.5 1.0 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.4 0.2

78

Change year q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q

76 74

CFMMI Dec 10

1.5 72 81.5 2.7 70 68 1.9 0.5 66 2.8 64M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D ’10 ’09 1.0 2.4 SOURCE: FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF CHICAGO 1.2 1.4 2.3 2.0 2.2 Dec 10 Dec 09 Change 1.8 1.9 MONTHLY TOTALS 1.7 746 520 p 43.5% 2.1 YTD TOTALS 1.2 1.5 7,478 2,750 p 171.9% 1.8 2009 2008 Change 2.0 ANNUAL TOTALS 0.6 2,750 2,636 p 4.3%

Williamson County Regional Airport passengers

N

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I S I N Consumer credit score

D

Credit scores are numeric reflections of financial behavior and credit worthiness and they are based on information included in a credit report. Ranging from 330 to 830, a higher score means a lower credit risk. Scores are from February 2011.

SOURCE: EXPERIAN

Alexander Franklin Gallatin Hamilton Hardin Jackson Jefferson Johnson Massac Perry Pope Pulaski Randolph Saline Union Washington White Williamson REGION

Dec 09

16 101 22 26 12 133 112 38 24 46 9 10 82 77 40 51 52 172 1,023

9 39 11 16 7 84 46 19 13 43 2 11 77 40 35 37 37 112 638

C

A

T

694

698

Anna

Region

699

692

State

U. S.

O R S U of I Flash Index

Total cars, trucks sold based on title applications filed.

Excludes motorcycles, trailers.

New vehicle sales Dec 10

I

Change

p 77.8% p 159.0% p 100.0% p 62.5% p 71.4% p 58.3% p 143.5% p 100.0% p 84.6% p 7.0% p 350.0% q 9.1% p 6.5% p 82.5% p 14.3% p 37.9% p 40.5% p 53.6% p 60.3%

2009 137 989 184 224 94 1,348 842 353 278 565 85 124 936 719 447 515 471 1,868 10,179

2008 169 1,341 294 287 109 1,969 1,270 481 422 689 123 221 1,208 1,064 596 621 721 2,515 14,100

q p p p q p p p p p p p p p p p p p p

Change 13.3% 7.5% 30.7% 10.4% 19.3% 21.4% 14.9% 14.8% 3.7% 8.0% 10.8% 11.1% 7.3% 15.7% 11.6% 4.4% 8.6% 9.7% 11.1%

108 107 106 105 104 103 102 101 100 99 98 97 96 95 94 93 92 91 90 89

Jan 11 95.9

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M

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J

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J

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M

Q4 10 Alexander Franklin Gallatin Hamilton Hardin Jackson Jefferson Johnson Massac Perry Pope Pulaski Randolph Saline Union Williamson ILLINOIS

8 51 4 1 0 59 63 15 15 32 2 2 26 27 17 113 21,957

Q4 09 4 67 1 3 3 79 67 18 28 27 0 3 41 24 34 161 29,922

SOURCE: ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS

Change

p 100.0% q 23.9% p 300.0% q 66.7% q 100.0% q 25.3% q 6.0% q 16.7% q 46.4% p 18.5% NA q 33.3% q 36.6% p 12.5% q 50.0% q 29.8% q 26.6%

2008 17 276 NA 7 0 383 332 78 112 126 10 13 149 80 101 639 107,075

2007 32 332 NA 8 0 467 381 92 128 149 9 4 136 78 91 705 140,378

q q

q

q q q q q p p p p p q q

J

J

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D

J ' 11

Hotel/motel stats

Consumer Price Index

Total amount of revenue generated in Carbondale by hotels and motels for room rentals only.

The CPI measures average price changes of goods and services over time, with a reference base of 100 in 1982-84.To put into context, a current CPI of 194.5 means a market basket of goods and services that cost $100 in 1982-84 now costs $194.50.

Sept 10 Sept 09 MONTHLY TOTALS $670,063

YTD TOTALS $5,828,924

Change

$624,238 p

$5,917,865 q

2009 ANNUAL TOTALS

2008

7.3%

U.S. city average Dec 10 219.2

220

218

1.5%

Change

$7,520,856 p

Change

MEDIAN SALES PRICE Q4 10 Q4 09

46.9% 16.9% NA 12.5% 0% 18.0% 12.9% 15.2% 12.5% 15.4% 11.1% 225.0% 9.6% 2.6% 11.0% 9.4% 23.7%

$43,250 $42,500 $83,250 $49,500 $0 $90,000 $75,000 $49,900 $45,000 $65,950 $73,500 $39,500 $71,750 $52,500 $97,500 $114,900 $144,000

Total units sold, including condominiums

M ' 10

216

214

212

Midwest urban Dec 10 209.3

2.7% 210

Home sales

A

' 08 09 SOURCE: INSTITUTE OF GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC 'AFFAIRS, UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

$7,725,727

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

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

$43,500 $40,000 $45,000 $42,000 $25,000 $88,000 $92,500 $84,750 $74,170 $52,000 $0 $39,900 $69,000 $64,250 $74,000 $97,000 $154,000

208

Change

q 0.6% p 6.3% p 85.0% p 17.9% q 100.0% p 2.3% q 18.9% q 41.1% q 39.3% p 26.8% NA q 1.0% p 4.0% q 18.3% p 31.8% p 18.5% q 7.0%

206

204

200 D ’09

J

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M

A

M

J J ‘10

A

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N

D

SOURCE: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Prices at the pump Average price per gallon of regular, unleaded gas as of Jan. 13 and Feb. 22, 2011.

Metro East Springfield Illinois U.S. SOURCE: AAA

Feb 11

Jan 11

Feb 10

$3.17 $3.16 $3.28 $3.17

$3.08 $2.90 $3.07 $2.98

$2.65 $2.68 $2.75 $2.65

14

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

MARCH 2011

Women in Business Celebrating Women’s History Month

BY JANE SANDERS SBJ CONTRIBUTOR

It’s time to take a break from gender behavioral differences. And, what better time or reason than March — Women’s History Month!

I’m going to approach this Sanders column differently (speaking of differences). A few weeks ago, the Women In Leadership of SIU School of Law gave me a beautiful interactive book entitled, “Women: A Celebration of Strength,” published in 2007 by Legal Momentum (www.legalmomentum.org).

I was presented the book after speaking at the group’s annual dinner. I want to share with you merely a few of the fascinating quotes and statistics that graced this amazing book.

Quotes

l “Women are like teabags, you never know their true strength until you put them in hot water.” Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962), internationally known stateswoman and wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt l “A woman’s body could only handle a limited number of development tasks at a

time — girls who spent too much energy developing their minds during puberty would end up with diseased reproductive systems.” Dr. Edward Clark, Harvard Medical School, 1873 (columnist comment … yikes!) l “Who will take responsibility for raising the next generation? Women will only have true equality when men share with them the responsibility of bringing up the next generation.” Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, 2000 l “A girl must nowadays believe completely in herself as an individual. She must realize at the outset that woman must do the same job better than a man to get as much credit for it. She must be aware of the various discriminations, both legal and traditional, against women in the business world.” Amelia Earhart (18971937), pioneer aviator l “The flood of women into jobs is the single most outstanding phenomenon of our century … The revolution in the role of women will have a greater potential impact than the rise of communism or the discovery of nuclear energy.” Professor Eli Ginsburg, director of the Eisenhower Center for the Conservation of Human Resources, Columbia University, 1997

Facts Until 1837, no woman in the U.S. had graduated from college.

1877, no woman in the U.S. had a

doctorate.

1920, no woman could vote in any national election.

1936, the National Recovery Act mandated that women working in government had to make 25 percent less than men doing the same job.

1965, states could outlaw birth control, even for married couples.

1974, women had no legal protection against sexual harassment in the workplace.

1984, no woman had ever run for one of the highest offices in the land on a national party ticket.

1994, there was no comprehensive national legislation to address the issue of violence against women.

To ponder

l Unpaid homemaking work and caregiving are still not valued in the Gross National Product. If they were, the GNP would rise by an estimated 25 to 50 percent. l In 2005, a woman in the U.S. was 45 percent more likely to be poor than a man.

It has been calculated that if women earned the same wages as men, poverty rates would be halved. l Researchers found that mothers are 44 percent less likely to be hired than women without young children, and on average are offered $11,000 less in salary. l Once all male, after blind auditions were implemented, the New York

Philharmonic is now nearly half female. l The Harvard Observatory astronomer who showed the world how to measure the brightness and distance of stars was a woman (Henrietta Leavitt, 1868-1921).

In 2005, a CBS News poll found broad appreciation for feminism and the women’s movement. According to the poll, when a feminist is defined as “someone who believes in the social, political and economic equality of the sexes,” 58 percent of men and 65 percent of women identified themselves as feminists. A record high 69 percent of women said the movement has improved their lives, compared with 43 percent in 1997 and 25 percent in 1983.

A few months ago, a male friend asked me for the definition of feminism.

“Equality,” I answered. “Nothing more, nothing less.” I guess that makes me a feminist. How about you?

JANE SANDERS of Mount Vernon is a speaker, trainer and facilitator in the areas of gender communication, strategic business or work/life planning, presentation skills, recruiting and retention of women and selling to women. Her clients include Toyota, Prudential, and Mayo Clinic. She is the creator of the Undercover Confidante service, offering discovery and solutions to employee issues. She is the author of “GenderSmart: Solving The Communication Puzzle Between Men and Women.” Reach Jane at 618-2045540, jane@janesanders.com

WILL: An important way to extend your love FROM PAGE 11 choose to children or a prior marriage and set guidelines for distributions if you and your spouse die at the same time.

Ask your attorney about a living will and a durable power of attorney in case you become incapacitated. You can find copies of these advanced directives that can be completed online and downloaded for free at Southern Illinois Healthcare’s website at www.sih.net/waystogive. l Why leave charitable gifts in your will? Some individuals plan to leave gifts to their favorite charities and talk about it with the organization and their friends,

and then never get around to properly establishing such gifts in their wills. If you make this mistake, your estate will not realize the benefits of the unlimited charitable estate tax deduction, and the causes you wished to support do not receive your help. l You can revoke your will. Note that one of the articles in your will is “revocation of prior wills and codicils.”

Relationships and situations change, and this article ensures that you are free to alter your will with a codicil or to change your will entirely at any time.

It is a good idea to keep your old will but to write on its pages that it has been

revoked and replaced by a new will, and the date of the new will. This may be useful in situations when someone wants to challenge a newer will. l Need assistance. For a free personal planning guide to help you prepare for the completion of a will, contact SIH Foundation at 618-457-5200, ext. 67843, or gene.honn@sih.net and request a copy. This guide also contains advanced directives documents such as power of attorney for health care and a living will.

The personal planning guide and information on wills, trusts, advanced directives and other estate planning topics

Find more business news at www.sbj.biz.

can be found at www.sih.nwt/waystogive and can be downloaded free. This will help ensure you have everything needed to meet with your attorney and get into the “40 percent” group that has completed a will. Today is a good day to start the process.

GENE A. HONN is director of fund development for Southern Illinois Healthcare.

16

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

MARCH 2011

Economics True freedom lets economic justice flow

BY MICHAEL P. TISON SBJ CONTRIBUTOR

While watching the uprisings in the Middle East, I have been reminded by the words of Martin Luther King Jr., “When we let freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and Tison every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children, black men and white men, Jews and gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, ‘Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!’”

This freedom is what every man and woman wants. Ultimately, it is freedom,

true freedom, that lets economic justice flow. This then allows man to benefit from his own work. If he gets educated, he can earn a living doing whatever he wants. If she wants to teach, she can teach; if she wants to be a doctor, she can be a doctor.

More than anything, the economic freedom that really separates free society from a totalitarian or communist society is property rights. Property rights give individuals the ability to control and be responsible for themselves.

In Milton Friedman’s 1962 book, “Capitalism and Freedom,” the first chapter discusses the manifest connection between economic freedom and political freedom. Friedman states, “The kind of economic organization that provides economic freedom directly, namely competitive capitalism, also promotes political freedom because it separates economic power from political power and in this way enables the one to offset the other.” Thus, what we are seeing in the

Middle East has the potential to unleash, at least in Egypt and in other countries if (and when) it spreads, economic growth that could make China jealous. And that is good for the world, the United States and even Southern Illinois.

Asia’s economic growth is because China embraced economic capitalism.

Some of its economy is state directed, but much is not. China had to grow. China was so poor, it had nowhere to go but up. Same with India. Seven people out of every 1,000 people in India have a car. That is the same penetration the United States had in the 1920s.

Many large corporations in the United States are considered multi-national corporations. Many do more than 50 percent of their business internationally.

This will only increase.

Southern Illinois is benefitting from world economic growth; albeit, not as fast and not as much as we would like. This benefit is evident by the rise in commodity

Find more business news at www.sbj.biz. prices. This is benefitting the farmers in our great state. The first thing a family does when it rises out of poverty is improve its diet. More protein for everyone. This explains the price increase in corn, soybeans and other agricultural commodities. This explains the increase in value of farm land.

There are coal mines being developed to fuel the energy needs growing in the world. We have a lot of coal in Southern Illinois. I applaud the entrepreneurs who fight the red tape to develop these assets.

MICHAEL P. TISON is an investment advisor and registered principal with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., with offices in Harrisburg and Marion. He can be reached at 618-253-4444 or michael.tison@ raymondjames.com.

MONEY: Reasons why you should do asset protection planning FROM PAGE 6 “spend down” and no loss of Medicaid or other governmental benefits. l Your husband’s next wife has prepared “home-cooked” meals for him six times in the month since your death.

She can’t wait to redecorate your home.

She thinks there is no good reason that money earmarked for your children shouldn’t be spent on more important things, such as jewelry and vacations. Do you want her to get your children’s inheritance? l You or your spouse do not have longterm care insurance or you have a policy that: (1) does not provide coverage for at least five years; (2) does not pay at least $200 per day (at today’s cost) when you are in a care facility; (3) does not have an inflation rider to cover future increases in the cost of care; (4) does not have a premium waiver to provide that once you are collecting benefits, you no longer have to pay premiums; (5) does not provide coverage for home health that is broad enough to include costs other than those solely provided by nurses or licensed

home health aides (e.g., the policy will not pay for care provided by an adult child); and (6) the waiting (elimination) period is not tailored to your particular financial situation so you will be able to cover expenditures out of your own pocket while you wait for coverage to kick in. Any long-term care policy that does not provide for at least these minimums is either ill-suited or inadequate to cover the true costs of future care. l You or your spouse (or parent, grandparent, etc.) are facing the possibility that one or both of you will need long-term care at home, in an assisted living facility or in a nursing home within the next five years. In fact, it is best to look over the horizon for a much longer period of time in most cases, perhaps as long as 10 years in some cases. Don’t you want to truly protect yourself and your loved ones if the need for long-term care becomes necessary? l You or your spouse (or parent, grandparent, etc.) are currently in the midst of needing long-term care, whether it is at home, in an assisted or supportive living facility or in a nursing home. It truly

is never too late to save at least a part of what you still have. l You or your spouse are counting on getting into a VA-run nursing home at the point that level of care is needed. The reality is that most veterans will not qualify, and even if you overcome the stringent VA-classification hurdles, there are extremely long waiting lists for all VA facilities. Thus, smart veterans and their families do asset preservation planning in order to hedge their bets in the event they might eventually need to relay on Medicaid to help pay for long-term care. l You and your spouse have large medical and care expenses that are not covered by Medicare and supplemental health insurance; but, you have been told by the Veteran’s Administration that you have too much to qualify financially for VA-paid assistance. However, if you are at least 65 years of age, served at least 90 consecutive days on active duty, one day of which was during a period of war, and were honorably discharged, you need to understand that asset protection planning can assist you and your spouse in obtaining as much as $1,949 per month in

VA-paid “aid and attendance” benefits.

That’s $23,396 per year, which you earned through your service. If you are the widow(er) of a veteran, with properly structured asset protection planning, you may qualify for as much as $1,056 per month or $12,681 per year in VA-paid pension benefits.

Finally, everyone who reads this article needs to understand that asset protection planning cannot be used in any way that might defraud existing creditors. Thus, such planning cannot be used where: (1) you have a present intention to file bankruptcy or to conceal your assets from known creditors; (2) there is pending or threatened litigation in which you are involved; or (3) you are aware of any other type claim against you.

RICHARD HABIGER is the author of the Illinois edition of “How to Protect Your Family’s Assets from Devastating Nursing Home Costs: Medicaid Secrets” and is an elder law attorney who focuses on asset protection, Medicaid and VA benefits. You may contact him at 618-549-4529 or info@habiger elderlaw.com.

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18

SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

MARCH 2011

Achievements Faces in the news

Newbold

Ashe

Bryant

Harris

Faces in the news Have you been promoted? Send a photo. Has a colleague at work completed an intensive continuing education program?

Send a photo. Others in the business community will want to know it, so please consider passing on your employment news and photos to the Southern Business Journal. Feel free to e-mail the information to sbj@thesouthern.com.

AccuCoat Inc. opens AccuCoat Inc., which specializes in liquid vinyl exterior siding, recently opened in Metropolis. Mike Newbold, a native of Metropolis, is the company’s local dealer.

Company information can be found at www.neverpaintagain or by contacting Newbold at 800-557-5903 or mikenewbold@accucoatinc.net.

Ashe elected VP of AGCI of Illinois Steve Ashe with E.T. Simonds Construction Company of Carbondale has been elected to serve a one-year term as second vice president of Associated General Contractors of Illinois.

Ashe was elected by the membership of AGCI, which met recently in Springfield for its 104th annual convention. This is Ashe’s second year as an officer; he served as secretary-treasurer last year.

AGCI is a statewide highway/heavy and utility construction association headquartered in Springfield. Membership includes more than 150 general contractors, their subcontractors and suppliers.

Bryant to serve as president of leadership program Terri Bryant of Murphysboro has been named president of Illinois Lincoln Excellence in Public Service Series, a leadership program that trains and mentors up-and-coming Republican women in Illinois.

Bryant graduated from the program in

Roberts

Find more business news at www.sbj.biz.

2009 and was selected last year to serve as a member of the organization’s governing body.

She is Coordinator of Coalitions for Illinois Republican Party, secretary of the Jackson County Republican Central Committee and was a candidate for Jackson County Board in 2010. She is a 17–year veteran of the Illinois Department of Corrections, where she works as a dietary manager.

Harris named interim CNO Shelley Harris, MSN, RN, has been named interim Chief Nursing Officer at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Belleville.

Former CNO Alice Chatley recently announced her resignation to pursue other career opportunities.

Harris has worked at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital for the last 24 years with nine years in leadership roles. She was most recently the interim director of Critical Care Unit.

Roberts celebrating fourth year Amanda Roberts Photography is celebrating its fourth year as a Carbondale business. The initial steps have been taken toward building a studio, which is expected to be finished late this summer.

This year, Amanda Roberts is offering an interactive photo booth that comes with a photographer and a portable studio. For details, visit www.amandaroberts photography.com.

Roberts has also announced her partnership with Think Pink Photography.

Think Pink Photography was founded in October 2007 to support individuals and their families who have been touched by breast cancer. For more information, e-mail southernillinois photographer@ gmail.com or call 618-717-2123.

Financial adviser hosts opening Teri Schumm of the financial services firm Edward Jones recently hosted a grand opening celebration at her office at 112 N. Du Quoin St. in Benton.

For more information, call the office at 618-438-8690.

Striegel Animal Hospital news Dr. Kelly Phillips recently joined Striegel Animal Hospital in Carbondale.

She has more than 12 years of veterinary experience, and her veterinary research has been published in the Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association.

website design.

Kemper Technology Consulting, with Southern Illinois offices in Marion, Harrisburg, Mount Vernon and Mount Carmel, took home a Gold Addy for its design of Robinson Area Chamber of Commerce (www.robinsonchamber.org) website and a Silver Addy for the design of Kemper CPA Group LLP (www.kempercpa.com) website.

Members of the web development team include Martin Roth, CPA and partner at Kemper Technology Consulting, Ashley Nixon, Matt Pearce and Steve Ernstberger. The website development team was supported by the marketing efforts of Ronda Espenlaub and the copywriting skills of Tonia Johnson.

Aisin receives Top Achiever Award Aisin Mfg. Illinois was recently recognized for its success among all Aisin operations in North America.

The 1P 1K Top Achiever Award was presented to Aisin Mfg. at the Aisin North American presidents meeting in Seymour, Ind. The award recognized the North American plant with the most employee improvement ideas implemented in 2010.

The 1 Person 1 Kaizen program is a national program that allows Aisin team members the opportunity to submit and implement ideas for improvement in the areas of safety, quality, cost, delivery or environmental. The team members also receive financial awards based on the impact of the idea.

Coracys attend Disney conference USDA honors Bank of Carbondale The Bank of Carbondale recently was presented a Million Dollar Lender plaque by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, recognizing the bank as one of the top guaranteed housing lenders in Illinois for 2010.

The bank guaranteed $1.3 million to help 14 moderate-income homebuyers purchase their first home or upgrade to a better one.

The Bank of Carbondale has facilities in Carbondale, Murphysboro, Carterville and Vergennes.

Kemper Technology Consulting wins awards The website development team of Kemper Technology Consulting recently received two Addy Awards for outstanding

David and Helen Coracy of B and A Travel Service, with locations in Carbondale and Marion, recently returned from the annual Disney Earmarked Conference conducted aboard Disney’s newest ship, the Disney Dream.

They previewed coming attractions at Disney Parks, got behind-the-scenes looks at the innovative features onboard the ship and explored the recently upgraded Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island.

Local author expands book Dr. Richard A. Wittmeyer, president of Strategic Performance Solutions, a Marion-based HR/OD consulting and executive search firm, has expanded his book on job-seeking techniques to include a wider range of job candidates.

Wittmeyer’s book is titled, “What You

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Achievements Should Know When Looking for a Job in Today’s Marketplace, 2nd Edition.” This edition provides a special section for the mature job seeker not ready for retirement, and a chapter devoted to the recent graduate seeking employment after completing formal education.

For more information about the book, call Wittmeyer in Marion at 618-969-7271.

Darshan Boutique open house

Aisin announces promotions Several employees have been promoted at Aisin Mfg. Illinois, LLC in Marion.

They include Charlie Beatty, section manager, SRI/RIM/glass; Tony Danner, assistant manager, SRI/RIM/glass; Jim Halstead, assistant manager, OHI/OHA first shift; Eric Miller, assistant manager, OHI/OHA second shift; Chris Gaddis, assistant manager, purchasing; Brad Corzine, assistant manager, quality engineering; Brandon Lee, assistant manager, QA/QC/RI; Jeff Doty, assistant manager, manufacturing engineering; and Jodie Stokes, assistant manager, benefits.

Darshan Boutique, a new clothing and gift store located in Town Square Market in Carbondale, recently hosted its grand opening with an open house.

The boutique offers fashionable clothing, unique accessories, gifts and greeting cards SIU School of Medicine honored made by a collective of artists. Many of the Bethany Spielman, Ph.D., J.D., items are made from up-cycled quality associate professor of medical humanities used clothing. For more information, call and health law at SIU School of Medicine 618-529-2312. and SIU Carbondale, has been appointed editor-in-chief of the journal, Medicolegal and Bioethics.

S.I. Family Medicine Center Brenda Vilayhong, director of clinical receives Award for Excellence operations for SIU HealthCare, the medical Southern Illinois Family Medicine Center school’s practice group, has earned the recently received an Award for Excellence professional designation of Certified from the program, Your Healthcare Plus, Medical Practice Executive from the for providing quality care in diabetes.

American College of Medical Practice The awards were presented to Illinois Executives, the certification body of the medical providers who achieve high marks Medical Group Management Association. in recognized measures of quality for The designation of CMPE demonstrates chronic conditions. board certification in medical practice The Carbondale center, part of Southern management.

Illinois University School of Medicine, is among the first groups in the state to be recognized. The center is located at 305 W. Top financial advisors recognized Bob Loucks and Eric Clutts, Jackson St. independent financial advisors at Alliance Investment Planning Group in Carbondale, Sesser native named president were recognized recently as top financial Dr. David Flatt, a chiropractic advisors and named to the LPL Financial physician and board certified chiropractic Freedom Club. orthopedist in St. Charles, has been named Loucks and Clutts are affiliated with LPL president of the Illinois Chiropractic Financial and provide independent Society. financial planning services, investment A native of Sesser, Flatt is a graduate of advice and asset management services to Sesser-Valier High School. He is a 1991 more than 150 clients in the Southern graduate of Logan College of Chiropractic Illinois area. and has been in practice in the St. Jeff Rose, an independent financial Charles/Geneva area since 1992. advisor at Alliance, was recognized recently as a top financial advisor and named to the Wood opens Edward Jones office LPL Financial Director’s Club. Rose serves Kelli R. Wood of the financial services more than 300 clients in the area. firm Edward Jones opened a new office These distinctions are based on an Dec. 13 at 2250 N. Reed Station Parkway, annual production ranking of all registered Ste. 206, in Carbondale. advisors supported by LPL Financial LLC, Wood has served the area since 2009. and is awarded to less than 20 percent of She can be reached at 618-457-7205. the firm’s more than 12,000 advisors nationwide.

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Business Fine Print PERMITS | BANKRUPTCIES

Building permits Carbondale The Premiere Lounge, 104 W. Jackson St., $15,000 John Huck, 904 S. Emerald Lane, $14,000 Zenetta McDaniel Coleman, 508 E. Fisher St., $30,000 Linda Seibert, 2500 S. Park Lane, $500 Home Rentals Corporation, 401 E. Mill St., $75,000 Home Rentals Corporation, 405 E. Mill St., $193,000 Home Rentals Corporation, 409 E. Mill St., $193,000 Leonard Morrison, 1202 N. Wall St., $33,700 Fred Desrosiers, 310 E. Birch St., $2,000 Home Rentals Corporation, 407 W. Monroe St., $40,000

Metropolis Metropolis Drugs, 1001 E. 5th St., $20,000 Daniel and Teresa Quintana, $1,500 China House Buffet, 1201 E. 8th St., $3,000 Michael Childers, $60,000 Joe and Kathryn Jackson, 709 E. 2nd St., $1,800

Mount Vernon Joe Buchanan, 1706 14th St., $0 Robin Hensley, 118 9th St., $90,000 Summersville Church, 1114 Old Fairfield Road, $0 Lena’s Flowers and Things, 640 Fairfield Road, $2,184 Height Finance, 2929 Broadway, $500 RKM Enterprises, 4205 Broadway, $12,000 RKM Enterprises, 4205 Broadway, $5,000 RKM Enterprises, 4205 Broadway, $3,200 Matthew Clark, 1812 Franklin, $2.300 St. Mary’s Church, 1400 Broadway, $0 Robin Hensley, 118 9th St., $0 Larry Walton, 205 14th St., $0 Donna Berry, 1312 Casey, $0 Bill Beasley, 1804 Stanley, $0

Bankruptcies Chapter 7 Jay L. McMillian, P.O. Box 278, Willisville Venus Pryor, P.O. Box 224, Ullin Charles and L. Hogue Jr., 805 W. Cherry, Herrin Patricia L. Hogue, 508 E. Boulevard St., Marion Jeffrey A. and Jane E. Johnson, 1605 E. St. Louis St., West Frankfort Garry Auton, 1305 Benton Ave., Johnston City Bruce S. and Karen F. Slimp, R.R. 1

Box 217, Golconda Constance J. Shega, 200 W. Casey, Lot 2, Woodlawn David W. Hamilton, 758 W. Oak St., Chester Janet L. Smith, 5353 Illinois 127, Pinckneyville Eric Thomas Benton, 5720 Bluff Road, Modoc Susan R. Coloni, 11353 Stotlar Road, Johnston City Charles P. and Betty L. Phelps, 700 W. Church St., Harrisburg Faith Sullivan, 103 Glendale, Benton Rachelle A. Thomas, 2611 Michael Lane, Marion Alma Jean Harris, 406 Timothy Lane, Galatia Robert W. and Brenda C. Workman, 110 E. Ford St., Harrisburg Henry D. and Cheryl L. Nicolaides, P.O. Box 2912, Carbondale Michael I. and Alicia D. Smith, 202 E. Railroad Ave., Energy Casandra L. Sisk, 4039 Willow Springs, Mount Vernon Stacy L. Crawford, 509 N. Madison St., West Frankfort Joanne A. Lucka, 135 Hemlock Cour t, Mount Vernon TeLisa S. Brucks, 220 David Ave., Mount Carmel Barbara Jean Farris, 216 S. Emerald Lane, Carbondale Robert Winkler, R.R. 3 Box 229B, McLeansboro Jason S. Davis, 10813 Prest Road, Coulterville Bobby and Renee Mangrum, 7190 Washington St., Mulkeytown Robin L. and Archie L. Lampley., P.O. Box 150, Orient John J. McCarthy, 401 Steward St., Waltonville Jerry L. Reed, P.O. Box 422, Ridgway Richard S. Pribble, 30 Shephard Lane, Anna James B. Troutt, 6 Nor thland Drive, Metropolis Donald Ray and Tracy Lynn Asbury, 411 N. Division, Du Quoin Bobby D. and Jacqueline L. McIntosh, 518 S. Emma St., West Frankfort John M. Enrico, P.O. Box 411, Royalton Wendy Jane Craig, 905 E. Elm St., West Frankfort Joseph E. Underhile, 105 N. Royal, Royalton Melissa J. Phoenix, P.O. Box 292, Campbell Hill Richard J. and Jacklyn M. Hedger, 14490 Wilburn Road, West Frankfort Rober t R. and Marsha L. Gottlieb, 2203 Alexander St., Murphysboro Clifford and Delores A. Adams, 115 Bean Ridge Road, Thebes Jeffrey Kyle Westfall, 1707 E. Pickett Lane, Marion Joshua K. and Ashley N. Meade, 443 King Hill Road, Murphysboro Augusta June Spears, 405 NE Second St., Fairfield

Michael Ray and Deann Wiseman, 1106 S. Mechanic, Marion Jerrod R. Leathers, 14637 E. Windsong Road, Mount Vernon Malinda A. Dulaney, 18709 N. Stratford Lane, Mount Vernon Keith A. and Patricia Miles, R.R. 2 Box 205, McLeansboro Denise A. West, Route 4, Box 504, Fairfield Paula K. Conaughty, P.O. Box 667, West Frankfort Tonya L. Shults, Route 3, Box 251, Golconda James E. McGee, 631 Copp Ave., Mount Carmel Sarah Elizabeth Wolfe, P.O. Box 33, Dongola Jimmy L. Easton, 334 Flanigan Road, Murphysboro Benita C. Jordan, 1710 Broeking Road, Marion Joyce Rheal, 420 North St., Murphysboro William R. and Toni D. Woolridge, P.O. Box 1592, Murphysboro Lori Beth Ringel, P.O. Box 1572, Mount Vernon Gregory Scott and Angela Kaye Blackford, 18896 E. Illinois 15, Mount Vernon

Chapter 13 Margaret M. Norris, 15092 Harmony Church Road, West Frankfort Dewise F. Nash, 500 Nash Lane, Dongola Scott W. Hupper t, 1515 Lovers Lane, Gorham Leland A. Mowery, P.O. Box 258, Tamms Brenda D. Lewis, 420 Bell, Mount Vernon Lewis T. and Ida M. Robinson Sr., 922 S. Main St., Harrisburg Debra K. Manion, 501 E. 15th, Christopher Alan M. and Barbara A. Overton, 18 Sawmill Road, Carbondale Joey T. Smith, P.O. Box 884, Benton Daniel W. Perr y, 16126 Collins Road, Johnston City Anthony A. Kinsey, 15737 Cochran Road 62, Marion Kevin E. and Jean E. McPheron, 10498 Ferges Road, Johnston City Rocky DePauw, 1402 N. Logan, Marion John M. and Shirley M. Dickerson, 203 N. Ninth St., Benton Orval Dale Eastwood, P.O. Box 92, Metropolis Ezra L. and Laura J. Reams, 449 San Francisco Road, Carbondale Bob L. and Judith A. Followell, 610 Fairland, Benton Autumn G. Holt, 100 E. Mack St., Herrin Joshua D. and Miranda L. Williamson, P.O. Box 464, Hurst Donald E. Eisenhauer, 715 W. Randolph St., Pinckneyville Angela D. Brown, 730 Terrance Drive, Du Quoin Michael W. Broll, 1217 W. Monroe, Herrin Cathy M. McClanahan, 222 Delaware,

Du Quoin Gary and Trudy Crocker, Box 64, Valier Carol Lynn Allen, P.O. Box 425, Marion Orval L. and Lela M. Rector, 718 E. Union, Marion James D. Cecelia A. Midkiff, 90 Little Road, Harrisburg William A. and Donna A. Salamone, 780 Happy Hollow Road, Goreville Jo Ann Hine, 1111 S. Giant City Road, Carbondale Merritt W. and Anita L. Mills, 1200 W. Maple St., Herrin Donald W. and Janet M. Brandt, 12426 E. Idlewood, Mount Vernon Teddie M. and Wanda M. Grebenick, P.O. Box 28, Wolf Lake Lindsay R. Holmes, 909 N. Madison, Marion Michelle R. Stanley, 312 James St., Carterville Roger D. and Catherine A. Holmes, 4751 Jonesboro Road, Metropolis David L. and Connie R. Bandera, 1500 E. Stotlar, Herrin Eddie D. and Angela L. Snyder, 713 W. 11th St., Johnston City Judith Ann Keown, 1112 Kerr St., Eldorado Ronald D. and Rita L. Elliott, 130 Dannie Road, Carrier Mills James R. Reichrath Jr., One Hoot Own Lane, Ava Meredith John and Cynthia A. Osborne, 623 Buchanan St., Benton Larry W. and Judy A. Biggs, P.O. Box 279, Benton Raymond Hubert and Ina May Halstead, 503 E. Franklin, Du Quoin Shawn C. and Lisa M. Tindall, P.O. Box 174, Willisville Danny Allen and Brenda Fay Huett, 316 W. College St., Harrisburg Gerald and Betty L. McCarty, 206 N. Illinois Ave., West Frankfort Daniel Logen Headlan, R.R. 1, Box 295, Boyd’s Addition, Cave In Rock Tracy L. Edgington, P.O. Box 138, Cambria Jennifer L. Hanna, 404 W. Knauer St., Ava L. Leon Sanders, 945 Taborn Lane, Carrier Mills Steven L. and Gwendolyn K. Bolte, P.O. Box 226, Johnston City Jerry W. and Terri L. Pendleton, 207 Jackson St., Gorham Jeffery William and Meteicha Catherine Green, 358 Crabtree Road, Murphysboro William Harvey and Judy Gale Winters Sr., R.R. 2 Box 14A, Elizabethtown Deborah Walton McCoy, 2017 B Woodriver Drive, Carbondale Larry Franklin Klink, 963 W. Dagner, Ava Tracy J. Lehr, 209 E. Lewis, Anna Curtis A. and Traci D. Caldwell, 1512 Dodds St., Mount Vernon

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Mark Your Calendar March 2 Beginning Access 2003: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry, 700 College Road, Carterville. Cost is $55. Call 618-985-2828, ext 8510 or e-mail cbi@jalc.edu.

e-mail cbi@jalc.edu.

Time & Stress Management: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F109, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry, 700 College Road, Carterville. Cost is $90. Call 618-985-2828, ext 8510 or e-mail cbi@jalc.edu.

March 3

March 10

Beginning Excel 2003: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry, 700 College Road, Carterville. Cost is $55. Call 618-985-2828, ext 8510 or e-mail cbi@jalc.edu.

Intermediate Excel 2003: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry, 700 College Road, Carterville. Cost is $55. Call 618-985-2828, ext 8510 or e-mail cbi@jalc.edu.

March 4

March 11

Beginning QuickBooks 2009: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry, 700 College Road, Carterville. Cost is $55. Call 618-985-2828, ext 8510 or e-mail cbi@jalc.edu.

Intermediate QuickBooks 2009: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry, 700 College Road, Carterville.

Cost is $55. Call 618-985-2828, ext 8510 or e-mail cbi@jalc.edu.

Starting a Business in Illinois Seminar: 9 to 11 a.m., 115 E. Main St., West Frankfort. Free. An optional business start-up kit is available for $15. Call 618-536-2424 or e-mail sbdc@siu.edu.

March 7 Beginning Access 2007: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry, 700 College Road, Carterville. Cost is $55. Call 618-985-2828, ext 8510 or e-mail cbi@jalc.edu.

March 8 Beginning Word 2007: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F111, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry, 700 College Road, Carterville. Cost is $55. Call 618-985-2828, ext 8510 or e-mail cbi@jalc.edu.

March 9 Intermediate Access 2003: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry, 700 College Road, Carterville. Cost is $55. Call 618-985-2828, ext 8510 or

for Business & Industry, 700 College Road, Carterville. Cost is $90. Call 618-985-2828, ext 8510 or e-mail cbi@jalc.edu.

March 17 Advanced Excel 2003: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry, 700 College Road, Carterville. Cost is $55. Call 618-985-2828, ext 8510 or e-mail cbi@jalc.edu.

March 18 Advanced QuickBooks 2009: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry, 700 College Road, Carterville. Cost is $55. Call 618-985-2828, ext 8510 or e-mail cbi@jalc.edu.

March 21 Intermediate Excel 2007: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry, 700 College Road, Carterville. Cost is $55. Call 618-985-2828, ext 8510 or e-mail cbi@jalc.edu.

March 15

March 23

Beginning Excel 2007: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry, 700 College Road, Carterville. Cost is $55. Call 618-985-2828, ext 8510 or e-mail cbi@jalc.edu.

Visio 2007: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F111, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry, 700 College Road, Carterville. Cost is $55.

Call 618-985-2828, ext 8510 or e-mail cbi@jalc.edu.

March 16 Advanced Access 2003: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry, 700 College Road, Carterville. Cost is $55. Call 618-985-2828, ext 8510 or e-mail cbi@jalc.edu.

Team Building: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F109, John A. Logan College Center

March 28 Advanced Excel 2007: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry, 700 College Road, Carterville. Cost is $55.

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Call 618-985-2828, ext 8510 or e-mail cbi@jalc.edu.

March 29 Intermediate Word 2007: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F111, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry, 700 College Road, Carterville. Cost is $55. Call 618-985-2828, ext 8510 or e-mail cbi@jalc.edu.

March 30 Starting a Business in Illinois Seminar: 9 to 11 a.m., Room 150, Dunn-Richmond Center, 150 E. Pleasant Hill Road, Carbondale. Free. An optional business start-up kit is available for $15. Call 618-536-2424 or e-mail sbdc@siu.edu.

International Trade: Are You Ready to Export: 11 a.m. to noon, Room 150, Dunn-Richmond Center, 150 E. Pleasant Hill Road, Carbondale. Free.

Call 618-536-2424 or e-mail sbdc@siu.edu.