OCTOBER 2014 INSIDE THIS MONTH
217-726-6600 • [email protected] www.springfieldbusinessjournal.com
By Michelle Higginbotham, associate publisher Springfield Archery p. 3 According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses have been growing over the last decade while larger companies have been shrinking their workforces. Small businesses now provide more than half of all jobs in this country, and also account for just over half of all retail sales. Locally, our economy has taken a hit in recent years from reductions in the state workforce, but the number of small businesses continues unemployment rate has consistently been one ofto the increase, lowest and in the state. Springfield Small metrobusinesses area are the backbone of our economy, but due to their size they may not individually get the recognition they deserve. Diversity Agreements p. 8 Since 2003, United Community Bank has partnered with Springfield Business Journal to recognize outstanding small businesses in our community. Each year, 15 businesses with fewer than 15 employees are selected for this award. They must also have been in business for more than two years and be located in Sangamon or Morgan county. UCB will host a reception at their Montvale branch to recognize the selectees, and the Honorable Leslie Graves will be the keynote speaker for the awards ceremony that follows. Celebrating the achievements of Profile: Fiona Irvin p. 13 areathe 15 is small a great businesses place whoto work are profiledand live. in Congratulationsthis issue demonstrates to this year’s that theselectees, Springfield who represent a wide variety of industries but PAGES 21-27 have all been successful in our community. Thank you to our sponsor, United Community Bank, for making it possible to celebrate KEYNOTE SPEAKER these local businesses. Leslie Graves was raised concentrating in criminal 2014 SELECTEES defense and juvenile law. Boondocks and attended District #186 Judge Graves will be schools.primarily She ingraduated Springfield from entering her 15th year on Café Moxo the bench this December. Cookie Factory Bakery 1980, followed by Illinois In 2010 she was elected WUIS/Illinois Issues p. 18-19 CopperTree Outdoor Lifestyles StateSpringfield University High in School1984 and in Presiding Judge of D&Js Café Southern Illinois University Sangamon County and in Habitat for Humanity Restore School of Law in 1988. 2012 she was elected Chief Harry’s Pharmacy She began her legal career Judge of the six counties of at the Sangamon County The Honorable the Seventh Judicial Circuit. Jamie’s The Diamond Mine Leslie Graves She is the daughter of KB Consulting later worked for the State Gene and Norma Graves. Kinner Kennels BoardState’s ofAttorney’s Elections office and andthe Gene was very active in Kulavic’s Auto Body Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Illinois politics in the 1960s and 70s and Lauterbach Tire Commission. Before being elected Circuit Judge in 2000, she had a solo practice for three terms. Maid-Rite Norma served as City Clerk of Springfield The Organized Home
Springfield Running Center Review: Luca’s Pizza p. 28-29
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PRSRT STD PRSRT SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL BUSINESS SPRINGFIELD 2 | October 2014 | Springfield Business Journal MEDICAL
Alterna-Care helps keep patients out of the hospital By Teresa Paul
Kathy Sgro, founder and owner of mean a cost savings to the program. “They Alterna-Care Home Health System (319 E. realize that rewarding good post-acute care providers will help save Medicare dollars. developed a hospital prevention program, Under the Affordable Care Act, people are HOSPREVENT,Madison Street, which Suite is3L now in Springfield), in its 10th year. has looking at hospitals, nursing homes and The system uses a TeleHealth monitor which post-acute providers to help them reduce at-home patients use to take their own vital repeat hospitalizations.” signs on a daily basis. Alterna-Care has utilized HOSPREVENT “We can receive the patient’s daily since 2004 and has developed a model of vital signs such as blood pressure, heart home health services that focus on reducing rate, temperature, weight, oxygen level in repeat hospitalizations, which typically their blood and glucose level,” said Kathy’s impact most on diabetic, cardiac and mental son, Joseph Sgro, Alterna-Care’s Chief health patients. “In response to the Affordable Care Act receive this information on a daily basis by mandate, our model of care consists of the havingDevelopment the TeleHealth Officer. monitor “Alterna-Care with them can in nurse meeting with a specialty physician their home.” monthly in reviewing those patients’ “When looking at the Affordable Care treatment protocol,” said Kathy. “The Act, we are looking at how we pay for health specialty physician makes recommendations care and are paying based on performance,” on changing their medications, their diet said Kathy, a registered nurse with a and other treatment regimens.” doctorate in nursing practice. “Under the By using the HOSPREVENT program, Affordable Care Act we do not want to Alterna-Care has reduced repeat pay for poor health care,” she continued. hospitalizations for their patients by 50 “Under the pay-for-performance system, percent. Part of their model includes you get rewarded for good outcomes. Poor the use of the mobile TeleHealth units outcomes will be penalized.” provided to patients, which allow for direct Richard, Kathleen and Joseph Sgro with a Honeywell HomMed Vital Signs Monitor. PHOTO BY GINNY LEE Kathy said the Affordable Care Act could communication of vital information to AlternaCare has been using the monitor for clients for the past 10 years.
Springfield Business Journal | October 2014 | 3 MEDICAL
health care facilities. “When a family goes to the emergency room Alterna-Care purchased their at the hospital, the family has to take off TeleHealth units in 2004. The units are work,” Kathy said. “Once you get into the made by Honeywell and are called the system, the hospital starts running all kinds Honeywell HomMed Health Monitoring of tests, chest x-rays, blood tests and urine System™. TeleHealth units have been tests.” The costs only mount from there but available to health care providers since the AlternaCare is helping. “We had patient mid-1990s and the system has improved over time. said Kathy. “We had only positive feedback “The entire AlternaCare program was fromsurveys the whenpatients.” we first used the monitors,” developed by Kathy Sgro and has been “The other advantage to the TeleHealth extremely successful,” Joe Sgro said. “The monitor is the peace of mind for the family program has been written about in several – the children who may not be living with nursing magazines. She has trained others Mom and Dad,” said Joe Sgro. “All the all over the country. She has written a information we receive from the monitors is chapter in a nursing textbook about the compiled in a printout which we fax or email program.” to the primary care physicians. Doctors are “Anyone can get the technology,” Kathy happy with the program.” Sgro said. “That is just one piece of the Christine Jimerson, daughter of whole program.” TeleHealth patient Dolly Jimerson, both “We receive daily vital signs information about the patient so we can respond when has given her and her mother peace of there is a change in the patient’s condition,” mind.of Springfield, The Jimersons said the have monitoring been using system the Kathy continued. “Whereas before we had HOSPREVENT system for almost a year. TeleHealth, we would show up at a visit and “My mother’s weight tends to go up Telehealth Manager Niki Squires checks vital signs PHOTO BY GINNY LEE and down,” Jimerson said. “Whenever my readings of Alterna-Care clients. heart failure. It may be too late at that mother’s weight goes up, the nurse will pointfind out and the we patient have isto going send into the congestivepatient to call the heart clinic and tell the clinic what the hospital.” is going on with my mother’s health. If her blood pressure is going up, the nurse will over 200. “Had it not been for the monitor, device,” Jimerson said. is a change in their condition and we can call and ask my mother questions to see we would have not known to get my mother respond“Now immediately,” we can find Joe out said. the “That day is therewhat what is happening,” Jimerson said. “I like to the hospital,” Jimerson said. “The monitor Teresa Paul is a personal lines account is keeping our patients out of the hospital.” that about Alterna-Care.” system has been very helpful. Alterna-Care manager in the Taylorville office for Dansig When a patient does go to the hospital, Jimerson explained an incident where has a great group of nurses and are very Insurance. She can be reached at 217-565- family inconvenience and costs are an issue. her mother had a blood pressure reading of caring people and they have a very good 9535 or [email protected].
4 | October 2014 | Springfield Business Journal NEW BUSINESS
Shooting for the top Springfield Archery offers indoor range By Gabe House
Mark Beck works as a broker in agricultural as Pekin and Champaign, Beck said, and he and recreational land sales for United attributes that to the indoor range and also Country Real Estate, so he recognized a his staff. Full-time manager Gary Rigney is a professional archer who has competed in numerous competitions for a number of closuregood fit of for Two a new Bears archery Custom shop Archery, and range and years. His wife, Kimberly, is also an instructor thein Springfieldformer Camelot when heBanquet saw it. Center With theoff Recreation Drive being an ideal site, Beck “People know Gary and his wife, their Mark Beck opened Springfield Archery in August in a former banquet PHOTO BY GINNY LEE experiencewho works withand Springfield knowledge,” Archery. Beck said. hall between Skateland South and Knight’s Action Park . “I just saw the need for personalized “They have a good reputation.” serviceopened Springfieldand locally Archeryowned expertise,”in August. Beck said. “Experience matters, and archery employees – includes several individuals who Games, has created a groundswell of interest events for ages from eight to 99. equipment is only as good as the people previously The rest worked of the staff at –Two four orBears five part-timeArchery. in archery. setting it up. We’re all selling the same The result is more than 60 years of combined “We’re seeing that women are one of month were well above his estimates, and he Beck said sales for the shop in its first things, so it needs to be set up properly to archery experience, Beck said. the fastest growing segments of the archery hopes to see that continue as more people perform the best it can.” “I don’t want to throw people under the industry. It’s absolutely had an impact … and Beck remodeled the banquet center bus, but other stores that hire part-team we want to capitalize on that,” Beck said. “The main thing is our experience and learn of Springfield Archery. extensively to create an indoor archery people … you can’t learn archery equipment “There are bows with more draw weights you can try it before you buy it. We’ll always range, a pro shop and a lounge area. overnight,” Beck said. “It takes a long time that reduce the force needed to pull back,” allow customers to test-run a bow, and “We have a 25-lane range where you can and a lot of experience. People come here Beck said. “Companies are making better that’s one thing we pride ourselves on,” come out kind of like a driving range, and and know they can come back in a few weeks equipment that women and children can Beck said. “And having an indoor range in you pay a $10 fee to shoot all day long,” Beck and ask the same people questions.” actually pull back and use now. They’re town, probably the only one within 30 or said. “We have instructions and lessons from And while archery is typically a male- more miles, is great. There are some others beginner all the way up to junior Olympic. dominated sport, things are beginning to quality equipment.” People can come in, hang out in the lounge, change. It has become far more inclusive for fillingBeck that said gap, several and therebirthday is a parties lot of high-have locally that nobody else has.” around, but we definitely do have something get a free cup of coffee and watch the people women and children who have shown a huge already been planned for the future as on the range shoot.” interest in the sport. A phenomenon such well. With a private party room, supervised Gabe House can be Beck said interest so far has been as bow-wielding heroine Katniss Everdeen, shooting and provided equipment, reached at 217-787-3000 phenomenal. Visitors have come from as far The Hunger or [email protected].
from the book and film series Springfield Archery advertises them as great
Springfield Business Journal | October 2014 | 5 SMALL BUSINESS
Birds of a feather at Redbird Electric More than just another tattoo parlor By Gabe House
It’s all about lines for Brian McCormic, comes to tattooing. From licensed artists owner of the Redbird Electric tattoo shop. who turn out shoddy work to unlicensed The clean lines of a professional tattoo, individuals tattooing out of their home, the line between social norms and rebellious McCormic has little use for them. balance quality with quantity are all daily work, and I personally take offense to it, themesself-expression, in McCormic’s and year-old finally theshop need at 2112 to because“We spend someone a lot pays of time $60 here for a fixing bad tattoo their North Grand Avenue East. and they come to us and it costs $100 to “I opened this shop in response to cover it up,” McCormic said. “I don’t like needing the quality and type of shop I people getting bad tattoos. I don’t care wanted to work at,” said McCormic, who has who you think you are … there are no good 12 years of experience as a tattoo artist. “I tattoos, no healthy tattoos coming out of feel like there’s only one other shop in town unlicensed homes or shops. It’s a serious that is on par with us. There might be eight health issue.” Additionally, McCormic doesn’t like to are worth going to, in my opinion.” be associated with “those people.” As he shops in Springfield, but only four of them McCormic obviously has strong feelings put it, he’s not just some guy tattooing out Brian McCormic & Redbird Electrical Tattooing will celebrate its first about quality and craftsmanship when it of his kitchen; he’s a business owner who anniversary at the shop at 2112 N. Grand East in Springfield in October.
6 | October 2014 | Springfield Business Journal pays taxes. He trained and apprenticed and said he’s a neo-traditionalist who straddles he takes pride in the cleanliness of his shop those lines to create tattoos with depth and and professionalism of his staff. contour but also longevity. All three gladly Business practices aside, McCormic still work with customers, though, for that perfect piece. have, while also recognizing the popularity “A lot of times we talk with clients and andloves increasing the defiant acceptance connotation of them. tattoos can talk them out of bad ideas,” McCormic “I’m not going to turn my nose up to said. “We may not tattoo them that day, the popularity of tattooing, because it’s but they’ll come in two weeks later, after good for business, but I would still like our talk, with a totally different idea. We tattooing to have a bit of that rebellious want to put you onto a tattoo that really nature, and I think that’s what Redbird is fits you.” about,” McCormic explained. “It’s rebellious but also sticking with social norms, which McCormic, has been getting Redbird’s is a strange development in tattooing. That nameThe and most philosophy difficult part,out to according the public. to can take some of the fun out of it. But if you Rather than being “just another tattoo shop want the same tattoo someone else has, I’ll do it and I’ll do it well.” be seen more as a brand. McCormic said business has been steady in Springfield,”“The one thing McCormic that I wantstell more Redbird people to in the year Redbird Electric has been open. than anything when I run into them is He and his handpicked staff – Aaron Moses that everyone is invited into the shop,” and Jesse Sherman, who share 16 combined McCormick said. “I tell people all the time, years of experience – could probably be ‘you don’t have to get tattooed, just come in busier, McCormic said, but they’re more and meet us. Get a feel for what we do and interested in doing the “right” tattoos for who we are and I guarantee you’ll feel more their clients. comfortable with us than the majority Each artist has a particular style they of shops in town,’ and I’m really proud of gravitate toward. Moses is what’s typically that.” referred to as an American traditonalist, focusing more on the iconic Navy-style Gabe House works in the lending tattoos. Sherman, meanwhile, combines department at United Community Bank. his love of photography with tattooing to PHOTO BY GINNY LEE He can be reached at 217-787-3000 or create photorealistic tattoos. McCormic [email protected].
Springfield Business Journal | October 2014 | 7 SMALL BUSINESS
Veronica Williams, founder of Diversity Agreements, PHOTO BY HEATHER STANLEY Procurement and Communications Solutions.
Diversity Agreements advocates for the disadvantaged By Scott Faingold
Diversity Agreements, Procurement and Williams places a high value on education, having followed an associate’s small business in the business of helping degree with a bachelor’s and earning otherCommunications small businesses. Solutions (DA-PCS)According is to a master’s degrees in both legal studies and company founder Veronica Williams, there public administration. “Of course, once you is a real need for guidance among small have that education, you’re told you need business owners when it comes to utilizing to get experience to go with it,” she says. government assistance available to minorities and other disadvantaged businesspeople. “It’s quite daunting,” she says, “and I believe “However,Out of I thisfind itfrustration very difficult was to bornclimb the it’s meant to be frightening and intimidating. ideasocial for and Diversity financial Agreements. ladder.” “I thought, There are so many opportunities out there – the government is literally throwing money me but also individuals like me, whether it at it – but that money is being wasted because belet’s minorities, make a business women, that veterans not only or profitsothers no one’s there to acquire it.” who are at a disadvantage.” The mission of Williams’ company is to Diversity Agreements also provides make people aware of such opportunities and marketing services, including research, promotion, advertising, sales forecasting, processes. “There are government-funded feasibility studies and human resource to facilitate the application and certification development. Williams herself is a avenues to take for small business ownership. graphic designer with work experience Theentities difference that do between help you them figure and out me whatis, I actually help facilitate that for you.” Midamerica Advertising. Williams explains that government at UniversityData and program of Illinois management, Springfield data and agencies may well point aspiring collection, data analysis and business businesspeople in the right direction management are all also provided by DA-PCS, along with human capital out, but their responsibility does not extend development, contract negotiation and muchregarding, farther. for “They instance, will which say, ‘You forms need to fillto contract mediation. In addition, Williams is
they’re not going to say, ‘You need to meet Black Chamber of Commerce on a program go down here and fill out this paper.’ But toworking prevent in or conjunction correct costly with Springfield’smistakes in out here, and this is what this line means.’ administering government funding. with me, and this is what you need to fill As if all this were not enough, Williams will also be running leadership training role.So that’s “My the father gap that was I fill a between small businessthe two.” sessions at First United Methodist Church ownerWilliams throughout is uniquely my childhoodqualified for and her I through the beginning of next year. “Obviously I have a lot of irons in the become one myself. I have in-depth knowledgefigured at someof how point that Iworks, probably being would part Visit www.diversityagreementspcs.com of a family-owned business.” forfire,” further Williams information. says. “It is all very exciting.” 8 | October 2014 | Springfield Business Journal PERSONALITY PROFILE Powerlifting a dream into reality By Eric Woods
Tavine enjoys living in the capital of Illinois, rogue bars, and brand new weights.” Other will help raise awareness for breast cancer. whereA Springfield his family native has born owned and raised, multiple Joe featuresin Springfield. include We atlas have astones, rogue rackOlympic and Tavinefirst being also Pounds plans forto Pinkwork in withOctober, the which Boys businesses over the years. “I love the bumper plates, a reverse hyper machine, and Girls Club and encourage kids who may community. You always run into people you and farmers walk handles. During the not be as gifted in traditional sports to try know here,” he said. Tavine also enjoy the ease warmer months there will be an outdoor weightlifting. “I want to get them in here and of getting around and the close proximity to training area, and the overhead doors will see about getting them into strength sports,” also be open. he said. winters and sometimes heavy snowstorms Now Tavine is able to follow through For those hoping to start their own areseveral not hislarger favorite cities. things. On the Also, flip Tavineside, the would cold with his vision of providing a friendly business, Tavine stresses organization like to see better funding for the education atmosphere conducive to reaching personal and preparation. “Use the Small Business Joe Tavine system. Overall though, he is happy living in goals. “I want people to feel like they can Association to get a business plan, and his hometown. come in and shoot the breeze, get advice, work with your lending institution,” he said. Title: Co-Owner, Max Barbell Gym Growing up, Tavine wanted to be a lawyer. and form a plan of attack,” he said. “Novice- “There will be a lot of times where you will level lifters who want to not be judged by second-guess yourself, but see it through. Address: 721 N. Bruns Lane, Springfield, IL restaurant while in high school. The worst job the big box gyms can come here.” My dad always told me to follow my dreams. 62703 heHis ever first experienced job was as was a working busboy in for a concrete Saputo’s Tavine’s target membership number I did not want to look back when I hit 50 and E-mail: [email protected] yard where he had to unload concrete by hand. is between 200 and 250, and he aims for wish I had done it.” “That job was brutal,” he said. Tavine has spent a family atmosphere. “Our philosophy is The opening of Max Barbell Gym is just Education: A.S. in Business Administration/ the past 14 years working for Nudo Products, ‘being different by working the basics, and the beginning for Tavine and his family. Construction Management from but over the past several months he and his working the basics in a different way.’ We Looking forward, he hopes to eventually Lincoln Land Community College provide the tools they need,” he said. The Family: Wife – Jodelle; Son - Max something that has been a dream for Tavine gym will be open 24 hours a day, seven while he and his family continue their own sincewife havehe was been 19 years putting old. the final touches on days a week with key access for members personalopen more bodybuilding facilities around achievements. Springfield “I Favorites – Max Barbell Gym, named after Tavine’s during non-staffed hours. Tavine intends hope my son is part of a lifting team and Hobby: Powerlifting son, Max, had its grand opening on Sept. 27. to be open and transparent, providing my wife is a top level strength athlete.” Movie: Braveheart The gym offers a large array of competitive- assistance to his members when needed. he said. Eventually Tavine will hand the Band: Led Zeppelin grade equipment for powerlifting, Olympic franchise down to his son, who has been an lifting and strongman competitions. There inspiration throughout the process. “There Tidbits – He is a certified personal trainer through is nothing better than being a parent. I machines as well. “We have benches for throughAction Certification EliteFTS. and Expert Training, believe I was born to be a father.” Avid St. Louis Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys fan competitiveare the traditional and incline, fitness and we and also have cardio a andPromoting he is also awareness a certified and strength giving coachback Wants to someday travel to Australia competitive squat rack,” said Tavine. “There will be two main concepts at Max Barbell Eric Woods can be reached Active in competitive powerlifting with his wife is a monolift here, which is the only one Gym. Quarterly meets are being planned, the at [email protected].
Springfield Business Journal | October 2014 | 9 Sources: The Hotels. HOTELS (Ranked by Number of Rooms)
PHONE (-) NUMBER NUMBER ROOM RATE HOTEL NAME FAX (=) OF OF MEETING SINGLE/ GENERAL ADDRESS WEBSITE (www.) ROOMS ROOMS DOUBLE MANAGER AMENITIES
50,000 sq. ft. meeting space, Bennigan’s Grill & Tavern & Starbucks store Hilton Springfield 217-789-1530 on-site, free high-speed internet, 17 suites, pool / health club, HDTV, in- 700 E. Adams St. 217-789=0709 369 30 $109 - $209 Jeff Waide room safe, 34 fully furnished corporate apartments for short-term and 1 Springfield, IL 62701 springfieldil.hilton.com long-term lease, Pinnacle Club and Nick & Nino's Penthouse Steakhouse 30th Floor
President Abraham Lincoln Springfield - Lindsay’s Restaurant and Globe Tavern, complimentary wi-fi in 217-544-8800 A DoubleTree by Hilton guestrooms, all guestrooms completely renovated, indoor pool, health 217-544=9607 310 17 $99 - $179 Bob Van Bergen club, hot tub, sauna, coffee maker, mp3 alarm clock, Bath & Body Works 2 701 E. Adams St. doubletree.com Springfield, IL 62701 amenities, suite shop, business center
Crowne Plaza Hotel 66,000 sq ft of versatile meeting space. Rosewood Restaurant open 217-529-7777 daily for breakfast lunch and dinner. Mahogany Lounge open daily for 3000 S. Dirksen Parkway 217-529=6666 288 25 $89 - $175 Troy Benavides appetizers and cocktails. Indoor rooftop pool and fitness center. Ample 3 crowneplazaspringfield.com Springfield, IL 62703 parking, including bus parking.
Holiday Inn Express 217-529-7771 Free high-speed internet access, fitness center, free local calls, guest 3050 S. Dirksen Parkway 217-529=1777 140 4 $89 - $165, (2 suites) Denise Kruger laundry, complimentary hot breakfast bar, next-door to the Crowne Plaza 4 Springfield, IL 62703 hiexpress.com Hotel, Crowne Plaza pool access
The Statehouse Inn - An Asend Hotel 217-528-5100 Complimentary full hot breakfast buffet, business center, fitness center, 101 E. Adams St. 217-528=4358 125 6 $89 - $139 Ian Moore lounge, complimentary on-site parking, complimentary in-room wi-fi, 3 5 Springfield, IL 62701 thestatehouseinn.com blocks from Amtrak, 6,500 sq. ft. of meeting space
Hampton Inn 217-529-1100 Complimentary hot deluxe breakfast, free wireless internet, indoor pool 3185 S. Dirksen Parkway 217-529=1105 124 3 $99 - $149 Christina Harper and fitness center, easy interstate access, great location 6 Springfield, IL 62703 hamptoninn.com
Drury Inn & Suites Free hot quickstart breakfast, manager’s reception, hot foods, indoor 217-529-3900 pool/jacuzzi, exercise room, guest laundry room, micro/fridge com- 3180 S. Dirksen Parkway 877-732=0594 117 1 $119.99 - $149.99 Chris Fultz bos, in-room coffee, wired & wireless internet, business center, free 7 druryhotels.com Springfield, IL 62703 long distance
Hilton Garden Inn Springfield Indoor pool, whirlpool, exercise room, free wired / wireless high-speed 217-529-7171 internet, restaurant and lounge open daily, free local calls, free business 3100 S. Dirksen Parkway 217-529=7172 117 7 $95 - $199, (13 suites) Stacy Hamlin center with wireless printing from the rooms, refrigerator and microwave 7 springfieldil.gardeninn.com Springfield, IL 62703 in every room, complimentary parking, Fit Club passes
Route 66 Hotel and Conference Center 217-529-6626 Outdoor swimming pool, restaurant on-site, wireless internet service, fit- 625 E. Saint Joseph St. 217-529=4666 114 7 $72 - $150, (8 suites) Joseph Vala ness center pass for the Fit Club, in-room coffee maker, iron & hair dryer, 8 Springfield, IL 62703 rt66hotel.com on-site guest laundry, two-room suites available, free parking, bar on site
Complimentary wireless high-speed Internet and full kitchens in Candlewood Suites 217-522-5100 spacious guest rooms for longer visits. Free laundry facilities, unlimited 2501 Sunrise Drive 217-522=5101 110 1 $99.99 - $129.99 Janie Deheve access to a state-of-the-art business center, an exercise room and the 9 Springfield, IL 62703 candlewoodsuites.com Candlewood Cupboard convenience store for meals and snacks., Green Certified hotel
Studios, 1-2 bedroom suites (w/ full kitchens, separate living space, work Residence Inn Springfield South areas, sleeping areas), evening reception/social hour Tue-Thu, onsite 217-527-1100 exercise room, indoor pool, whirlpool, laundry facility, coffee in lobby, 2915 E. Stanford Avenue 217-527=1101 108 1 $149.99 - $199.99 Darin Dame coffee/tea in-room, complimentary continental/grab-n-go/hot breakfast, 10 marriott.com/residenceinn Springfield, IL 62704 phone calls: toll-free, safe deposit boxes at front desk, pets allowed - con- tact hotel for details
Northfield Inn, Suites & Conference Free high-speed internet in Guestrooms and Conference Center. 13,000 217-523-7900 sq. ft. of meeting space, fitness center & business center. Free extended Center 217-523=7273 107 8 $89 - $149 Marianne Zarndt Continental Breakfast. In-room coffee makers, refrigerators, and micro- 11 3280 Northfield Drive northfieldinn.com waves. Jacuzzi Suites, Standard, and Accessible Rooms available. Free Springfield, IL 62702 parking and indoor pool
Motel 6 217-529-1633 Kids under 18 Stay Free (With Parents), Pets Welcome, Outdoor Pool, 6011 S. Sixth St. 217-585=1271 104 0 $39.99 - $45.99 Subhash Bhatia Free morning Coffee, Free Local Calls, WIFI, Guest Laundry, Cable with 12 Springfield, IL 62712 motel6.com two HBO Channels and three ESPN Channels
Ramada Springfield North Complimentary Deluxe Continental Breakfast, Free Wi-Fi, All 217-523-4000 non-smoking hotel, Indoor Pool, Fitness Center, Refrigerator/Micro- 3281 Northfield Drive 217-523=4080 97 2 $89 - $149 Marianne Zarndt wave in all rooms, Business Center, Jacuzzi Rooms, 32" flat screen TVs, 13 springfieldramada.com Springfield, IL 62702 guest laundry facilities
Comfort Suites 217-753-4000 All rooms equipped with wet bar, refrigerator, microwave, whirlpool tubs, 2620 S. Dirksen Parkway 217-753=4166 92 1 $90 - $100 Sherri White pull-out sofa bed, remote TV w/ DVD, free high-speed wireless internet 14 Springfield, IL 62703 comfortsuites.com access, separate work / leisure areas
Comfort Inn & Suites 217-529-8898 Cable/Satellite TV, Free Local Calls, Hair Dryer, In-Room Coffee Maker, 3675 S. Sixth St. 217-529=4354 90 1 $90 - $110 Beth Wagner In-Room Safe 15 Springfield, IL 62703 comfortinn.com
Hampton Inn & Suites 217-793-7670 Complimentary hot breakfast, indoor pool, 24-hr. fitness center, free 2300 Chuckwagon Drive 217-793=6522 83 2 $129 - $160 Darrin Thurman high-speed internet, wireless internet, business center, 2-room suites, 16 Springfield, IL 62707 hamptoninn.com microwaves and refrigerators, van shuttle, manager’s reception
Staybridge Suites Complimentary hot & cold breakfast, free wireless & hard wired internet, 217-793-6700 $124 - $179, free local calls, direct phone line w/ voice mail, indoor pool w/ jacuzzi, 4231 Schooner Drive 217-793=6694 82 1 Bruce Hertz 24-hr. fitness center, convenience store, business ctr., complimentary 17 staybridge.com (all suite hotel) Springfield, IL 62711 evening social (m-th w/ soda, beer, wine & food), pets welcome
Howard Johnson Inn & Suites 217-541-8762 Complimentary continental breakfast, free local calls, outdoor pool, 24 1701 J. David Jones Parkway 217-541=8774 79 3 $69, $89 Shailesh Parekh suites, truck parking, free wireless 18 Springfield, IL 62702 hojo.com
Courtyard By Marriott 217-793-5300 All non-smoking hotel, heated indoor pool, spa, exercise room, breakfast 3462 Freedom Drive 217-793=5300 78 1 $109.99 - $179.99 Nathan Biermann buffet, lounge, in-room coffee, iron, free high-speed wireless internet, 19 Springfield, IL 62704 marriott.com restaurant - The Bistro, Starbuck's coffee, HD-TV in all rooms
Baymont Inn & Suites 100% smoke-free hotel, indoor / outdoor heated pool & hot tub, free 217-529-6655 $69.99 - 149.99, hot breakfast, free wi-fi, fitness room, close to many major restaurants, 5871 S. Sixth St. Road 217-529=6510 75 1 Mihir Tals all rooms have microwave and refrigerator, free hot breakfast, 32" flat- 20 baymontinn.com/hotel/17908 (8 suites) Springfield, IL 62703 screen plasma TV's in every room
10 | October 2014 | Springfield Business Journal Sources: The individual Networking Groups NETWORKING GROUPS (Ranked by Numbers of Members)
ORGANIZATION NAME PHONE (-) MEETING LOCATION WEBSITE (www.) NUMBER OF YEAR MEETING ADDRESS EMAIL MEETING TIME MEMBERS CONTACT DUES EST’D
Prospectors Referral Group Engrained Brewery Wednesdays, 11:30am, 217-483-1536 45 Tracy Formea Lunch cost only 1999 1 1120 West Lincolnshire Blvd. [email protected] (1st & 3rd weeks) Springfield, IL 62711
McBrian Lincoln Douglas Toastmasters Club 217-341-0100 Our Savior’s Lutheran Church http://mcbrianlincolndouglas.toastmasters.org Thursdays, 6pm 28 Dan Filla $48/6 months 1936 2 2645 Old Jacksonville Road [email protected] Springfield, IL 62704
Noontime Toastmasters Laurel United Methodist Church 217-414-7378 http://noontime.toastmastersclubs.org Mondays, Noon 16 Storm Wolff $44/6 months 1998 3 631 South Grand Ave W. [email protected] Springfield, IL 62704
Capital City Toastmasters 217-415-0867 IDOT Building (Hanley Building) http://1313356.toastmastersclubs.org Wednesdays, Noon 15 Joel Sander $37/6 months 2009 4 2300 Dirksen Parkway, Room 214A&B [email protected] Springfield, IL 62764
The Network Group The Sangamo Club 2nd Tuesday of the month, 217-496-3686 14 Ed Clark Lunch costs only / 2000 5 227 E. Adams St. [email protected] 11:45am $90 twice a year Springfield, IL 62701
Springfield Business Journal | October 2014 | 11 Source: The advertising agencies. * - Does not include entire employee count, only reflects those directly working with comprehensive marketing and media services. ADVERTISING AGENCIES (Listed by Number of Full-Time Employees) PHONE (-) FAX (=) NUMBER DIRECT IN-HOUSE PROMO/ BUSINESS NAME WEBSITE (www.) OF PARTNERS/ DIGITAL MAIL PHOTO. EVENT PUBLIC TRADITIONAL YEAR ADDRESS EMAIL EMPLOYEES PRINCIPALS MAJOR CLIENTS MEDIA MARKETING VIDEO MARKETING RELATIONS ADVERTISING EST’D
Nudo Products, Ryan Electrical Solutions, Springfield Area Home Builders Association, Springfield Plastics Inc., Buraski Builders, Schwieterts Cones & Candy, HPR Marketing & 217-698-2023 Consulting Group DeKalb Sycamore Chevrolet, Growth Corp, Wes Finch 217-698=2024 Auto Plaza, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central 3 3 3 3 3 3 hprmarketing.com 12 Wally Hamlin 2001 1 4481 Ash Grove Drive Illinois, Sparc, Village of Chatham, Distinctive Realty [email protected] Springfield, IL 62711 Service, City Motor Company, AMBUCS, Bridge Care Suites, Fritsch Custom Finishes, Midwest Garage Door Co., Mike Williams Plumbing, Nicoud Insurance
American Lung Assocation (Ill. Tobacco Quitline), BJ Grand Salon & Spa, BOS, Burrus Hybrids, Butler Funeral Homes, Central Illinois Builders Association, HIP Advertising 217-789-4447 CES, Colorific, do. Active Products, Halverson, KEB, LLCC 217-789=4441 Foundation, Orthopedic Group at Springfield Clinic, 3 3 3 3 3 3 2809 Mansion Road, Suite A hipadvertising.com 10 Myra L. Hoffman 1993 2 Renken Dentistry, Schon Dental, St. Agnes School / Springfield, IL 62711 [email protected] Parish, Terry Farmer Photography, Tom Lange Co., USCA, Vision Care Associates, Wiley Office Furniture, Zara’s Collision Center
Illinois Press Advertising Service 217-241-1700 Ameren, American Lung Association, Coventry Healthcare, Illinois Department of Public Aid, Illinois 217-241=1701 Illinois Newspapers 3 3 1865 3 900 Community Drive illinoispress.org 6* EPA, Illinois Secretary of State, Illinois State Bar Springfield, IL 62703 [email protected] Association Omni Communications 217-523-0503 IL Dept. of Employment Services, Garrison Group, Group, Inc. 217-697=0499 Peterman Financial Group - Money Concepts, Springfield 3 3 3 3 3 omniideas.com 4 Jill Schuller-Kinnett 1992 4 P.O. Box 9620 Art Association, Sagamo Chapter Credit Union [email protected] Springfield, IL 62791
Bella Milano, Bundy Office Machines, PJP Auto, Prairie Encore Consulting Capital Convention Center, Coonrod Financial Group, 217-816-5415 Deb Sarsany - Agent for Re/Max, Don Smith Paint Co., 3 3 3 3 3 3 3309 Robbins Road, PMB 204 [email protected] 2 Terri Noel 2003 5 Hold the Dream Production Co, Max Karpman Furs & Springfield, IL 62704 Fashion, Nuvo Direct-Mail Design & Printing
Central Illinois Marketing centralillinoismarketing.com Declined to provide information 3 3 3 3 3 3 P.O. Box 651 [email protected] 1 Scott Moss 2005 6 Rochester, IL 62563
Animal Protective League, Illinois Association of School Corbin Design 217-636-8947 Boards, Illinois Ventures for Community Action, Looking 3 3 16963 Vaneman St. 217-636=8943 1 Deana Corbin for Lincoln Heritage Coalition, Modern Mailing and 2002 6 [email protected] Petersburg, IL 62675 Printing Services, St. John’s Hospital
Fine Tune Creative 217-622-6363 The Curve Inn, Arizona Tile, Mowies Cue, Sebastian’s 3 3 3 3 3 3 2228 Cloverfield Lane [email protected] 1 Perry Zubeck Hideout, Lake Pointe Grill, Public House 29, Taco Gringo 2013 6 Springfield, IL 62711 www.finetunecreative.biz
12 | October 2014 | Springfield Business Journal PERSONALITY PROFILE
Selling the radio life By Eric Woods
Originally from Montana, Fiona Irvin loves a sales team Irvin administers, although she Broadcasting. At the end of October, the sees herself as more coach than manager. “As company will sponsor Trick-or-Treat Street awesome to be centralized and close to St. a coach I give them the tools they need to go at Southwinds Park for the third year. Louis,her current Chicago home and Indianapolis,” in Springfield. she “It said. is out and be successful. If I have to manage, “With this event, kids will have a safe place Although she does admit that Montana is we have a problem.” to trick-or-treat,” she said. Thousands of not close to anything in the same way, she Irvin also handles the company’s intense does miss the mountains and not being training program in which new employees and Irvin has been blown away by the Fiona Irvin able to go skiing locally. “I do love the spend four to six weeks learning the Mid- response.people attended The annual over theStuff-a-Truck first two event years West Family Broadcasting system. She has will also return in November, and it is the Title: Sales manager, Mid-West Family people are so friendly.” voiced commercials, which is usually the event Irvin considers her favorite. “To see Broadcasting communityIrvin has here.run the I findgamut it of pretty, job industries and the only time she goes on the air. “I get dragged the generosity from this community, even E-mail: firvin@wqlz.com since she was a child. Growing up she in from time to time on the air, but not very when the economy got tough, is humbling,” wanted to follow her love of animals to often,” she said. “Radio gets in your blood. I she said. Education: B.S. in Healthcare Administration become a veterinarian. “I was not good at was gone for nine months and came back.” Looking to the future, Irvin hopes to from University of Great Falls biology, so I learned early on that was not A career in radio and sales is not for eventually become a general manger for one Family: Children – Sydney and Taylor everyone, according to Irvin. “If you are of the stations. “I am very dedicated to my packing irrigation pipe on a farm. That job just looking for a job, this is not it. This career. I am passionate about the product Favorites – consistedgoing to happen,” of a 5 a.m. she start said. and Her then first returning job was is a tough job,” she said. “If you cannot and what we can do. We are employee- Hobby: Quilting at dusk to move the pipe again. While in high stand rejection, this is not a good career.” owned and locally owned, so we can make Restaurant: Bella Milano school, Irvin worked in fast food, which was Developing relationships with clients is decisions in this building,” she said. Irvin is Band: Barenaked Ladies her least favorite job experience, lasting a key component in radio sales, as Irvin proud of everything the company already a mere six months. One of her greatest life stresses doing the best for the client. She also does for the community and wants to Tidbits – experiences was graduating college. “People stresses the importance of communication continue doing more. She never sees herself Has a passion to work with Doctors Without told me I could not do it. Tell me that and I with others, especially teammates, even retiring, and intends to work for the radio Borders will show you I can.” when having a bad day. Keeping this kind of company until her time is up. “They will Serves on the Board of Directors for FBI For more than eight years, Irvin has thing to yourself can result in what she calls carry me out in a pine box.” Citizens Academy worked for Mid-West Family Broadcasting. “head trash,” which can build up and create Fan of both the Dallas Cowboys and In her current position she helps oversee and an even bigger problem. Eric Woods can be reached Chicago Bears come up with events. “I look for fun events Irvin is excited for a number of events at [email protected]. that people will enjoy,” she said. There is also in the coming months at Mid-West Family
Springfield Business Journal | October 2014 | 13 SPECIAL SECTION: MARKETING & MEDIA
Keeping up with the local landscape of radio By Eric Woods
For the better part of 40 years, Mid-West demographics. In 1983, seven years after the we did those two things.” throughout the year. Some, such as Stuff-a Family Broadcasting has been a staple of the purchase of WMAY, the company purchased A company milestone, according to -Truck, Taste of Home, and the anti-bullying WNNS, an adult contemporary music station. Marilyn, was the hiring of current creative campaign are sponsored by all four stations. Marilyn Kushak purchased the talk radio In 1993, hard rock fans were served with the services director and on-air talent Johnny stationSpringfield WMAY. radio This scene. station In 1976, would Tom be andthe purchase of WQLZ. “Each station that came Birtch, events are usually tied to a charity. available was great. It was exciting to reach was writing their own commercials,” she said. Others are station-specific. According to four decades. The company, which began new demographics,” said Tom. MarilynMolson insays 1996. Molson “Before goes (Johnny),beyond just everyone writing are in-kind. Almost every weekend we have a first of four they would acquire over the next Mid-West Family Broadcasting acquired commercials by developing campaigns that “We have a lot of local nonprofit events that markets when they purchased WMAY, lives Alice and added its adult alternative format get results for the clients. “We have gone Given the ever-changing landscape of byin the 1956 premise and wasof local already ownership, present according in five to the lineup in 2001. The addition of Alice from sales to marketing and teaching clients medianonprofit and event,” technology, he said. Mid-West Family to Tom Kushak. “We did not want absentee was a key component for the Kushaks, to brand themselves.” Broadcasting understands the radio industry owners,” he said. “We may have some cross- who were looking to scale back their daily The past, present, and future success must adapt in order to survive. “We have to ownership with our other markets, but we workload. Tom served as general manager continues to rely heavily on maintaining local be nimble,” said Molson. “What is true now want a local team involved. Radio is at its from 1976 through 2001, while Marilyn ownership and knowing how to change with will not be true 18 months from now. There best when it is local.” served as sales manager from 1991 through the times. Molson admits that each market is will be something new on the horizon.” Current general manager Mark Birtch 2001. She is still company president but has independent of the others. “There is no big One of the newest technological features stresses that all business decisions are made handed over many responsibilities to others ‘mother ship’ above.” he said. Each radio station in radio involves FM chips that exist in locally, which makes it easier to partner with in the company. “When we decided to retire has its own website, and Molson understands smartphones, although many phone carriers the community. “There is no real corporate from day-to-day management, we made two that content is what ultimately drives success. have not activated the feature. “People will level,” he said. “That is different than other promises to the staff,” said Marilyn. “First we “The commonality is the message itself. You be able to take us with them,” said Birtch. radio groups.” agreed we would acquire a fourth station need the meat or it will not work.” “The phone will not need Internet. It is just The Kushaks have been building a strong to reach that last demographic. We also Mid-West Family Broadcasting is known FM radio.” promised a new renovated building with for its radio stations, but the company is Although changes in the radio industry are picking up radio stations that touch a variety of more space. We said we would continue until loaded with events which they sponsor important and must be constantly monitored, core in the Springfield market over the years,
14 | October 2014 | Springfield Business Journal Marilyn Kushak, Tom Kushak, Mark Birtch and Johnny Molson. PHOTO BY GINNY LEE
Birtch knows that clients and listeners are latest trends, but Marilyn admits they must going through constant changes themselves. remain diligent. “We have to address their changing worlds Mid-West Family Broadcasting has come as well,” he said. “If listeners want us a long way since taking over WMAY in 1976. streaming, we need to be streaming. We They are now in seven different markets must leverage the relationships on the digital side with the customers also.” Missouri, Madison, LaCrosse and Eau The combination of radio and social Claire,including Wisconsin Springfield, and Rockford,Southwest Springfield, Michigan. media is a powerful one, according to “We have three bosses: the listener, the Marilyn. “We work with our clients through advertiser and the employee. If we continue their social media outlets. We have to keep to serve, we will continue to prosper,” said up with technology because new things Tom. “There may now be things like iPods are happening,” she said. “There is a very and iPads, but radio is still magic.” exciting future ahead.” Radio stations are now branding themselves in such a way Eric Woods can be reached that they are staying current with the at [email protected].
Springfield Business Journal | October 2014 | 15 Sources: The Radio Stations. RADIO STATIONS (Listed Alphabetically)
PHONE (-) FAX (=) STATION NAME WEBSITE (www.) GENERAL YEAR ADDRESS EMAIL OWNER MANAGER PROGRAMMING WATTS EST’D
KISS 99.7 FM 217-528-3033 3055 S. Fourth St. 217-528=5348 Neuhoff Communications Kevin O’Dea Contemporary Hits 50,000 2001 1 Springfield, IL 62703 997kissfm.com
WQQL 93.9 FM 217-753-5400 217-753=7902 2 3501 E. Sangamon Ave. abefm.com Capitol Radio Group Amy Nelson Oldies 25,000 1980 Springfield, IL 62707 [email protected]
WCVS 96.7 FM 217-528-3033 3055 S. Fourth St. 217-528=5348 Neuhoff Communications Kevin O’Dea Classic Rock 6,000 1982 3 Springfield, IL 62703 wcvs.com
WDBR 103.7 FM 217-753-5400 217-753=7902 4 3501 E. Sangamon Ave. wdbr.com Capitol Radio Group Dylan Rudisil Top 40 50,000 1982 Springfield, IL 62707 [email protected]
217-528-3033 WFMB 1450 AM 217-528=5348 3055 S. Fourth St. sportsradio1450.com Neuhoff Communications Kevin O’Dea Sports / Talk 1,000 1926 5 Springfield, IL 62703 sportsradio1450@sportsradio1450. com
WFMB 104.5 FM 217-528-3033 217-528=5348 6 3055 S. Fourth St. wfmb.com Neuhoff Communications Kevin O’Dea Country 50,000 1965 Springfield, IL 62703 [email protected]
217-629-7077 WLCE 97.7 FM Midwest Family P.O. Box 460 217-629=7952 Mark Birtch Adult Alternative 6,000 2007 7 alice.fm Broadcasting Springfield, IL 62705 [email protected]
217-528-2300 WLUJ 89.7 FM Cornerstone Community Richard Van Zandt; John 600 W. Mason St. 217-528=2400 Christian 20,000 1987 8 wluj.org Radio McBride, Station Manager Springfield, IL 62702 [email protected]
217-629-7077 WMAY 970 AM Midwest Family P.O. Box 460 217-629=7952 Mark Birtch Local News / Talk 1,000 1950 9 wmay.com Broadcasting Springfield, IL 62705 [email protected]
217-629-7077 WNNS 98.7 FM Midwest Family P.O. Box 460 217-629=7952 Mark Birtch 80's, 90's & Now 50,000 1980 10 wnns.com Broadcasting Springfield, IL 62705 [email protected]
217-629-7077 WQLZ 92.7 FM Midwest Family P.O. Box 460 217-629=7952 Mark Birtch Active Rock 25,000 1990 11 wqlz.com Broadcasting Springfield, IL 62705 [email protected]
217-529-5431 x164 WQNA 88.3 FM Student / Community 2201 Toronto Road 217-529=7861 Capital Area Career Center Paul LaMantia 250 1979 12 wqna.org Radio Springfield, IL 62712 [email protected]
WLFZ 101.9 FM 217-753-5400 217-753=7902 13 3501 E. Sangamon Ave. cool1019.com Capitol Radio Group Jane Cochran Country 50,000 2013 Springfield, IL 62707 [email protected]
WTAX 1240 AM 217-753-5400 217-753=7902 14 3501 E. Sangamon Ave. wtax.com Capitol Radio Group Alex Degman News / Talk 1,000 1930 Springfield, IL 62707 [email protected]
217-206-9847 WUIS 91.9 FM University of Illinois News / Information / WUIS130 - 1 University Plaza 217-206=6527 Randy Eccles 50,000 1975 15 wuis.org Springfield Eclectic Springfield, IL 62703 [email protected]
WYMG 100.5 FM 217-753-5400 217-753=7902 16 3501 E. Sangamon Ave. wymg.com Capitol Radio Group Jane Cochran Classic Rock 50,000 1986 Springfield, IL 62707 [email protected]
WEAI 107.1 FM 217-243-2800 Jacksonville Area Radio Contemporary Hits / 2161 E. Old State Road 217-245=6711 Gary Scott 6,000 1989 Broadcasters, Inc. Sports 17 Jacksonville, IL 62650 weai.com
217-245-5119 WJIL 1550 AM / 102.9 FM Morgan County 1251 E. Morton Road 217-245=1596 Sarah Hautala 60’s, 70’s & 80’s 1,000 1961 18 wjil.com Broadcasting Jacksonville, IL 62651 [email protected]
217-245-5119 WJVO 105.5 FM Morgan County 1251 E. Morton Road 217-245=1596 Sarah Hautala Top 40 Country 6,000 1986 19 wjvofm.com Broadcasting Jacksonville, IL 62651 [email protected]
WLDS 1180 AM 217-245-7171 Jacksonville Area Radio News / Farm / Talk / Adult 2161 E. Old State Road 217-245=6711 Gary Scott 1,000 1941 Broadcasters, Inc. Contemporary Music 20 Jacksonville, IL 62650 wlds.com
217-753-5400 WABZ 101.1 FM Contemporary 3501 E. Sangamon Ave. 217-753=7902 Capitol Radio Group Dylan Rudisil 50,000 2000 21 abefm.com Alternative Springfield, IL 62707 [email protected]
16 | October 2014 | Springfield Business Journal PERSONALITY PROFILE
A sparkling (on-air) personality By Eric Woods
with appearing on television, Cox also handles participated in a tractor pull contest and and the feeling that the city is her hometown. promotions for the station’s radio partners. dominated the competition. “They bumped “ILesley have Cox met loves some the wonderfulSpringfield peoplecommunity and When she is not performing on camera or me up four age groups because I was doing so over the radio, Cox assists with marketing, well,” she said. “At age eight I was beating the associations,” she said. “People have been 14-year-olds. It was mind over matter.” This have a number of different affiliations and efforts for the television stations. event was Cox’s greatest achievement as a Lesley Cox for the past 10 years.” Cox is very active fillsLast logbooks, December, and helps Cox and create the promotional rest of the child. As an adult, her greatest achievement incoming the community. up with fun She events volunteers in Springfield for the Fox 55/27 and CW 23 crew moved into the Title: On-Air Talent and Promotions American Cancer Society, genHkids, Boys News Channel 20 building on Cook Street. two years ago. Coordinator, FOX 55/27 and Girls Club and St. John’s Children’s The previous building still houses the to date has been purchasing her first house E-mail: [email protected] Hospital. She also coaches youth soccer and master control, and according to Cox there community, also sees issues with the city. Cox, while active in the Springfield works with United Cerebral Palsy, Special are renovations planned. “Every day is “Unemployment is a problem. People are Education: B.A. in communication from Southern Olympics, and the MDA Lock-up. evolving,” said Cox. “We have a new general having trouble getting jobs,” she said. She is Illinois University Carbondale Cox grew up wanting to be a news manager, and he has plans in store for me. also anxious to know where she will be in 10 reporter and says she has never had a job Things are changing, but I am not sure what years. “Hopefully I am successful and with from which she did not learn something. they all are yet.” a family,” she said. In the immediate future, Favorites – Although Cox is living her dream job she will soon be serving as maid of honor Movie: The Princess Bride in college she worked for the Daily Egyptian, from her childhood, she does admit that any for her best friend’s wedding in Wisconsin. Restaurant: Fritz’s Wagon Wheel Her very first job was at Panera, and while the college newspaper at SIU-Carbondale. person who wishes to get into the industry She also plans to travel back to Florida either Sports team: Chicago Bulls and St. Louis Cardinals needs to have thick skin. “Work smart, not next fall or winter. As for the long term, Cox for the local Fox 55/27 station. As an on-air hard. Do your best, be yourself, and be does not even think about retirement. “I will personality,For the pastshe can five be years, seen Coxduring has the worked “Fox always be doing something.” Tidbits – Scene” promotional videos which highlight Active soccer and volleyball player special events. She also handles on-air duties airconfident before inthis yourself,” job.” she said. “Do not try Eric Woods is a freelance writer Favorite getaway spot is Naples, Fla. for “Friday Night Blitz,” “Good Day Illinois,” to fitCox into has a mold. taken I had her no own experience advice onsince the from Springfield. He can be reached Speaks some Spanish “Ask the Expert,” and “Road Trippin’.” Along childhood. As an eight-year-old, she at [email protected].
Springfield Business Journal | October 2014 | 17 MEDIA
Jamey Dunn of Illinois Issues; Rachel Otwell, WUIS reporter; Dusty Rhodes, WUIS education reporter; and Randy Eccles, WUIS station manager.
WUIS and Illinois Issues come together By Ann Strahle
Over the last few decades, changes in technology and newsgathering methods, as well as economic recessions, have caused a decline in newsrooms on both the national and local levels. With newspapers folding and reporter positions being eliminated in print and
much good news when it comes to the journalismbroadcast profession. fields, there However, has not with been the recent merger of two local news outlets,
area may see a resurgence. investigative reporting in the Springfield
withWUIS, Illinois Springfield’s Issues magazine, National a monthly Public publicationRadio (NPR) that station focuses hason in-depth joined public forces affairs reporting. WUIS General Manager everywhere. “We can send the reporters Randy Eccles said, “WUIS and Illinois Issues out to do the stories, and then work with are unique in the market in that they are them in order to help them deliver them not commercially driven. This merger in the right way for broadcast, digital and allows us to take the time to focus on print,” Eccles said. explanatory journalism. To look at why Both of the outlets are under the things happen and keep our audience umbrella of the Center for State Policy and informed at a higher level.” Leadership at the University of Illinois With this new merger, the already busy Eccles takes on even more responsibility director of the center, said the combination as he will serve as both the radio station ofSpringfield. news departments David Racine, means thean increase executive in general manager and the publisher of the amount of stories covered. “Last year, Illinois Issues. One of his overarching missions with this merger is incorporating working in the newsroom, and Illinois the COPE principle, or create once, publish IssuesWUIS hadhad aboutbasically five one full-time employee. employees With 18 | October 2014 | Springfield Business Journal coverage. “They’ll be able to drill down even excited to tackle these changes. “It’s going going to change that.” more than in traditional beats. For example, really well, people are jumping in and trying While some of those changes may not thinking about what’s the most important new things such as broadcasting, which can currently be visible – or audible – they thing in education or health. The reporters be a little scary, but really exciting,” Dunn- are coming soon. Listeners may hear new will hopefully become the experts,” said Thomason said. voices on WUIS bringing them their daily Crawford. “For the last few years we have One of the main long-term goals for news or an in-depth report, while readers struggled to do the job that we have wanted Illinois Issues is an improved web presence of Illinois Issues may see some new bylines. to do in term of public affairs reporting, and in order to share its content with more This is truly a journalistic merger that has we’re hoping that this will allow us to do it in people. This collaboration will help work the way that is necessary.” toward that goal as WUIS already has a With any change come some learning strong web platform thanks to NPR content the potential to significantly change the curves. A combined newsroom means that management support and strategies. SpringfieldAnn and Strahle state ismedia an assistant landscape. professor reporters have to learn the differences Dunn-Thomason said, “I’m really proud of in the Communication Department at in writing and producing radio or print the quality of the content we have, but it University of Illinois Springfield, teaching stories. There are also different deadlines is not getting in front of enough eyes. The courses such as Media Law and Ethics, News to get used to, considering that Illinois big goal is to get it out on the web, to get Reporting, Advertising and Interviewing. Issues publishes monthly and WUIS has a it shared, to get people talking about it, Prior to her position at UIS, she was a daily demand for news. get people reading the stories. The folks television and radio reporter and anchor for As the Executive Editor of Illinois Issues, that subscribe to us now, love us. But a lot 16 years and taught at Indiana University’s Jamey Dunn-Thomason says that she is very of folks haven’t heard about us, and we’re School of Journalism.
PHOTOS BY GINNY LEE
Randy Eccles, WUIS general manager, has been with the npr station since 2008. this merger, the number of full-time journalists will double, along with freelancers,” said Racine. “With more reporters, the goals of the reporting staff can become even more focused on in- depth public policy reporting.” Considering that WUIS feeds Statehouse news to all of the NPR stations within the state, coverage of state issues and policy will continue to be a priority for reporters such as Amanda Vinicky and Brian Mackey but some of those stories may expand for a print version in Illinois Issues. The news department just hired reporter Dusty Rhodes, who will head the education desk, and future hires will include a “harvest desk” reporter who will handle food and environmental issues, as well as a technology reporter. Sean Crawford, the news director at WUIS, says there will still be the daily news demand, but this system will hopefully add more to both outlets’
Springfield Business Journal | October 2014 | 19 Sources: The Individual Print Shops. PRINT SHOPS (Ranked by Number of Employees) PHONE (-) FAX (=) NUMBER BUSINESS NAME WEBSITE (www.) OF UNION YEAR ADDRESS EMAIL OWNER(S) EMPLOYEES SHOP AREAS OF SPECIALTY EST’D
Frye-Williamson Press, Inc. 217-522-7744 Publications, Direct Mail, Advertising, Literature, Pocket Folders, 901 N. MacArthur Blvd. 217-522=7785 Richard Serena, Lynn Serena 24 Yes 1968 1 fryewilliamson.com Corporate Identity Packages, Large Format Digital Output Springfield, IL 62702 [email protected]
Capitol Blueprint, Inc. 217-523-1003 Xerox & Color Copying, Digital Copying, Blueprinting, Large- 217-523=7770 2 1313 S. First St. capitolblueprint.com Rick Reed 19 No Format Color Copying, Finishing Services, Magnets, Business 1954 Springfield, IL 62704 [email protected] Cards, Brochures, Canvas Prints, Newsletters, Notepads
A & B Printing Service, Inc. 217-789-9034 Offset Printing, Digital Color Reproductions, Direct Mail Services, 217-789=9170 Joe Bruso, Randy Bruso, 2122 N. Republic 12 Yes Carbonless Forms, Business Cards, Signs / Banners, Custom 1993 3 anbprinting.com Elmer J. Bruso, Charlotte Bruso Springfield, IL 62702 [email protected] Decals, Advertising Specialties
Color World of Printing 217-753-1049 Letterhead, Envelopes, Brochures, Publications, 1-4 Color, All 612 S. Dirksen Parkway 217-528=5407 Jerome Watson 12 No Types of Finishing, Digital Color Copies, High-Speed Copies, 1971 3 Springfield, IL 62703 colorworldofprinting.com Graphic Design
217-523-8422 ISI Printing 217-523=2484 Full Color Printing, Business Forms, Wide Format Banners/ 5119 Old Route 36 East isiprinting.com Jim Palazzolo 10 No Vinyl Lettering, Foil Stamping, Mailing Services, Color Copies, 1979 4 Springfield, IL 62707 customerservice@isiprinting. Embroidery com
Modern Mailing & Printing 217-522-2780 Direct Mail, Mailing Lists, Letterhead, Envelopes, Brochures, Book- Services, LLC 217-522=2883 modernmailingandprinting.com Larry Sweat, Charley Woods 10 No lets, Carbonless Forms, Newsletters, Mailers, Digital Color Copy- 1974 4 150 Forrest Ave. ron@modernmailingandprint- ing, Commercial Offset Printing Springfield, IL 62702 ing.com
Star Graphics & Media 217-744-7225 Large Reprographics, Trade Show Displays, Digital Printing, 217-744=7227 4 621 E. Monroe St. stargraphicsmedia.com Robert Koch 10 Yes Vehicle Graphics, Banners, CD/DVD Duplication, Screen Print- 1998 Springfield, IL 62701 [email protected] ing, Embroidery, Jeweled Shirts, Heat Press Products, Engraving
Emerson Press 217-628-3441 Any kind of business material, Banners, Signs, Canvasing, 217-628=3606 5 103 W. Dodds St. emersonpress.net Leonard & Jane Emerson 9 No Letterhead, Business Cards, Carbonless Forms, Envelopes, Foil 1968 Divernon, IL 62530 [email protected] Stamping, Die-Cutting
Rudin Printing Company, Inc. 217-528-5111 Carl P. Rudin; Premium Quality Color Printing, Booklets, Newsletters, Graphic 927 E. Jackson St. 217-528=7699 8 No 1956 6 rudinprinting.com Chris Rudin, Manager Design, Brochures, Letterheads, Envelopes, Business Cards Springfield, IL 62701 [email protected]
Solution Printing, Inc. 217-529-9700 Financial, Educational, Non-Profit, Manufacturing, Healthcare, 217-529=1433 6 3135 S. 14th St. solutionprint.com Steve Shelton 8 No Religious Institutions, Sports Entertainment, Offset and Digital 2003 Springfield, IL 62703 [email protected] Print, 1-4 Color, Wide Format, Artwork Setup
GM Services 217-744-8700 Color Copies, Business Cards, B&W Copying - Manuals, Spiral 2785 S. 11th St. 217-744=8740 Jim Good, Dave Magowan 6 No 2005 7 gm-serv.com Binding, Paper Sales - Ream/Case - Wide Variety On Hand Springfield, IL 62703 [email protected]
Springfield Reprographics, Inc. 217-523-4632 Digital Blueprinting - Large/Small Format, Digital Color Printing - 217-544=6570 7 1620 S. Fifth St. springfieldrepro.com Steve Wakefield 6 No Large/Small Format, Digital B&W, Printer Repair - HP/Lexmark, HP 1920 Springfield, IL 62703 [email protected] Plotter Repair, Imaging supplies, printer toner and inks
J. Gooch and Associates 217-522-7575 Books, Brochures, Newsletters, Full Color, Business Forms, 217-522=9355 5 140 W. Lenox Ave. Jim & Sherry Feagans No Magazines, Digital Copying - Color / Black & White 1972 8 Springfield, IL 62704 [email protected]
Tailored Printing, Inc. 217-498-1057 Online Print Shop for Full Color & Large Format. Online Compa- 217-498=1157 9 4855 Sage Road tailoredprinting.com Kevin J. Slot, Evelyn K. Slot 3 No ny Stores for Buying or Selling Print, Promotional Products and 1994 Rochester, IL 62563 [email protected] Apparel, Single Source Brand Management
20 | October 2014 | Springfield Business Journal Springfield Business Journal | October 2014 | 21 PROFILE
Café Moxo diners since 2007. Owner Mark Forinash hadCafé no Moxo expectations has been when serving he Springfieldmoved to
wanted to offer quality food served a certain Snapshot Springfield and opened a restaurant. He He is passionate about customer service. established: 2007 Heway believesthat he saw customer a need for service in Springfield. is about owners: Mark and Shawna Forinash more than food, it is about atmosphere. Customers have certain expectations when employees: 13 they eat out and he and his staff ensure services: café, restaurant & catering the level of service each customer receives matches their expectations. Customers appreciate the attitude they phone: 217-788-8084 address: 411 E Adams St., Springfield get when they come in. It is less about how website: cafemoxo.com ingredients are put together than how they are served, and this sets Café Moxo apart e-mail: [email protected] from its competition. Forinash said Café Moxo would not be where it is today without the people who
not only love the restaurant industry but lovework people.” for him. “You have to find people who
PROFILE Lauterbach Tire and Auto Service has been Lauterbach Tire in the Lauterbach family for more than 30
purchased the locally owned and operated full-serviceyears. Springfield mechanical native shop, Jay which Lauterbach is now Snapshot run by his two sons, from Bill Lewis in 1985 and changed the name to his family name. established: 1985 the name Lewis Tire and later was known as owner: Jay Lauterbach MidtownThe shop Tire. had first opened in 1978 under employees: 10 Lauterbach Tire and Auto Service services: full service mechanical offers a full range of services. They feature Bridgestone and Firestone tires and also sell and service most tire brands. They carry tires phone: 217-546-2600 for autos, light trucks, boat trailers, motor address: 1569 Wabash Ave., Springfield website: lauterbachtire.com homes and lawn and garden equipment. The shop also does mechanical work, e-mail: [email protected] including wheel alignments, brakes, water pumps, cooling and electrical systems, along with performing complete diagnostic services and services national accounts. Lauterbach Tire and Auto Service offers outstanding customer service. When you deal with them, you deal with the owners. Their customers trust them and are happy with the work they do.
PROFILE The iconic Maid-Rite restaurant has been Maid-Rite serving up its original loose meat sandwich to customers since the early 1900s. A
changed since 1924 – it still uses the same Snapshot blendSpringfield of seasonings tradition, and theis made recipe fresh hasn’t daily using good quality meat. established: 1924 Sam Quaisi purchased the restaurant from Clarence Donley in 1996. Well-known owner: Sam Quaisi employees: 4 as the nation’s first drive-thru restaurant, services: sandwich shop franchise and still operates out of an old trainthe Springfield caboose parked Maid-Rite on a concrete is the slab original and
phone: 217-523-0723 Maid-Rite has been featured on address: 118 N Pasfield St, Springfield numerouscontains the televisionrestaurant’s stations. original fixtures.Located along historic U.S. Rt. 66, the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Quaisi now offers overnight delivery anywhere in the United States. Quaisi said no one does what he does. The loose meat sandwich is similar to a sloppy joe and is served on a steamed bun with pickles and onions.
22 | October 2014 | Springfield Business Journal KB Computer Consulting Jamie’s The Diamond Mine
PROFILE PROFILE Snapshot KB Computer Consulting, Inc. is a full-service IT Snapshot Cliff and Kelly Hughes purchased Jamie’s in Virden in company that specializes in working with small to 1993 and added The Diamond Mine to the name. The business has been up and running as a jewelry store established: 2000 medium sized businesses. Karl Backs founded KB established: 1993 since 1970. The couple are both jewelers. owner: Karl Backs consulting company that focused on attention to detail owners: Cliff & Kelly employees: 5 andComputer customers Consulting, that was Inc., not in being 2000 met to fillin the a niche area. for a Hughes designers including Gabriel, Allison-Kaufman, Breunning He and his staff offer managed IT services GormanThe storeand carriesKelim alonga line withof fine private-label jewelry from watches, unique services: IT company employees: 7 to central Illinois businesses and partners with address: 510 E Apple Microsoft and Cisco. His staff installs a device on specializing in custom jewelry. Jamie’s The Diamond Mine Orchard Rd #103, address: 137 E Jackson St, doesfine silvereverything items from and Debbieengraving Brouss high purses,school plaques while also to your PC or server which manages and monitors services: fine jewelry your computer network. Among the services KB Virden setting three- and four-carat diamonds. phone: 217-529-0108 Computer Consulting, Inc., offers are procurement, phone: 217-965-4542 Jamie’s The Diamond Mine offers a quality product Springfield onsite and remote support, off-site hosting and at a fair price with a personal touch that makes it a website: kb-consulting.net website: jamiestdm.com cloud storage. destination for customers from as far away as Chicago e-mail: KB Computer Consulting, Inc., offers customer e-mail: and St. Louis. Kelly is a master bench jeweler who [email protected] service above and beyond to make sure every [email protected] restores old jewelry and can turn a piece of heirloom jewelry into something wonderful and new. She and respond in four hours or less should a problem arise. Cliff always do their best to exceed expectations. Their Thecustomer company is satisfied prides itselfand guarantees on having a a staff technician with a skillwill motto is, “If you don’t know jewelry, know your jeweler.” set second to none.
PROFILE D & J Café D & J Café opened its doors 40 years ago and Family owned and operated, Dennis Price Snapshot startedis Springfield’s the business oldest and “mom his son,and pop”John diner.Price, bought it out three years ago. Prior to this, he and his brother leased it for 15 years. established: 1974 Everything is made fresh daily, from the owners: John Price vegetable soup to Salisbury steak, using employees: 14 local ingredients when possible. John Price believes in shopping local rather than services: diner address: 915 W Laurel St, He says that if an item isn’t on the menu, just ask.spending If he has his it, money you can outside have it. of Springfield. The comfy café seats 90 and is known phone: 217-753-1708 Springfield for its horseshoes. Price says the secret to D e-mail: [email protected] & J’s success is his staff who treat you like you’re family. He uses his dad’s recipes and sells good quality food at a great price. “If you don’t offer a good cup of coffee, no one will come in.” He credits the fact he is still standing to community support.
Springfield Business Journal | October 2014 | 23 PROFILE
The Organized Home his wife, Cindy, came across a company thatSpringfield designed natives and Georgebuilt Coontzcustomized and organizational systems for the home when building their own home. He could see a Snapshot future in the industry and it changed his entire life. His son, George, is now learning established: 1989 the business. owners: George & Cindy Coontz The couple opened The Organized Home in 1989. There were only 25 businesses in employees: 3 the industry. Coontz brings an architectural services: design & build custom background to the business and his design organizational systems ability sets him apart. for homes He analyzes clients’ existing organizational situations, then designs and address: 2601 Chuckwagon Dr,
storage needs whether for a closet, pantry, phone: 217-698-6460 builds a customized system to meet specific Springfield website: the-organizedhome.com superior products and all work comes with agarage lifetime or guarantee.home office. Coontz says he uses e-mail: Coontz works within your budget to [email protected] help reduce unorganized mess and relieve stress. He takes pride in having helped pave the way for where the industry is today.
PROFILE Pat and Carole Keating opened the doors to Boondocks central Illinois’ largest concert venue hall in 2012. They purchased a former nightclub that had sat vacant for almost 30 years, totally gutted the building and started over. Snapshot Both love music with a passion and Pat regularly travels to Nashville to book talent established: 2012 for the venue. Before they opened, the couple received
some great advice from a famous songwriter Keating owners: P at and Carole (Grigiski) who said Boondocks was going to be big. A employees: 6 lot of up-and-coming artists have played services: concert venue hall there and the venue attracts national acts.
address: 2909 N Dirksen Pkwy, shows at Boondocks. Florida-GeorgiaCarole strives Line to keepplayed ticket one andof its drink first phone: 217-679-0145 prices reasonable so people can come out Springfield website: boondockspub.com and enjoy several shows a month in an intimate setting. She credits an amazing fan e-mail: [email protected] base for supporting the shows and making Boondocks a success. Upcoming shows include the Charlie Daniels Band, Kentucky Head Hunters, Sam Hunt and Cole Swindell. The music industry is a small industry and people know Boondocks.
PROFILE The Habitat for Humanity Restore opened Habitat for Humanity Restore its doors in 2002 and generates income for Habitat for Humanity while allowing it to focus on its primary mission of building. Colleen Stone is the current Snapshot executive director.
established: 2002 cannot,The Restoreincluding fills building a niche materialsin the market like executive director: Colleen Stone doors,and takes windows, items thatcabinets, other nonprofitsbathroom employees: 5 services: construction leftover lumber and drywall. The store helps vanities, toilets and light fixtures as well as address: 1514 W Jefferson St, to the public. The most frequent purchasers arekeep landlords these items who out ofare landfills renovating and isrental open phone: 217-523-2710 properties. The public can purchase good Springfield website: habitatsangamon.com used items at a great price. Pickup service is available for large e-mail: items. By law, the Restore cannot accept [email protected] dishwashers or mattresses but can take just about everything else. Stone said donors come from all over. The Restore will soon be moving to its new location at 2744 South Sixth St. in 2015 and will increase its space four times.
24 | October 2014 | Springfield Business Journal Harry’s Pharmacy CopperTree
PROFILE PROFILE Snapshot Harry’s Pharmacy has been an Auburn landmark since Snapshot Mark and Laurie McWilliams specialize in landscape 1976. Pharmacist and owner Scott Borntreger credits architecture and installation along with outdoor lifestyles. the founder, Harry Buck, with bringing him and his The couple opened CopperTree Outdoor Lifestyles eight established: 1976 family to Auburn to take over the pharmacy from Roger established: 2006 years ago where they work with clients to both design owner: Scott Borntreger and Dee Lubben in 1991. owners: Mar k & Laurie and build pleasing outdoor living spaces and accessorize A family-centered, customer-oriented pharmacy, them. Mark handles the design and building aspects of employees: 13 McWilliams Harry’s Pharmacy carries medical equipment and has the project while Laurie accessorizes the space. employees: 11 services: pharmacy a full card and gift line. Borntreger goes out of his way CopperTree Outdoor Lifestyles differs from a to do what is best for his customers and his cellphone services: landscape traditional plant-oriented garden center. The business address: 620 E. Jackson St., number is on the door. architecture & focuses on furniture, containers, fountains and garden art. Auburn Harry’s Pharmacy offers a unique service no other installation/ Recently they opened a new division called CopperTree pharmacy does: specialized medication packaging. It phone: 217-438-6141 outdoor lifestyles Organics and are working with a California company with address: 3111 Cockrell Ln, website: service to Auburn, Waverly and Pawnee. Borntreger over 40 years of experience. harryspharmacy.com isalso also sends developing out refill remindersa series of and programs offers home to helpdelivery his Current trends in their industry include pool e-mail: customers stay healthy. phone: 217-793-0900 Springfield of their business is creating what they describe as “cool [email protected] e-mail: designs, fire features and outdoor kitchens. A big part reason customers keep coming back. Two have been entryways” for homes. [email protected] withHis the employeespharmacy for reflect 23 years. the business and are the Mark and Laurie enjoy building relationships with Harry’s Pharmacy prides itself on being part of the their clients. They are extremely creative with design community. When you deal with Harry’s, you deal with ideas and offer clients many options. They work with someone you know. their clients to create customized outdoor living spaces.
PROFILE Kinner Kennels is licensed through the Illinois Kinner Kennels Department of Agriculture and offers a safe, fun boarding facility for pet owners. Owner Amy Kinner DeReinaeker opened the 36-kennel facility Snapshot in 2006. She offers everything from half-day day care to extended boarding and grooming services. established: 2006 Ninety percent of her customer base comes owners: Am y Kinner DeReinaeker from Sangamon County but she also draws clients and Drew DeReinaeker from out-of-state who hear about her via word of mouth. The kennel offers individualized care employees: 4 for your pet. It is important to DeReinaeker that services: pet boarding, grooming clients feel comfortable leaving their pet here. & day care During the week, the kennel houses address: 2315 Parkes Kinner Rd., between 30 and 40 pets, with between 40 and Pleasant Plains 65 pets on the weekends. Each pet has its own accommodations with an inside and outside area phone: 217-626-1000 for napping, eating and overnight sleeping. website: kinnerkennels.com Kinner Kennels wants to ensure each pet is happy and healthy. It offers individual and group e-mail: [email protected] playtime four times a day. DeReinaeker would like the kennel to become a one-stop doggie shop and branch further into retail beyond its current offering of pet food.
Springfield Business Journal | October 2014 | 25 PROFILE The Cookie Factory Bakery has been selling Cookie Factory Bakery its fresh-baked mouthwatering cookies to hungry customers since 1977. Located on the lower level of White Oaks Mall near the carousel, Randy and Carin Shaw purchased Snapshot the business from Ed Dowling in 2006 and completed a major remodel two years ago. established: 1977 The store specializes in cookies for owners: Randy & Carin Shaw all occasions and prides itself that none of its cookies or cakes are pre-baked. The employees: 8 Cookie Factory Bakery caters to everyone’s services: bakery individual needs and offers 13 kinds of cookies, decorated cookie cakes, specialty address: White Oaks Mall, lower level cookies and cakes made to order, along phone: 217-787-9838 with plain Rice Krispy treats and more in e-mail: [email protected] addition to a selection of sandwiches and soups. Cookie varieties include chocolate chip, M & M chocolate chip, snickerdoodle, oatmeal raisin, triple chocolate chip and sugar cookies. Randy or Carin Shaw are each happy
orders. Custom orders must be placed 24to workhours with in advance. customers Cookie personally cakes to are fill available in three sizes: 11-inch, 16-inch and rectangular sheet cakes.
PROFILE
Kulavic’s Auto Body Kulavic opened a collision repair shop onA lifelongDirksen SpringfieldParkway 21 resident, years ago Anthony before building Kulavic’s Auto Body and moving to Wabash Ave. in 1996. At the time there was Snapshot Kulavic focuses on getting people back not much out there except cornfields. established: 1993 in their cars after an accident. Whether you have a scratch, ding or dent, if your car has owner: Anthony Kulavic been involved in a collision he can help get employees: 10 you back on the road. He is also one of the services: collision repair few that does boat repairs. A little something extra Kulavic’s Auto Body offers customers who spend $2,000 phone: 217-793-9777 or more is membership in the Forever address: 4601 Wabash Ave, Springfield website: kulavics.com Detail Club, which entitles them to four free cleanings annually. e-mail: [email protected] Kulavic and his staff of technicians work to turn a negative experience into a positive experience and help get your life back together with as little stress as possible. Kulavic says it is nice to see the look on someone’s face when the last vision they had of their car was a wrinkled mess. “They come in and go, wow, it’s better than brand new.”
PROFILE Springfield Running Center theThe right staff shoeat the for Springfield their foot since Running 1979. Center They workhas been with professionallyrunners, walkers fitting and peoplepeople with medical needs who are referred by their Snapshot physicians or physical therapists. Tracy Dowell joined Matt Lamsargis established: 1979 and Chadd Morrissy as a co-owner of the business this year. owners: Matt Lamsargis, Tracy Dowell itself on its customer service that sets it apart & Chadd Morrissy fromThe the Springfield big box stores. Running The staff Center listens prides to employees: 10 the needs of the customer and educates services: running specialty them about the differences between shoes. store The store carries a full line of shoes including brands like Nike, Asics, New address: Balance and Saucony as well as apparel, 2943 W White Oaks Dr, accessories and orthotics. The Running Center staff is trained phone: 217-787-4400 to listen carefully to customers and the Springfield e-mail: company offers instructional seminars on [email protected] running and other topics. They want to educate their customers about how to get a
is involved with the community and partners inhealthy local racingfit with and the sporting right shoe. events. The company
26 | October 2014 | Springfield Business Journal Springfield Business Journal | October 2014 | 27 RESTAURANT REVIEW
Luca’s special slice pizza with black olives, green peppers, onion and garlic PHOTOS BY GINNY LEE with a Sicilian slice with jalapeños, green peppers, onions and mozzarella.
Luca means excellent pizza By Thomas C. Pavlik, Jr.
Located in the former Di Piero’s space on work. That being said, my guests and I Dirksen Drive, Luca’s Pizza’s new location annihilated the plate. As our entrees, we went for the
business(in addition crowd to its a West more Iles “grownup” space) elevates space mostaccioli with meatballs and meat sauce toSpringfield’s nosh on pizza pizza over game a business and offers lunch. the calzone ($4.99, sausage and cheese), the Luca’s kept much of Palermo’s Italian ($22.99, sausage, pepperoni, mushroom, trattoria feel. We found the country music ($5.99), and a 20-inch supreme pizza a bit incongruous for an Italian restaurant, Regarding the pizza, although we were but appreciated Luca’s smart use of the informedonion and it green was only peppers). eight slices, we failed space such that we never felt intruded on to anticipate just how large those slices by our fellow diners. The clean interior extended to the kitchen, which was visible served on its own tray perched right next from the dining area. The day we visited, tomight our be table. – suffice The to pie say, itself the pizzawas hadperfectly to be cooked – the crust was crispy but not hard of diners drawn mostly from the business and the cheese was brown but not charred. andit was social about lunch two-thirds crowd. filled with a mix It was topped with just about the right Our server quickly appeared and combination of sauce and cheese. Luca’s provided us with menus. Not surprisingly, doesn’t try to cover up mediocre pizza with a pizza features prominently, but there are mound of cheese. The sauce wasn’t too sweet many more options, running from the usual lineup of pastas ($4.50 to $7.99 – all themselves weren’t surrounded by a pool of grease,and packed weren’t plenty cooked of flavor.to within The an toppings inch of a side salad up to $5.99 for more involved served with garlic bread), salads ($2.75 for did an honorable job, but ended up taking sometheir lives, home. and In delivered any event, plenty this pizzaof flavor. was We at wineofferings), are available and specialty if you are rolls so inclined. (all $4.99 each,Pizza calzones is available and strombolis). with either Beer thin and The calzone was reported as equal tothe thetop ofpizza Springfield’s and the food mostaccioli chain. was available in a 16-inch size only, and starts at appropriately sized, accompanied by two (Neapolitan) or thick (Sicilian) crust. Thick is $2.50 each. Thin runs from a 10-inch to a Service was good. Special requests 20-inch$16.99 (cheese) and spans with a price toppings range an from additional $9.99 weregenerous honored (and moist) and meatballs. the waitstaff up to $22.99. One of my more observant appropriately balanced friendliness dining partners noted that any pizza ordered with more than three toppings is deemed a clearly a business lunch. “special” pizza and caps out on price. In other withIn efficiency terms of value,while honoringmy guests what and Iwas all words, the sky’s the limit as to how many concluded that Luca’s prices were more toppings you want to add – it won’t cost than fair for what we received. Quite more than the stated maximum price. We all honestly, $22.99 for our pizza seemed to be thought this was a nice touch. one of the best values around. Don’t tell the We opted to start with an order of owner – I’d hate to see the prices go up. the “garlic knots” ($2.50, served with dining scene. We all plan on coming again. pieces of baked bread served in a garlic Luca’s is a nice addition to Springfield’s sauce.marinara) Don’t which eat this were one a dozenif you’re delectable worried Tom Pavlik is an attorney with Delano Law about what your breath will smell like at Offices, LLC, in Springfield. 28 | October 2014 | Springfield Business Journal Luca’s Pizza
Address: 2690 S. Dirksen Pkwy., Atmosphere: HHHH Springfield, IL Service: HHHH Phone: 217-679-3780 Food: HHHHH
Hours: Mon-Sat – 11 am to 10 pm, Price: HHHHH Sunday Noon – 9 pm Suitability for business lunch: HHHH Wheelchair access: Yes Credit cards: Yes OVERALL: 4.5
Springfield Business Journal | October 2014 | 29 LEGAL Time to talk about time By Thomas C. Pavlik, Jr.
One of the most misunderstood areas of day. Today, however, employers have to the law for many of my clients relates to worry about their nonexempt employees wage and hour issues. I’ve seen disgruntled doing work off the clock. Their use of former employees contact the state or smartphones for business purposes and federal Department of Labor claiming other work they do at home may well violations of wage and hour laws, which count as compensable time. Enterprising sometimes result in audits of employment timekeeping practices and penalties for large companies claiming violations of the noncompliance. And, a few years ago, actlawyers under have this exact already situation. filed suits against Fortune magazine reported a 400 percent To avoid any claims in this regard, increase in federal lawsuits alleging employers should have a policy that violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act. requires employees to report all hours What’s behind all of the attention? It’s they work and that also prohibits them primarily that the laws in this area seem from working at home. Further, and in counterintuitive to many business owners. general, employees should sign their Let’s start with some nomenclature. timesheets – thereby acknowledging that they are accurate. employees as exempt or nonexempt. Is your timekeeping system up to ExemptThe Fair positions Labor Standards are excluded Act classifies from date? Do you have an actual timekeeping minimum wage, overtime rules and system? If not, how do you track time? other protections under the act. Exempt Older systems often rounded to the nearest employees usually, but not always, are quarter hour. If it always rounds in your paid a salary and fall into the executive, favor, you may well have a problem. Or if supervisory or professional categories. you automatically deduct time for lunch Nonexempt employees enjoy the breaks, make sure that every employee is protections of the act and are entitled to actually taking a lunch break. If not, and if the minimum wage and overtime of not you never compensated those employees, less than 1 ½ times their hourly rates for you may have violated the act. any hours worked beyond 40 each week. Are you properly classifying your Let’s now explore some of the ways that employees? Savvy employers regularly do an these laws may be violated by employers, especially in today’s climate. and job descriptions. In general, those who Working off the clock. In past fallaudit into and thereview executive, of employee administrative classifications or years, before the ubiquitous presence of professional categories are not entitled to smartphones, it was easier to “clock out” overtime pay. If your employees don’t fall and not worry about work until the next into those categories, you’d be wise to start 30 | October 2014 | Springfield Business Journal tracking time for them. To assist, the act and the Department of Labor provide some guidance as to whether employees fall into these categories: “Executive” employees • The employee’s primary duty must be managing the enterprise, or managing a customarily recognized department or subdivision of the enterprise; • The employee must customarily and regularly direct the work of at least two or more other full-time employees or their equivalent; and • The employee must have the authority the employee’s suggestions and to hire or fire other employees, or advancement, promotion or any other changerecommendations of status of asother to theemployees hiring, firing,must be given particular weight. “Administrative” employees • The employee’s primary duty must be work directly related to the management orthe general performance business of office operations or non-manual of the employer or the employer’s customers; and • The employee’s primary duty includes the exercise of discretion and independent judgment with respect to matters“Professional” of significance. employees • The employee’s primary duty must be the performance of work requiring which is predominantly intellectual inadvanced character knowledge, and which defined includes as work requiring the consistent exercise of discretion and judgment; • The advanced knowledge must be in a
• The advanced knowledge must be customarilyfield of science acquired or learning; by a prolonged and course of specialized intellectual instruction. There are some additional categories such as “Computer Employees,” “Creative Professionals,” and “Outside Sales Employees.” Further guidance can be found at the Department of Labor: http://www. dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/fairpay/ Wage and hour laws are constantly changing and courts are interpreting these laws in new ways. Employers bear the burden of making sure they comply with these laws and that they properly pay their employees. With the increasing amount of litigation in the wage and hour arena, it literally pays for employers to keep abreast of the law. While this may take time and cause complications, it could save you time and money down the line.
Tom Pavlik is an attorney with Delano Law Offices, LLC, in Springfield.
Springfield Business Journal | October 2014 | 31 OP-ED
Address:
P.O. Box 398, Springfield, Ill. 62705 1240 S. 6th, Springfield,Phone: Ill. 62703 Telephone: 217-726-6600 Fax: 217-753-2281
Website:
www.springfieldbusinessjournal.comEmail:
[email protected]: www.facebook.com/sbjmonthly
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Editor and Publisher Fletcher Farrar
[email protected] Publisher Michelle Higginbotham
[email protected] Editor Scott Faingold
[email protected] Roberta Codemo Thomas C. Pavlik, Jr. Gabe House Ann Strahle Ginny Lee Eric Woods Teresa Paul
Production Designer David Hine
[email protected] Designer Diane Lyddon
ILLUSTRATION BY PARRA [email protected] Manager Brenda Matheis
[email protected] Assistant Thinking outside Irma Wallace [email protected] James Bengfort the media box Beth Parkes-Irwin [email protected] By Scott Faingold Tia Schoen Associate editor [email protected]
Nan Bulli [email protected]
Teri Hill [email protected]
The media industry is increasingly faced can transfer a copy straight into anybody’s well as for the heretical notion that the [email protected] BUSINESS JOURNAL is published with a conundrum: How do you get computer. Meanwhile, all but the most physical media era was but an extended monthly by Central Illinois Communications., customers to pay for something they can prestigious national news sources have easily obtain for free? For decades, the been forced to make their content available ever-evolving information age. Whichever contents of SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL P.O. Box 5256, Springfield IL 62705. The media landscape was such that content for free on websites, often while watching section(and profitable) of this continuum transitional you period fall inon, the it are copyrighted, and material contained herein – whether an episode of a popular circulation of physical periodicals dwindle. seems clear that this particular genie is may not be copied or reproduced in any manner television show, the latest hit song, There has been a lot of hand-wringing not going back into this particular bottle. without the permission of the publisher. or a news story – was only accessible by media insiders. Sometimes it is as Instead of lamenting the state of things Manuscripts, photographs, illustrations and letters through a physical medium (newspaper, though their personal feelings are hurt and longing pointlessly for the “good old to the editor are welcome, but SPRINGFIELD by the realization that their former days,” media content providers might BUSINESS JOURNAL can take no responsibility outlets. Revenue was generated through customers were only ever paying for fare better putting that same energy into publication. Letters may be edited. Information tabulationcompact disc) of sales or via or licensed from advertisers broadcast content because they had no choice. Now finding new ways to reach and serve their for them while in transit or in the office of the published in SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL is based on ratings and sales. that the public can often access the same audiences. Far from a foregone disaster, gathered from reliable sources, but the accuracy of In case you have been taking a Rip material for free, the population that these developments will assuredly be an this information cannot be guaranteed. Opinions Van Winkle-style nap for the last decade previously supported these industries are entrepreneurial bonanza for some smart, expressed in SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL or so, those days are largely over. As a often bitterly characterized as thieves and savvy businesspeople in the near future. are those of their authors, and no information or ingrates. Somehow, this kind of rhetoric Tomorrow’s media leaders will be today’s opinions expressed in SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS entertainment industry has largely been does not exactly seem to endear these innovators, adapting to these changes JOURNAL represent an endorsement or decimatedresult of peer-to-peeras songs, television file sharing, shows and the industry pundits to their target audience. and refusing to be left in the dust. solicitation for purchase or sale by SPRINGFIELD Arguments can be made in favor of BUSINESS JOURNAL or its staff. onto the Internet where a click of a link stricter punishments for pirating as movies are freely (and illegally) “leaked” 32 | October 2014 | Springfield Business Journal NEW BUSINESS LISTINGS
Every month, we like to provide a listing Primo Property World Peace Taxi Purple Cat Art 114 S. 5th St., Riverton provided by the Sangamon County Clerk’s 331-3473 544-4704 720-8654 of new assumed business names (DBA) as Owner:1209 E. MichaelSouth St., Giacometti Springfield Owner:3337 E. JamesCarpenter, E. Zientara Springfield Owner: Julie Alessandrini-Costa
Mae’soffice ofKitchen vital records. Cloud N9ne Tattoo Studio “It’s just a service to the people,” says James Zientara of his new business, If you live in Sangamon County and would 217-971-2186 341-8043 World Peace Taxi. “I try to provide the like to apply for an Assumed Business Name Owner:1406 E SouthShawn Grand Hughes Ave, Springfield Owners:3001 W. WhiteAaron OaksWilson, Dr., Daniel Springfield J Wilson, II best and to treat the people good, keep my vehicle clean. Just real basic, simple https://www.sangamoncountyclerk.com/ Myers Rice Auction & Realty Anything Buy Sell Trade things.” A dedicated cab driver, Zientara Vital-Records/DBA(DBA), find more information here: worked almost every day between 217-787-3200 217-638-7529 August 2013 until July 2014 when he Owner:115 Chatham Paul D. Road, Rice Springfield Owner:406 N Dirksen Carrie DoomParkway, Springfield was waylaid by a driver who ran a red light, striking his cab. After several Rare Bird Serendipity Hair Studio months of recuperation he is ready to take to the streets again. 217-787-1317 217-553-0677 Owner:829 Roanoke Kathryn Dr., Rem Springfield Owner:980 Clocktower, Diane Bailey Springfield
Top Notch Tinting
217-652-8709 Owner:2516 South Zane Grand M Letz Ave E, Springfield
Freelance Photography 7580 N. Pawnee Rd., Pawnee 299-7365 Owner: Sally A. Neumann
Planet Geek Comics 1605 Bilbridge Lane, Chatham 309-533-2362 Owner: Matt Clarenson
Benefico LLC
217-725-6868 Owner:16 S Hazel Jill Dell,D Leka Springfield
Andresen Builders 77 Covered Bridge Acres, Glenard 217-415-8872 Owner: Kevin O Andresen
Architektur & Stein
210-2426 Owner:2525 S. Lowell,Jeremy PaulSpringfield Mann
Lats Janitorial
217-761-5077 Owners:1605 E Reynolds, Tony R Lathan, Springfield Johnetta Thomas
Scooter’s Lawn Care & Maintenance
217-473-1472 Owner:1832 E WatchJacob Godar Ave, Springfield
Central Illinois Renovation Services
217-361-8842 Owner:2337 East Michael Converse Rapacz Street, Springfield
Kingsway African and Caribbean Cuisine
217-220-3008 Owner:3236 Ginger Omolara Creek S. ObebePlaza, Springfield
According to owner Omolara S. Obebe,
featuringthis will be chicken, the first meatAfrican and restaurant goat. “We in willSpringfield, have a deliciousoffering authentic meat pie delicacies– it looks like a pot pie, but this one is not juicy like that, just soft and tender, not with the gravy.” Another specialty will be the Puff Puff, Africa’s answer to the donut. “It’s not as sweet as a donut, less sugar – so it’s healthier than a donut,” said Obebe. The restaurant will be decorated in authentic African style and will be opening in November.
Our Angels Cleaning Services
816-8340 Owner:242 Spring Richard Creek Lopez Dr., Springfield
Springfield Business Journal | October 2014 | 33 34 | October 2014 | Springfield Business Journal Springfield Business Journal | October 2014 | 35 36 | October 2014 | Springfield Business Journal