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From soda Bella New Plans to jerk to the Milano of- legisla- launch Sangamo fers some- tion, new Source Club, Ang- thing for develope- Sangamon ie Keefner- everyone, ments and Challenge Grieser including new tech- at 2013 talks hos- our Lent- nology. Business PERSONALITY pitality. BUSINESS en eaters. REAL ESTATE & BUSINESS Expo. PROFILE P. 12 LUNCH P. 14 HOME BUILDERS P. 16-29 CONNECTIONS P. 30-34

MARCH 2013 www.springfieldbusinessjournal.com (217) 726-6600 Springfield [email protected] business .journal Business. News. Paper. Communities focus on economic growth PACE offers Q5 not for everyone; man are taking the initiative to make capital investment.’ pursues economic development energy savings Chatham and Sherman make it happen. The city of Springfield is the on its own as a problem [for Q5]; In 2007, the Quantum only municipality that is invest- we want to see economic devel- Mall manager promotes work on their own Growth Partnership (Q5) de- ing in Q5. According to Steward opment in the entire county.” financing program initiatives buted as the economic develop- Sandstrom, Springfield Cham- But some area villages have ber president, there is no formal opted out of Q5. The village By Joe Natale, By Betsy Butler, ment function of The Greater plan to solicit investments from of Chatham will soon have its Associate Editor Senior Correspondent Springfield Chamber of Com- merce. The ultimate goal of neighboring areas. “We under- own marketing plan for fueling Spurring economic develop- Q5, as stated on the Chamber’s stand that there is a long list of economic growth. The village Maureen Bluhm is on pace to ment in the midst of a recession website is ‘to grow Sangamon initiatives and a much shorter improve energy efficiency in the is not an easy task but commu- County by improving our ability list of resources,” Sandstrom said. Continued on Page 10, Capital City. nities like Chatham and Sher- to create jobs, attract talent and “We don’t see a community that Communities The general manager of White Oaks Mall is advocating the adoption of a Property As- sessed Clean Energy (PACE) pro- Difficult time for employers and job seekers gram in Springfield. “PACE is an innovative pro- Local employers and can- gram that focuses on energy ef- didates talk job market ficiency,” Bluhm said. “It is an alternative way of funding large By Gabriel House, projects.” Correspondent PACE is a voluntary program for property owners to make en- The recent recession is over ergy efficiency improvements – or at least very nearly so – de- to existing buildings. Interested pending on one’s point of view. owners opt-in to PACE in order The masses who found them- to receive private market financ- selves under or wholly unem- ing for improvements that is re- ployed are joining fresh-faced paid with an assessment on their college graduates all clamoring property taxes. for the jobs that will act as rungs PACE spreads cost of im- on a precariously perched career provements, such as weather ladder. sealing, insulation, heating and In addition, baby boomers cooling systems. are turning 65 at a rate of 10,000 Upon transfer or sale of the per day and will do so at a simi- property, the assessments are lar rate for the next 19 years, linked to the property and trans- according to the Pew Research fer to a new owner upon sale. Center. As they begin to retire “The loan is paid over 15 to en masse, their exodus may cre- 20 years,” Bluhm said. “The tax ate sizeable holes that are often is on the property, not the in- simply unable to be filled due to dividual. The tax goes with the a dearth of experience and prac- property when it is sold.” tical knowledge. While PACE was added to the It all combined to create a Illinois Municipal Code in 2009, perfect storm for Niki Kersey, 26, a specific PACE program has yet of Springfield. Kersey graduated to be established in Illinois. “I from the University of Illinois Niki Kersey of Springfield graduated from the University of Illinois Springfield in May of 2011 with a Continued on Page 11, bachelor’s degree in business administration. She just recently found full-time with benefits employment to Continued on Page 9, Jobs launch her professional career. PACE COMING NEXT MONTH ... TWO SPECIAL SECTIONS EDUCATION • The April issue will feature local news and information Fairways

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SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL BUSINESS SPRINGFIELD industries in central Illinois PRSRT STD PRSRT SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL BUSINESS SPRINGFIELD - Independent Private Schools Public Golf Courses • Local Golf Outings 2 • March 2013 • Springfield Business Journal Springfield Business Journal • March 2013 • 3 • the rookery BNI hits 7 million referrals chairing a committee of developers, en- Business Network International has gineers and public sector officials seeking revealed that in 2012 BNI members in- to streamline the development process to ternationally passed 7.1 million referrals, make Springfield a more welcoming place generating more than $3.3 billion dollars to do business. of business for its members. In the central Barb Weatherford of Town and County Illinois area, BNI chapters passed over 3,000 Bank was also honored for the fourth time referrals, resulting in $15.4 million worth as Ambassador of the Year, having accumu- of business done by BNI members. lated the most points toward Ambassador BNI held an introductory meeting of a duties. Ambassadors serve as Chamber new Springfield chapter in February. Local representatives in the community. businesses interested in attending a BNI Incoming 2013 Board Chair Jeff Ball chapter can find a list of all Springfield of Hanson Professional Services Inc. rec- chapters’ meeting times and locations at: ognized the service of seven outgoing http://www.bni-il.com/chapters.asp. members of The Chamber board: Mike BNI has more than 6,200 chapters Pence, Maureen Bluhm, Doug Rahn, Sean worldwide in 49 countries. BNI is a driver Grant, Lugene Finley, Greg Lutchka, and of success for its member companies. Dan Sale. In 2012, more than 3,000 referrals were passed by the Central Illinois BNI chapters’ Chamber supports infrastructure 400 members. These referrals represented investment $15,440,975 worth of business done by The Greater Springfield Chamber of BNI members in 2012. $5.6 million of that Commerce reaffirmed its support for in- business was generated by the Springfield vestment in infrastructure for the city of BNI chapters. The value of this business Springfield at a meeting of the Board of averaged $38,602 per member. Membership Directors in February. Sound infrastruc- in BNI costs $465 the first year and $365 ture including streets, sidewalks and sew- each year after that. ers, is a critical foundation of economic Each BNI chapter allows only one growth, promotes a good quality of life person per professional classification, but and improves public safety for our citi- the Springfield introductory meetings zens and families and new chapter meetings are open to Mayor J. Michael Houston met with all interested business professionals. The The Chamber’s Board of Directors to dis- average BNI chapter has 23 members and cuss the city’s infrastructure needs and passes business leads between members, detailed a three-year $86.6 million im- for sales opportunities both inside and provement plan that would bring our outside the group. roads, sidewalks, storm sewers and traffic lights up to a good state of repair. Kerber, Eck & Braeckel LLP and The mayor then discussed a $22.5 mil- Pritchard Osborne LLC merge lion annual maintenance program that Kerber, Eck & Braeckel LLP announced would maintain our city’s infrastructure that as of Jan.1, the operations of Pritchard and also unveiled a 10-year $55 million Osborne LLC have merged into KEB. As a plan to address the backlog of repairs result of the merger, David Pritchard, Paul needed to our city’s sewer system. Osborne and Steve Dumstorff have been In 2009, The Chamber supported the admitted as partners with KEB. Build Springfield Initiative that more than Pritchard Osborne was founded in Li- doubled the infrastructure investment in tchfield, Ill. in 1981 and opened an office our community. Unfortunately, we knew in St. Louis in 1993. Pritchard Osborne’s St. at the time it would not keep up with fu- Louis office has been combined with KEB’s ture infrastructure needs and additional St. Louis office and is now located at One investment was needed to maintain our S. Memorial Drive, Suite 950. Pritchard roads, sidewalks and sewers. Osborne’s Litchfield office will remain at its current location. NFIB: wage increase would hurt KEB, founded in Springfield in 1931, small business now has 25 partners and more than 150 Kim Clarke Maisch, state director of the other employees. KEB now has a total of National Federation of Independent Busi- eight offices in the Midwest, with five loca- ness, released a statement in response to tions in Illinois, two in Missouri and one Gov. Pat Quinn’s State of the State address in Wisconsin. and his call for a minimum wage hike: “Our members had hoped Governor Chamber marks 144 years at Quinn would use his State of the State ad- gala dress to talk about how Illinois can once Before an audience of 700 members of again become a premier state to do business Sangamon County’s business community, in. Unfortunately, he chose to embrace a The Greater Springfield of Chamber told minimum wage hike which will do little the story of its 2012 achievements and but cause small businesses to cut employee recognized key individuals who made the hours and jobs. past year successful during its 144th Annual “Our members overwhelmingly op- Gala at the Crowne Plaza. pose any plan to raise the state minimum Outgoing Board Chair Lou Dixon of wage or tie it to the Consumer Price Index, Crawford, Murphy & Tilly presented the especially at a time when small business Chairman’s Award to Springfield Mayor J. and our economy continue to struggle. It is Michael Houston and Sangamon County ironic that a state that cannot pay its own Board Chairman Andy Van Meter, for their bills or pension obligations and has seen work on the federal Record of Decision its credit rating downgraded would now affirming Springfield’s choice for rail con- turn around and tell small-business owners solidation along the 10th street line. how to run their shops – the mandate is “Though rail consolidation has been a ill-timed and frankly wrong. part of our city’s conversation for decades, “Small-business owners don’t need Mayor Houston and Chairman Van Meter politicians telling them how to run their elevated the fight for 10th street at a critical businesses. If the General Assembly is seri- time to ensure that our city could ultimately ous about jobs and wages, it’ll stay out of go down the ‘right track,’” said Dixon. the way and let small-business owners try Steward Sandstrom, President and to grow and succeed without intervention. CEO of The Chamber, presented the an- Politicians shouldn’t determine people’s nual President’s Award to Ed Mahoney pay, the marketplace should.” of RE/MAX Professionals, for his work in 4 • March 2013 • Springfield Business Journal regular meetings • after hours • Monday • Springfield Luncheon Optimist Club, 11:45 a.m., (2nd & 4th weeks) MCL Cafeteria, 2151 Wabash Ave. • Sertoma Club of Springfield, Noon, (1st & 3rd weeks) Hilton Springfield The family that hunts together... • Noontime Toastmasters, Noon, Laurel United Methodist Church, Walnut & S. Grand Ave. West • Rotary Club of Springfield, 6 p.m., Maldaner’s Restaurant (upstairs), 222 S. 6th St. Tuesday Mike Johnson • Jacksonville Sunrise Rotary Club, 7 a.m., Comfort Inn, 200 Comfort Dr., South Jacksonville • Capital City Business Builders BNI, 7:30 a.m., Hickory Glen, 1700 West Washington St. Profession: • Tuesday BNI, 11 a.m., Remax Building, 2475 West Monroe St. Market President, • The Network Group, 11:45 a.m., The Sangamo Club, 227 E. Adams St. US Bank • Rotary Club of Springfield-Mid-town, Noon, Inn at 835, 835 S. 2nd St. • Kiwanis Club of Lincoln, Noon, Al’s Main Event, 1230 Fifth St., Lincoln • Springfield Noon Lions Club, Noon, Golden Corral, 1038 Le June Dr. Passion: • Springfield Parkway Pointe Toastmasters, 12:05 p.m., AIG Building, 3501 Hollis Dr. Elk Hunting • Altrusa International of Springfield, 7 p.m., (1st & 3rd weeks) Laurel United Methodist Church, Walnut St. & S. Grand Ave. West By Raegan Hennemann, Wednesday Senior Correspondent • Rotary Club of Springfield - Sunrise, 7 a.m., Hoogland Center for the Arts • Central Illinois Refferal Network, 7:45 a.m., The Real Estate Group, 3701 W. Wabash Ave. s a young boy, Mike Johnson • Westside BNI, 11:30 a.m. Mariah’s, 3317 Robbins Rd. hunted deer in southern Wis- • Prospectors Referral Group, 11:30 a.m., (1st & 3rd weeks) American Harvest, 3241 W. Iles Ave. Aconsin with his dad and two • Rotary Club of Springfield-Westside, Noon, Brickhouse Grill & Pub, 3136 Iles Ave. brothers. Those outings set the stage • Jacksonville American Business Club, Noon, Ponderosa Restaurant, Morton Ave., Jacksonville for his family’s annual elk hunting • Kiwanis Club of Springfield-Downtown, Noon, Hilton Springfield, Manhattan Grille Room expedition to western Colorado. • Capital City Toastmasters, Noon, IDOT Building, 2300 Dirksen Pkwy. Room 214 A & B Since the mid 1990s, Johnson, • Springfield Jaycees, 7 p.m., Jaycees Activity Center, 2525 S. 12th St. market president of US Bank in Thursday Springfield, has spent one week • Thursday Morning Business Builder BNI, 7:30 a.m., Coldwell Banker, 3201 Old Jacksonville Rd. during October trekking through Uncompahgre National Forest located on the west- • Springfield Thursday Lunch BNI Chapter, 11:30 a.m., Lake Pointe Grill, 1386 Toronto Rd. ern slope of the Colorado Rockies. The only year he didn’t make the trip was when his • Rotary Club of Springfield South - Noon, Centrum Coffee Cafe, 1370 Toronto Rd. third daughter was born. • Springfield American Business Club, Noon, Hilton Springfield, 29th Floor “It’s more mountainous terrain. It is much more expansive than anything we do • Kiwanis Club - Jacksonville, Noon, Hamilton’s Catering, 110 N. East St., Jacksonville around here in terms of the area we hunt,” Johnson said. “We’ll walk miles in a day • Lincoln Douglas Toastmasters, 6 p.m., Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 2645 Old Jacksonville Rd. looking for elk, so it’s a challenge from that standpoint. We can get trucks to camp • Kiwanis Club of Chatham, 6:15 p.m., Chatham Library, 600 E. Spruce, Chatham but then we’ll walk from there and we hunt an area that has about a 1,000 vertical Friday foot drop. So it’s a lot of up and down, just something unique that you don’t get to • Springfield Breakfast Optimist Club, 7 a.m., Atonement Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St. • Frontier International, Noon, Hilton Springfield, Manhattan Grille Room do around here.” • Jacksonville Noon Rotary Club, Noon, Hamilton’s Downtown, 110 N. East St., Jacksonville The destination for the hunting trip came about after Johnson’s parents and brothers moved to Colorado because of a job transfer. While Johnson remained in Illinois Do you have a regular business meeting to include? to attend college, his brothers and father took advantage of a local hunting opportu- Send your regular meeting to [email protected] nity – elk. His middle brother even spent time working with a guide in Uncompahgre National Forest. “That’s where he really learned the ins and outs of it, got to know that area. We’ve got the advantage of his expertise, which he then passed along to the rest of the I use a cow call to try to group,” Johnson said. attract them. It’s called So after Johnson graduated from college in 1992, it was decided that they a Hoochie Mama, that’s You play a key role and we thank you for your contributions to our community. Professional Women’s Calendar of Events would reinstate their family hunting tra- the brand name. It makes dition in Colorado. Over the years a few Association for Women in Communications (AWC) the estrus call, the call a “Women in Media, Yesterday and Today” with guest speaker Mary Bohlen. Wednesday, March 13th, at the Sangamo others have joined the group, including a cow that’s looking for a Club, 227 E. Adams Street, Springfield. 11:30 AM Networking, 12:00 – 1:00 PM Presentation, Lunch served as you cousin and his son as well as a long-time arrive. $16 members, $10 students, $21, non-members. friend. partner would make. March is Women’s History Month, a time to reflect and look toward the future. Ms. Bohlen will discuss how our “I enjoy the country out there,” John- “ courageous professional foremothers shaped our industry and overcame enormous odds, society’s scorn, and a male- son said. “I enjoy the tradition of being able to hunt with this same group every year, dominated journalism world to shape our current industry and roles. which of course my dad and my brothers are the important part. It’s something we Mary Bohlen is a past AWC president, former wire service reporter and emeritus communication professor at the University of Illinois Springfield. Among the many classes she taught in her 28 years at SSU/UIS was the graduate have in common. It’s something we can do to get away and just spend time togeth- seminar Women and Media. Students in that class explored women media pioneers, women in the media profession er.” today, media coverage of women and the effects of that coverage on society. It’s not the type of family reunion most people would be interested in. There are no facilities so they sleep in tents and build their own toilet out of logs and a hole in Illinois Women in Leadership (IWIL) the ground. Illinois Women in Leadership will hold its Annual New Member Reception from 5:30 to 7:30 PM on Thursday, “We actually bring a toilet seat that we bolt to the top of it and stuff like that to try March 21st at the home of Julie Davis, 1400 Woods Farm Springfield, IL Please join us for our annual New Member Reception. This is a time to honor and recognize our new IWIL and make it more comfortable,” Johnson said. “It’s almost gotten to be a little bit of a members and a great social gathering for all members. game from that standpoint to try to make it a little bit nicer.” Guests and potential new members are welcome to attend. The cost for members is $18. Non-members and They primarily hunt male elk, which are called bulls. According to National Geo- walk-ins are $23. Reservation forms are available at www.iwil.biz. Reservations with payment must be received by graphic, a bull elk can weigh as much as 1,100 pounds and have antlers that reach four 5 PM Thursday, 14th March via the website or by mailing the registration form and payment to: IWIL, 2821 Stony feet above its head. The group leaves camp about 6 a.m. every day and returns around Point Springfield, IL 62704 dusk. Sometimes they will regroup for lunch but otherwise they are walking around Women Entrepreneurs – Central Illinois (WE-CI) trying to find elk. Johnson said the group uses the spot and stalk method. WE-CI; Women Entrepreneurs of Central Illinois’s monthly meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 13thth, “We walk; it’s kind of a still walk, a slow walk through different areas. It’s a lot of from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at The Inn At 835, the South parlor of the old Inn; 334 South 2nd Street, Springfield, up and down terrain, so you normally try to be up and you’re typically looking across Ill. 62702. valleys,” he said. “You’ll get to a spot and you’ll normally watch it for awhile to see if Program: Together We Grow. March is our annual membership event. This year WE-CI will plant the “seeds” you can find some kind of a movement or just spot an elk.” to help more local women-owned businesses by reaching out to prospective new members. If you have considered Another way they try to find elk is by sound. membership, come to this event and learn how WE-CI can help you. This meeting features a series of round-table discussions on small business topics, cash bar, a door prize, and favors. “During their rut, their mating season, they’ll bugle. Typically by the time we’re This dinner is free for guests. The cost for the meeting is $22 for members, and $25 for walk-ins. Please RSVP hunting, that time of the year it’s kind of the later stages of the rut, but you can hear by noon, Friday, March 8, 2013. Reservations are non-refundable. Additional information is available by contacting them bugle which is their mating call and that can provide you with some sense of L. Gay Davidson, 725-8500 or at [email protected]. where they’re at,” he said. “I use a cow call to try to attract them. It’s called a Hoochie Monthly meetings include guest speakers, workshops, and social functions. Fundraising events support scholar- Mama, that’s the brand name. It makes the estrus call, the call a cow that’s looking for ships for local women attending college and advanced training. Guests may request a meeting notice by contacting a partner would make.” Maureen Williams [email protected]. Coming in May Not only is the trip physically challenging, but the weather is an unknown factor Proudly sponsored by: from year to year. “Where we hunt is about 8,000 feet above sea level, so depending upon the year, the weather conditions can vary quite a bit,” he said. “We’ve hunted in 70 degree temperatures and we’ve hunted in 10 degree temperatures. We’ve hunted in all kinds of rain and we’ve hunted in a foot of snow. It was odd this year. When we came up that first night we got quite a bit of snow, but then it warmed up and it fogged in so bad To have your event added to the Women’s Calendar of Events, Please fax your information to (217) 726-8300 or e-mail to [email protected] Continued on Page 7, After Hours Springfield Business Journal • March 2013 • 5 Community Business

Report Coming in May... www.springfieldbusinessjournal.com March 2013 Nomination forms inside

Très chic for less • new businesses • Adams Guns & Ammo, 325 Thrift store shopping in a Partridge Pass, Sherman, 62684, trendy new environment Jeffrey S. Adams, (217) 414- 7583. By Ashley Caldwell, • African Hut, 414 E. Monroe, Correspondent Springfield, 62701, Roosevelt LaBelle Boutique in Chatham Pratt, (217) 691-5176. offers a new twist on the tradi- • All Dressed Up Consign- tional Goodwill Store. Located ment, 10079 Bell Fountain Road, at 75 West Plummer Blvd. next Bsmt., Dawson, 62520, Jody Ad- door to the Chatham Goodwill ams Womack, (217) 685-5959. Store, the new retail outlet is a • All out Cleaning, 610 Rid- unique spin on the traditional gely, Springfield, 62702, Julie A. Goodwill store. Gibson, Rhea J. Maisenbacher, The boutique, which opened (217) 816-6755. on Oct. 12, 2012 by Land of Lin- • Burgess Photography, 528 coln Goodwill, Inc. (LLGI), is S. Church, Virden, 62690, James part of a growing trend of Good- C. Burgess, Jr., (217) 965-9868. will stores that provides custom- • Capcitill Promotions, 1013 ers an intimate shopping experi- N. Park, Springfield, 62702, Ryne ence where they can browse new T. Goodrich, (217) 303-3120. or gently used products—such as • Computers We Fix, 3309 clothes, shoes, jewelry and other Robbins Road, Suite 101, Spring- accessories—that lean toward field, 62794, Woodson Inc., the modern and trendy. (217) 787-9999. “There are some larger Good- Inside LaBelle Boutique • C.R.U. Beauty Supply & wills that have implemented Clothing, 100 N. Grand Ave. this type of store and have been West, Springfield, 62702, Drake very successful,” explained Land ally identifies the type and qual- nations and shoppers. draws near, LLGI plans to ramp Grimmett, David G. Hamilton, of Lincoln Goodwill CEO and ity that we are looking for to “We’ve been getting a lot of up their marketing efforts for (217) 220-6830. President Sharon Durbin. “We present in that environment,” people wanting to donate a lot the boutique to, as Durbin stat- • C.R.U. Wireless, 100 N. decided to pilot the concept in explained Durbin. “We have a of nicer things,” said Kramer. ed, “bring attention back to the Grand Ave. West, Springfield, two areas we felt it might do lot of products that are donated “Then we get a lot of people boutique, and the uniqueness of 62702, Morris C. Hobson, (217) well,” with the first of these to us that are still new and have coming in and looking for the it.” As well, the retail team at La- 481-5880. stores opening in Chatham and the price tags on them, so those nicer stuff. That’s everyone’s fa- Belle may offer some promotions • D and D Bath Remodeling, the second in Urbana. will just naturally default to the vorite part of Goodwill—finding or sales throughout the spring to 67 Cinnamon Creek, Springfield, The boutique locations, as boutique.” an awesome deal.” draw customers in. with all Goodwill stores, are Since opening the boutique, Having made it through a Regardless of marketing strat- 62707, David Schober, Doug stocked with goods that have LLGI has worked to get LaBelle successful opening and a busy egy or promotional events, the Schober, (217) 341-1911. been donated by members of the recognized in the community holiday season, LaBelle has built overall goal for LaBelle Boutique • Fairfield Inn by Marriott, will remain the same—to gen- 3446 Freedom Drive, Spring- erate revenue for LLGI, which field, 62704, Group Two, LLC, encompasses not only the (714) 412-8559. Springfield area, but a total of 37 • Fringe Hair Salon, 901 counties (33 counties in Illinois Clocktower #4, Springfield, and four in Indiana). 62704, Amanda Wiley, (217) “The bottom line is that ev- Continued on Page 38, ery piece of revenue that comes New Businesses in through the boutique goes back to support our mission,” Durbin said. “This is just another arm of revenue that we gener- • index ate that comes back to support The Rookery...... 3 everything that we do.” After Hours………...…………….4,7 Regular Meetings……………...….4 If the pilot stores in Chatham Women’s Calendar……….…..…..4 and Urbana continue to be suc- New Businesses…..………..….5,38 cessful, it could be an arm of Airport En/Deplanements...... 6 revenue that will expand in the Building Permits……..……………6 future. With such a broad area Economic Index………...... …….6 covered by LLGI there are a Business Lunch………….……….14 number of other locations, other Monthly Drive…………….……..15 markets, which may work for a Residential Real Estate…...... 16-29 LaBelle Boutique down the road. City Codes…………….……….…22 “We have a lot of room to grow,” Going Green………………..……23 stated Durbin. Business Connections...…….30-34 Business Reading……….…..36, 38 LaBelle Boutique located at 75 West Plummer Blvd. next door to the Goodwill Store in Chatham Giving Back………...... …………37 Legal Filings………………………38 Law………………………….……39 community. As donations come and bring customers through up a regular client base from Ashley Caldwell is a freelance Fast Tracks...... ….40-41 in, they are examined and slated the door. Thus far, according to Chatham, as well as the sur- Community Business………..42-43 writer from Springfield. for either the Goodwill store or LaBelle Boutique’s Kaylie Kram- rounding Springfield area, noted Opinion………………..…………44 LaBelle Boutique. er, community reaction has been Kramer. She can be reached at Op-Ed…………………….………45 “We have a team that actu- positive, in regards to both do- Now, as the spring season [email protected] Business Card Directory…...... …46 6 • March 2013 • Springfield Business Journal Springfield Enterprise Index The December Springfield Enterprise In- Compared to last month the monthly fore- dex suggests normal activity with an index casts for the year suggest slightly higher lev- of 100. The SEI steadily increases through els of economic activity. This increase is due the year with an index of 111 in November to a slight increase in median housing prices 2013. and employment gains in December 2012 The University of Illinois at Springfield data compared to the November 2012. announces that the greater Springfield Enter- Economic indexes for other Metropoli- prise Index (SEI) for December is 101, which tan Statistical Areas (MSA) in Illinois are also suggest a near normal level of economic ac- forecasted. These compare a local area to its tivity. A SEI value of 100 indicates that the own historical level of economic activity for area economy is on its long-term growth that area. The Springfield pattern of increased trend. A SEI value less than 100 indicates activity through December 2013 is consis- “below average” activity. tent with all the other MSAs combined. The Economic activity is slightly lower than Chicago area index shows little change. The one year ago with the index decreasing by Springfield area has higher levels of activity two points. The forecast through the year relative to its own economy than the other suggests a steady increase in economic activ- metropolitan areas in Illinois. ity; with an index of 113 for December 2013.

The index is developed by the Regional Economic Applications Laboratory, Institute of Government and Public Affairs, University of Illinois. The Greater Springfield Enterprise Index is a collaboration between The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, the Institute of Government and Public Affairs – University of Illinois and the Center for State Policy and Leadership – University of Illinois Springfield (UIS). For information contact Patty Byrnes, Center for State Policy and Leadership at UIS, 217-206- 7783 or [email protected].

Building and Zoning Department - City of Springfield

Building Permit Report January January - December New Single Family Residence 2013 2012 2013 2012 Permit 1 0 1 0 Valuation 400,000 0 400,000 0 Revenue 364.84 0 364.84 0 Dwelling Units 1 0 1 0 New Two Family Residence Permit 1 0 1 0 Valuation 261,000 0 261,000 0 Revenue 367.60 0 367.60 0 Dwelling Units 2 0 2 0 New Multi-Family Residence Permit 0 0 0 0 Valuation 0 0 0 0 Revenue 0 0 0 0 Dwelling Units 0 0 0 0 New Commercial Permit 3 2 3 2 Valuation 37,500,000 16,122,656 37,500,000 16,122,656 Revenue 111,470.60 52,959.18 111,470.60 52,959.18 Total (New, Remodel, Addition & Misc.) Permit 143 177 143 177 Valuation 45,757,458 18,110,936 45,757,458 18,110,936 Revenue 142,955.49 61,282.24 142,955.49 61,282.24 Dwelling Units 3 0 3 0 Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport – Springfield, Ill. Total Monthly Enplanements and Deplanements January January - December Airline Passengers Enplaning 2013 2012 Change 2013 2012 Change American Eagle 1,666 1,523 9.39% 1,666 1,523 9.39% United Express 2,533 2,621 -3.36% 2,533 2,621 -3.36% Direct Air 0 2,084 0 0 2,084 0 Vision 0 0 0 0 0 0 Allegiant Air 1,279 0 0 1,279 0 0 Sun Country - Honor Flight 0 0 0 0 0 0 Sun Country - Riverside 0 0 0 0 0 0 Charter - Other 0 0 0 0 0 0 McClelland Aviation 0 0 0 0 0 0 Sub-Total 5,478 6,228 -12.04% 5,478 6,228 -12.04% Airline Passengers Deplaning American Eagle 1,574 1,539 2.27% 1,574 1,539 2.27% United Express 2,629 2,568 2.38% 2,629 2,568 2.38% Direct Air 0 1,884 0 0 1,884 0 Vision 0 0 0 0 0 0 Allegiant Air 1,367 0 0 1,367 0 0 Sun Country - Honor Flight 0 0 0 0 0 0 Sun Country - Riverside 0 0 0 0 0 0 Charter 0 0 0 0 0 0 McClelland Aviation 0 0 0 0 0 0 Sub-Total 5,570 5,991 -7.03% 5,570 5,991 -7.03% *information provided by the Springfield Airport Authority TOTAL 11,048 12,219 -9.58% 11,048 12,219 -9.58% Springfield Business Journal • March 2013 • 7 After Hours, Continued from Page 4 that, for the first two days you could see maybe 30 feet in front of you. So, there really wasn’t an ability to hunt.” Four months after the most recent trip, it is obvious that there was definite fore- shadowing in those weather conditions. For the first time in all of the years they’ve been hunting elk together, they were shut out – not one elk was harvested. “It was the worst year we’ve ever had out there,” he said. “That part was frustrat- ing.” The group averages about three elk every year and their best year was a harvest of five elk. Over the years, Johnson has downed at least 10 elk. After a successful shot, they field dress the elk and try to take as much meat off the bone as possible before packing it up and hiking back to camp. That is when Johnson is glad he increases his running workout at least three months prior to the trip – because carrying an additional 60 to 70 pounds of elk on your back for an extended distance, up and down mountains, can be strenuous. Everyone in the group enjoys eating elk meat, so they have it processed into steaks and ground into burger. “It’s leaner than beef, much less fat content,” Johnson said. “It’s more of a red meat versus venison, which is deer.” Johnson’s preferred method of preparing the elk steak is wrapping it in bacon and putting it on the grill. “That’s really our favorite way to do it in terms of the steaks. Now, the burger, we’ll use in a number of different things, even spaghetti sauce,” he said. “Most people wouldn’t know that it’s not hamburger, in terms of something like that. To me it’s not as gamey as even venison.” In honor of his long-time tradition with his dad and brothers, Johnson had a chef prepare an appetizer made with elk for his wedding’s rehearsal dinner in 2006. Besides the meat, when they down a bull, they also keep the antlers and haul them back to camp. “Anytime you’re bringing a rack out it creates some challenges because you go through some tighter spots in terms of brush and trees and that kind of stuff,” Johnson said. “That’s what’s so amazing, you watch an elk run through those tight areas out there, a bull will tilt their nose up to get their rack back and they just dodge their rack through the trees. It’s a pretty neat thing.” Johnson hunts with a .300 Winchester Magnum that has a bipod mounted on the rifle for stabilization and a crosshair scope. He prefers to take shots within 400 yards and while he knows a scope is beneficial, he has a scar above his right eye to prove it. “I was up on some rocks shooting out and I saw an elk. The sun was shining in my scope so I was trying to be able to see through the scope. When I finally got (the elk) in it, I pulled the trigger and the butt of the gun wasn’t all the way against my shoulder so the scope hit me. It bled a lot,” he said. “(The scar) is my reminder to make sure the gun is on your shoulder.” Although Johnson is an avid deer hunter during Illinois’ bow and shotgun seasons, he always looks forward to the annual trip to the Colorado wilderness with his dad and brothers. “Even this past year when we didn’t get an elk, it was still a good trip because we got to spend time together and that’s really the end goal and the reason why we continue to do it,” he said.

Raegan Hennemann is a senior correspondent for Springfield Business Journal. She can be reached at [email protected] Every Patient Matters! CEC issues first year progress report In its first year of work the Citizens’ townships are already undertaking research ��ring�el� �linic�s mission is Efficiency Commission (CEC) called for in response to this recommendation. to provide the highest quality health care “a new way of doing business” for local Electric Aggregation– Sangamon Coun- governments. The CEC issued its progress ty and municipalities not served by electric to the people of Central Illinois. report, surveying accomplishments and cooperatives or municipal utilities should announcing goals. They found that local pursue energy cost savings through electric governments need to engage in more data aggregation. As a result if this recommenda- Our network of care includes: collection, performance measurement, tion, eligible residents in 15 municipalities information sharing, and long-term plan- and unincorporated Sangamon County ning to strengthen their capacity and better voted and passed a referendum from equip them to work together. the November 2012 election related to While the CEC found that many gov- electric aggregation. The referendum in ernments in Sangamon County work to unincorporated Sangamon failed by five provide services to residents, few of these votes and Sangamon County created an governments evaluate their efforts in terms opt-in program for those residents who of service efficiency and effectiveness. The wish to participate in electric supply cost CEC is working to help local governments savings program. The CEC has assisted to identify where they are now and how these communities in starting a group ag- they are performing. gregation effort. The CEC has made four recommen- Township Property Tax Collection— dations for improving local government Townships should turn responsibilities for efficiency and effectiveness: collection over to the Sangamon County Creation of a Leaders’ Peer Network– Treasurer’s/Capital Township Collector’s Regular meetings of local leaders in like office via intergovernmental agreement positions should be established as a venue and vacate the position of Township Tax for cooperative actions. Some local leaders Collector in other townships. The CEC has have re-established networks, such as the received feedback that some townships Sangamon County Township Officials As- intend to undergo the process of vacating sociation. The CEC also brought regional their collector’s position. mayors and village presidents together Many of the areas being addressed by twice in 2012. the CEC came from two sets of public General Assistance Administration – meetings, held in six communities where Township Supervisors should examine the public and governmental officials of- existing cooperation opportunities similar fered a host of concerns for CEC review to the Capital/Chatham Township inter- and consideration. These include building governmental agreement, and consider codes and permitting processes, consolida- alternatives to the current structure for tion of garages and parts inventories and general assistance administration. Some public education transportation. 8 • March 2013 • Springfield Business Journal personality profile • Cutting edge of (office) technology By Eric Woods, Correspondent Worst job? While he did not mind future? Allen would walking the bean fields, Allen did not en- like to know what Springfield – joy detasseling corn. “It was good money, type of fuels and What is your favorite part about living in but it was not fun,” he said. transportation we Springfield? “You are virtually 10 minutes Current job and responsibilities? Allen will have in the fu- away from a lot of activities,” said Allen. has been with CDS Office Technologies ture. “This affects so “There is theatre, for 24 years, having many people in so restaurants, movies, worked on the ser- many ways,” he said. Bob Allen vice side repairing He is also curious as you name it.” Al- Title: Sr. Account Manager, CDS Office equipment for the to how much more len sees Springfield Technologies first 10 years. The connected the world as a small city that Address: 612 South Dirksen Parkway, company is fam- can get from a com- has the best of both Springfield, Ill. 62703 ily owned and has munication stand- worlds. Telephone: (217) 528-8936 been in business for point. “How much What is the worst E-mail: [email protected] part about living 43 years. “We are a further can we go?” me,” said Allen. progressive com- How do you envision your life in 10 in Springfield? The Born: Feb. 3, 1965; Jacksonville, Ill. As an adult? Nothing has made Allen pany, and we have years? “It would be nice to be retired, but high taxes and the Education: A.A. in electronic communi- any prouder than the birth of his chil- evolved over the I do not foresee that,” said Allen. He does state economy are cation from Rankin College dren. years,” said Allen. hope to slow down a bit but knows he very unpleasant Family: Wife – Susan; Children – Logan The company has will still be working to help his customers right now, accord- and Connor Future – ing to Allen. “This its own print shop with solutions. “It is hard to see myself Upcoming job news? “There is nothing but now also works doing anything differently since I have is an issue for a lot Favorites – out of the ordinary going on right now,” with information been doing it for so long,” he said. of businesses,” he Hobby: Golfing said Allen. “We are working on some technology, manag- Something you learned early in life and said. “It can be a Movie: Gladiator big deals, but I do not want to jinx any- es network services, still use? “Be a man of your word,” he hindrance.” Restaurant: Tony’s Restaurant in Alton thing.” cloud backup, and said. “If you do not have integrity, you The biggest issue Sports team: St. Louis Cardinals Any vacation plans? Allen will be Springfield currently IP telephony servic- will not be successful no matter what you heading to Cancun with his family. It is es. Allen stays very do.” faces is...? “The debt Tidbits – somewhere he has been before and really busy handling ap- of the state is the Collects baseball memorabilia enjoys. pointments, phone Advice – biggest hurdle,” said Has always wanted to own a grocery I want to retire when I’m ... (age)? Al- calls, and installa- Advice for someone seeking a career in Allen. “It is a trickle- store len feels that it would be great to retire at down effect.” tions to name just your field? “Never stop learning,” said 65 but can see himself working as long as a few duties. Clients of CDS range from Allen. “That is important because things he still enjoys what he is doing. “I can- Employment – three-person offices to larger companies change quickly.” not see myself doing nothing,” he said. “I “When I was 10, I wanted to be... a base- like St. John’s Hospital. “We make sure Best advice you have ever been given? have to stay busy.” ball player.” to treat everyone the same no matter the “Stand by your word,” said Allen. “That First job? Having grown up in White size of the business.” is all you have.” Hall, Allen spent his summers working on Eric Woods is a freelance writer from farms. “I would walk the bean fields and Philosophical – Achievements – Springfield. He can be reached at cut corn out of beans,” he said. What do you want to know about the As a kid? “Nothing really stands out to [email protected]

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2424 W. Iles Avenue, Springfield (near White Oaks Mall) 2449 N. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield (near Lowe’s) Federally Insured by NCUA cefcu.com facebook.com/cefcu Springfield Business Journal • March 2013 • 9 PACE, city will have to take a lead role in the and City Water Light and Power. She in- towards “educating the city council and Continued from Page One implementation of PACE. tends to meet with other city officials, getting an ordinance through.” Gabrielson said that Illinois has a Bluhm said that Springfield should would like to see Springfield as the capital “very, very broad” PACE statute, “but look at other communities in the country city to adopt,” Bluhm said. it does not flesh out what local govern- that have established PACE areas, and use PACE has been implemented in Cali- ment has to do.” He said there is interest that template for Springfield. “We should fornia, and Bluhm said that Simon Prop- in amending the legislation, which could make it easy for ourselves,” she said. erty Group, owner of the Springfield benefit a home rule municipality like “Why reinvent the wheel?” mall, has benefited from the program in Springfield. the Golden State. “From the standpoint of Springfield – Bluhm said White Oaks Mall could assuming all the legal steps are in place – benefit from PACE since “our utility exit’s all upside,” Gabrielson said. “The only pense is the largest expense.” people paying the assessment are proper- Bluhm explained it is up to the City ty owners. The city gets more energy ef- of Springfield to chase a special assess- ficient buildings. It’s a job creator.” ment area, and while she would be happy As for financing a project, Gabrielson if White Oaks Mall was established as a said “the money can come from different PACE pilot site, Bluhm said “we should places – not from the city of Springfield. Maureen Bluhm, general manager of White think big” and make it citywide. The city could arrange financing, or the Oaks Mall “I hope it would be the whole city,” private sector could arrange it.” Joe Natale is associate editor for Spring- she said. “There are older buildings that Bluhm has met with the city’s Office businesses and the Greater Springfield field Business Journal. He can be reached need retro-fitting. This is a means of im- of Planning and Economic Development Chamber of Commerce as she moves at [email protected] proving building stock. It relates to higher occupancy and higher values. It’s a net gain if you do cost benefit analysis. “Funding is through municipal bonds, there is no liability on city bonds,” Bluhm said. Claiming she is “not a political beast,” Bluhm said she is building a coalition to get support for the project. For example, she met with the Commercial Real Estate Network on Jan. 25 to explain the PACE From the standpoint of Springfield – assuming all the legal steps are in place – it’s all upside. The only people paying the assessment are property owners. The city gets more en- “ergy efficient buildings. It’s a job creator.” David Gabrielson, executive director of PACENow program. David Gabrielson is the executive director of PACENow, a non-profit advocate for Property Assessed Clean Energy local government/community based initiatives that promote energy efficiency projects, especially in commercial buildings. Gabrielson said Illinois is one of the 28 states that have enacted PACE legislation. “State governments said it makes sense to create incentives for energy efficiency,” he said. Gabrielson explained PACE laws estab- lish the mechanism for local governments to allow individual property owners to assess and obtain financing for energy conservation projects. As an example of a PACE-related project, Gabrielson said a business installing solar panels could get financing up to 20 years. “The longer the financial terms, the better for cash flow,” Gabrielson said, adding that the cash flow is positive because the savings realized can off-set the costs of an energy project. “It falls right to the bottom line and makes a property more valuable,” Gabri- elson said. Joshua Collins, director of Govern- ment Relations for the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, said that at this time, “the chamber does not have an of- ficial position on the local level.” Collins said the chamber supported the PACE legislation as it made its way through the Illinois General Assembly. “We’ve done a lot of research and the benefits that can be realized by using it,” Collins said. “It is a little bit more complicated in a situation with a municipally-owned utility. “We do not know of a community with its own municipally-owned power plant (using PACE),” he said, adding the 10 • March 2013 • Springfield Business Journal Communities, Sherman is another Sangamon Coun- store. The second most requested busi- The company has to meet the following Continued from Page One ty village doing its own economic devel- ness was a pharmacy. requirements-- for-profit, privately held opment. The combination of word of “The survey was contracted HPR Marketing to develop the mouth and the addition of an economic great political capital plan. development coordinator have spurred for bringing County “It [the marketing plan] is almost fin- economic growth in Sherman according Market to our com- ished,” said Tom Gray, Chatham mayor. to Trevor Clatfelter, mayor of Sherman. munity,” Clatfelter “In addition to development of the mar- Following Clatfelter’s election in 2007, said. “Had we not keting plan, we are bolstering our eco- a village administrator position was cre- have had that kind nomic development efforts through work ated. That individual also serves as the of community push, with an individual who has done legisla- economic development coordinator. Ad- it probably would tive work for Wal- ditionally, responsi- have been seven to Mart.” It [the marketing plan] is bilities of an assis- 10 years before any- Gray says almost finished. In ad- tant development thing like that hap- Chatham has a lot dition to development coordinator were pened here.” to offer to busi- added to the posi- Sherman has nesses. “We know of the marketing plan, tion of the village three contiguous Chatham is a bed- we are bolstering our clerk. tax increment fi- room community economic development As for Q5, Clat- nance (TIF) districts but we [Chatham] felter said, “The which Clatfelter has are growing and efforts through work with an village of Sherman pointed to as strong have a lot to offer,” “individual who has done legisla- is not currently in- points for the village. he said. tive work for Wal-Mart.” vesting in Q5 but “A mayor and town Chatham will we have a good re- board need the right Joe Bartley, village president of Riverton market its buying We know Chatham is a bed- lationship with the tools for economic power, central loca- room community but we are Chamber.” growth,” Clatfelter said. “TIFs are the key company headquartered and operating in tion and high traffic growing and have a lot to of- Clatfelter said to everything. Farm Credit relocating to Sangamon County for at least two years; counts to potential word of mouth has the south part of Chatham is proof that annual revenue between $1 million and businesses. “It’s the fer.” really been the push TIF funds really spur economic develop- $50 million; 10 to 99 full-time equivalent ultimate suburbia,” Tom Gray, Chatham mayor behind economic ment,” he said. Gray said. “The fact development in “We have an ex- that we now have our own water source Sherman. “In most cases we’ve been able cellent board that is huge too.” to pick and choose what fits best for the sees the need to bring In the short term, Gray says Chatham area,” he said. in new businesses to is looking to add smaller establishments As a part of the village’s comprehen- expand the sales tax in hopes of eventually drawing in larger sive plan update in 2007, a survey of ev- base,” Clatfelter said. business developments like box stores. ery household was conducted. “Spurring economic As far as investment in Q5, Gray says it “We had an unbelievable response development is im- just was too Springfield-oriented. “In the rate,” Clatfelter said. “We were told that portant but we are beginning, they [Q5] seemed to be fixated 10-15 percent would be a good goal; we pursuing a moderate on growth in downtown Springfield and had 48 percent of the town respond.” controlled growth that doesn’t help Chatham,” Gray said. The number one request with regard level.” “That being said, I do believe it is impor- to economic development was for a gro- While Chatham tant that we all work together and sup- cery store. Clatfelter said that 83 percent and Sherman are port each other in economic growth.” of the respondents requested a grocery not participating in the Springfield chamber’s economic development initiative, Riverton has experienced some commercial growth Trevor Clatfelter, mayor of Sherman as a result of Q5. “We have certainly benefited from the employees; demonstrated growth in ei- efforts of Q5 and the Chamber,” said Joe ther revenue or employees in two of the Bartley, village president. “We have some last five years; and provide products and/ obvious spaces for commercial growth; or services beyond the Springfield area. the Chamber is a great resource for con- “The perception is out there that we tacts in need of space for development.” spend 360 days a year trying to lure the In 2011, SIC Recycling, Inc., settled next Toyota plant to Sangamon County into an area along I-72 which has since been annexed into the village of River- ton. As for the future of Q5, phase two of the initiative runs from 2012-2017. According to Sand- strom, there has been a focus on re- setting and regain- ing traction. The Chamber is planning for roll out of a new challenge called ‘Source Sangamon’ in March. “We’ll be asking members and lo- Steward Sandstrom, Springfield Chamber president cal business owners to look at where they are purchasing when that really isn’t the case; the major- goods and challenging them to move five ity of our time is spent working to grow percent of purchase that are outside of local businesses,” Sandstrom said. Sangamon County, inside,” Sandstrom said. “What that means for Sangamon County is job creation or the potential for it.” The Chamber has also launched a new pilot program. The Economic Garden- Betsy Butler is a senior correspondent ing program is targeted at growing local for Springfield Business Journal. businesses. At the end of the year, be- She can be reached at tween 8-15 companies will be selected. [email protected] Springfield Business Journal • March 2013 • 11 Jobs, of education rises, the unemployment an account executive early this year and ing for,” Kersey said. Continued from Page One rate will decrease for that particular de- at just the right time. Kersey chalked her timely employ- Springfield in May of 2011 with a bach- mographic. For in- “I turned 26 in ment up to knowing the right people at elor’s degree in business administration. stance, the Bureau You get 10,000 resumes December so I lost the right time. Her poor luck at job con- Her job search only just recently bore of Labor shows that each year and you have my parents’ insur- ventions and career fairs weren’t as im- fruit. in January the un- ance, and I needed portant as simply knowing the right per- “I chose business administration be- employment rate to touch each one. We some kind of ‘big son, she said. cause it was a catch-all, and I thought I’d for those with bach- filled over 200 posi- girl job’, if you But finding a job appears to be a largely always be able to find a job in it,” Kersey elor’s degrees or tions last year, and we will,” Kersey said. inexact science as Thompson and Trimm said. “But I was wrong. It seems business higher was just 3.9 “It’s full-time here both stood resolute in their use of those administration is not specific enough for percent. High school have close to 60 open with a (competi- very fairs and conventions – in addition most places to work; they want some- graduates with no positions now. It’s one of those tive) starting salary, to outside recruiters, among other meth- thing more catered and less general.” college education, “things that comes in peaks full benefits from ods – as integral ways to find talent. Kersey focused primarily on the cen- however, had an un- day one and they “It’s just one of those things where it’s tral Illinois area in her job hunt as she employment rate of and valleys but we haven’t had have a good reputa- a tough market out there for job seekers bounced from interviews at Horace 9.1 percent. many valleys this past year.” tion. and employers alike,” Thompson said. Mann Insurance to Blue Cross Blue Shield Despite those Debbie Thompson, vice president “Also, it’s long “Everybody wants the best person. I just among others, but to little avail. In an at- telling numbers, of talent acquisition for Horace Mann term. A lot of the wish we had more jobs for people.” tempt to find some sort of stability she though, it still took people here have avoided temp agencies as well. Kersey a large amount of time to find a been here for a number of years. It’s a Gabriel House is a freelance writer from “I had numerous interviews where I job she felt could act as her launching good long-term company to work for, Auburn. He can reached at didn’t have enough experience or I was pad. She started at One Main Financial as and that was also something I was look- [email protected]. under-educated because they wanted a master’s degree,” Kersey said. A large contingent of fellow job seek- Quite often you’ll see an applicant interested in testing only for a position that is currently vacant, but now they may ask to take any and every exam they may qualify for.” “Melanie Trimm, employment services manager for the University of Illinois Springfield ers makes matters more difficult, and that is not a recent development, according to Melanie Trimm, employment services manager for the University of Illinois Springfield. “We have received a large amount of applicants for the past several years, so that’s not a new thing for us,” said Trimm, “What we are seeing most recently is the number of civil service exams our applicants are requesting. That’s been increasing quite a bit. “Quite often you’ll see an applicant interested in testing only for a position that is currently vacant, but now they may ask to take any and every exam they may qualify for,” Trimm said. The result, obviously, creates a hugely competitive market where potential employees will apply for scores of jobs at the same time, sometimes regardless of their qualifications. It’s that kind of fervor that makes job hunting a large time investment for employers as well. Debbie Thompson, vice president of talent acquisition for Horace Mann, can easily attest to that. “You get 10,000 resumes each year and you have to touch each one,” Thompson said. “We filled over 200 positions last year, and we have close to 60 open positions now. It’s one of those things that comes in peaks and valleys but we haven’t had many valleys this past year.” Thompson pointed to information technology as the field that often has the positions most difficult to fill. The spe- cialized skill sets needed for specific jobs can lead to longer search times for an ideal candidate. And, again, it is a growing market seeing increased competition. Trimm faces a similar situation with academic professional positions, she said. Searches for those positions can be lengthy due to the process itself, Trimm said, referring to search committees, applicant reviews and finally interviews of potential candidates. But, Trimm said, vacancies for such positions haven’t been out of the norm in recent memory. Their experiences seem to follow suit with findings on the Bureau of Labor’s website regarding education versus unemployment rate. Typically, as the level 12 • March 2013 • Springfield Business Journal personality profile • Soda jerk to Sangamo Club By Eric Woods, Correspondent mom, and soon hoping to be a nurse.” Philosophical – First job? “I worked for my dad at the What do you want Springfield – pharmacy when I was 11,” said Keefner- to know about the fu- What is your favorite part about living Grieser. “I was a soda jerk.” ture? Keefner-Grieser in Springfield? “Springfield has been very Worst job? Keefner-Grieser used to de- wants to know that good to me and my family,” said Keef- liver papers for The Shopper after school. her children are hap- ner-Grieser, whose “I would see them py, healthy and suc- father used to own piled up in a drive- cessful. “I put a lot of Angie Keefner-Grieser way and wondered effort into parenting a pharmacy down- Title: Director of Member Services, if people even read so I can have my life town. “I like the Sangamo Club them,” she said. back afterwards,” she different local busi- Address: 227 E. Adams St., Current job and said. “I really want to nesses that make Springfield, Ill., 62701 responsibilities? do more volunteer- Springfield what it Telephone: (217) 544-1793 Sangamo Club has ing in the future.” is.” E-mail: [email protected] What is the worst been in existence How do you envision your life in 10 Grieser won a school poetry contest. for 122 years and years? “I see myself volunteering more part about living Born: May 9, 1969; Springfield, Ill. As an adult? While her children are her in its downtown since my kids will be grown and on their in Springfield? The Education: B.A. in communication greatest achievements, Keefner-Grieser Springfield loca- own,” said Keefner-Grieser. “I will also condition of the disorders and sciences from was elected Homecoming Queen while tion for the past 50 still be in the hospitality and marketing city’s roads, espe- Southern Illinois University a sophomore at Springfield College in years. Keefner-Gri- industry.” cially Chatham Carbondale Illinois even though the college did not eser has been with Something you learned early in life and Road, is something Family: Children – Paul, Jane, and have any sports at the time. the company since still use? “Treat others the way I want to that troubles Keef- Drew ner-Grieser. “I travel last September. She be treated,” said Keefner-Grieser. “And Future – is responsible for smile often.” Chatham Road ev- Favorites – Upcoming job news? Currently Sanga- seeking new mem- ery day to get the Hobby: Watching sports mo Club is running a promotion where bers, maintain- Advice – kids to school,” she Movie: The Shawshank Redemption the initiation fee is waived. “This is in- ing memberships, Advice for someone seeking a career in said. Sports team: St. Louis Cardinals definitely running,” she said. The biggest issue hosting numerous your field? Keefner-Grieser believes those Any vacation plans? Keefner-Grieser events, and a num- wanting to enter the hospitality industry Springfield currently Tidbits – has no trips on the horizon. “Times are ber of administra- must be outgoing and approachable. “For faces is...? “The city Fan of James Patterson novels tough,” she said. tive duties. “I am this field, you need to be open to dealing seems to lose events Wants to skydive I want to retire when I’m ... (age)? Keef- the membership with all types of personalities,” she said. that help the econ- Special Olympics volunteer ner-Grieser would like to retire by age 65 omy,” said Keefner- contact person for “Have a passion for what you are selling. but does not know if that will happen Grieser. “Other towns are getting better any questions,” she said. So far, the new It will show if you do not.” or not. “We will see,” she said. “Things musical acts. Why are they not coming job has been great, as Keefner-Grieser en- Best advice you have ever been given? change. You never know.” here?” joys the interaction with the members. “Don’t sweat the small stuff,” said Keef- “There is so much history, and Sangamo ner-Grieser. “Pick your battles wisely.” Employment – Club has a great reputation. I love work- Eric Woods is a freelance writer from “When I was 10, I wanted to be... a nun ing for this type of business.” Achievements – Springfield. He can be reached at early in life, followed by wanting to be a As a kid? When in 7th grade, Keefner- [email protected] Springfield Business Journal • March 2013 • 13

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We believe in inspired care. 14 • March 2013 • Springfield Business Journal business lunch • Bella Milano: A Lenten safe harbor

By Tom Collins $7.00 for the 9” and $13.00 for the 16”). Sandwiches and entrée items are served pringfield is quite the Catholic town with choice of small salad or side while – at least to my estimation. And, once pastas are accompanied by a small salad. Sa year, we Mackerel Snappers run into Entrée salads are available in small and our Lenten obligation to abstain from eat- large portions. One guest commented ing meat on Fridays. Lenten Fridays can that she would have appreciated the op- present a gastronomic challenge – espe- tion of a half portion for the pasta selec- cially for inter-faith business lunches. Not tions. everyone wants to go to a fish fry. Bella isn’t cheap but given the por- Bella Milano, located in the Yellow- tions and the quality of the meal we all stone Center on West Wabash, popped commented that we felt we received good into my mind as a lunch venue that could value for our money. We did see the din- accommodate about anyone. ner menu and noted prices for identical My ecumenical group arrived at Bella dishes were higher – no doubt because Bella Milano Overall Rating: ★★★★ Atomosphere: ★★★★ Service: ★★★★★ Food: ★★★★ Price: ★★★★ Suitability for Business Lunch: ★★★★ Address: 4525 West Wabash, Springfield, Ill. 62711 Phone: (217) 547-0011 Lunch Hours: Monday – Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 pm WHAT THE STARS MEAN: (None) Poor to satisfactory Website: www.bellamilanos.com ★ Average ★★ Good Credit Cards: Yes ★★★ Very Good Wheelchair access: Yes ★★★★ Excellent *Menu listings and prices subject to change ★★★★★ Extraordinary

before noon to find the restaurant already of larger portions during dinner service. more than half filled. Bella draws an One guest commented that he appreci- eclectic crowd that runs the gamut from ated the separate lunch menu with more the business crowd to the social mavens. appropriately sized offerings and wished We were promptly greeted and whisked more restaurants followed suit. off to our table. Menus appeared quickly My guests and I started out with an or- and the server took our drink order. der of the Garlic Cheese Bread ($5.95) and At first glance one might assume that the Bella Trio ($9.95). The Cheese Bread Bella is a national chain. While it does was wonderful and only lasted mere mo- have other locations (Edwardsville and ments on the plate. The Trio didn’t last O’Fallon), Bella offers anything but a much longer but suffered in comparison chain experience. Bella’s decor is clean, to the perfectly toasted bread. bright and colorful. Plenty of natural sun- For entrees, we opted for the Black- light streamed in courtesy of the many ened Grouper Sandwich (8 oz. of black- windows. However, Bella’s acoustics leave ened grouper, topped with smoked something to be desired – we could imag- gouda, roasted peppers and a Cajun ine that it gets quite noisy when packed. aioli - $12.95), the Eggplant Parmigiano On the plus side, we had little worry that ($10.95), the Fettuccine Alfredo ($10.95, our conversation could be overheard at with shrimp an additional $2.50), and the adjacent tables. the Chicken Stasilli for the fallen Catholic We appreciated the fact that our server in our group ($9.95, lightly fried chicken knew that Bella’s “red sauce” was Lenten served in a lemon butter sauce with gar- friendly and contained no meat or meat lic, mushrooms and broccoli). stock. And, we were informed, the red All dishes were appropriately sized, sauce could be substituted in just about served at the same time, and fresh from any dish in which Bella’s “house made the kitchen. The Eggplant was reported meat sauce” made an appearance. as tender on the inside, crisp on the out- That meant plenty of choices for those side and not swimming in excess liquid of us concerned with the status of our im- or grease. Unlike many of its peers, Bella’s mortal souls. My one agnostic guest was Fettuccine Alfredo was not a coagulated likewise pleased that he could wantonly mess. The pasta, cooked al dente (to our chow down on any number of dishes that surprise), was coated with a wonderful contained meat – something he wasn’t conglomeration of cheese and cream. shy about broadcasting. In short, except The Chicken Stasilli, was surpris- for perhaps a Kosher alternative, Bella has ingly light and offered a perfect blend a menu broad enough in scope to accom- of texture and taste. The only miss was modate anyone and everyone. the sandwich. The fish was slightly over- Notable items on the special lunch cooked and we would have appreciated a menu include the Bella Trio (as an ap- bread with more bite – a baguette or fo- petizer, zucchini sticks, calamari, and caccia would have provided the texture I two roasted ravioli served with both red craved with this dish. Still, the sandwich and meat sauce - $9.95), the Strawberry wasn’t short on flavor and I’m sure the Grilled Chicken Salad (accompanied by efficient wait staff would have arranged toasted almonds, walnuts, a cheese blend for a different bread to be substituted had and poppy seed dressing - $11.95), and a request been made. the Brick Oven Turkey Club (with spin- When on Springfield’s west side, plan ach, roasted peppers, mozzarella, and ba- to add Bella Milano to your restaurant ro- sil pesto served on focaccia - $9.95). There tation. are also a slew of pastas and chicken/ eggplant dishes that range in price from Tom Collins is a freelance $8.95 to $12.95, plus pizza (starting at writer from Springfield Springfield Business Journal • March 2013 • 15 • monthly drive 2013 Chevy Malibu LTZ: A contrasting mid-level sedan By Jane Driver for some functions, but has kept its large t’s freezing cold and the wind is gust- dials for on/off /volume control, “tune ing to 30 miles per hour; it must be menu,” fan speed, and temperature set- Itime to test drive in February. I did tings. They are a visual contrast from the get rewarded for my troubles, though, as high tech, blue backlit touch screen. I met one of the nicest salespeople yet – Personally, I do not have much pur- John Oder at Friendly Chevrolet. pose for remote starts. However, Chevy He was personable, took a genuine in- has combined the “convenience” of a re- terest in what I was doing, and made sure mote start with the regulation of a key. I had his cell number while I did my test You can start the car remotely, but it can- drive in case I had any immediate ques- not be shifted into gear until the key is tions. He even removed the sticker from inserted and turned. This is to allow you the front passenger window. Thank you to heat or cool the car before you get in, Mr. Oder. but prevents theft. I drove the Chevy To get 22 miles Malibu which has 2013 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ per gallon city and been completely Driven at: 34 highway, Chevy redesigned for Friendly Chevrolet only offers a 4-cyl- 2013. Chevy even 2540 Prairie Crossing Drive inder engine on the changed parts of Springfield, Ill. 62711 Malibu, but kept a the brochure so you (217) 547-0700 6-speed transmis- could get visuals of friendly-chevroletspringfield.com sion to keep the feel the inside of each of power. I found trim level, rather the acceleration than just the chart okay, the shifting checkmarks to dif- obvious and the en- ferentiate each. gine noise accept- My LTZ with At- able. lantis Blue exterior Manufacturers and contrasting Co- must be increasing coa/Light neutral usage of wind tun- seating is sticker nels to streamline priced at $30,225. their vehicle pro- This car is a files, reduce drag, study in contrasts increase mileage; all during this month’s Sticker price as driven: $30,225 to create cars with test drive. The leath- MPG: 22 city; 34 highway similar silhouettes. er wrapped steering Notables: This also reduces wheel felt good in Easy to turn/tight turning radius; window size as the my hands, but the Excellent gas mileage; curved roof dictates hard plastic on the Comfortable driver compartment; window placement, door felt cheap. The Cheap-looking plastic components; shape and size. This hidden storage area High trunk threshold; Tiny sunroof holds true for the behind the center Malibu with oddly console touch screen was a nice surprise, shaped, small front and rear windows. but the tiny sunroof looked like an after- However, I never felt claustrophobic in thought. the Malibu as I had plenty of room un- The trunk was huge, both wide and der the telescoping steering wheel and an deep, but it had a high threshold you open feel between the front seats. would have to pull heavy suitcases up The back seats were a bit cramped with over. The gear shifter was right-sized for the sloped ceiling and the back was diffi- my hand, but Chevy allows you to move cult to exit, with a small door opening. Contrast that with a large, wide-swinging front door and easy exit. Wind gusts of 30-plus miles an hour weren’t no- ticeable on my test drive either from buffeting or wind noise. Springfield’s awful street conditions were heard but not felt. The Malibu swerved when I yanked the steering wheel, but settled immediately and it hugged the road on the turns. Park- ing will be a breeze in this vehicle with a very tight turning radius. 2013 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ All in all, the Malibu could make a good choice straight down into Manual mode from for a mid-level sedan, even with the con- Drive. trasts. And Mr. John Oder was a welcome My view out the front was quite nice, surprise as a salesman. but adjusting the rear view mirror was difficult since it was placed so close to the ceiling. Lumbar support was good, but the seat bottom wasn’t quite as firm as I like. However, it definitely was not squishy. Jane Driver is a freelance writer from Chevy has installed touch screen Springfield. She can be reached at technology for the center media console, [email protected] with redundancy on the steering wheel 16 • March 2013 • Springfield Business Journal residential real estate 2013 • Mechanics Lien rights restored Supreme Court ruling upended Giordano, executive director of the Illi- nois Mechanical & Specialty Contractors By Roberta Codemo, Association. “We had never had a situa- Correspondent tion like this before.” Giordano said it’s the responsibility Mechanic lien rights that were in place of the bank to do due diligence. “Banks since early statehood have been restored know whether the developer is having with HB 3636 being signed into law as financial difficulty,” he said. “Contrac- Public Act 97-1165 by Gov. Pat Quinn tors don’t have the ability to do due dili- on Feb. 11. The bill amends the Illinois gence.” Mechanics Lien Act and it redresses the LaSalle Bank loaned $8 million to Cy- Illinois Supreme Court’s decision in La- press Creek, LLP to develop 13.79 acres Salle Bank National of land into senior Association v. Cy- It gives us back our lien apartments. The press Creek 1, LP. rights. The Supreme loan was secured by Dale Matthews, a mortgage, which president of the Court’s decision over- was recorded on Springfield Area turned 170 years of June 13, 2003. Ea- Home Builders As- precedent. It didn’t make gle Concrete and sociation, said this Edon Construction Illinois Supreme Court building was a victory for much sense.” were hired to work Dale Matthews, owner of Matthews anyone who works on the project. The Custom Construction and president of the in construction. “ bank funded eight Springfield Area Home Builders Association “It gives us back construction draws our lien rights,” he before it determined said. “The Supreme Court’s decision over- there was not enough money to finish turned 170 years of precedent. It didn’t the project and filed to foreclose on the make much sense.” mortgage in 2005. The Illinois Mechanics Lien Act was In November 2005, Eagle Concrete PROFILES: enacted in the 1840s to ensure contrac- and Edon Construction recorded me- Dale Matthews – P. 20 tors whose labor and materials improved chanics liens against the property. In a property received fair compensation if 2006, a judgment of foreclosure and Krystal Tarvin – P. 26 the owner failed to pay on time. Section sale were entered against Cypress Creek, 16 stated lenders in a foreclosure action LLP. The bank purchased the property in were preferred to the extent of the value 2006 for $1.3 million. Eagle Concrete and LISTS: of the land while contractors were pre- Edon Construction filed to foreclose their Home Builders/Remodelers – P. 18 ferred to the value of the improvements mechanics liens. built on the property. The trial court found that the value Residential Real Estate Agencies – P. 24 “The Mechanics Lien Act is the only protection a contractor has,” said Louie Continued on Next Page Springfield Business Journal • March 2013 • 17 • residential real estate 2013 Continued from Previous Page lot of people off guard. “Banks were given the original intent of the Illinois Mechan- commercial losses by imposing new fees. preferential treatment and the builders ics Lien Act. Contractors are going to pay more and of the land before improvements was were left holding the bag,” he said. Giordano said it normally takes three have less access to credit,” she said. $1,360,000 and that the value of enhance- Bill Ward, executive vice president of months to pass a bill. “This bill lived for Financial institutions and commercial ments totaled $2,068,699. The court de- the Home Builders Association of Illinois, two years,” he said. “A lot of thought lenders have stringent underwriting stan- termined 40 percent of the foreclosure said this was a complicated issue. “None went into this legislation. dards placed on them by regulators to sale proceeds should go to the bank for of the justices had a firm grasp of what the ensure appropriate standards are in place. the value of the unimproved land and the mechanics lien law is about,” he said. The lender should be This law will adversely affect the lender’s remaining 60 percent should be divided Rep. Chapin Rose introduced HB3636 able to stand in the shoes ability to manage underwriting risks. It among the mechanics lien claimants for in February 2011 in response to the will tighten the underwriting standards the value of enhancements. The court Court’s decision. A number of contrac- of the paid contractors to compensate for the lessened ability to held the bank was entitled to share in the tors, subcontractors and union groups and join the line with recoup losses. distributions for enhancement for the im- supported the bill. everyone else waiting to “This will definitely slow the econom- provements it funded giving it equal foot- The bill amended Section 34 of the ic recovery,” said Koch. “Once the con- ing with the mechanics lien claimants. Illinois Mechanics Lien Act and added a share in the proceeds of struction industry realizes the unintended The Illinois Appellate Court for the warning that failure to respond to a writ- the foreclosure sale.” consequences of this law, they may look Third District affirmed the trial court’s ten notice within 30 days after receipt “ Linda Koch, president and CEO of for another way to address the issue.” ruling giving LaSalle Bank priority to the would result in forfeiture of the lien. In the Illinois Bankers Association Matthews said banks are saying this foreclosure sale proceeds attributable to March, Rose added House Amendment is going to change things. “A mechanics the unimproved value of the land but 1 to amend Section 16 of the Mechanics “We were lucky to have the sponsors lien protects the bank,” he said. “When a reversed the trial court’s ruling that the Lien Act. that we did,” he added. “It was worth contractor files a mechanics lien, it gives bank was entitled to receive the alloca- The bill was sent to the Senate in fighting for. We dodged a big bullet.” contractors the right to have the lien sat- tion of sale proceeds attributable to the April. The original sponsor, Senator Wm. Linda Koch, president and CEO of the isfied after the sale closes. The liens have improvements to the land. The appellate Sam McCann, withdrew his sponsorship Illinois Bankers Association, is not sur- to be cleared before the property is sold.” court ruled the bank was only entitled to of the bill because of a conflict of inter- prised the bill passed. “There were a lot of “For the past 140 years banks have priority for enhancement for the amount est. Senator John G. Mulroe filed Senate proponents,” she said. made loans,” said Giordano. it had paid out for perfected mechanics Floor Amendment No. 1 in May and Sen- “This legislation will have a signifi- liens. ate Floor Amendment No. 2 in February cant effect on the future of the construc- In 2011, the Court ruled 5-2 that con- 2012. tion industry,” said Koch. “The governor struction lenders were on equal footing The amendment read when sale pro- didn’t understand the consequences of with mechanics lien claimants in a prop- ceeds are insufficient to satisfy the claims this legislation.” erty foreclosure and that construction of all parties, lenders shall have a para- The bill limits the ability of lenders to lenders had priority both on the value of mount lien in the portion of the proceeds recoup the proceeds of their construction the unimproved land and on the value attributable to the value of the land and loans in a foreclosure action. “Lenders of the enhancement amount paid by the lien creditors shall have a paramount lien always lose money in a foreclosure sale,” lender through draws on a construction in the portion of the proceeds attribut- said Koch. “The lender should be able to loan and mechanics lien claimants only able to the value of the improvements stand in the shoes of the paid contractors had priority to the value of their claims. made to the property. and join the line with everyone else wait- The decision overturned Section 16 of the The amendment passed the Senate ing to share in the proceeds of the fore- Mechanics Lien Act and reduced the pay- and was sent back to the House. Rep. closure sale.” ment owed to mechanics lien claimants Kelly Burke filed a motion to concur in Koch said the law will adversely im- Roberta Codemo is a freelance writer in a mechanics lien foreclosure. May and the General Assembly passed pact commercial lending. “Banks will from Springfield. She can be reached at Matthews said the decision caught a HB3636 in January 2013. The bill restores have to figure out a way to make up for [email protected]. 18 • March 2013 • Springfield Business Journal (Ranked by Number of Major Home Builders and Remodelers Full-Time Employees)

Company Name Number of Address Telephone (-) Web Site (www.) Full-Time Partners / % Remodel/ % New Home Year City, State, ZIP Code Fax (=) E-Mail Employees Principals Renovation Construction Established Buraski Builders, Inc. 217-529-5172 buraski.com 3757 S. Sixth St. 34 Frank Buraski, Pres.; Barbara Buraski, Sec./Treas. 50% 50% 1981 1 Springfield IL 62703 217-529=9356 [email protected] Jason Buraski, Heather Sobieski Moughan Builders Inc. 217-899-5484 moughanbuilders.com 3140 Cockrell Lane 21 James E. Moughan 10% 90% 1992 2 Springfield IL 62711 217-793=6013 [email protected] David P. Moughan Michael von Behren Builder, Inc. 217-698-8484 mvbbuilder.com 3537 S. Douglas Ave. 18 Michael J. von Behren, Pres. 80% 20% 1982 3 Springfield IL 62704 217-698=8486 [email protected] Cheri M. von Behren, Sec./Treas. Griffitts Construction Co., Inc. 217-522-1431 griffitts.net 1501 N. Dirksen Pkwy. 12 Harry Griffitts 95% 5% 1953 4 Springfield IL 62702 217-522=5809 [email protected] Vicky Griffitts-Runyon Bobby Shaw Property Maintenance and Remodeling 217-546-3973 bobbyshawmaintenance.com 3351 S. Sixth St. Frontage Road E., Suite 5 10 Bobby Shaw, 90% 10% 1987 5 Springfield IL 62704 217-546=6410 [email protected] Owner Creasey Construction of IL., Inc. 217-546-1277 creaseyconstruction.com PO Box 9286 9 Jan Creasey, Pres. 60% 40% 1983 6 Springfield IL 62791 217-546=1760 [email protected] Lisa Creasey Craig Ladage Builders, Inc. 217-438-9206 craigladagebuildersandstorage.com 14915 Kennedy Road 8 Craig Ladage 40% 60% 1977 7 Auburn IL 62615 217-438=5706 [email protected] Debbie Ladage Roth Homes * 217-529-4535 rothhomesinc.com 350 Williams Lane 8 Terry 10% 90% 1984 Chatham IL 62629 217-529=4536 Roth Zinn Construction, LLC 217-496-3112 zinnconstruction.com 1323 Hawthorne Chase 8 Phil 10% 90% 2003 Sherman IL 62684 866-359=0816 [email protected] Zinn Evers Construction Inc. * 217-787-3435 eversconstruction.com 3900 Pintail Drive, Suite C 7 Jason M. 40% 60% 1992 10 Springfield IL 62711 217-787=3436 [email protected] Evers Illinois Builders & Contractors, Inc. 217-585-9490 ilbuildersandcontractors.com 4120 S. Second St. 7 Fred 90% 10% 2003 Springfield IL 62703 217-529=9456 [email protected] Pryor All-C Construction, Inc. 217-787-1900 allcconstruction.com 3004 Great Northern Drive 6 Frank Conder 20% 80% 1999 12 Springfield IL 62711 217-787=1901 [email protected] Paula Conder Keith Moore Builder, Inc. 217-529-0059 keithmoorebuilder.com 3204 Bowwood Drive 6 Keith E. Moore 25% 75% 1977 Springfield IL 62712 217-529=5509 [email protected] Paula Moore D & S Builders 217-529-6288 d-sbuilders.com 30 White Road 5 Todd Dudley, Owner 40% 60% 1995 14 Glenarm IL 62536 217-697=8149 todd@ o r [email protected] Dan Schrage, Owner Hasara Construction Co. Inc. 217-498-1472 hasaraconstruction.com 125 E. Main St. 5 John H. Stites, Jr., 5% 95% 1976 Rochester IL 62563 217-498=1472 [email protected] Pres./Owner McCann Construction Company * 217-854-6576 mccann-construction.com 264 N. Broad St. 5 Sam McCann, 85% 15% 1993 Carlinville IL 62626 217-854=3591 [email protected] Pres./Owner Coady Construction 217-502-0602 adamcoadyconstruction.com 143 Circle Drive 4 Adam 20% 80% 2006 17 Springfield IL 62703 [email protected] Coady Ryan Homes & Development, Inc. 217-523-3976 homesanddevelopment.com 500 W. Monroe, Suite 2W 4 Mike Ryan 10% 90% 1974 Springfield IL 62704 217-523=3990 [email protected] Paula Ryan J. Bavetta Building Systems, Inc. 217-725-0974 2475 W. Monroe 3 J. Bavetta, 10% 90% 1990 19 Springfield IL 62704 [email protected] Pres. Robert McCurley Contractor, Inc. 217-670-0608 robertmccurleycontractor.com 4152 Mt. Zion School Road 3 Robert McCurley 25% 75% 1975 Springfield IL 62711 217-679=3533 [email protected] Ki McCurley Timber Creek Home Sales, Inc. 217-585-8900 timbercreekliving.com 2800 Via Rosso, Suite 1 3 Douglas Daniels, President 0% 100% 1999 Springfield IL 62703 217-585=8908 [email protected] Frank Hoover, Sales Manager Cation Construction Company * 217-585-1014 cationconstruction.com 3304 S. First St. 2 David C. 60% 40% 1979 22 Springfield IL 62703 [email protected] Cation Homeway Homes Inc. 217-546-6658 homewayhomes.com 2561 Chuck Wagon Drive 2 Jon Reynolds, Division Manager 2% 98% 2007 Springfield IL 62711 309-447=6940 [email protected] Jamie Loftus, Multi-Family & Commercial Dev. Levi Home Construction, Inc. 217-306-7445 levihomeconstruction.com 5200 Crane Drive 2 Phil Chiles 10% 90% 1999 Springfield IL 62711 217-787=7779 [email protected] Doug Cycholl

Sources: Springfield Area Home Builders Association; The Builders and Remodelers. * - Reprinted from the 2012-2013 Book of Lists

Mechanical Contractors Jody Alderman • 217-321-0036 Joel Petrie • 217-789-0966 Robert Mathews • 217-522-9793 Association Chris Williams • 217-243-6531 Robert Mathews •217-522-9793 of Central Illinois

Commercial & residential contractors specializing in heating, plumbing, Tom Doyle • 217-243-1013 Ryan Bangert • 217-787-6560 John Pasko • 217-528-4081 air conditioning and refrigeration For information call 217-698-1384 or visit BRENNAN our website at www.mca-cil.com

an affiliate Lewis Williams • 217-753-4545 Jim Aherin • 217-529-6731 Steve Etheridge • 217-544-8451 Chris Cisne • 217-245-7181 Springfield Business Journal • March 2013 • 19 • residential real estate 2013 SAHBA 2013 Home Expo Attendees explore latest and associated businesses, held its 2013 building technologies Home Expo at the Prairie Capital Conven- tion Center on February 22-24, 2013. The The Springfield Area Home Builders 2013 Home Expo showcased the latest Association’s an organization made up technologies and innovations in building of firms in the building industry that and remodeling in the building and re- include builders, remodelers, developers modeling community.

Ce l e b r a t i n g 31 Ye a r s o f Co n t i n u e d Su cc e s s .

Remodeling • Custom New Homes Room Additions • Service & Repair Center Woodmode/Brookhaven Cabinetry • Custom Millwork Kitchens & Baths • Light Commercial Decks & Exterior Structures 698-8484 3537 S. Douglas, Springfield, IL 62704 www.mvbbuilder.com

2013 home sales off to strong start For the month of January 2013, the over the 295 sales pending during the same median home sale price for all single-family time in 2012. homes and condominiums in the Capital Statewide home sales in January 2013 Area during January 2013 was $113,000, an totaled 8,502 homes sold, up from 6,484 in increase of 1.8 percent from the $111,000 January 2012. The statewide median price January 2012 price according to the Capi- in January was $125,000, up 1.2 percent tal Area Association of REALTORS®. The from January 2012 when the median price number of homes sold was up 6.5 percent was $123,500. in January of 2013 with 196 homes sold, Fifty-nine of 102 Illinois counties compared to 184 homes sold in January reporting to IAR showed year-over-year of 2012. home sales increases in January 2013. Fifty “The number of homes sold in January counties showed year-over-year median reflected the best January in six years with price increases including Sangamon, up successive increases coming in each of the 10.2 percent to $135,000; Will, up 5.5 per- past five Januarys,” said REALTOR Don cent to $152,990; Cook, up 3.1 percent to Cave, CAAR president. $135,000; and Winnebago, up 0.1 percent Sales pending in January 2013 amount- to $75,000. ed to 339, reflecting a 14.9 percent increase 20 • March 2013 • Springfield Business Journal personality profile • Building on a family tradition By Eric Woods, Correspondent tractor. I grew up in the industry.” ber of the National First job? Matthews started out where Federation of Inde- Springfield – he is at today, at the company that was pendent Businesses What is your favorite part about living in founded by his father. He also worked and the St. Andrews central Illinois? Matthews thinks the area odd jobs at his grandparents’ farm when Society of Central Il- is big enough but not too big. “My kids needed. linois. live in Chicago, and Worst job? In I hate Chicago,” he Dale Matthews high school, Mat- Philosophical – said. “You can get Title: President, Matthews Custom thews had a part- What do you want anything you want Construction time job as a dish- to know about the here and get it in Address: 115 Roby Rd., washer. “That job future? “I want to 15-20 minutes.” Mechanicsburg, Ill. 62545 lasted less than a know what the gov- What is the worst Telephone: (217) 364-4288 year,” he said. ernment is going to part about living E-mail: [email protected] Current job and do to fix the prob- in central Illinois? responsibilities? lem,” said Matthews. “There are so many Achievements – Matthews could do Born: August 24, 1952; Springfield, Ill. Matthews Custom mandates that we do not know what to As an adult? “Getting my daughters without the cold Education: Tri-City High School Construction was do with them. I have had meetings with raised, through college, and out into the weather. “It could Family: Wife – Patty; Children – Amber started by Glenn the home builders association to deal world has made me proud,” said Mat- be worse,” he said. and Rachel Matthews and has with it.” thews. “The older you get, been in business Something you learned early in life and the more you hate Favorites – for 64 years. Mat- still use? “You have to work,” said Mat- Future – cold weather.” Hobby: Gardening thews himself has thews. He does hope to retire sooner than Upcoming job news? Matthews has a The biggest is- Restaurant: Taste of Thai been with the com- his father who stayed on until age 76. “Of number of remodeling jobs on the ho- sue central Illinois Sport: NASCAR pany 43 years. He course he is 91 and still going.” rizon, but that is it for the time being. currently faces is...? handles bidding, “There is not a lot of big stuff going any- “The economy is on Tidbits – billing, estimates, Advice – more,” he said. everyone’s mind,” Wants to vacation in the redwoods of and even works in Advice for someone seeking a career in Any vacation plans? “Most of my vaca- said Matthews. California the field doing car- your field? Matthews stresses the need for tions involve work,” said Matthews, who There has been a Played clarinet pentry work and education in geometry as well as basic recently returned from a builders show in huge decline in the Has a collection of coins and old whatever else is math skills. “You need to have an interest Las Vegas. construction indus- furniture needed. “I have not in the field,” he said. “If not, do not just I want to retire when I’m ... (age)? Mat- try on a national yet hung up the do it for a job.” thews is targeting age 65 for retirement if level. Matthews admits that it is starting nail apron,” he said. While the industry Best advice you have ever been given? that is possible. to recover but it is still way down. “Con- has been in decline, Matthews said that “If you are going to do it, do it right or struction job revenue in Illinois was at his company is still coasting along. “It is don’t do it at all,” said Matthews. $2.5 billion in 2005 and was at $511 mil- about the same as it has been the last four Who was your biggest influence? Mat- lion in 2012.” years. There is probably no big boom on thews has learned a lot from his father the horizon.” Matthews is currently the who started Matthews Custom Construc- Eric Woods is a freelance writer from Employment - president of the Springfield Area Home tion. Springfield. He can be reached at “When I was 10, I wanted to be... a con- Builders Association and is also a mem- [email protected] We Go that Extra Mile Because ALL We CARE about Your Project FOUNDATIONS ARE CREATEDNOT EQUAL

CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION 3101 Great Northern Road Springfield, IL 62711 www.MichelConcrete.com Phone: 217-698-9800 Fax: 217-793-6212 Springfield Business Journal • March 2013 • 21 • residential real estate 2013 Residential construction perking up

3 west side developments lifestyle so they can enjoy other things,” on the back 20 feet of individual lots,” builders to become developers.” said Buraski. said Ryan. There’s always going to be a need for planned At least one resident must be 55 or The second addition contains five upscale housing. “People want to build By Roberta Codemo, older. However, Buraski emphasized this lots ranging in size from approximately new homes,” said Ryan. “They don’t Correspondent is not a retirement community or an ac- 1.53 acres to 3.84 acres. Lots are priced want to remodel old homes. The trend tive seniors community. “This takes the at $175,000 and $275,000. Single family is towards more practical homes not Mc- Area developers are confident the concept of a neighborhood or a commu- home sales start at around $350,000. Mansions.” Springfield economy is strong enough nity and makes it something better. Each home will be custom built. “These Ryan said she and Mike like to drive to support new residential construction. “Springfield needs this,” said Buraski. won’t be cookie cutter homes,” said Ryan. through their developments at night and Work is scheduled to begin on three west “We’ve done our research and the market “People want unique homes. Buyers will see all the lights on. “It’s nice to know we side communities. is there.” be able to choose their own builder.” created a home for families.” Don Cave, president of the Capital Zaubi said the real estate market in Ryan said she and Mike were builders be- Area Association of Realtors, sees a mod- Springfield is stronger than other places. fore they became developers. “There was Roberta Codemo is a freelance writer est improvement in the real estate mar- “Springfield didn’t feel it as bad,” he said. no place to build so we decided to do our from Springfield. She can be reached at ket. In 2012, there were 129 new residen- Construction is scheduled to start on Sea- own subdivisions. We were the first home [email protected]. tial construction sales compared to 120 in sons at Stone Creek sometime this year. 2011. New construction sales represented Seasons is an independent senior living 3.7 percent of home sales. community designed for active adults age Frank Buraski and Steve Zaubi pur- 62 and older. chased 30 acres of land next to the Knights “I believe in what I’m building,” said of Columbus Hall, 2200 South Meadow- Zaubi. Seasons is unique to the industry. brook Road, from the Roman Catholic It offers one or two bedroom, single-story private luxury apartments. Seasons at Stone Creek will be located on 10 acres east of the Knights of Co- lumbus Hall at the corner of Iles Avenue and Meadowbrook Road. There will be 60 to 75 units. “This is an ideal location,” said Zau- bi. “It’s highly visible and has good access

to all the amenities. Welcome_Misty_SBJ_2013.pdf 01/18/2013 9:36:59 AM “I’m doing this Land plat for The Homes of Stone Creek one a little more me- Diocese. The developers are building two thodically,” continued Zaubi. “We hold separate communities targeted for resi- ourselves to a higher standard.” dents age 55 and up. The industry is moving towards two Greg Fleck, associate director for Build- and three bedroom units. “People don’t ing, Properties and Cemeteries for the di- want to give up their space,” said Zaubi. ocese, said the land was not advertised for “Yet they don’t want the headaches of sale. “The Church no longer had need for home ownership.” the property,” he said. Seasons at Stone Creek will offer a “The residential housing market has mix of one and two bedroom or two bed- been depressed the past five or six years,” room apartments with a study. Zaubi said said Jason Buraski. “We’re starting to see the design is constantly evolving. “I try signs that things are moving forward.” to make each one a little bit better,” he Buraski Builders recently broke ground said. on The Homes of Stone Creek. The devel- Seasons at Stone Creek will offer all opment is located on 20 acres north of the the amenities of his other locations. The Knights of Columbus Hall at the corner of commons area, which is the heart and Meadowbrook Road and Iles Avenue. soul of the community, includes a stone “We love the location,” said Buraski, fireplace, game room, sitting room, li- pointing out the site is close to shopping brary, exercise room and a kitchen C for areas, restaurants and medical facilities. events and parties. M Also nearby are the YMCA, Knights of Co- Zaubi wants to offer seniors the life- lumbus Pool and Pub and the Sangamon style they deserve and the freedom theyY

Valley bike trail. still want. “I see a need for this in almostCM “It’s located in the heart of every- every community,” he said. He would like thing that’s going on,” said Buraski.”It’s to take the concept on the road. MY perfect.” Paula Ryan with Ryan Homes and DeCY - The Homes of Stone Creek will have velopment said the residential market is CMY 44 single family homes and 14 duplexes. driving the economy. She hasn’t seen any Lot sizes start at 7,560 square feet and huge highs or lows in the housing marK - there will be a private clubhouse and a ket. “It’s stayed about the same,” she said. commons area with walking paths. “We’re lucky to have the hospitals, H.D. Buyers can select from five different Smith and state government.” floor plans and four exterior home styles. She and her husband Mike purchased The plans will be tailored around custom- 46 acres of land from the Buckley family er suggestions. Construction is scheduled in 2007. Buckley Ridge Estates 2nd Addi- to start in May. tion recently opened off Meadowbrook Buraski said the response has been Road. The 13 acre property adjoins Buck- great. They have been able to engage ley Ridge Estates1st Addition. potential customers through the website “We’re really excited,” said Ryan. “It’s and learn what buyers want in a home. a gem of a little piece of property. There’s Customers want a large master bedroom nothing like it in Springfield.” and bath, lots of storage, an open kitchen She added it’s a great location. “It’s and three bedrooms. close to downtown, wooded, with rolling Residents will own their own homes terrain.” without the hassles of maintenance, yard Plans are to keep as many trees as pos- work or snow removal. “It frees up their sible. “Homeowners can’t clear cut trees 22 • March 2013 • Springfield Business Journal safety • Smoke detector awareness key to survival his month’s topic addresses residential smoke detectors, by far the City Codes Teasiest means available to us for protecting our families from the devastat- Dale Simpson ing effects of fire. Sad- prevalent because they are the cheapest. ly, these are also the Ionization detectors have an air quality- most overlooked and sensing device in the chamber, which ignored. By not hav- detects the chemicals in the smoke. Ion- ing these affordable, ization detectors are more expensive, but easily installed, and provide better protection. There can be maintained devices a significant difference in time between in our homes, people the two detectors sensing what they are can die. Statistics in- designed to find. There are combination dicate our chances of detectors that employ both sensing sys- surviving a fire where we sleep increase tems, providing the best protection. As by half if there is at least one operational fire more than doubles in size every min- and properly maintained smoke detector ute it is not extinguished, again the earli- installed. est warning we provide our loved ones is Here is a scenario which happens too important. often. People are asleep in their beds and Detectors are powered by two dif- a small fire ignites, sometimes from a ferent means. Either by battery only, or discarded cigarette in a trash can. These wired directly into the building electrical fires start small and produce smoke be- system. Some of the electrical powered fore flames. The smoke rises to the ceil- detectors also have a battery as a back-up ing, spreading throughout the home. power supply during electrical outages. Eventually the contents of the can begin An electrician will be needed to install to flame, contacting a nearby curtain, the necessary wiring if you opt for this towel, or other combustible item. This type of smoke detector. too begins to smoke, then flame, and this There are other features you can pick cycle continues until everything is burn- and choose from, small lights that come ing fiercely. With no operating smoke de- on when the detector is activated to show tectors available, people sleeping in their escape paths, dual purpose units with car- beds are not aware of the fire, and by the bon monoxide detectors built into them, time they wake up, if they do, escape may flashing and vibrating detectors for hear- be cut off by the flames, trapping them ing impaired individuals, and many oth- inside. ers. Remember to match the detector with This is a very real and more than occa- your situation for the best protection. sionally documented story. People think The next consideration is where to in- they will wake up if they smell smoke. stall them. The code calls for detectors on Sometimes this is true, but a large part of every level of the home, outside all sleep- the population won’t because the chemi- ing areas, and newly constructed living cals in smoke can make us drowsier. Car- occupancies require them inside every If We BuIld It... bon monoxide causes the oxygen we room used for sleeping. For safety, detec- breathe to not mix with our blood cells tors should also be installed in these areas thus excluding the oxygen to our lungs, in existing structures. For example, a three they WIll Come. brain and heart. This can make us sleepi- bedroom home with a basement, and a er, confused and disoriented. Plastics and single hallway serves all three bedrooms, foams in our furnishings emit cyanide gas would need at least five detectors for ad- BuRASKI CommeRCIAl SeRVICeS among other things when they burn. This equate protection: one for each bedroom, Business Start-Up • Expansion is very similar to the chemical used in gas one in the hallway outside the bedrooms, Relocation • Renovation • Office Build-Out chambers during executions. and one at ceiling level in the basement If there are no sprinklers in the home near the stairs to the first floor. to extinguish the fire before it consumes Develop an escape plan for your entire everything and everyone, we must rely family with two ways out of every room, and bet our families lives on the success- and a meeting place outside for account- ful operation and early notification that ability. Practice this plan using the smoke comes from having working smoke detec- detector to start the evacuation. This fa- tors. And not only the earliest possible miliarizes every one with the sound the notification, but everyone who hears the detector makes when in alarm mode. alarm must react correctly and quickly. Finally, the most important regarding If you hear the alarm, no matter what detectors are their maintenance. Change time of day, where you are in the house, the batteries twice a year, usually when or what you are doing, GET OUT! Time is you change your clocks. Test the smoke not on your side, especially in the middle detector once a month. Don’t take out of the night when we are groggy and dis- the battery for the television remote or oriented. any other item, even just for a few min- Okay, so now that we understand we utes. Vacuum the dust around it occasion- need smoke detectors in our homes, so ally, and remember, all smoke detectors, what kind should we get? There are sever- electric or battery must be replaced every al to choose from, and depending on the 10 years. The sensing chambers get dirt, features, vary widely in price. When buy- grease and other contaminants in them ing a detector the first thing to look for is over the course of time, affecting perfor- the Underwriter Laboratories (UL) label. mance. Your Partner for SucceSS This means the product has been tested and certified by this national recognized testing agency. There are some cheaper imported products on the market that are BURASKI not UL tested and approved, so read the BUILDERS box. Setting the Standard for Excellence Since 1981 The next choice is ionization or photoelectric. Photoelectric detectors have a Dale Simpson is the former 217.529.5172 beam of light inside the sensing chamber Fire Marshal for the City of Springfield. that detects the particles of the smoke and He can be reached at www.buraski.com activates the alarm. These are the most [email protected]. Springfield Business Journal • March 2013 • 23 • environment HVAC ... crisis averted? he United States Department of En- was approved by the court, the pending high efficiency. ergy (DOE) has been working on Going Green standards would be rescinded and DOE For more information on the APGA, Tstandards to mandate increased effi- Chad Kruse would restart a rulemaking to set new see www.apga.org. The ACCA’s Hot Air! ciency in non-weath- standards. After the rulemaking process Blog was updated several times over the erized and mobile the District of Columbia Circuit. She also had been exercised, the ACCA predicts course of my research on this topic. It home gas furnaces for indicated that there has been only one that it may be 2020 before new standards can be found at www.acca.org/archives/ the past several years. filing in response to the proposed settle- would go into effect. industry-resources/government-affairs/ Those efficiency stan- ment. If the court were to reject the set- So, yes, the question mark in the title hot-air. Finally, E.L. Pruitt Co. can be dards were set to take tlement proposal, the standards are set to is intentional. It seems as though those found on the web at www.elpruitt.com. effect mid-2013, until take effect on May 1, 2013. in need of a new HVAC system may enjoy Jan. 11 when the DOE Court approval of the settlement, on the luxury of choice between standard agreed to withdraw the other hand, would send DOE back to and high efficiency for a few more years, the standards in settlement of a lawsuit the drawing boards for promulgation of but that lies in the court’s hands. How- challenging the standards. efficiency standards. According to the ever, as Cappellin indicated, any change Chad Kruse is a freelance writer from The term “non-weatherized furnace” trade group, Air Conditioning Contrac- in standards may be for the books alone Springfield. He can be reached at means a furnace designed to be placed in- tors of America (ACCA), if the settlement as most consumers are already choosing [email protected]. doors. Therefore these standards would have ramifications for the systems that most of us rely on to keep our homes warm in the winter. The standards have a tiered applicability based on the region of the U.S. where the furnace would be installed—90 percent efficiency is the re- WHAT CAN While it seems that the efficiency standards would have had ENErgy EffiCiENCy a substantial impact on residential contractors in the central Illinois area, according to Tom Cappellin, DO fOr yOU? “Senior Mechanical Engineer with E.L. Pruitt Co., many of the HVAC systems that E.L. Pruitt installs are already 90 percent efficiency units. it turns your new home quirement for the Northern region and 80 into your dream home percent for the Southeast and Southwest regions. Elizabeth Tate, Government Af- you're in it for the long term, right? So when fairs Manager with the American Public you build your new home, why not build in Gas Association (APGA), confirmed that ® Illinois is in the Northern region for pur- ENErgy STAr quality from the ground up? poses of the standards. That way, when the newness wears off, the While it seems that the efficiency superior quality and money-saving efficiency standards would have had a substantial impact on residential contractors in the will still be there. central Illinois area, according to Tom Cappellin, Senior Mechanical Engineer That's why ENErgy STAr homes have long- with E.L. Pruitt Co., many of the HVAC systems that E.L. Pruitt installs are already term resale value. Who wouldn't want lower 90 percent efficiency units. In fact, E.L. energy bills, less maintenance, more durability Pruitt has not been keeping a close eye on and increased comfort? the litigation surrounding the standards. Instead, said Cappellin, “more attention is paid to local code changes.” ENErgy STAr homes must meet strict The current efficiency standard for guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental non-weatherized furnaces in Illinois is Protection Agency (EPA), making them at 80 percent. That number means that, for example, a furnace taking in 100 btu least 20% more efficient than standard homes. of fuel must currently put out 80 btu of heat. Cappellin indicated that there is a And here's the best part—the ActOnEnergy® 10 to 15 percent premium on price of a 90 percent efficiency HVAC system over one ENErgy STAr New Homes program covers the with 80 percent efficiency—something cost of a professional inspection and efficiency like an one percent increase in cost per certification for Ameren illinois customers up percentage point in efficiency. The mon- — ey savings in gas, however, would take to $2,250 in builder incentives! only a few years to realize. Cappellin noted one physical difference that comes with the higher efficiency systems: the change from traditional chimney exhaust, to a small PVC pipe Our builder network features a variety of quality-focused home builders who vent used for both intake and exhaust for high efficiency units. Other than price adhere to rigorous ENErgy STAr standards. you'll find them all in one place and PVC, any change in efficiency standards would probably go unnoticed by on our website ActOnEnergy.com/builder. the homeowner. The lawsuit challenging the efficiency Or call us at 1.866.838.6918 weekdays, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. standards was initiated by the APGA in December 2011. The APGA’s Tate indicated that the settlement is pending ap- and we'll send you our complete builder list. proval by the U.S. Court of Appeals for 24 • March 2013 • Springfield Business Journal (Ranked by Sales Volume Major Residential Real Estate Agencies from Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2012)

Company Name Number of Address Telephone (-) Web Site (www.) Managing Licensed Total Sales % of Year City, State, ZIP Code Fax (=) E-Mail Partner(s) / Owner(s) Agents Transactions Volume Board Established

The Real Estate Group, Inc. 217-787-7000 thegroup.com Michael J. Buscher, Managing Broker 3701 W. Wabash Ave. 120 1,979 $310,082,829 33.18% 1997 1 Springfield IL 62711 217-787=7779 [email protected] 24 individual broker/owners

Re/Max Professionals 217-787-7215 viewspringfieldhomes.com Allan R. Young, Managing Broker / 2475 W. Monroe St. 93 1,902 $276,037,108 29.54% 1986 2 Springfield IL 62704 217-787=8957 Owner; Linda Young

Coldwell Banker Honig-Bell 217-547-6655 cbhonig-bell.com Don Cave 3201 Old Jacksonville Road 45 413 $60,595,613 6.48% 2000 3 Springfield IL 62711 217-547=6659

Re/Max Results Plus, Inc. 217-245-9613 remax.com Michael D. Oldenettel, 1046 W. Morton Ave. 10 292 $32,421,693 3.47% 1996 4 Jacksonville IL 62650 217-243=7183 Managing Broker / Owner

Grady Realtors Inc. 217-753-2121 gradyrealtors.com Patrick Grady 1501 S. MacArthur Blvd. 8 146 $21,996,951 2.35% 1969 5 Springfield IL 62704 217-726=2211 [email protected] Betty Grady

Charles E. Robbins Real Estate Inc. 217-525-2112 charlesrobbins.com Art Seppi, 2144 S. MacArthur Blvd. 20 124 $17,498,021 (1)(2) 1.87% 1962 6 Springfield IL 62704 217-525=2275 [email protected] Managing Broker

Kennedy Real Estate LLC 217-824-8888 kennedyrealestatellc.com Helen Kennedy, 400 W. Market, P.O. Box 764 13 166 $17,173,824 1.84% 2011 7 Taylorville IL 62568 217-824=5080 [email protected] Managing Broker

Campo Realty, Inc. 217-625-4663 camporealty.com Nicholas Campo 610 Sixth St. 11 144 $17,103,343 1.83% 2001 8 Pawnee IL 62558 217-625=4664 [email protected]

Do Realty Services Inc. 217-391-3636 dorealty.net Stephanie L. Do 729 S. Ninth St. 3 317 $16,309,830 1.75% 2002 9 Springfield IL 62703 217-391=3666 [email protected]

Grojean Realty and Insurance 217-245-4151 grojeanagency.com Charles Grojean 360 W. State, P.O. Box 697 9 132 $14,931,100 1.60% 1947 10 Jacksonville IL 62651 217-243=7573 [email protected] Tom Grojean

Steve Hills, REALTORS 217-245-9589 stevehillsrealtors.com Dianne Steinberg 900 S. Main St. 5 142 $14,828,795 1.59% 1965 11 Jacksonville IL 62650 217-245=4198 [email protected]

Wrightsman-Musso, Ltd. 217-965-4115 wmlrealty.com Dom M. Musso 159 N. Springfield St. 16 185 $14,604,602 1.56% 1940 12 Virden IL 62690 217-965=5021 [email protected] Todd M. Musso

Century 21 Real Estate Associates 217-789-7200 reahouses.com Kevin Graham 2030 Timberbrook 21 91 $12,548,263 1.34% 2004 13 Springfield IL 62702 217-789=2600 [email protected]

Blane Real Estate Inc. 217-652-7521 blaneinpetersburgil.com Judy Blane-Olesen 703 Old Salem Road 3 72 $10,154,600 1.09% 1950 14 Petersburg IL 62675 217-632=3813 [email protected] Peter Olesen

Curvey Real Estate, Inc. 217-824-4996 curveyrealestate.com Bernard A. Curvey, Owner/Broker 611 Springfield Road, P. O. Box 677 11 82 $8,258,000 0.88% 1985 15 Taylorville IL 62568 217-287=2111 [email protected] Joe Curvey, Managing Broker

The Real Estate Firm Inc. 217-547-5500 Dennis L. Polk 1340 S. State St. 19 67 $7,560,460 0.81% 1989 16 Springfield IL 62704 217-522=5906 [email protected]

Snelling-Chevalier Real Estate Inc. 217-625-2411 snelling-chevalier.com Gail Chevalier Zini 621 Seventh St. 6 65 $7,213,116 0.77% 1986 17 Pawnee IL 62558 217-625=7513 [email protected]

Craggs REALTORS, Inc. 217-824-8131 craggsrealtors.com Stephen B. Craggs 904 Springfield Road, PO Box 109 7 84 $5,604,270 0.60% 1971 18 Taylorville IL 62568 217-824=9315 [email protected]

Advantage Realty 217-528-1000 528-1000.com Marty Benoit 933 South Grand Ave. West 10 47 $4,644,000 0.50% 1987 19 Springfield IL 62704 217-528=1026 [email protected]

Prudential Classic Properties 217-243-0500 pruclassicproperties.com James D. Pate 230 W. College 6 46 $4,110,550 0.44% 2004 20 Jacksonville IL 62650 217-243=1580 [email protected]

Sources: The real estate agencies; Illinois Association of Realtors website (http://www.illinoisrealtor.org/), MLS Firm Market Share Report. (1) - does not include commercial division. (2) - does not include properties solely owned and sold through the developer. *Out of Town Firm (agents having reciprocal agreements in this area) - 154 total transactions / $18,102,133 sales volume / 1.94% of Board. Springfield Business Journal • March 2013 • 25 • residential real estate 2013 Housing market picking up momentum

Economic aftershocks shake er websites require more personal infor- terested in a property that is not a realis- of the transaction,” Duff said. “It used to mation including first and last names. tic option.” be that the buying public simply wanted construction industry “Our listings are shared at our web- Sometimes The Real Estate Group the Realtor to find a house. Today buyers By Job Conger, site, and so are all the other MLS list- has sold houses to customers who have want and need the protection of someone Correspondent ings. We want people to know what’s out never set foot in them. “Such buyers may working on their behalf, to navigate them be transferring to Springfield for a job,” through the total transaction.” As winter appears on the verge of sur- Consumers in today’s Buscher said. “They don’t expect to live As home buying becomes more com- render to spring and the new season of world don’t care whose in the property long, they are looking at plex, the need for a realtor becomes more real estate marketing throughout central price and then they’re looking at resale apparent, especially since the market Illinois, real estate agencies are poised listing it is as a general value. We meet them to show them what downturn in the fall of 2008. to make the most of changes, innova- rule.” they already know. The real selling part “In spring of 2009, there came huge tions and lessons learned over the past 10 Mike Buscher, managing broker at kicks in when we show such a customer adjustments in market values,” Duff said. years. The Real Estate Group the house close to the end of the selection “That’s a totally different subject. The is- The thawing of the formerly frozen process.” sue of navigating foreclosure sales has be- marketplace is in part to changes which there. Consumers in today’s world don’t Ron Duff, broker, manager, consultant come critical. The change called ‘selling permit more efficient use of time, tech- “care whose listing it is as a general rule. for Re/Max Professionals, said that “the short,’ that relieved the seller from owing nology and resources, as attested to by lo- If you’re driving around and see a com- most expansive change has been in mo- taxes on property value in excess of the cal realtors. pany’s name on the ‘For Sale’ sign, some bile technology.” revised market value, has been a major “When the Internet started, everybody will call the realtor at that time,” he said. “There are so many mobile devices that change. ran to have a web page, a static advertis- Another change is the reduction in allow people to get information about “It makes it easier to sell the house and ing presence,” Mike Buscher, managing time spent meeting with customers at the properties that buyers are extremely well relieves the holding bank of the burden broker at The Real Estate Group, said. office or property site. “We used to spend informed before they contact a realtor.” of keeping a house on their inventory “Today, it’s much more of an interactive face-to-face time with customers, drive Duff is quick to note, however, that of unsold property. It saves a lot of time. tool.” them around to look at houses,” Buscher the process of closing that transaction There is a designation for Realtors special- Buscher explained that the most ad- said. During personal contact, including has become much more complex. izing in foreclosures and short sales. Re/ vanced technologies are so accessible via driving to homes of interest, there was Max has a special division for those types the Internet, it’s hard to offer tools and time to “qualify” buyers, a term he dis- Government regulations of sales. The majority of our brokers are features these days that are unique to a likes today. regarding environmental rated in those specialties,” Duff said, add- particular firm or association. Among the “I prefer the term ‘educated.’ As shop- issues, radon gas, paint, ing other ratings specialties include e- more popular in recent years are seller re- pers learn details from the Internet, most sales (Internet sales) and environmentally ports, which, in demonstrating a firm’s qualify themselves. From mortgage calcu- home inspections are friendly ‘green sales.’” success, attract new properties to the real- lating features, most have a good idea of much more a part of the Don Cave, managing broker at Cold- tor and into the market. what they can afford before contacting a transaction.” well Banker Honig-Bell and the 2013 Another recent trend is the degree of realtor,” he said. Ron Duff, broker, manager, president of the Capital Area Association anonymity an interested party has in ac- Buscher continued: “We will some- consultant for Re/Max Professionals of Realtors, said consumer confidence is a cessing property information. “As a con- times meet someone at a particular home “ key component of a recovering housing sumer, you can log into our website, set to show it. By that time, the customer “Government regulations regarding market. up a shopping cart and include nothing knows, from dealing with the finance environmental issues, radon gas, paint, Housing Market, but your first name,” Buscher said. “Oth- process, that they are not going to be in- home inspections are much more a part Continued on Page 27 26 • March 2013 • Springfield Business Journal personality profile • A career with real (estate) passion By Eric Woods, Correspondent worked as an office assistant at Ball Char- Something you ter Elementary School. learned early in life Springfield – Worst job? Tarvin has only had three and still use? “Always What is your favorite part about living jobs and has enjoyed them all. believe in yourself, in Springfield? Tarvin loves that there are Current job and responsibilities? Tarvin because if you don’t, so many familiar faces in Springfield. She has been with The Real Estate Group for nobody will,” said is also happy that five years and spe- Tarvin. the cost of living in cializes in the buy- the city is affordable Krystal Tarvin ing or selling of res- Advice – compared to other idential real estate Advice for some- parts of the country. Title: Realtor, The Real Estate Group in Springfield and one seeking a career “That helps keep Address: 3701 W. Wabash Ave., the surrounding ar- in your field? “Real the dream of home Springfield, Ill., 62711 eas. “I show houses, estate is a 24/7 job, ownership alive in Telephone: (217) 787-7000 negotiate contracts, and you must be will- Springfield,” she E-mail: [email protected] write offers, and list ing to work every day, including nights, Upcoming job news? “Spring and said. and price houses,” weekends, or whenever your clients need warmer weather is approaching, which What is the worst Born: Oct. 17, 1984; Decatur, Ill. she said. “We serve you,” said Tarvin. Patience is another key means there will be more people in the part about living Education: GRI designation, broker’s as a guide to people to having success in the real estate indus- market to buy or sell,” said Tarvin. “There in Springfield? “We license and offer advice.” try, according to Tarvin. “This is the most are also grants available, including one need a Chic-Fil-A Family: Not married, no kids Business has been expensive purchase in someone’s life. for veterans and an additional one com- here,” said Tarvin. good for Tarvin They often do not want to feel rushed.” ing out in March.” The biggest issue Favorites – lately, and it looks Who was your biggest influence? It was Any vacation plans? Tarvin has noth- Springfield currently Hobby: Exercise to speed up more as Tarvin’s mother who told her to take a ing planned in 2013 in order to focus on faces is...? “There Movie: The Notebook spring approaches. real estate class, and she immediately fell the growth of her career. is a lack of new in- Restaurant: Baker’s Square She has been happy in love with it and knew that was what I want to retire when I’m ... (age)? “I coming businesses Sports team: Chicago Bears to have stayed busy she wanted to do. “My mom is the most cannot imagine ever wanting to retire,” and jobs,” said even during the special person I will ever know,” she said. said Tarvin. “Real estate has not only be- Tarvin, who believes Tidbits – colder off-months. “I look up to her more and more every come what I love to do, but it is also a that new businesses Wants to travel the world day.” part of who I am.” would not only cre- Played the violin, cello, and piano as Philosophical – ate more jobs but a child What do you Achievements – draw people into want to know about As a kid? Tarvin was a very active the community which in turn would cre- the future? “I would love to know how child, playing three instruments, acting ate a stronger real estate market. long the interest rates will stay as low as in plays, and taking dance lessons. they continually are,” said Tarvin. As an adult? Tarvin is proud to have Employment – How do you envision your life in 10 years? started her real estate career with a suc- “When I was 10, I wanted to be... an an- Tarvin’s main goal is to be happy. As for cessful first five years. “I am excited to see esthesiologist or a news anchor.” her career, she hopes to see more growth what the future holds,” she said. Eric Woods is a freelance writer from First job? As a senior in high school, in her business and eventually have her Springfield. He can be reached at Tarvin joined the co-op program and own real estate team. Future – [email protected] Your Home Team For Your CYNTHIA NMLS 970072 PAM Home NMLS 438500 Loan AMANDA NMLS 1026350

TODD NMLS 970073 www.securitybk.com RICH NMLS 648782 217-789-3500 Springfield Business Journal • March 2013 • 27 • residential real estate 2013 Continued from Page 25, firm gets calls from potential customers Housing Market all over the country who would not have “Interest rates have been on a decline even known about us 10 years ago,” Oles- since 2008,” Cave said. “But confidence en said. has been critical and slow returning to This has opened up channels to cus- the market. From a broker’s standpoint, tomers wanting to live in a small commu- there are more challenges, but the num- nity on “the road less traveled.” bers are looking better in the last three to “We also appreciate the value from six months.” the Multiple Listing Service,” Olesen Cave explained since the state law li- said. “When our listing appears there, the cense law re-write, agents coming into whole world sees it. Before the recession the business have been required to get ad- there were very few repossessions on the ditional education prior to getting their market. Today there are a handful. Values license and more continuing education is have been pretty steady throughout.” required. Agents had to become brokers Jon K. Broadbooks, director of com- and brokers had to move up to managing munications for the Illinois Association brokers. of Realtors said being “Web savvy” has “Putting the additional requirements become a necessity for realtors. against the slow market, the transition The 41,000-member association edu- for existing agents was a challenge,” Cave cates members and non-members and Web innovations slated to bloom in spring Custom Arriving with spring and blossoming expectations for a better real estate sales season are two new marketing innovations from outside the core brokerage sector. The “Virtual Tour of Homes,” slated for launch in March by Springfield Area Home Builders Association (SAHBA) will focus on new construction exclusively. CABINETRY “We want to showcase our builders,” said Lee-Ann Burgener, SAHBA executive officer. “With the economic situation, they aren’’t building as many spec homes as they used to (before 2008), so the annual new home tour event we held that invited people to visit new spec homes face to face has been discontinued.” & MILLWORK Burgener said that previously, builders did not list new homes until they were completed. “Our site will show pictures of homes during the construction,” Burgener said. Kitchens · Bathrooms · Flooring “The web site will allow interested customers to guide the finishing process of a home that appeals, to specify specific details (wood finishes, room colors, countertops and Mouldings · Stairs · Doors · Bars other amenities) that can be built in rather than modified after completion. “Others may find a home that they like, but they may want it modified or built in a different location, perhaps at a later date,” she said, adding that builders will pay a Endless Possibilities... fee for each home, and their presence will be updated monthly, with complete site information, a mortgage calculator and estimated completion time. Slated for introduction to the Springfield market after May 1 is LRS CurbAppeal from Levi, Ray & Shoup, a “soup to nuts” package available by monthly subscription. Jeff Enlow, LRS Web Solutions Manager, said LRS CurbAppeal’s variety of templates and emphasis on user-friendly communications were key elements in design and beta testing which began in October 2012. “The major advantage is that all the elements of a visually appealing web presence can be assembled and published to the Web in a matter of days,” Enlow said. “It offers maximum communication and search functionality between real estate company, buyer and seller.” Enlow indicated a “full-blown” roll-out of iPhone app for LRS CurbAppeal is planned during the Illinois Association of Realtors convention on May 8-9 in Collinsville. said. “It reduced the rate of new sales peo- helps those who aspire to become brokers ple coming in.” and realtors to achieve that goal. Cave believes the changes in numbers “You can get a real estate license in Illi- of licensed agents at given companies nois and not be a realtor, but the majority from year to year is simply the nature of of brokers in Illinois are realtors,” Broad- the beast. “Anytime you see a decline in books said. A growing requirement for the market you see fewer real estate com- regular, ongoing education for all brokers panies,” he said. “Springfield did not see a has come into play in recent years, and huge bubble burst the way it did in other he indicated “Web savvy” is essential; not parts of the country.” optional. Cave is optimistic about the new year. Broadbooks cites his association’s “Early into 2013, I am receiving more planned series of webinars which will calls from people interested in getting bring students all over Illinois with in- into the business,” he said. “We’ll prob- structors in a virtual classroom. ably see new companies,” Cave said. “Our “Online training is more popular than membership in Capital Area Association ever because it allows everyone to make of Realtors is increasing. We had more the most efficient use of valuable time,” than 700 in 2008/09, and now we’re Broadbooks said. “Real estate is not stat- down to about 500, 525. Our member- ic. In February 2012, in Illinois, the me- ship numbers are growing. The supply dian price of a house was $118,000. The and demand are leveling out. We have December 2012, the median price was about a five-month supply of homes on $131,000. The sales numbers were robust the market.” throughout 2012.” Pete Olesen is broker and owner with The realtors’ positive outlook does car- Blane Real Estate, Inc., the only real es- ry the caveat that their optimistic “bub- tate business in Petersburg, whose firms ble” may burst if other factors, including deals mostly with real estate in Menard pension reform, job retention and growth and Sangamon counties. numbers fall short of expectations. All “Our part of the marketplace has been agree that reforms in real estate sales in- more stable than the national and Spring- troduced in 2009 provide a firmer foun- field,” Olesen said. Even so, Blane’s web- dation for optimism this year and in the site is optimized for modern market shop- years to come. pers with mobile devices. “People don’t shop for houses on Sundays any more,” (217) 529-6800 Olesen said. “They shop in their pajamas Job Conger is a freelance writer from at home.” www.baileyhardwoods.com Springfield. He can be reached at With the Internet and mobile tech- [email protected] nology have come surprises. “The realty 28 • March 2013 • Springfield Business Journal residential real estate 2013 • Hedging on dredging?

Should Lake Springfield be a fund-raising campaign through private individuals for his dredging effort. He dredged again after 25 years? believes the funds could be found else- By Gabe House, where. Correspondent “We’ll be looking for the city to fund it, because I don’t know individuals that Dredging Lake Springfield could be could put up the money to do it,” Gordon a component in preserving, conserving said. “We’re saying (the city) should be and expanding the community’s water spending $2 to 3 million a year to main- resources. tain the lake. There’s money out there for Lake Springfield was last dredged stuff like this.” in a three-year, $8 million project that Gordon said he has looked at sedimen- spanned from 1987-1990 in which more tation reports from CWLP that identify than 3 million cubic yards of sediment nearly 60 coves that could benefit from were removed from the upper arms of the dredging. lake near the entrances of Sugar and Lick Looked at as a massive project, Gor- Creeks. The costly undertaking yielded don agrees the cost would be staggering 652 million gallons of lost water capac- if approached with a “get it done now” ity according to City Water Light & Power mentality. Instead, Gordon proposes, the (CWLP) materials on the history of Lake dredging could be spaced out over a pe- Springfield. riod of years to cut down on costs. 652 million gallons is obviously a great “They budget money to deal with amount of water, but when one considers Hunter Lake every year,” Gordon said, re- the lake’s capacity in 1985 was tabbed at 17 billion gallons (roughly 13 less than when the lake was built in 1935), it seems like little more than a drop in the buck- et. Robert Gordon is adamant that Lake Springfield needs to be dredged. Gordon, sole owner of the Lake Springfield Marina and developer of the Water’s Edge town- homes, has quite a vested interest in the wellbeing of the lake. He believes, without dredging, a number of areas in Lake Springfield will be impassable due to low water levels within a matter of years. Lake Springfield “The lake is getting low, and it’s time to do something about it,” Gordon said. ferring to the proposal of a second lake “It takes a while for these things to get that has been bandied about by CWLP going, and in 10 years it will be too late.” since 1965. “It’s time to give it up, and “Dredging is a maintenance issue; it’s start doing something else. Dredging is a not to reclaim large amounts of water,” pretty inexpensive option compared to explained Ted Meckes, the water division that.” manager for CWLP. “Bob Gordon and As Meckes alluded to – and Gordon cove owners … want to be able to boat. agrees – dredging would not be a viable Sure, that’s a great thing for Lake Spring- option as far as an increase in water ca- field but for water, the value of water, pacity. This is where the discussion of that’s not the alternative. For $8 million Hunter Lake becomes increasingly im- that’s pretty expensive to say, ‘Hey, you portant. Gordon sees it as a financial bur- can get your boat in here.’” den, and its construction has some rather Of course, the cost is dependent upon staunch opposition. the method of dredging as well. Meckes The Sangamon Valley Sierra Club is said they used hydraulic dredging in the one such group that vehemently believes 80s, a method where a boat is actually Hunter Lake, also known as Lake 2, would placed on the water, and a large cutting be a mistake. head effectively churns and vacuums the “We’ve always said the research shows excess silt through a temporary pipeline that a second lake is not necessary and to a predetermined location. Meckes said not desirable,” said Wes King, the chair of this method typically costs from $9 to the Sangamon Valley Sierra Club. “We’ve $15 per cubic yard of removal. been advocating that instead we focus on An alternative is mechanical dredg- making sure Lake 1 is sustainable and using whereby a backhoe or drag lines are ing all property for Lake 2 to create some utilized to bring up the excess silt and sort of open space, a nature preserve or sedimentation. This is a far more expen- maybe even a state park. sive process because the soil must then be “All that property slated for a second hauled somewhere. lake could be something really positive. It Meckes did say that private individu- could be a driver for this community.” als are welcome to dredge at their own Meckes agreed that building a lake is expense, but it can be a trying situation. obviously no small undertaking and can Cost aside, the cove owner wishing to have massive impacts, environmentally dredge would need approval from the or otherwise. That being said, water ca- Environmental Protection Agency on the pacity is of the utmost importance for process to be used and where the excess CWLP and Springfield’s future. soil would be placed. To compound matters, the U.S. Army “You can’t just throw it back in the Corps of Engineers and EPA recently told lake or let it roll back in from the shore- CWLP to actively look at alternatives and line,” Meckes said. “(But) we allow people prove said alternatives would not provide to dredge, we have allowed someone to adequate water before moving forward do that and we probably would again, but with Hunter Lake. they would have to have their ducks in a “We’re looking at gravel pits near row. Buckhart and other wells,” Meckes said. “It’s happened exactly once in my 26 “Layne Hydro is performing a study for years with CWLP,” Meckes further of- us. If it says we can get our daily demand fered. during a drought without affecting (sur- Gordon, though, isn’t embarking on Continued on Next Page Springfield Business Journal • March 2013 • 29 • residential real estate 2013 Continued from Previous Page He’s talked to commercial leaseholders as well as homeowners on the lake. One rounding community) wells, great. If we thing everyone agrees on, he said, was start affecting them, though, we won’t be the need to keep Lake Springfield viable able to do that.” so that people can and will continue to Meckes said he hoped the report by use it. Layne Hydro would be completed in “It’s clearly not an and/or situation; May and the results could go a long way this has to be done,” Gordon said. “Ev- in dictating the future of Hunter Lake. eryone I’ve spoken to think this is a great If Springfield could obtain 100 million idea. There’s just the caveat that it cannot gallons of water a day from other water be confused with a second water source.” sources, it’s possible they’d sell the land Going hand-in-hand with secondary set aside for Hunter Lake. Less capacity water sources and low water levels, one than that, however, could cause problems concern Meckes voiced was that the idea in the future, particularly in the case of of dredging and, more specifically, Hunt- a drought such as the one Springfield re- er Lake, always gains more prominence cently encountered. with the public in times of drought. And “It’s a difficult decision,” Meckes said. the wrong time to begin dredging, Meck- “A 100-year drought seems to happen ev- es said, is when the water level is lower ery 20 years. We don’t want to say, let’s go than its norm. with this option and then in year seven “If Bob (Gordon) wants to put a dredge we get a drought, and in year eight we’re on there, what he’s going to be able to on water restrictions and the plant shuts dredge now isn’t what he’ll be able to down because we don’t have enough wa- dredge at full pool,” Meckes said. “The ter. dredge won’t float, and you need ample “What if Springfield continues to grow water to get that cutting head down there and we need 20 million (gallons daily). to suck that silt out.” We want to know definitely that it will As to whether or not Gordon has to work and it will work great. We have to wait to get his dredging project off the let the science tell us.” ground – or in the water, as the case may Regardless of an additional water be – he strongly believes any amount of source in the future, King stressed the momentum at the moment is needed. need for water conservation in the pres- “Regardless of Hunter Lake, we’ve ent. spent all sorts of money,” Gordon said in “We also think, in relation to that, we reference to the city. “They found money should be focusing more on how we can to build a new water treatment plant, and lower our water needs through conserva- now we need to spend some money mak- tion methods,” King said. “Instead of saying sure the water coming in is clean and ing let’s just use water and build another the erosion is slowed down.” lake, we need to build a more compre- Gabe House is a freelance writer from hensive approach.” Auburn. He can be reached at Gordon said he has talked to both op- [email protected]. ponents and proponents of Hunter Lake. Have a Commercial Construction Job?

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2013 BUSINESS Business Connections to highlight CONNECTIONS new buy-local initiative

SCHEDULE: By Amanda Reavy Simhauser, $154 million in extra GDP (gross domestic region supplier,” he said. Correspondent Tuesday, March 19 product), $48 million in additional payroll Source Sangamon aims to curb these Noon – 5 p.m.: Exhibitor Setup Source Sangamon Challenge – a new wages and over 1,000 new jobs,” said John leakages and increase local industrial out- twist on the importance of buying local – will Parrish, research manager for The Greater puts and jobs. be rolled out at the 2013 edition of Busi- Springfield Chamber of Commerce. “When people talk about buy-local ac- Wednesday, March 20 ness Connections on March 20 at the Prairie He notes that these figures only focus on tivities, they often only think in terms of retail 9 – 11 a.m.: Speed Networking Capital Convention Center in Springfield. the business-to-business sphere and do not and service sales,” Swenson said. “What I try 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.: VIP Client The Greater Springfield Chamber of consider the potential impacts of a business- to help people understand is a much more Commerce’s annual trade show will intro- to-consumer buy-local initiative. vibrant and valuable component of sales Lunch: Source Sangamon Challenge duce the Source Sangamon Challenge, an Source Sangamon evolved from a study leakage has to do with business-to-business 1 p.m.: Ribbon Cutting initiative created by the Chamber’s Quantum performed by Market Street Services, an losses – not just businesses buying desks 1 – 7 p.m.: Show Floor Open Growth Partnership (Q5) to encourage local Atlanta, Ga.-based community, economic from local distributors but also services, accounting, architecture.” 2 – 3 p.m.: Local Buying Programs Swenson’s analysis found that 5 – 7 p.m.: Business After Hours Sangamon industries are import- 7 p.m.: Floor Closes & Exhibitor Teardown ing about 60 percent of their required production inputs, which represents $3.6 billion. Booth space is still available! To register or “That $3.6 (billion) can be for more information, call The Chamber at broken down into those types of commodities that are already (217)525-1173. produced here regionally. We’re calling these disconnects,” Par- rish said. “If businesses are purchasing goods or services from 2013 BUSINESS outside the area when they could be buying it here already, per- CONNECTIONS haps they just don’t know of this other supplier. There’s just some SPONSORS sort of disconnect going on.” Such disconnects that exist Presenting Sponsor: in Sangamon County include real estate and related services, insurance agencies and broker- ages, securities and investments, County Market management and consulting services and wholesale distribu- Gold Sponsors: tion services. At Business Connections, The Express Employment Chamber will try to bring busi- 2012 Business Connections nesses and suppliers together to Professionals decrease the amount of discon- businesses to purchase more of the goods and workforce development consulting firm nects that are happening in the Springfield Springfield Mass and services they rely on within Sangamon hired by The Chamber and Q5 Partnership area. County. to analyze the region’s state and help cre- “We’ll try to kind of play like a dating ser- Transit District David Earhart, director of marketing and ate a new economic development strategy, vice - I looked at my books, here’s what I’m membership for The Chamber, said Business Earhart said. buying outside the area. Who here can sell Connections is a great platform for launch- “They recommended this type of busi- that to me? So, we’ll try to play that match- GFI Digital ing the Source Sangamon Challenge. ness-to-business buy-local initiative, so we making role,” Parrish said. “Over the years, this has been our pre- scanned what other communities did, what Swenson will present his study during Bronze Sponsor: mier event for business-to-business market- elements were involved in their initiatives Business Connections’ VIP Client Lunch, an ing and networking, so it’s a perfect fit,” Ear- and then we commissioned an analysis that invitation-only luncheon for exhibitors and Illinois College hart said. would measure the potential economic im- their clients. During the event, Parrish will About 100 businesses are expected to pact of a similar program here in Spring- also present a brief workshop on how to Print Sponsor: participate and showcase their products and field,” Parrish said. use the RFP Center on the Chamber’s web- Color World of Printing services, share ideas, develop new relation- David Swenson, an economist at Iowa site to exchange products and services. The ships and increase exposure. Businesses will State University, conducted this economic RFP Center is found at http://www.gscc.org/ also have an opportunity to learn about, sign impact analysis for the Springfield area. membership/Member_RFP_Center.aspx. Media Sponsors: up and commit to the Source Sangamon He used an economic impact model for “Also, we have the list of top imports for State Journal-Register Challenge, which asks participants to iden- Sangamon County to examine the goods the area. We will be mapping those goods tify and switch to a local supplier for at least and services imported by local businesses and services that are being imported to the FOX 55/27 Illinois one item they regularly buy from sources and compared those to the industries that categories on our membership directory,” WICS News Channel 20 outside of the county. are available locally. Swenson then used this Parrish said. “If our businesses shifted 5 percent of the data to identify sales “leakage.” Participating businesses will be asked to Neuhoff Media things they’re purchasing out of the area to “Leakage is any time you buy something from outside of your region that perfectly those suppliers and service providers here Business Connections Preview, Mid-West Family Broadcasting well could have been purchased from an in- in Sangamon County, it would amount to Continued on Page 34 Springfield Business Journal • March 2013 • 31 32 • March 2013 • Springfield Business Journal business connections preview 2013 • Springfield Business Journal • March 2013 • 33 • business connections preview 2013 The following is a listing of exhibitors participating in 2013 Business Connections as available on Monday, Feb. 25th exhibitors (prior to publication). Booths are still available. For more information, contact Julie Donohue at (217) 525-1173. # of # of booths Company Name booths Company Name

1 Advanced Dental Care of Springfield 1 ITT Technical Institute 1 Affordable Shred 1 Johnson Development Company 1 Allied Waste Services of Sangamon County 1 Knight’s Action Park & Caribbean Water Adventure 1 American Cancer Society 2 Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries, Inc. 1 Amtrak 1 Laser Innovations 1 Benedictine University at Springfield 1 Lincoln Land Community College 2 Best Expo 1 MCL Restaurant & Bakery 1 CDS Office Technology 1 Micropower 1 CEFCU 4 Mid-West Family Broadcasting 1 Celebrations Catering by County Market 1 Midwest Records 1 Central Illinois Community Blood Center 1 Morris Graduate School of Management 1 Central Illinois Event Catering 1 NAI True - Commercial Real Estate Services, Worldwide 1 Central Illinois Security 4 Neuhoff Media Springfield 1 Chiropractors of Springfield 1 Orkin Pest Control 1 Cintas 1 Physicians Choice Wellness 1 City, Water, Light & Power 1 Prairie Dental Group 1 Color World of Printing 1 Prospectors 1 Comcast Business Class 1 Prudential 1 Commercial Telephone System 1 Qdoba 4 County Market 1 ServiceMaster By Evans 1 Delta Dental of Illinois 1 SPARC 4 Express Employment Professionals 1 Spinner Plastics 1 FitClub 1 Springfield Airport Authority 2 Fox 55 1 Springfield Area Home Builders 4 GFI Digital 1 Springfield Health Check 1 Gone for Good 1 Springfield Jr. Blues 1 Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce 5 Springfield Mass Transit District 2 Harold O’Shea Builders 2 State Journal Register 2 Heart Technologies 1 style911 1 Illini Supply, Inc. 1 Terry Farmer Photography 1 Illinois College 1 Thirdwave Data/Com, Inc. 1 Illinois Lottery 1 Westside Pain Clinic 1 Illinois WorkNet 2 WICS 34 • March 2013 • Springfield Business Journal business connections preview 2013 • Continued from Page 30 , my. Business Connections Preview Business Connections marks silver anniversary The Greater Des Moines Partnership reports that the “Buy into the Circle” campaign report back to the Chamber after they Sponsors of this year’s Business Connections say the 25th annual trade show will has brought nearly $90 million back to the have identified and switched to a service or provide valuable opportunities to build and renew lasting business relationships. local economy, according to the campaign’s material provider. “It’s certainly a branding opportunity and more importantly, it’s an opportunity to website, www.buyintothecircle.com. Kayla Edwards, director of client services meet new business contacts in more of an informal, fun environment and also reac- Swenson said his research does not pro- at Express Employment Professionals, a gold quaint with past contacts, “ Kayla Edwards, director of client services at Express Employ- vide a baseline for measuring the success of sponsor of this year’s Business Connections, ment Professionals, said. such efforts but instead shows the potential said she looks forward to Source Sanga- Express Employment Professionals, a longtime exhibitor, is a gold sponsor. gains. mon’s introduction. “We do want to support Sangamon County, and The Chamber of Commerce is giv- Parrish said it’s too soon to say if Source “Anything we can do as a community to ing us the opportunity to be a good corporate citizen,” Edwards said of the event. Sangamon will develop into a long-term come together and promote the economic The community partnership component of Business Connections is what prompted economic development strategy for the growth of Springfield and Sangamon County County Market to sign on for the first time as this year’s presenting sponsor. Springfield area. The Chamber will monitor is a good activity,” Edwards said. “It’s good “Springfield is a great town for us to do business in. This is a way for us to get its progress and go from there, he said. to remind businesses that many products to know some of our customers,” said Gerry Kettler, director of consumer affairs for Swenson said the success of Source and services bought outside of Sangamon County Market’s parent company, Niemann Foods, Inc. “We’re an associate-owned Sangamon, like the Omaha and Des Moines County can be purchased here without sac- company, so it’s a good fit for us.” campaigns, will depend on the amount of rificing quality.” This year’s event on March 20 at the Prairie Capital Convention Center will once engagement from business leaders. The Springfield chamber’s new Source again kick off with the popular Speed Networking program at 9 a.m. Exhibitors are “This is an opportunity for business lead- Sangamon Challenge joins other business- divided among tables of ten and each person at the table has an opportunity to make ership. This doesn’t work unless businesses to-business buy-local initiatives taking shape a two-minute presentation, Julie Donohue, event manager for The Greater Springfield develop the procedures and practices for across the country. Chamber of Commerce, said. sharing information and motivating people Before deciding to unveil the challenge at Once everyone at the table has presented their business, product or service, they get to consider a local purchase, even if it’s this year’s Business Connections, The Cham- up and move tables. more marginally expensive, because it’s ber looked at other communities that intro- “It’s a great opportunity to get in front of a lot of people in a short amount of part of enriching the community’s economic duced similar programs time and exchange contact information,” said David Earhart, director of marketing and infrastructure,” he said. “You have to have In 2009, the Greater Omaha Chamber membership for The Chamber. your business leadership carry this down the in Omaha, Neb. introduced a “Say Yes, Buy Another popular event, the VIP Client Lunch, is returning. This complimentary, invita- road.” O!” campaign. tion-only luncheon is for exhibitors and their contacts from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. The Greater Des Moines Partnership then “The VIP Lunch gives us a chance to reacquaint with past clients but also include followed suit with its “Buy into the Circle” ef- current clients. It’s a nice opportunity to nurture our relationships with them,” Edwards fort, said Swenson. Swenson analyzed the said. economic impact of a buy-local campaign After a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 12:50 p.m., the event’s show floor will be open targeted at business expenditures for both to the general public from 1 to 7 p.m. Des Moines and later the Springfield area. Edwards said the ability to promote services and programs to a diverse audience is “Buy into the Circle” evolved after Des a big plus for local businesses. Express Employment Professionals, for example, will use Moines businesses expressed concern about the event to promote its Refresh Leadership Live 2013 event on April 17. losing business to companies outside of the “There’s a good array of businesses represented,” Edwards said. “It’s a great way region, Swenson said. Like Source Sanga- to spread your message.” Amanda Reavy Simhauser is a freelance mon, “Buy into the Circle” asks local busi- The event will conclude with a Business After Hours event from 5 to 7 p.m. writer from Springfield. She can be reached nesses to shift 5 percent of their purchases By Amanda Reavy Simhauser, Correspondent at [email protected] made outside the area to the local econo- Springfield Business Journal • March 2013 • 35

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We believe in inspired care. 36 • March 2013 • Springfield Business Journal business reading • Crucial conversations lead to crucial changes very organization has its “issues.” ability to make their voices heard – with- exaggerating in order to make a point. All Maybe the boss is breaking his own Book Review out offending or upsetting. As a result, of these things undermine the benefits of Epolicies, a co-worker’s performance Tom Fitch they go far in their careers. dialogue. is below standard or someone isn’t keep- Dialogue is our most powerful – and So to be good at crucial conversations, ing commitments. a fight.” Our body conspires against us at misunderstood – tool in business. A com- you need to have good dialogue skills. Whatever the issues the worst possible moment. mon misconception people have about The authors talk about specific strategies are, sometimes they The other challenge is that crucial con- crucial conversations is that they have and skills that you can use to become bet- go unresolved or last versations are often spontaneous and in only two choices: tell the truth or keep ter at dialogue. This is how people can longer than they the heat of the moment. It’s hard to think a friend. But this is a fallacy. By having stay focused on their goals and not get should because of on your feet in situations like this. And a crucial conversation the right way, you caught up in a negative spiral in a crucial someone’s fear of hav- even if you have mentally rehearsed, the don’t have to choose; you can be honest conversation. ing a crucial conver- conversation probably won’t go as you and maintain a positive relationship with Start with the heart and work on your- sation that will bring plan because of the emotions involved. that person. self first, then others. Learn to recognize about the needed change. But what if you could master these So what does “good” dialogue look your own behavior and reactions during A crucial conversation happens be- moments? What if you had a model to like? The authors use an analogy of a dialogue. Get those under control first. tween two or more people when opin- emulate (instead of the many “what not “pool” with everyone feeling safe to put Focus on what you really want. When ions vary, stakes are high and emotions do” examples set by family, friends and their thoughts and ideas into the “pool.” you start moving toward silence or vio- run strong. In that type of setting, people coworkers)? What if you could say any- When dialogue is going well, everyone lence, stop and reflect on your motiva- could disagree, hurt each other’s feelings thing to anyone in such a way that the feels safe enough to put their ideas and tion. Think about what you really want and someone might leave or quit. other person felt respected and even mo- perspectives into the pool. Once that is to happen as an end result of this con- But as difficult as crucial conversations tivated to change their behavior? Every- done, you satisfy a basic human need versation and the relationship you want are, nothing changes without them. one wins – your organization wins and that people want to have their opinion to have with this person. Are you behav- “Crucial Conversations – Tools for the other person wins. heard, respected and valued. If you do ing in a way to support what you really Talking When Stakes are High” is a guide- Many leaders get this wrong. They that, people are more likely to support want? book for leaders who need to have cru- think leadership is all about organiza- the best outcome, regardless of whether Learn to look. Introduce “looking cial conversations in order to bring about tional charts, utilization rates, policies it was their thought to begin with or not. skills” to recognize what is happening needed solutions in their organization. and processes. But the authors’ research Good dialogue is the means by which during a crucial conversation. Silence It was written by Kerry Patterson, Joseph begs to differ. They have found through people are able to deposit ideas into the could indicate that people are masking Grenny, Ron McMillan and Al Switzler – their research that organizations that pool. things, avoiding confrontation or with- the founders of VitalSmart, a corporate continually pursue new non-human per- It’s also helpful to understand what drawing from the situation. Silence indi- training and organization performance formance goals fail more often than they “bad” dialogue looks like too. The au- cates that people are masking the truth, company that works with Fortune 500 succeed. They link this directly to their thors list the common behaviors of “si- avoiding confrontation or withdrawing companies. ability to connect with people on a hu- lence” and “violence” that occur dur- from the situation. The book indicates that when it comes man level and have crucial conversations ing dialogue. We’re all too familiar with Make it safe. Often when discussions to having crucial conversations, our DNA when needed. these both in our professional lives and start to go bad, it is really someone’s way works against us. Our adrenalin levels The authors’ research also shows the personal lives as well. Examples of these of saying they don’t feel safe in the con- spike, robbing the reasoning section of connection between high performers and behaviors include things such as using versation any longer. Remembering that, the brain. So, when we need our ratio- their ability to have crucial conversations. sarcasm or snide remarks to express frus- nal thinking lobes the most, our body They can stand up to their bosses without tration; avoiding situations where a cru- Continued on Page 38, says, “Not so fast – I’m getting ready for committing career suicide. They have the cial conversation might be necessary; or Book Review Springfield Business Journal • March 2013 • 37 • philanthropy Green Toyota/Scion donating car to high school student reen Toyota/Scion is giving away The Girl Scout leadership experience encourage girls to explore a variety of re- a free 2012 Scion IQ Smart Car to Giving Back engages girls in discovering self, con- lated topics, empower them with the abil- Ga District 186 High School student Jean Jones necting with others, and taking action ity to choose the directions they will take at the end of the school year. to make the world a better place. All Girl to accomplish a goal, and then support To enter the contest, students can visit taking orders, waiting weeks, and then Scout experiences are designed to tie in them as they put their ideas into action. Green Toyota/Scion at 3901 West Wabash returning for the delivery and money col- one or more of the 15 outcomes of the The experience often illuminates a girl’s with an adult. The staff at Green Toyota/ lection. A direct sale program condenses Girl Scout leadership experience. The Girl personal skills and interests and gives Scion will convert student grades into all that work into one simple step. Scout leadership experience encourages them the confidence to make an impact free raffle tickets. Bonus tickets are avail- The Girl Scout cookie program has girls to take increasing responsibility for with their words and actions. able for perfect attendance and behavior. grown into a leading business and eco- designing and implementing their own To learn more, visit driveyouriq.com. nomic literacy program that is run by activities, which results in extensive op- Jean Jones is a freelance writer Kidzeum invites you to join them on and for girls. The Girl Scout cookie pro- portunities for them to see how their ac- from Springfield. Saturday, March 23rd at the Inn at 835 in gram provides leadership by helping girls tions can impact the lives of others. If your organization has an item that Springfield for an evening of drinks, hors develop five key skills including goal set- Age-appropriate activities in Girl you would like Jean to include, email d’oeuvres and dueling pianos with Rob- ting, decision making, money manage- Scouting introduce girls to new concepts. information and details to her at ert and Sara. The doors open at 7:30 p.m. ment, people skills and business ethics. Through these activities, caring adults [email protected] and the show starts at 8:00 p.m. Robert and Sara have been dueling together for four years, and have played high-class clubs, fundraisers, and dive bars all over the Midwest. They bring a dynamic, fresh perspective to the traditional idea of dueling pianos, with a rep- ertoire ranging from The Temptations to Real furniture for Queen to Lady Gaga. In addition to three hours of music and laughter, the $35 ticket includes two drink tickets and hors ‘d oeuvres. Sponsors your virtual office. for the event include Diamond Residen- tial Mortgage, Gates, Wise & Schlosser, Inn at 835 and Café Moxo. Visit kidzeum. org for more information. The community is invited to join Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery every 2nd, 3rd and 5th Friday of the month at Caritas Hall on 9th and Converse in Springfield to play bingo. Every pull-tab card you purchase will benefit Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery. Play begins around 6:00 p.m. The mission of Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery is to prevent child abuse and ne- glect by providing emergency, temporary care, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for children who may be at risk or whose parents are experiencing some type of crisis. The 2013 Fight for Air Climb was held in February at the Springfield Hilton to raise funds for the American Lunch As- sociation in Illinois. Fight for Air Climbs are fundraising events for the American Lung Association. Teams and individual participants can use the event as a fitness target, a race, or as a way to be active and meet new friends. Participation raises the funds necessary to provide life saving education, research and advocacy so we can beat lung disease and soon find a cure. Sponsors for the Fight for Air Climb included CEFCU, Hilton Springfield, Health Alliance, Personal Mobility, Bunn, Enter- prise, Kohls, St. John’s Hospital, Memorial Home Services, Newton Manufacturing, Springfield Ski Club, FitClub, Neuhoff Herman Miller Modern Communications, News Channel 20, Em- erson Press and Fitness for All. Classics exclusively here! Contact Ministries hosted the Grease Prom in February to raise funds to support the organization. Sponsors included The trend of home-based virtual offices is Dr. Eric and Vickie Lohse, Dr. Eric and growing, but you still want furniture and Terri Woolbright, Zara’s Collision Center, Isringhausen, Corporate and Endowment design that are affordable, professional, and Solutions and UTG. Contact Ministries is attractive. Whether your space is small or large, a faith-based, human and social service Wiley Office has tremendous product selection organization with a deliberate mission to and on-staff, certified designers to offer real provide free on-site program services and community resources to poverty level functionality, space utilization, and aesthetics. families and individuals to increase their economic self-sufficiency and reduce Visit our showroom or online store to see our their dependency on public assistance. new and nearly new products. Plus, reupholstery Girl Scout cookies are now available for purchase in central Illinois. The Girl and repair services of Wiley Office keep existing Scouts are using a direct sale format to 301 East Laurel Street furniture looking fresh and professional. sell cookies for the 2013 cookie program. Springfield, IL 62703 Girls have packages of cookies in hand to [email protected] sell door-to-door to family, friends, and 544.2766301 East Laurel • wileyoffice.com Street • Springfield, IL 62703 • [email protected]’s work •to 544.2766 be • done.wileyoffice.com neighbors. Girl Scouts exchange cookies and payment in one easy step. No more 38 • March 2013 • Springfield Business Journal legal filings • new businesses • sociation, Plaintiff, Vs. Robert K. Ewa, Plaintiff, Vs. Douglas B. Tinch, Western The following information was obtained New Businesses, Grace B. Ewa, Sanogo Mahoua, US Bank Aire Condominium Association, Un- from the Sangamon County Circuit Clerk, Continued from Page 5 National Association, Unknown Owners known Owners and Non Record Claim- and has not otherwise been verified by and Non Record Claimants, Defendants, ants, Defendants, Foreclosure. 414-1808. Springfield Business Journal. Foreclosure. • 02/04/13 - US Bank National Associa- • Game Changer Soft Plastics, 2332 This list of recent filings does not repre- • 01/28/13 - Wells Fargo Bank, Plain- tion, Plaintiff, Vs. Bryan B. Friedrich, Un- Queensway, Springfield, 62703, Tom sent all matters filed with the Seventh Judi- tiff, Vs. Jeffrey D. Kirkendoll, Erica R. known Owners and Non Record Claim- Draper, (217) 220-3606. cial Circuit Court for Sangamon County for Kirkendoll, Defendants, Foreclosure. ants, Defendants, Foreclosure. • Garage Experts of Central Illinois, the given time period, but instead represents • 01/29/13 - Bank of America National • 02/05/13 - Deutsche Bank National 3419 Chatham Road, Springfield, 62704, those filings Springfield Business Journal, in- Association, Plaintiff, Vs. Joni Sprouse, Trust, Plaintiff, Vs. Frank Shelton, Rose Michael J. Brahler, (217) 836-6907. dependently of the Sangamon County Cir- Defendant, Foreclosure. Shelton, Defendants, Foreclosure. • Grasshopper Drywall & Painting, cuit Clerk, believes will be of interest to its • 01/29/13 - JP Morgan Chase Bank, • 02/05/13 - People of the State of Il- 215 Ninth St., Pawnee, 62558, Wade Grie- business readers. Plaintiff, Vs. Fiore S. Belmonte, Christine linois, Plaintiff, Vs. Autocenters Nissan shaber, (205) 215-6610. Lawsuits Belmonte, Defendants, Foreclosure. Inc., Defendant, Injunction. • Heather Howard Photography, 2403 • 01/18/13 - Steve Szamocki, Kathy • 01/29/13 - JP Morgan Chase Bank, • 02/05/13 - People of the State of Illi- Sussex Road, Springfield, 62703, Heather Szamocki, Plaintiffs, Vs. Preston Morgan, Plaintiff, Vs. Homer Hanshaw, Glenda nois, Plaintiff, Vs. George Weber Chevro- Howard, (217) 303-4816. Anita Morgan, Defendants, Contract. Hanshaw, CitiBank, Unknown Owners let Company, Weber Granite City Chev- • Jamaican Taste, 901 E. Cook, Spring- • 01/24/13 - Eviromental Management and Non Record Claimants, Defendants, rolet, George Weber Chevrolet Waterloo, field, 62703, Vanburn James, (217) 523- Inc., Plaintiff, Vs. David Litt, Defendant, Foreclosure. Defendants, Injunction. 0568. Contract. • 01/29/13 - United Community Bank, • 02/05/13 - US Bank National Associa- • JP Gallery, 2300 Halifax, Chatham, • 02/05/13 - PNC Bank, Plaintiff, Vs. Plaintiff, Vs. Robert P. Meredith, Deborah tion, Plaintiff, Vs. Jose Castaneda, Rebec- 62629, Juliann M. Pennell-Heminghous, Bellatti Barton & Cochran LLC, Michael S. Meredith, City of Springfield, Defen- ca Castaneda, Defendants, Foreclosure. (217) 725-5070. G. Barton, Defendants, Contract. dants, Foreclosure. • 02/06/13 - Bank of America, Plain- • Judah Web Solutions, 2009 Stock- • 01/30/13 - US Bank, Plaintiff, Vs. tiff, Vs. Bruce A. Clifton, Bank of America, ton, Springfield, 62703, Don Hunt, (217) Chancery Jesse Slupianek, Mortgage Electronic Reg- Defendants, Foreclosure. 585-1533. • 01/18/13 - PNC Bank National As- istration, Unknown Owners and Non Re- • 02/07/13 - Bank of America, Plain- • J.W. Motorsports, 1967 Stonehenge sociates, Plaintiff, Vs. Maryellen Nifong, cord Claimants, Defendants, Foreclosure. tiff, Vs. Robert Douglas, Unknown Heirs Road, Springfield, 62702, John M. Hen- Village Green Condominium Association, • 01/31/13 - Federal National Mort- and Legatees, Unknown Owners and Non ton, Jr., (217) 816-6044. Defendants, Foreclosure. gage, Plaintiff, Vs. Rick Schroeder, Leslie Record Claimants, Defendants, Foreclo- • Kings of Blood Money Records, 1616 • 01/22/13 - Bank of Springfield, Plain- Weller, Unknown Owners and Non Re- sure. S. Seventh St., Apt. D, Springfield, 62703, tiff, Vs. Lisa Bartulis, Springleaf Financial cord Claimants, Unknown Owners and • 02/07/13 - Bank of America, Plaintiff, Corey L. Hoskins, (217) 481-0658. Services, Defendants, Foreclosure. Occupants, Defendants, Foreclosure. Vs. Wesley G. Huston, June E. Houston, • Landmark Land & Lawn Co., 111 • 01/22/13 - HSBC Bank, Plaintiff, Vs. • 01/31/13 - Illini Bank, Plaintiff, Vs. Unknown Heirs and Legatees, Unknown Pinecrest Drive, Williamsville, 62693, Ja- Jeffrey Trumbo, Defendant, Foreclosure. Sylvia L. Dickerson, Illini Bank, Ricky Owners and Non Record Claimants, De- cob A. Witts, (217) 741-1520. • 01/23/13 - US Bank National Asso- Dickerson, Unknown Owners and Non fendants, Foreclosure. • Layrow Records, 916 E. Reservoir, ciation, Plaintiff, Vs. Robert D. Montgom- Record Claimants, Unknown Owners and • 02/07/13 - Flagstar Bank FSB, Plain- Springfield, 62702, Larry E. Ross, (217) ery, Unknown Owners and Non Record Occupants, Defendants, Foreclosure. tiff, Vs. Noble A. Woolard, Andrea J. Wool- 381-2516. Claimants, Defendants, Foreclosure. • 01/31/13 - JP Morgan Chase Bank, ard, Unknown Heirs and Legatees, Timer- • Max-Tax, 1044 N. Grand Ave. West, • 01/24/13 - Green Tree Servicing LLC, Plaintiff, Vs. Patrick Klemaier, Sara Kle- brooke Estates Homeowners Association, Springfield, 62702, Alan D. McCallister, Plaintiff, Vs. Donna A. Murray, Personal maier, Unknown Owners and Non Record Illinois Housing Development Author- (217) 549-2228. Finance Company LLC, Unknown Own- Claimants, Defendants, Foreclosure. ity, Unknown Owners and Non Record • Military Reconnections, 2729 Queen- ers and Non Record Claimants, Defen- • 01/31/13 - Nationstar Mortgage Claimants, Defendants, Foreclosure. sway Road, Springfield, 62703, Christine dants, Foreclosure. LLC, Plaintiff, Vs. James Wright, Jennifer • 02/07/13 - JPMC Specialty Mortgage Ewing, Michael Ewing, (217) 529-0383. • 01/24/13 - HSBC Bank USA, Plaintiff, Wright, State of Illinois, Unknown Own- LLC, Plaintiff, Vs. Charles Eagan, Angela • MVP Multimedia, 3116 Sequoia Vs. Lisa M. Melton, Jeffrey L. Melton, Un- ers and Non Record Claimants, Defen- J. Eagan, Springleaf Financial Services, Drive, Springfield, 62712, Daniel D. Lo- known Owners and Non Record Claim- dants, Foreclosure. American General Financial Services, Un- hmar, (217) 553-1602. ants, Defendants, Foreclosure. • 01/31/13 - RBS Citizens NA, Plaintiff, known Owners and Non Record Claim- • Peking Chinese Buffet, 720 E. Jack- • 01/24/13 - Jacksonville Savings Bank, Vs. Estate of Edward F. Streit, Jr., Spring- ants, Defendants, Foreclosure. son St., Auburn, 62615, Jing Lai You, Plaintiff, Vs. Richard H. Freitag, Thomas field Properties, LTD, Jacqueline A. Streit, • 02/07/13 - JP Morgan Chase Bank, (217) 438-5533. Streder, Defendants, Foreclosure. Benchmark Bank, Olde Towne Associ- Vs. Michelle L. Stratton, Defendant, Fore- • Prairie Agriculture, 22 Hyde Park, • 01/24/13 - United Community Bank, ates, Unknown Owners and Non Record closure. Springfield, 62703, Vaughn W. Henry, Plaintiff, Vs. Jennifer M. McAnarney, Tar- Claimants, Unknown Heirs and Legatees, • 02/07/13 - State Bank of Lincoln, (217) 529-1958. get National Bank, Defendants, Foreclo- Defendants, Foreclosure. Plaintiff, Vs. Van E. Valkenburg, Defen- • Randy Squires Photography, 1536 sure. • 02/01/13 - Deutsche Bank Trust dant, Foreclosure. W. Jackson St., Springfield, 62704, Randy • 01/25/13 - PHH Mortgage Corpora- Company, Leda White, Mary J. White, • 02/08/13 - Marine Bank, Plaintiff, Vs. Squires, (217) 546-2341. tion, Plaintiff, Vs. Michael P. Landgrebe, Citizens Equity First Credit Union, Un- John R. Vaugh, Illini Bank, Defendants, • Sharkin Claim Services, 42 Wisteria, Danielle L. Landgrebe, Unknown Owners known Owners and Non Record Claim- Foreclosure. Springfield, 62711, David Harkin, Sylvia and Non Record Claimants, Unknown ants, Foreclosure. • 02/11/13 - Wells Fargo Bank, Plain- Harkin, (602) 989-7180. Occupants and Owners, Defendants, • 02/01/13 - US Bank National Asso- tiff, Vs. Christina Lowe, Unknown Own- • The Great Legacy of Frank Ryan, Foreclosure. ciation, Plaintiff, Vs. Michelle L. Hagele, ers and Non Record Claimants, Defen- 1013 N. Park, Springfield, 62702, Ryne T. • 01/28/13 - Flagstar Bank, Vs. Doris Brian J. Hagele, Twin Lakes Homeowners dants, Foreclosure. Goodrich, (217) 691-4695. J. Milslagle, Capital One Bank, Unknown Association, Unknown Owners and Non • 02/11/13 - Quickens Loans Inc., • Tower Loan of Springfield, LLC, 1540 Owners and Non Record Claimants, De- Record Claimants, Defendants, Foreclo- Brandon Roberts, Amy Sayre-Roberts, Un- W. Jefferson St., Springfield, 62707, Tower fendants, Foreclosure. sure. known Owners and Non Record Claim- of Illinois, LLC, (601) 992-0153. • 01/28/13 - US Bank National As- • 02/04/13 - JP Morgan Chase Bank, ants, Defendants, Foreclosure. • Trea’s Trading Post, 13973 Greeley • 02/11/13 - Ruby Electric Inc., Plain- St., Petersburg, 62675, Marguerite Mor- tiff, Vs. Jamie Adaire, Defendant, Me- gan, (217) 414-5682. chanics Lien. • West on Sunset, 100 E. Lincoln St., • 02/13/13 - Flagstar Bank, Plaintiff, Riverton, 62561, Bill Shaw, (217) 801- WE CARE ABOUT OUR Vs. Judy A. Miller, Thomas F. Miller, Un- 8293. known Owners and Non Record Claim- • Wheeler Steamer Carpet Cleaner, e-mail ants, Defendants, Foreclosure. 2834 S. Walnut, Springfield, 62704, John COMMUNITY [email protected] • 02/13/13 - United Community Bank, Wheeler, (217) 662-4153. Plaintiff, Vs. Dave Grady, Holly Grady, Il- • Wicked Customs, 14063 Moomey photos: Send photos to How to send news and linois National Bank, Defendants, Fore- Road, Mechanicsburg, 62545, Jodi Snow, [email protected] closure. Scott Snow, (217) 622-3718. information about your format: JPEG Resolution: 300 dpi preferred local company or organization Book Review, result? If these conversations would bring Continued from Page 36 to The Business Journal... facimile about much-needed change in your orga- (217) 726-8300 skilled dialoguers keep focused on what nization, then it’s time to speak up. But they really want, they recognize their true first, read “Crucial Conversations – Tools mail goal is at risk and work to restore safety for Talking When Stakes are High” to P.O. Box 9798 Springfield IL 62791 – so that the crucial conversations can guide you in your conversation. continue. hand Think about your own organization 1118 W. Laurel and how it could benefit from talking Tom Fitch is an avid book reader and Springfield, IL 62704 about those things that no one wants to talk about. How could things change as a business professional from Springfield Springfield Business Journal • March 2013 • 39 • legal Purchase a home at foreclosure – buyer beware f you have ever perused the legal notices section of the classifieds, perhaps Law you have come across foreclosure no- I Thomas C. Pavlik, Jr. tices. Although not the most interesting reading, these notices foreclosure, it’s probably a safe assump- may contain hidden tion that the property taxes have been gems for those inter- sold. A foreclosure won’t wipe those tax- ested in purchasing es out. The title commitment will show residential (or even what taxes have, or have not, been paid commercial) real es- and whether they have been sold. You tate. However, before can also use this information to help cal- you decide to get in on culate your bid. the action, it’s best to Keep in mind that foreclosure sales are do your homework. also done on “as is/where is terms.” Gen- For those who don’t already know, a erally speaking, it’s not possible to view foreclosure is the usual end result when the interior of the property. A simple vi- a property owner doesn’t pay on a debt sual street inspection, however, may give secured by a mortgage. The party hold- you some indication as to the property’s ing the mortgage files a lawsuit asking condition. In most instances it’s safe to as- the court to order that the property be sume that the inside is in the same condi- sold, with the proceeds used to pay off tion as the outside. Talk to neighbors and the debt. The process generally ends with ask what they know about the property. an auction that is held at the courthouse. Call the city to check on dwelling code Legal notices contained in the newspaper violations, or a lack thereof, which may advertise these sales. provide you with some additional assur- However, the simple truth is that ances or sufficient information to scare these auctions are poorly attended – usu- you off. In short, do whatever you can, ally only by the bank. As a result, the short of trespassing, to gather as much bank typically ends up buying back the information about the physical condition property at auction. But most banks have of the property as possible. Finally, make no interest in actually taking title to the sure your budget includes some amount mortgaged property. Rather than hav- to fix whatever problems you do find if ing to market and maintain the prop- you are the successful purchaser at auc- erty that is taken back at auction, most tion. banks would rather have cash and might Having done what you can to verify even be willing to take less than the full the property’s condition and the status of GTC SBJ-red 2-13_Layout 1 2/25/13 9:07 AM Page 1 amount needed to satisfy the debt. This is the title, it’s time to calculate what to bid. how the savvy buyer can find some good The complaint, located in the court file, deals. contains information on what money is The first step, then, is simple – read owed to the mortgage holder and any the legal notices and see if any properties other claimants. Use this information as are in areas that interest you. The notices your starting point. Call the attorney for must contain the address of the property the bank/mortgage holder (or more real- at issue as well as a contact person to call istically find him or her just before the for further information. It’s also a good auction) and see if you can negotiate an idea to review the court file and to call amount that the bank will agree not to the attorneys for the plaintiff and defen- bid against. Also, consult the legal notice dant. The court file is open to the public to find out how much of the successful for inspection - - just ask the clerk. The bid must be paid at the auction. There’s attorneys for the respective properties no hard and fast rule, so don’t lose a good may also provide you with helpful infor- deal simply because you didn’t bring mation. enough money. Also, talk to your own Now that you have found a property bank about getting pre-approval of fi- that you want to buy, what next? Your nancing if you aren’t paying cash. first concern should be whether you can Assuming you are the successful bid- obtain clear title at the auction. It’s possi- der, the sale needs to be confirmed by ble that the lawyer for the plaintiff failed the court before you actually receive title. to properly include all parties with claims Usually the bank’s attorney will file the on the property. In that event, you would appropriate paperwork. However, you end up purchasing property that still had will need to make sure your right to pos- a lien or claim that you would be subject session is appropriately addressed - es- without going in the red. to. The general rule is “caveat emptor” – pecially if the property is still occupied. there are no warranties of title provided These issues can be tricky, and it’s best to at the auction. consult with your own attorney. The best way to protect yourself re- Even if you aren’t the successful bid- garding title is to obtain an independent der at foreclosure, it’s still possible to buy review. Contact a title company and ask the house as “REO” (“real estate owned”) for a title commitment. These reports from the bank after the auction if it ends (exclusive of title insurance) generally up buying the house. If you are at all un- cost around $125 and can be obtained certain about the process, this may be a from just about any title company with safer route as there’s usually a real estate enough advance notice. The report will agent involved. show all parties who have claims on the Buying a house at foreclosure is fraught property. Check that report against the with pitfalls for the inexperienced buyer. named defendants and make sure that all Do your homework, consult with your le- of the claims included in the report will gal adviser, and it’s possible that you may Enroll now for summer and fall 2013. be terminated through the foreclosure find some great deals. such that you will receive “clear” title. Open class registration begins April 24. And, in any event, a bank would require such a report before lending money to purchase a foreclosed property. www.llcc.edu The title commitment will also provide you with important information re- Thomas C. Pavlik, Jr. is an garding taxes. If a property has gone to attorney from Springfield 40 • March 2013 • Springfield Business Journal fast tracks • Burger named Employee of the affiliated with Jacksonville Pediatric Asso- This examination research will attempt to determine the ciates. Spangenberg is a retired Passavant was the first of its kind role of chemokine inflammatory media- Month nursing administrator. offered in the U.S. This tors and their receptors on lymphocytes in Passavant Area Hospital’s February 2013 Awe is the owner/general manager gives Watson a “Pioneer the brain inflammation that characterizes Employee of the Month is Sharon Burger. of Arends-Awe, Inc., an area John Deere Member” distinction, OMS. Results of this research could lead She is the specialty dealership. He earned a Bachelor of Science a status obtained by a to new disease and treatment biomarkers, service coordinator Sur- degree in engineering from the University select group of 100 phy- and the development of a more effective gery Department, and of Illinois. He is a member of the Jackson- sicians in the country. treatment for the disease. Pranzatelli, not has been a Passavant ville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Watson has been the funding company, designed and con- employee for 25 years. Watson Chapin Lion’s Club and has served on the with the Orthopedic trols the study. Burger’s responsi- Morgan County Fair board. Center of Illinois for five years. He spe- Pranzatelli’s research on pediatric bilities include assisting Staake is vice president/chief financial cializes in musculoskeletal disorders, myoclonus has received national fund- the surgeons during officer at the Farmers State Bank and Trust interventional spine, sports medicine, and ing for more than 20 years, which now surgery, bringing in new Company in Jacksonville. She earned an electrodiagnostic testing. He utilizes ultra- totals more than $4 million. He founded Burger equipment for trials and associate degree from sound for both diagnostic and therapeutic the National Pediatric Myoclonus Center, serving as the specialty service coordinator Lincoln Land Com- interventions for common orthopedic now based at SIU, which is the largest OMS for general, gynecological, and urology munity College and conditions. research center in the world, receiving na- services. a Bachelor of Science tional and international patients. He has The Employee of the Month at Passa- degree in accounting authored 161 publications in the medical vant receives a cash award, an Employee of SIU professor receives grant from the University and scientific literature. He joined the SIU the Month lapel pin, wall plaque, engraved Dr. Michael Pranzatelli, an interna- of Illinois-Springfield. faculty in 1999. writing instrument, coffee mug, meal cer- tionally recognized physician-scientist She currently serves tificates for use in the hospital cafeteria, at Southern Illinois University School of on the Passavant Aux- Medicine in Springfield has been awarded and a day off with pay. Staake CMT’s Whiston retires, Meckes iliary and Jacksonville a laboratory research grant from Questcor Country Club boards and is a member of named chairman and CEO Pharmaceuticals, Inc., to study pediatric Brian Whiston retired as chairman Passavant elects new board the Jacksonville Rotary Club and the Art opsoclonus-myclonus syndrome, a rare Association of Jacksonville. Staake is a past and CEO of Crawford, Murphy and Tilly members disease in children. The total budget of after the firm’s board of director meeting Doug Awe and Kelly Staake were elected president of the Prairieland United Way the grant is $205,081. scheduled in February. The Chicago native to the Passavant Area Hospital board of di- and Passavant Auxiliary. OMS renders a previously normal child joined the Springfield-based engineering rectors during a meeting Other Passavant Board members include unable to talk, sit, walk, or sleep, causing un- consulting firm in 1971, where he spent his of the hospital’s board Reginald Benton; Keith Bradbury; Ginny controllable shaking and eye movements. 41-year career. Current CMT president, Dan of governors. Fanning; Eric Giebelhausen, M.D.; Donald The disease is triggered by a neuroblastoma Meckes, was named Whiston’s successor. Awe and Staake re- Headen; Gilbert Joehl; Phyllis Lape, Ph.D.; tumor, the most common solid tumor in “It’s amazing when you look at how place retiring board Greg Lepper; Michael Molyneaux, M.D.; children. The immune system, in attacking CMT has grown over the past two decades, members Richard John- Gary Scott; Jan Terry and Thomas Veith. the tumor, injures the brain, which shares and so much of that growth can be attrib- son and Greg May who similar proteins. uted to Brian’s leadership,” said Meckes. served on the board Watson earns distinction Pranzatelli, SIU professor of neurology Whiston began his career working on for 12 and eight years, Dr. John O. Watson of the Orthopedic and director of the National Pediatric Myo- water and wastewater projects. In 1982 he Awe respectively. Current Center of Illinois became registered with clonus Center, is the principal investigator was named co-manager of CMT’s office in board members Steven Lillpop, M.D., and the American Registry for Diagnostic Medi- for the project, which will study spinal fluid Aurora, Ill. Whiston was selected as firm Nancy Spangenberg were re-elected to cal Sonography by passing the inaugural and blood samples of pediatric patients to four-year terms. Dr. Lillpop is a pediatrician musculoskeletal ultrasound examination. look at key inflammatory proteins. The Continued on Next Page

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Fridays 7 p.m. Fridays 6:30 p.m. Saturdays 6:30 a.m. Saturdays 1 p.m. Saturdays 11 a.m.-Noon Springfield Business Journal • March 2013 • 41 • fast tracks Continued from Previous Page technical and research committees for American College of various industry groups. Trust and Estate Coun- president in 2001, a position he held until Herrin is currently serving as instruc- sel. ACTEC is a national 2007, and was elected CEO in 2004. Under tor of the Airport Facility Design course organization of lawyers his leadership, the firm expanded its op- for the University of Illinois at Urbana- elected to membership erations by adding offices in Indianapolis, Champaign’s Department of Civil and by demonstrating integ- Ind., Edwardsville, Ill., Columbus, Ohio, Environmental Engineering. rity, commitment to the and Springfield, Mo. profession, competence Throughout his career, Whiston re- and experience as trust Svoboda joins Hanson Hamill ceived honors from industry organizations and estate counselors. for his individual accomplishments as well. Professional Services Inc. ACTEC studies and improves trust, estate He has served as chapter president for the Lauren Svoboda, engineer intern, re- and tax laws, procedures and professional Illinois Society of Professional Engineers, cently joined Hanson Professional Services responsibility. Its members work to teach the American Society of Civil Engineers, Inc.’s headquarters in those who aspire to enter the field. Hamill and the American Council of Engineering Springfield, Ill., serv- was also the 2012 recipient of the IICLE Companies. Whiston - who is a licensed ing in the firm’s power Course Volunteer of the Year Award. engineer/professional engineer in Illinois, and industry market. She will assist the struc- Missouri, Indiana and Wisconsin – was also CFLL promotes three awarded the ACEC-Illinois’ Distinguished tural team with design and analysis. Her first The Community Foundation for the Service Award in 1996 and the ISPE’s Pro- Land of Lincoln, a philanthropic resource fessional Engineering Management Award project involves an air- plane hangar at Fairfield for charities and donors in central Illinois, in 1997. Svoboda promoted John Stremsterfer to president Meckes will retain the responsibilities Municipal Airport in Fairfield, Ill. and CEO. of president, a position he has held since Also promoted were Stacy Reed to vice 2007. Meckes has be- Svoboda has bachelor’s degrees in architectural engineering and civil engineering president for programs and Sandee Horn come the fifth employee to office manager. to lead the firm since its from Missouri University of Science and inception in 1946. Technology. She is a member of the Ar- “Dan is highly re- chitectural Engineering Institute and the Gordon named director of spected throughout the American Society of Civil Engineers. HCFTA engineering industry, Gus Gordon has been promoted to and especially among Sikich promotes 12 Executive Director of the Hoogland Center our clients and staff. Sikich LLP promoted 12 employees in for the Arts, effective Feb. 1. Meckes With the leadership the firm’s Springfield office. Among the Gordon has been a supporter of HCFTA team that CMT has in place, the future promotions is Joe Alsup, CPA, who was since its inception. His production of looks very bright,” Whiston said. named a senior manager. He has more “Forever Plaid” was one of the first shows Meckes began his career at CMT in 1983 than 10 years of experience in public ac- presented on the main stage at the Center when his talents were focused on highway counting, and holds a bachelor’s degree in 2004. From 2004 until 2007, he produced and bridge projects in Illinois and Missouri. in financial accounting from Illinois State shows at the Center under the Gordon In 1996, he relocated to CMT’s St Louis University. Productions banner. He has worked for office to serve as co-manager and helped Six employees were promoted to man- HCFTA in a part-time capacity since 2007, grow that office. In 2004, the St. Louis ager, including Megan Cochran, CPA. She producing over 60 different special fund- Business Journal ranked CMT’s St. Louis has seven years of experience in govern- raising events. office as the fastest-growing consulting mental audits and reporting, and holds a Gordon became Hoogland’s Artistic engineering firm in the area. bachelor’s degree in accounting from Ken- Director last summer In recent years, Meckes has led CMT’s tucky Wesleyan University. Korey Davis, after retiring as chief strategic planning efforts and continuous CPA, has nearly seven years of experience meteorologist at ABC improvement initiative, while continuing in public accounting and holds a master’s NewsChannel 20. He to play a major role in public relations and degree in professional accountancy from continues to serve as client development. Continuing CMT’s Illinois State University. Greg Fiedler, CPA, Artistic Director in his tradition of keeping senior leadership in- has seven years of experience in public new position. volved with clients’ projects, he is actively accounting and holds a master’s degree “Since Gus has been serving as principal on “Park Over the in professional accountancy from Illinois with us full-time, he Highway,” a project that will enhance the State University. Gordon has helped create a connection between the Gateway Arch area Also promoted to manager is Lauren new adult education and downtown St. Louis. Groff, CPA, who has more than seven program as well as stewarding the two new Throughout his career, Meckes has years of experience working with the not- kids’ education groups: Hoogland Kids and remained active with many industry and for-profit industry and holds a bachelor’s Hoogland Teens under the direction of community organizations. He is currently degree in accounting from Southern Il- Matthew Vala. We are looking forward to serving as secretary treasurer for the Ameri- linois University. Nikki Lanier, CPA, has having Gus help us move this great facil- can Council of Engineering Companies of been with Sikich for five years and holds ity ahead while advancing the arts in our Missouri. a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the community,” said Grace Nanavati, Vice Also at the board meeting, Senior Vice University of Illinois Springfield. Kim Rose, President of the HCFTA board of trustees. President Michael J. Doerfler was named CPA, CISA, has six years of experience and Chief Operating Officer and Vice President holds a bachelor’s degree from Western Nicoud adds Turner William L. Bailey was named Secretary. New Illinois University. Jim Turner has joined Nicoud Insur- appointments included Roger A. Austin Three employees were promoted to ance as the Commercial Account Execu- as Vice President and Raed A. Armouti, supervisor. Emily Ebert, CPA, has been tive. He comes to the Director. with Sikich for four years and holds a agency with more than master’s degree in professional accountancy 25 years of property CMT’s Herrin wins award from Illinois State University. Drew Long, and casualty as well as The American Society of Civil Engineers CPA, has seven years of experience and commercial and per- and its Transportation and Development holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting sonal lines experience. Institute have awarded Stanley Herrin, PE, from Augustana College. Katy Neubauer, Turner attended Cal its 2013 Airfield Pavement Practitioner CPA, has five years of public accounting State San Bernardino. Award. The award is given to an engineer- experience and holds a master’s degree He has an associate de- ing professional who has demonstrated in professional accountancy from Illinois Turner gree in underwriting expertise in the advancement of airfield State University. and in general insurance. Turner moved pavement solutions, while providing Jeff Bloomer, CPA and Craig Fiorito from Southern California in 1989 and has leadership to younger members in the pro- have both been named senior accoun- been a resident of Riverton for 14 years. fession. Herrin was presented the award at tants. Bloomer has been with Sikich for the T&DI’s meeting on January 13. nearly three years and holds a bachelor’s Herrin was nominated for the award degree in accounting from the University based on his work on airfield pavements of Wisconsin-Madison. Fiorito holds a throughout his 40-year career. He has master’s degree in accountancy from the Does your company have an announce- worked at airports of all sizes throughout University of Illinois Springfield. ment, new hire, employee promotion the country, and has been involved in the and/or award? Springfield Business development and testing of new pavement Hamill admitted into ACTEC Journal invites you to share it with our techniques. He has also authored several Thomas G. Hamill, partner with Harri- readers. Send your announcement to [email protected] papers on the subject, and has served on son & Held, LLP, has been admitted to The 42 • March 2013 • Springfield Business Journal community business • Evans Construction celebrates commitment to welding education, ILMO registered alumni and students) and in- life in the oceans near Belize. Products Company is supporting Hoff and cludes dessert. Pre-registration is required Prices vary for each trip and all are 100 years the CACC with donations, as well as offer- by calling the LLCC Foundation at (217) open to the public. Members of the LLCC J. Clyde Evans started remodeling and ing discounts at their Springfield store on 786-2785 or emailing llcc.foundation@ Academy for Lifelong Learning can receive building homes in Springfield in 1913, Peoria Road store to all welding students. llcc.edu. a discounted rate. building the foundation of a construction From this course, beginners can develop For more information, visit the Com- company for the next 100 years. skills to create garden ornaments, sculp- munity Learning website at www.llcc.edu/ Evans Construction Co. grew into the LLCC to hold documentary tures, and unique art. This class is also useful commed. commercial, industrial and institutional for those considering welding as a potential screening fields with Donald Evans, fourth-gen- career, interested in a career change. Ulti- The Lincoln Land Community College eration family member, now currently UIS professor publishes book mately, every student will leave knowing Feminist Activist Coalition and Depart- managing the company. that welding is not just for men. ment of Arts and Humanities invite the on same-sex marriage and the Their business model focuses on the public to a free private screening of the Supreme Court project at hand while working towards the documentary “I Am a Visitor in Your World” University of Illinois Springfield As- long-term success of the customer. From LLCC hosts Transfer Fair Tuesday, March 19, at 7 p.m. in Menard sociate Professor of Political Science Ja- initial consulting to ribbon-cutting and Lincoln Land Community College will Hall Room 2207 on the LLCC Springfield son Pierceson has published a new book, construction maintenance, the company host its annual Transfer Fair on Monday, campus. “Same-Sex Marriage in the United States: has been carefully managed to ensure that March 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in A. The film follows a young woman who The Road to the Supreme Court,” with Clyde’s vision and values for the company Lincoln Commons on the Springfield keeps a cancer diary with her insights on life Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. continue. campus. turning her ongoing pain into poetry. The publication of the book coincides Key projects over the years include the Representatives from 31 colleges and In 2006, at the age of 25, Rebecca Bab- with the Supreme Court oral arguments Illinois Building, Old State Capital Renova- universities will be present to speak to cock was diagnosed with genetic colon on two same-sex marriage cases in March tions, Illinois State Library, Horace Mann, students about transfer opportunities cancer. She began blogging as a way to and the decisions that are expected to be St. John’s Hospital Carol Jo Vecchie Women once they complete their degrees at LLCC. come to terms with her “new normal.” Out announced in June. and Children’s Center, Prairie Heart In- Members of the public are also invited to of those blog entries emerged a picture of This book explores the legal, political, stitute, SIU Combined Lab and Simmons attend. her struggle. Fighting countless battles with and cultural setting of the movement for Cancer Institute. Representatives of the following uni- her disease, treatments, surgeries, debt, same-sex marriage and its opposition in The company is planning events dur- versities will be in attendance: Eastern loneliness, hope and despair, writing was the United States, setting the stage for ing the year to celebrate its anniversary Illinois University, Governors State Uni- her only outlet. Using her life as a canvas, the first engagement of the issue by the and recognize the partnerships that have versity, Illinois State University, Missouri her poetic words turned her pain into a Supreme Court. In particular, the book contributed to its success. University of Science and Technology, brutally honest and sometimes harsh look examines the history of the movement, Northern Illinois University, Southern at the realities of having cancer. While her the philosophical and religious debates Hanson participates in student Illinois University-Carbondale, Southern words couldn’t cure her disease, they clearly surrounding the movement and the op- Illinois University-Edwardsville, University provided her readers with a completely new position, developments around the world bridge design contest of Illinois-Chicago, University of Illinois- outlook on life. In recognition of National Engineers to put the U.S. movement in the proper Springfield, University of Illinois-Urbana/ Editor of the film is Scott F. Busch, a Week, Hanson Professional Services Inc. context, state-by-state analysis of legal Champaign, University of Missouri-St. central Illinois native, former LLCC student employees participated in the Illinois and political developments, and recent Louis, University of Wisconsin-Madison and graduate of Columbia College Chicago. Society of Professional Engineers Capital federal litigation paving the way to ac- and Western Illinois University. Music is by Joel Styzens of Springfield, a Chapter’s 35th annual bridge design contest tion by the Supreme Court. In doing so, Also in attendance will be these private graduate of Millikin University. on Feb. 22 at White Oaks Mall in Springfield. the book highlights the role played by colleges and universities: Benedictine Jared Thoele, EIT, an engineer intern serving religion, political parties and federalism University-Springfield, Blackburn College, Hanson’s infrastructure market, served as LLCC’s Community Learning of- while arguing that litigation for same-sex Bradley University, Columbia College- co-chair and judge for this event. marriage has achieved significant results, Chicago, Eureka College, Greenville fers travel opportunities The contest featured 30 model bridges as well as creating a powerful backlash College, Illinois College, Illinois Institute Lincoln Land Community College is constructed from manila-file folders, car- that will limit the national recognition of of Art, Kendall College, Lakeview College offering several daytrips and overnight penter’s wood glue and rubber cement same-sex marriage in the short-term. of Nursing, Lincoln Christian College, travel experiences as part of the Commu- designed and built by high school students Lincoln College-Normal, MacMurray nity Learning non-credit opportunities. from Springfield, Morrisonville, Pleasant College, Millikin University, Monmouth Participants will meet for departure at the WUIS introduces Food Desk Plains, Riverton and Waverly. Students had College, National University of Health Trutter Center at the LLCC-Springfield WUIS announced the creation of the two months to plan, design and construct Sciences, Robert Morris University and campus, 5250 Shepherd Road. WUIS Food Desk. Bill Wheelhouse will be- their bridges. The structures were evaluated Quincy University. An overnight trip through Missouri is come executive editor for the Food Desk on innovation, creativity, originality, load- planned for April 26-29 where participants in a move he initiated after nearly eight weight ratio and neatness. Students will explore multiple destinations including the years as general manager of the station. receive cash prizes for the top three entries LLCC hosts 1st Thursday Speak- hometowns of Walt Disney, General John Current development director Randy Ec- as well as awards for the best-constructed er Series J. Pershing, J.C. Penney and the town that cles will now serve as general manager. and most innovative bridges. The Lincoln Land Community Col- Mary Owen moved to after she ended her The WUIS Food Desk is the result of “This contest allows students to research lege Philip and Mary Kathryn Trutter engagement to Abraham Lincoln in the a “Desk Initiative” to increase local re- engineering principles, use their creativity Museum is holding its second annual 1st 1830s, among other stops. porting. The expansion is being funded and ingenuity to design a model bridge and Thursday Speakers Series this spring. The On Saturday, June 8 LLCC culinary through a combination of grants, busi- work as a team. We encourage students to first session of the two-part series is being operations manager Nancy Sweet will lead ness support, and major gifts. GROW- work in teams because it mirrors real-world held Thursday, March 7. “Architecture” participants on a daytrip that includes MARK has been one of the first businesses engineering practices,” said Thoele. will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the stops at Penzeys, Kakao Chocolate, Vom to participate. WUIS continues to seek ad- National Engineers Week was held Trutter Center at LLCC’s Springfield cam- Fass, Salume Bedde, and Schafly and Square ditional funding to sustain the Food Desk from Feb. 17-23 and celebrated engineers’ pus, 5250 Shepherd Road. One breweries. initiative, and hopes to secure funding to contributions to society through various The 1st Thursday Speakers Series fea- Another overnight trip is scheduled for hire a reporter for an Education Desk as programs, including Introduce a Girl to tures local experts discussing various June 13-15. Participants will travel to Frank well. Engineering Day, Future City Competition topics that explore cultural diversity and Lloyd Wright sites in Iowa, including the “The addition of the Food Desk to and DiscoverE Outreach. current issues. Featured speakers for the restored Historic Park Inn in Mason City, our Statehouse and local news coverage March 7 session will provide an update along with other locations such as the Figge will help listeners make informed choices CACC begins Women in Weld- on local architectural topics, including Museum, Music Man Square and the Little about what we eat, and better understand historic renovations and the impact archi- Brown Church in the Vale. one of the biggest businesses in central Il- ing tecture has on culture. Topics and speak- An end-of-summer daytrip is planned linois,” said Eccles. The Capital Area Career Center, with ers include: “Updates on the State Capitol for Wednesday, Aug. 28 which includes an the help of ILMO Products Company, has Renovations” by James Richard Alsop, III, afternoon cruise on the Spirit of Peoria, started a course in their Women in Weld- SIU School of Medicine to hold architect at Illinois State Capitol; “Histor- lunch at the Wittmond Hotel in Brussels ing class. ic Renovation Projects including Ronald and a stop at the Center for American employment open house “I have such a great time teaching this Reagan’s Boyhood Home in Dixon, Illi- Archeology in Kampsville. Opportunities for clinical jobs will be class, probably because all of the women nois” by Carl Fischer of FWAI Architects, Participants will travel to Arkansas highlighted at an employment open house who attend are having fun and love learning Inc.; and “Downtown Springfield Past to from Sept. 25-27. LLCC co-hosts Christina on Tuesday, March 12, from 4-6:30 p.m. how to make something new with metal. Present” by Anthony Rubano, project de- Ramirez-Campbell and Ann Kramer will sponsored by Southern Illinois University It can be very empowering and satisfying signer/architect with the Illinois Historic lead a group in this overnight trip to the School of Medicine in Springfield. Those to complete a welding project,” said CACC Preservation Agency. Alice Walton-inspired Crystal Bridges Mu- interested in nursing and medical assistant Welding Instructor, Steve Hoff. The second session of the Speakers Se- seum of American Art in Bentonville with positions, including students, recent gradu- Gailyn Cornell, Director of Corporate ries is being held Thursday, April 4 from a side trip to view architecture designed by ates and alumni, are invited to the open Outreach for ILMO Products Company, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in LLCC’s Trutter Center one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most active house at the Office of Human Resources, shares Hoff’s said, “Welding provides a and will feature speakers discussing their students, E. Fay Jones. The trip also includes 327 W. Calhoun St. creative outlet and it saves money when favorite world locations such as Kenya a stop in Eureka Springs. Prospective employees can get a head you can repair something rather than throw and Ashikaga, Japan. LLCC also hosts trips to Belize. Two trips start in the hiring process by complete an it out and buy new.” Registration fee is $7 ($5 for LLCC are planned for 2013, with one focused on As part of their 100th anniversary and Continued on Next Page Academy of Lifelong Learning members, Birding in Belize and the other on marine Springfield Business Journal • March 2013 • 43 • community business Continued from Previous Page highlights 11 portions of Shelby County. Staff members year and paid out-of-pocket for the ex- A selection of innovative medical pro- with Memorial Home Services Hospice are penses may be eligible for a credit of up to application online at www.siumed.edu/ fessionals working in Sangamon County available for presentations. $10,000. The amount of credit available to jobs. The nursing addendum for RNs and will present their achievements in medi- For more information or to schedule you is dependent on your expenses. The LPNs are also posted online. Copies of any cal treatments, research and community a speaker, individuals may visit Memorial credit will phase out for taxpayers starting necessary licenses or transcripts should be service at the 2013 Medical Innovators Home Services’ website at www.Memorial- at an income of $189,710. included. Program. The event will be held on March HomeServices.com to complete an online American Opportunity Tax Credit: Department representatives will be on 7 from 5:30-8 p.m. at the James T. Dove request. Individuals and organizations may Taxpayers may be eligible for a credit of up hand to talk to applicants about nursing, M.D. Conference Center at Prairie Heart also call Amy Evans at (217) 788-3870. to $2,500 per eligible college student for medical assistant and other clinical job Institute, 619 E. Mason St. The Sangamon Memorial Home Services suggests that qualifying tuition, fees and course mate- opportunities. Benefits and employment County Medical Society, Southern Illinois requests for a speaker be made at least two rial expenses. Individual students may be counselors from SIU Human Resources also University School of Medicine and The weeks before the event date. eligible for the credit if no one claims them will be available. Parking is available next Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce as dependents. You can claim the credit to the building. are hosting the event, sponsored by The Express Employment for up to the first four years of a student’s Illinois State Medical Society. post-secondary education. Professionals marks revenue Teacher’s Classroom Expense Deduc- SIU Fertility and IVF Center Springfield Mayor J. Michael Houston will present the Mayor’s Medical Innova- growth tion: Kindergarten through 12th grade ranked among top fertility tion Award and issue a proclamation at Express Employment Professionals educators who have qualifying unre- clinics the event. announced that franchisees generated imbursed classroom expenses in 2012, The SIU Fertility and IVF Center at The 11 professionals recognized include more than $2.3 billion in sales in 2012, including books, supplies and computer Southern Illinois University School of physicians, surgeons and researchers work- up 10 percent from $2.1 billion in 2011. equipment, may be eligible for a deduction Medicine in Springfield has been ranked ing in Sangamon County on a variety of Since 2009, Express franchisee’s temporary of up to $250. among the top five fertility centers in the projects to improve the health care of the staffing sales are up 101 percent as staffing Mortgage Interest Deduction: Any nation by FindTheBest, a data-driven com- community. Their innovations include ba- companies have become a significant driver mortgage interest payments made during parison search engine. FindTheBest gave sic science research findings, leading-edge of the nation’s job growth. 2012 may be deductible. Homeowners can SIU its “Smart Rating” of 94, the highest clinical trials, new patient care treatments, “The company’s ongoing growth is deduct the interest on up to $1 million in of all fertility centers in Illinois and its and community service projects. This year, indicative of a fundamental shift in hiring home acquisition debt and up to $100,000 surrounding states. the event also recognizes “Young Innova- practices as employers increasingly rely on of a home equity line of credit. “This ranking highlights the successes tors,” individuals aged 21-40. temporary workers for flexible staffing solu- Mortgage Debt Forgiveness Act: If you of our fertility center and the multidisci- The medical professionals recognized tions that can respond to real-time market had mortgage debt forgiven as a result of a plinary nature of the care we provide,” said are Dr. Jeffrey L. Bennett for his develop- conditions,” said Jim Britton, franchise mortgage adjustment, foreclosure or short Dr. J. Ricardo Loret de Mola, chairman of ment of neurostimulatory treatments for owner of the Springfield Express office. sale in 2012, this act allows for your quali- obstetrics and gynecology at SIU and medi- mental disorders, Dr. Michael Brenner for In 2012, Express helped more than fied debt income of up to $2 million to be cal director of the center. his hearing loss research, Dr. Kathleen 367,000 workers find employment, up excluded from your total income. FindTheBest gathers its information Campbell for her research in prevention from 341,000 the year before. Express Residential Energy Efficient Property from public databases, primary sources of noise-induced hearing loss, Dr. Stephen anticipates growth of 10 percent in 2013 Credit: If you made energy-efficient home and expert sources. A team of researchers Hazelrigg for his advances in the surgical based on continued strong demand for improvements to your principal residence reviews all third-party edits before they treatment of emphysema, Dr. Judith Knox temporary workers, a view supported by in 2012, including adding insulation or are approved. for her efforts to educate the public about industry experts. new energy-efficient exterior windows Infertility is a common medical con- the dangers of indoor tanning, Dr. Gregory The January 2013 American Staffing or heating systems, you may qualify for dition. One in every nine couples of J. Mishkel, M.D., St. John’s Hospital, for Association Staffing Index measuring a credit of up to 30 percent of the cost of childbearing age has a problem conceiving. his treatment for patients with critical employment in the U.S. staffing industry all qualifying improvements, up to $500. Recent medical advances make pregnancy aortic stenosis, Ayman Omar, M.D., Ph.D., rose 3.7 percent for the month versus This $500 is a lifetime credit, so if you’ve possible for most couples wishing to un- SIU School of Medicine, for his novel ap- a year ago. Additionally, a September claimed the credit in the past you are undergo treatments to have a baby. proaches to treat brain and spinal cord 2012 report by Staffing Industry Analysts able to take again this year. tumors, Dr. Stephen D. O’Marro for his forecast six percent growth for staffing in Traditional IRA Contribution Deduc- 2013 and predicted demand for several tion: Contributions to your Traditional SIU Breast Center receives clinical trials of Hepatitis C, Khaled J. Saleh for his clinical trial of pain coping interven- segments, including information technol- IRA may be deductible. If you have an perfect score tions to improve outcomes following knee ogy, engineering and industrial, would hit IRA through your employer, your deduc- The National Accreditation Program for arthroplasty, Dr. Christina M. Vassileva all-time highs. tion amount may be limited based on Breast Centers has rated the Breast Center at for her studies of ischemic mitral valve The Express hiring trends survey also your income. If you make $58,000 or less the Simmons Cancer Institute at Southern surgery and Dr. Andrew C. Wilber, Ph.D., revealed that employers plan to continue ($92,000 or less for married filers), you Illinois University School of Medicine in SIU School of Medicine, for his research hiring in the first quarter for these same are entitled to a deduction of your full Springfield as 100 percent compliant on all into gene therapy for severe hemoglobin segments, as well as commercial and ad- contribution amount up to the limit. If 27 evaluation standards for accreditation disorders. ministrative positions. According to 323 your income is higher in either category, used by the NAPBC. “Cutting-edge medical research and employers across the United States and you will see a phase-out of the deduction The NAPBC is administered by the technology development are key determi- Canada, 31 percent of respondents are eligibility. If your plan is not sponsored American College of Surgeons and was nants of the potential for economic benefits planning new hires for commercial and by your employer, your deduction is the established to ensure that accredited to accrue to the central Illinois community light industrial jobs. The survey indicated full contribution amount with no income institutions provide the most efficient, and to enable the Medical District to fulfill 16 percent of respondents plan to hire phase-out. In general, your contribution effective and up-to-date care available for its mission,” said Michael Boer, president administrative and office clerical staff. amount is limited to the greater of earned patients. of the Mid-Illinois Medical District. income for the year or $5,000 ($6,000 if The team of cancer specialists, including The Medical Innovators program first Illinois CPA Society offers tax you are 50 or older). surgeons, radiologists, radiation oncolo- Health Savings Accounts: You can began in 2006 as “Medical Miracles” and tips gists, pathologists, oncologic psychologists, again in 2009 as “Medical Innovators.” The contribute to your Health Savings Account While many Americans were spared a nurses and other medical staff meet on event is free and open to the public. For until April 15, 2013, and still deduct your tax increase with the resolution of the fis- a weekly basis to discuss the patient’s more information, contact SCMS Executive contributions from your 2012 gross income cal cliff, understanding a complex tax code diagnosis and to formulate detailed and Director Carol Harms at (217) 726-5106. up to the contribution limits of $3,100 coordinated treatment plans. system has become even more challenging. for single-filers and $6,250 for families. “This results in saved time for the The Illinois CPA Society has a rundown of Taxpayers 55 and older can increase these patient while providing a clear, comprehen- Memorial Home Services available credits and deductions that could amounts to $4,100 and $7,250 respectively. sive and non-contradictory plan of action,” Hospice launches speakers save on your 2012 tax bill: Contributions are deductible even if you said Dr. Robert Mocharnuk, director of the Child Tax Credit: Parents may be eli- don’t itemize your return and any interest bureau gible for a credit of up to $1,000 for each Breast Center. Memorial Home Services recently earned on the account is tax-free. qualifying dependent child who was under Among the 27 evaluation standards of launched a hospice speakers bureau avail- Charitable Donations Deduction: Do- 17 at the end of 2012. The credit begins the NAPBC, there is a requirement that able to community groups throughout nations such as monetary gifts, the value to phase out at the $75,000 income mark breast centers provide patients with infor- central Illinois. of materials or food donations or the for single-filers or $110,000 for joint-filers mation about ongoing cancer clinical trials There are many myths and miscon- out-of-pocket expenses you incur while and is reduced by $50 for every $1,000 a and new treatment options. ceptions about hospice care,” said Ronda volunteering are deductible on your 2012 taxpayer is above these amounts. Other standards include access to Dudley, director of Memorial Home Services return. Be sure you have documentation Child and Dependent Care Credit: Filers prevention and early detection programs, Home Health and Hospice. “Our goal is to to back up your claim. who have an eligible child who was under cancer education and support services. educate the community in the true mean- 13 at the end of the year or dependent that The NAPBC also requires that programs ing of hospice and understand the services required care may qualify for a credit of up conduct regular self-assessments to moni- we offer patients and their families.” to $3,000 (or up to $6,000 for two or more tor outcomes while constantly seeking The speakers make their presentations qualifying children). Care to the child or Does your company have an announce- out ways to provide better service to the in the 14 counties served by Memo- ment, new hire, employee promotion dependent must have been provided so you community. rial Home Services Hospice: Mason, Cass, and/or award? Springfield Business or a spouse could work or look for work. Menard, Logan, DeWitt, Macon, Scott, Journal invites you to share it with our Adoption Tax Credit: Families who Morgan, Sangamon, Christian, Greene, readers. Send your announcement to Medical Innovators Program adopted a child during the 2012 calendar Macoupin and Montgomery as well as [email protected] 44 • March 2013 • Springfield Business Journal OPINION Open letter to legislators he ongoing public employee pen- by those who honor their pledge to the sion crisis is a huge barrier to restor- public interest. Second-guessing the jus- Ting confidence and trust in our gov- tices is irrelevant to your fiduciary re- ernment and our state’s future prosperity. sponsibility of assuring the state’s finan- Employers, business cial solvency. owners, investors and Any pension law changes will un- financial decision- doubtedly land before the Supreme Court makers tell me that for resolution. Yet, the Supreme Court their disappointment cannot rule until the General Assembly and frustrations with acts. The General Assembly must venture the state’s inability to a thoughtful and justifiable approach to adequately deal with restoring the state’s fiscal health. Douglas L. Whitley fiscal challenges con- Nobody thinks this will be easy, and tinue to influence their most everyone agrees that the conse- Letter to Editor investment and hiring quences of solving the state’s enormous decisions. pension liability crisis will adversely affect Restoring the state’s fiscal integrity is tens of thousands of individuals. There is the single most important issue before never a good time to inform employees the 98th General Assembly. Fixing the and retirees that their benefits will be pension crisis is at the center of the prob- reduced or that their contributions will “I really have my heart set on a house with two baths.” lem and is perhaps the biggest challenge increase. However, not acting will only ever to confront an Illinois General As- make matters exponentially worse for ev- sembly. eryone. Some business leaders with whom I Private sector employers have con- Pass GO; collect $3,427 have spoken liken the state’s financial fronted and addressed similar pension equestration? Who cares. Meteors fall- situation to a bankruptcy workout plan. issues every year for decades, because ac- Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price ing? Yawn. Nukes? Same old, same old. In essence, the task before you and your counting standards have made it abun- S Index Inflation Calculator, that amount Monopoly tokens? Now you’re talking fellow members of this Legislature is to dantly clear that yesterday’s retirement is equivalent to $259,406 in 2012 dollars. real news. come up with a workout plan for the plans are unsustainable. It has been a In newer games, $20,580 is issued, which Uber-toymaker Has- State of Illinois. rough road, but private sector employers is $352,615. bro recently completed Sadly, your predecessors who served and their employee unions have restruc- In September 2006, a Monopoly Here an online poll to select the people of Illinois in the 97th General tured pension and health care plans to and Now game was released that multi- a new token for the Assembly failed to fix the broken and un- ensure survival – and have moved on. plied monetary values by 10,000. In that venerable Monopoly sustainable public employee pension li- You and your colleagues are equipped version of the game, a player collects game. The good news abilities that have grown over decades to to embrace and adopt a path to fund sol- $2,000,000 instead of $200 for passing is a cat won a spot on become the largest in the country. How- vency, balanced budgets and making pay- GO. The luxury tax is $750,000 instead the game board; the ever, like it or not, every Illinois resident ments in a timely manner. The key ele- of $75, which would probably prompt a bad news is the iron player to not only hurl their top hat in now looks to you to solve this problem ments to pension cost reduction are well Joe Natale has been relagated to and assure their children a brighter fu- known, but you must find the political a fit of rage, but to relocate to the Cay- WORKING BLUE the dustbin of pop culture. will to create a majority. mans. ture history. Business leaders tell me what they Certainly, you and other members of Here are some other Monopoly costs I’m okay with the cat. In fact, it looks must see to continue to invest in our the 98th General Assembly would prefer adjusted for inflation: Each player would a lot like our cat. I doubt I ever select it as state is a well-defined, multi-year finan- to be remembered as the Legislature that receive $25,701 instead of $1,500 at the a game token. I shun the top hat as a dis- cial plan that guarantees resolution and solved the seemingly unsolvable, rather start of the game; $857 instead of $50 to play of conspicoious consumption. I usu- certainty that Illinois is on a course to than be saddled with the legacy of past get out of jail; and $8,052 instead of $470 ally pick the shoe, humble person that I solvency. Without that, some say they lawmakers, who carry the infamy of ac- to mortgage Illinois Avenue with three am. are reluctant to make business plans that cumulating the largest unfunded pen- houses. Hasbro certainly patted itself on the include Illinois. Private sector employers sion obligations of any state. I urge you Worst case scenario: Landing on back for its marketing coup. All the com- expect you to implement a rational and to demonstrate the courage to reverse our Boardwalk with a hotel means forking pany had to do was create prototype to- fiscally responsible solution to the public state’s current dire circumstances, which over $34,267 instead of $2,000, unless kens of a cat, robot, guitar, helicopter and employee pension problems. include: you’re too big to fail. Then the govern- diamond ring; set up a website and issue a Indeed, some employers are struck • A pension debt load of almost $100 ment will bail you out. Consider your top press release, and it had the media eating dumbfounded by government’s inabil- billion and growing by nearly $2 million hat as collateral. out of the palm of their hand. ity to directly and effectively address the a day. While tokens come and go, the one state’s financial obligations. This is espe- • Retiree funds that may well reach in- thing that has not changed in Monopoly cially confounding to them because those solvency, without changes. is the monetary amounts of its currency Joe Natale is a freelance writer from unaddressed financial obligations are • An Illinois pension funding ratio to reflect the times. Springfield. He can be e-mailed at: suppressing the very economic activity of only 45 percent, which is the lowest The game was created in 1934, and [email protected] that would generate greater tax revenues among the states and woefully short of for years, the amount of money issued in or follow Joe on Twitter at for Illinois. The vicious cycle of deficit the recommended 80 percent level. each game was $15,140. According to the twitter.com/workingblue spending and poor credit ratings must be • A magnitude of annual pension broken. claims (approaching 20 percent) on the The Illinois Chamber supports and budget that limits the state’s ability to applauds the bipartisan effort organized adequately support other fundamental by Senator Dan Biss and Representative responsibilities, such as education. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Elaine Nekritz that set a reduction target • The fact that the annual growth to Springfield Business Journal welcomes all letters to the editor. We look forward to provid- in excess of $30 billion. Our desire is to adequately and appropriately satisfy the ing an open forum for you to express your views. Please include your name, address and see the 98th Illinois General Assembly ap- actuarial requirement for pension fund- telephone number for verification. Please send them to: Editor, Springfield Business Journal, prove legislation that is similar in scope. ing alone exceeds the estimated annual P.O. Box 9798, Springfield IL 62791 or e-mail them to info@springfieldbusinessjournal. Undoubtedly, this requires more than growth in tax receipts. com. Letters may be edited for clarity, space or libel. a token gesture. You must make hard • An Illinois bond rating that has been choices that will be painful for recipients downgraded 11 times since 2003, and is to bear and almost universally unpopular. the lowest rating among the 50 states. HOW TO CONTACT THE PRESIDENT However, such changes are not unprece- • Increasingly higher interest rates on Office of the President and Vice President: The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., dented. debt, due to poor bond ratings, which di- Washington, D.C., 20500; main telephone number: (202) 456-1414; comment line: (202) It would be worse to adopt an inad- minishes funds for basic needs, such as 456-1111; e-mail: [email protected] equate solution that proves insufficient human services. and forces you to re-visit these monu- With such a situation, how does one mental problems again and again. seriously dispute that unprecedented and stewards of the state. We thank you in advance for your cour- There are those who would plant drastic measures are not required? The Il- On behalf of the members of the Illi- age and perseverance, which we all know doubt in your mind by suggesting any linois General Assembly must be fearless nois Chamber of Commerce and the mil- is necessary to reverse our fortunes. substantial and bold solutions you might in undertaking dramatic changes that lions of Illinois citizens who understand enact would be ruled unconstitutional by undoubtedly will fire the emotions and financial discipline must be restored, we Sincerely, the Illinois Supreme Court. I urge you to generate the ire of constituents. Even so, I urge you to take the necessary votes that Douglas L. Whitley keep in mind that naysayers who prefer urge you and your fellow lawmakers to be will ultimately restore the state’s fiscal in- President & CEO inaction do so to thwart true leadership undaunted in fulfilling your duty as the tegrity. We trust you are up to the task. Illinois Chamber of Commerce Springfield Business Journal • March 2013 • 45 OP-ED Keeping the home ownership dream alive here are many things to consider and business income and $8.9 million in engineering; real estate agents, brokers Address: when building or remodeling a local, state and federal tax revenue. If and appraisers; wood products industries; P.O. Box 9798 Thome. Some questions you might you are wondering how one industry can concrete, gypsum and paint production; Springfield, IL 62791 be asking include: Where do I start? Who have such an impact on the economy, it’s manufacturing construction equipment do I call? Why is one because of the ripple effect. and other products; selling, moving and bid so much more ex- When a home is being built, the build- storing products; management, admin- 1118 W. Laurel pensive? er is purchasing supplies from a local busi- istration, government, law, finance and Springfield, IL 62704 My first suggestion ness. The workers are also going to local insurance. would be to check out restaurants and gas stations. When the New homes and apartments don’t ar- Telephone: (217) 726-6600 the local Home Build- home is sold, the rive here on con- Fax: (217) 726-8300 ers Association (HBA) new homeowner Constructing 100 new tainer ships from website to find repu- will purchase fur- homes would create other countries, Facebook: table contractors and niture, decorations more than 300 full-time and most of the www.facebook.com/sbjmonthly Lee-Ann Burgener subcontractors. Mem- and other things products used in OPINION bers of the HBA are up for the new home, jobs, $23.1 million in home construction to date on codes and again pumping and remodeling are Twitter: wage and business in- regulations at the local, state and federal money in to the lo- manufactured right www.twitter.com/sbjmonthly come and $8.9 million levels. cal economy. They here in the United There are several laws that have been are also shopping at in local, state and federal tax States. Website: implemented in the past few years which local grocery stores, “revenue. If you are wondering Home owner- www.springfieldbusinessjournal.com affect the cost of a job. restaurants, gas sta- how one industry can have such ship is the Ameri- The lead paint law went in to effect tions and movie can dream. Every- Email: in 2009 which requires a remodeler to theaters. The rip- an impact on the economy, it’s one wants to own [email protected] follow certain steps when working on a ple down effect is because of the ripple effect. their own home home that was built prior to 1978. New that all of these and most Ameri- energy code requirements went in to ef- purchases are putting money in to local cans consider home ownership to be the Publisher and Editor fect Jan. 1. This changes the materials taxes which benefits schools, roads and single best long term investment and a Brant W. Mackey that a builder must use; these required hospitals. This benefits everyone in our primary source of wealth and financial [email protected] materials are additional costs compared community. security. While the housing market has to past requirements. The thermal en- New home construction and remodel- seen substantial improvement over the Copy Editor velope requirements have changed, so ing currently account for about 15 per- past year, we need to keep the momen- Courtney Westlake again, make sure your builder is up to cent of the nation’s total economy. In- tum moving forward. So go ahead and date on the energy codes. cluded in that total are new construction start planning that remodel, or building Senior Correspondents Get bids, but make sure you compare of single-family and multifamily homes, a new home. Just make sure to do your Betsy Butler apples to apples and oranges to oranges. remodeling and the countless products homework first. Don’t just go with the lowest bid – look and services that are related to those ac- If you still have questions there are Raegan Hennemann at why the bid is so much cheaper. Do tivities. resources available, such as the Spring- Joe Natale the bids include the same options, or The employment effects of new home field Area Home Builders Association does one include upgrades? Do the bids construction and remodeling extend (www.springfieldareahba.com) and the Correspondents all take in to account the new laws, codes far beyond the actual structure. About National Association of Home Builders Ashley Caldwell and ordinances related to building? A half of the jobs created by building new (www.nahb.org). Check out the articles Roberta Codemo reputable and trustworthy contractor will homes are in construction. They include on various topics related to home build- Tom Collins also be willing to provide references. framers, electricians, plumbers, finish ing and remodeling, or search for a mem- Job Conger If you are not sure that now is the time carpenters and all of the other workers ber to assist with your project. We are Jane Driver to start a project, remember that prices who contribute to preparing the land and here to help, and want to help you build will only increase for both materials and building the home. your dream home and live the American Tom Fitch labor. And here is something else to think The rest are in housing-related indus- Dream. Gabriel House about – homebuilding is an industry that tries that produce building materials and Jean Jones has a huge impact on the economy. For provide services to both home builders Chad Kruse every new home that is built, three per- and home buyers. They include: furni- Lee-Ann Burgener is executive officer Thomas C. Pavlik, Jr. manent jobs are created. Constructing ture, lighting and appliance industries; of Springfield Area Home Builders Amanda Reavy Simhauser 100 new homes would create more than metal products industries; plastics and Association Eric Woods 300 full-time jobs, $23.1 million in wage carpeting production; architecture and

Business Manager John Schilsky [email protected] ROSES and THORNS LOOKING BACK Office Administration A Rose – To Kiku for breathing new life into the former Da- 5 years ago in the Business Journal (March 2008) ... Shawn M. Berry mon’s building on Lindbergh Drive, which has sat vacant since the 2006 tornado. • Foreclosures were on the rise, but only slightly in Spring- [email protected] field compared to the national average. A Thorn – To businesses leaving Illinois due to poor economic Office Staff and Support climate. Obviously we can empathize but we need businesses to • Isringhausen’s was planning the opening of their new Mitchell Ladd stay and help solve our problem(s), otherwise there will be no BMW facility on Madison Street in mid-March. one left. • Landscapers discussed preparing for the fast and furious A Rose – To Maureen Bluhm for spearheading efforts improve season ahead of them. Springfield Publishers Inc. energy efficiency in the Capital City with the PACE program. Board of Directors • Some local REALTORS® discussed the benefits of using a Brant Mackey, John Schilsky A Rose – To the NAACP for celebrating the 92nd Annual team approach in listing, showing and selling homes. Lincoln-Douglas Banquet and to Teresa Haley for her leadership SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL is published monthly by Springfield Publishers Inc., P.O. Box 9798, Springfield with the NAACP. • Local auto glass repair shops talked about innovations in IL 62791. The contents of SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS their industy. JOURNAL are copyrighted, and material contained A Rose – To the bedroom communities surrounding Spring- herein may not be copied or reproduced in any manner without the permission of the publisher. Manuscripts, field in boosting their economic development efforts. Their suc- • Springfield chili enthusiasts discussed the “Super Bowl of photographs, illustrations and letters to the editor are cess will result in a stronger Sangamon County. Chili,” a four-day chili tour. welcome, but SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL can take no responsibility for them while in transit or in the office of the publication. Letters may be edited. Informa- tion published in SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL is gathered from reliable sources, but the accuracy of this BOOK OF LISTS information cannot be guaranteed. Opinions expressed in SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL are those of their In each issue of the Business Journal, we publish at least one or more lists of local businesses by major business categories. In authors, and no information or opinions expressed in the month prior to publication, we announce which lists will be published the following month. If your business is included in SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL represent an endorse- ment or solicitation for purchase or sale by SPRINGFIELD our monthly and annual lists, take a moment each month to check our upcoming list(s). If you have changes, additions, deletions, BUSINESS JOURNAL or its staff. etc., e-mail us at: [email protected]. NEXT MONTH: Colleges and Universities, Independent Private Schools, Golf Courses, Golf Outings 46 • March 2013 • Springfield Business Journal

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