MAY 2011
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Inside M AY |
ECONOMIC CONDITIONS Japanese disasters impact the world: Columnist Scott McClatchey offers more proof that all news is local news through the global impact of an earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster on Japan. The World Bank estimates the loss to Japan’s economy at $235 billion. While Nissan, Honda and Toyota plants are restarting operations, it will likely be several more weeks before the nation’s energy and transportation grids are up to speed, which will hinder Japan’s exports and some of our imports (Japan eats 30 percent of the pork products we ship overseas). Page 6
EMPLOYMENT LAW Change in law worth noting: It is common to conduct a background check on job applicants, columnist Ed Renshaw notes. There are some occupations, such as teaching, where background checks are required. Background checks may include informa-tion about an applicant’s criminal history, driving record, education and past employment. However, on Jan. 1, a new Illinois law went into effect which severely limits employers’ ability to do credit checks on applicants and employees. Page 7
INVESTMENTS Take a look in the mirror: Your own reflection may prompt a review of the personal investment practices that are limiting asset growth. Columnist Michael P. Tison believes we can best improve our investment performance by
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Carbondale Civic Center ...................... 6
first understanding what we are doing to sabotage it, then learning and practicing more constructive behaviors. From an investment standpoint, this is why so many investors buy high and sell low. They’re acting emotionally, following what behavioral finance calls the “herding effect” of doing what everyone else is doing. Page 16
Country Financial, Dennis Wood ........ 14 Custom Cleaners .............................. 22 DataLock .......................................... 20 Dutch Guttering ................................ 21
INDICATORS One step forward, one step back: Some people look at a single measure of economic health and decide it characterizes the region’s overall economy. The indicators for May 2011 point to the folly of such practices. New vehicle sales suggest we are in a strong recovery; all but two of the 18 Southern Illinois counties recorded more new vehicle sales in the measure period than in the same month one year earlier. But a drop in unemployment one month ago was not the beginning of a trend. Joblessness grew – though not hugely – in six of the measured counties. Get the latest on retail sales, hotel statistics, gasoline prices and other measures in the monthly roundup of indicators. Pages 12-13
Feirich, Mager, Green & Ryan.............. 22
ACHIEVEMENTS
L’erin Ragon ...................................... 22
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 and learn more of achievements and honors in regional businesses. Pages 18-19
Ferrellgas .......................................... 19 Glass Haunt ...................................... 21 Health Alliance .................................. 22 Jackson & Gray Insurance .................... 6 Jim’s Mobile Offices and Homes .......... 7 John A. Logan College .......................... 5
Man-Tra-Con Corporation .................... 4 Millwood .............................................. 7 Oliver and Associates, Inc. ................ 15 Pepsi MidAmerica .............................. 24
Contact us The Southern Business Journal is a publication of The 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 email at SBJ@thesouthern.com. The Journal is published 12 times per year monthly, and
Publisher: Bob Williams n 618-351-5038
Sandberg, Phoenix & Von Gontard ...... 20
Editor: Gary Metro n 618-351-5033
Silkworm Inc. .................................... 20
Advertising: Jason Woodside n 618-351-5015
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.
Raymond James Financial Services .... 19
SIU Credit Union ................................ 10 Southern Illinois Healthcare................ 17
Circulation: Trisha Woodside n 618-351-5035
Southern Illinois University.................... 8
Database Coordinator: Mark Doman n 618-351-5042
Williamson County Airport .................. 15
MAY 2011
SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL
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Cover Story Does Southern Illinois have a brain drain? BY LES O’DELL SBJ CORRESPONDENT
As Cornelius Taylor approached graduation from Southern Illinois University Carbondale a few years ago, he hoped to land his first real job and stay in the area. Originally from Chicago, Taylor had earned a public relations degree and wanted to stay in the region. “That was my plan,” Taylor recalls. “I had developed some really close relationships with people here and I really liked the area, so I wanted to stay.” Trouble was, it was 2008 and jobs were hard to find — not only in Southern Illinois, but throughout the Midwest. “When there was nothing in Carbondale or the surrounding area, I had to look elsewhere,” he says. “An opportunity opened up in St. Louis, so I went there.” It’s a scenario that Matt Purdy, associate director of placement and services for SIUC College of Business, has seen many times. “Geographically, it does seem like the majority of our graduates go away from Southern Illinois to places like Chicago or St. Louis,” he says. Purdy explains situations like Taylor’s are a numbers game. There are simply more jobs to be had in the metropolitan areas. But, he adds, a significant number of graduates who want to stay in the region are able to find employment. “I think we’re certainly seeing some growth in Southern Illinois,” says Cynthia Jenkins, acting director of Career Services at SIUC. “Of course, those metro areas are going to offer more, let’s face it. We see a lot of positions coming in from those areas like St. Louis and Chicago, both in jobs and in internship opportunities.” Yet, both Purdy and Jenkins say they do feel the region suffers from a “brain drain.” “The down economy in the last couple of years might have resulted in some of our best and brightest minds leaving the area, but there are examples of outstanding graduates in every community in Southern Illinois,” Jenkins says. “I think it depends on where these people can utilize their skills and knowledge for the best. They’re looking for opportunities that will help them grow. And, if they can’t find those
Viewpoints differ on severity of issue Find more business news at www.sbj.biz. here, they probably are going to leave the area, but a large number of them do stay.” Kathy Lively, CEO of Man-Tra-Con, a Marion-based workforce solutions agency, says that often there is a boomerang effect when graduates leave Southern Illinois. “Sometimes people leave the area because they believe that there are more opportunities other places, but when they discover the cost of living and quality of life, they often realize it’s better here,” she says, noting that it’s not uncommon for those people to return to Southern Illinois. Jenkins adds that often it is native Southern Illinoisans who want to stay. “I see that a lot,” she explains. “There are a lot of students who were born and raised in Southern Illinois, and they want to stay here for a number of reasons, including family and the cost of living.” Regardless of where they come from, many business leaders want to entice workers to come to the region, or stay. Carbondale real estate developer Rolf Schilling says that as more and more technologically-based companies set up shop in Southern Illinois, more of the “best and brightest” will stay. “I don’t look at this region as an industrial area; it’s more of a technology area,” he says. “We’re producing many very intelligent graduates. We need to be taking advantage of that.”
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There are simply more jobs to be had in the metropolitan areas. But, Matt Purdy adds, a significant number of graduates who want to stay in the region are able to find employment.
Lively says that many local employers have openings for quality people and are tapping into a quality workforce. “Not a day goes by that we don’t hear about several really good jobs in the area where employers can’t find people to fill,” she says. “I believe some people leave the area because we haven’t done a good job of helping them to understand what employment opportunities are here.” She says that many firms are looking to hire both in technical and non technical areas, but it’s not a workforce problem they’re facing. It’s a communication problem. “One of the challenges we have is often employers will tell us they need an assembly line person or they need someone in human resources, but they’re not good about specifically breaking down exactly what skill sets they need.” So, how do Southern Illinois companies attract top prospects and Southern Illinois companies can attract top prospects and help avoid a so-called ‘brain drain.’ ART SERVICES
help avoid a so-called “brain drain?” Purdy offers several suggestions. “Obviously, you have to find a way to be competitive,” he says. “It may not mean a wage, but maybe it’s a work-life balance or a certain living environment or culture you have to offer.” He adds that while it seems rather simple, prospective employers need to communicate their needs with college placement offices and job placement professionals. “Let us know that you’re interested in finding employees. It is easier if you contact us, explain what you’re looking for and let us help you. That’s what we’re here for.” Jenkins says that employers need to make themselves known to the public and to students or other potential employees. She says internships are as important to employers as they are to students. She adds that a key to finding good people is to be creative. “It’s not all about the paycheck. I think a lot of it boils down to other benefits, maybe even unusual things like SEE COVER / PAGE 16
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SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL
MAY 2011
Mark Your Calendar May 3 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.
May 4 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. Team Building: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F110, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry, 700 College Road, Carterville. Cost is $90.
May 5 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.
May 6 Beginning Outlook 2007: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room H125, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry, 700 College Road, Carterville. 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.
Center for Business & Industry, 700 College Road, Carterville.
May 13 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.
May 16 Beginning Word 2007: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room H125, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry, 700 College Road, Carterville.
May 17 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.
May 18 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. Time & Stress Management: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F110, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry, 700 College Road, Carterville. Cost is $90.
May 19 May 10 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.
May 11 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. Beginning/Intermediate Adobe Photoshop: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room H125, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry, 700 College Road, Carterville. Starting a Business in Illinois Seminar: 6 to 8 p.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 email sbdc@siu.edu. Finding Financing: 2 to 4 p.m., Room 150, Dunn-Richmond Center, 150 E. Pleasant Hill Road, Carbondale. Free. Call 618-536-2424 or email sbdc@siu.edu. Intro to Government Contracting: 4 to 6 p.m., Room 150, Dunn-Richmond Center, 150 E. Pleasant Hill Road, Carbondale. Free. Call 618-536-2424 or email sbdc@siu.edu.
May 12 Intermediate Excel 2003: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room F112, John A. Logan College
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.
May 20 Intermediate Publisher 2007: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room H125, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry, 700 College Road, Carterville. 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.
May 23 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.
May 26 Beginning/Intermediate Adobe Acrobat: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room H125, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry, 700 College Road, Carterville. Cost is $55. Call 618-985-2828, ext 8510 or email cbi@jalc.edu.
May 27 Beginning Outlook 2003: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Room H125, John A. Logan College Center for Business & Industry, 700 College Road, Carterville.
For more information on John A. Logan or to register for classes, call 618-985-2828, ext. 8510, or email cbi@jalc.edu. Cost is $55 unless otherwise noted.
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SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL
MAY 2011
Economic Conditions The global impact of Japan’s crisis How hard will this hit the world economy? BY SCOTT MCCLATCHEY SBJ CONTRIBUTOR
1 start-up loan, 2 moves, 8 new employees, 2 delivery vans, 10 years in business
The task of rebuilding will soon begin. Recently, power was partly restored to the troubled Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant. The outlook in Japan became slightly less McClatchey negative, with prospects for stabilization improving. Its devastated northeastern coastal region (and by extension, the country) is now focusing on the long, slow recovery from this triple crisis. The World Bank estimates the loss to Japan’s economy at $235 billion. Japan’s economy minister Kaoru Yosano believes the cost of rebuilding could surpass $250 billion. While Nissan, Honda and Toyota plants are restarting operations, it will likely be several weeks before the nation’s energy and transportation grids are up to speed, which will hinder Japan’s exports and some of our imports (as an example, Japan eats 30 percent of the pork products we ship overseas). What will the near-term impact be for the world economy? While some analysts are quite pessimistic (Morgan Stanley now tracks U.S. first quarter GDP at an estimate of 2.9 percent rather than the previous 4.5 percent), others beg to differ. As Moody’s Analytics chief economist Mark Zandi noted, “Japan is still important, but it’s a much smaller piece of the global economic pie and much less important to the global supply chain than it has been historically.” According to Moody’s, Japan’s economy contributed virtually nothing to Asia’s growth from 2005 to 2010. UBS research indicates that China now accounts for more than 20 percent of the world’s growth, and that American consumers
have twice the global economic clout of Japan. Wells Fargo senior economist Mark Vitner forecast only mild impact to America at a March 21 Florida chapter meeting of the Association for Corporate Growth; he commented that U.S. GDP might simply be reduced by 0.1 percent in 2Q 2011 and 0.2 percent in 3Q 2011. The World Bank sees growth necessarily accelerating in Japan and neighboring East Asia nations in the second half of 2012. While Moody’s noted increasing downside risks to Japan’s economy in late March, it did not see an immediate reason to adjust the nation’s Aa2 credit rating, citing that the country possessed “the fiscal wherewithal and creditworthiness” to ride out the effect of the disasters. This show of confidence comes even though Japan has a public debt of $10 trillion (twice the size of its economy). Japan’s GDP was -1.3 percent in 4Q 2010. The G7 step up. On March 18, the central banks of the Group of Seven leading world economies agreed to an unusual move: they weakened the yen, which had been trading at an all-time high versus the dollar (Y76.25 on March 16). By March 21, the dollar was trading at Y81.02. The move was designed to aid Japanese stocks and ease the pressure on Japan’s manufacturers, so that Japan’s exported goods and services can remain affordable and competitive in the near term. Beyond the second quarter, what might the future hold? We have seen a fairly consistent pattern after economically crippling disasters. Following a short-term drop in output resulting from disrupted and destructed factories and transportation networks, there comes a wave of reconstruction that functions like an economic stimulus. This lessens the hit
Find more business news at www.sbj.biz. SEE ECONOMIC / PAGE 11
MAY 2011
SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL
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Employment Law New Illinois law bans use of credit histories and credit reports by many employers BY ED RENSHAW SBJ CONTRIBUTOR
It is common to conduct a background check on job applicants. In fact, there are some occupations, such as teaching, where background checks are required. Background checks Renshaw may include information about an applicant’s criminal history, driving record, education and past employment. Traditionally, one step taken as part of a background check has been to do a credit check on the potential employee. However, on Jan. 1, a new Illinois law went into effect which severely limits employers’ ability to do credit checks on applicants and employees. The Employee Credit Privacy Act (the “Act”) prohibits the use of credit histories or credit reports in making employment decisions. As with most employment laws, the Act doesn’t apply to all employers or all employees, so we need to take a look at what the law requires. First of all, it’s probably good to know exactly what a credit history or a credit report is. The Act defines a credit report
as “any written or other communication of any information by a consumer reporting agency that bears on a consumer’s creditworthiness, credit standing, credit capacity or credit history.” A credit history is defined as a person’s “past borrowing and repaying behavior, including paying bills on time and managing debt and other financial obligations.” So, a credit report is a specific document or oral report obtained from a credit reporting agency, while a credit history means all general credit information an employer might learn about a job applicant or employee, whether or not an actual credit report was obtained. In fact, simply asking an applicant about his or her credit would be an attempt to obtain a credit history and could violate the Act. It’s also good to know whether a law actually applies to your business. Many employment laws don’t apply to smaller businesses. This one does. The Act may apply to a business with only one employee. However, there are certain types of employers who are not subject to the Act, no matter what size they are. The Act specifically exempts financial institutions, state law enforcement agencies, insurance/surety companies, debt collectors, and state or local
government agencies that require credit histories or credit reports. Looking at these exceptions, it appears that the Act is not intended to prohibit obtaining credit information about applicants who would be placed in positions involving access to money, financial information or other sensitive, confidential information. For example, a bank should be able to determine the financial condition of an employee who may handle hundreds of thousands of dollars in financial transactions. An employee with serious financial problems might be more tempted to engage in theft or fraud. A credit check might reveal those problems. So, certain types of businesses can still run credit histories and credit reports. Also, even if your business doesn’t fall into one of the exemptions, you still may be able to run credit histories or credit reports if the job involves certain types of activities, authority or duties. For example, you can obtain credit information for jobs that involve unsupervised access to cash or marketable assets valued at $2,500 or more; signatory power over business assets of $100 or more per transaction; managerial decisions setting the direction or control of the business; or access to personal or confidential information, financial information, trade secrets or state or
national security information. Broadly speaking, if a job gives employees authority which can be used to misuse information or assets for their own financial benefit, you may be able to check their credit — even if your business is not exempt from the Act, as a whole. However, you should be very sure you have the right to a credit check because the Act permits any person “injured by a violation of this Act” to file a lawsuit for damages. If that person wins the lawsuit, you may have to pay his attorneys’ fees, as well as your own. So, running a credit check in violation of the Act can be a very expensive mistake. If you have any doubts about whether you can check the credit of an applicant or employee, you should consult an attorney. The preceding is presented as general information about current legal issues and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. ED 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.
MAY 2011
SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL
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Women in Business Five mistakes managers make when recruiting and coaching women and how not to make them BY JANE SANDERS SBJ CONTRIBUTOR
Oops! Yet another female recruit or employee chose a different job option. What happened? Is it truly that difficult to attract and retain women? Is it rocket science? Sanders The answer to the first question is that it could be several things. As for the next two questions, it can be difficult, but doesn’t have to be, and, no it’s not rocket science. Five of many gender differences that often derail recruiting and coaching efforts are outlined below. The solutions, as you will see, are simple, just different from the masculine style of most people who in charge or in power positions. There are definitely exceptions, but the tips below apply to most women. More than 18 years of gender communication expertise, along with more than 250 interviews with managers and female employees at all levels in several industries, constitute the research for this work. Pitching money instead of fulfillment: Women want to make a positive difference in the world, in their communities, and for their employers and clients. They want to contribute and receive joy and fulfillment from their work. Of course, they want and need to be paid equally and fairly, but surveys indicate that fulfillment is of great importance for the majority of women. Pitch how the position can make a positive difference in people’s lives, however many steps removed from this benefit the job may be. Describe specific true examples. Have recruiters and other employees tell their own personal stories of how they made a difference, so candidates hear it from multiple sources.
Find more business news at www.sbj.biz. Connect the dots between the job and positive contribution. Once they are on board, remind employees of this contribution during rough times and challenges. Avoiding eye contact: Women respond to connection and supportive, emotionally fulfilling relationships. Whether they realize it or admit it or not, connection and a feeling of community are key motivators for them in the workplace. They find it difficult to connect without eye contact. They have trouble developing trust or comfort with someone who doesn’t look them in the eye. To women, a lack of eye contact comes across as intentionally avoiding connection, and is a sign of disinterest. They don’t feel taken seriously. Maintain eye contact during any discussion or conversation with women. Don’t stare them down; glance away every few seconds. Use active listening skills such as nodding, making comments and interested facial expressions, and restating important points so she knows you are engaged and value her input and presence. Ask questions to clarify and show interest whether you really need to or not. But, be sincere. Women can spot insincerity a mile away. Not providing emotional support: Women are motivated by emotional security. This does not mean they are weak or any less competent or capable than men. It just means they are most productive and inspired when, as stated previously, they feel a sense of community, belonging and connection, and when they feel supported and cared about. Acknowledge her strengths and successes in specific terms. Acknowledge them often, and publicly. Let her vent at the end of a tough day or week; be her safe sounding board.
Empathize with her by sharing your own frustrations and how you overcame them, or by sharing with her how someone else experienced the same situation. Describe how other employees (or you) handled similar challenges. Let her see your human side — that you have tough times, too. Share these experiences with the intention of showing her that you understand how she feels, not to top or one-up her story. Make sure she knows that you are her No. 1 fan and 100 percent committed to her success. Limiting time with you: As mentioned, women perform their best when they feel confident, supported and cared about — when they have a sense of emotional security, connection and community. This takes time. They need to feel free to ask questions and get the mentoring and coaching they desire. Plan on longer interviews and meetings, and more of them. I know that sounds difficult, but it will be worth it. The return investment on your time will be improved recruiting and retention results, and more productive and engaged employees. Have an open-door policy. It will be worth it. Once on board and connected, women generally are more loyal and feel more personal obligation to work hard and perform their best. Coach and mentor them without breathing down their necks. Give them space, but also free permission to ask for support and training. Judging them as weak: Women often use a more inclusive style of communicating that includes tag questions (“I did pretty well, don’t you think?), apologies (“Sorry!” “Sorry that happened” or “Oh, I’m sorry!”), disclaimers (“Well, this is just my opinion, but don’t you think that …?”) and indirect requests (“It sure would be nice to have this report by 10.”) Most men have a masculine style that comes across as more direct and powerful, so this softer way of speaking sounds less
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Women perform their best when they feel confident, supported and cared about.
authoritative, less confident and weak to them. Be careful not to judge women as weak or less capable just because they sound less powerful to you. It is just a style difference. Their intention is to avoid sounding harsh or bossy. This inclusive style has nothing to do with their intelligence, competence or managerial potential. It is merely a different way of communicating. I hope these tips, just a few of many, are helpful and increase your recruiting and retention success. JANE SANDERS, president of GenderSmart Solutions, is a speaker, trainer and facilitator in the areas of gender communication, recruiting and retention of women, selling to women, strategic life planning, presentation skills and authentic leadership confidence. Jane’s clients include MassMutual, Toyota, Prudential, U.S. Steel, Walgreens, Mayo Clinic, Choice Hotels and many more companies and associations. Located in Mount Vernon, she is author of “GenderSmart: Solving The Communication Puzzle Between Men and Women,” published in five languages and available on her website. Reach Jane at 618-204-5540; jane@janesanders.com; www.janesanders.com.
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MAY 2011
SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL
11
Elder Law Update on proposed Medicaid eligibility rules for long-term care BY RICHARD HABIGER SBJ CONTRIBUTOR
As previously reported in the January 2011 issue of SBJ, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services published proposed rules that would have extremely Habiger harsh consequences for seniors in Southern Illinois. Because the greatest threat to the financial security of seniors is the devastating cost of nursing home care and other long-term care expenses, estate planning attorneys and financial professionals need to be aware of the consequences for their clients if the proposed rules are adopted in their present form. In April, IDHFS issued revisions to its proposed rules. The Joint Committee on Administrative Rules , a committee of the Illinois legislature, is scheduled to vote on the revised proposed rules at a meeting scheduled for 8 a.m. May 10 in Springfield. Elder law attorneys and concerned citizens from around the state have lodged more than 300 complaints against the proposed rules. While the revisions made a few minor changes to the proposed rules, the most extreme and potentially devastating provisions remain pending and will be voted on at the May 10 meeting of JCAR. Foremost is the attempt by IDHFS to
have its proposed rules apply retroactively. As originally published, the proposed rules would be effective retroactively to Feb. 8, 2006. Although IDHFS revisions shortened the retroactivity period to three years, gradually increasing to five years, making the rules retroactive even by one day is fundamentally unfair and would create an extreme hardship on seniors who relied on the existing rules to plan their financial affairs. There is no way seniors could have known about the proposed rules until now. (Whatever happened to the constitutional prohibition on ex post facto laws?) The following case illustrates why retroactivity is such a problem for many seniors. Assume that a year ago you were a healthy senior citizen and that you gave $25,000 to a child who was having a hard time in the current difficult economic environment. Your gift to your child may have meant that the child could save his or her home instead of losing it to foreclosure. Or, perhaps the gift was for a loved one who needed help paying for uninsured medical expenses. Assume further that now your health has declined and that your medical condition requires long-term care, the kind that can only be provided in a nursing home. Unfortunately, unlike most middleincome persons in Southern Illinois, you will be unable to qualify for Medicaid to help pay for your nursing home costs because your gift created a long penalty period, which must first elapse before you will be eligible for this financial benefit. Thus, existing transfer restrictions should continue to apply until the new
Find more business news at www.sbj.biz. administrative rules are adopted and fully implemented. In the hypothetical example, under existing rules, the penalty already would have elapsed, allowing you to enter a nursing home and immediately have Medicaid paying your nursing home bills. Another huge concern is that the revisions to the proposed rules actually make matters worse for married couples. The revisions eliminate the ability of a spouse in a nursing home to obtain a hardship waiver when the spouse who remains at home refuses to cooperate by providing information about his or her separate assets. Contrary to the plain language of federal law, the revisions to the proposed rules eliminate the ability of the institutionalized spouse to obtain an undue hardship waiver by assigning to the government his or her rights to support. A third area of great concern with the proposed rules is the failure to give Medicaid applicants credit when gifts or other transfers of assets are returned to the applicant. By no longer allowing credit for partial returns of assets, there is no longer an incentive for children (or other gift recipients) to return the gifted assets to the elderly person. A fourth area of concern is the proposed rules eliminate a three-month grace period that federal law permits for applicants to conduct housekeeping tasks, such as repairing or improving the homestead, for the community spouse or
transferring the homestead to the sole ownership of the community spouse. A fifth concern is the proposed rules would require a person to enter a nursing home before a penalty period could begin. (A penalty period is imposed by Medicaid when a gift or transfer is made for less than fair market value). No one should be forced to leave his or her home and enter a nursing home to begin a penalty period. Because the proposed rules, even as revised, are so fundamentally unfair, JCAR ought to prohibit their adoption. Instead, JCAR should instruct IDHFS to adopt rules that simply quote the language of the federal Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. While that act is not a model in legislative clarity, and itself is extremely harsh, seniors nonetheless have had advance notice of its provisions. This would eliminate the fundamental unfairness of IDHFS to overreach. Illinois does not need to balance the state’s budget on the backs of elderly seniors. While time is short, concerned citizens may still let members of JCAR know about these concerns. A list of the members of JCAR and their fax numbers is available at http://www.naelail.org/images/pdfs/jcar%20members%20 as%20of%2003-30-11.pdf. RICHARD HABIGER is the author of the Illinois edition of “How to Protect Your Family’s Assets from Devastating Nursing Home Costs: Medicaid Secrets.” He is an elder law attorney who focuses on asset protection, Medicaid and VA benefits. You may contact him at 618-549-4529 or info@habigerelder law.com.
ECONOMIC: The global impact of Japan’s crisis FROM PAGE 6 to the world economy as it boosts the home economy. Assuming the nuclear threat is greatly reduced in Japan in the next few weeks, we could see this economic pattern prove true again.
Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett sees a “buying opportunity” emerging from the crisis. “It’ll take some time to rebuild, but it will not change the (economic) future of Japan,” he told reporters in South Korea. Buffett said that if he owned Japanese equities, he wouldn’t
sell them. Let’s hope the rest of the world shares his optimism. SCOTT MCCLATCHEY is a certified financial planner with Alliance Investment Planning Group, a Carbondale-based investment firm located at 115 S. Washington St. He can be
reached at 618-519-9344 or scott@allianceinvestment planning.com. Mr. McClatchey also provides investment, retirement planning, and insurance services to SIU Credit Union members. Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC.
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2007
2006
11.5 7.7 66.0 3.4 4.8 10.9 22.3 14.8 1.1 70.9 8.4 52.9 13.4 10.0 4.3 6.3 12.0 3.6 8.5 12.5 $345.3 $15,056.9
120.9 69.5 598.0 42.2 55.3 77.1 195.0 153.4 11.8 683.1 82.0 507.0 130.6 96.6 38.5 75.2 128.5 39.9 87.8 112.4 $3,304.8 $147,232.0
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
R
N I L L I Chicago Fed Midwest % change 06-10 Manufacturing Index
p q q p p q p p p p p p p q q q q p p p p q
8.2% 7.3% 2.0% 5.8% 2.4% 25.2% 15.7% 11.6% 2.6% 15.3% 9.6% 1.2% 40.4% 8.6% 7.7% 8.8% 3.5% 8.1% 13.0% 5.2% 4.6% 15.1%
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 Feb 11 91.1
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 Labor force Alexander Franklin Gallatin Hamilton Hardin Jackson Jefferson Johnson Massac Perry Pope Pulaski Randolph Saline Union Washington White Williamson .,REGION ILLINOIS U.S.
2,891 17,711 2,631 4,066 1,792 32,857 20,005 5,321 6,939 9,444 1,947 2,854 15,410 13,081 8,466 8,368 7,880 34,786 196,449 6,532,580 152,635,000
Jobless 325 2,086 237 454 196 2,454 1,757 577 624 1,079 204 287 1,372 1,281 1,049 630 665 3,205 18,482 615,878 14,542,000
Feb 2011
Jan 2011
Feb 2010
11.2% 11.8% 9.0% 11.2% 10.9% 7.5% 8.8% 10.8% 9.0% 11.4% 10.5% 10.1% 8.9% 9.8% 12.4% 7.5% 8.4% 9.2% 9.4% 9.4% 9.5%
11.6% 11.7% 8.9% 10.3% 10.7% 8.1% 9.0% 11.0% 8.8% 11.2% 10.3% 9.8% 8.7% 9.9% 11.9% 7.3% 8.1% 9.2% 9.8% 9.6% 9.8%
12.6% 15.6% 12.3% 12.7% 14.3% 9.3% 12.4% 13.2% 11.1% 15.2% 13.9% 13.3% 11.5% 12.5% 15.9% 10.3% 11.1% 11.9% 12.2% 12.0% 10.4%
SOURCE: ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT SECURITY, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR. FIGURES ARE NOT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED.
Change month q p p p p q q q q p p p p q p p p
q q q
0.4 0.1 0.1 0.9 0.2 0.6 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.5 0.2 0.3 0.0 0.4 0.2 0.3
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 Feb 11
1.4 72 83.3 3.8 70 68 3.3 1.5 66 3.4 64 J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F ’11 ’10 ’09 1.8 3.6 SOURCE: FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF CHICAGO 2.4 2.1 3.8 3.4 3.2 Feb 11 Feb 10 Change 2.6 2.7 MONTHLY TOTALS 3.5 599 506 p 18.4% 2.8 YTD TOTALS 2.7 2.7 1,230 947 p 30.0% 2.8 2010 2009 Change 2.6 ANNUAL TOTALS 0.9 7,478 2,750 p 171.9%
Williamson County Regional Airport passengers
N
O
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 April 2011.
Alexander Franklin Gallatin Hamilton Hardin Jackson Jefferson Johnson Massac Perry Pope Pulaski Randolph Saline Union Washington White Williamson REGION
10 79 24 21 10 101 65 35 23 34 7 8 61 76 44 33 50 137 818
5 63 10 14 9 83 38 21 13 35 6 9 54 53 30 23 39 88 579
A
T
698
Murphysboro
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 Feb 10
C
694
SOURCE: EXPERIAN
Feb 11
I
p p p p p p p p p q p q p p p p p p p
Change
2009
100.0% 25.4% 140.0% 50.0% 11.1% 21.7% 71.1% 66.7% 76.9% 2.9% 16.7% 11.1% 13.0% 43.4% 46.7% 43.5% 28.2% 55.7% 41.3%
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%
Home sales 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%
March 11 96.3
S
O
N
D
J
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
F
M
A
M
' 08
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
J
' 10
' 09
F M ' 11
SOURCE: INSTITUTE OF GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS, UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
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.
Oct 10 Oct 09 MONTHLY TOTALS YTD TOTALS $6,574,838
Change
$768,913 q
$745,914
$6,686,833 q
2009 ANNUAL TOTALS
2008
Change 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
$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
3.0%
U.S. city average Feb 11 221.2
224
222
1.7%
Change
$7,520,856 p
MEDIAN SALES PRICE Q4 10 Q4 09
Total units sold, including condominiums
Q4 10
108 107 106 105 104 103 102 101 100 99 98 97 96 95 94 93 92 91 90 89
$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.
220
218
216
2.7%
Midwest urban Feb 11 211.1
214
212
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%
210
208
206
204 F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
‘10
D
J ’11
F
SOURCE: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Prices at the pump Average price per gallon of regular, unleaded gas as of March 24 and April 21, 2011.
Metro East Springfield Illinois U.S. SOURCE: AAA
Apr 11
Mar 11
Apr 10
$3.99 $3.89 $4.08 $3.84
$3.58 $3.59 $3.68 $3.55
$2.98 $2.89 $3.02 $2.86
14
SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL
MAY 2011
State Focus The four most beautiful words in our common language: ‘I told you so.’ ---- Gore Vidal BY J. FRED GIERTZ SBJ CONTRIBUTOR
It probably seemed like a good idea at the time, back in 1997. Tuition costs were rising rapidly and parents were increasingly concerned about the affordability of college for their Giertz children. The state of Illinois decided to come to the rescue by establishing a prepaid tuition program where parents could make a payment and lock in college tuition expenses.
An additional advantage of the program was that it would not cost the state anything since the state would invest the proceeds so the principle plus the investment returns would cover the cost of the program. Unfortunately, these early hopes have not been realized. The headline in Crain’s Chicago Business on April 1, read: “House Speaker Madigan wants state probe of prepaid tuition plan.” Such an investigation was later approved by the House by a 114-0 vote. This was in response to recent reports of a serious underfunding problem for the Illinois Prepaid Tuition Program, administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Program. As of June 30, the
prepaid tuition fund had assets of $1.1 billion, but additional unfunded liabilities of $531 million for a funding ratio of 68 percent. It was also revealed that, contrary to the belief of most investors, the promised prepaid tuition benefits were not really guaranteed by the state of Illinois. There was a questionable high profile investment of $12.7 million in ShoreBank that was wiped out last year when the FDIC closed the bank, a community development bank in Chicago supported by many prominent local politicians. After these problems became apparent, the ISAP was about to embark on a risky, idiosyncratic investment strategy in an attempt to correct the underfunding problem, in essence doubling down by raising risk levels in hopes of boosting returns. These plans have now been put on hold. The problems of Illinois’ prepaid tuition plan, however, are more serious and fundamental than low investment returns. In fact, the program is predicated on a number of highly questionable assumptions that should have been addressed from the very beginning. You cannot say that the state was not warned. The following is excerpted from an Institute of Government and Public Affairs report that I coauthored March 7, 1997. It was released and also presented in testimony to the Illinois General Assembly 14 years ago when the prepaid tuition plan was being drafted: “Prepaid tuition plans are very similar to defined benefit pension plans. If they are well planned and well administered, there is no particular reason why they should fail. There is one additional complication, however, in comparison to pension plans. Pension plans are based on various actuarial assumptions about future life expectancy, inflation rates, rates of return, etc. With prepaid tuition plans, there is an additional factor in that it is necessary to project future tuition costs. At public institutions, these costs are based on political, as well as economic, factors since the increase in tuition costs results not only from inflation, but also
from changing levels of state support. As with public pension plans, there are obviously political incentives that may result in underfunding. It may be attractive politically to offer unreasonably low prices for prepaid tuition knowing these costs will come due far in the future. “Many of the objections to early proposals were based on their wildly optimistic estimates of investment returns and tuition inflation rates that left the state bearing an unreasonable degree of risk which, in turn, might be passed on to the universities.” These cautions raised in the report became a virtual roadmap leading to the current problems. Tuition growth rates were consistently underestimated because diminishing levels of state support resulted in tuition increases that have far outpaced inflation. There have also been two major market declines since the program began, resulting in unmet investment return assumptions. These past underfunding problems cannot be addressed by raising the costs for new entrants in the program. The ISAC stated: “We have increased the price of new contracts so that the cost reflects our best assessment of the future tuition benefit.” Since participation is voluntary, new buyers cannot be expected to pay to reduce the unfunded liability associated with earlier enrollees. At best, the higher price may stop the erosion of the fund. “I told you so” provides some satisfaction, but it falls short of the “beauty” suggested by Gore Vidal. This is a serious and sad problem for the state. The state is in the midst of a fiscal crisis, associated in part with underfunded pensions, and it can ill afford additional burdens. While the underfunding of the prepaid tuition plan is small by comparison to the pension problem, it represents a major failure and a breach of trust that needs to be addressed. 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.
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16
SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL
MAY 2011
Investments Behavioral finance: The science of spotting personal investing mistakes and correcting them BY MICHAEL P. TISON SBJ CONTRIBUTOR
Since we know we can neither predict nor influence the financial markets, where should we look to attempt to improve our investment results? According to behavioral finance, Tison the answer lies with the person in the mirror. We can best improve our investment performance by first understanding what we are doing to sabotage it, then learning and practicing different and more constructive behaviors. From an investment standpoint, this is why so many investors buy high and sell low. They’re acting emotionally, following what behavioral finance calls the “herding effect” of doing what everyone else is doing. Translate this into dollars and the results are discouraging, to say the least. Remembering these common pitfalls won’t immunize you against losses, but keeping them in mind as you make investment decisions are likely to bring you better overall results in the long run. Here are eight of the biggest pitfalls, along with suggestions on how to avoid or minimize the damage they can cause. Loss aversion: Behavioral finance research has shown that investors feel the pain of losing positions twice as much as
the elation of winning investments. This leads to the all-too-common tendency to hold onto our losers and sell our winners, a practice legendary investor Peter Lynch compared to “picking your flowers and watering your weeds.” Every investor, Lynch included, suffers losses. Accept that you’re going to have them and find a way not to let them get out of hand. A mechanical rule like selling when an investment is down 15 percent can help, although there will be times when a stock will decline 15 percent and then, perversely, turn around and soar. Herding: We are social animals, more comfortable inside the pack and with believing (and following) the consensus view. Trouble is, when everybody believes something is going to happen, it seldom does. Think for yourself and be careful when everyone is certain about something. In 2005-06, housing prices were sure to go higher, weren’t they? Familiarity: Some investors believe that because they’re knowledgeable about a specific industry, or the company they work for, they have a better feel for investments in that field. This can lead to over-concentration in a portfolio. Don’t confuse knowledge about a company with understanding the potential of its stock. Anchoring: How many times have you heard someone (not that you would do this) say, “I’ll sell that stock when it gets back to $xx,” with $xx being what he or she paid originally? This is anchoring — letting some arbitrary reference point govern or overly influence your decisions.
Salesman use this all the time. Telling prospects that the price of a car, for example, is $35,000 makes it seem like paying only $30,000 is getting a deal. Don’t get attached (anchored) to a fixed number, either for an individual stock or your portfolio as a whole. Recency: Recent events have more influence over us than earlier ones (a major event from the past may be an exception) and, therefore, we tend to overreact to what just happened. This, along with herding, pushes investors into selling at the bottom and buying at the top. Don’t ignore what’s going on, but try to put events in a historical context. Endowment effect: Basically, this means we tend to value something we already own more than something we don’t. Related to anchoring and another effect called status quo bias (it’s easier to do nothing than take an action that may fail), endowment causes investors to hold on to stocks despite strong indications that it’s time to sell. One way to combat this is to pretend you don’t own the stock and that someone is urging you to buy it, or to make that case yourself to a skeptical friend. If you can’t persuade yourself or your friend of the stock’s merits, it may be time to say goodbye. Information overload: Modern technology means that a vast wave of information is washing over investors every day — CNBC, newspapers, investment websites, email alerts, calls and messages from friends. The list goes on. After a certain point, more
information (particularly when it’s presented by the media as breaking news or urgent) doesn’t clarify things, it confuses them. This is particularly true at important turning points in the markets. How many investors sold at the bottom of the last bear market because of the relentless drumbeat of bad news? Overconfidence: This one isn’t limited to investing. Although it’s statistically impossible, most people consider themselves to be better-than-average at a number of things. Much of the time, this is a harmless conceit. But, when it comes to the market, it can be very expensive. While we have to arrive at some opinion about the financial markets in order to plot a course of action, we also need to remember that pride precedes a fall. The 2008 financial crisis was exacerbated because many prominent economists and policymakers thought they had a good handle on what could go wrong. They didn’t, and we may not either. Test your premises by really listening to the arguments against them. And, remember the phrase that famed investor Sir John Templeton called the four most dangerous words in investing: “This time is different.” 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.
COVER: Does Southern Illinois have a brain drain? Viewpoints differ on severity of issue FROM PAGE 3 flex-scheduling or help with childcare. They have to get people excited about their company and about the region.” Lively says involving employees in the organization and in groups such as 13Pro, a regional organization of business people under the age of 40, can help to entice workers to stay.
“In groups like that, where they can network and socialize together, they can see that there really are some great opportunities in this area.” Purdy says that in order to find positions in the area, job seekers need to be flexible. “I’d say right now there’s parity in the job market between our area and the metropolitan locations, so there are jobs
out there. The name of the game is to be flexible in order to find a job in this area.” Purdy explains that flexibility may mean taking a position in a field, city or type of company previously unconsidered. Taylor, for one, says he’s flexible as he remains excited about prospects in Southern Illinois. He’s returning to SIUC for graduate school and again hopes to find a job in the area.
“One thing that I think will help me out this time around is that I’m going to do a practicum and an internship locally,” he says. “That will give me an opportunity to network and meet more people in the area, which will hopefully lead to a career.” LES O’DELL of Carbondale is a regular contributor to Southern Business Journal and The Southern Illinoisan.
18
SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL
MAY 2011
Achievements Faces in the news
Keller
Stokes
Fisher
Richey
Find more business news at www.sbj.biz.
Svanda
Donovan
Roberts
Troutman
Hospital names new director
2011 Volunteer of the Year named
Brad Galli has been named to the board of directors at Marshall Browning Hospital in Du Quoin. Galli will fill the term of Dr. David Marsden, who served 23 years on the hospital board. Galli graduated from high school in West Frankfort and St. Louis College of Pharmacy. He is a registered pharmacist at Medicine Shoppe in Du Quoin.
Stephanie J. Fisher of Grand Chain has been named 2011 Volunteer of the Year for her inspirational services to inmates in the minimum security unit of Tamms Correctional Center. Fisher is an ordained associate minister at St. John Praise & Worship Center in Pulaski. She is a senior consultant and trainer for Chambers and Associates, LLC of Grand Chain.
Saxon, Ridgeway recognized Southern Illinois Regional Social Services, a Carbondale-based community mental health provider, recently recognized Verletta Saxon and Shelly Ridgeway for their achievements. Saxon, who has a Ph.D. in rehabilitation from SIU and has been employed at SIRSS since 2009, has been promoted to crisis manager. Ridgeway is now a certified SPARCS therapist. SPARCS is short for Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents Responding to Chronic Stress.
Modern Woodmen of America honors four Four local representatives of Modern Woodmen of America have been recognized for their achievement in life insurance sales. Donald H. Svanda of Murphysboro has been named to Modern Woodmen’s 2010 President’s Club. And, Larry D. Roberts of Marion, Brenda T. Stokes of Anna and Peggy R. Richey of Pittsburg have been named to Modern Woodmen’s 2010 President’s Cabinet.
Keller joins company
Marlow
Rhode
Baker
Baker
Faces in the news
Kraatz
Kraatz
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 email the information to sbj@thesouthern.com.
Century 21 House of Realty earns awards The agents, staff and management of Century 21 House of Realty, Inc. owned by Richard and Janie Davis, recently attended the 2010 Century 21 Award Celebration in St. Louis and was recognized for outstanding production results in 2010. Century 21 House of Realty, Inc. received top honor as the most productive company in the St. Louis Broker Council and placed in the top 100 most productive Century 21 companies in the entire United States. In addition, Century 21 House of Realty’s Marion/Lake of Egypt office was awarded the Quality Service Pinnacle Award for outstanding customer satisfaction and the Gold Medallion Award for overall production excellence. Century 21 House of Realty’s Carterville office was the recipient of the Quality Service Pinnacle Award for outstanding customer satisfaction, and the Carbondale office was awarded the Quality Service Award for outstanding levels of service for 2010.
Andy Keller of Campbell Hill has joined Buy A Farm Land and Auction Company as a new agent. Buy A Farm specializes in rural real estate, including sales and auctions. Keller’s family has been in the real estate business for many years, and he plans to carry on that tradition. He can be reached at 618-571-4687. For more information, visit buyafarm.com.
Harrah’s donates light bulbs On Earth Day, the employees of Harrah’s Metropolis Casino and Hotel and volunteers donated 500 compact fluorescent light bulbs to Massac County Housing Authority for distribution to several housing complexes in Metropolis, Brookport and the surrounding area.
Chamness named director of communications Michael Chamness of Rochester, formerly of Murphysboro, recently was named director of communications for Illinois Association of School Administrators. Chamness graduated from Murphysboro Township High School and Southern Illinois University. He worked as a reporter, sports editor and news editor at The Southern Illinoisan for 11 years. He also served as a homeland security planner.
Donovan named to leadership board Shawnna Donovan of Marion, a local media and marketing consultant, recently was named to the local American Cancer Society’s Regional Leadership Board. The board, comprised of local volunteers and medical professionals, serves the southern 22 counties.
Troutman, Marlow attend training Williamson County Treasurer Bruce Troutman and Jefferson County Treasurer Debbie Elliott Marlow were among 93 county treasurers in the state who attended a meeting March 30 and 31 hosted by Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka. The 2011 County Treasurers Training Program is a state-mandated education workshop hosted every four years by the Illinois Office of the Comptroller.
Rhode re-elected to board Shari R. Rhode, an owner/partner in the Carbondale law firm of Rhode & Jackson, has been re-elected to the Board of Governors of the Illinois State Bar Association for a three-year term. The 25-member board directs the operations and activities of the 33,000-member organization. Rhode was appointed in 2008 to fill a
MAY 2011 vacancy created when Mark Hassakis of Mount Vernon was elected third vice president of the organization.
SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL 2010 total sales, placing them in the company’s top performers among its more than 25,000 sales people. This is Shepard’s second time as an honoree.
Baker named preschool director Suzanne Baker recently was selected as the new director of Presbyterian Preschool in Carbondale. The preschool provides half-day educational experiences in a Christian atmosphere for children ages 2, 3 and 4. For more information, call 618-529-1264.
Park named Midwest travel treasure AAA Midwest Traveler has named Giant City State Park a Midwest travel treasure. Nestled in Shawnee National Forest just south of Carbondale, the park was featured in the March/April issue of the magazine.
Aisin Manufacturing achieves milestone Aisin Manufacturing in Marion achieved a safety milestone again as the plant surpassed 1 million hours worked without a lost-time accident. The plant was the fourth North American Aisin plant to achieve this milestone in July 2009. The current streak started February 2010 and continues through to the present date. The plant also received five safety awards from the parent company, Aisin Holdings of America.
Verizon names three to president’s cabinet Eric Shepard, Anthony McKinney and Chad Mansker, retail sales managers at Verizon Wireless Communications stores in Marion, Mount Vernon and Mount Vernon, respectively, have been named to the company’s president’s cabinet. All three ranked in the top 1 percent in
Baker announces Log Homes partnership Scott Baker, owner of River to River Log Homes of Makanda, recently announced a partnership with Log Homes of America of Jefferson, N.C. As an authorized dealer for Log Homes of America, River to River Log Homes markets log homes, log hybrid homes and timber frame homes. A model home is near Makanda. Baker can be reached at 618-967-2064 or scott@rivertoriver loghomes.com.
Little Caesars releases fundraising program Little Caesars of Southern Illinois has released a new fundraising program designed specifically for nonprofit groups and organizations. The program was created to fit any size organization and is flexible to any time table the group needs to raise funds. A fundraiser booklet with more than $30 of free food coupons are sold to people in the community for $5. The organization distributing the booklet earns $4 for every booklet purchased. For details, call Charles Keyser at 618-241-0879.
Z100 raises $208K for St. Jude New Country Z100, along with its listeners, raised $208,756 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital recently during the radio station’s Country Cares for St. Jude Kids radiothon. Since its inception in 1989, Country Cares has grown to be one of the most successful radio fundraising events in the nation with more than 200 radio station partners raising more than $365 million in pledges.
Kraatzes join United Country Exodus Realty Real estate brokers Teena and Dann Kraatz of Dongola, former owners of United Country Kraatz Realty, have joined the Harrisburg-based United Country Exodus Realty. United Country Exodus Realty serves 17 Southern Illinois counties. L’Erin Ragon is the broker/owner.
SIU Credit Union offers loan SIU Credit Union recently partnered with Sallie Mae to offer SIU Credit Union members a new student loan program to help students graduate with less debt after graduation. With the SIU Credit Union Smart Option Student Loan by Sallie Mae, students pay interest while in school and graduate with less debt, compared to other longer-term private loan alternatives in which no payments are made until after graduation. A typical freshman can save 30 to 50 percent on finance charges over the life of the loan. For more information, visit www.siucu.org or call 618-457-3595.
Advanced Pain Management Advanced Pain Management recently opened in the same building as Carterville Chiropractic Center in downtown Carterville at 108 N. Division St. Board certified anesthesiologist Gregory Randle, M.D., is accepting new patients. Call 618-985-3929 to set up an appointment.
Gourmet pastry shop opens Something Sweet, a gourmet pastry shop, recently opened at 418 N. 14th St. in Murphysboro. The shop specializes in pastries and cakes of all kinds for any event. Tea party packages for girls ages 4 to 8 are available. Something Sweet also offers customized children’s accessories, monogramming
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and unique hair bows, all exclusive to the shop. For more information, call 618-6844455 or email somethingsweet11 @hotmail.com.
Bank opens new branches Legence Bank has expanded its branch network to seven with the recent opening of the Harrisburg and Galatia branches. A wholly-owned subsidiary of the holding company, First Eldorado Bancshares, Inc. in Eldorado, Legence Bank acquired the two Southern Illinois bank branches from the Marion-based MidCountry Bank.
Executive director named Carbondale native Sherry Ratcliffe recently was named executive director for Carbondale Chamber of Commerce. Ratcliffe has a bachelor’s degree in finance from Southern Illinois University and more than seven years of experience in the telecommunications industry within the sales and marketing areas. She replaces Kristin Gregory, who left the post March 8 to work with Vine Community Church in Carbondale.
McCollum Real Estate joins Real Living McCollum Real Estate in Benton and West Frankfort has been named the newest Real Living franchisee and now joins the award-winning brand and a network of residential real estate offices nationwide. Real Living/McCollum Real Estate, formerly McCollum Real Estate/GMAC is now part of one of the fastest growing real estate networks in the United States, known for its suite of online tools for consumers and agents. “We knew it was the right decision and a great fit for our agents and their clients,” said David McCollum, broker/owner.
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MAY 2011
SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL
21
Business Fine Print PERMITS | BANKRUPTCIES
Building permits
Bill Woodhouse, 1620 W. Tyler St., $65,000
Carbondale
Marion
First Bank and Trust, 2471 W. Main St., $15,000 Brighten Your Day Gift Shop, 1821 W. Main, $15,000 The Children’s Place, 1207 E. Main, $126,617 Southern Illinois Properties, 2071 S. Illinois Ave., $5,000 James Karayiannis, 1001 N. Oakland Ave., $90,000 Judy Drolet, 800 S. Emerald Lane, $40,000 Patricia Pieczka, 609 W. Cherry St., $7,000 Torrance Wilson, 2101 W. Sunset Drive, $2,500 Timothy Parker, 615 S. Logan St., $15,000 Everett Thornton, 606 N. Wall St., $22,000 Erkin Alkis, 512 N. Springer St., $36,250 Donald Priddy, 1430 E. Walnut St., $5,000 Results Homebuyers, 2102 W. Partridge Lane, $5,000 Joseph Lampugnano, 802 S. Johnson Ave., $500 Martha Beck, 508 S. Dixon Ave., $1,760 George Vinyard, 216 E. Glenview Drive, $5,000 Brehm Preparatory School, 1245 E. Grand Ave., $6,000 Timothy Lomax, 860 N. New Era Road, $500
Herrin Brad Blakey, 3 Douglas Drive, $50,000 Daniel Fuller, 809 W. Harrison St., $7,000 Stacey Cutrell, 500 S. 19th St., $3,500 Paul Benns, 717 W. Cherry St., $34,000 Tom Sanchez, 3201 Mustang Lane, $31,000 Shawn Banks, 1713 S. 22nd St., $30,000 David Walls, 1001 E. Stotlar St., $60,000 Herrin CUSD, 14255 Bandyville Road, $3,684,633
Ron Chamness, 1009 S. Court, $2,500 Mike Bundren, Wild Rose, $130,000 Joe Hale Automotive, 1503 E. Main, $25,000 Robert Vickers, 1508 N. Logan, $8,000 Michael Pierce, 1008 E. Carter, $5,000 Larry Cagle, 803 Morningside, $120,000 Karn Harmon, 1611 Eugene Drive, $125,000 Clearwave Communications, 1100 Golf Drive, $560,000
Metropolis Frank Henderson, 610 7th St., $1,000 Charlie Eichorn, 55 Paradise Lane, $15,000 Thomas and April Reed, 210 Shawnee Lane, $1,500 Thomas and April Reed, 210 Shawnee Lane, $24,500
Mount Vernon Chris and K.B. Richardson, 102 Burns, $6,500 DMDC, N. Salem Road, $0 DMDC and City of Mount Vernon, 800 Main St., $0 DMDC and City of Mount Vernon, 200 Potomac, $0 DMDC and Robin Hensley, S. 10th and Casey, $0 DMDC and First UMC, 12th and Broadway, $0 DMDC and Guy Wood, 14th and Main, $0 Charles Skelton, 1216 S. 13th St., $0 Yvette Jones, 513 Grand, $0 Casey’s General Store, 617 Salem Road, $8,000 Ed and Glenda Chappell, 15775 Old Fairfield Road, $148,000 Jefferson County Shriners, 11675 N. Illinois 37, $0
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St. Mary Catholic Church and School, 1500 Main St., $0 Jim Stanley/Sherry Perkins, 1704, North St., $0 Evangelistic Outreach, 1407 11th St., $2,275 Harlow Moving and Storage, 1018 Oakland, $0 Allen Joy, 302 28th St., $2,000 Solid Rock Church, 1703 9th St., $1,600 Jefferson County Housing Authority, 109 Shiloh Drive, $2,300 Nail Pro’s, 101 Davidson, $3,100 Dr. JK Yank, 2801 Broadway, $2,265 T. Ham Sign, 4211 Broadway, $70,000 Bradley Conroy, 1721 Cherry, $0 Hank Holtz, 1308 Salem Road, $0 Stephanie Moore, 1921 College, $0 Barbara Sells, 615 Marteeny, $1,000
Murphysboro Lawrence Weiss, 411 S. 16th St., $9,000 Gene Novara, 2031 Division St., $7,000 Keith Stokes, 10519 Illinois 149, $15,000 Vickie Wagner, 2123 Herbert, $30,000 Joe Hickam, 1923 Hortense St., $2,665 William Locke, 438 N. 8th St., $695 Travis Ince, 801 Jenkins, $8,000 Virginia Ellis, 531 N. Tony Drive, $1,000 Martin and Bayley Inc. (Huck’s), 1937 Walnut, $33,000
Bankruptcies Chapter 7 Michael Eugene Crabtree, 1216 N. Oak, Du Quoin Melba Gean Crabtree, 1216 N. Oak, Du Quoin Michael P. Berry, 5702 U.S. 51, Mounds Juan Tomas, P.O. Box 2, Alto Pass Danny L. and Lisa A. Phillips, P.O. Box 5, Joppa Ronald D. Brown, 403 E. White, Marion
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Alberto Teran, 218 Daffodil Lane, Makanda Joseph A. and Amy N. Samples, 103 E. Douglas, De Soto Jason F. and Jackie K. Beal, 2001 E. Elm St., West Frankfort Joseph R. and Leahanne F. Nuss Jr., 405 S. Victor St., Christopher Aaron J. Leininger, 904 W. Mill, Apt. A, Carbondale James D. and Tammy Jo Griffin, 731 Bramlett, Eldorado James Earl Simpson, 709 S. Sunnyslope, No. 3, West Frankfort Michael F. Coles, P.O. Box 1336, Murphysboro Cayce R. Robinson, 805 W. Cherry, Herrin Phillip W. and Cassandra L. Musgraves Sr., 510 S. Main St., Anna Sandra K. Chancey, 224 Rees Lane, Murphysboro Herbert H. and Christina K. Feldt, P.O. Box 44, Prairie Du Rocher Larry W. Neibel, 210 W. Elm, West Frankfort Shirley A. Boaz, 110 W. Park St., Benton Amy Renee Turner, 214 N. Main St., Grayville Curtis Anthony Davis, 401 S. 19th St., Apt. A, Herrin Eric Kelly, 820 Airport Road, Mount Vernon Casandra Kelly, 303 N. Birch, Belle Rive Mark A. Lanton, 105A S. Liberty St., Marion Joshua Paul Lefler, P.O. Box 35, Coello Larry D. Greif, 21077 E. Illinois 15, Bluford Sharon Kay Crickman, 308 N.W. Fourth St., Fairfield Annette Faye Gunter, 3406 Veteran’s Memorial Drive, Mount Vernon Candice M. McCurdy, 9497 Pulleys Mill Road, Goreville Michael W. and Shirley L. Rohlfing, 501 E. Lake Ave., Okawville Darrin S. and Amanda B. Burks, 1213 SEE FINE PRINT / PAGE 23
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MAY 2011
SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL
23
Business Fine Print PERMITS | BANKRUPTCIES Stonington Drive, Herrin Russell Eugene and Kathryn Loucks, 510 W. Main, P.O. Box 436, Sparta Linda Kay Riley, 18770 E. Weber Road, Mount Vernon Micky J. Emmerson, 1307 W. Main St., Marion Ronald J. and Michele L. Schuzer, 3205 S. Park Ave., Herrin Stacy Lynn Burkett, 331 N. Fourth St., Mount Vernon Marjorie M. Chitwood, 248 N. Fourth, Albion Brian R. and Cheridee Lynn, Route 2 Box 150, Cisne Roye Henry and Alicia Lynn Callis, 201 Brooks Drive, Norris City Joshua Lee Lumpkins, 2606 Main St., Mount Vernon Jason Edward Shopinski, 96 St. Louis Court, Hoyleton Teresa Sue Keener, 122 W. Walnut, Albion Sherry E. Womble, P.O. Box 282, Benton Billie Jo and Donnie Louis, 8505 Valley Steel Road, Sparta Aaron Young, 835 Illinois 3, Rockwood Melvin and Mary L. Kloth, 1734 Fieldcrest Drive, Sparta Nichole C. Tucker, 509 Hillcrest St., Metropolis Melinda S. Rogers, 115 Follis Drive, Jonesboro Earleen Apgar, 15647 E. Breezeway Road, Texico Arthur and Amy N. Wroblewski Jr., 113 Maple, Zeigler George Harrison and Ruby Ellen Knight, 200 Commerce St., Apt. 2, Carmi Roger D. and Billie G. Pinkham, 7832 Coello Hill Road, Christopher Ralph Matthew Randolph, 308 N. Seventh, Elkville Jeffrey D. Faverty, 105 S. Brown Ave., Percy Vickie S. Frayser, 1909 Glenwood Ave., Eldorado Monica Staley, P.O. Box 1314, Benton Jason Gregory and Barbara Mae Vaupel, 804 N. Commercial St., Benton Brooke Heleane Savage, Route 3, Box 101, McLeansboro James E. and Joy L. Kinsman, 320 W. Webster St., Benton Joseph D. Watkins, 107 E. Park St., Harrisburg Alicia D. George, 17 S. Leonard Ave., Apt.2, Du Quoin Mark L. Haas, 17895 Illinois 149, West Frankfort Chad W. and Sara F. Whitehead, 103 Hilltop Lane, Marion Amanda J. Welch, 14414 N. Dove Lane, Bluford Rachel D. Lindsey, 17407 Illinois 37, Johnston City Denise E. Osborn Horton, 611 E. Eaton, Box 37, Nason Carolyn L. Ilunga, 2100 W. Main,
Apt. 12, Marion Paul J. and Sharon A. Deno, Route 3, Box 143AA, Golconda Martha E. Pulley, P.O. Box 161, Joppa Floyd A. Cohoon, 817 E. Third St., Metropolis Heather M. McDonald, 12368 Bell Lane, Marion Billy J. Wynn Sr., P.O. Box 164, Ridgway Charles K. and Haley A. Koehling, 11653, Revere St., Marion Tiffany L. Todd, 1213 N. 13th St., Herrin Christine Ann Alsip, 190 Joyce Lane, Vienna Kenneth Wayne and Donna Jean Guebert, 10690 Huntfield Road, Red Bud Christopher Ryan and Elizabeth Kay Odle, 14277 E. Salem Church, Mount Vernon Krystal Michelle Smith, 417 Bell St., Mount Vernon Christina Renea Perry, 11623B W. Cypress Drive, Carbondale Danny Joe and Melissa Ann Sweat, 1103 N.W. Seventh St., Fairfield Shannon Kay Rogers, 107 N. Hancock St., McLeansboro Sharon Kay Rapier, 405 N. Main St., Royalton Kathleen Eva Kirkpatrick, 311 Elm St. Christopher Jamie L. Fuller, 3949 Herrin Road, Herrin Christian R. Stearns, 608 N. Oakland, Lot J, Carbondale Scott Edward Brazill, 406 Timothy Lane, Galatia Jerri D. Detmers, 801 E. Clark, West Frankfort Bonnie J. Ezell, 511 S. Locust St., Sesser Robert Earle and Ashlee Morgan Connaway, 21570 N. Mayflower Lane, Texico Michael R. and Janet L. Dolphus, 22011 Walker St., Nashville Sean M. Frye, 2800 W. Main, Marion John Rex and Angela E. Young, 2548, VanZandt St., Mulkeytown Keith A. Lynam, 13223, N. Two Mile Creek Lane, Mount Vernon Sharon K. Winkler, 9 Cherry Drive, Mount Vernon Michael D. and Jamie R. Reynolds, 1702 Oak St., Chester Marcene E. Feltmeyer, 811 W. St. Louis, Pinckneyville Lisa Renee DiBenadetto Poppen, P.O. Box 143, McClure Tarek M. and Virginia M. Al Birekdar, 3839 Babys Breath Road, Cutler Tracy Lynn Loos, 1546 Fountain Bluff Road, Gorham Bryan Lee and Alicia Faith Hall, 13105 N. Old Faithful Lane, Woodlawn Elizabeth M. Hensley, P.O. Box 1532, Benton Jeremiah L. Young, P.O. Box 155, Anna Deborah J. Henderson, R.R. 2, Box 69, Dahlgren Lynda G. Sanchez, 618 W. Reed St., Benton
Rebecca A. Hogue, 202 Strawberry Drive, West Frankfort
Chapter 13 Evan E. and Cynthia M. Sweet, 306 W. Davie St., Anna Tyler L. Parrish, P.O. Box 517, Goreville James A. Fillinger Jr., 120 Witts Lane, Campbell Hill Lionel Gomez Jr., P.O. Box 526, Hurst Julia A. and Bruce L. Reese, 2042 Dillinger Road, Carbondale Rufus L. and Beth A. Lindsey, 711 N. Logan, Marion Stephen W. and Linda K. George, 1112 Hazel, Harrisburg James Devin and Daphyne Lynn Hilliard, 104 S. Third St., Marion David A. Pierce, 306 S. Cleveland, Royalton Dustin M. Crisp, 1320 Rusty Spur Road, West Frankfort Rose M. Armstrong, P.O. Box 114, New Haven Charles R. Pippin, P.O. Box 1123, Murphysboro Andrew L. and Fawn L. Shelton, 100 E. Benedict St., Valier Amie J. Schuessler, 17792 Wall Road, West Frankfort Ebony M. Jones, 300 N. Lewis St. Sparta Jason M. Weirauch, 211 N. Jackson, Harrisburg Emily Evans, 208 N. Market St., Marion Bradley C. and Stella S. Youtsey, 1533 Maureen Drive, Marion Bruce W. Roberts, 8367 E. Baseline Road, Dix James G. Forester, 802 N. Bridge St., Carbondale Vanessa L. Broussard, P.O. Box 442, Tilden Charles T. Liebenrood Jr., 11740 Hafer Road, Carterville Beverly L. Liebenrood, P.O. Box 332, Carterville Arthur R. and Danette Pieroni, 6336 Roberts Road, Marion Cheryl C. Aldridge, 20416 Stevens Branch Road, West Frankfort Virginia L. Head, 1004 S. Emma, Christopher Matthew Alan and Alice Nichole Mitchell, 809 N. Horn St., West Frankfort Johnathan R. and Stephanie L. Travelstead, 16796 Caplinger Pond Road, Marion Marcus R. Owens, 10487 N. Main St., Benton Mark R. Mabr y, 10306 Mabr y St., West Frankfort Marion M. Johnson, 18251 E. Fairfield Road, Mount Vernon Mar tha Unthank, 1800 Glennwood Ave., Eldorado Michelle Intravaia, 1502 Davis St., Johnston City Donald and Nancy A. Stewart, 350 W. Palmer Lane, Bonnie Raymond R. Lucka, 135 Hemlock Court, Mount Vernon
Find more business news at www.sbj.biz. Robert E. and Helen S. Mosbach, P.O. Box 507, West Frankfort Teddi L. Maxton, P.O. Box 11, Tamaroa Shirley B. Austin, P.O. Box 780, Jonesboro Charles D. and Heather M. Charlet, 109 Newman Drive, Herrin Michelle A. Gunning, 1329 McKinley St., Harrisburg Kevin D. Godbey, 1306 W. Concord, Marion Joe E. Restivo, 1825 Bald Knob Road, Alto Pass Alan J. and Jennifer V. Kacinski, 10890 Lick Creek Road, Buncombe Jennifer R. Lang, 2688 Tick Ridge Road, Grand Chain Daniel L. Carthell, 21862 Cairo Ave., Tamms Anthony R. and Sheri L. Puttmann, P.O. Box 643, Royalton Donald Neal and Jamie Danae Nichols, 17525 N. Old Salem Lane, Mount Vernon Orlena W. Kmucha, 410 Zola Road, Harrisburg Andrew K. and Donna Sue Price, P.O. Box 222, Dongola Lloyd E. and Phyllis J. Jackson, 635 N. 15th St., Murphysboro Donna K. Robinson Williams, 2501 Weaver Road, Herrin Mary Elizabeth Westley, 307 Brichlane Drive, Carbondale Lisa A. Livingston, P.O. Box 89, Tamaroa Cindy A. Peters, 303 Meadow, Royalton David D. Henderson, P.O. Box 126, Olive Branch Donnie G. Winters, Route 1, Box 261, Elizabethtown John W. and Lois M. Forquer, 2901 N. 13th St., Herrin Patrick Lee Mack, 1108 S. Commercial, Benton Dennis W. and Crystal F. Baker, P.O. Box 316, Olive Branch Cur tis R. Trammel, 618 N. Springer, Carbondale Stephen K. and Beverly J. Vinson, P.O. Box 691, Vienna Adam Edward Mocaby, 806 S. 26th St., Mount Vernon James L. Herrell III and Mary B. Herrell, 609 N. Douglas St., West Frankfort Ricky L. Seddon, 600 S. McLeansboro St., Benton Cassandra L. Gunderson, 163 Parkwood Road, Carbondale Kimberly A. Castic, 17995 E. Illinois 142, Opdyke Larry F. Wright, 1229 W. Largent, Harrisburg James and Sharon P. Bowman, 413 W. 11th St., Metropolis Carlos S. Morse, 1207 Anderson Drive, Marion